THE HISTORY, AND LIVES, OF THE KINGS of England; From WILLIAM the CONQVEROR, unto the end of the Reign of King HENRY the EIGHT.  
By WILLIAM MARTIN Esquire, Recorder of the Honourable City of EXETER.  Frustra fit per plura, quod fieri potest per pauciora. 
LONDON, Printed for JOHN BILL, William Barret, and Henry Fetherstone.  
1615.   

TO THE GENTRY OF ENGLAND.  
Worthy Gentlemen (omitting all elaborated Eloquence, which oftentimes is used as a varnish, to cover unprofitable labours; As cunning Goldsmiths do enrich their basest Silver, when they Gilt it with their purest Gold) I purpose to render to you an account of two reasons, which induced me to take this pain, and to publish this work.  
1. It is common among Physicians; That though profound Learning, and frequent Experience, have furnished them with abundant skill, in their Honourable profession: yet they do still strive to make their knowledge more perfect, in the discovery of the imperfections of other men's bodies, then of their own: In like sort it is the common custom of our times; that many hopeful Gentlemen (whom Nature and Arts have beautified, with the rich treasures of their bounty) do endeavour to be more exact and refined, in knowing the Religion, Laws, Government, Manners, Strength, and Cites of foreign Countries, then of that Kingdom wherein themselves were borne.  
But as that man is wise in vain, who is not wise unto himself; So it is a simple grace (nay to speak plainly, it is a foul disgrace) to a Gentleman (especially to such a one, as hath, or doth intend to spend much time abroad to know the fashions of foreign Nations) to be ignorant in the State of his own Country at home. The History of which, affordeth as much variety and profitable instruction, to captivate the Readers delight in the perusal, as the fairest Pictures do contentment, when with their artificial beauties, they do allure men's eyes to look and to gaze upon them.  
To this end therefore, that henceforth such worthy Gentlemen as are purposed, in long traveling, to enlarge their experience, by the view of foreign Countries, may first be furnished with a convenient knowledge of their own; I undertook this labour, and do present it unto you, with this my first reason which induced me thereunto.  
2. The second reason of my so doing, springeth out of mine own conceit; which (as I conjecture) deceives me not. For, in regard that the Histories of this Kingdom, are frequently interrupted, yea blemished, by too too many intervening Occurrences, and by a multitude of extravagant Observations (which do much differ from the true Method, and Nature, of a well digested and composed Chronicle; and thereby do extend it into a needless and an unprofitable length) I am resolved that the Readers capacity (to observe and to remember) is much weakened thereby: And that many young Gentlemen, who do eagerly strive to attain to much knowledge in a short time, do rather bend their Studies and their courses, to read over the more narrowly contracted Histories of other Countries, than the voluminous Discourses of their own.  
Wherefore to enlighten their knowledge much, by reading this little; I have thrust forth into the World this short History, of the Reigns, Deeds, and Actions, of twenty of our English Kings; which I will neither praise, lest I wrong it by mine own commendation; nor dispraise, lest you (believing me on my word) should think your time ill spent, to read what I have written.  
I know that such as are worthily descended, or who by learning are made worthy, will not only wink at some imperfections, because some knowledge is to be gained by the rest: but will also take in good part the presentment of a small gift; if it be delivered with a friendly hand. To such only, and to none other (which are you) do I dedicate these my labours: Being confidently assured, that they cannot want their expected reward, which is nothing, but your kind acceptance, and graceful love.  
Far you well, from my house in Exeter the twentieth of januarie. 1615. Your loving Friend. WILLIAM MARTIN.   

TO MY MOST DEAR Father WILLIAM MARTIN Esquire.  

THough my unpractised Muse might well conceal  
Herself from th'eye-reach of a public view;  
Yet my devoted heart, stirred on with zeal,  
And duty (which are owing both to you)  
Fears not the spleen of Critics, but shall bear  
Their heaviest censures; True love o'ercomes fear.   

I will not speak of your unwearied pain  
In gathering, and disposing: 'tis a treasure  
Well worth the Readers pains, when he may gain,  
With little reading, profit mixed with pleasure.  
These ruder lines, your labours little need,  
To win the Readers liking: Let him read.   
NICHOLAS MARTIN.   

To my most loved and dearest Father WILLIAM MARTIN ESQUIRE.  
I Can (dear Sir) have spoke, with far more ease,  
In copious Prose, than in strict Verse, your praise;  
But that I knew, your fame would far outgo  
All footelesse Prose; my Verse (not full so slow  
Having the help of feet) serves thus far forth,  
Though not to Usher, yet t'attend your worth.  
You need not either, to enlarge your fame;  
The Book itself doth Chronicle the same.  
WILLIAM MARTIN.   

To my most dearly loved Father WILLIAM MARTIN Esquire.  
Whilst others send you Lines tricked out with Art,  
My Infant years shall only send mine heart:  
Look for no greater gift, from so small store;  
He that gives all he has, can give no more.  
EDWARD MARTIN.   

TO MY DEARLY HONOURED FATHER-IN-Law WILLIAM MARTIN Esquire.  

A Public good, must quell your private fear.  
The profit of a Writers industry,  
Should be imparted to a general Ear;  
For good is bettered by community.  
Nor may detraction, or the injury  
Of some men's censures, dash what he doth write:  
If, but what only pleaseth all men's sight,  
No work should come to light, no work should come to light.   

What though you gathered have the several flowers  
Of other Books, into this History?  
distilled to Spirit by you, they're wholly yours:  
So honey, sucked from the variety  
Of flowers, is yet the honey of the Bee.  
And though, in these days, Miracles are fled,  
Yet this shall of your Chronicle be read,  
It brings back Time that's past, and gives life to the Dead.   
Peter bevis.   

THE SUMMARIES OR ABBREVIATES, OF THE REIGNS OF THE twenty Kings, mentioned (more largely) in this Discourse.  

King WILLIAM the Conqueror.  

AFTER the death of King Edward, Harold (contrary to his promise & oath) refuseth to give the possession of the Crown and kingdom of England to William, the seventh Duke of the Normans: Wherefore (to prevent the effusion of much blood) the Duke challenged him to a single combat, which he refused: whereupon the Duke landeth, and (being assisted by the Natives of this Country) he obtaineth the victory, 
* 1066.  and claimed this Crown by conquest. Pag. 2.  
He is in danger, as he traveleth towards Dover, and makes his peace. 3.  
His policies to suppress the English Nation, and his cruelties towards them. 3, 4, 5, 6.  
He taxeth them beyond measure: they rebel twice, and are twice subdued. 6.  
He plucks down Churches, Religious houses, and Towns, (for his pleasure in hunting) to make the New Forest; and enacteth tyrannical Laws, for the preserving of his Game. 5.  
His eldest son Robert Curthois rebelleth, and puts him to the worst in Normandy, but is reconciled. 7.  
He warreth in France successfully. 7.  
He falleth sick, and repenteth of his cruelty to the English Nation, and dieth, but his body can hardly obtain a place to be buried in. pag. 8.    

King WILLIAM RUFUS.  

HIs cruelty to the English Nation. 10.  
He flattereth them in his distress; but requiteth them unthankfully, when his turn is served. 10, 11.  
The Welshmen do rebel. 11, 12.  
His valour. 13.  
He pilleth and pooleth the Church. 14, 15.  
He yieldeth, when the Pope peremptorily commandeth. 15.  
He is fortunate in his wars in Normandy. 15.  
In the New-Forest, which his Father had made, by the ruin of many Churches, Religious houses, and Towns. 5.  
He was slain, being mistaken for a Deer, as he hunted. 16.    

King HENRY the First.  

HIs policies and Laws. 18.  
He yieldeth to the Pope, and restoreth Church livings, dignities, and liberties; not for conscience sake, but because Robert his eldest brother, troubled him for his Crown. 18.  
He invadeth Normandy, and prevaileth; and plucketh out his brother's eyes. 20, 21.  
He curbeth and ransacketh the Church & Churchmen, and makes them pay for enjoying of wives, whether they have wives or no. 20.  
Anselme and Thurstone appeal against him to the Pope, and he yieldeth. 20, 23.  
He is patiented and very thankful. 24.  
He is lascivious, he surfetteth, and then dieth. 24.    

King STEPHEN.  

He usurpeth the Right of Mawld the Empress, and breaketh his oath. 27.  
He is very liberal. 28.  
He refuseth and releaseth the payment of Dane-gilt, and of all other taxes: he honoureth the Clergy, and gives unto them large restitution, and exempteth all Clergy men from the authority of the Temporal Magistrate. 28.  
Mawld the Empress invadeth and taketh him prisoner: he is enlarged for the Duke of Gloucester. The Empress is besieged in Oxford, and escapeth by a policy in the snow. 29.  
He is again invaded by Henry Short-Mantell, the Son of Mawld the Empress: Prince Eustace his son is drowned. They two compound, and King Stephen dieth. 30, 31.    

King HENRY the Second.  

HIs great courage. 34.  
He refineth the Laws, and deviseth the Circuits, in which Nisi prius, and other law causes are decided. 34.  
He destroyeth Castles to prevent Rebellions. 35.  
He reseiseth things given by his Predecessors. 35.  
He exerciseth his people in martial Discipline in times of Peace. 35.  
He Conquereth Ireland. 36.  
His children are rebellious, and punished by God. 36.  
His Riches. 37.  
His amorous affections to Rosamond. 37.  
He is vexed by Thomas Becket, who is slain. 37.  
He is accursed. 40.  
He doth Penance: He is whipped; And dieth. 42.    

King RICHARD the First.  

FOr his valour, he is termed Cuer de Lyon. 44.  
His piety and compassion to his Mother, and to distressed prisoners. 44.  
His bounty. 45.  
He warreth gloriously in the holy Land. 45.  
He winneth Cyprus twice. pag. 46, 47.  
jars arise betwixt him, and the French King, and Leopold Archduke of Austria, whereupon they depart, and do leave him. 46, 47.  
He is styled King of jerusalem 47.  
By swimming he saveth his life, but is taken Prisoner: Ransometh himself, and returneth into Normandy from the holy Land: He warreth successfully against the French King in his own Country, and returneth into England, 48.  
To pay his Ransom, and to relieve his wants, he ransacketh Religious houses, and reseiseth such things as formerly he sold to get money. 49.  
He besiegeth the Castle of Chalons, and is revengefully wounded to death: He taketh the Castle, Pardons the offendor, slays all the rest, and then he dieth. 49.    

King JOHN.  

PHILIP the French King raiseth against him Arthur Plantagenet, who demands the crown. 51  
The King goeth twice into Normandy, and puts the Frenchmen to flight. 52, 53.  
He looseth Normandy. 53.  

1202.  His quarrel and unspeakable troubles with the Pope. 53.  
He forbiddeth all appeals to Rome. 54.  
Four of his own Bishops do interdict him, and he seizeth upon their lands, and goods: He is accursed, and his kingdom is by the Pope given to Philip the French King: He taketh an Oath of Allegiance of his Subjects. He invadeth the Scots, and they do submit themselves. 55, 56.  
Philip of France provideth to invade him, but looseth three hundred ships. 56.  
King john (without the knowledge of his Nobility or Counsel) submitteth himself on his knees to Pandulphus, the Pope's Legate, and resigneth to him (to the Pope's use) his Kingdom and his Crown, and after a few days receives it as a gift. 56.  
His people do despise and forsake him. 57  
Lewis the Dolphin (in his Fathers Right, by reason of the Pope's donation) invadeth England. The Pope accurseth him, and his father, and protecteth King john, and his kingdom: He also accurseth such of the Nobility of England, as sided with the French, by reason whereof the Commons rob, rifle, and forage, both their goods and lands. Misery makes them to submit themselves. 57  
The Dolphin is expelled. 58.  
The King hath peace, and is poisoned by a Monk. 59    

King HENRY the third.  

LEWIS the Dolphin disturbs him in England: The French attempt to invade, but are overthrown at Sea. 63.  
They are accursed, absolved, and do leave this kingdom: The king restoreth the ancient Laws. 63.  
He warreth in Angeou, and elsewhere. 63.  
And concludeth a Truce. 64.  
His Barons and he do jar, but are reconciled. 64.  
The league with France is broken. 64.  
King Henry hath the worse in the new wars. 65, 66.  
He warreth with his Barons. 66.  
Insanum Parliamentum. 66.  
The commission of the twelve Peers. 66.  
They exercise their Authority. 67.  
It is confirmed, wherefore the King saileth into France. 67.  

* 1258.  He releaseth his Title and his Right in Normandy, and is confirmed Duke of Guyan. 68  
He procureth two Bulls from the Pope: The Lord chief justice is displaced. 68  
He publisheth the Pope's Bulls against the twelve Peers; and the Londoners take an Oath to assist him. 69.  
The Barons raise an Army, and do write unto the King, and he answereth them. 69.  
The Baron's Army is joyfully received into London. 70.  
The controversy is referred to the French King, who is accused to be partial. 70, 71.  
The Barons fight with the Prince, and do overthrow him. 71.  
Richard King of the Romans (being wronged) is angry. 71.  

* 1262.  The battle of Lewis, in which the Barons took the two Kings, and Prince Edward prisoners, and more than twenty thousand men were slain. 73.  
An agreement is made, and the Prince is one of the Hostages: The commission given to the 12. Peers is confirmed, and the Hostages are enlarged. 73.  
A discord betwixt the Earls of Leicester and Gloucester. 73.  
Occasioned the overthrow of the Barons in the battle of Euersham 74.  

** 1263.  The Barons are executed. 74.  
The Commission of the twelve Peers, is by Parliament dissolved. And the King (for revenge) resolved to have burnt the City of London. 74.  
But it is redeemed by suit, and by money. 75.  
The Earl of Gloucester, with the base off-skome of London, do much mischief. But by the Prince his entreaty all is pardoned. 76.  
The Earl of Gloucester is by the King furnished to go a warfare in the holy land. He gives it over: And Prince Edward undertaketh it: he is treacherously wounded, but recovereth: The King dieth; and he returneth with much honour into England. 77.    

King EDWARD the First.  

THe French King feareth his valour, and therefore inviteth Lluellen to rebel against him in Wales. 79.  
By promises, that he shall marry with the Lady Eleanor, the banished daughter of the banished Earl of Leicester; who for succour was his guest. 80.  
The King taketh her in her passage towards Wales: the King marcheth towards Lluellen's Army, He submitteth himself, sweareth to be loyal, and is wived. 80.  
He rebelleth again, and he and his brother are both beheaded. 81.  
King Edward is chosen (as sovereign Lord) to decide the controversy and debate, touching the Right to the Crown of Scotland, which many Competitors do strive for. 81.  
That Kingdom is surrendered into his hand: and he decides the doubt, and confers the Kingdom upon john Bayliol. 83.  
He strippeth the Church and Churchmen, and is disliked of them, especially for enacting of the Statute against Mortmain. 82.  
john Bayliol (being ungrateful) invadeth England. But King Edward wins from him the Castle and Town of Barwike, and slayeth 25000 of his Men. 83.  
He surrendereth Scotland, and King Edward governs it by a Lieutenant, and placeth all Officers of state therein. 84.  
The Scots rebel again, and are subdued. 84.  
They rebel once more: Thirty and two thousand of them are slain. 85.  
They do homage and fealty to King Edward. 85.  
john Bayliol (at the Pope's request) is set at liberty: his subjects do again rebel against England: The King entereth into Scotland, and the Castle of Easterulnie (in which the Scottish Nobility, for their safeguard enclosed themselves) being summoned, is yielded to King Edward. 85.  
He sweareth them to his obedience, and (for a monument of his victories) he bringeth from thence the Chair in which their Kings were usually Crowned. 86.  
He inquireth of the extortions done by his Officers, and correcteth them. 86.  
Prince Edward is committed to prison, and his unthrifty Companion Pierce Gaveston, is banished. 86.  
Wales and Cornwall are given to the Prince. 86.  
The Pope claimeth the sovereignty of Scotland, but King Edward rejecteth and scorneth his claim. Robert le Bruise usurpeth in Scotland, so that King Edward, the fourth time, goeth in his own person into Scotland. The Usurper flieth into Norway, and King Edward dieth. 86, 87.    

King EDWARD the Second.  

HE breaks his Oath, and recalls Gaveston. He doteth on Gaveston: Makes him Earl of Cornwall, and he doth all in all: whereat the Nobles are displeased. 89, 90.  
The King (through Gaveston's wicked counsel) liveth lewdly, and forsaketh the Company of the Queen. 90.  
Gaveston hath the custody of the King's jewels, and conveys many of them into Ireland. 90  
The people murmur at gaveston's authority and wicked courses. The King rejects good counsel. Yet at last Gaveston is banished into Ireland. The King comforts him, and sends him money and jewels. 91  
The King is so sad for his departure, that at the request of the Nobility (in hope of amendment) he is recalled. 92  
By reason of his insolency he is again banished into Flanders, but is recalled, and waxeth more scornful than he was before. 92  
The Lords (despairing of redress) do strike off his head. 92  
The King (to despite his Nobility) entertaineth the two Spencers, who are worse than Gaveston, and do persuade him to more lewd and ungracious courses. 92  
The King and his Nobles do not agree. Robert le Bruise (taking advantage by the King's evil government) usurpeth in Scotland. He is again crowned King, and overthroweth king Edward. 93  
john Poydras is discovered to be a counterfeit, and is put to death. 93  
Barwike is betrayed to the Scots. 93  
The Scots do overthrow King Edward the second time. 94  
The King (being entreated) will not put the Spencers from him. 94  
The Nobles in Parliament do stand on their Guard. 95  
The Spencers are banished for ever. 95  
The Nobles complain for the younger Spencers Piracies: but the King maketh sport at it, and recalls them from their exile. They scorn the Barons, who fight, but are overthrown. 96  
Twenty and two Barons are beheaded. 97  
The elder Spencer is made Earl of Winchester: and Sir Andrew Harkley (by whose principal service the Barons were overthrown, and who was made Earl of Carlisle) consorting with the Scots, who had almost taken the King, and enforced him to fly, lost his head. 98  
The Queen (being oppressed by the Spencers) goeth into France, and carrieth the Prince with her. She is well entertained by the French King her brother. But he is bribed by the Spencers, and so is the Pope, who conspire her delivery to King Edward. And she with her son do fly into Arthoys. 99  
The Queen and Prince do land in England. The Nobles repair to her with an Army, and the King is strangely taken prisoner. The Earls of Arundel and Winchester are beheaded. 100  
And Hugh Spencer, the younger, being carried to London, is disgraced, and cruelly executed as a Traitor. 100  
The King is committed, deposed, his son is crowned and the old King is murdered by the practice of Sir Roger Mortimer, who was too familiar with the Queen. For which offence she was honourably imprisoned thirty years and more before she died. 105    

King EDWARD the third.  

HE goeth with an Army into Scotland, to correct them for their insolency in his father's days. The Natives fly into the woods, and the King returneth. 103  
He concludeth a dishonourable peace with Scotland, by the counsel of Sir Roger Mortimer, whom he createth Earl of March, and marrieth his sister jane to the King of Scots son named David. He releaseth the Tenure, Sovereignty, homage, and the fealty of Scotland, and delivereth up the great Charter called Ragman, which testified their tenure of the Kings of England. 104  
The Earl of March procureth the King's uncle the Earl of Kent to be beheaded, and is himself executed as a Traitor. 104. 105  
The King and the French King do jar about the King's homage for the Duchy of Guyan. 105  
The King's title to the Kingdom of France was now first broached. 105  
He recovereth Berwick from the Scots, and maketh Edward Bayliol King. 106  
In his own person he settleth the government of Scotland. 106  
The King seeks aid of foreign Princes for his French wars. 107  
And is (by favour) made Vicar General of the Empire, and is thereby enabled to win jaques Dartuell, with the Flemings, and the Princes of Germany, to join with him. 108  
He filleth his coffers. 108  
The French King stayeth his Army from going to the Holy Land, to fight with England. 108  
King Edward transporteth his Army into Flanders, and joining with his consorts, he marcheth into France with 27000. men. The French King takes the field. 108  
jane Countess of Henault (mother to the Queen of England, and sister to the French King) parts the fray without blows. 109  

* 1339.  King Edward quartereth the Arms of France, and coins his money with the like stamp. 109  
He taxeth his people, and borroweth much money. 109  
As he passed towards Sluice with his Army, he met with and overthrew the French Navy. 110  
He with his associates do besiege Tournay. But the said Countess procures a Truce. 111  
The Scots do rebel. The King marcheth against them. A truce is made, but they do break it. They do invade, and burn Durham. 111  
The valiant exploit of Sir William Montague. The Castle of Ronsborough is besieged. The King marcheth against the Scots, and they fly. 112  
He concludes a truce with them. He returns, proclaims a Feast, and martial exercises and sports. 113  
Subsidies are granted, but Commissioners are made to receive and to employ it. 114  

* 1344.  He deviseth the noble Order of the Garter. 114  
jaques Dartuell is murdered because he would have disherited the Earl of Flanders to prefer the Black Prince. 114  
By his death King Edward lost the Flemish aid. But he is the more resolved in his attempts. 116  
The French King besiegeth Aguilon with 100000. men. The King takes Harflew, Louiers, Cane, and many other things, and harroweth and burneth in Normandy at his pleasure. 117  
He passeth with his Army over the River of Some. 118  
The battle of Cressey. 119  

* 1345.  The numbers of slain men and prisoners. 121  
King Edward besiegeth Calais and the French K. with 200000. men could not relieve it. The King wins it, and peopleth it with his own Nation. 123  
The Scots invade England in the King's absence, and King David is taken prisoner. 123  
The King himself surpriseth the Frenchmen, who came to receive Calais. 124  
The Calicians take Guyens. 125  
The Black Prince winneth the battle of poitiers, and brings King john and his younger son prisoners into England. 126  
The whole English Army is made rich. 128  
The Dolphin allows not his father's agreements with King Edward. 128  
He is enforced to crave peace, which is granted upon conditions. 129  
The King relinquisheth the French title and right. 129  
A tax levied by the Black Prince, and the not paying of his Soldiers, occasioned his great losses in Guyan, Aquitaine, etc. 130. 131  
Whereto civil dissension must be added. 132  
The Earl of Pembroke is taken at Sea. 132  
The Kings evil Officers. 133  
The Black Prince dieth. 134  
The King dieth. 134    

King RICHARD the second.  

THe summary of his evil government. 135  
Wat Tilars Rebellion. 137  
Their insolency and madness. 137  
Their entertainment in London. 138  
They do burn, rifle, and commit Sacrilege. 138  
Their behaviour at the Tower, and at Mile-end-greene. 139  
Their Captain is slain. They prepare for revenge, but do fly. 140. 141  
Fifteen hundred of them are executed. 141  
The Kings evil Counsellors. 142  
fifteens in a Parliament are denied. 142  
The Lower House will departed except the King in person will come to them. 142  
Michael de la Pole is displaced from his Chancellorship. 144  
Commissioners are appointed to order the King's Officers, and the King sweareth to observe it. 144  
The Commissioners are reputed to be Traitors. 145  
The Scots and French do make a bad voyage into Wales, and in the mean time the King with 68000. men spoileth Scotland. 145  
The Frenchmen well rewarded by the Scots. 145  
The French King prepares an Army of 1200. Ships to invade and to conquer England, and King Richard makes incredible preparations to confront him. 146  
The French Army vanisheth, and comes to nought. 147  
The petition of the Nobility is denied by the King. Wherefore they do raise an Army. 147  
The King cannot get an Army out of London. 148  
On the King's fair promises, the Army is dismissed. He performs nothing: so that a new Army is levied, and received into London. 149  
The Duke of Ireland flieth, is slain by a Boar, and is buried like a King. 149  
The Kings five evil Counsellors and some judges are condemned as Traitors. 149  
john of gaunt's journey, valour, and fortunate success in Spain. 150  
The King marrieth the French Kings sister, and delivers up Breast, for which his Uncle the Duke of Gloucester reproveth him: but his death is plotted, and he is murdered. 151  
The flattering Speaker of the Parliament grossly deifieth the King. 151  
A strange Commission. 152  
The King (in his vanity) will be styled Prince of Cheshire. 152  
The Duke of Norfolk untruly informeth the King against his cozen Henry Bollingbroke Duke of Hartford, for which he is challenged to a single combat. 153. 154  
They are both banished. 154  
john of Gaunt dieth, and his son Henry Bollingbroke (now Duke of Lancaster) in the King's absence in Ireland, landeth in England, and raiseth an Army. The King returneth, and levieth his forces. 155  
But his people daily shrink and steal away from him: by means whereof he submitteth himself to the Duke. 155  
Articles are proposed against him for his evil government, which are by him confessed under his hand in the Parliament. He resigneth his Kingdom, and is deposed. Henry of Bollingbroke is crowned King. And King Richard (valiantly resisting) is wickedly murdered. 160    

King HENRY the Fourth.  

JOHN Bishop of Carlisle stoutly reproveth King Henry's doing openly in the Parliament house. 163  
The Crown is entailed. 164  
Treason at Oxford. 164  
The Traitors fly, and are executed. 165  
Owen Glendor rebelleth. 166  
And taketh Roger Mortimer (the rightful heir apparent to the Crown) prisoner, and the King refuseth to ransom him. 166  
The Scots rebelling, are overthrown by Henry Hotspurre, who will not deliver his prisoners to the King. 167. 168  
The Frenchmen do aid the Welsh Rebels in show, but do fly to their ships when the King cometh. 167. 168  
The Percies do ransom Roger Mortimer, and joining with Owen Glendor, they intent to make him King. 169  
They levy an Army, and do publish Articles against K. Henry. The Scots do aid them, but are all overthrown. And in that battle the King himself slew six and thirty men. 
1401.  171  
Dowglas is enlarged without ransom. 171  
Glendor is forsaken of his companions, and is famished in the woods. 172  
The Duke of Orleans his challenge is stoutly refused by King Henry. 172  
And disgraced. 173  
The Duke of Britain is commanded by the French King to abandon the siege of Calais. 173  
divers Lords do practise a Treason, which is discovered, and most of them are put to death. 173  
The King warreth again prosperously in Scotland. 173  
He was in danger to be taken on the Thames by French Pirates. 174  
Sir Ralphe Roksbie, Sheriff of Northumberland, valiantly overthrew the Northern Rebels, and chopped off their heads before the Kings coming thither. 174  
He createth his younger sons Dukes, and prepareth to war in the Holy Land, but falleth dangerously sick. 174  
His speech to the Prince his son when he seized on the Crown. 174  
He dieth. 175    

King HENRY the Fifth.  

THis King was unmeasurably wild in his father's days, and was imprisoned and disgraced for striking the Lord Chief justice on the ear. 177  
But being King, he enriched his lose companions, but banished them perpetually from his Court. 177  
He chose the gravest, wisest, and best experienced men to be of his Counsel of Estate. 177  
He reformeth the Clergy, and the Lay people, and erecteth Castles to curb the Scots. 178  
A motion was made in Parliament to dissolve religious houses. But the Clergy reviving the king's title to the kingdom of France, and being bountifully liberal, do turn the stream into that channel. 178  
The King demandeth that Crown, but is scoffed by the Dolphin, whom he girdeth by a reply. 179  
The King levieth an Army. The French King desireth peace. The King yieldeth on certain conditions, which are denied. 180  
The Queen is made Regent. And as the King is ready to departed, his destruction is conspired. But the Treachery was revealed, and the Traitors were put to death 180  
The King landeth in Normandy, and taketh Harflew. His Army (being but 15000. men) falleth sick, and is oppressed with many wants. Yet the King resolveth to march by land unto Calais. 181  

* 1414.  He winneth the most famous and the most memorable Battle of Agincourt. 182  
The French prisoners were (unwillingly, yet miserably) slain. 185  
He giveth God public thanks. 186  
And returneth into England with his great prisoners. 186. 187  
The new Constable of France is overthrown. 187  
The French do besiege Harflew, and their Navy of 500 ships is overthrown. And john Duke of Bedford raiseth the siege. 188  
Civil dissension among the French Nobility doth further the success of K. Henry's wars. 189  
Great sums of money, are cheerfully given to the King, to maintain his invasion. 189  
Nine Carricks of Genoa, and Tonque, and Cane, are taken by the English. 191  
Most Towns in Normandy do become English. 192  
Rouen is besieged by the king. 192  
A proud Roanist dareth him; he replies, and takes the City. 197  
The French Nobles are outwardly reconciled, but not in heart. 198  

* 1416  Normandy is won by King Henry. 198  
He marrieth the Lady Katherine sister to the French King; and is made Regent of France, 
a 1519  & is proclaimed Heir apparent to that Crown. 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204.  
The King's brother the Duke of Clarence, Regent of Normandy, and France, 
b 1420  is betrayed, and slain in the battle of Blangy. 205, 206  
The Earl of Mortaigne succeed in his charge. 207  
The King warreth again in France. 207  
The Dolphin raiseth his siege from Chartiers, and flieth fearfully from place to place. 208  
The King falleth grievously sick, exhorteth his Nobles to unity, and concord; and to be especially careful to retain the friendship and love of Philip, Duke of Burgoine. 209  
He commends unto them his young Infant, and their King; Directs them for their proceed in France: and then dieth.    

King HENRY the Sixth.  

FRance contemneth the infancy of King Henry. 211  
john Duke of Bedford is made Regent of France; and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, is made Protector of the King's person, and of the Realm of England. 212  
The Regent winneth Towns daily. 212  
The Parisians are treacherous. 213  

* 1424  The battle of Vernoile. 215  
The Earl of Salisburies' valour and name is feared. 216  
A strange overthrow of the French. 216  
They do brag and run away. 217  
Towns and victories are daily won by the English. 218, 219  
Orleans is besieged, and offered to Philip, Duke of Burgoine; but the Regent will not consent thereto, and for that cause the said Duke revolteth to the French King. 221  
The battle of Herring. 221  
The siege of Orleans is abandoned. 222  
The Duke of Alencon overthroweth the English; slayeth the Earl of Salisbury; and taketh prisoners, the Earl of Suffolk, and the Lords Talbot, Scales, and Hungerford, and many others. 222  
Charles causeth himself to be crowned King of France, and is summoned to a battle by the Regent: he flieth cowardly; and is hunted from place to place, but all in vain. 223  
divers Nobles of France do revolt from King Henry. 224.  
The French King assaults Paris, and is well beaten. 224  
The Parisians do flatter, but are treacherous. 225  
King Henry is crowned King of France in Paris. 225  
England is wondered at for her puissance. 225  
Treason discovered. 226  
A Rebellion in Normandy. 226  
The noble Regent dieth. 228  
And from the time of his death, the English gain little, but do lose much both in Normandy, and in France. Richard, Duke of York, is made Regent. 229  
Paris is revolteth. 229  
Calais is besieged by the Duke of Burgoine. 229  
But he flieth in the night. 230  
The Earl of Warwick is made Regent. 231  
The French King flieth in the night. 233  
Ponthois is taken by the English 234  
A parley for peace: 234  
The Articles proposed, are disliked. 235  
A cruel Army, and a huge on the French part. 235  
Much is gotten daily, and much is daily lost beyond the Seas. 235  
A truce with France for eighteen months. 237  
An unworthy marriage concluded for the King, by the Duke of Suffolk, without Commission. 237  
Which was the Duke's overthrow 246  
He will have his Acts and Counsels registered in Parliament. 238  
The cause of the losses of France, 
* 1466  Normandy, Aquitaine, etc. 238  
The descriptions of the King and Queen. 239  
The good Duke of Gloucester is removed by the Queen from the Protectorship, and is murdered. 240  
The French wars are neglected, and the Truce is broken on both parts. 240  
Towns are lost, Rouen yieldeth to the French King. 241  
The English are overthrown in field. 242  
Cane is yielded to the French King. 243  
The Duke of Suffolk is accused of treason, and banished. 244  
But is taken at Sea and beheaded. 246  
The policies of the Duke of York, to attain unto the Crown. jack Cade the Rebel flieth, and is proscribed and slain. 247  
A pacification, but feigned, betwixt the King, and the Duke of York. 248  
The Duke is accused, & imprisoned for treason, but is enlarged. 248  
Guyan and Aquitaine are yielded to King Henry, but are regained by the French. 249  
The wars betwixt the King, and the Yorkists. 249  
The King is overthrown, and taken prisoner in the battle of 
* 1454  S. Albon, and in Parliament the Duke of York is made Protector. 250  
Merchant strangers are rifled in London. 251  
A policy against the Yorkists, but it is discovered. 252  
The King labours for peace; but each part dissembleth. 252  
New Armies are raised. 254  
The Lords do fly in the night, and are proclaimed traitors. 255  
The King's ships, twice taken out of Sandwich by john Dynham, and the Yorkists. 256  
The battle of 
a 1459  Northampton, in which the Queen is overthrown, and the King is taken prisoner. 257  
The Duke of Yorks proceed in Parliament against King Henry. 258  
The Crown is settled by Parliament. The Scots overthrow, and do slay the Duke of York in the 
b 1460  battle of Wakefield. 259  
The young Duke of York winneth the field of Queen Margaret. 260  
He is by the Queen overthrown, and the King is enlarged. 260  
The Duke's new Army consisting of 49000. men: the Queen's new Army consisting of 60000. men. The 
c 1460  Queen is overthrown in the battle of Towton. 260  
The King to win favour with the king of Scots, delivereth to him the Castle, and the Town of Barwike: and the Duke of York is crowned King. 261.    

King EDWARD the Fourth.  

IN Parliament he repealeth all former Acts which attainted him, and his friends, of high treason. 263  
He is troubled by wars, raised against him by Queen Margaret, in which he prevaileth. 265  
He taketh especial 
* 1462  care for the Commonweal. 266  
King Henry is taken prisoner. 266  
The Earl of Warwick becomes his Enemy, because he wronged him, in the choice of his wife. 267  
George, Duke of Clarence, taketh part with Warwick against his brother King Edward. 268  
The 
a 1467  Yorkshire-men do rebel. 269  
King Edward is taken prisoner and escapeth. 271  
The discommodities of War. 272  
A new 
b 1468  Rebellion, in which the Rebels were overthrown. 273  
Warwick and Clarence fly to Calais, and find bad entertainment. 274  
Prince Edward (son to King Henry the sixth) marrieth the second daughter of the Earl of Warwick. 275  
Clarence (secretly) revolteth to King Edward his brother. 275  
Warwick landeth in England, where his forces do so increase, that king Edward flieth, 277  
King Henry is enlarged, and by Parliament, the crown is entailed to him. 277  
King Edward landeth in England, and breaketh his oath, made to the citizens of York. 278  
He, and his Army are joyfully received into the city of London. 280  
He triumpheth victoriously at Barnet field. 280  
The Queen Margaret levieth another Army, and is overthrown in the battle of Tewksbury. 282  
King Henry (being murdered) is brought open faced into S. Paul's Church. 283  
King Edward hath new wars in France; and the Duke of Burgoine breaks promise with him. 285  
A peace for nine years is concluded, for which the Duke of Burgoine is angry with the King, who cares not for it. 286  
The bounty of the French King to the English Army. 288  
Henry Earl of Richmond is by the Duke of Britain delivered to King Edward's Ambassadors: but Peter Landoys freeth him. 289  
The Duke of Clarence (being a prisoner) is murdered. 290  
King Edward changeth the form of his government; and (by executing of penal statutes) he enricheth himself, but looseth his people's love. 290  
He hath new wars with Scotland, but (on certain conditions) he grants him peace. 291  
The French King breaks all his Articles, annexed to the last concluded peace; wherefore King Edward levieth a new Army, but falleth sick, and dieth. 292  
The Description of King Edward. 297    

King EDWARD the Fifth.  

HE was a child when his father died. 297  
His Uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, aimeth to have his crown. 299  
He practiseth mischief against the Queen Mother's kindred. 300  
He betrayeth them, and bereaveth them of their lives. 301, 307  
The Queen Mother with her children taketh Sanctuary. 302  
The Duke of Gloucester is made Protector. 302  
By subtlety he getteth the young Duke of York out of prison, and sends the King, and him, to the Tower, under pretence of greater safety. 302  
He with the Duke of Buckingham practiseth their destruction. 304, 305  
His villainy at the Tower. 306  
His friend the Lord Hastings is beheaded, because he will not consent to that murder. 307  
Doctor Shawes' flattering sermon. 308  
Richard Duke of Gloucester is made King. 309    

King RICHARD the third.  

KIng Richard (by base flattery) endeavoureth to make a bad matter good. 311  
Doctor Morton, Bishop of Ely, is committed to the custody of the Duke of Buckingham. 311  
King Richard is despised by the French king. 312  
The two young Princes (by the villainous procurement of King Richard) are murdered. 312  
The reasons, which might have dissuaded him from that wickedness, are examined. 313  
His only son by death is taken from him. 315  
Doctor Morton (by flattery) insinuateth himself into the inward love and familiarity of the Duke of Buckingham, and having with him resolved on the destruction of king Richard, he escapeth, and flieth into Flanders, from whence he gives good intelligence of all King Richard's proceed, to Henry Earl of Richmond. 315  
He moveth him to marry the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter to King Edward the Fourth, which he protesteth to do. 317  
King Richard had almost gotten into his hands the Earl of Richmond, but Peter Landoys freeth him. 317  
The Duke of Buckingham and the K. do levy two strong Armies, but the fight is deferred by a sudden flood: The Welshmen forsake the Duke: he flieth: he is proscribed: he is betrayed by his own servant, and looseth his head. 318  
Peter Landoys would have betrayed the Earl of Richmond to king Richard; but he, and his, do escape hardly into France, where they are comforted and aided. 320  
King Richard by flattery and bribes gets King Edward the Fourth his children into his own possession: and maketh love to his own Niece, the said Lady Elizabeth. 322  
His own wife suddenly dieth, and he reviveth his incestuous suit to his said Niece, who wittily protracteth that business. 323  
False news from France, makes him secure. 323  
The Earl of Richmond landeth in England, and the King, and he are with their Armies in Bosworth field. 323  
King Richard's people cleave not to him. 324  
He is desperate in fight: but is slain by the Earl himself, and his body is used with great despite by the common people, 324, 325  
Henry, Earl of Richmond, is proclaimed, and crowned King by the soldiers, in the open field, where his Enemy lay dead: And in the same place, He, with his whole Army do thank God. 325    

King HENRY the Seventh.  

KIng Henry the Seventh (as he had sworn) uniteth the two divided houses of Lancaster & York, by his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth, King Edward the Fourth his eldest daughter. 327  
He causeth the Crown to be entailed. 328  
He maketh Yeomen of his Guard, and is thankful to his friends. 327  
He repayeth the French King, & the Duke of Britain. 328  
He repealeth Acts of Attainders, makes good laws, and granteth a general Pardon. 328  
He suppresseth Rebels. 329  
Lambert, the counterfeited Earl of Warwick, by force and policy is taken. 329, 330, 331  
King Henry the Seventh, takes part with the Duke of Britain, against the French King. 332, 333  
The Earl of Northumberland (levying of a Tax) is slain by the people. 333, 334  
The Rebels fly, and are punished. 334  
Maximilian (being aided by King Henry the Seventh) comes not forth, yet King Henry alone warreth against the French King. 335  
The King demands a Benevolence. 335  
He besiegeth Bullein, and granteth a peace. 336  
Perkin Warbeck, the counterfeited Duke of York, vexeth king Henry. 337  
He is supported. 337, 338, 339  
The King wisely discovers their intentions. 339, 340  
The Mart is removed to Calais 340  
Sir William Stanley is beheaded, and Warbeck is discomforted in Kent. 342  
The Scots (under pretence to aid him) vex England. 343  
The Cornish Rebels are overthrown. 343, 344  
And many of them are executed. 345  
The Scots invade, and are wasted 346  
The Mart is restored to the Flemings. 346  
Exeter is besieged, and defended valiantly. 342  
King Henry cometh to that City, and gives unto it his sword. 348  
The Rebels fly. 349  
Perkin Warbeck, and the young Earl of Warwick (son to George Duke of Clarence, the brother of King Edward the Fourth) seeking to escape, are prevented, and beheaded. 350  
Two marriages with France and Scotland. 350  
Empson and Dudley, do execute penal laws. 351  
The King (in his death bed) doth repent it: and lends money freely to his Merchants, and dieth. 359    

King HENRY the Eighth.  

HE executeth Empson and Dudley. 355  
And marrieth his brother's wife. 355  
He sideth with the Pope against France. 356  
His Father-in-law Ferdinando, useth him ill. 357  
And treacherously surpriseth the kingdom of Navarre. 357  
Edward Howard, Lord Admiral, is drowned. 359  
King Henry hath three armies in France. 360  
Maximilian the Emperor serveth him in those wars. 361  
Tyrwin and Tourney are won. 361  
james the Fourth King of Scots is slain in Flodden field. 361, 362  
Peace is concluded with France. 364  
Cardinal Wolsey's deeds and actions, from pag. 364. unto pag. 388.  
The Clergy fear the Praemunire, and therefore are liberal. 388  
The king is acknowledged supreme head of the Church. 388, 403  
He marrieth Anne of Bullein. 389  
And beheadeth her. 403  
Evil May-day. 390  
Tournay is delivered upon conditions. 390  
Which (by the French) were broken. 393  
The Duke of Buckingham is attainted and executed. 392  
The King writes a book against Martin Luther. 393  
He maketh wars in France. 394, 395, 396, 397  
Privy seals being granted, are released by Parliament. 395  
English soldiers do return vnlicenced out of France. 397  
The Emperor, the Scots, and the French do crave peace. 398, 399  
The King is in danger to be drowned. 400  
He hath wars with the Emperor. 401  
He curbeth the Pope's authority. 401  
Fisher and Moor do lose their heads. 402  
Petit Religious houses are suppressed. 403  
All the rest are likewise suppressed. 407  
The holy maid of Kent. 402  
The Lancashire-men do rebel. 404  
The King is passing stout. 404  
Rebellion by the holy Pilgrims, miraculously appeased. 405  
An other Rebellion is suppressed. 406  
Cromwell is advanced highly. 406  
But is overthrown by concluding a marriage for the King with Anne of Cleve, which the King disliked. 408, 409  
That marriage is pronounced to be void. 409  
The King marrieth the Lady Katherine Howard. 409  
And beheaded her. 410  
He is made King of Ireland. 410  
The Scots invade and are miserably overthrown. 413  
A marriage being motioned by the Scots. 413  
Is concluded, but they break their oaths, & the match too. 415  
Scotland is wasted. 415  
The King sendeth two Armies into France. 415  
Bullein is won. 417  
The King hath a Benevolence. 417  
The Frenchmen are overthrown 418  
The Scots invade and are vanquished. 419  
The famous and renowned Earl of Surry is beheaded: And the King dieth.     

THE HISTORY OF KING WILLIAM THE CONQVEROR.  
AFTER the death of King Edward (who was the son of Egeldredus, and of Goditha his wife) Harold her brother, and second son to the Earl Godwin, usurped this kingdom, and caused himself to be crowned King, the Crown being formerly given by King Edward unto William the seventh Duke of the Normans, and base son to Robert their sixth Duke. To whose use and behoof, Harold had formerly sworn to keep the same. Whereof, when Duke William was certainly informed, He charged him (by his Letters, and by Messengers) with his promise, confirmed by his Oath; and required him (in friendly sort, and without blows) to possess him of his Crown. But proud Ambition (arming him with a Resolution to remain a King in despite of threats, or Fortune) made him, rather to quoin dishonourable excuses, then to give satisfaction as he had sworn: And for answer, to return, That promises, and vows rashly made, and by compulsion (as his was) especially for a Kingdom, whereunto the State had given no free consent, were not (at all) to be regarded. And therefore (seeing the Duke's Rule and Dominions were as ample, and as large elsewhere, as Nature and Art had enabled him to manage, and to command) he wished him to be contented with his own, and not adventure to clasp more within his hand, than he was well able to hold fast, Nor to covet that which he should not enjoy.  
As this answer bred Discontent: So rage began to resolve on Arms. For the Duke (assisted by his Martial friends) levied a strong Army; and furnished it with all habiliments and necessaries for the War: with which (through the assistance of some native Nobles, who adhered to his part) he safely landed in Sussex: where (having providently sheltered himself, against all sudden storms) he challenged Harold to a single Combat; thereby to decide the strife, without much blood. But Harold entertained not the Challenge; but sent him word, That to gain, or keep a Kingdom, it required more blows than two could give. 
14. October. 1066.  So that (within few days after) a fierce and cruel Battle (of the continuance of one whole day) without intermission, or breathing, was fought betwixt them. But in the Evening, HAROLD, being deadly wounded with an Arrow, left both his Kingdom and his life: And Duke William (almost with equal loss of his men) became Victor in the field.  

The Saxons Reign ended  And thus ended the Saxons Reign; which (from the first year of Hengistus, in the year of our Lord God four hundred seventy and five, until the time of this Conquest in the year of our Lord God one thousand sixty and six) had continued: (Saving that now and then, it was interrupted by the Danes) the space of five hundred fourscore and eleven years. The Duke (having thus slain Harold, and gained his Kingdom) began to reign as King: And (on Christmas day then next following) he was crowned by Aldredus Archbishop of York, by the enforced consents of the English Nobles: Who (with an outward applause, but with an inward grief and sorrow) submitted themselves to be his subjects; the Kentish men excepted. By whom (is he travailed to possess himself of the strong Castle of Dover) he was prevented in his journey, and compassed round about by valiant men of War, who (carrying green boughs in their hands, and resembling a moving Wood) environed the King, and all his followers, ere they were aware thereof; And protested manfully to die, rather than they would (by servile baseness) be deprived of those ancient Laws and Customs, whereby their Country was then ruled. The King (perceiving his own danger, and their resolution) hearkened to their demands; and not only granted their requests, but (for their bold and valorous attempt) he honoured them with this pre-eminence; That ever afterwards, the Kentish inhabitants should make the Vanguard of the Field.  
This gained he that Country, 
The Conqueror's Policies.  and became sole Lord and Sovereign of each whole Kingdom: and ruled it as a Conqueror, with more Policy than by profitable Laws; and with more severity than did become the Gracious disposition of a favourable King.  
For first of all (because he presumed, that such as were conquered, did rather fear than love, and would no longer obey, than the yoke lay heavy over their necks) by receiving Hostages of the best and dearest esteem, he secured the fidelities of such as were either honourable, or potent, and sent them into Normandy, because sudden force and strength should not deprive him of so sure a mean of his safety.  
Then (to deprive the English of all command, and to make them feeble, and his Normans strong) he seized their chiefest Offices, both of Honour, and of Profit, into his own hands, and conferred them upon strangers: Whereat the English grieved much, but found no remedy: for Weakness was enforced to yield to Power, and usurping Policy tyrannised over the Oppressed, and bereaved them of their Right.  
And (because in those days the Clergy was had in great reverence among the people; in regard, that their authority was not confined within the bounds of their Spiritual jurisdictions) he resolved to clip their wings, because they should no longer soar so high; and did ordain, That from thenceforth they should not command with any Temporal Authority whatsoever.  
He was not ignorant, that the hope of Liberty did oftentimes incite such as unwillingly were made servile, to watch for opportunity to procure their Freedom: and therefore (to prevent such dangers as might otherwise ensue) he utterly disarmed and disweaponed all the Natives of the Land, turning their Hopes into Despair; and preventing their Expectations for Releasement, with the present Extremity of their Bondage. Thus weakened he such as were truly valiant, and thus made he them to suffer much who (if they had been at liberty) would have been able to repel great force.  
And (because the concourse of much people might give them some occasion, both to confer of the estate which they were in, and also to consult of the means of their deliverance from their Thraldom) he debarred the English from frequent and common meetings, especially in the night: which to prevent, he caused a Bell in every Village, Town, and City, to be rung at eight of the clock in the evening; upon the sound whereof, all English men were enjoined to cover their fire, and to keep themselves within their doors. And this ceremony was, and is yet called, Cover le fiew, or the raking up of the Fire.  
To diminish the Nobility, he used to transport them for his Wars beyond the Seas: and if they returned back again, then might they well perceive, that he rather meant their destruction, than regarded their service: for no reward was given to them, though they were valiant, nor any show at all was made, that their forwardness was accepted by the King.  
And thus dealt he likewise with the vulgar sort; by whose manhood he fought his sharpest battles in Normandy and in France: thereby lessening their numbers, and making his own power more eminent among such, as he enforced to lament their own misfortunes, and in vain to meditate upon their present woe.  
He also erected strong Forts and Castles in sundry places of this Realm, which were commanded by his followers; whose bitterness was such against the English Nation, as that they dared not to make show, that they repined at any thing, which wickedly they did amiss.  
As long as the English abounded in Riches, and in Wealth, he knew they were not altogether heartless; and therefore he deprived them of those comforts. And (to increase his own store) he practised subtle tricks on both estates: for he rob the Clergy of all their best and richest Plate and Ornaments (which had been consecrated to holy uses) alleging, That thieves and Traitorous Rebels had hid them there, to deceive him of his forfeitures, and secretly to support themselves therewith, to his great hurt.  
He also enacted and established straight and severe Laws, and published them in his own Language; by means whereof, many (who were of great estate, and of much worth) through ignorance did transgress, and their smallest offences were great enough to entitle the Conqueror to the Lands and Riches which they did possess. All which he seized on, and took from them, without remorse.  
Then he disallowed the Patents, and the Grants of former Kings, and published them to be merely void; and having sequestered them into his own hands, he sold them again to the true owners for great sums of money, if they could pay them: but otherwise he gave them to his Normans, and to the French.  
He procured a general view to be taken of his subjects Lands, and caused them to be justly measured, and their cattle to be numbered, and thereby he taxed them, according to such proportions as he pleased; and (by such undue Exactions) he scraped and scratched together the Treasure of this Realm, little regarding the wants and poverty of his conquered people, if (by any means) he could augment his own store.  
He erected sundry Courts for the administration of his new Laws, and of justice; and lest his judges should bear too great a sway, by reason of his absence, he caused them all to follow his Court upon all removes: Whereby he not only kerbed their dispositions, which incited them to be great, but also tired out the English Nation with extraordinary troubles, and excessive charges in the prosecution of their Suits in Law.  
To open a wide door, and to give the more free access unto the French and Normans (if the English should happen to rebel) he ruinated all Churches, Chapels, Villages, and Towns, which stood within the compass of many miles in Hampshire, and made the New Forest there; utterly dispeopling those places where God was formerly served, and frugal Husbandry maintained; making them an habitation for wild and savage Beasts: which act and deed he coloured with the pretence of fitness, and conveniency for his recreation in Hunting, when great affairs and important business would give him leave. But God revenged his own cause by the untimely death of Rufus his son, and successor; who (as he hunted) was slain with an arrow in the same Forest.  
Above all other pleasures he placed his chiefest delight in Hunting: and for the furtherance thereof, when he had seized into his own hands all the Chases and Forests of this Kingdom, than (to preserve his Game from disturbance, and from spoil) he made and executed most sharp and bitter Laws against such, as (vnlicenced) presumed to hunt in them; as the loss of eyes, limbs, and such like: But they were afterwards made more mild and gentle, by such as by succession wore his Crown.  
He gave large territories and spacious fields unto his favourites; who did divide them into Farms, for their particular uses and necessities, and the residue of them they granted or leased to their slaves and servants; thereby creating Manors, and entitling themselves the Lords of them. The King also upon those his gifts proportioned those grounds, dividing them into Hides of Land, every hide containing twenty acres, and eight Hides making a whole Knights fee. The Tenors which he reserved, were Knights service in capite: by means whereof, his Tenants were enjoined to do him many necessary and honourable Services, either in his Wars, or to his Royal person. For the performance whereof, he took their Oaths in public Courts, both of Homage and of Fealty. And by reason of this kind of Tenure, he disposed of the bodies of their Heirs in marriage as he listed, and retained in his custody and Wardship, to his own use, their whole Inheritance, until they accomplished their age of one and twenty years. Which Tenors are continued at this day. And, by his example, others of great possessions did the like.  
And thus may we plainly see (as in a Map) the perfect Model and Description of his rigorous and sharp Government; wherein he rather practised the licentious power of an insolent Conqueror, than the gracious kindness of an anointed King. By means whereof, many feared, few did love him: and such as pleased him best, were many times in great hazard (upon small occasions) to be frowned on.  

ANNO. 2.  In the second year of his reign, by reason of his Taxes, which exceeded beyond measure, the inhabitants of Northumberland, and of Devon, 
Taxes caused Rebellions.  did rebel. But such was his valour and expedition, that (ere they were aware thereof) his forces (like a lofty Sea, or a whirling Wind) rushed violently upon them, and easily subdued them, to their pain.  

ANNO. 3.  And not long after, Swanus then King of the Danes (being animated and set on edge by the daily persuasions and enticements of such English Nobles, 
The Danes invade, and are put to flight.  as to prevent their own ruin and destruction were fled to him for succour) arrived with a strong Army in the North: where the inhabitants (endeavouring the enjoyment of their former liberty) with bold courage assisted them in their invasion. But the King almost no sooner saw them) than he compelled them upon the losing hand) to fly unto their ships. And (to revenge the infidelity of the English) he utterly spoiled and harrowed their best and most fruitful Lands, 
The English are plagued.  lying betwixt York and Durham. So that by reason thereof (for the space of nine years after) those grounds lay waste, and unmanured; and great numbers of people, of all ages, died miserably, with famine, and with want.  

ANNO. 4.  The next year after he summoned a general Convocation of his Clergy. In which (with much asperity and bitterness) he accused divers and sundry grave and learned Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and Religious Prelates, of many surmises, faults, and offences: for which he utterly deposed and deprived them, both of their Dignities, Goods, and livings: all which he conferred upon such, as (either through his favour, or for great sums of money) were able to procure them.  
These fearful precedents of insufferable cruelties, 
Another Rebellion.  provoked Marcarus, and Edwin, than Earls of Northumberland, and of Mercia, together with Egilwynus, than Bishop of Durham, to rebel. But the King (like a Lion encountering their weaker forces) drove Edwin into Scotland; where treacherously he was murdered. He took Marcarus, and imprisoned him in the Tower of London: where (many years after) he remained, with little hope of his deliverance. And the Bishop (being a prisoner in the Abbey of Abbington) was cruelly famished to death.  
At this time great strife, touching the Primacy, arose, 
ANNO. 7. The Primacy of Canterbury. ANNO. 9  betwixt the Archbishops of Canterbury, and of York: which continued almost two years. But at length, Thomas was adjudged to be subordinate to Lanfrank, than Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other submitted himself accordingly.  
In the twelfth year of this King's Reign (at a great Synod holden at Paul's Church in London) some Bishoprics were translated from one place to another: as Selwy, unto Chichester; 
ANNO 12. bishoprics translated.  Kyrton unto Exeter; Wells unto Bath; Shirborne unto Salisbury; Dorchester unto Lincoln; and Lichfield unto Chester.  
Oswald, Bishop of Salisbury, 
ANNO 13. Secundum usum Sarum.  was a most devout and religious man: he devised a certain form of Prayers to be daily used in his Church: which was so generally liked by the Clergy, that they were published in books, and used in other Churches. Whence proceeded the common saying of Secundum usum Sarum.  
In the fifteenth year of this King's Reign (by the instigation, 
ANNO 15.  and with the assistance of Philip the French King) Robert, his eldest son, rebelled in Normandy: 
A Rebellion in Normandy  which occasioned his father to go thither with an Army. But he was so stiffly encountered in the field, that by his son he was unhorsed, and in great peril of his life. But he rescued him again, reconciled himself, received pardon, and the King (with much loss) returned again into England.  
And within few years after, 
ANNO 20.  to be revenged of many injuries and wrongs to him done by the said Philip, from Normandy, 
The Conqueror invadeth France.  he carried a puissant Army into France: where (with fortunate success, and with abundance of cruelty) he slew burnt, spoiled, and ransacked his People Towns, and Country. But so much was he traveled in those affairs, and so extremely did he heat himself in those eager conflicts, that presently he fell sick, and within few days after he died, 
The Conqueror falleth sick, and dieth.  after he had much sorrowed and lamented for the Tyrannies which he had exercised on the English Nation: and at last he was buried at Cane in Normandy, in the Abbey of S. Stephen, which himself had builded. But his Funerals were interrupted by a Norman Gentleman: 
This dead dog could not bite.  who would not permit him to be interred there, until a satisfactory recompense was unto him given for that soil, which the Conqueror had unjustly taken from him.  
Thus this victorious Conqueror, whose mind was not to be confined with one Kingdom whilst he lived, could (being dead) hardly obtain a place to be buried in.  
He left behind him one daughter, named Adela, and three sons: Robert, to whom he gave his Duchy of Normandy: William, surnamed Rufus, because his complexion was very red; and Henry: both which successively were Kings.  

The description of the Conqueror.  He was of an indifferent stature, strongly composed in his limbs, and comely in his behaviour; stern of countenance, and of an undaunted spirit: resolute in all his actions; quick in his Expeditions; wise, discreet, and politic in the managing of his affairs and business. He banqueted, and hunted very much; coveted all; oppressed such as he subdued (to keep them low) and always held his dearest friends in an awful regard of his love.   

THE HISTORY OF KING WILLIAM RUFUS.  
WHEN William the Conqueror died, Robert his eldest son (being in Germany) accommodated himself (with great sufficiency) to those affairs and businesses wherewith his father had entrusted him: so that, by means of his absence, the Conquerors last Will and Testament, the furtherance by Lanfrank, than Archbishop of Canterbury (who, by reason of his great learning, and singular virtues, was very dear and reverend in the people's eyes) and by many costly gifts, enlarged with unaccustomed bounty, 
9 Septemb. 1087.  William (his younger brother) was crowned King.  
But not long after, Duke Robert (repining, that his right, by force and injustice, should be made a prey to him that did usurp; 
ANNO 2. Duke Robert warreth in England.  and purposing to regain by his presence that which by his absence he had lost) came into England, guarded with a brave Army of unconquered Normans, and many French, whom Philip their King had waged for his aid: But such was the Duke's mild and flexible disposition (though he were passing valorous, and bold) that he rather inclined himself to a peaceable composition, 
A composition betwixt the two brothers.  which was gently craved by his brother, than (by the effusion of much blood) to possess himself of this Crown: so that (in the end) being fairly promised, That if he survived, he should succeed; and accepting the grant of three thousand marks by the year, he took a friendly leave, and returned, well pleased, and safely unto his own Duchy.  

The King oppresseth the English Nation by Taxes and other cruelties.  The King (by these means) more strongly fixing his foot in the possession of this Kingdom, and being better assured of his establishment than he was before, began forthwith to tread in his father's steps, and (with like oppressions and severity) to humble the haughty courage of the English: and finding by the Rules of Policy, That Plenty puffeth up, and that Penury robbeth such as are hardy of the chiefest Requisites which might enable them to resist, imposed on them many unusual Payments, and intolerable Taxes; which by his greedy ministers and saucy officers were levied with such despite and cruelty, that thereby they might well perceive, that he meant nothing more than to cut the nerves and sinews of their strength.  

An old Bishop made a young Earl.  About the same time, Odo his uncle, being Bishop of Bayon, repaired into England; where (by reason of the King's regardful affection towards him) he found such welcome and friendly entertainment, that he was created Earl of Kent.  
The old Bishop, and young Earl, presuming too much on his nephews love, and mounting his conceits above the height of a convenient pitch, took upon him more authority to rule, than either a stranger, or a subject, in wisdom should affect: which altered the pleasantness of the King's countenance into frowns, and made him much less esteemed, than otherwise he would have been.  

The King's uncle rebelleth.  The Bishop (whose heart was haughty, and whose mind aspired to more than ordinary greatness) so inwardly grudged, that the Line of Sovereign Majesty should tie him short, that openly he did rebel; and in such sort (by the help of the English Normans) distempered the soundness of the Commonweals Peace with many turbulent and dangerous mutinies, in sundry places of the Land, that the King (contrary to his natural disposition, and contrary to the former Rules of his Policy) was compelled to strengthen his own part by the English Nation; 
The King through necessity flattereth the English.  whom (with better usage, fairer speeches, releasement of injurious Taxes, and great gifts) he made so firm and faithful to him, that (by their assistance) he more than well hoped to prevail. And such was his new courtesy and kindness to many of the revolted Lords, that (leaving the Bishop and his associates) they adhered firmly unto the King.  
These fractions and these disorders in the public State begot new conceits in Malcolyne King of Scots: 
The Scots rebel.  who on the sudden railing a fair Army of adventurous men of war, invaded the Northern parts of this Kingdom. The news whereof appalled not the King, but rather it inspired him with a spirit of such invincible courage, that marching first against the Bishop and his complices, 
The Bishop is overthrown.  with an high hand he obtained a quick victory, and enforced the unwise Bishop, his uncle, to abjure the Land.  
And forthwith (being mounted aloft, upon the wings of Fury, 
ANNO. 3. The Scots overthrown.  and scorning to be checked by resistance) he rushed with such manlike violence upon the hardy Scots, that the greatest numbers of them were quickly slain in the field; and Malcolyne was not only compelled to acknowledge his subjection, 
The Scots subjection.  by renewing of his former Oath, but willingly he became a Pensioner to the King.  
In the sixth year of his Reign his prosperity was interrupted by the obstinate Rebellion of Rees, the last King of the Welshmen: 
ANNO. 6. The Welshmen rebel, and are subdued.  who so infested him with broken wars, that, for many months together, being urged to fight with Mountains (to which upon all enforcements they fled) in stead of combating with men, he could find no rest. But such was his resolution, his valour, and undaunted courage, to withstand the strongest push of all extremities, that in the end he slew their King, and (by a glorious victory) he better secured the subjection of the Welshmen, than any of his predecessors had done before.  
Not long afterwards, 
The Scots rebel again.  Malcolyne the King of Scots (being unkindly and disgracefully denied access to the English Court, where he intended a friendly conference upon many matters of great weight and consequence) returned into Scotland; and being infected with a million of discontents, the disease of his passions published itself, with much danger, to the Northern parts: which he invaded with a strong Army; spoiling, robbing, burning, wounding, and killing (without controlment) in all places, as he listed: until he besieged a strong Castle; which for many days was valiantly defended by Robert Mowbray, than Earl of Northumberland: who at length seeming to yield to the frowardness of his disastrous fortune, and coming out of his Castle gate well mounted, with the keys thereof fastened unto his lance, 
The King of Scots slain.  and making low obeisance to the King in token of his submission, and dashing his spurs into his horse, he ran upon the King, and with his lance (in stead of tendering him the keys) he pierced out his eye, and slew him on the place: Which having done, he escaped, flying like the wind, leaving the dismayed Scots behind him, to lament their irrecuperable loss, and with much sorrow to return into Scotland with their breathless King.  
As on the Seashore one wave succeeds another: so in human affairs there is no end of troubles. No sooner was this business concluded, but another did begin. For Robert Duke of Normandy (conceiving himself to be much wronged, by a supposed breach of the King's former promises) resolved to transport a fair Army into England, for the regaining of his Right: but the King (purposing rather to adventure offensive Wars abroad, 
A good Policy.  than with assured loss to defend himself at home) gathered a strong power of able and willing men of war, with which he sailed into Normandy. 
The French strengthen Robert Duke of Normandy against the King.  But Philip of France so friendly backed the Duke in those employments, that the English forces found themselves too weak to do him any harm. So this unexpected resistance compelled the King to cast his plot into a new mould, and by sleight and policy to effect that, which by open violence he could not do. Wherefore (not making himself overmuch beholding to long deliberation) he sent many of his chiefest Commanders into England; who (with more than ordinary diligence and speed) in short time waged a strong Army of twenty thousand men: who (being ready to be embarked) were unexpectedly greeted with this fair offer, 
A politic and a pleasing Tax.  That such of them as would severally give ten shillings to the King, towards his levying of new forces in Normandy, should be dismissed from that journey. This demand (in regard of each particular giver) was not great: but the entire value thereof, when it was collected, amounted to a good sum; because there were few, or none, who by this payment procured not their discharge. And the French King (being secretly corrupted with the gift of the greater part of this money) made present choice rather to shrink from his kind friend, 
Quid non Regina pecunia?  than to assist him at his need: so that the good Duke (being left alone, and yet accompanied with the sensible apprehension of his own defects, and making a virtue of his necessities) contented himself to subscribe to the command of his adverse fortune. 
A composition  For, making an enforced Peace with his brother, and pawning to him his Duchy of Normandy for ten thousand pounds; himself in person, with other Christian Princes, waged wars in the Holy Land.  

The Welshmen rebel.  As soon as the King was returned into England, the Rebels in Wales summoned him to a new War; which he undertook with great celerity and with much valour. But the craggy Mountains, the steepy Hills, the thick Woods, and the watery Marshes (unto which the Welshmen used continually to fly upon every fear of danger) so toiled and tired the English forces, that the King (to increase his strength, and to furnish himself with more fitting means to subdue those Rebels) was compelled, without honour, to return.  
But those his new preparations were interrupted by another Rebellion in the North: 
The Earl of Northumberland rebelleth.  which was occasioned and conducted by Robert Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland; who madly expressed the malecontentednes of his disordered passions, because the King (as he conceived) had not requited his service done upon Malcolyne, the King of Scots, with any worthy or condign reward. 
A courageous King.  But such was the haughty spirit and courage of the King, that those unexpected troubles, which benumbed the senses of the vulgar, did set an edge upon his valour, making him to scorn fear, and to entertain hope; and animating him, with a settled resolution, to dare fortune to do her worst. For he no sooner saw his revolted subjects of the North, 
The Rebels subdued.  but he loaded them in such sort with blows and wounds, that such as fled not he made a prey unto death, or made them miserable examples to their friends; who might bemoan them, but could not release them, of their loss of Ears, Eyes, Hands, Noses, or Feet. Thus did the King beat down their pride, and took the Earl as he fled, and sent him to the Castle of Windsour, where he was committed to a strong Prison.  
Then did the King (with new strength) march again into Wales: 
The King could not subdue the Welshmen in two Expeditions.  but his former mishaps were precedents to his later success. For albeit that Fury made him more adventurous than Reason gave him warrant, in regard that his magnanimous spirit could not digest the counter-checks of such a scattered Rabble: yet (when he had weakened his strength, and impaired his Army, by the loss of many valiant men, upon the vast and desolate Mountains, which afforded him nothing but Repentance) he was enforced (far against his will) the second time to return, leaving the Welsh Rebels uncorrected; and therefore exceedingly emboldened in their sin. Whose insolences bred in the King such a strong resolution to revenge, that four years after (when they suspected not any approaching danger) he sent against them the two Earls of Shrewsburie, and of Chester, with a strong Power: 
The Welshmen suddenly invaded are overthrown  who finding them rioting in the Isle of Anglesey, set upon them, slew divers, wounded more, suffered few to escape; and such as were taken prisoners, were either executed with many Torments, or dismembered, with such Deprivements, as happened to the Rebels in the North.  

ANNO 10.  Now when the King (by the help of the English Nation) had obtained many memorable victories against the Scots, Welshmen, and the Northern Rebels; 
An ungrateful King.  and (by their assistance) had in such sort established his affairs, that all fear of future perils was quite banishe●; imitating the example of some unthankful Mariners: who (by the goodness of a sound Ship) having escaped the boisterous rage of an hideous Tempest, will leave her in the Road, subject to the fury of the winds, and to the violence of the waters: He not only forgot his honourable achievements by their means, but unthankfully he requited them, who had freed him from many unspeakable dangers. For, as in former times, so now again he dis-heartened them, 
The English Nation is miserably oppressed.  by many intolerable exactions, new impossitions, and merciless oppressions: turning their long after Liberty into a servile Bondage; their expectations for Favour, into Despair; and their Plenty into such Poverty: that though those Times gave them leave sorrowfully to bewail their griefs; yet Hope administered to them no comfort for Relief. Yea, such was his impiety, 
Extreme covetousness in a King.  and such was his covetous desire, by all unjust means to enrich himself; that impiously he sold for money the greatest and the best Promotions, both in Church, and in Commonweal: and did prohibit Anselme, than Archbishop of Canterbury, to assemble any Convocations, or Synods, for the well ordering of the Clergy, or for the correcting of such as did offend; without his leave and licence: by means whereof, he secretly filled his coffers with much Treasure.  

The Archbishop of Canterbury rob, & rifled.  These indignities, and these irreligious practices, were sharply reprehended by Anselme: yet found he no reformation of those monstrous abuses. Wherefore (being unable any longer to support so ponderous a burden, both to his Conscience, and also to his Estate) he resolved to forsake the Realm, and appeal to Pope Vrban the third; 
Appeal to Rome.  though by the King he was prohibited so to do. But in the beginning of his journey, as he passed towards Dover; himself, 
The King likely to have been excommunicated.  and all his followers (by the King's uncharitable appointment) were evilly entreated, and rob of their chiefest wealth. Yet went he forth, and at Rome complained to the Pope: who forthwith would have excummunicated the King; had he not formerly pronounced that Sentence against the Emperor Henry the fourth (who was the first Christian Prince Sovereign that ever was excommunicated by any Bishop of Rome: 
The Emperor Henry the fourth was the first excommunicated Christian Prince. ) and by his Clergy he was advised to see the end and effect of that Sentence; and should not heat any more irons, before he saw how the former would be quenched.  
Many Letters and sundry Messengers were sent unto the King; 
Commands from Pope Vrban the third.  admonishing him not to intermeddle any more with the investing of Bishops; by giving to them the Cross, Ring, and Pastoral Staff: nor with the Temporalties of any Ecclesiastical Promotions, either when they were vacant, or otherwise. Nor should prohibit the assembling of any Convocations or Synods, touching the Church's affairs and business: Nor should prohibit the execution of any Canons; albeit they were not by Regal authority confirmed.  
But the King little respected those Commands, 
The King regards not the Pope's commands.  and stoutly answered, That, touching them all, he would still do as he pleased; and would not lose so fair a flower belonging unto his Crown.  
But whilst these businesses were thus acted, the King was oftentimes sharply rebuked by Ralph, the Bishop of Chichester, 
The King is reproved, and is the worse.  for those unjust grievances and wrongs which were offered to the Archbishop, and his followers, at the time of their departure towards Rome. But, like as a man, the deeper he is wounded, the more impatient he is to be sound searched: so the King (knowing his offence to be impious and ungodly) refused to be admonished: and, in stead of reforming of those things which had been done amiss, he heaped many disgraceful wrongs upon the good Bishop, and his Diocese; within which (of his own wilful obstinacy, and because he would proclaim his will to be a Law) he suspended many Churches, and converted their Revenues to his own use.  
But his later meditations better informing him than his former neglect, and unadvised passions: 
The King repenteth.  he not only received the Bishop into his extraordinary grace and favour; but enriched him and his See with many honourable Privileges and Princely gifts: Yet afterwards he banished him out of his Kingdom.  
It happened, that (as he hunted in the New-Forest) he was informed, that the Frenchmen had compassed the City of Constantia in Normandy with a Siege, which was both strong, and dangerous. Whereupon (leaving his Sports, his Nobles, 
Wonderful courage,  and all his Company) with great expedition he posted towards the Sea: and, without any preparations fitting for such a journey, he leapt into a Bark; and commanded the Mariners to weigh their anchor, and to hoist their Sails. But such was the furious violence of a boisterous storm, that (not daring to do what they were commanded) they refused to obey: Whereat the King was much enraged, and did enforce them to yield to his resolved humour; affirming, That they had never heard, that a King was drowned by the distemper of any wind. And such was his fortunate Passage in a time so dangerous, and so much were the Frenchmen daunted with the unexpected news of his sudden landing: 
Fortunate success.  that instantly they abandoned the Siege; and by their quick departure prevented the hazard which they much doubted.  

ANNO 13.  And within two years after his return into England, and in the thirteenth year of his Reign (as he hunted in the said New-Forest, 
The King slain as he hunted.  which his Father had made, and which himself had enlarged, by depopulating of sundry Towns, Villages, and Farms, and with the utter ruin of many Churches, Chapels, and Religious houses) he was slain with an arrow: which being shot unto a Deer, unfortunately glanced upon him, as, not long before, his Nephew Richard, and Son unto Duke Robert of Normandy, had been there slain.  
And thus ended the troublesome, yet victorious, Reign of King William, third son to the Conqueror: who being of a wanton disposition, neglecting marriage, and daily solacing himself among his whores and concubines, died without any lawful issue of his body. He was of a comely stature; firmly compacted in his limbs; very strong, active, and healthy; exceeding lecherous, and covetous; of an high courage, and nobly valorous; constant in his resolutions; scorning Fortune, and all Troubles. Thus he lived, and thus he died; getting much, and suddenly leaving all.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE FIRST.  
WHEN King William the second died; Robert, 
ANNO 1100.  his eldest brother (fortunate in all his proceed, saving only in his Succession to this Crown) warred victoriously (as many other Christian Princes did) in the Holy Land: where (in regard of his honourable deeds and heroical actions) he refused to be made King of jerusalem.  
By means of his absence, a fit opportunity was offered unto Henry, his youngest brother, to sit as King in his Throne: whereunto (without labour, or difficulty) he ascended, through the favourable affection of the Nobles and common People: whose hearts were the more firmly engaged to his service, because he was borne in England after his father was crowned King: and also, because his singular Wisdom, rare Learning, mild Disposition, and princely Virtues, were plain and apparent demonstrations, that his Government would be accompanied with honourable Achievements; graceful, safe, and profitable both to the Church, and also to the Commonweal.  
No sooner was he crowned, and proclaimed King, but Wisdom did inform him, 
A true use of Riches.  That it was expedient, that his Estate should strongly be supported against the hazards of future Time, and his brother's Title. Wherefore (having seized upon the plentiful heaps of the last king's Treasure) he dispersed them frankly into the hands of such, 
Good policies worthy of a noble King, and to be noted.  as upon all occasions, and in all dangers, were able to afford him their best counsel, and the best relief. Then he dignified such as were great, with the greatest Offices; and with ample Titles of much Honour: And mitigated the rigour of the former new Laws; and promised restitution of the old. His care was great, that in Weights and in Measures there might be no defect: but that all, in all places, should be fewred by such Standards as he had made. He also acquitted the People from the Tax of Dane-gelt; and from all other unjust payments and demands imposed upon them by the two former kings. He gave free liberty to the Nobles and Gentlemen of this Realm (for their pleasure, 
Flatterers banished the Court.  and better recreation) to enclose Parks for Deer, and free Warrens for their Coneys, and such like Game. And as Traitors to his Virtues, State, and kingly Government, he exiled and banished from his Court and Presence all base Flatterers; Niceness in Behaviour, luxuriousness in Conversation; sumptuousness in Apparel; and Superfluity in Diet. He ordained punishments by death for all such as violently spoiled or rob in the High ways. With indefatigable travel and pain he corrected and reform the monstrous Pride, intolerable Covetousness, and secure Negligence and Sloth of the Clergy. He recalled from Banishment Anselme, and restored him to his archbishopric of Canterbury: and gave him full power to assemble Convocations and Synods at his pleasure, 
The King leaveth the investure of Bishops to the Pope.  for the amendment of such things as were unsufferable in the Church. He left unto the Pope his power and authority to invest Bishops, by giving to them the Ring, the Cross, and the Pastoral Staff. All such Ecclesiastical Promotions and Dignities, as, by the lewd advice and counsel of Reynulph, Bishop of Durham, his brother had seized into his own hands, and converted to his own use; he voluntarily and freely conferred upon Honest, Grave, Learned, and Worthy Men: and committed the said Bishop a prisoner to the Tower of London; 
Robert Duke of Normandy invadeth England.  from whence he afterwards escaped, and eagerly incited Robert, Duke of Normandy, by the Sword to lay his claim to this kingdom. Who thereupon (to maintain his demand in that behalf) raised a strong Army; which he intended, with all convenient expedition, to transport into this Realm. But as king Henry, by those precedent provisions, had endeared himself in the People's love: so had he the more confirmed it, by taking to wife Mawlde, the sister of Edgar, 
King Henry's title made stronger by his marriage.  King of Scots, and daughter unto Malcolyne, by Margaret his wife, sister to Edgar Adelinge (who died without issue) and daughter to King Edward, the son of Edmund Iron-side, the victorious and valiant King of the Saxons.  
When Duke Robert, with his Army, was arrived in England, the noise of Trumpets, the sound of Drums, and the swarming multitudes of well-approved Soldiers, fit for the War, afforded none other thing but a fearful expectation of much trouble. But as a threatening lowering Cloud is sometimes dispersed by a fa●●e shining Sun: so these approaching conflicts (by the discreet mediation and counsel of worthy friends) were suddenly prevented; and a friendly peace, 
A peace concluded betwixt the two brethren.  betwixt the two brothers, was lovingly concluded, upon such like conditions, as formerly had been agreed on in William Rufus his days: whereat the Norman Lords were much displeased, and returned discontented with their Lord.  
But such were the malignant spirits of the Envious; 
The King invadeth, and prevaileth in Normandy.  or such was the greedy disposition of those who were Covetous; or so eager was the King's appetite to enlarge his Dominion: that many great quarrels, for small and trifling causes, began upon the sudden to present themselves unto those two brethren. Insomuch, that King Henry passed with a sufficient and a well-ordered Army into Normandy: where he was assisted by many of the Duke's discontented Nobles. By means whereof, 
The Duke is forsaken by his Nobles and Gentry.  the King (in sundry skirmishes and conflicts) so prevailed, that with little danger, and small resistance, he chased the forsaken Duke from place to place; and won from him the Cities of Rouen, Cane, Valois, and many others: and then he returned into England with much honour.  
The Duke perceiving that his Lords and Gentry refused to give him any help; and that the King's Estate, Strength, and Riches so increased, that no hope of recovery (by striving and by struggling) was left unto him, submitted himself to his two Enemies, Time and Fortune, (the scornful deluders of such as repose their confidence upon them) and came secretly and privately into England; presented himself to the King his brother; and referred to his own censure and will, both himself, his Duchy, and all Debates and Controversies whatsoever. But the King (either because he knew that the Duke was too unconstant; 
The Duke's submission is scornfully despised.  or for that some secret whisperers had prepared him to prejudicated his brother's Truth, and honest Meaning) with an estranged countenance, and a disdainful eye, departed unkindly from the distressed and perplexed Duke; coily refusing to accept of his submission, which in all humility by him was proffered. 
The Duke returneth, and the King followeth.   
The Duke (being pierced to the heart, that his misfortunes should so much wrong him) returned with all expedition into his own Country; resolving, That in the open Field he would rather die as a valiant man, than thus be trampled on by Dishonour and by Disgrace. And the king (conjecturing rightly what he pretended) followed him with many thousands of men: and so often he encountered the weak Duke with his great strength, 
The Duke is taken, and his eyes are put out.  that within few days he took him, and brought him as a prisoner into England: where (because he harkened to Nature's enticement; which persuaded him to seek his liberty, and to practise his escape) both his eyes (by the king's commandment) were plucked out. After which time he lived as a miserable and as a wretched captive more than the space of twenty years. At length, being dead, in Gloucester he was buried.  

A Rebellion by the Earls of Shrewsburie and of Mortaigne.  About the same time Robert Belasme, Earl of Shrewsburie, traitorously did rebel: but wanting Wealth, Wit, Courage, and Strength (the four Champions of the strongest Field) he was enforced to fly into Normandy. Where finding William, Earl of Mortaigne and of Cornwall, much displeased with the king, for that (as he surmised) he kept from him unjustly the Earldom of Kent; he so much insinuated himself into his love and counsels, that easily he persuaded him to rebel. So both of them joining both their forces together, they made a goodly show, as if they would work wonders. 
They are taken, and imprisoned.  But small opposition enforced them to take a plain view of their rash errors; and (leaving that which they had) to make hard shifts for the safeguard of themselves. Wherein their ill success was a just reward for their foul offence: for by the king's Power they were taken, and by him held as prisoners whilst they lived.  

New troubles betwixt the King and the Archbishop of Canterbury about the Temporalties of the Clergy and investure of Bishops.  The king having now cast anchor, as he was resolved, in a safe harborough; and nothing fearing the blasts of any Fortune which might attempt to shake his settlement in this kingdom: and finding that many inconveniences did daily press him with much dishonour and disgrace; because he intermeddled not with the Temporalties of bishoprics when they were vacant; nor with the investure of Bishops, as his Ancestors had done: and being informed, That those things were inseparable incidents unto his Crown; and that his neglect to use them deprived him not of his Right unto them; resolved, That he would not any longer forbear to challenge, and to put in practice, those things which so justly did belong unto him. Whereat Anselme, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was much displeased; and did utterly refuse to consecrate such new Bishops, as had received their Inuestures from the king. But Gerald, than Archbishop of York, cheerfully performed that Ceremony, upon the king's command.  
This new quarrel transported Anselme the second time from England unto Rome: 
Anselme goeth to Rome the second time, & complaineth to Pope Pascal the second. The Archbishop prevaileth.  where he complained to Pope Paschal the second of those, and of many other, wrongs: all which were controverted, and debated with the strongest oppositions on either party. But two years after, Anselme (with the licence and favour of the king) returned: and in a Synod of the Clergy, holden by him in London, by the Pope's authority, it was enacted, That from thenceforth no Temporal man should give investure to any Bishop by the Cross and Ring.  
Within three years after, Anselme died: and the Temporalties of that Dignity being seized into the king's hands, 
The King entereth upon the Temporalties of the Archbishop of Canterbury.  were (for the space of five years) taken, received, and converted to the king's use. And if at any time (as he was often) he were entreated by the Bishops to confer that See upon some other; his answer was, That he only kept it for a sufficient and a worthy man.  
In the year of our Lord one thousand one hundred and eight, he erected the Bishopric of Ely, 
The Bishopric of Ely founded in Anno 1108.  and endowed it with large and honourable Possessions: which won him much favour with the Pope, and procured him the love of his own Clergy.  
Thus, when the King (for a few years) had enjoyed the benefit of an happy Peace, 
Normandy invaded.  and held all Normandy subject to his own command; his tranquillity and his pleasure were envied by Lewis le gross, than king of France: who first of all procured Fulke, Earl of Angeou (upon a weak pretence) to seize upon the Country of Main; and then animated Baldwyne, Earl of Flanders, to declare against the king in Arms, for the withholding of a yearly pension of three hundred marks; which the Conqueror gave only unto Baldwyne, the fifth Earl of Flanders, during his life. But the same had afterwards been paid to his Son, and Nephew, by the courtesy of the succeeding kings; because the Conqueror had been well assisted in his Wars with England by the said Baldwyne the fifth. All these made strong preparations to invade the King's Duchy of Normandy: But the news thereof roused the King from his bed of ease; 
The King saileth into Normandy, & prevaileth  filled him full with Princely resolutions; occasioned him to pass the Sea with an Army of rough and tough Nobles, Gentry, and common Soldiers. And shortly after his landing (losing no time) he set upon the Earl of Angeou and his associates: And after he had beaten him sound on every side, he enforced him to save himself by a shameful flight.  

Another victory.  And near unto the Town of Nice (which was surprised and holden by the King of France) King Henry encountered the other two.  
This Battle was made famous by the continuance of nine hours; and was on all parts fought with such eager and manlike resolution, that albeit the King of England won the Field, and had the long chase of his flying enemies; yet he boldly and truly would confess, that he then fought not for victory, but for his life.  

A peace is concluded.  At length, when the heat of Anger was well quenched, and when many lay cold on the floor of death, who in their life times had blown the coals of contention between those four Princes; 
A Marriage.  they all were reconciled unto peace: and the King married to his eldest son William the daughter of the said Fulke. But in their journey towards England, the said young Princes, Richard, and Marie Countess of Perch, two others of the King's children; his Niece Lucy, 
A great misfortune.  with her husband the Earl of Chesier; and more than an hundred and fourscore others, were unfortunately drowned by the careless folly of the drunken Mariners. 
Drunkenness.   
This unexpected news (being accompanied with many millions of sorrows, and of doleful passions) much grieved the King: but made him not heartless, as most Princes would have been in the like case. 
The King's admirable patience.  For Wisdom had sufficiently instructed him, with patience to sustain and bear those burdens, which could not by any means be shaken off. And likewise, the King was at that time afforded but little leisure to fix his cogitations on those mishaps, because the obstinate Rebellion of the Welshmen drew him unwillingly into a new War. For when he saw and perceived, that though he were a King, yet urgent necessity commanded him to Arms; and that justice did require him (by the Sword) to judge and to execute those lewd and graceless Malefactors: 
The Welshmen rebel, and are subdued.  he marched with a strong Power into Wales; when the Rebels (trusting overmuch to their own valour; which little, or nothing at all, helpeth in Treasonable Plots and Employments) resolved to abide the utmost push of their fortune: which yielded to the King a speedy and a successful end of those Wars. For (with little danger, and as small a loss) he gave them the overthrow, and permitted the wasteful devouring swords of his associates to surfeit upon the carcases of those Rebels; whom neither gentle usage, nor former executions of that nature, could persuade to perform those duties which good subjects do owe unto their Prince.  
Then returned the King, loaden with much honour, 
Maulde the king's daughter married to the Emperor Henry the fifth.  and was joyfully received by all his people; especially by Mauld his daughter: whom he forthwith sent to be married unto the Emperor Henry the fifth, her affied husband, with a princely portion of Silver and of Gold; which (in the nature of a Tax) was levied upon the common people of their Land; which he took for an aid towards her marriage. And the same custom, 
Aid purfile marrier.  for the marriage of the eldest daughter of the Kings of this Realm, hath been and is continued unto this day.  
At the same time he devised and ordered the manner and fashion of a Court in Parliament; 
Anno 1114. The High Court of Parliament f●●●t established at Salisbury in April.  appointing it to consist of the three Estates, of which himself was the Head: So that his Laws, being made by the consents of all, were not disliked of any.  
It chanced, that about five years after the death of Anselme, Ralph, Bishop of Rochester, 
The King investeth the Archbishop of Canterbury.  was by the King appointed to succeed him; and (notwithstanding all former Counsels, Decrees, Commandments, Letters, and Threaten from the Pope) he received his investure from the King. Then died the Archbishop of York: To which See Thurston, the king's Chaplain, should have been preferred. 
Pride.  But Pride having a more large rule and dominion in him, than Lowliness and Humility; he refused to swear obedience to the See of Canterbury; which his predecessors had both sworn and performed. And because the king (disliking his obstinacy) would not invest him; he appealed, and went to Rome: where (by the favour of some Cardinals, 

Thurston invested by the Pope.  
The King is highly displeased. Thurston prevaileth, and the King yieldeth.   who had the Pope's Censure at their command) he so prevailed, that the Pope not only freed him of his said obedience and subjection▪ but also invested him, and gave him the Pale: whereat the king was extraordinarily displeased, and prohibited his return. But in the end (the Pope's threatenings menacing nothing but Curses, Suspensions, Excommunications, and such like) he was permitted to return, and to enjoy the dignity of his Place.  
In the seven and twentieth year of his Reign died the Emperor Henry the fifth, not having any issue by Maulde the King's daughter and heir. At which time she being aged about four and twenty years, 
Mauld the Empress married to Geoffrey Plantagenet.  and being much sued unto by most of the greatest Princes of the Christian World; the king (to strengthen his Realm against the kings of France) married her to Geoffrey Plantagenet, the son and heir apparent of Fulke, than Earl of Angeou. By whom she had issue three sons: Henry, who was (after Stephen) king; 
Her issue.  Geoffrey, and William.  
This fair offspring enriched the king with the truest endowment of good content; for that (as he conceived) he saw in them the settled continuance of his Line in the Crown of this Realm. 
An oath to maintain the succession of the Crown in the King's Line.  And (to make it the more sure) within the space of five years he took three solemn Oaths of his Nobility and greatest Officers of his kingdom, That with their best advice, and with the hazard of their goods, lands, lives, and fortune, they should support and maintain the succession of his daughter, and of her heirs.  

The King surfeteth and dieth.  Finally, when he had reigned more than five and thirty years, he surfeited on a Lamprey; of which he languished a few days, and died; and was honourably buried in the Abbey of Reading, which himself had founded.  
This king was Wise, Learned, Mild, Valiant, and Just, beyond most of his Predecessors; more inclined to Peace than unto War: so that he made War his Champion stoutly to challenge his Rights, and to revenge his Wrongs. He never levied but two Taxes upon his People: the first was, to maintain his Wars against the king of France: and the second was, to prefer his daughter in marriage with the Emperor. He waxed rich with his own, and yet he was very liberal: but he only extended his bounty to such as merited it by their public Service; and he confined his Gifts within the Limits of Thrift and of Measure. He established Laws, which were profitable to such as were virtuous; but sharp unto malefactors who did transgress: against whom he caused them to be put in execution with more Severity than Mercy: he being persuaded, that Pity extended to such as were wicked, hardened them in their sin, and too much encouraged such, as nothing but correction could either terrify or reform. To his friends he was a sure Pillar, whereunto in all necessities they might boldly lean: and to his enemies he was rough and stiff, until time presented occasion of more love; and then he was very flexible, and easy to be reconciled. And, as he would never forget good service done, nor any good turns performed for him: so would he seldom, or never, take rest, until by some worthy gift, or correspondent requital, he had showed himself thankful to such as deserved well. He was too lascivious in his course of life; using many concubines: by whom he had twelve known bastards. He erected the two bishoprics of Ely, and of Carelyle; and founded the Monasteries of Circester, Reading, and Shyrborne; with the Priory of Dunstable, and some others: all which he beautified with many Privileges and Possessions, answerable to their Dignities and Charge.  
Yet did he not retain the chiefest room in the Clergies love: because that (after the death of Anselme) he rejected the Pope's Decrees, to which he had formerly subjected himself: and invested Bishops; received Homage of Prelates; seized their Temporaltie●●hen their Sees were vacant; gave no allowance to any Canons of the Church, except they were ratified and confirmed by the King; compounded with Priests for annual pensions, to keep their wives, or to take them (though unto them the holy estate of Matrimony was forbidden:) which pensions he enforced them to pay, whether they had wives or no.  
Thus (in this King) ended the issue's males of the Conqueror: and the Crown of this Realm was devolved to his general Heirs.   

THE HISTORY OF KING STEPHEN.  
THe experience of all Ages hath made sufficient proof, 
Stephen usurpeth.  that the eager appetite which most Men have to gain Wealth and Riches, hath made them careless to perform those common Duties, which do belong to Honesty and to Right. But if a Kingdom may be obtained (though with the breach of a most solemn Oath) no scruple is then made. For the desire of Sovereignty, and to enjoy a Crown, makes men play fast and lose, and to hazard the loss of their Souls, by the wilful perjurious violating of their Faith.  
This proved too true at this time: For albeit that Stephen Earl of Boulogne, the son and heir apparent of Stephen Earl of Bloys, and of Adela the conquerors Daughter, was one of the chiefest, 
The former Oath is forgotten.  whom king Henry the first had obliged by many solemn and public Oaths, to further the succession of Mauld the Empress, being his Daughter; and of her children: yet (when the king was dead) he finding, that all the Nobles (though sworn as himself was) applied themselves to wait upon his pleasure: he either utterly forgot, or (at least) he cared not for the vows of former times; but caused himself to be crowned king.  
And so well was he instructed by the former examples of his Progenitors; that, as they did, so did he endeavour (by Wisdom, and by Policy) to lay a sure Foundation to his Estate. And because Riches are the Sinews and the Strength of the strongest Kings; 
Good policy.  he therefore (to enrich himself) seized upon the Treasure of his uncle, 
The King's liberality.  the last deceased King: Which he closed not up in Chests, or in Bags, as idle Archers do their Arrows in their Quivers, when (for their honest recreation) they should shoot: but with a large and an open hand he bountifully disposed of them among such, as either by Arms, or by Counsel, were best likely to stand him in the greatest stead. He also created sundry Noblemen: and dignified many others with the honourable Title of Knighthood; whose love by those means he procured. And (because benefits received do more please the vulgar and common sort of People, than Right or Reason can do) he therefore released unto them the Dane-gelt, and all other extraordinary Burdens and Exactions whatsoever: causing a large Charter thereof, and of the mitigation of the Severity and Penalties of sundry Laws, to be made; and bound himself by a solemn Oath to keep and to observe the same. He also renounced the future Seizures of all Ecclesiastical Dignities and Promotions, 
Privileges granted to the Clergy.  when they should become vacant. He gave to the Church and Churchmen such graceful and profitable Privileges and Immunities as they would demand. And (among other things) he freely exempted them from the authority of the Temporal Magistrate, for all offences whatsoever; except the Ordinary should be pleased, that he should deal therewith. Finally, he endeavoured to do all things justly, and pleasing unto all. 
Castles and Fortresses erected.  To prevent sudden Eruptions, Rebellions, and Incursions, tending to the general disturbance of the common Peace; by having many strong and fortified places for good defence: himself erected many Forts, Fortresses, Bulwarks, and Castles; and licensed his Nobles, and his Gentry, and Clergy, to do the like. He gave unto David the King of Scots, and uncle to Mauld the Empress (because he should not second her in her demands, 
The Scots flattered by the King.  or warlike attempts) the whole Province of Cumberland; and created his eldest son Henry Earl of Huntingdon. Yet notwithstanding, not long after (in her quarrel) he entered into the Northern parts of this Kingdom; 
The King of Scots overthrown by the Archbishop of York.  which he tormented with fire and sword. But in the end he was encountered by Thurston, than Archbishop of York; who compelled him (being pursued with unspeakable dangers) to fly into Scotland; and to leave behind him, dead upon the ground, more than ten thousand men of his Army.  
In the sixth year of his Reign, Mauld the Empress, 
Mauld the Empress landeth in England.  being accompanied with her base brother, Robert, Earl of Gloucester, landed with an army in England; and was quickly strengthened and emboldened in her Enterprise by the plentiful access of many of the English, and of Raynulph Earl of Chester, with a lusty crew of bold and forward Welshmen. Hereupon the King (imposing no confidence in delay; but Experience instructing him, that advised Expedition is the chiefest enabler of good success) levied a strong army; and marched with good resolution against the Empress, and her Forces: who greeted him with such Music as her warlike Troops did gallantly present. So that a cruel and a bloody Battle (with equal hopes) for many hours was fought between them. But at length, 
King Stephen overthrown.  the King's common Soldiers (striving faintly, and, as cowards, rather endeavouring to save themselves by flight, than manfully to defend their King) did basely leave the King: who, with his Nobles and Gentry, scorning to turn their backs, maintained their part, with as much courage as manhood could afford; 
King Stephen taken prisoner.  till (in the end) the King was taken, and committed to the Castle of Bristol: where he remained a prisoner about the space of three months; and was at the last delivered, 
King Stephen is set at liberty.  to free the Earl of Gloucester, who had been taken, and was imprisoned by the Queen.  
After this victory thus obtained, the Empress (with many honourable Triumphs and Solemnities) was received into the Cities of Circester, Oxford, Winchester, and London. 
The Londoners attempt to surprise the Empress  But the Londoners desiring the Restitution of King Edward's Laws, and not obtaining their request) consulted to surprise the Empress, and to deliver her unto the King. By means whereof, good counsel advised her to fly: which suddenly she did; and came unto Oxford: Where (within few days, and unexpectedly) she was environed with a strong Siege: So that despair of good success dis-heartening her, 
The Empress besieged in Oxford.  and teaching her a ready means for her escape; taking the benefit of the Snow (which at that time lay thick upon the ground) she, with her chiefest complices, appareling themselves in white linen, secretly issued forth; 
A politic flight.  and posting with all speed towards the Sea, they embarked themselves, and sailed into Normandy.  
Many years together, after these turmoils, this Realm enjoyed a blessed Peace: And in the seventeenth year of this King's Reign died the most valorous and hardy knight Raynulph Earl of Chester: 
Henry Short-Mantel heir apparent to the Empress.  and so did Geoffrey Plantagenet, husband to the Empress. And Henry, surnamed Short-Mantle, her eldest son, took to wife Elinor, the daughter and heir of the Earl of Poytou: which Elinor not long before (for nearness in blood, and after she had borne him two daughters) was divorced from Lewis the seventh, than King of France. So that Prince Henry was now Duke of Normandy, in the right of his Mother; Earl of Angeou by descent from his Father; and Earl of Poytou in the right of his wife: by whom (not long after) he also had the Earldom of Tholouse.  
This worthy Prince (by many of his friends and valiant men of War, who longed to have employment in so fair a journey) was incited to levy a strong army, and to transport them into England; and by their help, and the assistance of other well-willers, to attempt the recovery of his Right: and the rather, for that king Stephen, and Eustace his only son, did now begin to war upon many of those, who held their Castles for the Prince his use. His strong Expectation, and hope to be enthroned in this Kingdom, through the favour of divers Lords and Commons of this Realm; easily persuaded him to lend a listening ear to their whisperings: So that to give unto them good content, and to forward the attaining of his own desires, 
Henry Short-Mantel invadeth England.  he raised a strong power of willing and able men of War. Which (being bravely conducted by noble Captains, well skilled in those Affairs) arrived safely in England: where King Stephen and his son disdained to be idle; for they had provided with an equal strength to encounter him.  
Both armies had daily news the one from the other: they threatened much, did somewhat, but it was but little: Yet in those Expeditions, Eustace the king's son by misadventure was unfortunately drowned; 
Prince Eustace drowned  which overcame the king with infinite passions of sorrow and extreme grief. But it made a quiet end of this quarrel. For now, the king (not having any son which might succeed him) was well pleased to lend a listening ear to the fair proffer of a friendly Peace. 
The quarrel is compounded & ended.  And thereupon he adopted Prince Henry for his Son; proclaimed him to be the Heir apparent of his Crown; gave him many honourable and kingly Gifts; assured him of his unchangeable love and friendship.  
And by these means all Arms were cast aside, and Peace triumphed; having gotten a certain and a sure Victory with few blows. And the Prince, with his followers, returned into Normandy: where they were with much honour and incredible joy received.  
And the next year after, king Stephen died, 

King Stephen dieth.  
The Saxons blood restored to the Crown of England. See the descent in the Reign of King Henry the first.   when he had reigned almost nineteen years; and lieth buried in the Abbey of Feversham in Kent, which himself had founded. And by the happy Succession of this Henry, the Saxon Blood was again restored unto the Imperial Crown of this Realm.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE SECOND.  
WHEN Henry was returned into Normandy; the French King (fearing least Time, and his Fortunes, would make him too puissant and too great for his bordering Neighbours; and intending to deal roughly with him, before he should be the absolute Master and Commander of his own strength) very injuriously seized upon divers of his Fortresses and Castles in Normandy, and elsewhere, which (questionless) ought to have been subject to his Government. But Henry (being wise, 
Henry Short-Mantels valour and courage.  and full of courage and heroical Magnimitie; and foreseeing, that if he should shrink as a coward, and not make himself known by his valour to the world, when the wrongs which were done unto him were too apparent) raised a fair Army: and (for the regaining of one of those his Castles) he girded it round about with a strong Siege. And whilst he was thus employed to win his right, 
He saileth speedily into England: but first winneth the Castle which he had besieged.  the news of King Stephen's death came freshly unto his ears. And (to prevent such usurpation, as oftentimes, in the absence of the lawful Kings, depriveth them of their Crowns) he was by his nearest and dearest friends advised to abandon the Siege; and, without tarrying, to transport himself into England. But his answer was full of discretion and true valour to this effect: 
A resolute speech.  The Kingdom of England (quoth he) shall henceforth be at my command, in despite of those who dare to cross me most: And so shall these intruding Frenchmen ere I go hence.  
This Resolution redoubled his honour among his friends; and so it did among his enemies. For when the besieged were informed what he had said and determined (fearing the event, if obstinately they should detain him there too long) they surrendered the Castle, and submitted themselves to his mercy: who received it and them with a favourable and gracious acceptance. And then giving such directions as both the time and occasions did require, and being accompanied with many Lords and Gentlemen of the best and chiefest rank; he sailed with a prosperous wind into England: where (not long after) he was crowned King.  
The singular zeal and love which he bore to the furtherance of justice, and to the execution thereof, appeared manifestly by two Actions of his, 
The King reformeth the Laws.  performed: the one in the beginning; and the other, towards the later end of his Reign. For first he made an especial choice of certain men, who were very honest, upright, and best learned in the Laws of this Realm: by whose industrious labours and travails he refined and reform the common Laws; making them to be more tolerable and profitable unto his People. 
England divided into Circuits: into which judges were sent, to ease the people.  And towards the end of his days he divided his whole Kingdom into six several Circuits; and (for the administration of justice, and for the trials of Causes betwixt men and men, for the better ease and comfort of his Subjects) he appointed certain judges twice in every year to ride, and to travail through those Circuits: which course and order is carefully continued at this day.  

Strangers banished: and the cause why  He also banished the greatest part of Strangers, who (in those days) by multitudes flocked hither; and by their extraordinary Sparing, and painful Industry, procured to themselves much Wealth, and beggared such as were Natives borne.  

Oath-breakers banished.  He also exiled many of the Nobles, who contrary to their public Oaths, Duties, and Consciences, had more than ordinarily adhered unto King Stephen: being fully resolved, That the Cogitations of their own Guiltiness, in that behalf, would never suffer them to be hearty and faithful unto him.  
He differed much from the opinion of his last predecessor; 
Castles politicly razed, and overthrown.  and affirmed, That strong Forts and Castles, erected and maintained in the Heart or Body of a Kingdom, did rather animate great men, upon all displeasures, to revolt, than in any sort contain them within the bounds and limits of their Obedience, and of their Duty: wherefore he caused them to be razed (for the greater number) to the ground.  
He also seized into his own hands such Territories, Manors, 
He seizeth on Crowne●ands formerly given away  Lordships, and Possessions, as his Predecessors had either given, or sold, from the Crown: holding it to be the duty of every Subject, to refuse the Gift or Purchase of such things, as do so immediately concern the Honour and Maintenance of the King. 
Nota.   
And the like he did in the Northern Parts; where many great Men, commanding almost as they listed, had wrought themselves and their Posterities into many Honours, Castles, and Manors (without title) which in truth and in deed appertained to the King.  
He also resumed into his own hands the Provinces of Cumberland, and of Northumberland, together with the Earldom of Huntingdon; which David the King of Scots, and Henry his son, had received as a gift from King Stephen, because they should not intermeddie in the furtherance of his mother Mauld the Empress to her Right and Crown.  
In the thirteenth year of his Reign, 
Geoffrey the King's younger son is Duke of Britain.  he married Geoffrey (being one of his younger sons) unto Constance, the daughter and heir apparent of Conaccus Duke of Britain: who died not long after, and left unto them that Duchy.  
He also affied his younger son Richard unto Adela, one of the daughters of Lewis the King of France: and married his daughter Mauld unto Henry Duke of Saxony. 
Mauld the Empress dieth.  And about the same time the Empress his mother died.  
He loved Peace (though he were passing valiant) because he found it to be pleasing and profitable: 
Peace preferred before War.  yet he willingly entered at all times into the Lists of War, when necessity or good reason persuaded him to arm.  
When his estate was most quiet, 
The King exercised his soldiers in warlike negotiations in the time of greatest peace.  and freest from Wars abroad, or civil disturbances at home; he would now and then, upon the sudden, raise an Army, and transport them either into Normandy, or into Britain, Angeou, or other places subject to the Dominion of himself, or of his sons. And himself in person used to go with them. And in those places he exercised them in fortifications, trainings, and lyings in the field, and with other Martial discipline. By means whereof he settled those Countries in peace, and with good Government made warlike businesses familiar to his Soldiers; and then returned without blows into England. 
The commodity of his so doing.  By these means, when troubles happened, he little feared: because his men were aptly enured to those things, which most properly belong unto the wars.  

1174. Henry the second Conquereth Ireland.  In the nineteenth year of his Reign (because the Irish Nation attempted to deprive him of certain Territories in that Island, which were left unto him by his predecessors) he sailed thither with a mighty Army, and fought many victorious battles, against five Kings which at that time reigned there. All which he subdued, and made subject unto himself: and became the sole Lord of all that Country; and annexed that Title unto the Title of his Crown, 
The King's son twice Crowned King in his father's days.  and returned honourably into England. Such was the surpassing love of this worthy King to his eldest son Henry, That he caused him, and his wife Margaret the daughter of the French King, to be twice solemnly Crowned in the presence of his people: (himself the second time, for that day, leaving the Title of a King, and serving as a Sewer at his sons table) whereat his proud son made no wonder, 
A proud and an unthankful Son.  but publicly affirmed, That his father was nothing thereby dishonoured; For that he was only the son of an Empress: But he himself was the son both of a King, and also of a Queen.  

Wars betwixt England and France.  Many jars, and quarrels in his later days, arose betwixt King Henry the father and Lewis the French King: which at length were decided by sharp and bloody wars. In all which (most unnaturally) Henry, Geffrey and john, the King's sons: and (most undutifully) Robert Earl of Leicester, 
Unnatural children.  and Hugh Earl of Chester, together with William then King of Scots, took part with the French against the King. In all which (notwithstanding) King Henry by noble valour and courage did prevail; and upon submission granted Pardon to his sons, and all the rest. Yet were his sons after grievously punished by God. 
God plagued them.  For Henry died before his father, in the prime and flower of his strength; And john, his son, (who was after King) was poisoned by a Monk. Yet these unnatural Rebellions by his own children, unto whom he had extended (if we may believe reports) more than the love, and affection of a worthy father, 
King Henry sorrowing for his children's rebellions, dieth.  so inwardly perplexed his mind; that surfeiting upon bitter passions, occasioned by their revolt, he fell into a dangerous Fever, which the more vexed him, because Richard his son had then raised an other broil against him. And within four days after he died in Normandy, when he had Reigned almost five and twenty years; and was buried at Founteverard in France.  
The history of this King's Reign, 
King Henry's description.  approveth him to have been learned, wise, politic, just and valiant: And that (which not a little augmenteth the number of his praises) albeit he were oftentimes engaged in many businesses: Some of them concerning his wars in France, Normandy, Angeou, Ireland, and in other places: 
A rich King, who taxed not his people  And some of them respecting his politic rule, and Government at home; yet he never imposed, nor levied upon his Subjects any extraordinary tax, or payment whatsoever. Yet left he unto his successor more than nine hundred thousand pounds in silver and in gold: besides his Plate, jewels, household-stuff, 
900000. l.  and provision for the war.  
And though in most things prosperity made him happy: 
His unhappiness.  yet in three things, especially, he was most unfortunate and unhappy. The first was the unnatural disobedience, and rebellious revolts of his own children. The second, was his inordinate favour, and unquenchable lust, towards Rosamond his unseparable Concubine: 
His incontinency, with the fair Rosamond his Concubine.  who (being admirably fair, but wanton conditioned) alienated, and estranged his best affections, and love, wholly from the Lady Elinor his most renowned wife; and made his desires subject, nay slavish, unto her will. So that whilst she lived, she was seldom from his right-hand: And being dead, he caused her, with great solemnity and pomp, to be sumptuously buried at Godstow besides Oxford; Fixing on her Tomb this Epitaph. 
Rosamonds' Epitaph.   
Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa Mundi: Non Rosa-munda:  
Non redolet, sed olet, quae redolere solet.  
And the third was, the irreconcilable dissension and strife, 
The History of the King's troubles with Thomas Becket.  which happened betwixt himself and Thomas Becket, the proud and insolent Archbishop of Canterbury. The which, beginning in the tenth year of his Reign, was prosecuted seven years after, with great asperity and bitterness, on either party; as briefly it shall appear.  
Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury (for what desert few did know) in such sort favoured Thomas Becket a Londoner, borne of ordinary parentage, that he made him Archdeacon of his own Church. And (being able to obtain any thing of the King, which he did reasonably crave) he procured him to be removed from one Dignity unto another, until (at length) he was made Lord Chancellor of the Realm. 
Thomas Becket made Lord Chancellor.  This high honour so puffed up Thomas Becket with the wind of Pride and vainglory, that now he thought few, or none, exceeded him for his honour and for his virtues. Yet did he carry himself with such regardful observance and duty to the King, that he augmented his Estate with the gift of large Territories and Possessions: which daily made him the more confident of the continuance of his great fortunes.  


Thomas Becket is made Archbishop of Canterbury. His unthankfulness.  
He is invested at Rome.  
He is made the Pope's Legate.  
He proudly surrendereth his Chancelorship & the great Seal.   At length Theobald died; and the King preferred Thomas Becket to succeed him. But he (being most unthankful, and resolved as it seemed to play his pranks) secretly, and without leave, traveled unto Rome: and was invested by Pope Innocent the second; of whom he received his Pale, and was made a Legate. And then he returned into England; and was in great disfavour with the King. But he (taking little notice of the King's dislike) contrary to the King's pleasure, upon the sudden surrendered to the King his Chancelorship, and the great Seal. The King inquired diligently for the cause why he so did. But such was his obstinate folly and unthankfulness, that he would not reveal it unto any.  
These jars between the King and the Archbishop, emboldened the base and the worse sort of the Clergy to commit many great and horrible sins and offences; for which they received small punishment, because (though their transgressions were Murders, Manslaughters, Thefts, and Robberies) yet they, being to be tried and adjudged by men of their own profession, were too too much winked at. So that, by means of their carelessness, the Commonweal was much wronged. 
The Clergies temporal offences made subject to be tried before the Temporal judge.  Wherefore the King summoned and assembled his High Court of Parliament: In which, that Law, made by king Stephen, which exempted the authority of the Temporal judge to meddle with any Ecclesiastical persons, for any crime by them committed whatsoever, was abolished; and the ancient Laws of this Realm, used in the times of Henry the first, and of others the king's Progenitors, and (which were commonly called Auitae Leges) were reduced to their former validity and force. 
Auitae Leges   
But in these proceed the king was much crossed and interrupted by the obstinate and bold frowardness of Thomas Becket, and of some few other Bishops; who unadvisedly made themselves partakers of his Faction. But after many Conferences, Disputes, and Consultations, touching those businesses; all the Bishops (Becket only excepted) ratified and subscribed those newly revived Laws. 
Becket would not give way to those Laws  But Becket would not by any means assent thereunto, except he might insert this Clause, Saluo ordine suo: Which words would clearly have annihilated the life and substance of those Laws. 
His Exception Saluo iure suo.   
This his folly made the king to bite his lip, and to say little: So that the other Bishops, much fearing to what end the kings extraordinary displeasure and discontentment would tend, did privately commune with the Archbishop; and prayed him (for the preventing of future mischiefs) to submit himself: whereunto he gave his free consent; 
Becket is persuaded: and sweareth to those Laws.  and (as the rest had done) so did he take a solemn Oath, to give allowance to those Laws. The king forthwith altered the strangeness of his countenance into pleasing and familiar looks: he spoke kindly unto Becket; and assured him of his former love. And being wise and politic, and purposing to assure the Peace of future times, whilst opportunity did serve: he caused a tripartite Instrument to be drawn betwixt himself and the two Archbishops, testifying this Submission, and this Oath: Two of which parts were forthwith subscribed by the King and by the Archbishop of York. But Thomas Becket (falling into the relapse of his former folly) did not only refuse to do the like, 
Becket again withstandeth those Laws.  but expressed great Repentance for the former Oath which he had taken. And (not so contented) he secretly informed the Pope thereof; and of his inward sorrow for that sin. 
Becket is absolved by the Pope.  The Pope not only absolved him of that Oath, and enjoined him to some private Penance: but he also required him, without yielding, stoutly to persist (with a strong Resolution) in his opinion.  
Hereupon the king's anger towards Becket daily increased more and more. And when this news from Rome was divulged, 

Beckets' temporalties seized by the King.  
He is called to an account for 30000 marks, and refuseth to account.   his Majesty seized into his own hands all such Temporal Lands and Promotions as he had given in former times unto Becket: and required him to render him an account for thirty thousand Marks, which (to his use) he had received when he was Chancellor of this Realm. But boldly he affirmed, That the king had frankly and freely given it unto him: and that therefore he would not enter into any such account. Whereupon the king, to satisfy himself, 
His movables are seized.  made a seizure of such movable goods as appertained to him.  
Thus, whilst the Wheel thus turned, Thomas Becket, without the king's Licence, transported himself secretly unto Rome: 
Becket goeth to Rome.  and the king (thereby perceiving that Becket intended nothing more than to incense the Pope against him) sent his Ambassadors and Letters unto Rome: 
The Pope denieth the King's request.  and by them he signified unto the Pope, how reasonable his own demands were, and how perversely Thomas Becket had refused to obey. And therefore he entreated the Pope, that he might be deprived of his Place and Dignity: protesting, That he would provide for him and his in some other kind. 
He threateneth the king  But the Pope not only denied his request, but with thundering terms he threatened to send two Legates into England, who should curse the King, and all his Realm; except, on their demand, he restored the Archbishop both to his Place and Dignity, and also to all such Lands and Movables, as by the King's commandment had been taken from him. And in the mean time he commended Becket to the Abbot of Pontinyack, where he was gently received, and kindly entertained as a Monk.  

The King's anger against Becket.  But when the King perceived into what corner the wind did blow, and that the Pope had filled Becket with the blasts of pride and vainglory: he (being more and more exasperated) sent unto the said Abbot, and required him to turn Becket out of his house, or otherwise he protested, he would not leave one Monk of his Order in all France.  

The King forbiddeth access from the Pope into England.  He also published certain Injunctions against the Pope, and all Cardinals, and Legates, which (without his Licence) should presume to enter into his kingdom.  
He also deprived Thomas Beckets' nearest and choicest friends of all such Promotions, Lands, and Substance, as they did enjoy; and banished them out of the Realm, 
Beckets' friends are banished.  because (with counsel and with money) they had joined with him in this his obstinacy against the king.  
This round and bitter course, more troubled Becket then all other precedent passages whatsoever. And, to increase his grief, the Abbot of Pontinyacke (fearing the event of the King's displeasure, if he submitted not himself to his command) gently persuaded Becket to leave his house. 
The French King underhand animateth the Pope.  Whereof when Lewis the French King heard; (albeit his daughter Margaret was married unto Henry the young King) yet he procured him better entertainment elsewhere, and secretly wrote in his behalf unto the Pope.  

The King saileth into France. He conferreth with Becket. His offer to Becket.  King Henry (desiring to see an end of these troubles, if by any means conveniently he might) upon the sudden sailed into France. And (in the French Kings presence) he conferred with Becket oftentimes; and made him this offer, That if (at last) he would take the said Oath again, and would subscribe the said Instrument Tripartite (as himself, and the Archbishop of York had done to the other two) He should then return into England, Graced with the King's especial favour: and that he should enjoy his place and dignity, and be (in ample sort) restored to all things taken from him, and whereof justly he had been deprived: And that the like bounty should be extended to his exiled friends. But he proudly answered, that if the king would consent, that he might so swear and subscribe with this exception, 
Saluo honore Dei.  salva honore Dei; he then would yield. But this exception displeased the King more than all the rest had done. For than he perceived plainly, that Becket intended thereby to express; That those Laws tended to the dishonour of Almighty God: and that therefore he had a purpose no longer to obey them (notwithstanding he should subscribe and swear) than he should please. 
Beckets' proud resolution.  But Becket told him proudly and plainly, That he feared none but God: and that (sith those his Laws were derogatory to the ancient customs, and privileges of the Church, and rob God of his honour) the King (in seeking to establish them) should not have his own will whilst he lived.  
The King, failing of his purpose, returned into England; and not long after, two Legates came to him from Rome, 
Two Legates sent to interdict the king.  to interdict him from coming to the Church, until he had in all things whatsoever restored Becket, according to the Pope's commands. High displeasure transported the King into Normandy: where he conferred again with Becket, but found him still the self-same man. 

He saileth into Normandy, but finds no alteration in Becket.  
The King is pleased that Becket shall return into England. The King would feign have Becket dispatched.   And being desirous to set an end of those troubles: he gave him way, and consented to his return; and came again into England. And not long after Becket followed the King. But the King muttringly repined, that among all such as he had advanced, there was not one who would endeavour to rid him of so dangerous and malapert an enemy.  
He also received a strange welcome of Henry the young king, who exiled him from his Court, and confined him to his own house in Canterbury: because (in his absence) the king in his Parliament desiring that his said son should be crowned King, the Bishop of London, and three other Bishops (upon the king's commandment) had performed those ceremonial Solemnities, and were suspended by Becket, because they presumed so to do without his leave; and could not be absolved by Becket, although he had been entreated therein by both those kings.  
And within four days after, Becket (by four graceless malefactors) was wickedly murdered in his own Church: 
Thomas Becket murdered.  whereof the king was accused by the Pope; but he denied it upon his oath. 
The King accused.  Yet in regard of his former muttering speeches (which by all conjecture hastened his end) the king submitted himself to the Pope's Censure: 
The King's Penance.  Who enjoined him to war three years in person in the Holy Land; which he redeemed by erecting three Houses of Religion. He was also enjoined to go from London to Canterbury barefooted, to visit Beckets' Shrine: which he did; and suffered himself to be scourged with rods by every Monk there. 
He is whipped.  And thus the king had a bad end of all those Troubles.   

THE HISTORY OF KING RICHARD THE FIRST.  
RICHARD, the eldest son living of Henry the second (being in Normandy when his Father died) succeeded in his Throne. And (because those Countries wanted settlement, and required a longer time of his presence) above all other things he was most careful for the enlargement of Queen Elinor his Mother: 
A good son but an evil husband.  who by her deceased husband was committed to straight Imprisonment, because she loathed, and would not endure, his lascivious course of living with his wanton Rosamond; but sharply reproved him for the same. And because she was every way virtuous, discreet, and wise; 
Queen Elinor is made Regent of England.  he committed the whole Government of this Realm, in his absence, to her care. And (because her own Experience had informed her, what anguish and what sorrow poor helpless Captives did endure) she set at liberty all such as were imprisoned for ordinary offences, 
Non ignara ma●i, miseris succur●ete discit.  or for small Debts, which herself did pay: and administered the Commonweals affairs with great Moderation, Integrity, and justice, until her son the king came home, and was with all Solemnity and strange Triumphs anointed and crowned king.  
This king (imitating the mild disposition of his mother; and commiserating the troubles of such as were afflicted) freed out of every Prison all such as were his Debtors, 
A merciful King.  or were enthralled for any transgression which concerned himself; and whom, without injustice done to others, he might acquit. And in the whole course of his Government he so provided, that justice with Mercy should be extended unto all.  

Too much honour elateth.  He heaped many Honours and profitable Promotions upon his brother john, whom he created Earl of Lancaster, and gave unto him the Provinces of Nottingham, Devonshire, and Cornwall: and married him to the sole and only Daughter and Heir of the Earl of Gloucester; from whom he received the Lordship of that Country.  
These great and kind favours required, that he should be thankful. But oftentimes it happeneth, that as the addition of too much Oil extinguisheth the Lamp, which otherwise would burn, and yield her light; and as the over-abundance of too much water, falling upon a Wheel, maketh it the less serviceable for the use to which it is employed: So the conferring of too much Honour, and of too many Titles of Dignity, upon such as are not capable of them all, altereth and changeth their mild and gentle dispositions, and maketh them altogether unthankful for those benefits which they have received. And oftentimes they are incited and provoked thereby to affect things of higher consequence and moment than are fitting; and to conjecture, that the greatest fortunes are most agreeable to their Estates. So that they never cease to attempt great things: which in the end will rather be hurtful to them, than do them any good.  

An unthankful brother.  This proved true betwixt the king and his brother john. For when the king had powered on him plentiful showers of his bounty and great abundance; and had advanced him in Honour, and in Estate, above all others: his thoughts mounted above the Moon, and made him unnaturally and unthankfully to affect the Crown; and to boast, That his endowments were sufficient, and fitting for a king. And though he wanted opportunity, yet he resolved to push hard for the Crown, if Time and Fortune would present it to him.  
This king (for his invincible valour, and haughty courage) was esteemed to be almost matchless in the Christian world: so that he was surnamed Cuer de Lion, 
Cuer de Lyon.  or the lions Heart. And (to say the truth) he was such a one, as (upon good advice and counsel) dared to attempt any thing, if it were honourable to be achieved, and possible to be done.  
His father's Treasure enriched him exceedingly with great store of Silver and of Gold. And such was his contempt of Riches, 
A bountiful King.  and such was his Bounty to such, as either deserved well, or left in him any impression of Noble worth, that he bestowed on them great Gifts with such alacrity and cheerfulness, that in short time he unboweled all his Bags and Chests; little foreseeing, that future Businesses might require the expense of more than the great Plenty which was left unto him: and that (when he wanted) he should be enforced to make hard shift to relieve himself.  
In the beginning of his Reign, 
The King resolveth to war in the Holy Land upon the Pope's motion  the Pope solicited him with strong persuasions, and many promises of his Blessings, to wage War in his own person against the Turks in the Holy Land; and to attempt the winning of jerusalem from the Infidels and unbelieving Men: who maliciously opposed themselves against the Incarnation, Passion, and Ascension of Christ jesus. Which journey he undertook, because Frederick the Emperor, 
Frederick, Philip, Leopold.  and Philip the second, surnamed Augustus, king of France, Leopoldus then Archduke of Austria, and many other Christian Princes, had engaged themselves (both with Men, Money, and all other Provisions) to further those Attempts. And thereupon he entered into Covenants with the king of France, and the rest of that Union, 
Their Covenants and Agreements.  That their general meeting should be in Sicilia: and that such Wealth and Booty, as GOD and good Fortune should make them Owners of, should equally be shared and divided among them and theirs.  
These things being thus concluded (although the kings profuse Expenses, and great Gifts exceeding measure, had made him bare and needy) yet would he not burden his People with any Tax to supply his wants. 
The King in his wants would not tax his people.  But raising great sums of Money out of his own Estate; among other things, he sold his Castles of Barwick and of Rokesbrough to the king of Scots for ten thousand pounds: and the Lordship and Earldom of Durham unto Hugh then Bishop of that See, for much money. 
He levieth money of his own State.  He also enriched himself with Silver and with Gold, by the Sale of sundry Honours, Lordships, Manors, Offices, Privileges, Royalties, and other things, unto such as parsimony and sparing had made Owners and Possessors of great plenty; and did protest, 
His willingness to undertake this voyage.  That (for the performing of so great and honourable a Service) he was not unwilling to sell his City of London, if any were of ability to buy it, rather than he would be chargeable unto others.  
And thus the king having furnished himself with all provisions fit and necessary for his journey; and having levied a strong Army, in which were many Lords, 
William Longchamp made Regent of England.  Knights, and Gentlemen, whose resolutions increased his hopes of good success: he committed the principal Government of his Kingdom unto William Longchampe, than Bishop of Ely; who (not long after) was made the Pope's Legate. 
The King departeth.  And then he sailed with his whole Army to the Isle of Cyprus: which (with brave courage) after many hot and dangerous Encounters, he won; and sold the same to the Knight's Templars for thirty thousand Marks. 
He wins Cyprus: and sells it for 30000 marks   
And from thence (according to his former appointment) he transported his Army into Sicilia; where he met with Philip the French king: and upon their first interview, they pleased each other with many passages of familiarity and of love. But this fair Sunshine was quickly veiled and covered with a cloud of scorn and discontentment. 
A jar between the King and Philip King of France.  For when the French king was denied to have any part or share with king Richard in his achievement of the Isle of Cyprus (both because he was absent when it was taken; and also because it was affirmed by king Richard, That their Covenant extended only to such things, as they should win and gain in the Holy Land) he waxed angry, and used many high and disdainful terms, and made public show of inward discontent. 
King Richard neglected the French Kings anger.  All which king Richard did set at nought; and told him to his face, That do what he dared, he should not be a partner in that Booty.  
It stood not with king Philip's honour, to wax cold so soon in this great Enterprise, whereon the eyes of all the Christian World were fixed; and dastardly to return home. But howsoever he had disposed of himself, and of such Forces as he commanded, yet king Richard was resolved to go forth; so that (Necessity enforcing them to some agreement) they proceeded in their journey. 
The Christian Princes do prevail.  In which, they all, and their Confederates, performed many honourable and wonderful deeds of Arms; terrifying and daily diminishing the Turks Numbers and Forces with continual slaughters, and giving them but little leisure, or courage to resist.  
And (among many other strong Towns, Forts, Castles, and Garrisons of great strength and importance, which they conquered) they won (after a long and a sharp Siege) by main Batteries and resolute Assaults, 
Acon w●on.  the stoutly defended City of Acon: Upon the walls whereof a forward knight advanced the Banner and the Colours of Leopold the Archduke of Austria. 
King Richard trampleth on Leopolds colours.  But king Richard, scorning that too much Grace and Honour should be done unto the Duke, and his own deserts be thereby blemished, he having first of all entered into the City, ran up unto the Wall; plucked down that Banner, and those colours; and trampled them with his feet: Whereat the French King was much displeased, and gave his tongue liberty to speak great things. 
The French King is angry.  But King Richard (neglecting his frowns; and laughing at his discontent) affirmed, that in so doing he had only righted himself of those Injuries which were done to him: And that, if any were disposed to look sour thereat, he was careless of his anger, 
King Richard's courage.  and in the field would be ready to maintain his doings against any.  
The French King swelling at the heart, to see King Richard thus careless, resolute, and bold: 
The forces of the Empire and of the French King and of Leopold, do leave K. Richard.  And seeming to distrust least by some secret league, or other compact, betwixt King Richard and the Turks, some danger might assail him and his followers, He took an unkind leave, and carrying away with him all such troops as belonged to the Emperor, to Leopold, and to himself, he left the King of England, and returned home.  
This his departure discomforted not King Richard: But with his own Soldiers, 
King Richard prevaileth.  and with the forces of some other Christian Princes, who submitted themselves to his direction and Government, he persisted in those Wars, and prosecuted his attempts with such constancy, and heroical magnanimity, that he prevailed, and became Victorious, when the greatest dangers assaulted him most to make him fear. And (among many other things which boldly he attempted) he returned unto the I'll of Cyprus; 
He winneth Cyprus again  and by force he valiantly won it from the Knight's Templars, unto whom he had formerly sold it, and then exchanged it for the City of jerusalem, with Guy of Lesingham the last Christian King; who held, and did possess it. By means whereof, 
He is styled King of jaerusalem.  King Richard was styled King of jerusalem; and so were many of his successors long after.  
Thus while he became victorious, 
England is badly Governed.  and daily triumphed over the Turks miseries; his Kingdom of England was badly Governed at home by the Bishop of Ely; to whom he had committed the charge thereof. For he (being the Grandchild of a Ploughman, and the son of a Cowherd in the North: 
Asperius nihil est humili. quam surgere in altum.  and being advanced to that Bishopric, and made Lord Chancellor of England; Legate to the Pope; and Protector of all this Realm) tyrannised, as himself listed, over all sorts of people; Exercised on them strange and unusual oppressions, both in the Church, 
A beggar on horseback will ride.  and also in the Commonweal; and was so infinitely ambitious and so proud, that he would never ride abroad for his pastime, and for his recreation, except he were attended and waited on by a thousand horse, and more; and was served by the sons of the greatest Nobles in this Land, unto whom he gave in marriage, with some portions, divers of his base and rustic kin. 
The ambitious Bishop's fall.  But at length he grew to be so contemptible, loathsome and vile, in all the people's eyes, that (fearing what would be the sequel of his unlimited insolency and pride,) He resolved to forsake this Kingdom. And coming (for that purpose) into Dover, 
He disguiseth himself, and is dragged on the Sands.  disguised in the habit of a woman, and having under his arm a piece of Country-cloth, which he offered to the sale, he was descried and discovered, and by the common people was furiously and shamefully dragged and drawn upon the Sands, and was afterward sent unto London: where the Lords and greatest Nobleses committed him to the Tower; in which he remained until the king's return, 
He is restored.  and then he was restored both to his liberty and Offices. But shortly after, as he traveled towards Rome, he died; 
He dieth.  whereat much joy was conceived generally by the Englishmen.  
Of these Affairs, and of his evil Government, king Richard was informed in the Holy Land: as also of the great discontentment of his brother john, 
The causes which hastened king Richard's return.  for that the Bishop of Ely, and not himself, was (in the king's absence) made Governor of this kingdom: and how that he had seized many of the king's Towns, Forts, and Castles, into his hands; and only wanted the people's favour to make himself a king.  
He likewise was informed, what Sallies, Inroads, and Invasions, the French king (after his return home) had made in Normandy, thereby to revenge himself of those pretended injuries and wrongs, which he supposed he had received from king Richard in the Holy Land.  
These Tidings thus concurring, and the good desire which king Richard had to prevent the ruin of his own Estate; enforced him (when he possessed the greatest hopes of Conquest) to conclude a peace with the Turks for three years. 

King Richard saveth his life by swimming. He is taken prisoner, and sold to the Emperor Henry the sixth.  
He is ransomed.  
He revengeth his injuries upon the French king.   But in his return, he was (by the violence of a raging storm) compelled after a dangerous shipwreck to save his life by Swimming, near unto Histria; which lieth between Aquileia and Venice: and coming to the Territories of Leopold in Austria, he was taken prisoner; and by him sold to the Emperor Henry the sixth, the son of Frederick, for threescore thousand Marks; who (taking of him good security for his Ransom, assessed unto one hundred thousand pounds) did set him at liberty: So that with speedy journeys he posted until be came into Normandy; where he raised a strong Army, and marched furiously into France, and revenged himself sound of all such injuries and wrongs, as in his absence were done unto him by the French king. And then he reduced to his subjection all such Peers in Normandy, as by the Frenchmen, in his absence, had been taken from him.  
Thus whilst the King was busied abroad; his brother john, 
Duke john submitteth himself to the King his brother, and is pardoned.  Earl of Lancaster, repaired to him, and not only submitted himself to his grace and mercy, but voluntarily surrendered to him all such Forts and Castles as he had seized into his hands: excusing himself, as being provoked and enforced to disloyalty by the extraordinary pride and insolent behaviour of William Longchampe Bishop of Ely; who unworthily had disordered the government of the whole Realm. Upon which submission, and his contrition for his offence, he obtained not only the king's pardon, but also his especial grace and favour.  
Then did they both come into England: 
He useth unjust means to pay his Debts and Ransom.  where the king (to make payment of his Ransom) ransacked the Treasures of divers Religious Houses, and grievously taxed the People; and summoned his High Court of Parliament, in which he caused himself to be again crowned King. 
He is crowned anew.  And to augment his own Estate, he resumed into his hands all such Honours, Lordships, Manors, Castles, Offices, and Privileges, 
He resumeth the Lands which he sold, and pays nothing for them.  as he had formerly sold to his own subjects for his supplies; and enforced the Buyers to content themselves with such profits thereof, as they had taken. Then fourscore thousand pounds of his Ransom were paid: 
Leopold is accused, and releaseth part of the King's Ransom.  but the residue was discharged by Leopold; who was accursed by Pope Innocent the third, for that he had injuriously made king Richard a prisoner, in his return from his Wars in the Holy Land.  
Then the king raised a new Army, and transported it into France; and from that time forward he ceased not (with variable success) to war with the French king: until at length taking a private view of the besieged Castle of Chalons, near to Lymoys, 
The King warreth in France.  he was descried by a common soldier; who so grievously wounded him with an arrow, that within three days after he died, when he had reigned almost nine years; and was buried at Founteverard in France at his father's feet. 
He is slain.   
After he was wounded, as is before mentioned, he won the Castle by terrible assaults, and caused all such as he found therein to be slain; except the malefactor: who being demanded by him how he dared to shoot unto the person of a king, made answer, That in those Wars he had lost his father, and his brother, 
Vltio Divina.  and that he was exceeding glad that fortune had so assisted him in his revenge. Then when he expected nothing but a present terrible death, 
The King pardoneth him who slew him.  the king gave him his pardon; and caused him to be safely conducted out of his Army.  
In the beginning of this King's Reign, certain Outlaws, to the number of one hundred and more, being resolved and desperate men (whose chiefest leaders were named Robin Hood and Little john) rob and spoiled in divers places of this Land. 
Robin Hood and Little john.  They neither hurted, nor much wronged any, except they would run themselves into danger by resistance. They attempted against none, 
Honest thieves.  but against such, as being rich, gained by usury; or gave no entertainment by good Hospitality to their Neighbours, and to the poor. They spared all women, and were bountiful benefactors to such as stood in need. Thus they continued divers months; until their chiefest Leader Robin Hood, by means of a sharp sickness (being let blood, and being betrayed) bled himself to death. And then the whole Rout of this thievish Company was dispersed, and the Malefactors secretly repaired home to their own houses.   

THE HISTORY OF KING JOHN.  
JOHN PLANTAGENET (Earl of Lancaster in his own Right, and Earl of Gloucester in the right of his wife; and being the youngest son of King Henry the second) succeeded, and was crowned king: albeit that Arthur Plantagenet his nephew, 
Arthur Plantagenet was lawful heir.  and son to Geoffrey his elder brother, was then living. The whole course of this King's Government was accompanied with continual troubles: and his two Persecutors were Pope Innocent the third; 
The Kings two persecutors.  and Philip the second, than King of France.  
The French King feared the greatness of England's strength, and the prosperity of this Kingdom was hurtful unto his eyes: 
The French king taketh part with Arthur against King john.  and glad he was, if (at any time) the least occasion would offer him some service to further his designs against King john. For proof hereof, he protested a world of love to the said Arthur; informed him of his Title to the Crown of England, and of his undoubted right to the Duchies of Normandy, and of Britain; animated him to raise his spirits, and to advance his courage to win them all. If he were destitute of Friends, which might advise and counsel him; he and his Nobles would supply that want: if he stood in need of Silver and of Gold, to feed and to nourish the great body of that War; he should be supplied with sufficient store: And if he would have valiant men to fight for him, and for those his Rights, he would supply him with many thousands, who should adventure to spend their best blood in his Quarrels.  
These large and friendly proffers (which indeed proceeded rather from a jealousy which the French King had of himself, by reason of King john's Greatness, than from any inward affection or hearty love which he bore unto Arthur, the lawful and the rightful Heir of this Crown) and the longing desire which made this young Gallant hopeful of those great achievements; persuaded him very easily, not only to accept of the French Kings friendship, but also to use his aid. So that partly by the help of the Normans, and partly by the French Kings means, 
Arthur Plantagenet levieth an army.  he levied a puissant Army; and won divers places both of Worth and of Strength in Normandy. But the King's Lieutenant, and his other Agents in that Duchy, defended themselves valiantly, persisted in their Duties, and fought it out divers times; 
King john goeth into Normandy with an Army.  until King john himself came into that Country with a strong Army, and fought many cruel Battles with his Nephew.  
But oftentimes it falleth out, that by War (which is the enemy of Peace) Peace itself is procured. For when those two Princes had exchanged store of blows, and when their Armies had made havoc each of other; and death had drenched herself in their blood: they entered into certain Capitulations for Peace; 
A peace is concluded.  which, for a short time, gave them some respite of breathing. But the same was again interrupted by Philip the French King; 
The peace is broken by the French kings means.  who promised Arthur a doubling of his strength, and fed him with much assurance of prosperous success; and made him confident to renew those Wars. And hereupon the French King carried a fair Army into Normandy; with which he spoiled, ransacked, and depopulated many places in that Duchy.  
But King john (who wanted nothing but money to encounter with so perverse an enemy) was warned by his Lords, Gentlemen, and the inferior sort of his common people, That shame would wait upon him for his neglect, in suffering his Honour to be trampled on, and his Territories in such sort, without blows, to be taken from him. And (to whet the dull edge of his courage, 
The Englishmen forwardness to buckle with the French.  dejected by reason of his wants) they voluntarily and freely granted him a large Tax to support his necessity: and every lusty Lad boldly proffered his service, to buckle strongly with the French.  
By these means King john was quickly furnished and strengthened both with Money and with Men; 
King john passeth into N●rmandie the second time with an Army.  and with a strong Army he landed in the Duchy of Normandy: where his numbers were every day augmented, by the repair of many thousands, who were well appointed, and did resolve with him to expect the same lot and the same fortune. And not long after, the two Armies met, and fought together with such desperate boldness, 
The two Armies fight.  that each of them took pleasure to give blows, wounds, death. Each of them rejoiced in the ruin of the other; and those solemn spectacles of sorrow which would have made others sad, gave them occasion of much mirth.  
But things which are violent cannot long endure. This fearful storm must be changed into a pleasant calm. 
The Frenchmen fly.  And so it was. For the Frenchmen were discouraged, and fled; and Arthur, the King's Nephew, and the rightful Heir unto his Crown, 
Arthur is sent prisoner to Rouen. He is drowned. This War ended.  was taken prisoner, and sent to the Castle of Rouen: where (leaping from the walls with an intent to escape) he was drowned in the Ditch. And thus ended his Life, his Title, and those Wars.  
But the next year following, the French King himself, pretending Title to the said Duchy of Normandy, raised an exceeding great power; and so suddenly, and with such fury, 
The French King suddenly w●●●eth all Normandy.  did invade it, that (wanting present means of resistance) the whole Duchy (to prevent utter desolation and ruin) yielded, and subjecteth itself to the French king.  
And now began the Kings other Enemy, 
The quarrel betwixt the King and the Pope.  Pope Innocent the third, to play his part, and to vex him more dangerously than Philip of France had done. And the occasion which he entertained to effect his purpose, was this.  
Hubert, the Archbishop of Canterbury, died: and the Monks of Saint Augustine's in that City (without the king's Licence, or knowledge and about midnight) elected Raynold (a brother of their own) to succeed him; and took of him an Oath forthwith to travail unto Rome, and there to procure his investure, and to receive his P●l● from the Pope.  
The king being thereof informed by manifest shows, made known his inward dislike of those their unadvised doings: So that (upon his motion, and to appease his wrath) they newly elected john Grace, who was then Bishop of Norwich. And incontinently, the king (upon his own charge) sent Letters and Ambassadors unto the Pope, entreating him to ratify his last choice.  
But in the mean time a new Schism or Faction did appear. For the Suffragan (because he was not made acquainted, nor an actor in either of the said two Elections) made suit to the Pope to displace them both. 
Pope's do seldom or never grant to any Kings their reasonable requests.  But the Pope (imitating the proud example of his Predecessors, who coveted to swim against the Stream, and seldom, or never, granted any king's request, lest they should in some sort be thought to be yielding) neglected the king's entreaty, and confirmed him that was chosen first. The king stormed because he was so slenderly regarded. And divers of those Monks (to please the king) refused to receive him that was by the Pope confirmed; contesting against their own choice, because it was made in the night, and not in the open day. But the rest affirmed, That such a choice was not merely void, and in itself a Nullity; but remained good, until by judicial proceed, and by a Sentence, it were pronounced to be void.  
At length, this question and this doubt was controverted and disputed on in Rome: and thereupon, the Pope (making a colourable show to content the King, to please the Monks, and to end this Schism; but indeed to prefer Stephen Langton, the Cardinal of Chrisogone, to that Dignity) advised the said Monks to elect the said Stephen.  

Stephen Langton is chosen Archbishop of Canterbury on the Pope's motion, and against the commandment of the King.  The King perceiving well what was intended and meant thereby; required the said Monks not to proceed to the said Election, nor to deal any further in that business. But very undutifully they neglected to content, or to obey the King; and with them the Papal Commandment took place: and Stephen Langton (a man pliant to the Pope's humour) was elected Archbishop of Canterbury.  
This later choice so sharply exasperated the king, that by his Letters to the Pope he protested plainly, That from thenceforth he would take a strict account of all such of his subjects whatsoever, as for any matters concerning Right, or justice, should be gadding unto Rome. 
The King forbiddeth Appeals to Rome.  And did allege, That he had Bishops, Prelates, Nobles, and Magistrates of his own, who could and should (according to the Laws and Customs of his Kingdom) decide and determine all Controversies and Doubts, which should arise either in the Church, or in the Commonweal. And that he would rather expose himself to a thousand deaths, then basely (as he was required) make himself and his Kingdom servile and subject to the Pope's insolent and peremptory Commands.  
The Pope (according to his custom and fashion) not only answered proudly, 
The Pope's proud and peremptory answer. Four Bishops authorized to interdict the King.  That the Election of the Cardinal should stand: but required the King, to give him the quiet possession of his See; to recall such Monks from banishment as he had exiled; and to restore to them their goods, on which he had seized by reason of their last choice: and did authorize four Bishops within this Land, to interdict and to curse the King, and his Realm, if he refused to do as by the Pope he was enjoined.  
The King (perceiving that those four Bishops were much elated by reason of their new authority: and that they thought the time to be long, ere the King had replied and signified his intent and resolution) seized upon their lands and goods; 
The King seizeth on the four Bishop's lands and goods.  and did proclaim, That he resolved to take the like course with all such, as received any Promotions, investitures, or Ecclesiastical degrees, from the said Cardinal; or went unto Rome upon any occasion without his licence, or did appeal for any cause thither; or did attempt to put in execution any command from the Pope, within his Kingdom.  
The Pope (being advertised hereof) sent into England his two Legates, Pandulphus and Durant (men of proud spirits, and prone to put in practise all things as they should be required) These two persuaded the King to be reconciled to Stephen Langton; 
The Pope's Legates curse the King and his aiders.  to the four Bishops; and to the Prior and the Monks of his Covent of S. Augustine's; and to restore to them their Places, Lands, and Goods, that peace, and amity, by means of his so doing, might be renewed betwixt the Pope and him. The King (fearing to be accursed, and being desirous to prevent future inconveniences) yielded, and promised to perform all whatsoever was required, except it were to allow the said Election of the said Cardinal: and protested faithfully, That if another might be chosen, he then would with all speed and expedition, prefer him to some other bishopric, or better place of Dignity within his Realm. But the two Legates (in steed of gratifying the King's request) pronounced the Pope's curse; not only against him, but also against all such as gave him attendance, or things necessary; or kept him company. They likewise absolved all his subjects from their oaths, duty, and service towards him, and required all Christian Princes to make war upon him, as upon the arch and grand enemy of the Church of God. 
This Kingdom is given to the French King.  The Pope also pronounced and published against him his sentence of deprivation, and gave his Crown and his Kingdom to Philip the French King, if by any secret plot, or open violence and hostility, he could expel or murder him.  
These were the fruits of this unholy holy Father, the Pope's Religion and Government. And this usurping arrogancy was a badge of his unsufferable pride: in that he presumed to do what no earthly creature can do, nor what a Christian ought to attempt to do, against the Anointed of God; and against such a one, as the Almighty hath placed in a Kingdom to govern and to rule his people. 
The King confronteth the Pope and his Legates.  The King was not (as yet) terrified with this Thunder, but was in good hope that all those Fulminations would quickly flash, and as soon vanish away, as the Lightning doth. And being thoroughly resolved to confront the Pope, and his busy Legates, in contemning them and their greatest power, 
He taketh an oath of his people.  he took a solemn oath of his Subjects for his defence, and their faithful service. And then with a strong Army he entered into Scotland, against King Alexander the second, because he had received, supported, and maintained divers of his Clergy, 
He carrieth an Army into Scotland.  and others: who (adhering to the Pope, and magnifying his usurped authority within this kingdom) had forsaken the King; and (as Rebels, and Outlaws) fled unto him for secure. 
The Scots submit themselves.  But the Scotish King (perceiving that Fire and Sword gaped greedily to devour both him and his Country) submitted himself (with great humility and reverence) to king john; and without further trouble, he was reconciled to his Grace and Favour.  
The French king, hoping and endeavouring to possess himself of the Pope's gift (which was not his to give) and gladding his own heart that now he had gotten some colour to war in England upon king john; 
The French King prepareth for England.  provided a great Army to invade this Realm. But by the wisdom, valour, and circumspection of the king, and by God's assistance, 
Three hundred of his Ships are taken.  three hundred of his Ships (being loaden with Corn, Victuals, and other requisites for the war) were surprised, and by means thereof king Philip was at that time rob of his vain hope.  

King john fainteth.  The Pope (notwithstanding) ceased not, but ever and anon he accursed the king again, and again: insomuch that he feared, lest utter ruin and his overthrow did attend him. Wherefore (suddenly, 
He asketh pardon, and resigneth his kingdom to the Pope.  without the consent of his Nobles, or advice of his Council of Estate) upon his knees, before Pandulphus the Legate, he confessed his disobedience to the Pope; craved Pardon; and (by a public Instrument in writing under his hand and seal) he resigned his Crown and his kingdom, to the Pope: which Pandulphus kept the space of four days to the Pope's use. 
The Pope regranteth.  And then he gave the Kingdom and the Crown again to King john, and to his heirs; reserving a Tenure thereof to the Church of Rome, with an yearly tribute of one thousand marks.  
This base submission and subjection of his, 
The King is despised and forsaken.  so alienated from him the dear affection of divers of his Nobles, and men best skilled in Chivalry, that they revolted from his service, and fled unto his enemy the French King; whose head was building of Castles in the air, and who made new and large preparations and provisions, to make Lewes his son the sole King and Monarch of this Kingdom. And when all things were in a readiness, 
Prince Lewes of France invadeth.  the young Prince with a strong Army came into England, and was oftentimes encountered with sharp blows, but yet he did much harm. And the Pope (being by his Legates informed in what case King john and his Realm stood) required the French King, and Prince Lewes his son, and all others who adhered to their part, of what estate or condition soever they were, forthwith to desist and cease from all hostility and war; because both King john and his kingdom, were reconciled to his favour, and to the Church, and the Crown of his Realm was holden of the See of Rome: 
Contention between the Pope and the French King.  So that (by conscience, and by the laws of God and of Men) he ought to be protected and defended by him, and by his authority and power. But the French refused to obey; affirming, That no king (without the free consent of his Nobles, Prelates, & common people) could give unto any other his kingdom, nor the protection of his Subjects, which were committed to him by God; and consequently, 
The Pope curseth.  that this kingdom was not holden of the Church of Rome, nor aught to be defended or protected by her. This answer so startled the Pope (whose will may not willingly meet with the least resistance) that incontinently he sent Guallo the Cardinal of St. martin's, into this Realm: who accursed Philip the French king, and Prince Lewes his son, and such of the English Nobility as took part with them, and all their Complices and adherents.  
The wiser sort among them little respected what was done by the said Cardinal: but the common people, 
The effects of the said curs.  and the ordinary degree of Soldiers (whose devotions more depended upon fear, then upon their knowledge) were so amazed and daunted with those sharp and sudden curses, that (leaving their Leaders, and the Field) they returned home to their houses, and to their Ships. 
Robbery, stealth, and oppression.  And the poor Natives of this Realm (knowing that divers great Lords were under the censure of this curse) entered into their houses, fields, and grounds, robbing and spoiling, and bearing and driving away, whatsoever they could find and take: they being so far off from doubting or disputing with their own consciences, whether therein they did well or no, 
Popish blindness.  that they supposed their so doing tended immediately to the glory of Almighty God, and that their stealths and Robberies were meritorious and pleasing in his sight.  

The revolted Lords are distressed.  By these means, those Lords and Nobles were much perplexed and pinched with great distress, and were likely to be starved to death; because they wanted all necessaries belonging unto life, and knew not how to relieve their own wants. Neither durst any other (by reason of those Curses, and of their Treasons) to relieve them: 
They submit them elves.  So that at length (when all friends, and when all other remedies did fail) Necessity (which is the most imperious Commander of all those, over whom she tyrannizeth) enforced them to prostrate themselves at the King's feet; to confess their undutiful revolt; and to crave his pardon.  

They are pardoned and received into favour.  The King (who by nature was gracious, and full of pity; and being more willing to forgive than to punish such, as in the highest measure had offended him, albeit he had, by their assistance given to his enemies, been oppressed with infinite miseries, and had found more fidelity and service in strangers borne, than in those his own subjects) in mild and in gentle sort accepted of their submission, pardoned their transgressions, and restored them to their Honours, and to their Lands.  

Peace.  And by these means this Realm was disburdened of the French Nation; and a quiet peace began to salute the King and his people: who now found some leisure to look up, and to refresh themselves; as Fishes do in a fair calm, after they have been tumbled and tossed in the Waters by an unquiet Storm.  

1212. The Council of Lateran.  The Pope intending to make these his proceed with King john in England, a precedent unto other Princes) assembled a general Council at Lateran: wherein he published them all at large, together with the said kings Grant of his Kingdom to the Pope, 
Princes excommunicated, and their Provinces and Kingdoms interdicted.  and his said regrant, and the Tenure thereof to be of the Church of Rome. And in the same Council, Otho the Emperor, Peter king of Arragon, and Raymond Earl of Tholouse, and divers other Princes, were excommunicated: and others were interdicted, together with their Kingdoms and their Provinces (for Heresy, as it was pretended. 
A Popish Policy. ) But the certain scope of this crafty and cunning packing tended to none other end, than only to make temporal Princes subject to the Pope's correction; and consequently to enrich himself and his successors, 
Auricular Confession. Transubstantiation. Damnation.  with their spoil. In the same Council also, Auricular Confession, and Transubstantiation were established and decreed: and therein it was enacted, That such as spoke evil of the Pope should be damned in Hell; and that no man should be Emperor, 
Emperor.  until he had sworn his Homage to the Pope, and had received his Crown from him.  
And thus all these troubles (having had from the fourth year of King john's Reign as long a continuance as the Trojan Wars) were at last ended. 
Peace after ten years war.  But the Clergy would in no sort be hearty reconciled to the King. For such was their secret grudge and spleen towards him, that (under the colour of much service and duty) as he lay in the Abbey of Swansteede, not far from Lincoln) he was poisoned by a Monk of the Order of Saint Bernard: who, to make his match sure, 
King john is poisoned.  and to avoid jealousy and suspicion, first drank unto the King, and poisoned himself for company. And thus died King john, when he had reigned above seu●nteene years; and lieth buried at Winchester.  
In the seventh year of his Reign he transported a puissant army of valiant men of arms, and common soldiers, 
1205.  into Ireland: 
Ireland.  and with great resolution and courage he reduced that Nation to their former obedience; from which (with insolent obstinacy) they had revolted.  
And in the ninth year, by a new Charter, 
1208. A Mayor in London.  he enabled the Citizens of London to make their annual choice of a Mayor, and of two Sheriffs, for the better Government of that City.  
And the year following, 
London Bridge.  the Bridge of Stone was there built over the River of Thames.  
This King was very wise, politic, and wonderful valiant: 
1209.  not to be subdued but by Death; 
A description of King john  nor wearied with any Travail; nor would be discouraged with more than ordinary Dangers. He fought many successful Battles both at home and abroad; yet was he not always fortunate. For by means of the Pope's quarrelings, Philip of France won from him the greatest part, yea almost his whole Duchy of Normandy, and vexed him exceedingly at home in his own Kingdom. He was liberally bountiful and benign to all Strangers; but sparing in his gifts to his own subjects. And some reason he had to be the more close-handed towards them, because the most of them (better loving France than their own Country, and caring more for the French King than for him, who was their Sovereign Lord and Master) gave him little stomach and courage to advance them; as otherwise (no doubt) he would have longed and desired to have done.  
He left behind him four sons; viz. Henry who succeeded him; Richard, who was elected King of the Romans; William of Valentia; and Guido Disnay: and three daughters; viz. Isabella, married to Frederick the Emperor; the second, to William Marshal Earl of Worcester; and the third, to the Earl of Leicester.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE THIRD.  
AFTER the death of King john, Henry his son (being of the age of nine years) was crowned King: and the Protection of him, 
A Protector.  and of this Realm, was committed to the Earl of Gloucester: who having married one of the King's aunts, and being well learned, politic, and wise; temperate, and valiant; administered the Laws and justice uprightly to the people.  
So deep an impression had confidence made in the hearts of Philip of France, and of Prince Lewis his eldest son, 
The French King again invadeth England.  that the King's Minority, Traitorous friends, and their own good fortune, would make them the Sovereign Lords of this kingdom; that no former Commandments, or Curses from the Pope, prevailed, to make them utterly to abandon and to forsake this kingdom. For their Hopes fed them with this conceit, that their new repair hither, and the daily disturbance and trouble, which by their means should unjoynt the Peace, and the good Government of this Commonweal, would and (in the end) should shake it with a continual fever; and make it hopeless of all recovery or relief, saving only by their means. And upon this Project they landed fresh forces within this Land.  
But the new Protector was not idle in his charge. For his Preparations were expedited with great celerity and judgement: and (with such forces as he had levied) he manfully opposed himself against all Encounters of the French, 
The Welshmen take part with the French.  and of the Welsh, which obstinately adhered to the French part.  
But the best success by Wars (in a distempered and in a mutinous Estate) gives little cause of boasting to either part. For the slaughter of many friends and kinsfolk (affording the Victory) cannot choose but bring with it a sorrowful remembrance of their untimely end; and beget many wishes, that (their undutiful Errors having been reform) they were alive again.  

The Pope curseth again  Honorius the Pope being truly informed, how obstinately the French and the Welsh Nations (being assisted with some English) daily warred and spoiled within this Realm: not only confirmed the authority of Guallo the Legate; but by him he thundered more sharp and terrible Curses against them all, than formerly he or his predecessors had done. Whereunto he added new Excommunications, Deprivations, and other bitter Censures of the Church of Rome.  

His curses are not cared for.  Hereupon Prince Lewis, with his confederates, seemed to be peaceful for a while; and made an outward sh●w, as if he only waited for a fit opportunity to departed. Yet in the mean time, king Philip his father (with great care and cost) prepared new Forces for his aid, and shipped them for this Realm. But Hugh de Burgh (being a man provident, 
Hugh de Bergh prevaileth on the sea.  and truly valiant, and being chief Master of the five Ports) having fitted a strong Fleet of good Ships, and furnished them to the proof with choice Mariners and expert men of War, encountered them bravely upon the Sea: and with such hardy blows so fiercely did assail them, that (being altogether unable to resist him) they submitted themselves, and all their Ships, unto his mercy.  

The French are absolved, and do return.  This noble Exploit (being thus attended by Victory) forthwith drew Prince Lewis to a mild entreaty of Peace: So that (being absolved by Guallo, and receiving good sums of money to further his return) he surrendered all such Forts, Castles, and Towns as he had taken, and with his companies sailed into France; leaving his English friends (who had supported his Estate and part in all these Wars) to the censure of the Laws, and to end their miserable days with sundry executions and strange deaths.  
The Commonweal being now suffered to breath, 
A Parliament.  and having found some leisure to provide fitting medicines to cure such maladies as distempered her estate, required that a Parliament might be summoned, which was granted: 
King Edward's laws restored.  and in it the ancient Laws of King Edward were reduced and restored to their former vigour and strength. And the Grand Charter (in those days called Magna Charta, comprising sundry laws, 
Magna Charta.  which were both easeful and commodious to the common people) was ratified and confirmed. And whereas the Wardships of the heirs of such of the King's tenants as died, 
Warships & marriages. Ann. 902. Ann. 1056.  seized of any lands by them holden in Knight's service, was granted to King Edgar during their minorities; and their marriages were afterwards granted to King Edward the Confessor. Those laws (which a long time had lain asleep) were now revived and awaked; and were restored to their former use. In the same Parliament also, a voluntary Tax was frankly given to the King: 
A voluntary Tax.  partly to discharge such debts as former wars had occasioned, and partly to levy new forces, to be conducted by Richard the king's brother, for the recovering of poitiers and of Gascoigne; which of late years (most injuriously, and with too much violence) had been usurped and taken from King Henry's predecessors, by the French King.  
The Parliament being ended; the said Tax, 
An Army transported into Gascoigne etc.  with great celerity, and without contradiction by any, was soon levied: so that the King's Coffers were replenished with silver, and with gold; and all requisites were carefully provided, and a gallant Army of courageous men of war were assembled, and safely transported. 
Richard recovereth poitiers and Gascoine.  With which, Richard the King's brother did (almost) wonders; subduing where he found resistance, and seizing upon Lordships, Towns, Forts, Castles, and other defenced places, quietly, and without blows, where no head was made against him. So that within few months (such was his valour and good fortune) he recovered both those Provinces wholly for the king; and returned with much honour into England.  
But the king's absence from those places, 
The French King winneth poitiers, Perigot, etc.  ministered opportunity to the French king to be unfriendly, and daily to make wars, roads, incursions, and invasions into those Provinces, which (without colour of right) he endeavoured to subdue. So that he (refusing no advantage, which might in any sort further his desires) suddenly led a new Army into poitiers, and quickly made himself the Lord thereof. And then he marched into Pierigot and Aluerne, and other places in Guian; where he did the like. But king Henry sent thither another Army, 
A new Army transported.  with which his brother Richard Earl of Cornwall fought many cruel and sharp battles; and in the most of them, Fortune assisted him with good success, and all things afforded him great hopes, 
A peace is concluded.  that he should recover whatsoever (in his absence) had been lost. But in the height of all these broils, a friendly peace was concluded betwixt the two Kings; and Richard returned safely into England.  

The causes of dislike betwixt the K. and his Barons.  These troubles being thus ended, and peace gladding the hearts of all such as had been tired with those wars: unkind jealousies began to breed much hart-burning, betwixt the King, and his own Barons; for that (as they conceived) the King reposed little confidence in their faith; neglected their service and society; and applied himself, and his favours, wholly unto strangers; whom neither alliance, nor Country, bound to perform any duty towards him, nor would be found trusty, when the hand of his bounty and liberality was closed up, 
The King reconcileth himself to his Barons.  And the King (perceiving their discontent) entered into the secret closet of his own breast, and took a strict examination of his own dealings. And finding them to be such, as justly might displease he reform his error; removed the causes of those dislikes; and lovingly reconciled himself to his Nobles.  

john Scot Earl of Chester dieth.  About this time, john Scot Earl of Chester died, without issue male, having four daughters & heirs. From them the king resumed into his own hands that Earledom, and all the Territories belonging thereunto: which he augmented with large additions of yearly revenues; and many Regal Privileges, Liberties, and Honours. And for a recompense and by way of exchange, he gave unto those Ladies many Honours, Lordships, Castles, and Manors, which exceeded their own in true value. And having married Prince Edward, 
Chester and Wales annexed to the King's eldest sons.  his son, to Elyanor sister unto the King of Spain: he gave unto him the Province of Guyan; the Lordship of all Ireland; and created him Earl of Chester, and Prince of Wales: which two later dignities he then annexed to the eldest sons of the Kings of this Realm.  

The murdering of the King is attempted.  And not long after, a Clerk dwelling in Oxford (counterfeiting a kind of madness) attempting to murder the King; for which purpose in the depth of the night, he crept in at the window of the King's chamber, in which most commonly he lodged. But (failing of his purpose, because the King lay not then there) he was taken; examined; confessed his villainy; and by the course of law being condemned, he was put to a cruel death.  

The French King breaks the league.  We have heard before, that a peace was concluded between the Kings of England and of France; but the French kings were always secretly, or openly, malicious to the Kings of this Realm; because they had certain Territories and Provinces in France which bordered on their Countries. And this malice made them little respective of the sanctity of such solemn Oaths and honest promises, as (more strongly than bonds of iron) should bind Kings. For no sooner was any gap open, into which they might thrust a foot; nor any opportunity (were it never so little) was offered; but that they threw behind their backs the remembrance of all Truces, Leagues, and conventions of Peace whatsoever, and made all things to be lawful, which either by sleight, or by violence, they could enterprise or do. And as common experience oftentimes made it manifest; so did it now. For about the four and twentieth year of King Henry's Reign, Lewis the ninth, with a devouring Army, entered into Guyan, 
Lewis the ninth invadeth Guyan.  and spoiled and wasted that Country in all places where he came. And King Henry (intending their quick relief; and purposing, if he might, to regain all Normandy, and such other Provinces as the kings of France unjustly had detained from him) sailed thither with a puissant Army; 
King Henry carrieth an army thither  and oftentimes bickered with his enemies: against whom sometimes he prevailed, and at other times had the worse hand. Yet his haughty courage abandoned all fear; and no perils whatsoever could make him shrink: for in all those skirmishes he performed stout resolution, and the noble valour of a worthy king.  
But Fortune no further favouring those his endeavours, 
He steppeth the French Kings courses, but beats him not back.  than only enabling him to stop the French Kings proceed; he returned into England. But shortly before his departure, the French king married his brother Alphonsus unto the daughter of the Earl of Tholouse; and gave to him the Earldom of Poitiers, and all king Henry: Territories in Aluerne: and plotted cunningly to have procured the Earl of March to do him homage for such Lands as he affirmed he held of the said Earldom of Poitiers. But he stoutly refused to yield unto him any such duty or service. And this his denial so enraged the French king, 
The Earldom of March is invaded by the French.  that he entered with an Army into the Earldom of March, and daily spoiled it without sparing.  
But king Henry having carefully employed his labours to withstand this violence; and having raised a fair Army, which himself conducted, transported it unto Bordeaux. And not far from thence (due preparations on all parts being made) both the Armies met; in which the blood of the most valiant men of War was freely sold, and dearly paid for. But in the end, Fortune extending more favour to the French, 
King Henry leaves the field.  than to King Henry; he was enforced (with the loss and slaughter of his best men) to leave the Field.  

The Earl of March submits himself  And the Earl of March grieving at this mishap, and being loath that King Henry should be engaged in a greater danger; submitted himself, and obtained Peace on fair conditions with the French King. And then King Henry returned into England; and married one of his sisters unto Alexander then King of Scots, because he would the better assure himself of his friendship in time of need.  

41. 1256. The Baron's War.  And now began those mischievous broils and turmoils within this Realm; which (until the king's death) daily, yea almost hourly, vexed and molested him and his whole kingdom. For the King (of later years) lending too pleasing an ear to many lewd and evil Officers (whom, above all others, he best loved and favoured; 
The causes thereof.  and by whose counsel and advice both himself and his whole Estate was guided and directed) made little account and reckoning of the best of his subjects love: and took from them (in divers things) such liberty and freedom, as by the Laws and Ordinances of this kingdom they justly claimed, and aught to have enjoyed. He also pinched his people with many unnecessary Impositions and grievous Taxes; which (by those lewd and bold Officers) were with much rigour and sharpness levied, to their great dislike.  
And the king following their humours, assembled his High Court of Parliament in Oxford: In which, his designs were altogether crossed: and the prosecution of businesses was so unfortunate to the whole Estate of this Realm, that (ab eventu) it was ever after named, 
Insanum Parliamentum.  Insanum Parliamentum, or the Mad Parliament. For when multitudes of such as were grieved, swarmed thither, and complained of many injuries and wrongs which daily did oppress them; the Lords and the Commons (endeavouring to redress what was amiss) established many things, profitable (as they intended them) for the Commonweal, but highly derogating from the Prerogative of the king. 
The King's Prerogative crossed.  And to the end that those things which they had so contrived and concluded, should be inviolably kept and observed; choice was there made of twelve of the gravest and most worthy persons of this kingdom (whereof the Earls of Leicester and of Gloucester were the chiefest) and they were styled with the title of Les douze Piers, 
Les douze Piers.  or the Twelve Peers, to whom complete and absolute authority and power was largely given to support and to maintain those Laws. For which cause they publicly received their Patent, and a solemn Oath. All which was sealed, and ratified by the King himself; 
The King ratifieth their Commission.  although unwillingly he did it. So that (the Parliament being ended) the said Commissioners began (by strict execution) to give life unto those Ordinances and Laws. For which purpose, 
The Commissioners displace the King's Officers and Attendants.  they first of all dismissed, and did clearly thrust from their Places, Offices, and Attendance, many of the King's menial servants; and appointed others in their stead.  
And this their doing was (above all other things) most distasted and grudged at. For the King perceiving, that such as waited on his person should rather be trusted by others than by himself; and that he himself should be furthest off from choosing such as should be nearest unto him: waxed infinitely melancholy and sad. And hoping, that upon further advice and counsel he should receive better contentment, and be more kindly used; 
43. 1258. Another Parliament.  he assembled another Parliament: in which (with great grief, and extraordinary Passion) he complained of the hard measure which was offered to his own Person by the Twelve Peers: So that much labour was taken by his nearest friends, 
The King complaineth.  not only to abolish their Authority and Power, but also to cancel and to make void those new Ordinances and Laws.  
But such was the determinate resolution of the Lords in general, and of the Commons of that Assembly, 
The former Laws and Ordinances are confirmed  that in stead of pleasing the King with Reformation answerable to his desires, they ratified and confirmed whatsoever was formerly concluded on: and by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and nine other Bishops of this Kingdom, 
A Curse.  a solemn Curse was publicly denounced against all such, as either by Direction, or by Arms, or otherwise, withstood or hindered the execution of those Laws, or the Authority of the Twelve Peers.  
These new proceed so much augmented the King's fury and implacable discontent; that even those things, 
The King is full of indignation.  which by his natural disposition he chiefly delighted in, were by him loathed and detested most. And to the end that he might procure and purchase more contentment and joy abroad, than he could find at home; he sailed into France, 
He saileth into France.  to visit King Lewis the ninth: by whom he was with all gentleness and courtesy received, and lodged in his own Palace; where he was feasted as a friend, and honoured with all accomplements appertaining to a great King. And at the same time he concluded a Marriage betwixt john Duke of Britain, and one of his own Daughters.  

Normandy surrendered to the Kings of France by King Henry  The French King also held a Grand Parliament of Estate: in which he protested publicly, That his conscience was much grieved, for that (unjustly, and without Title) he detained from King Henry his Duchy of Normandy, and such other Territories in France, as in right he ought to enjoy. And on the other side, King Henry (intending to conclude an inviolable Peace with so dear a friend, and to remove from him all future scruples of his conscience in that behalf) frankly and freely surrendered to him the said Duchy; 
King Henry is made Duke of Guyan.  together with the Lordships of Angeou, Poitiers, and Maine. And in the same Parliament (with great solemnity and honour) he received again to himself, and to his heirs, the said three Lordships, with the style of the Duke of Guyan; for which he did his Homage in that Assembly.  

Discord between the Prince and the Duke of Gloucester.  Whilst these things thus proceeded in France, a public Quarrel (upon some secret displeasure conceived by reason of the execution of those kerbing Laws) began to break forth, betwixt Edward the young Prince, and the Duke of Gloucester; which by the Barons was stoutly suppressed, until the King's return: by whom they were not long after reconciled, and made friends.  

The King procureth two Bulls from Rome.  The King being vexed at the heart, because his Regal Authority was diminished by the Twelve Peers: and not finding any redress thereof at home; endeavoured to procure some remedy thereof by his friends abroad. And for that purpose (with the great expense of much Coin, and with rich and costly Gifts) he (secretly) obtained two Bulls from Pope Alexander the third: by both which, the King himself, and all others who had formerly sworn to observe and to maintain those new Ordinances and Laws, and to support the Proceed and the Authority of the twelve Peers, were freely absolved from their Oaths.  
Yet the twelve Peers (not having any notice of those Bulls) ruled all: and were so busily employed about their charge, that the King had little or nothing at all to do. They had but small leisure to recreate themselves with any sports; but the King had time enough to play: for he was a King in name, but not in Authority, nor in Power.  

The Lord chief justice displaced.  Among others, Sir Hugh le Spencer being then Lord chief justice of England, and an especial favourite with the King; administered the Laws of this Realm, not according to Equity and Right, but after his own fancy and will: and such was his indiscreet carriage of most things which belonged unto his Office and to his place, that the Twelve Peers (far against the King's mind) removed him, and supplied his room by Sir Philip Basset (a man well learned, wise, virtuous, and discreet.)  
They also dismissed such Sheriffs and justices errants, as the King had made, and bestowed those offices upon others; 
justices errants and Sheriffs displaced. The Pope's Bulls are published by the King.  so that the king (being unable any longer to endure those indignities, and deeply repining to be every hour disgraced and crossed by his own subjects) resolved presently to make use of the Pope's Bulls: for which purpose, he caused them with great solemnity and reverence to be proclaimed in sundry eminent places, in England, Ireland, and in Wales; and therewithal he commanded straighty, That all such (of what estate, condition, 
He countermandeth the authority of the Twelve Peers. The Londoners are sworn to obey and to aid him.  and degree soever they were) as did from thenceforth by word or by deed, support and maintain the said Ordinances and Laws, or the authority of the said Twelve Peers, should be committed to strong prisons, and should not be enlarged but by his especial notice and consent. He also took a solemn oath in the City of London, of all such as were twelve years old or more, to be true, faithful, and aiding to him and to his heirs, and did persuade himself, that by this means he should from thenceforth have his own will. But he was much deceived therein; for such was the resolution of his Barons to the contrary, that they protested they would rather die then cease to uphold all those things which in so honourable an assembly they had solemnly sworn to maintain. And some of them (conjecturing, 
The resolution of the Barons.  and peradventure not without good cause, that the King in private contrived some desperate plot, 
The Barons raise an Army.  to set himself at liberty by their ruin) repaired to the Marches of Wales, where they raised a strong Army, and furnished it with all things needful and convenient for the war.  
And standing thus upon their Guard, yet resolved to abstain from all violence, 
Their Letter to the K.  except necessity (which obeyeth no King nor laws) should urgently compel them to take a sharper course. They addressed their Letters (in most submissive and humble sort) and sent them to the King; protesting with many oaths their duty and their service to his Grace, and entreating his Highness, for the honour of Almighty God, for his own soul's health, and for the welfare and happiness of his people and Kingdom, utterly to defy (except his Queen and Children) all such as either counseled him, 
The King makes them no answer.  or did themselves intend to suppress the Ordinances and laws which were established at Oxford, or the authority and the power which (for the Commonweals prosperity) was granted to the Twelve Peers.  
The King (having read those Letters) was much displeased, and returned not any answer to the Barons; 
The Barons march toward London  wherefore they maintained a stout march towards London, under a Banner richly and beautifully flourished with the King's Arms. And as they passed by the houses, or possessions of such as favoured the Pope's Bulls, they rob, spoiled, wasted, burnt and consumed them with fire, holding them for undoubted enemies to the King and to his Crown. And when they approached near to the City of London, by their Letters they importuned the answer of the Mayor and Citizens thereof; 
Their Letter to the city of London.  whether they resolved to support the said Ordinances and Laws, and the authority of the Twelve Peers, or no? protesting before God, and assuring them that they themselves meant not, nor intended any other thing. And that if any matters of substance contained in them were defective, or could justly be condemned, it should receive sound reformation with all convenient speed.  

That Letter was sent by the city to the King.  These Letters (being thus received) were postingly sent unto the King, who demanded of the said Mayor and Citizens, whether they would support those laws and the Twelve Peers, or no? who stoutly answered, that they would, in regard that by the King's consent they had taken their oaths to that purpose. 
The cities answer to the King, and also to the Barons. They are joyfully received into London. The King's device faileth him.  The King unmeasurably stormed at this answer, but none other could he get: and the same answer was by them sent unto the Barons, who thereupon proceeded in their march, and were with much joy and kindness received into the City.  
The King (plotting to defeat those Lords, and to dissolve their Companies by a slight) proclaimed, that himself, and the greater number of the Barons were agreed; and did require, that (in regard thereof) all Arms might be laid aside, that his peace might be preserved, and no further fear or terror might amaze his people. But (this notwithstanding) the Barons marched with their whole Army unto the King's Castle of Windsor, where they found many aliens, whom the Prince had placed there in several Offices and rooms: 
Officers removed.  those they rifled of their goods, and removed them from thence; whereat the King was much displeased. And the Lords of his Council (labouring to content him) ordered that those goods should be restored to those aliens, 
The Counsels order disobeyed. The controversy is referred to the French kings censure.  and that from thenceforth none (but the King himself) should presume to place, or to displace any of his menial servants. But the Barons utterly refused to obey their order: yet (upon the King's motion) they gave consent, that all those debates, controversies, and sharp displeasures should be referred to the censure and judgement of the French king, Lewis the ninth.  
This conclusion sheathed all swords, 
The French Kings decree  appeased (for the present time) all those jars, and gave good contentment to either part; and as time gave leave, those businesses were controverted before the said King, and reasons were urged to the proof on either side, until (at length) it was by him decreed that all the said Ordinances and Laws should be annihilated and made void, and that from thenceforth no authority or power should be left in the Twelve Peers. This sentence was so displeasing to the Barons, 
The French King is accused of partiality. His Decree is rejected.  that they publicly accused the French King of gross partiality, and smoothing with King Henry; and so absolutely did they refuse to obey his order: and so strongly were they bend to maintain whatsoever had been in Parliament established, that they repaired again to the marches of Wales, and levied a new Army, 
The Barons levy a new Army.  and (in their passage toward London) they rob, spoiled, and burned the houses, Lordships and goods of Sir Roger Mortimer; who (above all others counseled the King to withstand them) and the Prince (whose lusty youth was furnished with much valour) levied another Army, with which he marched towards the Barons: 
The Prince doth the like.  and each of them so fitted and disposed their journeys, that those two Armies greeted each other with warlike salutations, and fought together without remorse or pity; so that in the end, 
The Prince is overthrown.  divers of the Princes most potent friends and best soldiers being slain, and his part discomfited, they all were enforced to flight to save their lives, and to leave the Baron's masters of the field.  
After this victory, they marched forth and came to London, where they were received with as great kindness as before; 
The Barons are received into London. A mad tumult. The two Captains called the two Constables of London. Richard king of the Romans being grossly wronged, is thereby made the Baron's enemy.  but some of the under sort of the inhabitants of the City (despising government, and intending under the colour of these broils to do some mischief) elected two brainsick Captains, and called them the Constables of the City, and did agree that (at the tolling of the great Bell in Paul's Church) as many as would partake with them should be in a readiness to put into execution, whatsoever those Constables should command, and (though much pain and labour was taken to dissuade them from their wicked purpose and intent) yet their longing desires after spoils, and their resolution to be lawless (upon the touling of the said Bell) transported them furiously eight miles Westward from London, to the house and possessions of the King's brother Richard King of the Romans, which they ruinated, and carried away with him all his movable goods there found whatsoever.  
This insolent outrage thus wickedly committed by the headless multitude, furthered the succeeding wars. For whereas before that time the virtuous and mild king Richard, king of the Romans, and brother to king Henry (in regard of his near alliance with Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester) had (with all his power and best endeavours) mediated a peace betwixt the Barons and the King: now was he so exasperated and roused from his peaceful humour, that he became a professed enemy both to the Barons, and also to the City of London. And King Henry having intelligence, that Sir Peter Mountfort had raised a strong Army at Northampton on the Baron's behalf; 
The King obtaineth a victory.  and being resolved to make some trial of his fortunes, in regard of the apparent injuries and wrongs which daily were practised to his disgrace: levied a strong Army, and marched thither; and by main assaults he took the Town, surprised Sir Peter Mountfort, and Simon the eldest son of the Earl of Leicester, and many others; and sent them all to sundry Prisons, to be disposed of as he should please.  
And on the other side, the Barons (who being exceeding strong, and nothing at all discouraged with this prank of uncertain fortune; but preferring the duty of worthy subjects to their Sovereign before their hopes, which expected fortunate success) wrote their Letters to the King; 
The Baron's Letter to the King.  and with all humility and submissive protestations confirmed their fidelities, and assured him, That they intended nothing but the performance of their Oaths, by supporting those Ordinances and those Laws which in Parliament had been established at Oxford, for his highness good, and for the welfare and profit of the Commonweal.  
But the King, his Brother, King Richard, and Edward the young Prince, believing nothing what was written, and deeply disdaining, that Subjects should rule and correct their Sovereign Lord and Master, and determining to revenge those disgraces, which their stomachs no longer could endure; proclaimed an utter defiance to the Barons: and with their Army met them in Sussex, near to the Town called Lewis; 
The battle of Lewis.  where (betwixt them) was fought so fierce and so cruel a battle, that the father spared not the son, nor the son the father. All kindred and alliance was there forgotten: 
47. 1262.  the common Soldier held himself to be as good a man as the greatest Lord. Honour was there set at nought; and Manhood (being oppressed with Multitude) could make no show. He who was most valiant, was soonest made breathless; and the Coward found no opportunity to run away. He who could strike deepest, wound many, and kill most, obtained the chiefest praise. pity and Compassion were scorned and laughed at, and all remorse was utterly exiled from them. None mediated betwixt them but their swords, and their best Reconciler was death. Lamentable were the sighs and the groans, the plunges, and the pangs of such, as (bleeding) breathed forth their lives: and every man fought with such an obstinate resolution, as if but one only man at the last should be left alive. At length the two kings, 
The two Kings and the Prince, with many others, are taken prisoners.  Prince Edward, and many Knights and Gentlemen of choice account, and of the best worth, were taken prisoners, and more than twenty thousand men were slain in this Battle.  
And thus Fury (triumphing in blood) was contented at length to hearken unto Reason: and they who could scarcely set their feet upon the ground, by reason of the multitude of dead carcases, which as thick as stones lay before them; 
20000 men are slain.  were now pleased to take breath, and to confer upon conditions of Peace. And in the end it was agreed, That the King should (by new Articles, 
A new conclusion for Peace.  and by the renewing of his Oath) confirm the authority granted to the Twelve Peers; and all the said Ordinances and Laws: with this Caution notwithstanding, That two Lords of the spirituality, and two Lords of the Temporalty, should take a straight examination and view of them: and if in their judgements it were needful, that any of them should be reform, full power to them was given, to alter and to change what they thought fit. And if they dissented in their opinions, it was then further ordered, that the Duke of Britain (as Vmpier) should have power to arbitrate and to end the doubt. 
The two Kings are set at liberty. Hostages given, and the Prince was one.  This being on both parts consented to and concluded, the two Kings left both their eldest sons for hostages with the Barons: who sent them to the Castle of Dover; where they remained about nine months.  
Then did the King with all convenient expedition summon his High Court of Parliament: In which, so strongly was the continuance of the said Laws and Ordinances made at Oxford, urged, 
A Parliament.  that they were then again ratified and confirmed: and the king (though much against his will) took an Oath to maintain them and the authority of the Twelve Peers, 
The former Laws and Ordinances are again confirmed.  until (according to the said former referment) they should be reform, if any thing in them were found to be amiss. And all such as in those Wars, or otherwise, had in any sort maintained them, received their pardon from the king. And hereupon the two young Princes were enlarged. 
The Hostages are enlarged.  But not long after, so great a variance touching those Ordinances grew betwixt the two Earls of Leicester and of Gloucester (the two Generals of the Baron's Faction) that nothing but mortal War had decided their controversy, 
Discord between the Earls of Leicester and of Gloucester.  if the King had not interposed his authority and mediation to make them friends.  

A fair opportunity well watched and taken.  But the young Prince Edward (taking much advantage by reason of this jar) departed secretly from the King's Court, consorted to his company the Earls of Gloucester and Warreyne, Sir Roger mortimer, and many other renowned men for the War. And all these raised a new Army in Wales. 
The Prince raiseth an Army. ANNO 48. 1263. The Barons do the like.  And the Earl of Leicester conceiving that his surprisal and ruin was conspired (to prevent his own danger and misfortune) did the like. And not long after the two Armies met, near to Euersham in Worcestershire, and fought together so maliciously, and with such bloody resolutions, that in short time many thousands among them were slain. For Death (taking part with both) spared neither; but striving to make her gain by their loss, 
The battle of Euersham.  insulted proudly in the Army, and bragged most, when she did most harm. But in the end the Barons were discomfited; 
The Barons are overthrown.  and Simon Earl of Leicester, with his eldest son, and Sir Hugh le Spencer, and many others of great account, were slain, and the rest fled. The common soldiers that prevailed, despitefully mangled the dead carcase of the Earl; cutting off both hands and feet, and sending them into divers Shires to their friends, as Trophies of their Victory. And others among them (being more inhuman and barbarous) cut off his head, and his privy members, and placed them on either side of his nose.  
This overthrow did utterly defeat the Barons, and deprived them of all their hopes: and it so revived the melancholy King, that now he began again to be sensible of his own strength, and resolved (with all speed possible) to break those chains with which so lately he was so strongly bound. And for the effecting thereof, 
A Parliament.  he assembled his High Court of Parliament: In which, no man dared to speak otherwise than as the King spoke. So that those former Ordinances and Laws, which were made at Oxford in the Mad Parliament, 
The former Decrees are all made void  and the authority of the Twelve Peers, and all Patents, Commissions, and Instruments whatsoever (which tended to the establishing or ratifying of those affairs) were (by the King's express commandment) brought forth, and were publicly damned, canceled, and made void. And thus King Henry regained his former liberty and power, to say and to do in all things as he pleased.  

The King resolveth to burn the city of London.  When this Parliament was ended, the King (perhaps by the instigation of his brother Richard, King of the Romans; who was cruelly wronged by the base sort of the inhabitants of London, without any cause by him given, as before it is mentioned) resolved utterly to waste and to consume with fire his City of London: because (as he alleged) the Rulers and the Inhabitants thereof had always despised him, and taken part against him with the Barons in their Wars. Whereupon such of the Nobility (and others as were near in favour, and next about the person of the King) besought him instantly to abstain from so foul a deed; which would not only much weaken his Estate and Kingdom, but also make him infamous through the World, and unto all succeeding Ages. Their suit was earnest, and their reasons to persuade were unanswerable: yet the King protested, 
No intercession can prevail.  That his determination should be unchangeable; and that his justice upon such rebellious Caitiffs should be a precedent to terrify all perverse and obstinate Traitors and Rebels in future times. And this his resolution justly occasioned the Citizens of London to quake at the indignation of their angry King: so that they (perceiving that his rage and fury could not be mitigated) caused an Instrument in writing to be made, and ratified it with their common Seal, 
The submission of the Londoners.  by which they confessed their Rebellion, humbly craved pardon, and without any restraint, or exception, wholly submitted their Lands, their Goods, and their Lives, together with the whole City, to the king's Grace and Mercy.  
This Instrument they sent unto Windsour by divers of the chiefest and richest inhabitants of the City, 
The citizens committed to prison, and given away by the King.  who were prepared with all humility to have presented it upon their knees. But so fierce was the King's wroth towards them, and so implacable was his anger, that he reputed none of those to be his friends, who interposed themselves as Mediators in their behalfs: Neither would he vouchsafe to admit any one of them to come into his presence; but caused them forthwith to be cast into prison: and five of the chiefest of them, together with all their Lands and their Goods, he gave unto the Prince; and all the others he gave to other of his attendants, who burdened them with heavy servitude and much misery, and took from them what they pleased, leaving to them the least part of their own.  
Thus when the King had a little avenged himself, 
The Prince procureth the King's pardon and favour.  and time had cooled the heat of his passionate humour; he harkened to the importunate intercession of the Prince, and received the City and all the inhabitants thereof into favour, and only took of them a fine of one thousand marks; and restored them to all their Liberties and Customs, which for their transgression were seized into his hands.  
The King also, upon the Prince's entreaty, 
The five Ports are pardoned.  pardoned the inhabitants of the five Ports: who finding justice to be fast asleep, whilst the Baron's wars outrageously disturbed the whole Estate and Kingdom; rob, rifled, and spoiled on the Seas both their own neighbours and Countrymen, and also all Nations whom they met, without any difference or respect.  
And lest the King should be too much troubled with the frequent complaints of such as had been wronged by them, or his Courts of justice pestered with the multitude of such suitors; the King commanded that none of the offenders should be impleaded elsewhere, but only in the Courts of those Ports: by means whereof there were but few that complained, because none of them had any hope to have recompense or redress there. And now, though those intestine troubles and civil wars (which like an outrageous fire dispersed in the heart, and midst of a well compacted City, endangered the whole estate of this Kingdom and Commonweal) were thus appeased: 
The Earl of Gloucester being unrewarded, thinketh on mischief.  and although Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester by his revolt from the Barons, and by his adhering to the Prince and to his complices, had greatly furthered the good success, which had made the King to enjoy a blessed peace; yet was the said Earl so little trusted, that he neither found favour nor reward; but the little respect which was had of him, and his cold entertainment at the Court, made him desperate of all good fortunes, and inflamed his heart to work revenge.  

The rascality of London do flock unto him.  This fury carried him headlong unto the City of London, where no sooner was his discontented humour made known, but the rascal and the base sort (forgetting the great calamity which that famous City did endure, and the great favours which so lately they had received from the King) flocked in troops about him, 
They do mischief.  and boldly committed many grievous outrages within the City. And then they went unto the King's Palace at Westminster, which they rifled, spoiled, and ransacked without mean or measure. This rude beginning prognosticated the sudden access of another civil war: which might have bred as much danger as any of the former had done; 
The Prince procureth a large pardon.  but the Prince (again) interposed himself an earnest mediator betwixt the King and all the said offenders, and procured a large and a free pardon for the Earl.  
Thus this dangerous fire was soon quenched, and good prevention in due time did wisely cut off all occasions of future war: and at the same time, and by the like means, the King pardoned many decayed and outlawed Gentlemen, who (in the heat of those broils) had committed many robberies and spoils in divers places of this kingdom.  

The Earl of glocester's request.  And not long after, the Earl of Gloucester (despairing of all inward grace and favour from the king, and being desirous, as it seemed, by deeds of Chivalry to make himself famous among the enemies of Christ) requested that he might be sent with an Army to make war in the Holy-land. This motion (though it tended to much expense and great charge) yet it pleased the King exceedingly; because he knew that the Earls busy head and turbulent spirit would still be plotting and devising of new broils, 
An Army raised to be conducted into the Holy land by the Earl of Gloucester.  and hurly-burlies at home: wherefore he caused a fair Army to be raised, and furnished it with all necessaries fit and requisite for so long, and for so dangerous a journey.  
But when all things were in a readiness, the Earl feigned many excuses which tended to overmuch delay, which caused him to be less regarded by the King, and to be in great dislike with all others.  
But Prince Edward (being full of youth and courage, 
The Earl is dismissed worthily from that charge.  and longing greedily to hoist his Sails in the Sea of Honour, and by adventurous deeds of Knighthood, to equal his name with those who were accounted most valiant in the world) by his earnest suit and travel, obtained the conducting of that Army, 
The Prince undertaketh it, and doth perform it. Their happy success.  and transported it into the Holy-land, where his sword wrought wonders: and his Army bred such terror and admiration among the Turks, that they would seldom or never adventure themselves against the Christians in that quarter where the Prince served. And to save themselves from his fury upon his coming thither, they raised their siege from the City of Acon, 
The siege of Acon raised.  which (for a long time) they had continued with more than a hundred thousand men. And seeing that his death could not be hastened by force and violence in the open field, 
The Prince was villainously wounded.  they attempted it by poisonings and other secret villainies, which took no effect. But at length a dogged Sarazen grievously wounded him with an envenomed Knife, yet (after much pain and great danger) he escaped death. But in his absence his father King Henry died, and was buried at Westminster, 
The King dieth.  when he had reigned more than fifty and six years; whereof the Prince was quickly informed, and therefore (by great journeys) he safely returned (with great honour) into ENGLAND.   

THE HISTORY OF KING EDWARD THE FIRST.  
WHEN Edward, surnamed Longshanks, was informed of his father's death, he made quick preparations for his return from the Holy Land; 
The new King returneth from the Holy Land.  and by great journeys travailed until he came into England: where (with the general applause, both of his Nobles and common People) he was crowned King, when he was of the age of five and thirty years.  
We have heard how, when, 
The French kings practise against King Edward.  and where Simon de Mountford Earl of Leicester, Henry his eldest son, and sundry other Barons were slain in the last Battle between them and the last King. And it is true, that after his overthrow, the Lady Elinor his daughter, with many others of his allies and kinsfolks, were sentenced to Exile; and departed into France: where they were courteously received by the French king Philip the third, surnamed the Hardy; whose kind entertaining of them proceeded not so much from his own bounty and natural disposition to Liberality, as it did from an opinion which he conceived, That in so doing he should gain the love and good liking of many English Lords: who (being discontented with the last King's Government) were not well pleased with his son, who had crossed them in most of those affairs. And moreover, he knew the noble valour and courage of King Edward to be so eminent, that it was now high time to crave counsel of Wisdom and of Policy, how and by what means he might prevent him from making himself more great. And because Reason and common Experience taught him, That he, whose own house is on fire, will rather employ his endeavours to quench that flame, than to set his enemy's house on fire also: he therefore practised secretly with Lluellen (the most valiant, 
Lluellen of Wales sueth to the French King to have in marriage Elinor the exiled daughter of the late Earl of Leicester.  and greatest in dignity among the Welshmen) that he, with those inhabitants, would rebel, if at any time any Wars were but likely to be attempted against the French Nation by King Edward. And this his plot was much furthered by the exile of the aforesaid Lady Elinor: who being (by reason of her misfortunes) in the disposing and power of the French King, was (with great importunity) desired in marriage by the said Lluellen: to whom (upon those conclusions and agreements especially) she was sent with honourable attendance and rich gifts. 
She is sent towards Wales.  But king Edward (being secretly informed both of the said purpose, and of her passage towards Wales) wisely prevented his own danger, and intercepted her on the Sea, 
She is taken at Sea.  and detained her as his prisoner. By means whereof, Lluellen (whose best Rhetoric to persuade, was by open War and Rebellion) entered into the field with many thousands; 
Lluellen rebelleth.  who were more ready to rob and to steal, than to reclaim themselves, and to be mindful of their duty to their Prince.  

The King raiseth an Army.  The King likewise on his part (purposing to make his first voyage terrible to the Welshmen, for example's sake to that fickle Nation) levied so strong an Army, that (by all conjectures) the Welshmen were altogether unable to resist him. And it seemed they thought so too: For their chiefest Captain and Leader (partly for the love which he bore to his longed-for Lady, and partly to prevent those fatal dangers which knocked at his door) unexpectedly submitted himself to the King's Grace, 
Lluellen voluntarily submitteth himself.  and yielded himself to be disposed of wholly and only at the King's pleasure; and vowed and protested with many great and solemn Oaths, That his obedience should be constant, 
Lluellen voweth and sweareth loyalty.  and his sword always ready to serve the King, both against France and against all others in future time, if he might be made happy with the King's favour, and have the enjoyment of his Lady.  

Lluellen is pardoned favoured, and wived.  The King, whose heart was ever inclined to mercy, and more desired by affability to win an enemy, than to conquer him by blows; and supposing that his love to his Mistress would be a stronger bond to strengthen his allegiance, than any other thing; freely granted him his pardon, his favour, and his wife. And thus those Wars (which menaced the death of many thousands) were quietly ended, without the effusion of any blood.  
But within few years after, Lluellen, 
Lluellen rebelleth.  by the wicked persuasions and enticement of his brother David (a man more contentious than provident, and less valiant than mutinous; and yet one whom the King did extraordinarily love and favour) rebelled against the King; and fought with Sir Roger mortimer many sharp and advantageous battles. 
Lluellen and his brother are taken and beheaded.  But at length (Gods judgements hastening Traitors to a shameful end) both of them were taken; and their heads (as Trophies of the victory) were sent vn●● the King: who caused them to be set upon the Tower of London, for a terror unto others; and there they remained long after.  
But (notwithstanding all this) yet the natural disposition of the Welshmen so strongly prevailed, and so blind they were, and unable to foresee their own ruin, 
The Welshmen rebel again and again.  that within few months after they rebelled twice; and by many slaughters and strange executions they were subdued, and compelled to obey. And because their Wars were rather maintained and cherished by shift and by start into the huge and vast Woods (which made those Rebels more disordered, 
They are subdued.  and confident to save themselves when greatest danger did approach) the King caused those Woods to be hewn down, 
Their woods are burned.  and to be consumed with fire: By means whereof, they were reduced to a more civil kind of life; 
They become more civil.  and began to practise divers commendable Occupations, Arts, and Sciences, and took some pleasure (from thenceforth) to live like honest men.  
In the eighteenth year of King Edward's Reign, 
The King of Scots breaketh his neck  Alexander the King of Scots (not having any issue of his body) fell with his horse, and unfortunately broke his neck. He had three sisters: the eldest of which was married unto john Baylyol, Lord of Galloway; the second unto Robert le Bruise, Lord of Valley-Androw; and the third was married into England to john Hastings, Lord of Abergauenny. 
Contention about the Crown of Scotland.  Betwixt these three (each of them being backed with the best support of their most able friends) sharp bicker and civil wars occasioned the deaths of many worthy and valiant men, together with the ruin and destruction of some of their Houses and best Fortunes: 
The title is referred to the censure of King Edward, as to the sovereign Lord thereof.  and the Commonweal of that kingdom received many desperate wounds and strange misadventures, because each of them (in the right of his wife) attempted and hoped to be a king. Whereupon king Edward (with great expedition) went into Scotland as their Sovereign Lord, and endeavoured to compose this strife. But such was their mutual desire to reign, that no persuasions prevailed to make any one of them to yield. But in the end, more sounder advice took place: so that they all (by a public writing under their hands and seals) consented to refer themselves and their Titles to the censure and judgement of King Edward. 
Scotland is surrendered to king Edward  And by the same Instrument they freely surrendered all Scotland, and that Crown, into the King's hands; to the end, that thereby they might enable him absolutely to possess such a one of them in that Kingdom, as (in his judgement) ought to have the same. He also received from them in writing their several demands, and each man's proofs, 
A wise and a discreet King  reasons and arguments to maintain his Claim. And thereupon King Edward elected and made choice of twenty of the most discreet, wise, and worthy men of his kingdom of England, and of twenty more of the kingdom of Scotland: and by their advice and counsel he informed himself truly of that business; and at length pronounced his Sentence for john Baylyol, 
john Bailiol is made King of the Scots. He doth homage for it to the King.  who had married the eldest of those three sisters: who received from him that Crown and Country, and for it performed and did his homage to King Edward.  
The King, although he were earnestly employed in these and in other affairs at home; yet was he more troubled with greater businesses abroad, 
The French King wrongeth King Edward.  by reason that the French King daily wronged him in Gascoigne, Guyan, and elsewhere. And to maintain those wars, the King (by the advice and counsel of William Marchyan his chiefest Treasurer) seized into his hands the Plate, jewels, and Treasure of the Churches and of the religious Houses within this kingdom, 
Evil counsel.  and compelled the Clergy to give unto him the one half of one years value of all their Ecclesiastical Dignities and Promotions. 
The King st●●ppeth the Church. He is hated by Churchmen.  This unaccustomed Sacrilege made the King hateful in Church-mens eyes. But yet he seemed in some sort to content them with fair promises of Restitution, when his Treasures should by other means be increased. But they little relying upon that promise, and (by common experience in other things) being resolved, that the King's Coffers would not be emptied to fill theirs (and yet feeding themselves with a vain hope, that some other recompense might be made them) became humble suitors to the King, 
The Clergies ●ute denied.  That he would be pleased to revoke and to annihilate the Statute, which in the fourth year of his Reign was made against mortmain; 
Mortmayne.  which prohibited the giving and the conveying of any Lands and Tenements to any Corporation whatsoever, without the King's leave. But as he never meant to gratify them in any sort whatsoever: so he made them answer, That it lay not in him, without the consent of a Parliament, to revoke and to frustrate any Law. The Clergy (to their great grief and sorrow) perceived, that their Treasure was swept away, together with all hope of restitution or amends: and though it vexed them inwardly, yet durst they not to express any outward tokens of dislike.  
Thus when the King had augmented his store by the Clergies plenty: he (by the directions of his said Treasurer) imposed a Tax or Subsidy upon every Sack of Wools, 
A new Tax.  and upon all Fells and hides which were to be transported out of this kingdom; and also required the tenth part of every man's movable goods and substance to maintain his Wars: which being granted, he caused it to be levied by many payments within the sp●●e of three years. He also compelled the Clergy to bring into his Coffers all such sums of money as they had promised to pay unto the Pope, towards the maintenance of the Christians War with the Turks in the Holy Land. He also took up one hundred thousand Quarters of the best Wheat, and sent it to his Armies in Gascoigne and in Guyan: where they fought with much courage and valour, but with doubtful success; sometimes gaining what was lost, and sometimes losing what they had won.  
In the five and twentieth year of King Edward's Reign, 
25. 1296. john Baylyol invadeth England.  john Baylyol the King of Scots (partly by the secret procurement of the French King, and partly by the lewd advice and counsel of factious and wicked persons) sent a Defiance (with a proud renunciation of his Fealty and Homage) to the King; and with an Army of brainsick Rebels entered into the Northern parts of this kingdom: where (with fire and sword) they oppressed such as could make no resistance, and (without pity and compassion) slew such as were armed in the defence of their Country, and to save themselves. 
The King with an army marcheth against the Scots.  Whereupon King Edward recounting his manifold favours and great love to the said revolted King, and the high Honour wherewith (not many years before) he had graced him; and being resolved to correct his unthankfulness with sharp revenge, levied a puissant Army, and marched (in full strength) towards the Northern parts: and found his fortune to be so favourable, 
Barwike won. The Scots are overthrown. 25000 Scots are slain.  that with much ease he won the strong Castle of Barwike, with the slaughter of five and twenty thousand Scots. He also won the well-defended Castle of Donn-Barre: and (piercing into the sides of Scotland) he took Edenburrough, and all other places of the best defence. And the King of Scots perceiving the dangerous estate wherein he stood, and reposing his last hopes in the King's Grace; by the advice of all his Nobles repaired in person to the King's presence, 
The King of Scots yieldeth himself, and surrendereth his Kingdom. He is sent to the Tower of London.  humbly submitted himself, craved pardon, and solemnly surrendered his whole Kingdom into King Edward's hands: Who forthwith sent the said Scottish King with a strong Guard to the Tower of London; but gave him large allowance both of Liberty and of Attendance, and of his Diet. And then he committed the Government of that Kingdom unto john Warrayne, Earl of Sussex and of Surrey; and made Sir Hugh Cressingham his High Treasurer, and William Earnsley his chief justice of that Kingdom. 
The King placeth a Governor over Scotland.  And having confined some of the Rebellious Peers of Scotland within the Marches of England; he returned triumphantly, and with great honour.  
And then King Edward using great expedition and much policy for the refreshing and for the renewing of his Army; 
King Edward saileth into Flanders and assisteth the Earl thereof.  transported it into the Territories of Guy, than Earl of Flanders: against whom, Robert Earl of Arthois (by the procurement, and with the assistance of the French King) made sharp war. And the French King intending to hasten King Edward's return into England, to save himself and his own Country; animated the Scots to rebel again: And they (because they were factious, and ready to do unto France all service upon all commands, 
The Scots rebel.  though with the hazard of their lives, and of their lands) without any fear, or forecast of their future miseries, did put themselves in Arms.  
But King Edward purposing to greet the French King and his Forces with a Soldiers welcome; appointed Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, and many other Lords and Gentlemen of the best rank, 
The Scots are subdued.  for the repressing of that Rebellion: who so manfully banged the Scots, that they enforced them to fly out of the field, and pursued them with a merciless slaughter, and reduced the rest to their former duty and obedience.  

The French King dared not to fight with King Edward.  The French King perceiving, that his practice with the Scots wanted his hoped success; was not desirous to try his strength with King Edward in the open field: but reposing more confidence in his wit than in his valour, he proposed very honourable conditions of amity and love; which by King Edward were accepted: and then a general Peace was proclaimed betwixt them all. And thus those Wars (by King Edward's means and assistance) received a short end; 
A Peace is concluded.  which made a show of long continuance, with the expense of much blood.  

London is restored to her liberties.  After the King's return into England, he restored to the Citizens of London their Liberties; which (for many undutiful misdemeanours) had remained forfeited in his hands for the space of twelve years. 
The Scots rebel again.  And forthwith he led all his Forces into Scotland; where a new Rebellion madly raged, and could not be suppressed without much strength. And being more willing, that the execution of justice upon few (for examples sake) should rather reclaim the multitude, than that the Sword should wastefully consume them; he required the delivery of their Leaders, 
A merciful King.  and offered his free pardon to the rest.  
But their froward dispositions (preparing them to much more misery than as yet they had endured) animated them obstinately to arm themselves, and in warlike fashion to bid Battle to the King: Insomuch, that his Highness finding his favours to be neglected, and perceiving that all extremity was to be used; 
The battle of Fanrike. The Scots are overthrown. 28. Englishmen slain. 32000. Scots are slain.  set upon them with such fury and violence, that with the loss of eight and twenty of his followers, and with the slaughter of two and thirty thousand of the Scots, he enforced the rest to yield: and taking a new Oath for their Fealty and Homage, he appeased that Country; and (to the great joy of all his people) he returned again into England. Where (upon the earnest entreaty and request of Pope Boniface the eight) he enlarged john Baylyol: Who travailed into France, 
john Baylyol set at liberty  to take a view of his Lordships there; which (according to his own name) were called Baylyols Lands.  
King Edward had no sooner finished these Troubles; 
The Scots do rebel again.  but the Scots were in Arms again: So that the third time he entered with a great Power into that Country; where none were so daring, or so hardy, as to endure his presence. 
The King leadeth an Army into Scotland.  But the greater number of the Earls, Barons, and chiefest Gentlemen of that kingdom had withdrawn themselves into the strong Castle of Estryvelyne; which was by them so strengthened, that in their judgements it was impregnable. This Castle was long besieged by the King, 
Estryveline is besieged, in which the Nobles are.  but to little purpose: and he much doubted, lest his continuance in that service would afford him but little honour in the end. Wherefore (to make a trial how far his Invention would take place) he caused two pair of Gallows to be set up in the Castles view; 
The King's Policy.  and with the sound of a Trumpet did proclaim his free Pardon, if the besieged did yield themselves within three days: but denounced death unto them all, by hanging, without respect of Honour, 
A Proclamation.  or of Person, if obstinately they enforced him to continue a longer Siege. And hereupon the besieged, although they were so strongly immured, that they might boldly have trusted upon their strong defence; yet because they disinherited to be relieved, 
Estryvelyne is yielded.  they reposed their confidence in the King's word, and submitted both the Castle and themselves to his grace and mercy, 
The Scots do swear their obedience to K. Edward.  whereof they had good proof. For (taking new oaths for the performance of their obedience, and duty in future times) he set them free and at liberty: and the like oaths he took of all justices, Mayors, and other Officers of Towns, Cities, Castles, and Forts; and having disposed all things in a comely and in a peaceable order, for the good government of that Kingdom, 
The Scottish chairn.  he returned into England, and brought with him (for a memorial of his great victory) a Chair of stone, in which the Kings of Scotland by common custom received their Enstallment and their Crown: which Chair remaineth in the King's Chapel at Westminster, among the fair Monuments of our famous Kings of this Realm.  
Assoon as King Edward was returned from his journey, he caused a general inquiry (which was termed Troile Baston) to be made throughout his Kingdom, 
Troy-baston  of the misdemeanours and oppressions of his Officers of all sorts; 
A memorable deed done by a worthy King.  so that the number of the transgressors was such, and so great were their offences, and their fines so heavy, that with their money the King filled his empty coffers to the brim, discharged his old scores, which were very great by reason of his wars in Wales, Scotland, the Low Countries, Gascoigne, Guyan, and elsewhere, and then he displaced those corrupted Officers, and placed better in their steads. 
The Prince is committed to prison, and Pierce Gaveston is banished Cornwall and Wales given to the Prince. 29. 1300. Peace betwixt England and Scotland. The Scots do swear obedience. The Pope's claim to be high Lord of Scotland, and his command to King Edward.   
About the same time Doctor Langton then Bishop of Chester, complained grievously to the King upon Edward the young Prince, who (by the lewd advice and instigation of Pierce Gaveston his lose and graceless companion) broke forcibly into his Park, and made havoc of his game; for which the Prince was committed to prison, and Gaveston was banished the land, and required not to return on pain of death. And the next year after Edmund Earl of Cornwall, son to Richard King of the Romans, died without issue; so that that Earldom reverted to the Crown, which (together with the Principality of Wales) the King gave unto Prince Edward, his eldest son and heir apparent to his Crown.  
In the three and thirtieth year of King Edward's reign, a general peace was proclaimed between England and Scotland, and Robert le Bruse, and many other knights, Lords, and Earls of that Country came into England, and voluntarily swore their fealty and their homage to the king: yet before one year was fully expired, the said Lord Bruse and many others secretly procured from the Pope an instrument in writing, by which the Pope made claim to the kingdom of Scotland, as holden of his Church of Rome; and the king was thereby peremptorily required to surcease from all demands of Tenure, and of sovereignty over it. 
The King's message to the Pope.  But the king (by the advice of his Nobles) signified by his Ambassadors to the Pope, That the Signiory and Lordship of the said kingdom of Scotland did only belong to the kings of England, and not unto the See of Rome, nor unto any other: and therefore he prayed him to revoke his said Instrument and unjust claim; for that both he and his Nobles were resolved to maintain his right and lawful inheritance therein, with the utmost expense of their goods, lands, and lives. But whilst those things were thus handling, 
Robert le Bruse doth usurp in Scotland. The King in his own person the fourth time subdueth the Scots. The usurper flieth into Norway. The King dieth.  Robert le Bruse (by the Pope's consent) caused himself to be crowned king of that Realm: which occasioned king Edward the fourth time to enter into Scotland with a puissant Army; where he so largely extended his valour, and with the sword so fiercely devoured the Inhabitants which joined with their usurping king, that they were compelled (with extraordinary tokens of subjection and humility) to yield themselves to the king's mercy. And Robert le Bruse (finding no means to make good his false title to that Crown) secretly withdrew himself, and fled into Norway, where he remained until king Edward's death; which happened soon after, when he had reigned victoriously almost thirty five years.   

THE HISTORY OF KING EDWARD THE SECOND.  
AFTER the King's death, his son Edward succeeded, and was crowned King.  
His tall and comely parsonage, 
An evil King.  graced with outward Majesty, seemed to promise many blessings to ensue: But his Manners (being grossly corrupted by lewd and graceless companions) were so lascivious, and unbefitting the condition of a King, that he became burdensome to his Nobility; and (almost) a scorn to his inferior subjects. For he neglected the society and the counsel of such as were wise and grave, and consorted himself with his own Minions: by means whereof, he put in practise every loathed thing, wherein he could either take pleasure, or express his folly. So that his evil Government made his Kingdom to be unfortunate, and himself a precedent of wretchedness to succeeding Ages: as in the discourse of his History it will more particularly appear.  
No sooner was his head adorned with his Imperial Crown, 
Pierce Gaveston.  but his heart longed for Pierce Gaveston; the wicked corrupter of his youth, and the professed enemy of all honesty and virtue. For albeit that he was exiled by the last King; 
The King breaks his Oath to recall Gaveston  who took an Oath of this his Successor, never to permit him (unpunished) to come back again into England: yet the remembrance of his villainies (consorting with the King's bad nature and evil disposition) was a quick messenger for his return. 
Pierce Gaveston is all in all.  And his arrival so abundantly replenished the King's conceits with extraordinary joy, that nothing else (in comparison of it) gave him any contentment: Neither could any man (besides him) expect for any graceful entertainment from the King.  

The Nobles tell the King of his Oath.  The Noble men (who perfectly knew how wickedly this Gaveston was inclined) perceiving that the King doted on him, and that his affections towards him were unlimited: being perplexed with inward grief, and fearing the Ruin which (through his insolency) threatened the subversion of the whole Realm; emboldened themselves to put the King in mind of his oath. But as his conscience troubled him not for the breach thereof: So their disliking increased his desires towards Gaveston, and to make him great. For Gaveston alone, and none but Gaveston, was likely to do all in all: and (frown he that frown would) the King cared not who was displeased; he was resolved, that Gaveston should be great. And therefore he first Lorded him with the Barony of Wallingford: 
Gaveston is advanced.  and soon after, he created him Earl of Cornwall; and made him the sole and only Commander over his jewels and his Treasure. In which Office, so absolute was his power, and so cunning was his crafty head, to provide in the time of his prosperity for adverse fortune which might ensue; that secretly he conveyed beyond the Sea a fair Table and Trestles, 
He conveys the King's jewels out of the Realm.  all made of beaten gold, and many rich and precious Ornaments and jewels, to the great hurt and prejudice of the King and of this Realm.  
He also took much pleasure to feed the King's fancies with great variety of new delights; 
The King liveth loosely and lewdly.  and by his example, he enured him to Banquet, Drink, and to Carouse beyond measure: And his dishonest persuasions and enticements made him careless of the Bed and of the society and fellowship of Isabella his Religious and virtuous Queen, the daughter of the French King Philip the fair, and sister to his Successor Charles the fourth; and trained him to the adulterous consortship of wanton Courtesans and shameless Whores.  

The Queen in vain seeketh to reclaim the King.  The Queen (who sorrowed hereat beyond measure) reposed all means for redress of those her unsufferable wrongs in her prayers unto God, and in her modest woo for her King's love. But all her endeavours proved nothing at all: For the beams of her excellent virtues could not pierce the thick clouds of his vanities; neither could her tears or her groans mollify his hard heart, which surfeited upon too much plenty of loathsome sins.  
The common people gave large liberty to their Tongues, 
The people talk of the King's evil life.  to speak and to talk reproachfully, and to the King's disgrace. He knew it well; he heard it; and cared not for it: but was resolved to persevere in those ungodly courses, which by Pierce Gaveston were contrived and proposed unto him.  
The Noblemen, and such as by reason of their Offices and Places were of the King's Council; did (in their particulars) adventure many times secretly to inform him of the lewdness of Pierce Gaveston; and that both strangers, and also his own people, did strangely speak of him and of his Government: which was altogether eclipsed by the foul interposition of his vices betwixt himself and it. But their labour was quite lost, 
The King cares not for good counsel.  and their fidelity was requited with unthankful frowns; rather testifying his determination to continue subject (though he were a King) to his follies, than in any sort to amend any thing which was amiss.  
When nothing could prevail, either to reform the King, 
A petition for gaveston's banishment.  or to make him careless of Pierce Gaveston; the Lords and Barons of this Kingdom began seriously to consult and to take another course. For they preferred their general Petition to the King: wherein they plainly discovered the foulness of his faults, and the sorrow of his best affected subjects, for that his Majesty (more than was fitting or comely) was guided and governed by Pierce Gaveston: and earnestly entreated him to be pleased (for the preventing of such mischiefs as were otherwise likely to ensue) to banish that lewd Companion both from his Court and Kingdom.  
The King perceiving that his Nobles were resolved to urge his consent unto Pierce gaveston's Exile, agreed (though unwillingly) thereunto: yea, in such a displeased humour granted he their request, that thereby they might well understand, 
Gaveston is banished into Ireland. The King sends comfortable messages unto Gaveston. Gaveston is made Governor of Ireland. The King sends him jewels and Money.  that his heart subscribed not to their desires. But away he was sent into Ireland: Where he was no sooner arrived, but by messengers sent to him by the King, he was required to be jocund and cheerful in his banishment; for that his absence should in the end be recompensed with greater honours and more graceful favours than he had formerly received: And for a pledge thereof, the King appointed him to be the chief Governor and highest Commander in that Country; and sent him such store of Plate, jewels, and Coin, both of Silver and of Gold, that he might well think, that his banishment was but an honourable ambassade, and an occasion thereby presented by good fortune to the King, to make him the more potent and more rich.  

The Nobles do sue for his return.  And besides all this, the King's discontented passions so swayed in him, and gaveston's absence so much perplexed him; that his Nobles (being in hope of future amendment of all things which had been done amiss, 
Gaveston is recalled.  and to please the King) freely, and of their own accords, moved the King for his return. But when he came back again, 
Gaveston is wicked and insolent.  so strongly and so strangely was he supported by the public favours and unremovable love of the King; that with greater insolency and pride than before he practised many more notorious villainies than ever he had done. 
Gaveston is banished again. He is recalled.  So that (by means of the incessant importunity of the Nobles) he was again banished into Flanders: where he remained not long, but the king called him back again.  
Those his Exiles (thus procured by the Lords and Barons of this kingdom, and their consents to call him home again) might have reclaimed him from his foul and gross errors, if wisdom and virtue had in any sort been entertained by him. 
Gaveston boasteth of his wicked courses.  But in stead of changing his bad nature into good qualities; he took an extraordinary delight to glory in his own sin; and to boast, how he misled the king. He also scornfully despised the greatest Nobles of this Land, 
He scorns the Nobles.  and abused them at their faces: and by untrue informations (which privately and behind their backs he gave unto the king) he caused them to be frowned on; and did all things in such a disordered fashion, without controlment, that the Barons with one consent (being hopeless of redress, 
The Barons strike off gaveston's head.  and being unable any longer to support such a despised burden) besieged him, being in a strong Castle; which they won: and to redeem the king's honour, 
The King is impatient for gaveston's death.  and to procure their own liberties, and the welfare of the Commonweal; they caused his head to be smitten off. But so highly was the king displeased thereat, that always from thenceforth he endeavoured nothing more, than by cruelty and by tyranny to revenge his death.  

The King favoureth the two Spencers.  And then (to anger his Nobility) he entertained into his nearest familiarity and counsels the two Spencers, Sir Hugh the father, and Sir Hugh the son; men as graceless, and as odious to the Lords and common people, 
The Spencers are as bad as was Gaveston  as the other was. Their advice inclined the king to prosecute his lewd and wanton course of life among lascivious and wanton Whores and Concubines, and to set at nought the sweet company of his modest and virtuous Queen: which made him a scorn to foreign Princes, and hateful in the sight of all honest men. 
The fruits of evil government.  Yet the king, in despite of his greatest Lords, supported the two Spencers in all things which they would take in hand.  
But his evil government, both of himself and of his kingdom, 
The King and his Nobles are at variance.  revived new discords between the king and his Barons: and by means thereof, the affairs and businesses of the Commonweal were ill managed; and such as lay in wait to advance their Estates by reason of this dissension, had now gotten fit opportunity to put in practice what they pleased. Among which, Robert le Bruce (returning from Norway into Scotland) was joyfully received there, 
Robert le Bruse being recrowned, invadeth England. 7. 1313. The Battle of Estrevelyne  and was the second time crowned king of that kingdom: And then he levied a strong Army, with which he entered into the Marches of England four or five days journey; and with fire and sword miserably wasted and desolated those Countries, until he was encountered by the king, and compelled to retire.  
But king Edward fight a Battle with the Scotish power within the borders of their own Country, received the overthrow: and having seen the slaughter of many thousands in his Army (among which, were Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, 
The King receiveth a great overthrow.  and two and forty other Lords, and more than threescore knights and Baronet's, besides two and twenty men of Name, who were taken prisoners) he was compelled (for his own safety) shamefully to fly, and with dishonourable success to return again into England. 
The King flieth.  Where he was (eftsoons) perplexed and put to much trouble by the untrue and desperate attempt of one john Poydras a Tanner's son dwelling in Exeter: 
john Poydras discovered and executed  who boldly affirmed himself to be the truly begotten son of the last king, and said, That he was changed in his Cradle by his Nurse for a Carters child; and offered divers colourable proofs for the same: and among the rest, he strongly instanced upon the unworthy and base conditions of the king; sorting to none so fitly, as unto one of obscure and of common birth.  
This his claim, and bold assertions, quickly abused the ears and the hearts of the vulgar, and drew many of them (for want of wisdom and obedience) to flock unto him, as to their king. But at length he was apprehended; and having confessed his Treason and his folly, and being arraigned, convicted, and condemned, he was executed according to his deserts.  
At the same time also, 
Barwike betrayed to the Scots.  the strong and almost impregnable Castle of Barwike was treacherously betrayed into the hands of Robert le Bruse, the usurping king of Scots: and such a general scarcity of all sorts of Victuals, and such a Murrain of all kinds of cattle so punished the people, 
A famine thieves bear great sway.  that the like before among them was never seen. And divers notorious and bold thieves, to the number of two hundred at the least (being clothed in friars weeds of grey) without respect of person or of sex, 
The Scots invade England.  rob and spoiled the Inhabitants of the North. But (in the end) they were taken, and, according to their deserts, were put to death. The Scots also raised a new Army, and with great violence and fury they entered England; 
The Famine grievously increaseth.  where (besides the great afflictions occasioned by that water) the Inhabitants of those Countries were so pinched and plagued with famine, that in many places those who lived, scarcely sufficed to inter their dead: and the rest (to preserve their lives) were compelled to sustain themselves in the great extremity of their hunger, by eating of Rats, Mice, Cats, Dogs, Horses, and such like.  

The King is overthrown the second time by the Scots. A miserably distressed people.  The King (intending to suppress the Scots, and to correct them for their insolency and folly) encountered them with his whole Army, but received a notorious overthrow; and (being scornfully checked and disgraced by his bold and saucy enemies) he returned home again with great ignominy and shame, leaving his poor subjects in the North, so miserably distressed and unrelieved, as ever any people were forsaken by an unworthy and a careless King.  

The use of this History.  Of these disgraces, and of these troubles, we make this profitable use: That as the heroical virtues of excellent Princes are crowned with many blessings from above; so for the iniquity and heinous transgressions of wicked and ungodly Kings, both themselves and their people likewise, are severely punished by God, before whom Princes must fall as well as the common subjects, except their true and hearty repentance (being joined with the amendment of their lives) do (in season) procure his mercy and his favour.  

The Nobles endeavour reformation.  The Peers and the Nobles of this Kingdom (perceiving that the diseases of the Commonweal did daily increase and grow more dangerous) determined (like good Physicians) narrowly to search out the causes of these maladies, and to find some remedy to cure them before it were too late. 
They complain on the two Spencers.  The miserable examples of all kinds of wickedness which presented themselves unto their view, emboldened them to inform the King, That the two Spencers and their misguiding of the State (by whom only, and by none other the King was counseled and directed) were the immediate occasioners of all those mischiefs and calamities, which miserably afflicted and tormented the whole Kingdom. They plainly told him, That such was their interest in the King's person, and in his government of his people, that they were bound (in honour, and for conscience sake) to inform his Highness of all such misdemeanours committed by any of his subjects as tended to the subversion of the State, and the disturbing of the common peace thereof: and then they became importunate suitors to his Majesty, That he would be pleased to put from him the two Spencers, who corrupted him with monstrous vices, and made him altogether careless of those duties which by Almighty God were required at his hands. They told him likewise, That as subjection belonged to the people; so the King was bound to protect them, and that (unconscionably and most dishonourably) he had left his Commons in the North, to the rage and rigour of the Scots, 
The resolution of the Nobles touching the two Spencers.  and to all extremities of hunger and of other wants: and that if he pleased not (upon their humble entreaty and request) to cassier those two graceless Counsellors, of their places and from his service; they then must and would presume to do it, though it were with the hazard and peril of their own lives.  
The king could not choose but hearken to this grievous and true report. For as it was founded and grounded upon conscience, and on duty; so was it maintained with a constant resolution to reform that which was amiss. He bitten his lip thereat, and his countenance proclaimed his discontentment. 
The King frowneth on his Nobles.  Inwardly he meditated and devised how he might surprise those Noblemen, who (most of all) stomached the two Spencers, whom so immoderately he did love, yet inwardly his tongue gave the Barons a pleasing answer; so that he forthwith summoned his high Court of Parliament: 
A Parliament.  and pretending a reformation of all things that were conceived to be amiss, he gladded the hearts of his Nobles and Commons exceedingly. But the Lords and Barons (although they rejoiced much that the time would shortly come, 
The Nobles do stand upon their guard.  in which these matters should be substantially debated on) yet were they jealous, and suspected lest the king intended their surprisal in that solemn meeting: wherefore the greater numbers of them repaired unto London, being strongly guarded with a brave Army of sufficient and gallant men, which were all clothed in a like Livery; whereat the king was highly displeased: but most of all it grieved him, that he knew the Barons would have their own will by taking and separating from him the two Spencers (who were more deer to him then his Queen and children, 
How the king loved the two Spencers. The two Spencers are banished for ever.  and all his friends beside) and in the end (among many other things) it was (by the whole Parliament) enacted, That they should be exiled during their lives, and never be licenced by the king to return again into England.  
This being thus concluded, the Barons (who longed to see the two Spencers under sail) caused certain Ships to be prepared, in which they were embarked and sent away. So that now all men were well pleased except the King; whom their absence vexed at the heart: 
The King hateth his Barons.  and in all things he endeavoured plainly to express his hatred and his anger towards the Barons, who had enforced him to consent unto their banishment. And to express the same more fully; he was informed, that the younger Spencer had strengthened himself with a few good Ships; 
The younger Spencer becomes a Pirate.  and that he lay (as a Grand Pirate) coasting upon the Narrow Seas, robbing, ransacking, and spoiling the Merchants, and all Nations who passed by them; but especially, and chiefly, such as were of this Kingdom. And although great suit was made unto the King, that a convenient Fleet might be prepared for his surprisal; and that he might be produced unto judgement, 
The grieved Lords complain, but the King laughs.  and receive such punishment as the Laws of this Kingdom appointed for the cutting off of such a notorious Thief: yet the King smiled, and was inwardly glad to hear this news, and turned a deaf ear to their request; and was so far off from providing to fetch him in, that (pardoning all his offences, 
The Spencers are recalled, and honoured.  and to despite his Barons) he recalled them both from their Banishment, and honoured them with more Dignities, Offices, and Authority, than ever he had done before.  

ANNO 13.  This thing being thus strangely performed by the King, and the daily unsufferable injuries and insolency of the two Spencers (who scorned and derided the Nobles, as being unable to control them, 
The Spencers do scorn and deride the Nobles.  or to do them any harm) were sufficient warnings to the Barons to look unto themselves, and to provide for their own safety, before it were too late. Wherefore, seeing that neither entreaty nor Law could right their wrongs; they raised a strong Army, 
The Barons do raise a strong army.  and boldly marched into the field: And the King, with the two Spencers, and some others of the Nobles, did the like. And after many sharp Bicker and Encounters both their Armies met, 
The King doth the like.  and fought on either part with such obstinate desire to revenge, that he was supposed to be the most valiant man among them, who could and did drench his sword deepest in the most blood. 
A cruel Battle.  The Noblemen now forgot, that undutifully they fought against their Sovereign Lord: and the King would not by any means know, that his Tyranny had compelled them to take Arms. Kindred, Alliance, Country, Religion, Neighbourhood, nor any other respect now prevailed to win favour: but fury made them trust to their weapons, and death stickled the controversy betwixt them. 
The Barons are overthrown.  In the end, when many of the Barons, and thousands of their adherents were slain; they fled, and were pursued by the King, who (obtaining the victory) never ceased the pursuit until he had taken the Earls of Lancaster, Hereford, and many other Lords, of which he caused two and twenty to lose their heads in sundry places of this Realm, 
Twenty and two Lords beheaded.  to the great astonishment of the rest, and to the terror of the vulgar sort.  
Thus when this havoc was made of the Nobility, and when this victory had puffed up the two Spencers with intolerable insolency and pride, they made no good use of their good fortune, 
The two Spencers wax more insolent and proud.  for the amendment of their lives, or better counseling of the King, but (as tyrants) they now did all in all as they themselves listed; and their will was the best law. And then (presuming that all things should be ordered as they listed) they procured the King to hold his high Court of Parliament at York; 
The Prince of Wales created. Sir Hugh Spencer the elder made an Earl. A great tax.  in which he created Edward his eldest son Prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitaine. He also created Sir Hugh Spencer the Father, Earl of Winchester, and Sir Andrew Harkley (whose extraordinary service was a principal means of the Barons late overthrow) Earl of Care-Liele. He also exacted the sixth penny of all Temporal men's goods and moveaables, inhabiting in England, Wales, and in Ireland, to defray and to support his intended wars against the Scots: 
The people do murmur.  but the levying thereof enforced the common people to grudge and to murmur; affirming, That they were altogether impoverished by dearth and famine, and almost undone by reason of the disordered government of the King.  
The Scots (being secretly informed that King Edward was resolved to invade their Country, 
ANNO 15. The Scots do invade Ireland. The Scots are overthrown.  and to revenge those indignities and those wrongs, which by the incursions and invasions of Robert le Bruse their usurping King, he had received) endeavoured to divert his purpose another way; so that they entered into Ireland with a copious Army. But the king (who was not ignorant of their determination) made such provision against their landing there, that the greater number of those assailants were slain, and the rest (being utterly overthrown) were compelled to fly unto their Ships, and shamefully to return into their own Country. 
The King entereth into Scotland with an Army.   
The king was now persuaded that scarcely any strength could withstand so great a power as he had levied, and that the Scots should now be called to a strict account for all their inroads, incursions, invasions, murders, robberies, and spoils. And for the effecting thereof, he conducted his Army into Scotland, where the Nobles and the other inhabitants of that land (being armed well, and being in number many thousands) for many days by continual preparations, made a show to give battle to king Edward, when as (indeed) they meant nothing less. 
The Scots do retire into the Woods & Mountains.  For when King Edward approached near unto them, they craftily, yet stoutly and strongly, retired many miles, and at length withdrew themselves into the Woods, Forests, and Mountains: where they soon cloyed, wearied, and wasted the English forces; 
The English Army is tired out.  partly with the uneasiness of those passages, and partly with such Storms, Tempests, Rain, hail, Snow, Frosts, and other distempered weather, as usually in those places were too bitter and too sharp.  

The King's Army is afflicted.  And besides all this, the want of victuals and other necessaries so grievously afflicted the King's Army with mortality and death, that (not having performed any thing worthy a King's care and travail) he began to retire: which when the Scots perceived, they pursued and hunted him with much cruelty and violence: So that (finding his forces to be broken, 
The King is pursued, and flieth.  and his Army scattered) the Scots gave a bold onset upon the King himself, and enforced him to save his life by an ignominious flight, and to leave behind him his Treasure, 
The King loseth his Treasure and provisions.  Ordinance, and all his best provisions, whereat they made great jollity and mirth.  
This last disaster and this last danger (which King Edward by a shameful flight escaped) was principally occasioned by Sir Andrew Harkley; 
Sir Andrew Harkley Earl of Carlisle beheaded.  whom the King had created Earl of Carlyle, for his great service in his behalf against his Barons in their late overthrow: for he (having secretly received from the Scots a great sum of money for a bribe) practised to betray the King: for which offence he lost his head.  

The Queen flieth into France, and carrieth the prince with her.  The Queen (knowing that the two Spencers envied her deeply at the heart, and that by their persuasions the King refused to keep her company, and solaced himself too too wanton with lewd and lascivious strumpets; and pitying the late slaughter and bloody executions of very many of the Nobility, and perceiving that the affairs and business of the Commonweal were made slavish and servile to all misfortunes) taking with her the young Prince Edward her son, fled into France to her brother King Charles: 
She is kindly entertained by her brother the King.  by whom she was received lovingly, and was recomforted by earnest promises and oaths, That by his assistance, and at his costs, her wrongs, and this whole kingdoms ruins, should be repaired. And not long after, the Barons (by their letters) offered their best service to her and to the Prince her son; 
The Barons do offer her their service.  and did protest, That if she could return strengthened only with the help of one thousand valiant men at arms, they would thereto add so great a strength as should suffice to make the two Spencers feel the smart of their unsufferable follies.  
This proffer exceedingly rejoiced the Queen, 
The Spencers do bribe the French King with the King's Money and jewels. The French King checketh the Queen his sister. The Pope and his Cardinals are bribed. Sir Robert Earl of Arthois a friend to the Queen The Queen and Prince fly into the Empire. They are kindly entertained by the Earl of Henault. The Queen and Prince do land in England. ANNO 19 1325. The Nobles & Commons do repair to the Queen and Prince. The Bishop of Exeter beheaded by the Londoners. The King goeth toward Wales. The Londoners take the Tower.  and daily fed her conceits with fresh hopes of fortunate success at the last. But the two Spencers (greatly fearing the event of her return, if the French King should take her part, and making the King's Coin and his Treasure their best Advocates to plead their case) so corrupted King Charles and his Council of Estate with unvaluable presents of Gold, of Silver, and of rich jewels, that not only all aid and succour was denied to her by her own brother; but in very sharp and in quick manner she was by him reproved and blamed, as being foolishly afraid of her own shadow: and as having unwisely and undutifully forsaken the company of her Lord and kind husband. The Pope likewise, and many of his chiefest Cardinals (being by like rewards engaged by the two Spencers) required the French King (upon the penalty of Cursing) to send the Queen and the young Prince her son to King Edward. And doubtless she had unnaturally been betrayed by her own brother, if secretly and speedily herself and her young son had not been conveyed into the Empire by Sir Robert of Arthois, her near and kind cousin and friend: where they were with unexpected and extraordinary joy received and welcomed by the Earl of Henault, and by Sir john of Henault, Lord Beaumond his brother; who (being accompanied with three hundred Knights and selected men of Arms) went with her and with her son into England.  
Upon the first intelligence given of their landing, the Lords and Barons, with gladded hearts and lusty troops of resolved Gallants (who were sound and at all points armed) repaired every day to the Queen and Prince, and hourly their forces were increased. So that the King having notice of these new troubles, left the Government of the City of London to his chiefest Treasurer Walter Stapleton then Bishop of Exeter (who was an inward friend to the two Spencers, and a professed enemy to the Queen, and hated generally by the inhabitants of that City) and the King hasted unto the Marches of Wales for the present levying of an Army. But he was no sooner on his journey, but the Londoners (scorning the Government of their proud and insolent Commander) apprehended him; and without any lawful proceed, or judicial Sentence, caused his head to be smitten off at the Standard in Cheap: and then they suddenly, and with great violence, rushed into the Tower of London; where they slew all such as they found there: and kept both it and that City to the use of the Queen and of the young Prince her son.  

The King changeth his purpose. The King fortifieth Bristol. The Queen winneth Bristol. The King is besieged in the Castle. Est inevitabile Fatum. A strange matter. The King and Sir Hugh Spencer the younger are taken. The Castle of Bristol yieldeth. Sir Hugh Spencer the father, and the Earl of Arundel are beheaded. The Queen and Prince do march toward London. The younger Spencer is publicly derided. He is cruelly executed.  As soon as King Edward was resolved and informed of this Revolt; he desisted from his intended purpose, and posted unto Bristol, and fortified it in the strongest manner that he was able; and committed the defence thereof to the Earl of Arundel, and to Sir Hugh Spencer the father: and himself (with Sir Hugh the son) entered into the Castle there, and were determined to defend it with all their strength. But within few days after, the said City was besieged, assaulted, and won by the Queen and by the Barons: who (committing the two Earls, and divers others of the chiefest note, unto safe keeping) besieged the Castle in such sort, that the King and his Minion (distrusting the event) stole away secretly in the night, and put themselves into a little Fisher-boat. Yet such was the will and pleasure of GOD (to make them to know him by their future miseries) that every day, for a week and more, the same Boat (by reason of a contrary wind) was driven back, near to the said Castle: Which being at length perceived and observed by the Lord Beaumond, he chased the Fisher-boat with a small vessel, and boarded her, and found in her the King and Sir Hugh Spencer the son, whom they so much desired, and brought them to the Queen; who presented them before the Castle's view: and upon the sight of them, the besieged yielded the possession of their Fort into the Queen's hands. Then were the heads of Sir Hugh Spencer the father, Earl of Winchester, and of john Earl of Arundel (whose daughter was married to the younger Spencer) smitten off. And the King being committed unto honourable and safe keeping; the Queen, with the young Prince her son, being accompanied with the Barons and a strong Army, marched towards London; carrying with them Sir Hugh Spencer the son as a slave: before whom, certain unworthy and base Fiddlers (upon Pipes which they had made of Reeds) skornfully played, skipped, and sung, in every Town which they passed through. And being come to the City of London, he was fast bound upon the top of an high Ladder; and (his privy members and his heart being severed from his body and burned) his head was forthwith cut off and set upon London Bridge.  

A just reward for their wickedness.  Thus GOD'S judgements pursued those two ungodly and ambitious caitiffs': by whose lewd advice and evil counsel the King forsook the bed and company of the Queen his wife; lived wickedly; made havoc of his Nobility; neglected his common People; permitted his Enemies (to his disgrace) to triumph and to insult over him; and governed more like a Tyrant than a King.  
And thus those times of Trouble being now again blessed with a happy Peace, 
Sir john of Henault and his company are feasted and rewarded.  the Queen bountifully feasted and rewarded Sir john of Henault, Lord Beaumond, and all his associates: who taking leave, departed; and were received into their Country with much joy and great honour.  
And then the Queen and the young Prince (to reform such things as were amiss, 
A Parliament.  and to settle a better course of Government within this Land) assembled an High Court of Parliament at Westminster. In which, the King, by a general consent, was deposed: 
The King is deposed. Prince Edward crowned King.  and (being very honourably respected and attended) he was committed to the Castle of Killingworth; and Prince Edward was crowned King. And not long after, the King being removed to the Castle of Corff, was wickedly assailed by his Keepers: who through a Horn which they did put into his fundament, pierced his guts with a burning Spit, and murdered him; 
The old King is murdered.  when he had reigned almost nineteen years.   

THE HISTORY OF KING EDWARD THE THIRD.  
EDWARD the third, being of the age of fifteen years; and crowned King, whilst his deposed father lived: was chiefly directed in his younger years by the advice and counsel of Queen Isabella his mother, and of his uncle Edmund of Woodstock Earl of Kent, and of Sir Roger mortimer: 
Sir Roger mortimer wickedly procured the murder of the old King.  which knight (to interest himself more especially in the Queen's love) traitorously conspired and procured the murder of the last king, by the monstrous villainy and barbarous cruelty before mentioned.  
In the second year of this king's Reign, Robert le Bruse (the busy usurping king of the Scots) denounced Wars against him and his kingdom: which occasioned the levying of a strong Army, 
King Edward invadeth Scotland.  which consisted of four and fifty thousand men; with which, the king himself (being accompanied with Sir john of Henault, Lord Beaumond, and five hundred Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen strangers his associates) marched into Scotland: 
The Scots fly into the Woods and Mountains.  Where he hunted and chased his enemies from Marish to Marish, from Wood to Wood, from Hill to Hill, and from Mountain to Mountain, for the space of one month and more: yet (by reason of the Scots cowardice, which made them to skulk and run from place to place, tiring out the English Army. 
The King returneth. The King marrieth Philip daughter to the Earl of Henault. A Parliament. Persons attainted. A dishonourable peace with Scotland. Their tenure is released. The Charter called Ragman, delivered up. A marriage with Scotland. Sir Roger Mortimer created Earl of March. He is too familiar with Queen Isabel He procureth the King's uncle to be beheaded. Articles against Sir Roger Mortimer.  The King with his whole company (not having performed any memorable service) returned home; and shortly after, took to wife the Lady Philip, youngest daughter to William Earl of Henault, his cousin german in the third degree, and assembled his high Court of Parliament at Northampton: in which (among other passages) the two deceased Spencers and Walter Stapleton the late Bishop of Exeter were attainted of high treason. And then the King (by the directions of his mother and of Sir Roger Mortimer) concluded a dishonourable peace with the Scots, and released to them their homage, fealty, and services to him due for that Kingdom, and delivered up to them the Grand Instrument or Charter called Ragman, which under the hands and seals of their late King, and of the Nobility of Scotland, testified their tenure and subjection to the Kings of this Realm; and then he married his sister jane unto David the son and heir apparent of Robert le Bruse the usurping Scottish King, and created Sir Roger Mortimer Earl of March, whereat his Nobles were exceedingly discontent. And such was this new Earls inward malice and hatred unto the King's uncle the Earl of Kent, and so powerful was he with the King, by reason of his too much familiarity with his mother Queen Isabel; that he never desisted from his wicked and ungodly plottings, until he had bereaved him of his head. But God permitted not this wretched man to sway long in his ungodly courses. For within few months after he was accused by the State for these horrible and heinous crimes:  
1. Imprimis, For that he had wickedly plotted and procured the murder of the King's father.  

2. Item, For that (by his false accusations and sinister counsel) he had caused the King to cut off the head of his said uncle, who was truly Noble, Religious, valiant, honest, and a strong pillar to the Commonweal.  
3. Item, For that too too familiarly he conversed with Queen Isabel the King's mother, to her just reproach and the dishonour of the King.  
4. Item, for that he received of the Scots a bribe of twenty thousand pounds, for which he procured the King's retreat out of Scotland, and the releasement of his Signiory and homage due for that Kingdom.  
5. And lastly, because he had deceitfully cozened and beguiled the King of his Wards and Treasure, converting all to his own use.   
For these his wicked Treasons and horrible transgressions, 

Sir Roger mortimer attainted and Executed. Queen Isabel sequestered The King's Homage for Guyan required. The King would not do Homage in such sort as it was required. The French King is angry, The King's Homage again required.  
It is sent under the Great Seal. The Nobles are offended. The King's Title to France first broached.   he was condemned to die, in the same manner which he had devised for the execution of Sir Hugh Spencer the younger. And Queen Isabel (being most honourably provided for, and attended on) was sequestered into a strong Castle, where she lived more than thirty years after and then died.  
In the fifth year of King Edward's Reign, his personal appearance (in kind and friendly sort) was required by Philip de Valois king of France, and uncle to the young Queen (that is to say) brother to jane, Countess of Henalt, who was mother to K. Edward's wife; together with his Homage & Fealty for his Duchy of Guyan. For the performance whereof, he departed hence; and was with much triumph, & magnificence received, entertained, & feasted in France. But his homage, and his fealty, he would, and did only confess by words, and would not do them in such solemn and submissive fashion as they were demanded; Whereat the French King was so inwardly moved, that King Edward (at his departure from the French Court) might well perceive, that his welcome was more respected and honoured, than his going from thence.  
Assoon as the King came home, by new Ambassadors his homage was again required to be performed with all solemnity and due rites. And thereupon, (to give some contentment to the French King) it was sent unto him, in an instrument in writing, under the great seal. Whereat the Lords and Peers repined much, affirming that the crown of France, (in the right of Queen Isabel his mother) did belong to him: and that therefore he might justly have refused, to have done unto him any homage at all.  
Not long after these businesses thus ended, King Edward by his Ambassadors required David the young King of Scots, 
The King requireth the Castle of Berwick to be restored. It is denied by the King of Scots, and his Homage denied also.  being his brother-in-law, to restore unto him his Castle of Barwick; and to do him homage for his kingdom: But David stoutly returned answer, that his father by conquest and by his sword won that Castle, and that he had received it, by descent from him; and therefore would hold and keep it as his own. And touching the kings demand of his homage for the kingdom of Scotland, his answer was that his Father never acknowledged any such service; & that king Edward had released it, if any had been due. And that therefore he would not confess any tenure of king Edward's crown.  

The King warreth in Scotland. The King prevaileth. Berwick is recovered.  The high spirit of the King would not suffer him thus to be slighted and shaken off, for he resolved to make himself the Lord of both. For which cause; he marched with a strong Army into Scotland, and quickly subdued the better & the greater part of that kingdom, with small resistance. And having fortified for his own use, the Castles and Towns of best defence, he returned, and came to Barwick, where the Town (after a strong siege) was by composition surrendered into his hands: 
Edward Baylyol Crowned King of Scotland.  And then he crowned Sir Edward Baylyol king of Scotland, and committed the government of the Town of Barwick unto his charge; and returned into England with much honour.  

The King in person settleth the Government of Scotland.  But before two years more were expired, he passed again with an army into Scotland, placed his new king in his throne; and received his homage: and reinvested divers English Lords, and gentlemen, of such Lordships and Territories, as by reason of the kings dishonourable peace with the Scots, (when he first began to reign) had been taken from them.  

David flieth into France.  These disasters, and adverse fortunes, which inseparably accompanied David the deposed king, compelled him to fly into France, where (after two years continuance) his heart was cheered with fair promises, and his necessities were relieved plentifully, with large and ample supplies of all things needful and convenient: 
He returneth with an Army into Scotland.  he also obtained an Army with which he sailed into Scotland; his hopes fairly promising that ere long he should be a king again. But he was much deceived. For king Edward having certain intelligence of his & of the French kings endeavours, provided effectually for the encounter; 
David is overthrown by King Edward.  and marched into Scotland with a strong Army, where he fought often with fortunate success, against David and the French kings forces: and at length by battle obtained an honourable victory; and securing the government of that kingdom, according to the rules of wisdom and of policy) he returned joyfully into England.  

Robert de Arthoys comes into England.  In the tenth year of this king's reign, Philip de Valois then king of France, sentenced the Earldom of Arthoys from Robert De Arthoys, unto Maud Countess of Burgundy, & Aunt to the said Robert; which censure so incensed the said Earl, that in his heat he uttered these words: By me was he made a King, and by me, he shallbe again deposed. For which offence, 
The King requites his former kindness.  he was throughout all France proclaimed to be a traitor to the crown, so that (to preserve his life) he was compelled to fly into England; where (in regard of his fidelity, and honourable service, performed to Queen Isabel, and to the king himself, when they were both in France) he was with all compliments of kindness and hearty love received; and entertained by king Edward: who (knowing him to be right valiant, hardy, & wise, and not forgetting to requite favours extended to him in his distress) created him Earl of Richmond: 
He is Created Earl of Richmond.  and so entirely loved him, that whilst he lived, he never attempted any great and important matter without his counsel and advice.  
This noble Knight ceased not to inform the King of his Title to the Crown of France, By Queen Isabel his mother, who was the daughter of Philip the Fair; which appeared to stand thus.  
Philip the Hardy, had issue two sons, Philip the Fair, 
King Edward's title to the Crown of France.  and Charles de Valois. Philip the Fair had issue three sons, (all which successively were Kings and died without issue Male) that is to say, Lewes the tenth, Philip the fifth surnamed the Long; & Charles the fourth. He had also one daughter which was named Isabel, Queen of England, and married to the King's Father named Edward the second.  
And Charles de Valois (the second son of Philip the Hardy) was father unto Philip de Valois who reigned then in France; 
Charles de Valois.  and of this Charles it is noted that he was the son of a King, The brother of a King, The uncle of a King, and the father of a King, & that himself was no King.  
According to the Laws of France, the Crown was to descend to the Issue Male, and no woman could inherit the Crown: but King Edward, (in regard that he was a Male, though the descent of the Males was interrupted by a Female, viz. by Queen Isabel his mother) pretended that in right the Crown of France was his; and could not be deprived thereof by human laws. The state of this question standing thus, Sir Robert de Arthois Earl of Richmond daily whispered it into the King's ear. and with such forcible reason and persuasions so urged the same, that now the King began to think on nothing more, than how to attain to the Crown of France. 
Secrecy is the best fartherer of great negotiations. The Counsel of the Earl of Henalt is craved. A●de promised to the King. The King is made Vicar general of the Empire.   
This business as it was of extraordinary weight and importance, so it required the best secrecy until it were plotted well. For which purpose K. Edward (by private messengers & letters) craved the advice & counsel of the Earl of Henalt (his wife's father; and brother-in-law to the French King) and of Sir john of Henalt Lord Beaumond his brother, and of sundry other great States and Princes of the Empire; who not only counseled him by his sword to prosecute his right, but made him offers of their assistance by their best means. They also procured King Edward by a solemn instrument in writing to be created the Vicar General of the Empire, by reason whereof he had the power to command the Nobles and the common people of those Countries, to further his purpose and his doings  

ANNO 11.  Whilst these things were thus contriving in England, and whilst king Philip de Valois little thought that his kingdom and Crown were aimed at, 
The French King maketh incredible provision to War in the Holy-land.  or that his strength should be tr●ed with English wars; he (by the importunity of Pope Benedict the eleventh) prepared such an Army to have made wars in the Holy-land, as never before was conducted by any Christian Prince. He also committed the government of his kingdom unto his eldest son john Duke of Normandy: To whom (by reason of his youth) he added (for assistance) a discreet, wise, and a grave Council. And when he had thus provided and settled all things needful for his huge army; 
The French King altereth his purpose.  and for the maintenance thereof for three years space: the reports of king Edward's claim and purpose, began as a sudden storm to break forth, and to be known: Whereupon, king Philip assuring himself, that (in his absence) the English Army would very little regard such forces as should be left behind; and that his departure would encourage many (who hunted after novelties and change) rather to make offers of their service to his enemies, 
He prepareth against England.  then to perform that duty which by subjects was due unto their king: And knowing That it would be a ridiculous thing (by dangerous attempts) to win honour abroad, and to neglect the safety of his own kingdom and estate at home; he desisted (on the sudden) from prosecuting his journey into the Holy land; and prepared strongly to defend himself against king Edward, 
King Edward fills his Coffers.  and his claim. And (on the other side) king Edward (to the end that nothing might be wanting, when time should serve) By many politic devices levied such inestimable sums of money, 
Want of Money in England.  That (for want of coin among the common people) a fat Ox was sold for a noble, a fat sheep for six pence, six Pigeons for a penny; and a quarter of wheat for two shillings.  
When he had thus done, he (with Queen Philip his wife) sailed into Flanders, 
The King and Queen do sail into Flanders.,  where they remained all that winter, and (at Antwerp) The king oftentimes conferred, & at length concluded with the Princes, and States of Germany, and of those Provinces, 
He enleageth himself with the Germans and Belgicks  upon all things touching his said intended war. So that, after his return, he levied a strong Army, 
King Edward's Army  which (with his assisting friends) consisted of seven and twenty thousand chosen fight men, with which strength he landed in France, 
King Edward landeth in France.  when the Summer was almost spent.  

The French King taketh the field.  The French king, having an Army which consisted of threescore thousand soldiers, and being accompanied with the three kings of Behayne, Navarre, and of Scotland, with five Dukes; Six and twenty Earls; and more than four thousand Lords, and knights; bravely entered into the field, where he found king Edward sufficiently provided to show himself a valiant man. But whilst each Army gazed on the other, 
A woman parteth a great affray.  and expected many hours, which part should give the first stroke of the battle: Behold and wonder, and a strange wonder! For betwixt both those Kings (upon the motion, and through the mediation of the Lady jane Countess of Henalt, sister to King Philip, and mother to King Edward's wife) not a blow was given: but (on a sudden) Both the Armies were dissolved, and King Edward with his friends, and Nobles returned into England.  
In the fourteenth year of King Edward's Reign, 

ANNO. 14 1339. The Germans incorporate themselves with King Edward in his Wars. Upon what conditions the Flemings joined with King Edward.  
He quarter's the Arms of France. The French do burn in England.   he sailed into Flanders, where at Brusels he met with the greater number of the Princes of Germany, who of their own accords, with hearty love and forwardness, incorporated themselves with king Edward in those his wars against France.  
And (at the instance of the king) the said Princes entreated the Flemings to join with them in that Enterprise, and service: whereunto they seemed willing to condescend, if king Edward would entitle himself king of France; and would quarter the Arms of France, with the Arms of England; and would (as king of France) release unto them a bond of two millions of Floreynes, wherein they stood obliged not to wage any war against the king of France. Whereunto the king yielded, and did perform all things, according to their desires. And thus he consorted to his part, the Germans and Flemings in those affairs, by promises, oaths, and by a solemn instrument in writing under their hands and seals.  
Whilst king Edward was thus busied abroad, the French kings Navy landed many thousand men at Southampton, who ransacked the Town and consumed it with fire: and the like outrage and cruelty they exercised in the Countries thereunto adjoining.  
The king (immediately upon his return out of Flanders) Summoned his high Court of Parliament: in which, 
A Parliament.  that nothing needful might be wanting, to furnish and to maintain his wars with France; a Subsidy of the fifth part of all his Subjects movable goods was granted to him, and the ninth part of their Corn, 
A great Tax.  Together with a large custom upon Wolles, to be paid two years before hand. The levying of which Tax, turned the prayers of the People into Curses, 
The King borroweth Money.  because they were altogether unwilling to pay the same. He also (by way of lone) borrowed huge sums of money of his richest Subjects: and the City of London disbursed for him twenty thousand marks.  

New coin with the French arms quartered. King Edward's Fleet and Army. The battle of Sluice.  The King also coined great store of silver and of gold, on which he quartered with his own the Arms of France in the first place, and instamped him thereon King of England and of France. He also prepared a fleet of two hundred Sail of Ships, and thoroughly appointed them to the proof, and then he levied an Army often thousand selected men of war; all which he embarked: and passing with them towards Sluice, he fortunately met with the French fleet, which (consisting of Frenchmen, Piccards, Genoese, and of other Nations) amounted to the number of forty thousand men; 
The King's victory at Sea.  among which were they who not only had rob and rifled many English Merchants on the narrow Seas, but also had burned Southampton and the Countries thereabout (as lately you have heard.) The King being full of magnanimity and valour, resolute in his purposes, and reckoning of the French as of his subjects and inferiors in Arms, especially upon the Seas, and hopping by his good success, not only to win honour among the Princes and States of his confederacy, and purposing, if he might, to strike a terror in the French Nation concerning those wars, set upon their whole Navy with such an incomparable courage and bold spirit, that after a long, a fierce, and a bloody fight, very few or none of the French Ships escaped, but were (by him) either taken or sunk into the Sea.  

King Edward landeth at Sluice.  The King on his part having received but little loss, his prisoners he sent into England, but himself (the next day) landed at Sluice, where he was triumphantly received by the Inhabitants and Country, who (with great joy and infinite commendations) congratulated his happy and victorious success.  

He rides to Gaunt.  And from thence he road to Gaunt where his Queen lay. And about the space of one month after, he (being accompanied with seven Earls, eight Bishops, eight and twenty Baronet's, two hundred Knights, 
A huge Army.  four thousand men of Arms, and nine thousand Archers of his own Nation, and with the Duke of Brabant, who commanded twenty thousand of his followers: and with jaques Dartuell the famous Fleming, 
jaques Dartuell a famous Fleming.  who conducted threescore thousand men of those Provinces: and with the Duke of gelders, the marquess of Muse, the Earls of Iullers, Mouns, Saviens, and of Henault, the Lord Faulquemont, and many thousand Almains: He strongly besieged the City Tournay, which was with great resolution and valour manfully defended for the space of ten weeks; 
Tournay besieged.  in all which time the French King appeared not for their defence. But (by the importunate mediation of the aforenamed jane de Valois, mother to the Queen of England, & to the Duchess of Iullers, and to the then Earl of Henalt, 
A huge Army was dissolved upon the motion of a woman.  and sister to the French King) a truce was concluded for one year: which was afterwards renewed for one year more. Thus was the siege broken up: and every one returned to his own home.  
Now whilst the King had thus employed himself in the Low-countries: and in the Empire; and in France: 
The Scots revolt from their King and from king Edward  The Scots (disliking Edward Baylyol their King, because he would not in any sort oppose himself against the King of England, who so highly had advanced him; and leaving to him only the name, but no honour due to a King) rebelled against king Edward: And gained into their possessions almost all things whatsoever, which he in his former Wars had won from them. But king Edward, scorning to be checked by the lawless disobedience, and insolency of the Scots, 
The King leadeth a huge Army into Scotland  levied an Army of six thousand horsemen, and forty thousand on foot; with which he marched into Scotland; And those Inhabitants (having intelligence of these unresistible preparations; and and being apprehensive of their own weakness) craved, and obtained a Truce for four Months, upon condition to surrender to king Edward, 
A Truce.  whatsoever in his absence they had taken from him: And also to submit themselves, if within that time David their deposed King returned not out of France for their defence. But before the time of Truce was expired, David returned secretly: and being safely landed in Scotland, 
The Scots invade England.  he raised an Army of more than threescore thousand men; with which he entered into Northumberland, spoiling, robbing, wasting, burning and killing (without compassion) in all places whereon he set his foot, 
Newcastle is besieged.  until he came to Newcastle upon Tyen; which he girded about with a strong siege. But in the depth of the night, two hundred resolved gallants issued forth; 
A bold bravado.  And (upon the sudden) entered into the Earl of Murrayes Tent; which they ransacked, slew many, and carried the said Earl a way with them, to the great amazement and terror of the Scottish Campe.  
The day appearing, was their true informer of all things, which in the night had happened. 
The siege is raised.  And David (purposing a bloody revenge for this dishonour done unto him) caused the Castle to be continually assaulted. But the Scots were manfully repulsed by the defendants, whose undaunted spirits had banished all fear: In so much that David (being unwilling to spend there too much time in vain) raised his siege, and marched to the City of Durham; 
Durham taken & burnt.  which he took, ransacked and burnt, and slew all the men, women and children, which did inhabit and were found there.  
From thence the Scottish Army marched forth, and passed by the strong Castle of Rowsbrough: 
A valiant exploit by Sir William Mountagew.  which then belonged to the Earl of Salisbury who was a prisoner in France. In this Castle was his fair and admirably beautiful Lady, and it was kept by Sir William Mountagew (his brother) who for his wisdom, and for his valour, was a most renowned Knight. When he had narrowly viewed the Scottish March, he expected their utmost fury in their return, and therefore he determined to give him a present taste of his manhood. So that he issued forth with forty Horsemen well appointed, and fell upon their Rearward, and slew of them more than two hundred, and took from them one hundred and twenty horses, which were loaden with the richest of those booties, which they had taken at Durham: and safely returned, and carried them into the Castle.  

The Castle of Rosbrough is besieged.  David (disdaining thus to be beaten by so small a number) forth with retired, and with continual assault so sharply oppressed the besieged for many days, that he scarcely gave them leisure to take breath. By means whereof they were almost tired, and so worn out, that small hope of long resistance was left unto them, except they were (in due time) rescued and relieved by the King. To give his highness intelligence whereof, it was resolved; That one of them (in the depth of the night) must give a desperate adventure through the Scottish Campe. This project seemed so full of imminent peril and danger, 
A brave attempt with fortunate success.  that every one of the inferiors refused the attempt: So that the brave Knight himself (considering advisedly in what case the Castle stood: and pitying the distressed estate of the comfortless Countess his sister, who expected nothing but villainous abuse if it were yielded) with a settled resolution undertook the journey. And being gallantly mounted upon a swift courser, he speedily posted through all the thousands of his enemies And in the morning, he informed David (by such passengers as he did meet) that very quickly he should hear news of him again.  

The Castle is bravely assaulted and defended. The siege is raised.  The Scots (knowing that it was no time to linger; and yet being desirous, to revenge the great disgrace which their Army had received) again, and again furiously assaulted the Castle; and (in them) they performed many brave feats of Arms: which witnessed their eager longing to have won it, but they were still repulsed; and beaten back, with many incredible slaughters of their Soldiers; 
The King comes to late, for the Scots are gone.  and were compelled to raise the siege, and with great speed to hasten into their own Country.  
King Edward (the very day of their departure) had traveled a long and weary journey, thinking to have met them there. But he failed of his purpose, for which he was much grieved. Yet by the mediation of divers Honourable personages, 
A Truce.  a Truce was concluded on for a few Months: But to be enlarged for two years; if the French King (without whose leave the Scots could make no Peace) would consent thereto.  
The French King liked the motion well, and gave freedom to the Earl of Salisbury: For whom the Earl of Morret was by ki●● Edward set at liberty.  
And though king Edward took but little pleasure in this Truce, 
The causes why the King consented to this Truce.  yet he was the more easily drawn to consent thereto: because (at the same time) he had Wars in France, Gascoigne, poitiers, Paynton, Britain and else where. All which daily consumed as much Treasure as he could get. The king (when he perceived that the Scots were gone from the Castle; disarmed himself; and (with ten, 
The King makes love to the Countess of Salisbury.  or twelve Lords and Knights) entered into the Castle, where the excellent beauty, and modest behaviour of the sweet Countess of Salisbury so inflamed his heart, that by secret and amorous woo he endeavoured to persuade her, to ease his passions with her love. But the virtuous Lady (first with mild and kind entreaties, 
She cares not for it.  and afterwards with quick and nipping reprehensions) strived to make the king to see his own error. But such was his desire, and her denials were so peremptory, and resolute; That discontentedly the King left her, cashired his Army, and returned back again. And (having for many years together been vexed, 
The King keeps a solemn Feast.  and toiled in sundry Wars) he intended to recreate himself, his Lords, his knights and chiefest Martialists, with such pastimes and sport, as men of War took greatest pleasure in. Wherefore he proclaimed a solemn Feast to continue many days, and generally invited thereunto, the valiant men of his own, and of foreign Nations and Kingdoms; proposing the exercise of feats of Arms, 
Strangers repair into England.  at the appointed time. By means whereof, many Noblemen and such as were of best renown for Chivalry, repaired into England from many Countries (excepting France) and were (with all magnificence; courtesy, and love) received, and entertained by the King, 
Martial sport.  and by all his Court. But in those heroical sport (by an evil and an unfortunate accident) Sir john Lord Beaumont, 
The Lord Beaumont slain.  a valiant Knight of this Realm: (who formerly had taken the last King, and Sir Hugh Spencer the younger in a fisher, before the Castle of Bristol) was slain.  
This Royal feast, and these warlike pastimes, 
ANNO. 18. A Parliament The Prince of Wales is Created.  being thus finished: a Parliament was assembled at Westminster; wherein the king Created his eldest Son Edward Prince of Wales, and unto him was given by a free and general consent, 
Commissioners for the employment of the Subsidy money.  four fifteens by the Laity, and three by the Clergy, but with this condition, that no part thereof should be converted unto any other use, then only to the furtherance of the wars of France. And certain Lords and some others of principal note, were then selected, to whom the only care and charge of that employment should belong.  

ANNO. 19  The next year following, king Edward to increase virtue, and valour, in his Nobles, to enlarge his Amity, and Friendship with the States and Princes of foreign Countries, devised and established a new order of knighthood, confining the number of them to twenty and six, of which himself and his Successors were to be Precedents, and called them knights of the honourable Order of the Garter. 
The order of the Garter devised, and established.  The Rites and Ceremonies of which order, are every year solemnized with Princely magnificence in the king's Castle at Windsor, to God's glory, and the honour of all such as are dignified with that degree.  
And thus king Edward having a while recreated himself, with such Princely delights as exercised his Martialists in feats of Arms, to the pleasure and good contentment of his people: He now began again to think upon his affairs with France, and to make his Forces better known to the Frenchmen, then formerly they had been.  

An Army sent into Gascoigne.  For which purpose, he levied a fair Army; which by his Cousin the Earl of Derby, was landed and directed in Gascoine, with such discretion, and with such valour, that he not only acquitted himself right nobly, by way of defence against Philip the French king, but daily won from him his Cities, Towns, Castles, and his Forts; and filled his hands so full, that whilst the said Earl remained there he laboured in vain to catch at any thing, which belonged to king Edward.  

jaques Dartuell.  At the same time jaques Dartuel (whom fortune from a low beginning had raised to the greatest command that ever any man before him had in Flanders, notwithstanding that Joys their Earl then personally did live among them; secretly purposed to disherit the said Earl, and to make Prince Edward of England the great Lord and master of those Countries: 
Malum consilium consultori pessimum.  And to effect what therein he did intend, he called a general Council of the Lords, and great men of those Territories, and appointed the place of their meeting to be at Sluice; where he also procured the presence of king Edward, and of the Prince his son.  
To draw these States together, he proposed nothing publicly, but the necessity of a sound conference touching their proceed with the King of England against France. And within the Haven there, the place of Council was in King Edward's great ship; called the Katherine. But (unexpectedly to the Flemish Lords) jaques Dartuell discoursed boldly, and at large, of the great Honour, prows and valour of King Edward; and of the young Prince his Son. And by many circumstances, and devised arguments, he endeavoured to extenuate the worth of their own Earl, as being altogether unfit, and unable to be a Lord of so great a command: and in the conclusion of his speech, he strongly strived to persuade them all, to depose the Earl Joys and his posterity: and to add an invincible strength to their Estates, by electing, and choosing the Prince of England to be their Master, and great Lord.  
The Nobles and the great men of Flanders (being now made ear witnesses of jaques Dartuells attempt: 
Displeasing Counsel.  And inwardly detesting to leave unto a future age a memorial of such treacherous infidelity and wrong) made answer, that albeit no people in the world, did more than they respect King Edward: Nor more affect the advancement and the Honour of the Prince his Son: Yet this motion could not prevail, except the Natives and common people of those Countries (who had as large an interest as they, in the deposing of the said Earl, and in the disposing of his Lordship and command) would willingly assent thereto. And (though in their hearts they intended and meant nothing less) yet (to make fair weather for the present time) They told the King, that they liked the motion exceeding well: and that they would forthwith departed unto the several places of their habitations; and would inform the people of this project, and do their best endeavours to persuade, and to encourage them to consent thereunto. And (having promised the King, that at the end of one month they would return again, with their full answer to the said motion: And having mutually performed all compliments requisite for a kind farewell) they departed thence. But when this news was divulged, and when it was publicly known what jaques Dartuell had proposed, 
No trusting to the people's favour. jaques Dartuell is hated and murdered  both he and his practice were inwardly detested, and so hated, that he was not esteemed to be a true borne Fleming, who had the least inclination, to give any furtherance thereunto. Yet notwithstanding, such was the great confidence, which this great Commander reposed in the favour of the common people: and such was the resolution of him (whose authority before that time was unlimited, and whose prosperity was equal to the greatness of a potent King) that his presence would work wonders; and change the minds of the common people. That to make trial of his power in that behalf, he came to Gaunt. But as he passed through the streets, he might well perceive that his entertainment was nothing correspondent to his former wel-comes, and that the countenances of the Inhabitants bewrayed their inward contempt, and loathing, both of him and of his despised motion. And no sooner was he entered into his house, but by many thousands of mutinous and armed Swaggarers, it was compassed round about: and then was he railed on with the foulest words, and reviled with the most bitter terms, that either their hearts could devise, or their tongues utter. So that he perceived that it availed him not to look big, nor to presume (by his authority) to appease their rage. Wherefore (at a great window of the house) he began mildly, and with humble terms to plead in his own excuse, and promised to give them a full satisfaction, upon what grounds, points and reasons, he had unadvisedly conceived that motion. But the sight of him (whom in former times they loved and honoured as an Angel) was now so loathsome and so vile, and his words were so unpleasing to them, that with dirt and stones they beat him from the window, 
King Edward looseth many powerful friends.  assaulted his house, broke it open, entered in, and slaughtered him with a thousand wounds: And thus died that great Commander of the Flemings, who (for his power and absolute authority among them) had never his equal in those Countries. And by these means, King Edward not only lost a sound, and a potent friend; But ever after that time, the hearts of the Flemings more favoured the French King, than they did him.  
At the same time also, his noble and worthy friend and uncle Sir john of Henalt, 
Sir john of Henalt revolteth to the French.  Lord Beaumont, revolted from him, and adheared to the French King, because King Edward (upon some private unkindness conceived) did withhold and keep from him a Pension, which (for his faithful and good service) he had formerly given, and duly paid unto him.  
And though King Edward did daily grow more strong in his hopes, 
A valiant King.  to possess himself of the Crown of France: yet the loss of some great friends, being his associates in those Wars, made him indeed more weak; yet, those his misfortunes so little availed to discourage him, that it increased his magnanimity and his resolutions, to maintain those his Wars with the greater helps of his own strength. 
ANNO. 20 Aguillon is besieged by 100000. men.   
Now was the King informed, that john the eldest Son of the French King, had strongly besieged the Castle of Aguillon in Gascoigne, well-near with an hundred thousand men (within which were the Noble Earl of Pembroke, and the renowned Knight Sir Walter of many, and divers others of especial note and place. 
The King transporteth an Army into Normandy  Whereupon King Edward levied the number of fourteen thousand men, which he and the Prince his Son, being accompanied with eight Earls, fifteen Barons, and a great number of brave Knights and gallant Gentlemen, by the advice and counsel of Sir Godfray Lord Harcourt, a French banished Noble man of great wisdom, and wonderful valour in the War, carried into Normandy: and with them he besieged the rich and strong Town of Harflew: 
Harflew is taken.  but (because the English Army seemed terrible in the sight of the Inhabitants) it was not defended, but the King took it without blows, and gave the spoil thereof to his common Soldiers, so that he fil●ed their Purses with Crowns, and thereby prepared them with the greater courage, 
divers towns and Castles are taken.  and resolution for more dangerous attempts. So that within few days after, he won, rifled and spoiled the rich Towns of Cheirbrough, Mount-brough and Quaren●ue, and the Castle there.  
Then King Edward marched forth in great strength through that Country; 
Normandy harrowed by King Edward.  being hedged in on the one side by his Marshal the Lord Harcourt, and five hundred chosen men of war which he commanded, and by his other Marshal on the other side with a like number: And with such severity, ransacked, spoiled, burned and hallowed all places as he passed by: 
The English Army is rich. The English Army increaseth.  that every common soldier was now a rich man, and the King's Army was increased: and now consisted of nineteen thousand fight men: with which he pitched before the city of Cane (in which were the Earls of Tankeruile and of Ewe: Besides the Earl of Guyens, who being high Constable of France, had gathered and brought unto that place many brave and approved men at Arms, and made a flourishing show as if he meant to issue forth, and to give battle to the King. But fear possessing his heart, he made but a faint resistance, 
The City of Cane is taken  and in short time and with little loss, the City was taken, and ransacked by the English soldiers; who conveyed all their spoils into England. 
Sir Thomas Holland. Loureys is taken. Why King Edward meddled with no walled Towns, nor Castles in the Province of Eureux.   
In the yielding up of this City. First, the three Earls submitted their fortunes to Sir Thomas Holland, a valiant English Knight who had but one eye, of whom the King bought them for ten thousand marks in Gold: and receiving them as prisoners into his Army, he marched to the Town of Loures which he quickly won, and then entered into the Province of Eureux all which he wasted, spoiled and burned without pity: (the walled Towns, Cities, and Castles only excepted) with none of which he meddled, ●east by them, his strength should be diminished before he met with the French King, who had solemnly sworn and protested that King Edward should not return into England before a battle fought between them.  

Many towns won by the English.  After this, King Edward in his march, won Gisours, Vernon, Saint Germane in Lay, Mountrell, Saint Cloud, Rely, and the whole Country about Rouen, Pont d'ye Larch, Nants, Newlench, Robboys, Fountain, Boys, and Vimew, in all which places he found but weak resistance. King Philip of France, having true intelligence, that King Edward with all his Army was within two leagues of Paris, 
The French King forsaketh the Parisians.  left that City, and went to S. Dennis where his Army lay, persuading the Parisians that King Edward dared not to look them in the face, but they believed him not, and fear made them greatly displeased with their king. 
Those of Amiens are slain, and taken.  near about the same time Sir Godfrey Lord Harcourt being one of King Edward's Marshals, encountered with certain Burgesses of Amiens, whom the French king had appointed to come unto Paris for the better defence thereof, if need should so require: and though they defended themselves with much valour, yet at length twelve hundred of them were slain, and the rest being taken prisoners, were brought unto the king. The English Army so eagerly pursued the happiness of their fortune, That they possessed the whole country through which they passed, yea even to the gates of Aubevile, 
The English Army is environed on the sudden.  and of Saint Valary: yet were they unawares environed with the River of Some on the one side; and with the French Kings army (consisting of more than an hundred thousand men) on the other side. The place wherein he was, promised him no manner of advantage, if he should fight: but many inconveniencies presented themselves unto him, So that he consulted with his Prisoners, if any of them could direct him to any Ford where he might transport his Army, among whom, one who was named Gobyn of Grace, 
Gobyn of Grace.  directed him to a convenient passage. But when the King came thither, it was defended by twelve thousand of the French Kings Army. Yet notwithstanding (when the Sea was ebbed) King Edward, with the Prince and the whole Army, did put themselves into the water, and so did the French men on the other side, 
King Edward passeth through the river of Some and slaughtereth the French.  so that they all encountered pell-mell in the midst of the River, and fought with such desperate resolution on either part, that many a man was stricken down, being slain, or by that mean was drowned. But at length the Frenchmen being much wasted by the sword fled, and the Englishmen slaughtered them in the Chase a full league and more.  
And now approached the time, in which this journey made by king Edward and his son was to be blessed with much honour, and happiness, or to be unfortunate, 
The famous and victorious Battle of Cressey.  though hitherto it had proceeded well. For the French king (being resolved to be revenged without pity, and in regard that his Army contained in number more than six times as many fight men as king Edward had; and making no doubt, 
Great odds.  but that a triumphant victory should prevent all future danger of England's claim to the French Crown) marched with all his strength, in good order of battle, against king Edward. Who (knowing that only the sword was then to decide the controversy, and to pronounce the judgement) entered into a spacious field near unto Cressey, where he did set his whole Army in good order, and divided it into three battles. All which he so imparked behind with carriages and carts, that no man was easily able to interrupt or to endanger them in the Rearward. 
The Battle of the Black Prince.  And when the battle should begin, the first Companies were conducted by the young Prince, who was assisted by the Earls of Warwick, and of Canford, and by the Lords of Harcourt, Stafford, many, De Lavarre, Chandoys, Clifford, and Bourchier, Sir Reynold Cobham, Sir Thomas Holland, Sir Roger Nevil, and many other Lords, knights, and Gentlemen of name. And in that battle were eight hundred men at Arms, Two thousand Archers, and one thousand other lusty and good Soldiers.  
The second battle was directed by the Earls of Northampton, 
The second Battle of the English.  and of Arondel, who were accompanied with the Lords Rose, Lygo, Willoughby, Basset, Saint Awbin, Myleton, and De La Sell; and by many other Lords, knights, and Gentlemen. And in this battle there were eight hundred men at Arms, and twelve hundred Archers.  
And the third and main battle (being placed betwixt the other two) was led by the king himself, who was assisted by many Earls, Lords, knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen of the best rank. 
The King's Battle.  And in that battle there were seven hundred men at Arms, Two thousand Archers, and ten thousand other common soldiers, well approved and expert men of war.  
The English Army having exercised themselves in prayer unto God, and moderately refreshed themselves with some meat, and some drink, laid themselves down upon the ground, thereby to comfort, and to ease themselves before they fought. But the Frenchmen (although they proudly bragged, and proffered many shows) yet for that day they wanted courage to begin the fight. 
Fifteen thousand Genoese overthrown.  But the next morning, the French king commanded that fifteen thousand Genoese, with their Crossbows, should give the first onset upon the Prince his battle. But either for want of skill, or else (in making king more haste than good speed) their disorder was so foul, and so gross, That by the English Archers the greater part of them were slain; 
The main Battle of the French Army is disordered.  and the rest were soon defeated, and compelled to retire. In which (so violent was their haste and posting) that in rude heaps they rushed into the French kings main battle, and disordered it, but were by their own friends without mercy put unto the sword.  

The Prince his Battle receiveth the Frenchmen to their pain  And though the French Army (by reason of their disorder not to be repaired) had little warrant for good success: yet being emboldened by reason of their multitudes, and being sharp set upon revenge, advanced themselves, and charged gallantly upon the English Army; but bent their chiefest strength against the Prince his battle, who received them with such fury, and hardy blows, that thousands of them (almost in a moment) were made Bondslaves unto death.  

The benefit of good order.  For still: the Prince his battle remained entire and unbroken. By means whereof he made prodigal expense and havoc of the Frenchmen, who being first broken, could not observe any order at all, nor help themselves by any ingenious policy of War.  
And though they fell in great numbers before the Prince his battle, yet their new, and copious supplies, which always succeeded those who were slain, gave no leisure nor respite at all to the Prince, nor to his assistants, to take any breathing; Much less to refresh themselves. So that the brave Prince (though he were full of incomparable valour, and resolution, yet (being distressed for want of breath, and of some relief) he sent to have some help and secure from the King: 
The King would not relieve the Prince his Son.  who inquired of the messenger if he were alive? who answered that he was: Then (quoth the King) report to him from me, that he expect no aid; For this shall be the day in which he shall win his spurs, or else shall lose his life. For in life, or in death, he shall engross to himself the whole honour and glory of this day. When Prince Edward was informed what the King had said, (being urged by sharp necessity, and animated with fresh hopes of a famous Victory) He, with his companions in Arms, renewed their strength, and redoubled their manlike courage: And (wholly reposing their trust, 
The French Army is overthrown.  and confidence in God's goodness, and in the edges of their hungry sword) they fought with such undaunted spirits, that the Frenchmen began to fly: and were so eagerly pursued, That the greater part of their whole Army lay breathless upon the ground. And, in the Chase, the two Marshals of England encountered with a multitude of the Inhabitants of Bevoys, Reignyer, 
An other French company is slain.  Aubevile, and of Rouen, of whom seven thousand were slain, and the rest by flight had much ado in saving of themselves. And the next day the said Marshals were recharged by the Archbishop of Rouen, and by the Grand-Pryor of France, 
No misfortune goeth alone.  who conducted a strong Army to aid their king: They not knowing that the Battle was already fought, and the field lost by their friends.  
With these new forces the English men encountered and contended so proudly, that quickly they began to fly; and were almost all wasted by the sword. 
The number of Prisoners, and of such as were slain  So that within the compass of those two days, there were slain on the French part eleven Princes, fourscore Baron, twelve hundred knights, and more than thirty thousand soldiers of the common sort: And the French king himself by speedy flight, very hardly escaped with his life. 
The King gives away all the spoils  The whole booty of this field, the king frankly bestowed upon his Nobles, Gentry, and on his whole army: and caused the dead bodies of all such as were honourable and of note, to be taken up, 
The King's charity.  and carried them with him unto Mountrell, where they were buried with much solemnity, and great honour.  
Now (when king Edward perceived, 
King Edward besiegeth Calais.  that the French king made no preparation at all for a new supply to encounter him) he marched towards Calais; burning, spoiling, and rifling all places, as he passed by. The Town, and Castle, he intended not to assault. For as it would have been full of danger, so he knew the strength thereof to be such, that in assaulting it he should both lose his labour, and his men. It therefore gave him good content, 
Two hundred thousand men in the French Kings army The French  to gird and to compass it round about with a strong siege: Which (when he had continued a full whole year) the French king, with a huge army of two hundred thousand men, marched towards Calais.  
But finding every passage and way, in such warlike sort to be guarded, and defended, that he could not approach unto the English army: He challenged king Edward to maintain his honour, 
King's Challenge.  by fight with him a battle in the Field. But king Edward (by reason of his long siege having spent much Treasure; and the Town and Castle of Calais wanting many things, needful, 
King Edward's answer.  and necessary for their relief) made this answer: That his many and great Victories in France, and elsewhere, sufficiently cleared him from the suspicion of Cowardice: and that (seeing he had traveled, and spent so much time, and money, for the winning of Calais) the French king should open all passages by force, and then make trial of his Strength before that Town, 
The French Army Cashired.  or (otherwise) might return. Whereupon the French King (not finding any means how he might relieve Calais) cashired his Army, and retired: leaving poor distressed Calais to the mercy of King Edward) who daily expected when it should be yielded into his hands.  

The Scots invade England in the King's absence. The Queen fights with them. john Copland taketh the King of Scots are overthrown. john Copland would not deliver his Prisoner to the Queen.  Now whilst the King thus lay before Calais, David of Scotland, with an Army of fifty thousand men (by the procurement, and furtherance of the French King) entered into England, and did much harm. But the Queen (with her Army, consisting only of twelve thousand valiant men) confronted him in the field, where was fought a long and a sharp battle; until King David (by an Esquire named john Copland) was taken prisoner, and secretly conveyed out of the army. There were also (at that time) slain of the Scots, divers Earls, Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, beside more than fifteen thousand soldiers of the common rank. And the residue of them being defeated, returned by continual flight into Scotland.  
The Queen much importuned john Copland for the delivery of his Prisoner king David. But he (making challenge unto him, as to his only behoof, by the Laws of Arms) made answer, that he would not deliver him unto any but to the King himself. So that the Queen (being highly displeased with him) certified the king both of her Victory, and also in what sort john Copland had answered her, touching the delivery of the Scottish king. Whereupon, john Copland (being sent for) went unto Calais, 
john Copland is thanked, and rewarded  where he was graciously and lovingly welcomed by the king, who thanked him heartily for his great service; and made him an Esquire of his own body; and recompensed his travails, 
King David and others are committed to the Tower.  and his good fortune, with the gift in Fee simple of five hundred pounds by the year in good Land; and commanded him to deliver his Prisoner to the Queen at his return: which he performed accordingly. And then the Queen committed the said king and the Earl of Morret, and many others, Prisoners to the Tower of London: where they remained long after.  

The Queen passeth over to Calais.  And then the Queen (being accompanied with a fair troop of fair Ladies, and beautiful Gentlewomen (whose husbands, fathers, brothers, and kinsfolks, had for a long time been employed in the French wars) came unto the king, as he lay before Calais; and were by the king, and his whole army received, and entertained with much joy. 
The Callicians crave mercy.   
And now the distressed, and the besieged Town of Calais (traveling with many wants, and being destitute of all hope to be relieved, because the French King not long before had cashired and dismissed his whole Army) craved pardon, 
A hard condition.  and mercy of King Edward: Who (in regard of their perverse and long continued obstinacy, and for that they had spoiled and rob many of his English Merchants upon the Sea, before they were besieged) would in no sort hearken to their request and submission; except six of their worthiest Inhabitants did come unto him, Barelegged, Bareheaded, in their Shirts, and with Halters about their necks, to be corrected and disposed of as the king should please. 
Ingens telum necessitas.  And though this condition was full of terror and of bitterness, yet necessity compelled them to accomplish the king's demand. So that they sent him the keys both of the Town, and Castle, by those six, 
A heavy sentence.  who presented them to the king. The keys he received; but forthwith commanded that the said Townsmen should be hanged. Whereupon, all such in the king's Army, 
Intercession for the lives of the Callicians.  as were either Honourable by birth, or had for their service deserved well, or were graced by the king's especial love and favour; became earnest Petitioners to the king for the Pardon of those distressed men. But such was the king's resolution, and full determination, to make them examples to the rest, for the injuries, and for the wrongs which formerly they had done to the English Nation, 
The Queen only procureth their Pardon.  that all their means was insufficient, and unable to deliver them from death. Which when the Queen perceived (on bended knees, with Prayers and with Tears, and with importunate request) she never ceased to urge the king, until she had procured their Pardon, and their enlargement from that danger. 
Calais is yielded to King Edward, in An. Dom. 1347. and in the 22. year of King Edward's reign A stranger made Captain of Calais. The King returneth into England. Londoners are sent to dwell in Calais.   
The chief Captain named Sir Guy of Vyen, and such knights and Gentlemen as were in the Town, and in the Castle, were sent Prisoners into England; where they remained about six months, and were then ransomed by the French king.  
Thus when the king was quietly and fully possessed of Calais (the key to France) and had (without sparing of any cost) in wonderful sort strengthened, and fortified it: He left none to remain there, but Englishmen; the Captain only excepted: Who being a Lombard by birth, was named Sir Andrew de Pauye, an especial favourite of the kings, whom the king (upon the undoubted trust, and confidence which he reposed in him) placed chief Captain, and Commander there.  
These things being thus settled in good order; the king with the Queen and all his troops, returned into England; and were received into London with extraordinary Triumph, and great joy. And from thence he sent six and thirty rich, wise, and grave Citizens, with their Wives and Families to Calais, to inhabit, and to trade and traffic there: 
Great privileges granted to the Callicians.  and gave to the said Town and Castle such profitable and large immunites, privileges, liberties and franchesses'; that they thought themselves to be very happy, whom the king would licence to dwell there.  

The Pope mediates a Truce.  Pope Clement the sixth (having many years laughed in his sleeve, to see these two potent and mighty kings, so busily to employ themselves each against other in those bloody Wars) at length mediated a Truce betwixt them: which (on his motion) was concluded for two years.  

Calais should have been betrayed  And in the mean time, king Edward was informed, that Sir Andrew de Pavia his chief Captain of Calais, (for twenty thousand Crowns to him promised by the Lord Charney Captain of Arras) had conspired to betray the Town and Castle into his hands. Whereupon king Edward (to make a trial of this news, and to surprise the said Lord, 
The King passeth secretly unto Calais.  and all his Company, if he might, when he should come to take the possession of Calais) departed secretly out of England with three hundred selected men at arms, and in the depth of the night landed at Calais, and was quickly received in: where he sharply reprehended the Lombard, who, under the pretext of honest dealing for the king, excused himself of any treacherous intent. But within a night or two after, the Lord Charney (at the appointed time) repaired thither with twelve hundred armed men, to surprise both the Castle, and the Town. The money (in good Gold) was by the Captain received at a postern gate of the Castle; 
The Money is received.  and one hundred only of that Company were suffered to enter in. But they (finding quickly that they were beguiled, and betrayed) without noise, or resistance, yielded themselves; and were closed up in a strong Dungeon. And then the king himself, 
King Edward's valour and courage.  with three hundred men at arms, (under the Banner of Sir Walter of Mannie) broke forth out of the Castle, and furiously rushed upon the Frenchmen; who attended for better news. But when they did perceive that they were deceived; they resolved to acquit themselves like men; and, for an hour and more, so they did. But when many of them were slain, the rest fled; and were thus deprived, both of their many, and of their hope. In this conflict the King himself encountered hand to hand with the Lord Eustace of Rybamount, 
Sir Eustace Lord Rybamont.  a right hardy and valiant knight; and was by him twice stooped on his knees: But scorning to yield to any base conceit, or froward Fortune, he advanced himself so nobly, 
A noble King.  and in such sort redoubled his courage and his strength, that in the end he took the said Sir Eustace prisoner with his own hand: the said Lord not knowing with whom he had so sharply contended. But the King, making him to know all, released him without Ransom; promised him future favours; and dismissed him with a Princely reward.  
About the same time, the French king Philip of Valois died: 
The French King dieth. ANNO 24. john is Crowned King of France. The King's Victory at Sea. Guyens is yielded to the Callicians ANNO. 25 ANNO. 27 A Duke of Lancaster Created. How john of Gaunt became Duke of Lancaster. A Combat appointed between the Duke of Lancaster and the Duke of Brunswick. A reconciliation. The Marts for England removed from the Flemings.  and his son was crowned King.  
In the beginning of his Reign he created Sir Charles a Noble man of Spain, Earl of Angolesme; because he entered into the narrow Seas on the French behalf with a powerful Fleet, and miserably spoiled, rob, and rifled the English Merchants; and exposed them to much cruelty. With him king Edward fought; and compelled him to fly having lost many of his chiefest men, and two and twenty of his best ships.  
And about the same time, the Castle of Guyens was yielded to the King's people of Calais: and in the seven and twentieth year of his Reign, he created his Cousin Henry of Bullinbrooke (who was Earl of Derby) Duke of Lancaster: with whose daughter and heir, the king's son john of Gaunt afterwards married; and was Duke of Lancaster in her right. He also created Sir Roger Stafford, Earl of Stafford. The said Duke (upon some misinformation that he should publish some disgraceful words of the Duke of Brunswick) was by him challenged to a single Combat before king john of France; whereof he gladly accepted: and at the appointed time, they both being thoroughly fitted for that purpose, entered with haughty courage into the Lists, for the trial of their cause. But they both of them were reconciled by the French King, to the great contentment and honour of the Duke of Lancaster, notwithstanding that he was an Englishman and a subject to his Enemy.  
King Edward (during the time of the aforesaid Truce) had used all friendly means to reconcile the Flemings, and to draw them from the French to his own part: but finding that all his endeavours proved vain, and that no courtesy could win them, he withdrew from them all his Marts for merchandising, which jaques Dartuell had procured for them. Which thing (in a short time) became exceeding hurtful and prejudicial to the Flemings.  
And now (the time of the former Truce with France being long since ended) King Edward levied a puissant Army of his most expert and approved men of war, 
The Black Prince landeth in Gascoigne with an Army.  which he committed to the charge and Government of his son, the Noble and Valorous Prince of Wales, surnamed the Black Prince: Who being accompanied with many Earls, Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of name, 
He prevaileth. The French King l●uieth a huge army.  departed out of England, and landed in Gascoigne; where he ransacked, spoiled, , and consumed Villages, Towns, Cities, Forts, and Castles, in all places as he passed by, without any resistance or defence. But King john of France, intending to ●op this Torrent: and making no doubt but that the multitude of his soldiers should give him an easy Victory over so small a Company as the Prince conducted, 
Ten thou●an● men only 〈◊〉 English Army.  which exceeded not ten thousand men; Levied a huge Army, which he assembled from all places subject to his Dominion. And being accompanied with Philip his younger son, and with the Flower of all the Chivalry of France, He marched with great strength, 
ANNo. 30 1355. The Battle of poitiers.  against the Black Prince; whom he found near unto poitiers, readily prepared in the field to receive him. The French army was divided into four Battles: who (as their turns, or lots came) fought with much valour, but with little use of their great skill. For the thick shot of the English Archers, (galling unmeasurably their great Horses) was the cause, that quickly they broke their order and their array: which suddenly bred such a total disturbance in the whole army, 
The French men are disordered.  that themselves (as waves of water do in a turbulent, and in a tempestuous Sea) overwhelmed each others; so that such as were down, were trodden to death by their own friends who could not avoid them; such as would press forward to make good proof of their valour, were repressed by such as did retire; And such as did recoil, were stopped and hindered of their purpose, by those who could not choose but resist their coming back. Notwithstanding, the French Kings own Battle (which was better ordered then all the rest) encountering with that Battle of the English army, in which the Prince of Wales was; performed most rare and wonderful feats of Chivalry, 
King john is a most valiant Prince.  which (to the utmost of their powers) they increased; being extraordinarily animated thereunto by the matchless valour and fortitude of their King: who (like a worthy Knight for his surpassing valour and courage) exceeded all his Nobles for performance of that day.  

The Brave valour, and resolution of the English.  But the Black Prince, and his Battle (whom no disorder troubled) striving almost beyond the abilities of men to win honour, and to save themselves; remained undaunted spirits. And as dangers pressed forth; so did they (with incomparable manhood) drive them back again, making the Frenchmen know by their miserable experience, that they could not so much as dream of any flight, 
The Black Prince his vow.  nor of yielding, but were so greedy of the best honour, that nothing but Death, or Victory, could content them. The Prince himself vowed, that through the help of Almighty God he would that day perform the part of a good Knight. And to say the truth, such were his unmatchable deeds of arms, so haughty was his spirit, so pleasing was his example, and so cheerful were his encouragements to his whole army; that every one among them (striving to imitate his valour, and to win his favour,) redoubled his strength; 
The French Army is overthrown.  and with such resolution fell upon the Frenchmen, that they were compelled to give back, and were so violently pursued, that the battle (in which their King fought) was now opened, and in such sort disordered, that the Englishmen entered into the midst of them; wounding and killing on every side with little or no loss, or danger to themselves. And at length; 
King john, and his younger Son are taken Prisoners by Sir Dennis Morbecke.  King john (scorning to leave the field) yielded himself & his son Philip, prisoners unto Sir Dennis Morbeck a Knight of Saint Omers: who for a murder forsook his Country, and served for wages with the Black Prince. In this battle there were slain very many great men of the Nobility, and Gentry of France; and above ten thousand others.  
Too much desire of Honour, and too much covetousness; 
The French King is ill used.  were the causes, that the French King (being thus taken) was ill used: For (by reason that more than ten Gentlemen laid several claims unto him, as to their Prisoner) he was uncivilly drawn from one to another, not without some peril to his life: but telling them, that he was so great a Lord, that he could make them all rich, they were better pleased, and brought him to the Prince: Who with great reverence bowed himself before the King: 
How the Black Prince received and entertained the French King, and his Son. The Black Prince bringeth the French King and his Son: Prisoners into England. Sir Dennis Morbecke.  revived his heavy spirits, with cheerful, and with comfortable words: feasted him and Philip his younger Son: attended dutifully at his Table; lodged him in his own bed: Provided for him most honourable attendance: Supplied all things about him which were wanting: and brought them both, from thence unto Bordeaux, and from thence into England; where he was joyfully, and royally received, and welcomed by the King and Queen, and by the Nobility of this Kingdom, and was entertained with as great magnificence and courtesy, as he could expect, or wish for. And upon King john's own confession, the honour of his taking was by King Edward adjudged to Sir Dennis Morbeck: who for his great and good service was much thanked: and bountifully rewarded by the King.  
In this Battle (besides such as were slain) There were taken prisoners seventeen Earls, thrice as many Barons, 
Prisoners.  and so great a number of Knights, and Gentlemen of name, and of note: that every English common soldier (who had fewest prisoners) had two: all which, 
A bountiful Prince.  together with the wohle spoils of the field, the Prince frankly and freely gave to his companies who valiantly had won them by their swords. 
The English Army are made rich.  So that there was not a poor man in the English army, but every one of them had as much Gold, and as much Silver, Plate, and jewels, as gave him good contentment for his pains. And such was their store, and such was their plenty of those things, that rich and costly Armours, and such like warlike provisions, were not taken up, nor cared for at all.  

How the French King was disposed of.  The French King (for a while) lived at the Savoy; which by King Edward was sumptuously furnished; and beautified, with all things necessary for so great a guest. And from thence, he was removed to the Castle of Windsor, where he feasted, hunted, hawked, and did all things according to his own pleasure, and will, for the space of two years; the King, and the Black Prince, as often as any leisure gave them leave repairing thither; and gladding him with their cheerful and most friendly company, and with the variety of many pleasing sports. By means whereof, true and hearty love, and affection, did knit them fast together, so that they concluded a friendly Truce, to continue for the space of two years. 
The honourable prosperity of King Edward, and of the Black Prince.  And thus were King Edward, and the Noble Prince his son, honoured and blessed by Almighty God, with such triumphant success in their wars, both in Scotland, and in France, (they then possessing for their Prisoners at one time, the Kings of those two Kingdoms, and Philip the French Kings younger son, and many Dukes, Earls, and Barons) as none other Princes in Christendom then were.  

King David of Scotland is released.  And David the King of Scots after ten years of imprisonment in England was enlarged for a ransom of one hundred thousand pounds, to be paid in five years: And (upon his oath never again to bear arms against England; and upon his Homage, and Fealty, done for that Kingdom; 
ANNO. 32  and upon his faithful promise to do his best to procure the Nobility of Scotland to do the like) he was enlarged and set free.  

ANNO. 33 The Dalphin allows not his Father's conclusions. King john of France committed to the Tower.  Not long after, King Edward and the King of France, entered into a parley for a longer time of Truce. But their conclusions and agreements were utterly disliked by his eldest Son Charles then Regent of France, and Duke of Normandy; and by the whole Barony of that County. Whereupon King Edward, with all expedition and convenient speed, made greater preparation to make War there, than he had done at any time before. And (having committed the French king, and his son Philip with honourable attendance, close prisoners to the Tower of London, himself, with the Black Prince his son, transported thither a puissant Army; 
ANNO. 34. King Edward and the Black Prince do land a puissant Army at Calais The Regent Dolphin sueth for Pe●ce.  and landed at his Town of Calais: and from thence he marched strongly unto Rheims, where he besieged the Castle seven weeks; but did not win it in the end. From thence he marched towards Paris, and Chartres, wasting, burning, and killing in all places as he passed; so that he compelled the Regent, and the Nobility of France, to become earnest petitioners unto him for peace: which they obtained, upon these Articles ensuing.  

1. FIrst, that King JOHN should pay for his ransom, 
The Articles of the Peace.  five hundred thousand Pounds of sterling money.  
2. Secondly, That from thenceforth, No King of France should aid, or assist, 
The Ransom  any King of Scotland in any War or Rebellion against England: And that no King of England should from thenceforth take part with the Flemings in any expedition, or War against France.  
3. Thirdly, That the Kings of England should have, and for ever enjoy freely, without homage, and in their own right, their Territories in Gascoigne, and in Guyan, with the Precincts, Castles, Forts, Towns and Cities of poitiers, and Perygrot; The Earldoms of Bygrot, Poytiau, and Guyens, the City of Lymoges, Tharbes, Guaire, Again, Angolesme, Agenoys, Raverne, and Caours, The Lordship of Xantes, Caumesin, Hams, Ouy, and Mountrell, with the signiories of Calais, Marguise, Sandgate, and Coloigne.  
4. And lastly; That (in regard thereof) King EDWARD, 
The Title to the Crown of France is relinquished.  As well in the behalf of himself, as of his Successors Kings of England, should utterly renounce and leave, both the name and title to the Kingdom of France.   
And for the performance of these Articles, 
ANNO. 34 How the observation of this Peace was ratified. The King and Prince return into England.  Charles the Regent of France, and the Prince of Wales, in the presence of six Knights of either Nation, received the holy Sacrament at the high Altar, and then King Edward and his son returned into England, and were (with all compliments of love and kindness) entertained, and feasted at the Tower of London by the French King, who was conveyed from thence to Calais, 

The French King feasteth them.  
The two princes swear. Hostages.   where (according to agreement) he remained four months, and then King Edward repaired to him, and both of them (at a high Mass) solemnly swore to observe, perform, and keep the said Articles and the peace. And King john (for the hostages of his Ransom) delivered to King Edward four Dukes, seven Earls, ten Barons, many Knights, and two of the worthiest Burgesses of every great City in France, and took a most friendly leave of the King, and of the Prince of Wales, and departed towards Boleine: 
King john was a prisoner four years.  he having remained a prisoner more than four years. And King Edward with his son returned into England, bringing with them their honourable Hostages, who were (with all humanity and kindness) feasted and entertained by the King and by his Nobility, and were permitted freely to use all sports, pastimes, and exercises for pleasure and contentation, as they pleased.  

ANNO. 37 Three Kings do visit King Edward. King john dieth in England. The Black Prince liveth in Bordeaux. ANNO. 40 The causes of King Edward's future losses in those Countries. Peter King of Castille, is deposed by Henry the Bastard. King Charles the fifth taketh part with Henry the Bastard. The Black Prince being victorious resetleth Peter in his Kingdom.  About two years after king Edward was at one time visited (for love and kindness only, and for no business at all) by three Kings, that is to say, by king john of France, David the king of Scots, and by the king of Cyprus, and were with all munificent bounty and liberality feasted, and honoured by the King, but king john fell sick, and died in the Savoy, and his body was conveyed unto S. Dennis in France, where (with great pomp, and princely ceremonies) it was buried.  
The next year following, the noble Prince of ●ales and his wife (being very gallantly attended, and provided) went unto Bordeaux, where he lived, and governed the king's Provinces thereabout, and elsewhere in France, to the great contentment and good liking of the Nobles and commons of those Countries.  
In the fortieth year of king Edward's reign an unfortunate business was taken in hand by the valiant Prince of Wales, which albeit it were performed with great resolution, and was rewarded with deserved honour, yet within few years, by reason of a future accident, it was the occasion that king Edward lost a great part of his territories in France, and it was thus. Peter the true and lawful king of Castille was in the field overthrown, put to flight, and dispossessed of his Crown by Henry his Bastard Brother, who was assisted by Charles the fifth, the son of john the deceased king of France. This poor distressed king (in his wants and misery) repaired to the Prince of Wales for aid, who for his restoring, and upon large and faithful promises of liberal pay and great rewards, conducted an army into Castille. And, albeit that the Spanish and the French forces were in number four times more than the Princes were, yet in a bloody battle the most of them were slain, and the rest were put to flight. And king Peter was again restored to his Crown, and settled in his kingdom by the Prince, who returned again to Bordeaux with great honour.  
But (not long after) Henry the Bastard, 
Henry the Bastard taketh, and slayeth Peter. Peter's two heirs married to john of Gant and Thomas of Woodstock. The want of pay was the Prince his overthrow. This Tax marred all.  (being newly supplied with fresh forces) warred with such great fury and violence upon king Peter, that he subdued him: and (to prevent all future claims and troubles which he might make) he caused him to be put to death. But his two daughters and heirs were after married unto john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and to Thomas of Woodstock, two of king Edward's sons.  
By reason of king Peter's death; the Prince his soldiers (being hopeless to receive their promised pay, and large rewards) and being oppressed with many wants, daily petitioned the Prince to supply their need. But he (finding none other means to support their necessities, nor being stored with money to relieve their poverty) imposed (contrary to the customs of those Countries) divers Taxes upon the inhabitants of Aquitaine: which so highly did displease them, that the Lords thereof complained of this sharp novelty to the French king, who (flatly contrary to the Articles not long before concluded on for peace betwixt England and France) arrogated to himself the Sovereignty over the Prince, 
The French King breaks the League.  and his Dominions in France; and summoned him to appear before him at Paris. So that the peace, and those agreed Articles were broken by the French king, 
The Prince summoned to appear at Paris. Wars proclaimed. Almost all do revolt from the Prince. The mutability of fortune An unfortunate year.  and wars were again proclaimed between England and France. But before the Prince of Wales could enable his forces for a strong defence: the inhabitants of those Countries for the most part revolted from him, and daily yielded their Towns, Cities, Forts, and Castles, into the hands of the French king. So that king Edward (who for the space of forty years together was most honourable, and more fortunate than any other Christian Prince, by gaining of incredible victories upon the Scots, and French Nation) within the compass of one year, & without blows, lost (almost) all his Command in those Provinces, which by the said agreement, and articles of peace, were allotted, and by solemn oath assured unto him.  
King Charles of France (forgetting what he had sworn, 
ANNO. 43 The French Name.  and pleasing himself thus quietly to be made the Lord of all those Countries which were assigned to king Edward) conceived strong hope, not only to defeat him utterly of all these Countries, but also to vex him at home in his own kingdom. And for that purpose he furnished a strong Navy, with which he kept the Narrow Seas. But king Edward (to drive those forces back again) sent his son john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, 

john of Gant with an Army, landeth at Calais, and marcheth to Bordeaux.  
He beats the French King.  
ANNO. 44 An other Army sent into France. The English do prevail.   with an army into Calais, who (to the terror and spoil of the Frenchmen) marched from thence, until he came to Bordeaux to the Prince his Brother, without opposition, or resistance; wasting, and havoking in all places as he passed by, saving that he was once met with, and encountered by king Charles; who (being sound beaten) was enforced to retire, and to give free passage to the Duke.  
King Edward (as much as in him lay) though he began to grow old, yet he was very careful of those affairs. For as soon as his son john of Gaunt was gone out of England: he sent another Army unto Saint Omers, which was conducted by Sir Robert Knowles; who (marching through those adjacent Countries) with fire and sword depopulated it, yea almost until he came to the City of Paris. And then he marched into the Earldom of Angeou where he won the strong Towns of Vaas, and Ruylly, and sundry others thereabout. But the French king being informed, that there was great dissension in the English army, betwixt Sir Robert Knowles and the Lords Fitz-water, and of Grauntson; rushed upon them suddenly with an army: and finding their minds divided, and their forces by great disorder broken, 
Dissension caused the Englishmen overthrow.  prevailed against them, and slew about one thousand Englishmen. Whereupon the said Towns, which they had taken, were again yielded into the French kings hands. He also (following the good hap of his fawning Fortune) sent another army into the Province of Guyan: 
ANNO. 45  where the Prince was weakly assisted, and his Towns, and Castles daily revolted from him.  
King Edward (being much perplexed with the common reports of his declining Fortune; 
ANNO. 46  and being resolved to do his best to prevent the worst) assembled his high Court of Parliament at Westminster: 
A Parliament.  wherein (to supply his wants, and to give better strength and furtherance to his French Wars) the Temporalty with much cheerfulness granted him a Subsidy of fifteen thousand pounds: 
A Subsidy granted.  and the like sum he requested of the Clergy; who were contented to give him fair words, but no money. Whereat he was so much displeased, 

The Clergy will grant none.  
The Clergy disgraced. ANNO. 46 The Earl of Pembroke defeated, and taken at Sea.   that whereas (at that time) the Bishops and the Clergy men, were chief honoured with all Places and Offices of Honour, and of Profit; and of Command; disgracefully he deprived them, and dismissed them all, and placed more thankful Subjects of the Laity in their rooms.  
King Charles had now besieged the Town of Rochel almost one whole year: For whose relief, and to remove the siege, king Edward sent the Earl of Pembroke with an army to the Sea; but he was encountered, fought with, and put unto the worst, by Henry the usurper of Castille, who in favour of the French king, and thankfully to requite his former love, when he assisted him against king Peter, kept the narrow Seas with a strong Fleet. In this fight, the Earl himself, and one hundred and threescore others, were taken Prisoners; many men were slain, 
The French King wins Rochel, etc.  and the rest who escaped returned altogether discomforted into England. And upon the certain report of this disaster, The Town of Rochel, Angolesme, Xants, and Saint john's of Angley, and divers other Provinces, were given up unto the French king.  
Sir john de Mountford Duke of Britain (perceiving that good success accompanied the French king in all his actions) began to fear, 
ANNO. 47  

john of Gant and the Duke of Britain, oppose themselves against the French King.  
They waste the Country. ANNO. 48   left (in the height of his prosperity) he would attempt some quarrel against him. Wherefore He fortified his Countries, and then came into England, and offered his assistance to K. Edward: who forthwith levied a strong army, and committed it to the government of his son the Duke of Lancaster. Who (being accompanied with the Duke of Britain) landed at Calais, and with sword and fire wasted the whole Country, until he came to Bordeaux: where the Duke of Lancaster found his brother the Prince of Wales exceeding sick; who made him Governor of all King Edward's Provinces. And having scene all such Noble men, as he could command, 
john of Gant is made Governor. The sick Prince cometh into England. ANNO. 49 ANNO. 50  to take their solemn oaths for the performance of their duties, and obedience to his brother the Duke; he sailed into England. After whose arrival, three parles for peace betwixt England and France were entertained, upon the motion, and by the mediation of Pope Gregory the eleventh. But not one of them was made fruitful with any fortunate success.  
In the last year of King Edward's Reign, in a Parliament holden at Westminster, the King required a Subsidy from the Clergy and from the Temporalty of his Kingdom, towards the supporting of his wars. 
The Lower house of the Parliament complain upon the K ng● evil Officers.  But the Lower house of that assembly complained grievously against the Lord Latimer, chief Chamberlain to the King, and of many other of his Officers; for that they not only misled the King in his old age, but also unthriftily spent and consumed the Treasure of his Kingdom. Wherefore they refused to yield unto the king's demand, except those evil Officers might be displaced, and better men settled in their rooms. Which being by the king through the important persuasions of the Prince consented unto, he cheerfully obtained his demand.  
And now approached the ends of these two famous, 
.1376.  and most worthy Princes the Father and the Son. For the Prince of Wales died the eight day of june, 
The Black Prince dieth.  in the year of our Lord God one thousand, three hundred, threescore and sixteen, when he had lived forty years; and lieth buried at Canterbury.  

The King restoreth his evil Officers  And no sooner was he dead, but king Edward (very unadvisedly, to his great dishonour, and to the great discontentment of his people) removed from him such new Officers, as in the late High Court of Parliament were established and placed near about him: and restored the Lord Latimer, 
Richard is Created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester. King Edward dieth.  and all the rest, to their former Offices, and places. And finding himself exceeding weak (by reason of his sharp, and grievous sickness) he created his Nephew Richard (Son to the Prince deceased) Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, and Duke of Cornwall; and committed the Regency of his kingdom to his son john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster: & died, when he had reigned fifty years, and somewhat more.   

THE HISTORY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND.  
RICHARD the second (being the Son and heir of the Black Prince, 
ANNO. 1. 1377.  and aged eleven years, and somewhat more) was crowned king of England in the year of our Lord God, one thousand three hundred and seventy seven.  
In the whole course of his evil Government, 
King Richard's evil manners and bad Government.  he neglected his Nobility, and taxed his Subjects, to enable himself to give prodigally unto his ill deserving Favourites. He was too too resolute in his follies, and refused to be reproved or reform. He also despised the sage advice, and good directions, of his wisest and best Counsellors; and wholly plotted all his courses, by the wicked and graceless projects of his base companions, whom he raised to more honourable Estates than befitted the means of their condition. So that they fell by their own weight; and he himself (in the end) was enforced to endure the extremity of his hard fortune. For being first disgraced by his Cousin, Henry of Bullingbrooke Duke of Lancaster, and son and heir to his Uncle john of Gaunt; he was at length by him (with the general consent of a whole Parliament) deposed from his Crown, committed to Prison, and afterwards wickedly murdered, as in this discourse of his disordered Government, more amply it shall appear.  

The Frenchmen burn divers towns in England.  In the first year of king Richard's Reign, Charles the French king (presuming much on his Minority, and being aided by the Spaniards) landed in the south-west, and in the Southeast parts of this kingdom, and ransacked, and burned the Towns of Plymouth, Dartmouth, Portsmouth, Rye, and some other Towns and Villages, coasting upon the Sea, and would have done more mischief, if by the king's Uncle Edmund of Langly Earl of Cambridge, and by the Earls of Buckingham, and of Salisbury, they had not been fought with, and beaten to their ships.  

Alexander Ramseyes' desperate attempt: and success.  At the same time also (by the instigation of the French king) one Alexander Ramsey, an approved Scottishman at arms, with forty of his Company, in the depth of the night, suddenly and desperately scalled the walls of the Castle of Berwick: and (finding the Captain, and all his soldiers securely sleeping) he took it without blows; and intended also to have surprised the Town. But the inhabitants, (hearing an extraordinary noise and tumult in the Castle, and endeavouring to prevent a feared mischief) hewed away the stays of the Draw-bridge, on the towns side: so that when the Scots did let fall the Draw-bridge, the chains broke, and the Bridge fell into the Castle Ditch. By means whereof the Scots could not issue out, but were imprisoned by their own Victory.  
This necessity enforced them (as well as they were able) to fortify the Castle, which on the king's behalf, was soon besieged, and assaulted by ten thousand men: who after many feats of Arms performed bravely by the assailants, and after much valour, with high courage, showed by that small number of valiant Scots, won the Castle, and received not one of them to mercy, but only their Captain Alexander Ramsey.  

The Frenchmen land in England.  And not long after, the Frenchmen landed again in England, and did much harm at Dover, Wynchelsay, Hastings, and at Gravesend; and returned with their booties into France: But to prevent like future mischiefs, and to revenge those injuries done to the King and his Realm by the French King: 
ANNO. 3. A Parliament. This Tax caused much trouble. An Army sent into France.  A Parliament was assembled at Westminster. In which, a Subsidy of four pence, for every man, and for every woman within this Kingdom (being above fourteen years of age) was granted to the King. The levying whereof procured much heartburning, which (not long after) broke forth, and endangered the whole State of the Commonweal. Yet with that money great provision was made, and an army of eight thousand men was sent into France, under the command of Thomas of Woodstock the King's Uncle: who passing over the fair and great Rivers of Soame, Oyse, and Marne, spoiled, and burned all the Countries, and ransomed the inhabitants, until he came into Britain; where he was received by the Duke john Mountford with all friendly entertainment, and much joy.  
And now began a Rebellion in England, which was exceeding hazardous to the whole kingdom. For john Wall, a factious Priest, 
ANNO. 4.  perceiving that the inferior sort of the people much murmured and grudged at the payment of the aforesaid Subsidy; 

A great Rebellion in England. john Wal was the beginner of this Rebellion.  
His wicked course in persuading.   by secret conferences in all places where he came, informed the Bondmen, Villains, Slaves, and such others, as were pinched with penury, and with want, that, by descent and parentage from Adam, all men were of one condition, and of equal worth: and that the Laws of this kingdom were injurious, and unjust, which did set so great a difference betwixt men, as to make some of them great Peers, Potentates, and Lords, and in giving to some others large authority and command, and in enlarging of great possessions, and store of riches unto some, and in commanding others to be base, servile, beggars, and to enjoy little or nothing at all. And therefore (with traitorous reasons) he persuaded them, either by fair means, or by open insurrection and civil war, to provide for their own liberties, and to relieve their own wants.  
This lewd and damnable doctrine so infatuated and infected the Rustics from Shire to Shire, that (at length) it was spread in the City of London, where the meanest, and the basest sort (being a multitude, who eagerly envy the prosperity of the more worthy inhabitants, and greedily coveted to be enriched with their substance) were in great hope (by Rebellious mutining) to make utter havoc and spoil of all things at their pleasure. And (to effect that which they intended) such as were most desperately inclined among them, informed the headless multitude in th● Countries round about them, that if they would come thither and join with them, the whole City of London should be at their command. So that incredible numbers of brainsick, turbulent, and traitorous people prepared to flock thither, from Kent, Essex, Sussex, Bedfordshire, and from many other places.  
Of this rude and rascal rout, 
Watt Tyler, john Wall, jack Straw and jack Shepherd, Captains in this Rebellion  Wat Tylar (who by his profession was a Tailor) was made Captain, to command the rest: and the said john Wall, jack Straw, jack Shepard, and some others, were made chief directors, and their leaders. And (Styling themselves, The King's men, and the servants of the Commonweal of England, they marched towards London, beating down the houses, and rifling all the movables of all such as were professors of the Law; 
How they passed towards London.  and compelling all Knights and Gentlemen either to fly before their coming, or to be partakers in this uproar. They also sent unto the King who then lay in the Tower, requiring him to come and to speak with them. 
The King went to speak with the Rebels, but dared not.  Whereupon, the King (purposing, if he might, to prevent all future mischiefs which were threatened by this disorder, and being accompanied with some of his wisest and discreetest Lords, and Counsellors) went by water to Gravesend. But when he perceived their unruly madness, and their rage and fury, and that all their numbers consisted of the basest Swads, and of the Offscum of the People, he feared to put himself into their hands; and returned back again to the Tower.  


They resolve to burn South work.  
They enter into London. Their kind entertainment pleaseth them.   The next day they all came to London. But finding the Gates to be shut against them, and the Bridge to be strongly fortified: they intended first to kill all the inhabitants of Southwark; then to steal their goods; and last of all to consume it utterly with fire. But (to prevent that mischief) a free entrance was given them into the City: where the greatest men made them the best cheer, and fed them with their chiefest dainties; and by liberal gifts (in some sort) pacified their fury and their rage.  
Then they entered into the Savoy (which then belonged to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster the King's Uncle) which house they rifled, 
The Savoy burned.  , and wickedly murdered all his Officers whom they found there. 
The Inns of Court rifled.  They also rob all the Inns of Court; burned their Law-bookes; and sacrilegiously they stole in all Churches, and in all Religious Houses; 
They commit sacrilege.  accounting their monstrous thefts to be no sin.  
They also released out of all Prisons all manner of offenders whatsoever. 
Prisoners enlarged. Wat Tylars cruelty to his old master.  Among sundry other outrages which they then committed, Their chiefest Ringleader Wat Tylar sent for his old Master, named Richard Lion, a worthy and grave Citizen, from whom (during the time of his service) he had received for a foul offence some small correction: and (for a revenge) without other judgement, according to his graceless command, 
All strangers are rifled.  his head was stricken off, and borne upon a Lance before him in the streets. They also rob and spoiled all Flemings, Frenchmen, Lombard's, and other Foreigners inhabiting in or near about the City of London. 
60000. The incivility at Saint Katherine's.  And at length (their numbers being increased to threescore thousand) they came to Saint Katherine's, near to the King's lodging; where they remained that night. But such were their hideous, beastly, and confused howl, roar, whooping, and outcries, that oftentimes the King and his Counsel feared greatly, least by treachery, and by treason, they had possessed themselves of the Tower, in which he lay.  
The next morning they sent again to the King: 
The King goeth to Mile-end-Greene to speak with the Rebels. Wat Tylor entereth into the Tower. He robbeth the King's Mother. He beheadeth the Archbishop of Canterbury.  entreating him to speak with them at Mile-end-greene. But his Highness was no sooner gone thither, then Wat Tilar, with forty more of his wicked and rascal companions, pressed in by violence at the Tower Gates, and rob the Chambers and the lodgings there: not sparing those which did belong to the Princess of Wales the King's mother; whose head Wat Tilar broke, and in such rude and beastly sort behaved himself towards her, that fear, and grief increased a sickness in her, which a long time after was dangerous to her life.  
They also apprehended there Simon, a learned and ● famous Archbishop of Canterbury, and struck off his head, because upon the first notice of john Walls traitorous persuasions to the base rascals, he had committed him to a short and to an easy imprisonment.  
The King (assoon as he came to Mile-end-greene) demanded what it was that with such violence they required? 
Manumission is required and promised.  They all with a mighty shout, and with a horrible confused cry, desired that they might be manumitted and set free: and that their posterities might not be Villains, nor in bondage. The King graciously replied that he would not only grant (in most ample and large manner) their demand: and procure it to be established by a Parliament: 
The King's Banners, and Pardon given to the Rebels.  but gave unto them his banners for their safe-conduct to return into their Countries, and to their own houses; and also pardoned them their rebellion and their offence.  
The greater part of this rude multitude, 
The greater number do departed to their Houses.  (who were not made acquainted with any further mischief, which was secretly intended by the rest) returned unto London: where (with all convenient speed) by instruments in writing, The King●●heerefully performed his promise: and thereupon great numbers of them, returned to their own homes.  
But Wat Tilar, and about twenty thousand more of his wicked and graceless consorts (determining, if it was possible, 
Twenty thousand would not departed. Wat Tylor comes into Smithfield. The King cometh to the Rebels.  first to ransack, and then to burn, the City of London) kept many of the King's banners, and his pardons which were under the great seal; and came with all his remaining Rabble into Smithfield.  
When the King heard that this unruly assembly was not utterly dissolved (to prevent in time such mischief as they might do) being guarded but with a small strength he presented himself before the Rebels: and with all Princely courtesy, and kindness, behaved himself towards them: and persuaded them to de●ist from all violence, and from wrong; assuring them, that they should not only obtain their liberty, and pardons, but should (upon trial) find him to be their good Lord, and gracious King. But the Arch-traitor, 
Wat Tylar refuseth the King's favours  Wat Tilar, with a frowning countenance, insolent behaviour, and rough speech, refused to accept of the King's favour: and proudly told him, that all these Troops, and many more thousands, were ready at his beck, to do and to execute whatsoever he would command: 
His proud speech to the King.  and (to the end that his pride might want no manner of audacious boldness) he required the King's Esquire (who bore the sword) to deliver to him his dagger. But with a ●●out answer, 
He requireth his Sword-bearers dagger.  and with a manlike courage he refused so to do, until he was by the King commanded to deliver it. Now when the Traitor had thus gotten the dagger, he required to have the sword also: but the Esquire told him plainly, that it was the King's sword; and should not be given to a Knave. Whereat Wat Tilar was so extraordinarily incensed, 
He requireth to have the King's sword. The Esquires stout answer The vow of Wat Tylar. Wat Tylar slain by the Mayor of London. For this cause that City gives the Sword in her Arms. The Rebels prepare for revenge. The Londoners sent an Army into Smithfield. The King's Banners and Pardons are redelivered. They are torn in the Rebel's view.  that (with an execrable and a vile oath) he swore, that the Esquire should lose his head b●fore he himself would either eat any meat, or drink any drink. The Major of London (named john Hadley) who then attended on the King, disdaining that a proud Traitor should so confront, and brave the King, drew forth his sword, and struck him so sound on the head, that he felled him to the ground: and (incontinently) he was slain Whereat, some hope was suddenly conceived, that the rest of the Rebels would have gone away. But they (being desperately resolved to revenge his death) according to their little skill cast themselves in some order: so that now, every minute of time threatened the destruction, and slaughter of many men.  
The Citizens of London being informed what had happened: and purposing with all speed to aid the King, and to free themselves and the C●●ie from ruin and from spoil; sent an Army of eight thousand men well armed, and well appointed, to the King: all which were quickly marshaled and ready to give the charge. But first the King required the Rebels to submit themselves, or else to deliver unto him such of his Banners, and Free Pardons, and Manumissions, as they had gotten into their hands. But so far off were they from being sorry or repentant for their Treasons, that (in a proud bravery, and in much scorn) they redelivered them all unto the King: Who caused them (in their open view) to be canceled, and to be torn in pieces. The doing whereof, so suddenly daunted and quailed the hearts and courages of those insolent and graceless Rebels: that (when the King expected nothing but all violence to be executed by the sword) they cowardly dispersed themselves, and ran away; 
The Rebels fly.  every man (without any order or staying) making all possible haste and shift to save themselves. And thus vanished this cloud, which threatened an outrageous storm of much danger, and mischief, to the King and Commonweal.  
And the chiefest of those malefactors (a thing which never faileth in such tumultuous rebellions) were by their own companions (to insinuate grace and favour with the King) delivered into the hands of justice: who afterwards, 
The Captains delivered to the King by the Rebels themselves. Fifteen hundred Rebels Executed.  with fifteen hundred more (of the principal agents in this business) were (upon due inquiries, and just convictions, according to the Law) executed, and put to sundry tortures and deaths, in divers places of this Realm.  
The King having thus pacified this Rebellion, and uproar; 
ANNO. 5. King Richard marrieth.  married the Lady Anne (daughter to the deceased Emperor Charles the fourth: and sister unto Wenceslaus the Emperor who then reigned) and was made happy, through much prosperity and peace, until the ninth Year of his Government. 
ANNO. 9 1385. A Parliament Two of the King's Uncles were created Dukes of York and Gloucester. Henry of Bullingbroke created Earl of Derby. Other Earls created. King Richard's evil counsellors.  And then he summoned, and held his High Court of Parliament at Westminster. In which he created his fifth and sixth Uncles, Edmund of Langly (being then Earl of Cambridge) Duke of York; and Thomas of Woodstock (who was then Earl of Buckingham) Duke of Gloucester. He also created his Cousin Henry of Bolingbroke (son and heir apparent to his fourth Uncle john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster) Earl of Derby; and his Cousin Edward Plantagenet, (the son and heir apparent of his said Uncle Edmund of Langley) he created Earl of Rutland; and Sir john Holland (brother to the Earl of Kent) was made Earl of Huntingdon; and Thomas Lord Mowbray was made Earl of Nottingham.  
The King (whose affections were but green, and who was easily seduced by such as he best loved) was at this time wholly directed, and counseled into many evil and ungodly courses, by his unworthy favourites, Michael De la Pole (his Chancellor) whom he created Duke of Suffolck; and by Robert de Vere (Earl of Oxford, and marquess of dublin,) whom he made Duke of Ireland; 
Affection without reason.  and would have made him King of that Country, if his Nobility would have consented thereunto.  
In the same Parliament, 
Roger mortimer Proclaimed heir Apparent.  He caused his Cousin Sir Roger Mortimer Earl of March (who was the son and heir of Edmund Mortimer, and of Philip his wife; who was the Daughter and heir of the King's third Uncle, 

This Sir Roger Mortimer was slain many years after.  
ANNO. 10 1386. The King neglecteth his Nobility and their Counsel. Michael de la Poole. Robert de Vere. Alexander Archbishop of York. Robert Tresilian.  
The King intendeth the surprisal of the Duke of Gloucester, and of the Earls of Warwick and of Arundel.  
They come well guarded to the Parliament.  
Four fifteens demanded. It is denied. A Parliament may be held once a year. In what case the Knights and Burgesses may departed.  
The Houses of Parliaments demands.   Lionel Duke of Clarence) to be proclaimed heir apparent to his Crown. But he was long afterward slain in Ireland, by such Rebels as he endeavoured to suppress.  
It is now to be observed, that from henceforth the King respected not the sage advice and counsel of his gravest, and most experienced Lords: and that he began careleslely to neglect the Nobility, and his great Officers of his Kingdom: and that he did all things preposterously, by the lewd and unskilful persuasions and directions of his two newly-created Dukes, of Suffolk, and of Ireland; and of Alexander then Archbishop of York; and of Robert Tresilian his Chief justice. And as they all did lead him into many erroes: so did they especially exasperate him (without just cause) against his renowned, and truly noble Uncle Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester; and against the two Earls of Warwick, and of Arondel: which three he intended to have surprised at a Banquet in London; if Nicholas Exton (then Major of that City) would have consented thereunto. But because his help then failed, and the King could not (at that time) obtain his purpose: He resolved to effect it at a more solemn meeting. For which cause principally, He summoned his High Court of Parliament: but the said three Lords (upon good information being jealous of such unkindly entertainment) repaired to the said assembly; being strongly guarded by a multitude of valiant men at arms: by means whereof they secured their own liberty; and the ungodly project of the King, and of his wicked Counsellors, came to nought.  
Now when this long Parliament produced nothing worthy to be noted: Michael de la Pole (in the King's behalf) required a Tax of four fifteens, affirming that a lesser gift could not support his Estate, and maintain such wars as he was likely to undertake. But the Lords, and the Lower House, not only refused to yield unto this motion, but made a solemn declaration, That as the Kings of this Realm (for the better ordering, and preserving of their Estate, and Kingdom) might once in every year assemble a Parliament: so by an ancient law, all the members of that great Counsel might, without leave, break up the same assembly, and departed to their own houses, If the King absented himself from their company for the space of forty days together; and that they would not proceed in any business but depart, except the King would be pleased personally to come among them, and to grace them with his presence; and would also remove Michael de la Pole from his Chancelorship, and commit him to straight Prison, because he lewdly counseled the King to attempt many things, which were dishonourable to himself and hurtful to the Commonweal.  
The King (as a Lion) being stern, and scorning to yield unto any motion, although it tended to his own safety, 
The King denies their suit  and to the welfare of his people; required, that fifty selected men of that Assembly might be sent unto him, with whom he would confer and agree upon such affairs, as they required to be treated on. 
They will not yield to his command.  But the two houses (denying to make any conclusions privately, of such affairs, and businesses, as by a Parliament were to be disputed publicly, and publicly to be established) did send unto him his said Uncle Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, and Thomas Arundel then Archbishop of Canterbury: and none others. And they two (by express commandment) told the King, 
Two, and no more are sent unto the king  that by his absence he obscured the light of justice, and hindered the negotiations of the Commonweal, which (without his approbation and consent) could not receive any strength, or life: and that if he please● not (upon their humble entreaty) to come among them for the furthering, 
The King is told of his faults.  and for the finishing of such weighty affairs as th●n they had in hand; they would departed to their own houses, because he had absented himself from them (to their dislike and discouragement) more than forty days. They also craved with great submission and humility (as they were commanded) to be informed, by whom his majesties treasure, 
A reckoning is demanded of the King.  belonging to the commonweal, was prodigally wasted and consumed? and how it came to pass, that his large revenues could not suffice to maintain and to support his Estate and charge (seeing he had no wars) except his people must be taxed?  
This message, and these demands, 
The King threatens the two Houses of his Parliament.  so wonderfully incensed the King against both the houses of his Parliament, that in great chollar and indignation he deeply swore, that if he had foreknown the sa●cie boldness of his own Subjects, (who as he supposed intended to rise in Arms against him) he would more willingly have submitted himself to the King of France, and have relied upon his protection and defence, than thus be baffled, and be made servile and an underling to those, whom his Sovereignty ought to command.  
The two Lords (with such wonderful gravity and temperate mildness) so effectually related to the King, 
A caveat to beware of France.  the inveterated malice which the Kings of France had borne towards this Kingdom, and the kings which ruled it; and the loyal duty, and obedience, which both the Lords, and also all other inferior subjects of this Realm, did bear unto him, as unto their most gracious and good Lord, that (thereby) the greatest flame of his fire was much quenched: 
Wise Counsel appeaseth the King's rage. The King cometh to the Parliament Michael de la Poole, accused, condemned, fined imprisoned, deprived, etc.  and the king's passions began to be more moderate and calm. So that he promised (within three days) to come among them; and did perform it accordingly, to the great joy and contentment of all such, as meant and wished well.  
When they were all thus met together: Michael de la Pole was by the Lords accused, and found guilty of many notable and notorious cousonages, and deceats by him practised in the execution of his office; and for that he had purchased with the king's money, in yearly revenue, so much land as was worth one thousand pounds and more; and had purloined (in bribes from the king's Subjects for expeditions, and by such crafty and dishonest tricks) the sum of twenty thousand marks at the least: for which offences all his lands were given to the king; together with a fine of twenty thousand Marks: 
Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury is made Lord Chancellor.  and himself (being deprived of his Office of Chancellorship; and of his liberty, was committed unto strait Prison: and Thomas Arondell then Archbishop of Canterbury (who was a wise and great Statesman, and did employ his best endeavours for the welfare and prosperity of the Commonweal, without any respect to his friends, or profit to himself) was made Chancellor in his steed. In the same Parliament also thirteen persons were elected, 

Commissioners chosen in the Parliament to examine the King's Officers.  
The King sweareth to allow it.   sworn, and authorised (aswell by the consents of the Lords spiritual and temporal, and by the Commons, as also by the king's agreement thereunto published in writing under his great Seal) to examine all, or any of his majesties officers, touching their behaviours, and their demeanours, in their several rooms and places; and by whom, and how, both at home, and abroad, the king's treasure had been purloined, or misspent; and to correct and punish all such, as for just transgressions they should censure and condemn. And the king himself took a public oath, not to revoke, nor to suppress the said Commission, or their power, except a Parliament should join with him therein. And furthermore it was then enacted for a Law, that if any man should or did attempt, 
Disswaders to be punished.  directly, or indirectly, to persuade or to encourage the king, to infringe his promise, and to make breach of his said oath, touching all, or any of those matters; he should for his first offence lose all his Lands and Goods; and, for his second offence, should receive trial, judgement, & execution, as a Traitor to the king, 
Half a fifteen conditionally granted.  and to his Crown. And then a Subsidy of one half Fifteen was granted: If, by the said Commissioners, and upon their view of the king's Estate, it should be thought needful for him to have the same.  
No sooner was this Parliament ended, but the king (by the persuasions of his evil Counsellors, and contrary to his own assent, 

ANNO. 11 The King breaketh his promise and his oath. Michael de la Pole is enlarged.  
The Commissioners are pronounced Traitors. Some judges do ratify the confirmation.   promise, and oath) enlarged Michael de la Pole, and went with him, & Robert De Vere his Duke of Ireland, and with Tresilian his Chief justice, & many of his judges, unto Nottingham: where they pronounced the king's Uncle, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester; and Thomas Arondel Archbishop of Canterbury; the said thirteen Commissioners; and many others; to be guilty of High Treason: because they had compelled the king, against his will, and conscience, to ratify the said Commission by his oath, and under his Great Seal. And then they went to Coventrie: where the said judges, by an instrument in writing under their hands and seals, declared and confirmed their opinions (touching those matters) to be agreeable, and consonant to the Laws of this Realm.  
Now (for a while) must we leave the king, and his Nobility, perplexed with many evil conceits, each of the other, and studying upon the future events of those former conclusions: and will inform the Reader, that the time of Truce, betwixt England and France, was more than fully ended: 

The French Lords, and Gentlemen, come to animate the Scots against England. Their course entertainment.  
They invade England. They make a troublesome journey into Wales.  
King Richard with an army of 68000. men, entereth and spoileth Scotland.   and that the French king (to beget more broils at home) sent his Admiral into Scotland, with a thousand Lords, knights, and Gentlemen, completely armed, and furnished with armour and with weapons, sufficient for one thousand more. But such was their course and homely entertainment, that (upon their first arrival) the Common people abandoned their company, making no manner of reckoning or account of them, nor relieving of their wants with any thing which was needful: but suffered them to be oppressed with as many miseries, as strangers (being in a foreign, and in a poor Country) were able to endure; until they joined with the Scottish army, which consisted of thirty thousand men. And with them, they entered into England, and did much harm. But when they were informed, that the king with eight thousand men at arms, and threescore thousand Archers, travailed hard journeys to encounter with them: they than forsook their ordinary march, and passages, and went over the high and craggy Mountains into Wales; where they committed many vile, and wicked outrages, which turned little to their commodity and gain. But (in the mean time) king Richard with fire and sword entered into Scotland: where (being unresisted) he rifled and burnt the Towns, and Cities of Edinburgh, 
The French and Scots return into that wasted Country.  Saint john's, Estreuelinge, Dondée and many others; and returned home. And the Scots and Frenchmen retired themselves into Scotland: where (by reason of the late havoc, and ruins of that kingdom) the French Gallant were worn out with more necessities than before. 
The great misery of the Frenchmen.  For neither could or would the Towns or Country afford them any help; and the apparent hazard of their lives, by the violence of the poor distressed Scots, did altogether terrify them from foraging abroad: 
How the Scots abused and wronged them.  And in the end (to add unto them greater affliction than all the rest) the Scots compelled their meanest Gentlemen (without their horses, and unarmed, and penniless) to return into France; but kept (as pledges, or as pawns) the Admiral, and such as were honourable and great, until a full reckoning and an amends were made unto them for all such loss and damages, as (by the English army) they had sustained: affirming, That the French king had engaged Scotland in those wars, not for themselves, but to serve his own turn, and in his service.  

The King of France is enforced to redeem his subjects.  The French king (though angered at the heart to be thus abused, yet finding none other means to enlarge the Admiral, and such other great men as he had employed in those Wars) sent to the Scots as much money as was demanded: and thereupon, the French Admiral, Barons, and Gentry, were dismissed; and returned home, having small cause to brag of their success, or of their entertainment in that journey.  

The French King dreameth to conquer England  But the French king intending to relieve himself, and to wreck his anger upon England; resolved to transport into this kingdom such an Army, as should make an absolute Conquest of this whole Land. And (to further his provisions therein) he imposed many grievous and intolerable Taxes on his people; which were not levied without much grudging, and great trouble. His whole Fleet consisted of more than twelve hundred sail of ships. 
1200. ships  The number of his men was extraordinary, and exceeding great: and such were his provisions, that (among Christian Princes) the like before was seldom seen or heard of.  

The great Army of the English.  King Richard (who was very valiant, and cared not for his approach) was readily prepared to give him a welcome, with ten thousand gallant men at arms, and with more than one hundred thousand fight men: besides such as furnished his brave Navy on the sea; and besides all such, as for the defence of Calais were sent thither.  

Homo ponit disponit autem Deus.  Experience teacheth us, That the greatest preparations for any Expedition whatsoever, are made in vain, if the thing to which they are intended and directed be not seconded by GOD'S favour; as by this example it shall appear. For when the French soldiers were departed from their own dwellings, 
The disorders of the French soldiers.  and traveled disorderedly towards the place where their ships lay; they rob and spoiled in all Provinces, and in all Countries, through which they passed, with greater fury, and with more violence, than commonly the English, or any other foreign enemy, accustomed to do. 
The men and the enterprise are accursed by the oppressed people.  So that the inhabitants of all places (subject to their cruelty and uncivil outrage) were not only (in the highest degree) displeased and discontented; but, by solemn imprecations, they cursed both them and the action likewise which they had in hand. And when those lose companions came into the Low-Countries where the Fleet was: 
The French Army are in great misery.  such were their wants of all things needful to relieve them (by reason of their excessive numbers, and by reason of the long absence of the Duke of Berrey, the French kings uncle; who hasted not thither, nor liked well of that journey, although it altogether depended upon his furtherance and presence) that first they sold their armour and their weapons; then their horses: 
They sell all.  and last of all, their clothes, to provide them meat. And when all those means failed them, than they daily, yea hourly, 
The Army is dissolved.  committed such violence and such outrages in those Countries without controlment, that they became hateful and odious to the inhabitants: 
Parturiunt Montes, nascitur ridiculus Mus.  and (at length) the King their master (being utterly discouraged by his said uncle in this attempt) dissolved his whole Army. And thus (at one instant almost) he lost both his honour and his hope, his money, and many great things beside.  
And the end of those his great designs affords us liberty to return again to our highly displeased and discontented King: 

The history of the King's evil government at home is pursued. The petition of the Nobility.  
The Kings five evil Counsellors.   whom his Lords (with all humility and submissive modesty) petitioned, and desired, Newly to ratify and to confirm his former promise and his Oath; and to thrust from him Michael de la Pole, Robert de Vere, Alexander the lewd Archbishop of York, Robert Treselian his chief justice, and Sir Nicholas Brembre of London (who were generally termed to be the King's wicked counsellors) and to banish out of the Land all those soothing and flattering judges, who (to please the King) had subscribed to the Nullity of the said Commission, and had censured all such as procured it, to be traitors to the King and to his Crown.  
But the King's affections were so strongly riveted and annexed unto those five, and so confident was he, that both himself, 
The King denieth their petition.  and they, and his said judges, had done well in their proceed at Nottingham, and at Coventrie, that in plain terms he denied them their request. And thereupon, the Lords (for their own safety and to support the peace, and to prevent the ruin and the destruction of the Commonweal) raised a strong Army of their friends, and of such as utterly disliked those disorders in the King, 
The Nobility raise an Army.  and came to the City of London: being fully resolved, that they themselves would put in execution those things, which the King (upon their reasonable and just request and petition) had refused to yield unto.  

Wicked advice given by the five wicked Counsellors.  But whe● 〈◊〉 five wicked Counsellors perceived thoroughly what was p● 〈…〉 and meant; they than endeavoured to persuade the King to ●●●●ender Calais, and all his other Lordships and Territories in B●●●●ce, to the French King, and confidently to rely upon his aid reassuring him, That in so doing he should obtain two glorious and pleasing victories; the one, over all his Wars, by settling of his Estate in a perfect peace; and the other, over his Noblemen, who strived (as lewdly they pretended) to make him subject and servile to their wills.  

The King would not hearken to that counsel.  And though, in all things beside, their counsels were his Oracles; yet the King would not (at any hand) hearken to this motion: and yet he was determined (by one means or other) to curb and to abridge the strength of his Nobility; who strived to reform such things as were amiss. And (that his purpose might therein be effected) especially he inquired of the Mayor of London, 
The King requireth an Army from the Londonners.  How many able armed men that City could conveniently set forth? who certified him, That fifty thousand such might easily, and in a short time, be prepared and spared there. Whereupon the King commanded him, with all expedition, to send him such an Army: which forthwith he endeavoured to perform.  

The grave 〈◊〉 Citizens o● 〈◊〉 London 〈◊〉 resist the 〈◊〉 unwise M●●or.  But when the gravest and the wisest Citizens had maturely considered of this business; they interrupted his proceed, and told the King, That they might not be employed in warlike manner against his Lords, who for his Majesty and Honour, and to preserve his Kingdom from ruin and from destruction, had used all faithful and good means to remove from his Person those his wicked Counsellors; who only (for their own commodity and advancement) had hazarded the whole estate of his Kingdom, by advising and by counseling of him to rule and to govern unadvisedly, according to their pleasures, and after their lewd and lawless wills.  

The King's gentle message to the Lords.  The King perceiving by this Message, that his inferior subjects would (in those Troubles) adhere unto the Lords; seemed a little to restrain his violent affections: and did inform the Lords, That he would assemble his High Court of Parliament; in which, those five favourites of his should be answerable to all Objections whatsoever, and should (if they were convicted) receive such punishment, as should (by the public censure of the House) be inflicted on them.  
This unexpected and good Message so thoroughly contented the Barons, 

The Lords do cass●er their army. The King performs not his promise. He licenseth the Duke of Ireland to raise 5000 men to defend himself.  
The Lords do renew their army.  
The Duke swims on horseback over the Thames. He is slain by a wild Bear.  
How the King honoured his dead corpse.   that presently they disfurnished themselves of all their warlike Forces, and were most thankful for it to the King. But as the Wind, so was he suddenly changed: For in stead of performing what he had promised; he freely licensed Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, to levy five thousand men for his own particular guard and defence. And the Barons perceiving thereby, that it was high time for them to look unto their own safety, with incredible celerity and expedition renewed their strength; and (upon the sudden) so strongly environed the said Duke betwixt their army and the River of Thames, that they compelled him (for the preservation of his life) by swimming on horseback, to pass over unto the other side: from whence he presently fled into France; in which Kingdom (about five years after, as he hunted) he was slain by a wild Boar.  
But such was the King's affection towards him whilst he lived, that he caused his dead carcase to be embalmed, and to be brought into England; and to be appareled in princely Ornaments and Robes: His neck to be compassed with a massy chain of Gold, his fingers to be covered with Rings, and his Funerals to be solemnized with all magnificence and pomp.  
Now when the said Duke of Ireland was compelled by swimming on horseback (as you have heard) to save himself, and was fled into France; the Barons executed some of his chiefest consorts for an example unto others, 

Some of the said Duke's consorts executed.  
The Baron's army is with joy received into London.   but suffered the multitude to disperse themselves, and required them (with all speed) to repair to their own houses. But the said Barons conducted their own army to London; where they were received with much joy. And such was the bountiful entertainment which they found there, that they might thereby assure themselves of their hearty welcome.  
The King (who kept his Court in the Tower of London) was well pleased to admit of a conference with the Lords. In which it was concluded, That a Parliament should be summoned: 
A Parliament.  Which being orderly assembled, the King's wicked Counsellors, and some of the aforesaid judges were required personally to appear. But they came not thither: 
The five wicked Counsellors and the judges condemned as Traitors.  yet were they (after great debating and disputing of that business) condemned of high Treason to the King and to the Commonweal. And not long after, Sir john Earl of Salisbury, and Sir Nicholas Brembre lost their heads; and Robert Tresilian the chief justice was hanged at Tyburn: and the rest of those judges had been hanged in like sort, 
Execution.  if (upon the importunate and uncessant request of the Queen) their lives had not been redeemed by their banishment. 
Banishment.  And thus were the threatenings of civil wars, converted into some assurance of prosperity and of peace.  

ANNO. 12 The Scots do invade.  But the next year following, the Scots invaded this realm; and did much harm: against whom great preparations were made by the King; who resolved to recompense his own damage, by just and severe revenge.  


A Truce betwixt England, France and Scotland for seven years.  
ANNO. 13 john of Gant goeth with an Army into Spain.   But the wisdom and discretion of many great Estates, were such, that a Truce was concluded to endure for three years, betwixt England, France and Scotland, which shortly after was enlarged for four years more.  
So that now, all matters betwixt those three Kingdoms, and their Kings, being blessed with tranquillity, and with peace: the King's fourth Uncle, john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, was suffered by the King to levy a strong Army, which he transported into Spain where he demanded his right to the Kingdom of Castille, in the behalf of Constance his wife; who was the eldest daughter of Peter, the deposed and slain king.  

ANNO. 14 How his bran attempts succeeded there. His two Daughters are married to the Kings of Spain, and of Portugal.  In those Wars; the Duke and his Army performed many honourable services: and (with the assistance of the king of Portugal) so prevailed, that, to conclude a sued for peace, the king of Spain married with Constance, the Duke's eldest daughter by his said wife; and gave unto him eight Wagons loaden with massy Gold; and secured him, and his wife, of the yearly payment of ten thousand Marks, during both their lives. And then the Duke went into Portugal, where he married Anne his younger daughter to the king of that Country; and then returned into England with great riches, and much honour.  

ANNO. 16 Laws against the Pope's usurped Authority.  This time of peace betwixt England, & other nations, bred some quarreling betwixt the king and the Pope; who usurped too too much authority and jurisdiction within this Realm. Wherefore (to prevent such mischiefs as this intolerable sufferance night beget) in a Parliament (upon grave and great advise) it was enacted, That the Pope's pretended authority within this kingdom should cease and be determined: and that no appeal for any matter, or cause whatsoever, should from thenceforth be made to the See of Rome; upon the penalty of a praemunire, which did extend to perpetual imprisonment, and to the forfeiture of the Lands and goods of such, as (contrary to that law) presumed to offend.  

ANNO. 17  In the seventeenth year of king Richard's Reign, his fair and virtuous Queen Anne died.  

ANNO. 19  And about two years after, the king married the Lady Isabel, daughter to the French king Charles the sixth. By reason whereof a peace was concluded betwixt those two kings, 

King Richard marrieth the French kings daughter. A Peace for thirty years.  
Breast is yielded up. The Duke of Gloucester reproves the King for it. The death of the Duke of Gloucester the King's Uncle is plotted.  
A Machavillian policy Ambition makes evil Princes confident, that their Virtues do deserve much.  
The King intendeth the destruction of his Barons: being gulled with an untrue report. Certain Lords surprised.  
A Parliament A gross fl●ttering Speaker.  
The Archbishop of Canterbury is accused of Treason. How the king wronged the Archbishop.   to endure for thirty years. And king Richard (being too kind, but too little advised) of his own accord, and free will, surrendered and gave up to the Duke of Britain, the strong Town and Castle of Breast: which very much grieved and discontented his Nobility, especially his Uncle Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester; who told him plainly, that it was not convenient, that (without blows with the said Duke of Britain) he should have departed with that strong Town and Castle, which his ancestors had won with the expense of much blood. Whereat the king was so much displeased, that in his heart he causelessly vowed severe revenge: and in this his hasty passion he was abused, and furthered by such of his Favourites as envied the estate, the virtues, and honour of the Duke; causing strangers to inform the king (flatteringly, and maliciously) that divers of the Prince's Electors intended to have made him Emperor, had not some others of them gainsaid it, and alleged that he was altogether unfit, to govern the dispersed Segniorie●, and Dominions of the Empire; who could not rule and command his own subjects at home. The greedy desire which king Richard had, to be magnified, and made great, by being dignified with the name and power of the Empire: and his strong reliance upon the untrue report, which was suggested unto him by such as only endeavoured to whet his anger against his Lords; armed him with subtlety, and with a hearty desire to cirumvent his Barons; though it were done with the breach of his oath, and with the shipwreck of his honour. So that (pretending much love and favour towards them: but especially to the Duke of Gloucester his Uncle, and to the two Earls of Arondell and Warwick) he caused them to be apprehended, when (as they imagined) they had least cause to fear. And having so done, he assembled his High Court of Parliament. In which, his basest and his grossest flatterer, the speaker of the Lower House, named Sir john Bush, who was a man of a most proud, insolent, and aspiring spirit, irreligiously, profanely, and dishonestly (in a formal and in a tedious speech) attributed unto the King the highest titles of divine honour: and therefore condemned (almost to Hell) all such, as traitorously had conspired against his Majesty. Among whom he particularly impeached Thomas, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, sitting next unto the King: who made no answer at all thereto, because the King himself (under pretence of more than ordinary love and favour) had privately enjoined him unto silence, and unto future absence from that Assembly: promising, and protesting, that nothing should be attempted, or done against him by any means. Yet notwithstanding (for want of his presence, and of his answer to the said untrue objections) he was (with the King's consent) banished this Realm. 

He is banished.  
Warwick, and Arundel are condemned as Traitors.  
Arundel is beheaded. Salisbury is banished, and dieth miserably.  
The Duke of Gloucester murdered at Calais, by Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham.  
A weak parliament, to grant such an unreasonable Commission.   And the two Earls of Arundel, and of Warwick, were also condemned of High Treason: and shortly after, the former of those two lost his head. And so had Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, if (by his humble confession of things untrue, and upon his great submission steeped in tears, and much sorrow) he had not procured a mitigation of his punishment. For he was confined into the I'll of Wight: where (contrary to the King's promise) he endured such misery, and was so grievously oppressed, with the grief which he sustained by reason of his great wants; that he quickly died.  
But the good Duke of Gloucester the King's Uncle, (being unsentenced) was sent to Calais: where (according to the King's directions) Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham (betwixt two featherbeds) caused him to be smothered to death; for which good service, he was afterwards made a Duke.  
This being done, the King procured the Upper and the Lower Houses of Parliament, to make an example, without precedent, by granting full and absolute authority unto six or eight, such persons as he should nominate, finally to determine all such causes (and to enact them) as than remained undiscussed; and not ended there. This act not only made him proud: but (to serve his present turns) he nominated for that purpose, such, as (to please his humour) decreed many things which were dishonourable to the King, and hurtful to the Commonweal.  

The King will be called Prince of Cheshire.  The King also, to please his Guard (who for the most part were Cheshire men of ordinary parentage, and of base birth) caused himself (very ridiculously) to be styled Prince of Cheshire: as if it had been more honourable for him to be such a Prince, then to be the King and Monarch of the whole Realm.  
And (to add more strength and liking unto those things which then were done amiss) the King bestowed many honourable dignities upon some of his best liked Noblemen.  
So that his Cousin Henry of Bullingbrooke (son and heir apparent to the King's fourth Uncle john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and who was at that time Earl of Derby) was by him created Duke of Hartford: his Cousin Edward Plantagenet, being Earl of Rutland, 
Creation of Noblemen.  was created Duke of Aubemarle: and Thomas Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham, was made Marshal of England, and Duke of Norfolk: and the Earl of Kent, was created Duke of Surrie: and Sir john Holland his brother, being Earl of Huntingdon, was made Duke of Exeter: and the Earl of Somerset was created marquess Dorset: and the Lord Spencer, was made Earl of Gloucester: the Lord Nevil Earl of Westmoreland: the Lord William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire: and the Lord Percy was created Earl of Worcester: and upon all these, he bestowed many great Lordships, Manors, and large revenues, which of late did belong to his murdered uncle Thomas of Woodstock, sometimes Duke of Gloucester; and unto the said two deceased Earls of Arundel, and of Warwick.  
He also granted his free pardon to all offenders whatsoever: 
A crafty Pardon, which enabled the King to much mischief.  fifteen only excepted whom he would not nominate. By which ungodly and crafty policy, he hedged his Nobility ●ound about with continual fear; and made them most servile, and most base. For if any one of them in any high measure had offended him, he would then pronounce him to be one of those fifteen, who were excepted out of his free, and general pardon; and then would put his life upon trial, for supposed and surmised Treason.  
It happened about this time, 
ANNO. 22  that Henry Bullinbrooke Duke of Hartford, and Cousin to the King, 
The King's Cousin, desireth reformation in the King, by his friend Tho. Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, whom the King did favour extraordinarily.  was much grieved daily to hear such slanderous reports, as were too commonly noised of the King; partly upon his too much liberty, which beyond the Laws he challenged in the course of his Government; and partly by reason of his unjust, and unskilful managing of the weighty affairs, and businesses of his Kingdom. And though affection (by means of his near consanguinity with the King) moved him hearty to wish for, and to desire, a present reformation of those evils: yet could he not better devise, how he might effect that which he so much craved, than by making use of his great familiarity, and acquaintance with Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk; who had an extraordinary interest in the King's favour. Whereupon (very privately, and in great secrecy, as unto a most kind and loving friend) he imparted the causes of his grief in that behalf unto the said Duke: and earnestly entreated him (upon fit opportunity, and at his leisure, and as from himself) seriously to inform the King of the said reports; and (withal) to entreat his Highness, to extend more grace, and more favour, to those Lords, who (for his honour, and the kingdoms good) had both incurred his displeasure, and also were (with too much extremity) condemned of High Treason.  
But the Duke of Norfolk (who more respected his own preferment, than the king's honour, and strongly presumed that he had now gotten fit means to advance himself, by his friends fall) related all his sayings to the King, 
A false, and an unfaithful friend.  in the rudest, and most uncivil manner which he could devise: and added many things to his relation, which were untrue, and never spoken; thereby aggravating an offence, which was not committed, and incensing the king with high indignation to vow revenge and punishment, when the Duke of Hartfords' fidelity, and loyal service, deserved great thanks and a good reward.  


The King is angry.  
The Duke of Hartford answereth for himself.   The king was so much vexed and enraged by means of these tidings, that nothing could give him any contentment in any thing: until his Cousin the Duke had made his answer thereunto. And, being sharply pressed thereunto by the king: Such things, as in that secret, and friendly manner, he had desired might be reform, he both confessed and justified. But the untrue suggestions, which falsely and maliciously were added; he denied. 
The Combat challenged and accepted.  And to clear himself of them, he challenged the Duke of Norfolk to a single Combat: which was by him accepted; and consented unto by the king. But when the appointed day was come, and the two Dukes were within the Lists, readily prepared, and advanced themselves each toward the other, for the encounter: The King would not permit them to proceed; but banished the Duke of Norfolk for ever, 
Banishment.  who shortly after died at Venice; and his Cousin, the Duke of Hartford, he exiled for six years.  

King Charles the sixth.  Whereupon He sailed into France; and was honourably received by King Charles the sixth, Father to the Queen of England, King Richard's wife: who so effectually justified him in his said actions and doings, and so highly affected his Descent, his parsonage, his Wisdom, his Virtues, and his right Noble Conditions, that he would have bestowed upon him in marriage the Daughter of his Uncle, the Duke of Berrie, if his Son-in-law King Richard (by extraordinary solicitations, and by unusual means had not been the hinderer thereof.  

john of Gant dieth.  Not long after this Duke's Banishment; his father john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster & Uncle to the king, died: the descent of which Duchy, would have made the said Duke a potent Prince. But the king (refreshing his humours with new practices of secret revenge, and that he might keep him low) unjustly seized upon all the Lordships, 
The King wrongeth Henry the new Duke of Lancaster.  and Possessions, belonging to that Duchy, and upon all the movables of his said deceased Uncle, and shared and distributed them among his Sycophants, and wicked counsellors. Which tyrannous, and wrongful dealing, so much displeased his uncle the Duke of York, and his cousin the Duke of Aumarle, 

Edmund of Langley and Edward his son.  
More wicked Counsellors to the King. Scrope, bush, Bag●t, Gree●e. The King farmeth his Kingdom, and saileth into Ireland. The journey c●st h m ●●s Crown and his life.  
ANNO 23 The Duke of Lancas●●r landeth in England. His companies increase to a strong Army. He is received into Lo●●●●. He 〈◊〉 into the W●●●. King Ri●●●● retur●●●●. He 〈…〉. Three of the with ●ked Counsellors w●re beheaded. The King's 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 to the Duk●.   that presently they left the King's Court, and retired themselves to their own houses.  
At this time King Richard was wholly misled, and lewdly directed in all his doings and negotiations by his principal favourites, Sir William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire, Sir john Bush, Sir james Bagot, and Sir Henry green: by whose advice (without the consent of his privy Counsellors of Estate) he levied a strong Army; farmed to them, for certain years, his whole Kingdom, and all his Revenues belonging thereunto; and sailed into Ireland: where he behaved himself so valiantly, that he subdued that rebelling Nation; and by his severity, he compelled them to be willing to obey.  
But in his absence, his banished cousin, Henry of Bullingbroke, Duke of Hartford and of Lancaster, together with his old friend and exiled companion, Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury; returned into England, to make claim to his Duchy of Lanca●ter. His first landing was in the North: where, such was the singular love and the great affection of the Noblemen and of the common sort of people towards him, partly in regard of his nobleness and virtues, and partly in regard of the King's disordered courses in his government; that they all (with extraordinary cheerfulness and alacrity) flocked unto him, well armed, and in great troops: So that within few days his companies were increased to a strong Army; with which he marched peaceably, and in good order, unto London, and was received, entertained, and feasted there, with much honour and great joy. And from thence he went into the Western parts of this Kingdom; the people (in all places where he came) being hearty gladded, with much contentment, with his doings.  
But in the mean time, King Richard (who was returned, and had quickly levied great forces, which he conducted against the Duke) perceiving that every day his subjects fled from him, and voluntarily offered their service to the Duke; and being certainly informed, that Sir William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire, Sir john Bush, and Sir Henry green (three of his wicked Counsellors, and upon whom he most of all relied) were taken, and had lost their heads: despairing of any safety to be gained by force and violence; of his own accord he came unto his cousin the Duke of Lancaster, confessed publicly his own insufficiency and weakness to rule and to govern well, praised the Duke's rare and singular virtues, and his absolute worthiness to be a King, and proffered to make him an absolute Surrender of his whole Kingdom, if he would accept thereof.  

A faint refusal.  But the Duke (though he much affected the wearing of a Crown; yet, because he hoped, that the favour of the Nobility, Gentry, and of the common People, would freely cast that burden and Dignity upon him, with greater safety, and assurance of continuance) refused to accept thereof: and protesting (with many pleasing speeches) That he only desired to enjoy his own Patrimony, and to reform such things as were amiss; he caused the King (with very honourable and respective attendance) to be guarded to the Tower of London: 
The King is sent to the Tower.  and then he assembled a Parliament; in which (among sundry other things) were publicly proposed these ensuing Articles, concerning the evil Government of the King. 
The Duke summoneth a Parliament   

Articles proposed in Parliament against the King.  
1. INprimis, That he would not permit the said Duke of Hartford (who was so much wronged for his good advice and counsel touching the King's Government) to fight the Combat against the falsely accusing Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, and yet banished him unjustly for six years.  
2. Item, That albeit under the Great Seal of his Kingdom he had licensed the said Duke of Hartford, at his departure out of England, to make his Attorney to proceed for him in his causes of Law: yet (he being gone) the King would not permit any man to deal for him in his absence.  
3. Item, That very uncharitably he prohibited all his Nobility, and all others, to be suitors unto him for the said Duke of Hartfords' return from his unjust banishment, upon the forfeiture of their lives and goods.  
4. Item, That after the death of john of Gaunt, the King's uncle, father to the said Duke, and Duke of Lancaster, he had wrongfully seized into his hands all his movables whatsoever, and had divided and shared them among his graceless, and wicked Counsellors, and had also (by like injustice) seized all the possessions of the said Duchy of Lancaster (which rightfully did belong to the said Duke of Hartford) into his own hands, and kept the profits thereof to his own use.  
5. Item, that colourably, as a good friend to Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury (who was falsely accused of high treason to the King, as he sat next to him in the higher house of Parliament) he persuaded the said Archbishop to make no answer at all in defence of the said accusation; nor repair any more to the same house: protesting, that neither the said accusation, nor his silence, nor his absence, should be hurtful or prejudicial unto him: and yet banished him out of the Realm; not having examined the said surmised treason.  
6. Item, that whereas his Chancellor had refused (in an unjust matter) to grant a prohibition under the great Seal of England; the King himself (to pervert the due course of justice and of right) granted the said prohibition under his privy seal, and straightly required, that it should be executed, and obeyed.  
7. Item, that most unnaturally and cruelly he had procured Thomas Mowbray to smother to death, betwixt two featherbeds, the Kings most noble and most renowned uncle Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, when (wrongfully, and without any good cause) he was a prisoner at Calais: and afterwards dignified the said murderer; first, with the Earldom of Nottingham; then, with the Office of the Marshal general of England: and last of all, made him Duke of Norfolk; he being altogether unworthy of so great honour.  
8. Item, that the King (to further his last Expedition for Ireland) without law & without justice, took from the Clergy and many Religious houses, great store of money, plate, jewels, and rich ornaments; not having the owner's consent so to do.  
9 Item, that in the same journey, without the approbation of his Counsel of Estate, he carried with him into Ireland the plate, and rich jewels, belonging to the Crown, which might have tended to the great inpoverishment of this Realm.  
10 Item, that in every Shire he had secret Intelligencers, upon whose bare information that one man had repined at the King's bad government, the party so accused (without examination or trial) was enforced to procure his pardon by the payment of a grievous fine.  
11 Item, that by the lewd advise of his wicked counsellors, he had devised many subtle and crafty Oaths; by means whereof many of his honest Subjects had been undone.  
12 Item, that by the like advise, and counsel, he procured Ruffians, and desperate companions, to accuse rich (but weak) men, of sundry falsly-supposed crimes, and imagined offences, and by means thereof, enforced them to redeem the combat with much money.  
13 Item, that he gave large gifts unto wicked and lewd companions, who (maliciously to advance their own Estates) animated him against divers of his Barons, who only desired a good reformation of his evil government; and imposed divers Taxes upon his people, to enrich them.  
14 Item, that he had procured such Records to be canceled, and embezzled, as testified his extortions, and his oppressions unjustly imposed upon his people.  
15 Item, that he had oftentimes said, that the Laws of his Kingdom were in his own breast: and that (upon this opinion) he had put to death many of his noble men, and some of his inferior subjects without just cause.  
16 Item, that most of his writings, and letters unto foreign Princes, and Estates, were so crafty, ambiguous, doubtful, and uncertain; that they could not rely confidently upon any thing which he had written.  
17 Item, that in his Parliament holden in the one and twentieth year of his Reign, his Cheshire Guard (who only were permitted and suffered to wear weapons) committed many Robberies, and Murders, and yet not one of them was punished or reproved for the same.  
18 Item, that (to insinuate favour with those lose, and lewd companions) the King had basely, and fond, dishonoured his High Estate and Sovereignty, by entitling himself The Prince of Cheshire.  
19 Item, that whereas, in the same Parliament, sundry great Lords intended liberally, and dutifully to have spoken of such things as were not well ordered, to the end that they might have been reform▪ the King in such sort threatened them, that for fear of ensuing dangers they held themselves silent, and spoke not at all.  
20 Item, that he exacted great fines from the wealthiest of his Subjects, for adhering to the Barons; notwithstanding that in full Parliament he had before granted them his free pardon.  
21 Item, that by himself, and his own authority, he had displaced divers Burgesses of the Parliament; and had placed such other in their rooms, as would better fit, and serve his own turn.  
22 Item, that contrary to his solemn Oath, and instrument in writing under the great Seal of his Kingdom, He had not only disallowed the Commission, granted in the same Parliament to the thirteen Lords, to inquire of, and to reform the great abuses, and the apparent misgovernment of the Commonweal, But also had exiled, beheaded, and otherwise executed, divers Noble Men, and others, who for the King's honour, and for the safety and welfare of the Commonweal, had procured the said Commission, or had executed the said Authority, according to the trust and confidence in them reposed.  
23 Item, that whereas he had caused certain Laws in the same Parliament to be made for his own gain, and to serve his own turn, he procured the Pope's Bulls to curse such as should withstand, or disobey them: which thing greatly tended to the derogation of his Crown, and was done expressly against his own law made against the Authority of the Pope within this Realm but seven years before.  
24 Item, that he had displaced lawful and good sheriffs, and had elected others, whom he suffered to continue, and to hold the said Office, two years together and more, because their unjust oppressions augmented and increased his gain.   

King Richard confesseth all the Articles.  The transcript of all these Articles and Objections, were (by both the Houses of Parliament) authentically sent unto the king: who not only confessed them to be true, and acknowledged his own insufficiency to rule and to govern better; but also by a plain, 

He resigns his Crown. King Richard is deposed.  
Henry Duke of Lancaster is made King. Thomas Arundel restored to the Archbishopprick of Canterbury.   and exact instrument in writing under his hand and Seal, he resigned his Crown and kingdom to his Cousin Henry of Bullinbrooke Duke of Lancaster: which being read publicly, and being generally ratified, approved and confirmed by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and by the Commons in the same Parliament assembled; they deposed king Richard, and made the said Duke king. And his true, and faithful friend, and his companion in Banishment, Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury (being then and there restored to his place, and dignity) installed the said Henry in the kingly Throne. And the late King Richard was sent to Pomfret Castle, there to be safely kept, and with Princely honour to be maintained: but very shortly after (by the new king's direction and commandment; who feared lest his Estate might be shaken, so long as Richard lived) he was wickedly and villainously assaulted in his Lodging, 
King Richard is cruelly murdered  by Sir Pierce Exton, and eight other armed men: from one of which (with a Princely courage) he wrested a brown-bill, and therewith slew four of his Mischievous and ungodly Assailants: 
He was very valiant.  and (with admirable resolution) fought with all the rest; until coming by his own Chair (in which the base Cowardly Knight himself stood for his own safety) he was by him stricken with a Polleaxe in the hinder part of his head: 
Though he were an evil King, yet no religion warranted those unjust proceed.  so that presently he fell down and died. And thus was he wicredly and treacherously murdered, and his body buried at Langley: but was (afterwards) removed unto Westminster, where it now lieth.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE FOURTH.  
ALTHOUGH the Crown of England, 
ANNO. 1. 1399.  in right (if Richard the deposed king should die without issue) was by succession to descend unto Edmund Mortimer Earl of March (the Son and heir of Edmund Mortimer, by Philip his wife, who was the daughter and heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence, the third son of Edward the third: Yet his Cousin Henry of Bullinbrooke Duke of Hartford, and son and heir unto john of Gaunt the younger brother of the said Lionel, was elected and crowned king. And forthwith he created his eldest son Henry, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester: and summoned his High Court of Parliament, in which an order was prescribed and set down, for the safe keeping, and for the honourable attendance, and maintaining of Richard the late king. But his deposing, imprisonment, and all the former proceed which were had against him, 
john Bishop of Carleyl condemneth the former proceed against King Richard.  were in the same Assembly publicly condemned and reproved by john Bishop of Carlisle, as hateful unto God, traitorous towards the wronged king, and infamous among good men. For he averred boldly, That if he were not a good king, yet more injury was done unto him then ordinarily is done to Murderers, and to thieves: because they are not (as he was) condemned, before they had made their answer to the objected crime, before judges which were indifferent, 
The Bishop of Carleyl is attached.  and pronounced their judgement upon good proof. But assoon as he had ended his speech: he was attached by the Earl Marshal; and committed to straight Prison in the Abbey of Saint Albon. And then (among many other things in the same Parliament done) the Crown of England was entailed to King Henry, 
The Crown is Entailed.  and to his heirs for ever.  

Treason plotted, to be acted at Oxford.  Assoon as this Parliament was ended, such of the greatest Lords, as made the fairest show of public applause and joy, for the High dignity which King Henry did possess; conspired by Treason to take away his life, at a solemn justs to be holden in the City of Oxford: whereunto the King was invited; and promised to be present, because he conceived, that the same Triumph was so appointed for his honour, and for his delight.  
This Treachery was cunningly plotted and contrived by the Conspirators: who by Indentures under their hands and seals, had bound themselves each unto other, both for secrecy, and also for the resolute effecting and performing thereof; all which they solemnly confirmed by their Oaths.  

The confederates.  The Confederates in this Treason, were the King's Cousin German, Edward Plantagenet Duke of Aumarle, son and heir apparent to Edmund of Langley Duke of York: Thomas Holland Duke of Surrie; and john Holland his brother, Duke of Exeter, both which were half brothers to King Richard; john Montague Earl of Salisbury; Hugh Spencer Earl of Gloucester; Sir Thomas Blunt; and one Magdalen, who was sometimes a Chamber-wayter to the deposed King, and both in stature, and in countenance, and in his behaviour, was not much unlike him.  
All these Conspirators (the Duke of Aumarle only excepted) met at Oxford, at the appointed time, being strongly guarded, and honourably attended, 
The Treason was strangely discovered.  by lusty Archers, and other valiant men. But the absence of the said Duke, was (by his Associates) wondered at: for which their was good cause. For as he sat at Table with the Duke his Father, one Label of a part of the said Indentures appeared at his bosom: by which, the old Duke drew forth the whole writing. And having read the same; he caused his Horse to be made ready, because he intended (with all posting speed) to make this news known unto the King. But his guilty, 
The Duke of Aumarle confesseth all to the King.  and perplexed Son (perceiving that his Father would reveal this secret) and knowing that, now, the least delay might extraordinarily hasten his danger: being bravely mounted (with all celerity) he out-rode his Father, and came to Windsor Castle to the King (who was preparing for his said journey) and without any tedious discourse, or lingering ceremonies, 
He is pardoned.  he revealed to his Majesty the whole conspired Treason; and freely obtained his own pardon.  
It now behoved the King to change his course: and so he did. For presently he road to the Tower of London: 
The King raiseth an army.  where he took a present and a perfect view of all such things, as were behoveful, and necessary to an Army.  
And then he levied a strong power: purposing to defend himself, and to surprise those grand Traitors, if he might. But when the Conspirators were informed, that all their Plot and Treason was revealed: 
Magdalen was King Richard's counterfeit.  They caused the said Magdalen to be attired in Royal Robes; and to feign, and affirm himself, to be King Richard. And with him, and all their Troops (which were very warlike and strong) they marched towards London: resolving to oppose themselves in the field against the king.  
But king Henry (knowing that those Lords, both in blood, and for their power, 
The King marcheth towards the Traitors.  were more then ordinarily great) was not ignorant, that his best means to repress, and vanquish them, consisted in the quickest expedition and dispatch, which he could make. Wherefore (with a bold and with a kingly courage) he marched speedily towards them, with twenty thousand wel-armed men.  
The news of the kings approach being voiced among the companies, which were conducted by the conspirators; so perplexed, 
The Traitorous Lords are left by their companions.  and so amazed them, that very cowardly they ran away, and left those Lords comfortless, and destitute of all aid. So that the most of them were apprehended; and not long after were put to death, in sundry places of this kingdom: 
The Lords fl●e and are taken and executed.  and the rest (being surcharged, and overburdened with fear, and sorrow) not long after died.  
Thus was king Henry happily delivered from this danger. And lest the like Treason for king Richard's sake might at an other time be attempted against his person: he caused him to be murdered in the Castle of Pomfret; 
Charles the sixth, resolveth to relieve his Son in-law King Richard.  as in the end of the discourse describing his Reign, and History, more particularly it doth appear. When the French King Charles the sixth, Father-in-law to king Richard, was truly informed what had been done in England: he was much grieved at the unsufferable wrongs which were done unto him; and did intend (as a faithful friend in his extremities) to relieve his lamentable Estate, and (to be pitied) miseries. And for that purpose he sent his letters of defiance to king Henry: and brought an Army Royal into Piccardie, with which he resolved to make sharp War within this Realm.  


He desisteth when he heareth of King Richard's death.  
A French Army.  
An English Army.   But when he certainly knew, that the poor, distressed, and afflicted King, was dead, and that it was too late to do him any good: he dissolved his Army; and proceeded no further in that business. Yet to revenge those wrongs; he was very hopeful to surprise many Towns, Cities, and Castles in Aquitaine, and in Guyan. And, to effect the same, not long after he levied other Forces; increasing them to a great Army. And King Henry (to withstand him) did the like. But the English Army (landing in those Countries before the French King was in a readiness: and being boldly commanded and conducted by the Lord Percy, Earl of Worcester, unto Sir Thomas Knowles the King of England's Lieutenant there: 
The French King giveth over his enterprise.  and they having taken the fealty, and the homage, of the Lords of those Provinces, for their obedience, and allegiance unto King Henry: caused the French King to change his mind, and dishonourably to disband all such companies as he had levied. Yet for all this, King Henry (still distrusting the weakness of his usurped title, and endeavouring to support it with a more sure foundation, entreated the French King Charles the sixth, to give in marriage his daughter Isabel (sometime King Richard's wife) unto his eldest son Henry, 
Marriages with France are seldom fortunate.  Prince of Wales. But her father (observing that marriages betwixt England and France were but seldom fortunate) denied the king's request, whereupon, she was conveyed into France with Princely attendance, and great honour. And not long after she was married to her Cousin Charles, the eldest son of Lewes Duke of Orleans, her uncle.  
The aforesaid Treason conspired against the king by the aforesaid Lords; and the late preparations of the French King, first to have invaded the Kingdom of England, and secondly, to have wrought wonders in Aquitaine, and in Guyan: and the frequent speeches which every where were uttered touching the manner of the Kings attaining to the Crown; animated the Welshmen, and the Scots, to show themselves troublesome neighbours unto the King.  

Owen Glendor rebelleth.  For in Wales, Owen Glendor (a bold Squire) with many hundreds of his lawless and uncivil companions, entered into Arms, and did much harm in the Marches which bordered near unto them. Against whom, 
Edmund Mortimer taken and sharply imprisoned.  the Lord Grace of Ruthen, and Edmund Mortimer (who was the true and rightful Heir of the Crown) conducted their Forces, and fought with him. But they both were taken Prisoners: and the said Edmond was by him kept close in a dark Dungeon, which was both cold and unhealthy; where he was overburdened with daily wants, and much misery. All which were with the greater extremity laid upon him, because king Henry, his Cousin, should be enforced the sooner to redeem him with a great Ransom. Wherein (because the King was too too slack and negligent) he was entreated and urged by his Lords, 
The King would not redeem him.  but especially by the distressed Earls kinsmen the Percies. But unto them all he turned the deaf ear: rather desiring his destruction, then holding it safe for him to set him free.  
The Scots also invaded the Northern parts of this Kingdom: 
The Scots invade.  but King Henry, with a puissant Army, entered into their Country; and revenged his wrongs every where, with fire, and sword, at his own pleasure. 
The king curbeth them.  But (because the Winter was extraordinarily wet, and cold) he dissolved his Army; and with great honour, victoriously he returned back.  
But as soon as he was gone, the angry Scots (being in number twenty thousand at the least) entered with barbarous cruelty into England upon the Northumber's, 

The Scots again do invade.  
Henry Hotspurre overthroweth them.  
His great Prisoners.   but were gallantly encountered by Sir Henry Hotspur, the son and heir apparent of Henry Percy Earl of that Province: who (with ten thousand lusty and brave men) gave the Scots such a bloody overthrow, that he slew of them more than ten thousand in the field, and took above five hundred Prisoners; among whom Mordake Earl of Fyffe, Archibald Earl Douglasse, Thomas Earl of Murrey, and Robert Earl of Angus, were the chief.  
The next year following, 
ANNO. 1. The Frenchmen, spoiled by a storm at Sea.  the French King sent for Wales (to assist Owen Glendor in his rebellious enterprises) twelve hundred Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of good account, that they might be leaders, and directors, to those disordered Traitors. But the winds (not being answerable to their desires) were so contrary at the Sea, and a storm so violently increased: that twelve of their greatest ships, with all their men and furniture, were swallowed into the Sea; and the rest, with great difficulty, returned into France.  
This misfortune so animated the English Nation; 
The English do deride the French.  that they began (every where) to talk of and to jest at the French King: because all his warlike expeditions had still been unfortunate and disastrous; and though they threatened much, 
Twelve thousand Frenchmen sent into Wales.  yet always they vanished as a cloud. The report whereof so whetted and exasperated his resolutions, to do some memorable service: that forthwith he sent unto the said rebelling Welshmen, an army of twelve thousand men; who safely landed, and joined with ten thousand of that Nation.  

The King marched into Wales.  This Army occasioned King Henry to prepare sound for his safety. For he was well assured, that if any neglect, or want of skill, or of courage, should give them the least advantage whatsoever: then his Crown would be shaken; and many miseries would threaten his overthrow. Wherefore he (in his own person) marched with a strong and with a complete Army into Wales. But assoon as the Frenchmen had certain notice of his coming, they thought it was high time for them to advise what course to take: perchance, not because they were distrustful of their own valour, and resolution, but because the inconstancy of that turbulent and fickle Nation, when danger did appear, affrighted them fully with fears and with doubts, lest they would fly into the Woods, and craggy Mountains, and forsake them, when they should crave the best performance of their help. 
The Frenchmen fly to their ships.  And so strongly did this doubtful fear possess them, that suddenly, like men amazed, and heartless, they ran unto their ships: and (not having performed any manner of service whatsoever) disgracefully, and cowardly, they returned into France.  

The King is victorious without blows.  Hereupon, the Welsh Rebels (desperately shifting for themselves) fled, every man his own way: so that king Henry found those Traitorous multitudes dispersed, and quite vanished; and would not be fought with. Wherefore he dissolved his great army, and returned in peace, without blows.  


The King marrieth the Duchess of Britain.  
The King makes great friends abroad.  
ANNO. 3. The King requireth the Percies to deliver to him their Scotish Prisoners. They refuse it The Percies resolve to set Edmond Mortimer at liberty▪ and to restore him to the Crown.   Afterwards, King Henry took to wife, jane the widow of john the deceased Duke of Britain; and gave Blanch (his eldest daughter) in marriage unto William Duke of Bavier, the son and heir apparent of the Emperor Lewes of Bavier.  
And (some few years after) he matched Philip, his youngest daughter, with the King of Denmark. For his daily troubles, and turmoils at home, gave him advise, to make himself more strong by procuring of great friends abroad.  
In the third year of his Reign, he required Henry Percy, Earl of Worcester; Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland; and Henry Hotspur his son; to deliver unto him such Scottish Prisoners, as they had taken in those last wars. But they affirmed stoutly, that (by the Laws of Arms, and Chivalry) those Prisoners belonged unto them: and thereupon they refused to deliver them unto the King. By means whereof, some unkindness grew betwixt the king and them; which not long after was made apparent to the World. For the Percies now began to resolve upon the restoring of their enthralled Cousin, Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, both unto his liberty, and also to his Crown: and to depose King Henry; if by any means, and endeavours, they could bring their purposes to pass. Yet (for a time) they concealed their intent: and (making none other show but of natural kindness, and friendship, to the said Earl, in regard of their affinity, and kindred, earnestly prayed the king to ransom him, and to set him free; 
They desire the King to Ransom him.  because he was unfortunately taken in his service; and was oppressed with much misery. But the king, not hearkening to their suit; nor (indeed) desiring that he should be enlarged: made answer, and caused it to be proclaimed, 
The King will not, but accuseth him.  that the said Earl had voluntarily caused himself to be taken prisoner, so that Rebels (having him in their custody, and company) might pretend some colour, therewith to varnish such Conspiracies, and Treasons, as secretly they had plotted, and contrived against his Crown, and him: and that therefore his own safety, and his good discretion, gave him advise and counsel, not to hearken to their motion but to punish his offence.  
The Percies (having received this answer, 
ANNO. 4. Sir Edmond mortimer is Ransomed by the Percies.  and being much grieved with the said Proclamation: and being resolved no longer to delay and to defer the enlargement of the said Earl) paid his Ransom to Owen Glendor, and redeemed him at their own cost: and secretly entered into such a League of friendship and familiarity with Owen Glendor, 
Owen Glendor conspireth with the Percies.  that he faithfully promised to stick unto them stoutly, whensoever they would attempt the deposing of king Henry.  
And then the said Lords Percies, being (by reason of their Scottish prisoners) assisted with a multitude of warlike Scots; joined unto their part the Earl of Stafford, and Richard Scrope Archbishop of York, brother to the beheaded Earl of Salisbury; and many others; who increased their numbers with Englishmen, and purposed to join with Owen Glendor and his Welsh Consorts, in the deposing of the king: against whom (by way of accusation) they framed certain Articles, which they published; and sent them to him in writing, to this effect.  

Articles against King HENRY.  
1. INprimis, That when he came into England from his Banishment, he took an oath, only to challenge, and to recover his inheritance, and his wives; and not to intermeddle with the King, nor with the Crown. By reason of which oath divers loyal and good Subjects to King Richard, resorted unto him, not having any treasonable intent. But when he perceived that his strength was so much increased, that he might do what he pleased; he wickedly broke his oath, and without any title, or right, procured himself to be made, and to be crowned King.  
2 Item, that not only, as an arch-traitor, he had imprisoned his natural, and undoubted Lord and Master, King Richard, but had caused him wickedly, and traitorously to be murdered: that with greater security, he might enjoy his Crown, and his Kingdom.  
3 Item, that, ever since the death of King Richard, he had unjustly kept the Kingdom, and the Crown, from his Cousin Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, who was the son and heir of Philip, the daughter and heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence, elder brother to john of Gaunt father to the usurping King.  
4 Item, that when no want or need compelled him, he had imposed divers Subsidies, and taxes, upon the people, to their great grief, and discontentment: of which they willingly would, but dared not to complain.  
5 Item, that no justice could be expected at his hand: because (contrary to the oath which he took when he was crowned) he had by letters, written, and sent into sundry Shires, procured certain Burgeships for the Parliament, all which he bestowed upon such as would not fail to serve his turn, when opportunity did serve.  
6 And lastly, that whereas in honour and for affinities sake, he ought to have ransomed, and redeemed his said Cousin the Earl of March, from his straight and loathsome imprisonment (and the rather for that he was earnestly solicited so to do) he not only denied the said request, but falsely, and untruly published and proclaimed, that the Earl himself was of his own accord become a voluntary Prisoner, to the end, that Traitors and Rebels joining with him, might have somewhat wherewith they might colour such Treasons as they would conspire against him.   
For all which causes, and many others more, 
The Percies do defy the King.  they utterly defied him as a Traitor, and as a Usurper; and (as an enemy) they vowed his destruction, and the restoring of the said Earl to his Right.  
The King perceiving, that nothing but strong blows could end this strife: and being persuaded, 
The King raiseth an Army.  that if he became victorious in this Rebellion, he should bereave all his enemies of all hope to prevail in the like attempts; had levied a strong Army: with which he marched courageously against those Lords; hoping to meet with them, before they should join their forces with the Welshmen: and so great was his care, 
The battle of Shrewsburie.  that he failed not therein of his purpose. For both their Armies met near unto Shrewsburie: and in their first encounter, the Scots gave a brave onset upon the King. But with such hardy violence he received them, 
The Scots are overthrown.  that (almost in a moment) the greatest part of them were slain.  
Yet notwithstanding, the Lords and their Army stoutly performed their task; and fought with such admired courage and resolution, that they persuaded themselves of good success, until the King and the martial Prince his son (determining by honourable death rather to be subdued, 
3. 1401. The Percies are overthrown.  than to become the laughing stocks of adverse and froward fortune) redoubled their strength and valour, and by their particular examples each to the other, they so renewed the fight, that Sir Henry Hotspurre, and some others of the principal Leaders of those companies, and many thousands more, were slain; and his uncle, the Earl of Worcester, was taken prisoner in the field, and the rest fled. And so the King, with the loss of sixteen hundred of his soldiers, 

The King himself slew 36.  
Douglas is released by the King without ransom.   having slain more than six thousand of his enemies (of which, thirty and six fell by his own sword) obtained a famous victory. And because the Earl Douglas, in a single combat with the King himself, performed the part of an approved and of a worthy knight, the King granted him his liberty, without ransom.  
The next day following, the King and all his army (with great devotion and reverence) gave thanks unto Almighty GOD for their good and honourable success: 

Thanksgiving unto God.  
The Earl of Worcester is beheaded.   and then he caused the Earl of Worcester to be beheaded; and many others, being ringleaders in that Rebellion, to be drawn, hanged, and quartered, and did set their heads upon London Bridge.  

The Prince marcheth into Wales. Owen Glendor forsaken by his companions. He is famished to death.  And the King intending forthwith to pursue and prosecute his good fortunes, for the surer settling of his estate in future time; sent the Prince of Wales, and his whole army, into Wales. But when he came thither, his chiefest enemy Owen Glendor was utterly forsaken by his whole companies, and shrouded himself in the Woods; and being compassed round about by the Prince's forces (who eagerly hunted to apprehend him) he was miserably famished to death; and many of his associates being taken, were put to death: and then the Prince returned joyfully to the King.  

The Earl of Northumberlands voluntary submission.  Now, whilst the Prince was thus busied in Wales, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, came (of his own accord) and submitted himself to the King's mercy; protesting and swearing with many oaths, That he was never made acquainted, nor intermeddled in those Treasons. And though the King conceived not the least thought which might excuse him, yet (for that time) he entertained him with smooth words, and with a smiling countenance, and suffered him to come and to go at his pleasure; because he had in his possession the Castle of Barwike, and other places of great strength.  

A Challenge sent by the Duke of Orleans to king Henry.  When all these Troubles had found an end, Lewis Duke of Orleans, brother to the French King (being proud and vainglorious) sent a Challenge to King Henry; requiring him, with one hundred chosen men at arms of his Kingdom, in some indifferent and convenient place, to fight with him, and with the like number of Frenchmen, for honour's sake. But the King (with great discretion and wisdom) made him this answer, 
King Henry's discreet answer.  That his former actions, in warlike employments, could clearly acquit him from the infamous name and title of a Coward: And that Kings ought not to be so careless of their Countries and of their people (whom GOD had committed unto their charge and government) as to fight for any cause, except it were for the furtherance or for the maintenance of true Religion; or in defence of their Rights; or to defend their Kingdoms from foreign enemies; or to revenge their wrongs; and for such like important causes: And also, that a Sovereign and an anointed King (by the Laws of Arms, and of Honour) was not bound to answer any Challenge in the field, except it were made upon good cause, by his Equal in Dignity and in Office. And yet he further added this, That he would at all times be very ready to repulse and to repress any violence or wrong, which the Duke should dare, rashly or unadvisedly, at any time to attempt against him, or any of his people.  
The Duke, 
A rash attempt had a disgraceful end.  being over-passionate when he received this discreet and mild answer, with all expedition besieged the Town of Vergie in Guian, and remained there for the space of three months, and somewhat more. In which time he offered many sharp assaults, and much violence, but received as many stout repulses as he could well endure. And in the end, having lost many of his best men, and chiefest friends, he was compelled disgracefully to raise his siege, and to return into France.  
The Duke of Burgoine also (supposing that the instability of king Henry's estate at home, 
The Duke of Burgoyne attempteth the regaining of Calais.  could not permit him to leave his Kingdom and to war abroad) obtained leave of the French King to attempt the regaining of Calais to the French. For which purpose he procured a puissant Army, in which he had six thousand valiant men at arms, fifteen hundred crossbows, and twelve thousand ordinary Soldiers on foot. But when the French Kings Council were informed, of the great preparations made in England by King Henry to defeat them, and had maturely considered of the difficulty (yea almost of the impossibility) of this attempt: the said Duke was commanded to desist from his intended service: 
He is required to desist.  whereat he was much grieved, and did conjecture, that the proud Duke of Orleans, and some others, had discouraged the King in that business, because they were jealous, that by his valour he would win too much honour and renown.  
Experience teacheth us, that as the highest Trees are subject most to be hurted by a storm: 
ANNO. 6. A new Rebellion secretly plotted but discovered.  so the greatest Estates are in greatest danger to be shaken by Envy. An evident poofe thereof appeared plainly in the whole course of this King's Reign. For no sooner was he freed from one mischief, but incontinently he was threatened by another. And though he had now escaped the great dangers of two former Treasons, and Rebellions, and had been victorious over the Scots, and the Welsh Rebels, and had outfaced the French, who (if they had dared) would have attempted high Achievements at Calais, and in Aquitaine, and in Guian: yet was he now again in hazard to have been turmoiled with an other Civil War at home; which secretly was plotted, and contrived, by Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, Richard Scrope Archbishop of York, Thomas Mowbray Earl Martial, and by the Lords, H●stings, Faulconbridge, and Bardolf, and by divers others.  
But as (in such like cases) it often falleth out, 
The King suddenly surpriseth the Traitors.  so this Traitorous Conspiracy was secretly revealed to the King: who came so unexpectedly with an Army into the North, that ere any man reported the news of his coming, he surprised the said Lords (the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Bardolf excepted) and struck off their heads. But the said Earl fled into France, from whence he came afterwards into Scotland, 
The Prince warreth in Scotland prosperously.  where he was promised to be aided against the King. But (to prevent such mischiefs as those intendments did threaten) the Prince of Wales was sent into Scotland with an Army, where he burned and spoiled (without controlment) at his own will and pleasure; and recovered to the King's use, the Castles of Berwick, and of Anwicke; and enforced the Scots to crave a truce, which was granted unto them for a few months: and then the Prince returned to the King.  

The King in danger to be taken on the Thames by French Pirates. The Lord of Camoys in trouble, cleareth himself. ANNO. 9 A valiant Sheriff.  And now it chanced, that as king Henry passed over the River of Thames, from Kent into Essex, under the conduct of the Lord of Camois, he was almost taken by the French Pirates: for which cause the said Lord was suspected, and attached as a Traitor, and received his due trial, by his Peers; but was clearly acquitted of that offence, and received into favour.  
In the ninth year of this king's Reign, the Earl of Nothumberland, and the Lord Bardolfe (animating the Scots to a new war) entered with them into Northumberland; and did much mischief: whereupon king Henry levied a strong army, and by great journeys) travailed to encounter them. But (before his coming forth) they were fought with, and overthrown by Sir Ralph Rokesby then Shirif of that County, who took the said Lords and many others, and smote off their heads; and sent them (for presents) to the king.  

ANNO. 11 Thomas is made Duke of Clarence▪ john Duke of Bedford. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. The King prepareth to War in the Holy land. The King falleth ●k●. His Crown is placed on his Pillow.  In the eleventh year of his reign he assembled his high Court of Parliament: in which he created his three younger sons, Thomas, Duke of Clarence▪ john, Duke of Bedford: and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester: and enacted many Laws, which were helpful, and profitable to this Commonweal.  
And from that time forth until he died, he enjoyed a happy peace; and rested from all hostility, and wars, both at home and abroad. And to express his thankfulness to God for all his goodness, and great bounty towards him: he made great and costly preparations, of men, money, victuals, and armour, and ships, and all other things, requisite, and needful; and purposed to have waged wars with the Turks in the Holy-land. But whilst he busily employed himself in those affairs, he was attached by a deadly apoplexy: and being near unto his last end, he caused his Crown to be placed by him upon his pillow, lest peradventure in his extremity of sickness, it might be delivered to some other, who had better right thereto then he had. But when his attendants verily supposed, that he was dead: the young Prince of Wales seized upon his Crown. Whereat the king started up, 
The Prince seized on the Crown. The King's speech to the Prince.  and raising himself upon his arms, he demanded who it was that had taken away his Crown. The Prince answered, that it was he: and then he fell back into his bed; and (fetching a deep sigh, and sending forth many pensive groans) My son (quoth he) my son, what right I had unto this Crown, and how I have enjoyed it, God knoweth, and the World hath seen. Comfort yourself in God, good Father, said the Prince: The Crown you have, and if you die, 
The Prince has answer. The King dieth.  I will have it, and keep it with my sword, as you have done. And within a short time after, king Henry died, in the six and fortieth year of his age, when he had reigned almost fourteen years. And his body was carried to Canterbury, where (with all Princely, and due requisites) it was buried.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE FIFTH.  
IT is well known, That King Henry the fifth, whilst he was but a Prince, associated to himself divers unthrifty and lewd companions; 
A wild Prince, but a wise King.  by whose instigation (among many other unworthy passages in his father's days) he smote the Lord chief justice of England in the face: for which offence he was imprisoned and dismissed of the Presidentship of the king's Council; and (to his great grief and disgrace) was succeeded therein by Thomas, Duke of Clarence, his younger brother. But when he was crowned king, he disposed himself into a new course, qualifying his behaviour with such heroical virtues, as might beseem both his Person and his Honour, 
He banisheth his lose companions.  and banished from his Court his lose and base consorts, after he had enabled them to live by such gifts as were proportionable to their callings. He also elected for his Council, and into places of justice and public Government, such as were wise, discreet, 
His good choice of good Governors. He reformeth the Clergy. He ruleth the Laity.  learned, and temperate; well able to rule themselves, and to command others. He painfully laboured to reform Pride, Covetousness, and such other gross abuses as were crept into the Church among the Clergy: and enjoined them strictly to frequent Prayer & Preaching, to Hospitality, and to the sincere serving of Almighty God. And (by the administration of his Laws with moderate severity) he made the Laity tractable in the performance of their duties. And (to settle his Estate in peace and in tranquillity at home; so that neither the Scots nor the Welshmen should molest him, when he was busied in his Wars abroad) he erected divers Castles, 
He erecteth Castles in the frontiers of Scotland and of Wales.  Bulwarks, and other Fortifications upon their frontiers; and so disposed of them, that with many thousands of able men, and skilful Captains to command them, he was still ready and powerful, with great violence and force, to suppress and qualify such rebellious Insurrections as they might make.  

King Richard's body removed to Westminster.  In the first year of his Reign, with great pomp and solemnity, he brought the body of King Richard the second from Langley unto Westminster, and buried it by Queen Anne, his first wife.  

2. 1413. A motion in Parliament to suppress Religious Houses.  In the second year, he held his High Court of Parliament at Leicester: in which, he was importunately petitioned, to suppress the Religious Houses of this Kingdom: because they being ill used, were made the Nurseries of Idleness, Gluttony, Lechery, and of Pride; and were the Cages of unclean birds. The Revenues which belonged to those Houses, were proportioned to yield unto the King's Cossers the annual Rent of twenty thousand pounds: and would also (for the increase of the King's power and strength) maintain fifteen Earls, fifteen hundred Knights, and more than six thousand men at Arms; beside, a great number of alms-houses for the poors relief.  

The Clergies policy to quench this fire.  To divert this stream into another Channel, the fat Abbots, Priors, idle Monks, wanton Friars, and the puling Nuns, procured Henry Chichley, than Archbishop of Canterbury, in a very learned and excellent Oration, to discover to the King his Right and his Title to the Crown of France; 
The King's title to the Crown of France set abroach.  to refresh him with confident hopes of good success; to direct him into a course answerable to his hopes; and (in the Clergies behalf, and for the furtherance of those Wars) to offer unto the King an incredible mass of money as their free and as their frank gift.  

The French business silenceth all others.  This motion and this business was so much applauded by the King, his Nobles, and the inferior sorts of his people: and the great sum of money which was offered, so well contented them all, that the said Petition was thereby lulled fast asleep; and nothing was now debated and spoken of, but the means how England might recover France.  
This Parliament being ended; the Duke of Exeter, uncle to the King, the Archbishop of dublin, the Lord Grace high Admiral of England, 
Ambassadors sent to require the Crown of France. Charles the sixth.  and the Bishop of Norwich (being attended with five hundred Horse) were sent Ambassadors to the French king Charles the sixth. By these the King required the peaceable delivery of that Kingdom, together with the whole Duchies of Aquitaine, Normandy, and of Angeou; and the Counties of Poytou, and of Main: and made this offer, That if (without the effusion of their people's blood) the French King would yield to his demands; he then would be pleased to take to his wife the Lady Katherine his daughter, and would endow her with all the said Duchies and Provinces, and would be tractable to all things tending to the French kings honour and estate. But if he refused to deliver him his Patrimony and Inheritance without blows; then he assured him, That he would attempt the gaining of them by his Sword: and would, in those Countries, afflict those people with such oppressions as were too too rife and common in the War.  
The unexpected strangeness of this motion and quick message so amazed the French king and his Nobility, 
The French king craveth further time to make his answer. The Dolphin scoffeth the King.  that (without sound and good deliberation) they were unable to return any answer: but craved a longer time; with promise, shortly to send his Ambassadors, concerning that business, to the King. But the Dolphin despising the youth of King Henry, and holding him unfit to attempt a matter of so high a consequence; sent unto him (as a present) a Ton of Tennis Balls: insinuating thereby, that it was more agreeable to his years to sport himself among nimble lads in a Tennis Court, than to dream of the winning of so potent a kingdom as France was.  
The King, although otherwise he would have been persuaded by reason, kindly to have censured of the French kings request, 
The King's courageous speech.  and of his promise: yet, because the Dolphin so basely scorned him, protested in his angry mood, That ere many months should be spent, he would (if GOD assisted him) toss so many balls of iron within that kingdom, that the strongest Rackets in France should be too weak to return them. For this purpose, he levied a strong and a puissant Army: whereof, 
King Henry levieth a great Army. The Dolphin's motion for peace.  when the Dolphin had intelligence (because the charge of those affairs, by reason of the French kings weakness and infirmity, was committed to his care and providence) he sent Ambassadors to king Henry, to inform him, That if he would desist from his purpose, and would live in amity and in peace with that Nation, and would take his sister, the Lady Katherine, to his wife; he then should have and receive with her a large sum of money, with some small Territories and Possessions in that kingdom.  

King Henry's answer.  Those Ambassadors were honourably received, kindly entertained; and royally feasted by the King, at his own table. But for an answer he returned, That except the French King (with his said daughter) would give unto him the duchies of Aquitaine, Normandy, Angeow, and all other small Segniories, to him, and to his Crown justly appertaining, and belonging, he would not disband his army, nor wave his title to the Crown of France; but would attempt (by fire, and sword) to win it if he might.  

King Henry fortifieth against the Scots. The Queen mother is made Regent of England. ANNO. 3. 1414. King Henry defieth the K. of France. Treason against King Henry.  Assoon as the French Ambassadors were departed, The King (who proposed none other end to his endeavours, but an assured trust in God, and in a thousand hopes of conquest and of victory) placed a strong power upon the marches of Scotland, to keep them in order in his absence. And, having thoroughly furnished himself and his army, with all needful preparations, and having made the Queen his mother the Regent of his Kingdom, and assisted her with a grave, and with a prudent Counsel, he sent his letters of Defiance to the French King: and began with great alacrity, and courage, to proceed in this his royal journey.  
But as greatest dangers are then most frequent, when security seemeth to banish all fear: so when King Henry persuaded himself, that he was most sure, and safe, in the midst of his brave army. even than he was in a greater hazard of his life, then if he had been in France, among the throngs of his mortal, and professed Enemies. For Richard Earl of Cambridge brother to the Duke of York, and Henry Lord Scrope, and Sir Thomas Grace (three of the most approved Captains of this Kingdom) being treacherously engaged by great rewards, conferred on them by the Dolphin of France: conspired to deliver him into the French Kings hands; or else to murder him in his own Tent.  

The treason is discovered.  Miraculously was this intended villainy revealed to the King, who grieved the more thereat; because he should want the aidefull assistance of three such valiant men of War, as gave him much assurance of good success. But when they were apprehended, and brought into his presence, their open confession of that conspiracy, 
The traitors are executed.  and treason (which otherwise would fully have been proved against them) hastened their public sentence of death, and (as Traitors) they were executed the next day.  

The King landeth with his army in Normandy. Harflew besieged, and taken.  Assoon as the wind served, the King transported his army in an hundred and forty ships, and landed in Normandy before Hareflew, upon the River of Seyne, and besieged it on every part for the space of seven and thirty days. And though the French army, which was conducted by the Dolphin, made many fair proffers to raise the siege, yet durst they not come too near. But the Town having been many times sharply assaulted, was yielded to King Henry: who sacked it, and ransomed the inhabitants, and with great plenty of silver, and of Gold, and many costly things, he enriched all his own Companies; 
Great sickness in king Henry's Army.  and (having placed as Captain there, his Uncle Thomas Duke of Exeter; and as his Lieutenant Sir john Fastolf, with fifteen hundred soldiers, and five and thirty gallant Knights, he resolved to go unto Calais by land; & to rest there, because the winter (being now more wet, & approaching sooner at that time then usually it was accustomed) infected many of his men with gievous fluxes, and strange fevers: and occasioned the death of the Earl of Stafford, of the Bishop of Norwich▪ and of the Lords of Molines, and of Burnel, and of more than fifteen hundred men.  
And (notwithstanding, 
The French dare not to encounter with King Henry in his March. Thirteen thousand men. Silver and Gold ●id ●o pleasure to the English Army. The Dolphin br●ggeth but doth not any thing.  that sickness and many wants afflicted his army) yet king Henry marched with great confidence and resolution through the bowels of those Countries, in despite of the French forces, who only made proud brags, and fair shows of encounters: But (like unto hunted, and affrighted Deer) gazed a far off upon the English army, yet dared not by handy strokes, to make the least trial of their valour, albeit King Henry's strength did then consist only of two thousand Horsemen, and of thirteen thousand Archers, and no more. Many of which number wanted health, meat, wood, and rest, and had not any plenty of any thing saving only of Silver, and of Gold, which could not (in that place) supply unto them such things, as most of all they needed.  
The Dolphin of France to whom the managing of those wars was committed (having assembled more than thirty thousand fight men) saw that he was much dishonoured by his own cowardice, and lest he should be infamous among his own people, he determined to give battle to King Henry: but his fainting ignoble heart, being terrified, and his courage passing in post out at his heels▪ suffered him not to attempt any thing, so that King Henry still marched on-wards, burning, and spoiling, and doing in his passage whatsoever himself best liked.  
The French king (who lay at Rouen) was highly discontented, 
The French King taketh Counsel.  for that the English army (unfought with) had proudly passed over the River of Soame) wherefore he entered into a serious consultation concerning those businesses, with five and thirty of his discreetest, and wisest Counsellors: and the question was; 
The question.  Whether it were better to give Battle to the English Army, or (for that time) to give King Henry a free march, without resistance, unto Calais? By thirty of that number, it was advised, and concluded on, that they should be fought with, but the other five urged many substantial reasons, and arguments, to maintain the contrary. But they were not hearkened unto. 
The King is defied, and a Battle promised.  So the French king incontinently, by his Herald at Arms sent a defiance to K. Henry, and promised that within few days, he would try his best strength by handy strokes in the open field. 
King Henry's discrete answer.  King Henry (with a Princely boldness and magnanimity) returned him this answer, That because his army was afflicted with much sickness, and many wants; he bended his course directly to his Town of Calais, where he would go and refresh himself, and his companies, and would not therefore (at that time) seek the French King. But if he endeavoured, and dared to interrupt him in his passage, he was of sufficient force and strength to repel all violence, which the French Nation should oppose against him.  

The Battle of Agincourt  When this answer was returned, the French King (by his Proclamations) caused many thousand men at arms, and valiant Soldiers, to repair to the Constable of France, to fight for honour and for their Country with king Henry: who being informed, that the day drew near in which the Frenchmen intended to give him battle; placed his Army in good order and array, betwixt the Towns of Blangie, and of Agincourt, within the County of Saint Paul.  
This being done, the Constable of France, being bravely accompanied with divers great and honourable personages, 
The number of the French Army.  well experienced Captains, and lusty men of war, to the number of threescore thousand on horseback; besides his Footmen, Pages, wagoners, and other attendants; approached near to the English army; and placed them in good order of battle, and in the night time they made great fires about their standard, 
How the French Army passed the night. They reckoned without their Host. The Englishmen resolution.  disposed themselves to extraordinary mirth, and jollity, and made such sure account of the Victory on the next day (by reason of their great numbers, and for that the English forces were so small, so weak, and sickly) that they fell to the casting of lots for such prisoners as they would take.  
And on the other side, king Henry and his people having humbly reconciled themselves to God, and by repentance, and by public and private prayer, purchased the happy contentment of quiet consciences, sounded their trumpets and musical instruments of all sorts, and were resolved to sell their lives dear, and to die like men, seeing that now they were unable, by any means (excepting only by the sword) to work unto themselves any deliverance from infamy, and from death.  
Upon friday being the five and twentieth day of October, 
The Lord Dalabreth.  the Lord Dalabreth High Constable of France, arranged all his companies into three battles.  
1. In the first, he placed eight thousand wel-armed Knights, 
The first Battle of the French.  and Esquires; four thousand Archers, and fifteen hundred Crossbows: and strongly guarded them with two wings. The one of them consisted of fifteen hundred men at arms; and the other, of eight hundred. And this battle, and these wings, were commanded by himself, and by the Dukes of Orleans, and of Bourbon, and by the Earls of Ewe, Richmond, and Vandosme, and by the Lord Dampter, Admiral of France, and by the Marshal Bouciqualt, and many others.  
2. In the middle battle were placed more men at arms, 
The middle Battle of the French.  than in the former: and it was commanded by the Dukes of Bar and of Alencon, and by the Earls of Vawdemont, Saling, Blamont, Grant-Preé, and Russie.  
3. And the third battle (being composed of all the remnant) was marshaled; and guided by the Earls of Mark, Damp-Martin, 
The Rear battle of the French.  and of Fawlconbridge, and by the Lord Lurrey Captain of the Town of Arde.  
And on the other side the Vanguard of King Henry, 
King Henry's vanguard  which consisted of good Archers only, was conducted by the Duke of York: who being right valiant, and of an haughty courage, by great entreaty obtained that place; and with him, were the Lords of Beamond, Willoughby, and of Fanhope.  
The main battle was commanded by the King himself: 
King Henry's main Battle.  in which were his strongest billmen, and some archers: and with him were the Duke of Gloucester his brother, the Earl Martial, Oxford, and of Suffolk.  
And the Rearward was directed by Thomas Duke of Exeter, 
The King's Rearward.  the King's uncle. And all the Horsemen (as wings) attended all these companies on both sides.  
And to prevent by policy such breaches, 
Stakes driven into the ground behind the English Army.  as otherwise the French Horsemen might suddenly make upon the English army with their barred Steeds, whilst the archers were busily performing their task: king Henry caused all his Footmen, to be environed with stakes of five or six foot long; which being well headed with sharp Iron at both ends, were thickly pitched into the Earth, and easily might (upon every remove) be newly fastened into the ground, by such as were appointed to attend them.  
King Henry (upon his trust in the merciful aid and assistance of Almighty God, 
This Ambush of Archers was a principal means of the victory  and upon a strong hope which he conceived, of brave service to be performed that day) had secretly placed a lusty crew of good Archers within a new cast hedge, by which the French Horsemen were to make way towards the English army. And these were commanded to shoot wholly, and together, when a valiant and wel-experienced Knight, named Sir Walter Harpington, by the casting up of his Gauntlet, should occasion the whole Army of the Englishmen to shout with a mighty cry. And this direction was so well observed, that when the French Horsemen were passed within the danger of that ambush, and attempted to give the first onset; upon the said sign and shout, the said archers dimmed the air with the thickness of their strong flying arrows: and the French Horsemen by means of the height of the said bank, and depth of the ditch within it, were not able to come near unto them. 
Valiant and strong Archers. The first Battle of the Frenchmen is overthrown.   
The English archers likewise, who served in the Vanguard, so strongly fixed their shot in the French Horses, that many of them being wounded, and the arrows shaking in their flesh, threw off their riders to the ground; and other some of them, with violence ran upon such as road next unto them; and the rest of them, in such disordered troops, and plumps, so furiously and so madly retired, that they thereby not only were disordered, but their footmen also; who were oppressed, wounded, and miserably slain, and trodden to death by them. Which when the English army well perceived: the archers threw away their Bows, and with mals, Axes, Swords, Gleaves, and Bills, they made an incredible slaughter upon the first battle of the Frenchmen: 
The main Battle is assaulted by the English.  which by them were utterly discomforted, and put to flight. And (without breathing, or the least delay) they ran fiercely upon the middle battle of the French army: who fought with great courage, and resolution; and for a while acquitted themselves as valiant men.  
The French Horsemen of that battle, scorning that so small a number of their Enemies should work such wonders: and intending by sudden violence, to make quick dispatch of them; began to charge upon them with great courage. The Englishmen (the better to save themselves, and to train the French Horsemen within the danger of their stakes) seemed faint. Yet in good order they retired, and quickly slipped behind their stakes: so that the Frenchmen (who made more haste then good speed to overthrow the Englishmen) rushed ignorantly, 
The French Horses are gored on the stakes.  and violently forward; not hurting their Enemies, but goring, spoiling, and killing of their Horses in great numbers. And thus was their main battle dimished, and altogether put out of order, and good government. 
The main battle of the French vanquished. The King's valour.  Which when the Englishmen saw: they hautily advanced their spirits, and confidently redoubled their strength: and with rude and hardy blows, they rushed forth so eager upon the Frenchmen, that they compelled them to fly. In this encounter, the King himself fought hand to hand, with the Duke of Alencon, and was by him, well-near taken Prisoner. But his high stomach disdaining to stoop to fortune, and to lose the least jot of honour: he encouraged himself with a more constant resolution. So that (in the end) he slew two of the Duke's nearest attendants with his own hand; 
The Duke of Alencon slain.  and felled him to the ground. But whilst the King passionately laboured and strived to save his life; he was unadvisedly slain by his Guard.  
Assoon as these two battles were thus overthrown, the king (abandoning all lingering and delay: and settling his hopes upon the assurance of an honourable victory) made offer, with his whole Companies, to environ the third and last battle of the Frenchmen: In which were the greatest number, but the worst men. 
The third battle of the Frenchmen fly.  But their courage was so cooled, that (like unto Sheep before the Wolf) they cowardly ran away, casting from them their armour and their weapons: and (being strangely amazed; and not knowing which way to run, to save themselves) great numbers of them fell upon their knees, and craved mercy, and the preservation of their lives; and were received as prisoners by the English army, by the King's consent.  
But whilst King Henry was thus busied, and (to pursue the Chase) had left his own Camp, and Tents, 
An unfortunate service for the French Prisoners.  meanly and weakly guarded, & defended, by wagoners, and by Lackeys only: Robinet of Bonuile, with six hundred of those Horsemen who first of all acquitted the field, entered into the King's Camp; and rifled all things at their pleasure, and slew as many of the weak Garders as they could: by means whereof, a strong outcry was suddenly made there: which when the King heard, he imagined, that fresh and new forces intended to give him an other battle, and to try him with an other strength.  
This conceit, and this fearing doubt; 
The French prisoners are miserably slain.  occasioned him forthwith to proclaim, that (on pain of death) all ordinary Prisoners should be slain, lest (in the new conflict) they should be troublesome and dangerous to his army. Then was there seen a sorrowful spectacle of much unexpected cruelty. 
Fear enforced this cruelty.  For some of their throats were cut: the bellies of others were so lanced, that their guts fell out: the brains of others were dashed abroad with mals, and Axes: others with Daggers were stabbed, and with Swords thrust through; and finally, almost all of them (upon a sudden) were (with much enforced cruelty) put to death; whereat the King conceived extraordinary grief, and sorrow, and lamented it with many tears, when he perfectly understood, that no fresh army was prepared to assail him.  
The King, though he perceived well, and did perfectly know, that his Soldiers were much tired and wearied with the great travels of that victorious day: 
King Henry's providence against future danger.  yet (doubting of the worst) he arranged his whole army into a new battle, because he was informed, that an other enterprise against him was taken in hand. And assoon as he was fitly provided to defend himself; he was assailed by the Earls of Marle, 
Another victory did attend him.  and of Faulconbridge, and six hundred valiant men at arms; who had kept together, and had not fought one stroke that day. But as a small, and a weak vessel, is quickly swallowed up into a wrathful Sea: so this poor handful was by and by crushed, and almost every one of them was slain.  
Afterwards, when King Henry (by his Scouts) received certain intelligence, that every Coast about him was clear, and that such of his Enemies, as were courageous, and would fight lay dead upon the ground, 
The King & his Army give thanks to God for their great victory.  and none were so hardy as to show their faces: the king (about four of the clock in the afternoon of the same day) caused his whole army (upon their knees) to join with him in hearty prayer, and in thankfulness unto Almighty God; who only, and alone, by his powerful aid and assistance, had given to him, and them, a most incredible and a glorious Victory. This duty being thus devoutly accomplished; 
The spoils.  the common soldiers, had frank leave and licence granted them, to rifle those whom they had slain. By means whereof they not only waxed rich, but also stored themselves with all such necessaries, and provisions as before they wanted: and then the King marched forward; and with much joy, and great honour, was received into his strong town of Calais. In this battle, 
The French Noble● were slain.  were slain Charles Lord Delabreth high Constable of France; jaques of Chastilion Lord of Dampier High Admiral of France, john Duke of Alenson, Anthony Duke of Brabant, Edward Duke of Bar; the Earls of Marle, Vawdemont, Blawmount, Grand-preé, Russey, Fawlconbridge, Foys, and Lastrake: twenty and five Lords; eight thousand Knights, and Esquires, and Gentlemen of arms, and name: and about sixteen hundred of the common sort: besides those who were taken, 
Prisoners taken.  and remained prisoners: among whom these were the chief: Charles Duke of Orleans: john Duke of Bourbon: the lords of Donuart, Fosseux, Humiers, Roy, Cawny, Hamcourt, noel, Bonciqualt, and some others. And on the other part were slain Edward Duke of York, and the Earl of Suffolk; 
The slain Englishmen.  and of all others, not above six hundred persons.  
When King Henry and his soldiers had a while refreshed themselves in Calais, 
The King with his army arrive in England.  they took shipping: and being enriched with Silver, Gold, and brave and costly Armours, they all arrived safely in England; and the King was received into London triumphantly and with much joy.  
When the French king and the Dolphin were informed of the said great and insupportable overthrow; it is not to be wondered at, if melancholy passions and much grief surcharged them to the very heart, and made them doubtful of the event of this business. But the slaughter of the French prisoners, foolishly occasioned by the base attempt of Robynet of Bonuyle, 
Robynet of Bonuyle, and his complices, imprisoned.  and of his companions, who cowardly ransacked the English Camp and the king's Tents in the heat and fury of the aforesaid Battle, perplexed them more than all the rest: but especially the Dolphin; who imprisoned the Ringleaders of that folly, and would have sentenced them to death, if suddenly himself had not after died: 
The Dolphin dieth.  whose death much amazed the weak and much diseased French King. But making a virtue of necessity, and intending by some provident course to prevent such mischiefs which future attempts did threaten; 
The Earl of Arminake is made High Constable of France.  he made the Earl of Arminack (who was a stout and a warlike Captain) High Constable of France, and placed in his other great martial Offices none but such, as by their valour and good trial had made best proof of their sufficiency to perform them. 
New French Officers.  These newly established Officers levied many companies of the most able and stoutest men in sundry places of that kingdom.  
And at the same time, the King's uncle Thomas Duke of Exeter, 
Thomas duke of Exeter has gallant service.  and Captain of Hareflew (intending to exercise his soldiers in feats of War, and by some sudden service both to enrich them, to win honour to himself, and to endamage his enemies) issued out of that Town with three thousand men, well armed to the proof, and marched through those Countries, burning, rifling, and spoiling, until he came almost to the City of Rouen: where he was encountered by the new Constable of France; who with five thousand horsemen (having a resolution in this exploit to win his Spurs) so sharply charged the Duke and his followers, that he compelled him (though in good order, 
The new Constable is overthrown.  and with little loss) to retire. But the Frenchmen (determining their utter overthrow) pursued them still with eager spirits, until they came almost to the Barriers of Harflew: which when the rest of the Englishmen, who were within the Town, perceived, they issued forth in good order, joined with the Duke's companies: and then they all, with their entire strength, so furiously opposed themselves against the Constable and his Associates, that (with the slaughter of many of their horses and soldiers) they were enforced to fly away, and were chased by the English Victors more than two miles: and divers of them, who were taken prisoners, could not obtain their liberty, until they had procured it with large Ransoms.  

Sigismond the Emperor in vain mediateth a peace.  About this time, Sigismond the Emperor of Germany came into England, endeavouring to conclude a friendly peace betwixt England and France. His hearty welcome and his great entertainment liberally sorted with the high calling of so great a Prince. But his motion was barren and fruitless of good speeding. In his departure, the King accompanied him to Calais; from whence he returned home. And thither (upon honourable hostages) repaired to King Henry▪ the Duke of Burgoine; and betwixt them a friendly peace, 
The Duke of Burgoine is suspected by the French King.  concerning only the Counties of Flanders and of Arthois, was concluded. For which matter, the Duke was had in great jealousy, and suspected to be a secret enemy to the Crown of France.  
Not long after, the new Constable of France with a strong army upon the Land, 
4. 1415. Harflew besieged by the French.  and john Viscount Narbon, vice-admiral of France, with five hundred ships, at the mouth of the River of Seyne besieged Harflew on every side; and made little doubt to win it in few weeks▪ But when King Henry was advertised in what sort the Town and his Subjects were distressed; with extraordinary care and expedition he levied a powerful army, 
The English Navy do overthrow the French Fleet, consisting of 500 ships.  and transported it thither in two hundred warlike and strong ships: of these, he made General his brother john Duke of Bedford; and associated to him (in that expedition) the Earls of March, Oxford, Huntingdon, Arondel, Salisbury, and Devonshire, and many Barons, Knights, and Gentlemen of great valour and much worth.  

john Duke of Bedford raiseth the siege.  The Duke (shortly after his departure) being happily conducted by a pleasing wind, fell upon the French fleet, who in the view of the Town of Harflew fought courageously, as men resolved to win honour. But being unable to make good what they intended, they were at length utterly vanquished and overthrown, with an incredible slaughter of their men: and great numbers of them, being taken, were sent Prisoners into England. And thus was the Town of Harflew happily rescued, and delivered from the Frenchmen. For when the Constable perceived, that all their Sea-forces were defeated, and, in a manner, consumed; he raised his Siege, and (with a heavy heart) marched dishonourably unto Paris: and the Duke of Bedford (having new victualled, manned, and fortified the Town) returned with great applause, and much honour, into England.  
These disastrous misfortunes rushing every day upon the French Nation, 
Secret quarrelings among the French Nobility.  rather animated the Nobility of France to seek means to revenge their private quarrels and grudges one against the other; then, as provident and worthy Peers, to unite their forces for the defence and protection of their Country: by means whereof, 
King Henry fares the better.  a wide Gap was opened to King Henry (with lesser danger) to attempt great matters against the Peace and Estate of that Kingdom. And (to further his designs in those Negotiations) he assembled his High Court of Parliament at Westminster: 
A Parliament.  In which, he himself pithily and effectually discovered his Right and Title to the Crown of France; 
The King's Speech.  the often Injuries which the Frenchmen had done from time to time to the English Nation; his blessed and fortunate Successes in those Wars; the new Dissensions and secret revengeful Grudges which divided the hearts and the strength of the Frenchmen; and his undoubted hopes of winning both honour and profit: if by the sufficient disbursement of Money and of Treasure his preparations might be furthered and supported with all speed.  
This Speech (being graciously and artificially contrived) was so plausible and pleasing, 
Great sums of money quickly an●●arefully raised.  and the King's heroical intendments were so well received and digested by all sorts of people, who were then present; that not only a great sum of money (with frank and free consent) was granted to him; but the same was quickly levied with great love and much ease.  
The King (being much encouraged in his French business, by the forward bounty of his loving subjects) prepared a strong Fleet; furnished it with men and all things needful; and embarked therein a strong Army of lusty experienced soldiers: but sent before him, to scour the Seas, john Earl of Huntingdon, son to that Duke of Exeter, 
Another victory at sea by john Holland Earl of Huntingdon.  who was beheaded in the days of King Henry the fourth. This lusty Gallant being at all points readily provided, met (luckily) with nine Carricks of Genoa, which (for money) were waged to serve the French King: with those he encountered, and fought stoutly, yet (for a while) with variable hopes of the success: but in the end he sunk into the Sea six of them, and took the other three, being stored with great store of Money and much Treasure, and brought them, with his prisoners, to the King.  

The King with his Army landed in Normandy  This argument of good speeding much encouraged King Henry; who with his copious Army of gallant and lusty Lads departed out of England, and landed safely in Normandy, before the strong Castle of Tonque: which by him was besieged and won by strong assaults; 
Tonque is taken by assault  and yet he received the besieged to his mercy.  
When the Normans knew that King Henry was arrived in their Country, 
The Normans fly into the walled Towns.  and of his taking of that Castle, they fled as men amazed (with bag and baggage) into their walled Towns; and so did all the soldiers which were placed every where for the defence and protection of those Countries: so that (without resistance) King Henry marched forth, and pitched before the City of Cane; 
The City of Cane is besieged.  which was exceedingly well manned, and thoroughly provided of Victuals, Armour, and Munition of all sorts, for many months. divers assaults were fiercely made, and the walls were oftentimes scaled, with desperate resolution, by the English; and the Normans with no less valour and stout courage defended the Town, to the great damage of their enemies, until, at length, King Henry (to save the lives of many valiant men, who otherwise must needs have died in that Service) proclaimed Mercy to the besieged, if they would yield. 
The City refuseth all compositions.  But their hopes to be relieved, and the trust which they reposed in their own valour, persuaded them to refuse all compositions whatsoever. Whereupon many terrible assaults were fiercely made, and repulsed: The walls of the City were in many places undermined; the Englishmen, with undaunted courage, rushed into the Town, partly through the walls, and partly over them: 
Cane taken by assaults.  so that in the end, although the Normans (to their continual praise and commendation) performed the parts of worthy and faithful soldiers: yet their Town was won; and all of them forsaking their armour and their weapons, fell upon their knees, and humbly craved mercy of the King. Which was not by and by granted to them, because they had obstinately refused it before; yet some refreshing words of comfort gladded their heavy hearts, so that they hoped the worst was passed.  
Then the King caused all the townsmen's Armour to be heaped together in the Market place, and to be defended by a strong Guard: 
Thanks given unto God.  which being done, with all the residue of his Army he entered, with great solemnity and reverence, into the chiefest Church, and on their knees, with true humility and devotion, they yielded their hearty thanks unto Almighty GOD for that Victory.  
This duty being thus performed, 
Townsmen executed.  and strong Watches being placed in every quarter of the City; the King (upon the next morning) assembled all the inhabitants at their Senate or Council-house; where, he censured the principals of such as obstinately refused his favour when it was offered, to sundry deaths; fined and ransomed others▪ and divided the riches and the best things which were found there, among his soldiers: 
The soldiers are enriched.  who, in those assaults, had made sufficient trial of their undaunted courage and bold valour.  
At this time the Earl of Arminack, High Constable of France, 
The Dolphin wanting money, taketh it from the Queen his mother.  together with Charles the Dolphin (who was much grieved for his troubled Country) proposed to themselves sundry projects for the defeating of King Henry: and finding the want of money to be their chiefest impediment, the Dolphin (by the Constable's advise) took from the Queen, his mother, a great Mass of silver and of gold, which for many years she had scraped, scratched, and hoardward up together.  
This Act so inwardly vexed and enraged the Queen, 
She voweth deep revenge  that in her heart she vowed to be revenged upon them both: and knowing that john, the Duke of Burgoine, was their capital and greatest enemy, especially to the Constable of France; 
She procureth john Duke of Burgoine to be Regent & Protector.  and because the king her husband, by much sickness, was weakened both in his body and in his understanding; she procured him to be made and to be established the Protector of the King's Person, and the Regent of his whole kingdom.  
Now when the said Duke had obtained this authority and power, 
He intendeth revengement on the Constable.  he forthwith resolved to revenge his old displeasures upon the said Constable, and afterwards to bend his whole strength against king Henry.  
The Dolphin likewise and the Constable employed their chiefest care how they might enfeeble the new Regent and his adherents; 
The Dolphin and the Constable arm their wits against the Regent.  and to oppose themselves against the English forces, it was their smallest thought. So blind is Envy, and so revengeful is proud Ambition, that the Country's good is nothing at all respected, when men resolve to pursue their private hatred and contention: And hereby all men might plainly see, That these dissensions and these discords did more further the English Army in their proceed, 
This Discord furthered King Henry's proceed.  than did their own policy and their own strength. For the Normans being utterly dismayed and hopeless to be assisted, because the Malice which bare sway among the French Nobility was too too great; fled as men amazed (and as not being the commanders of their own wits) from place to place, from village to village, and from town to town: and, in the mean time, the English Army commanded as it pleased.  
King Henry beholding their fear, and seeking rather to win their Castles, Towns, and Cities by Policy, than by the Sword, proclaimed in all places, 
King Henry's proclamation.  That such of them as would yield, and swear to become his subjects, should not only enjoy freely all their Lands, Goods, Liberties, and lives, but should also be protected and defended by his strength, and be received into his Princely love.  

The greatest Towns in Normandy are yielded to King Henry.  This practice quickly procured the surrendering into his hands, without blows, the strong Towns of Alencon, Argenton, Boyeux, Camboy, Conde, Crewly, Essay, Faloys, Thorygny, and Vermoyle: And unto the king's brother, the Duke of Clarence, were quietly yielded the Towns of Auellyers, Barney, Bethelvyn, Chambroys, Cowrton, Crevener, Fangermon, Freshney, Harcort, Lysoeux, and Ragles. And into the hands of the kings other brother, the Duke of Gloucester, were given up and delivered these Towns in the County of Constantine; that is to say, Auranclies, Briquevile, Cuventon, Chiergurge, Constance, Hambery, Hay du Pays, Pontorson, Pontdone, S. Saviour, S. james, S. Clow, Vire, and Valoignes: in all which, the king and his brothers placed valiant English Captains & strong Garrisons to defend them, 
King Henry fortifieth all those Towns.  if the French should attempt to regain them to his own power.  

Cane is repaired and fortified.  The City of Cane also was newly repaired, fortified, and inhabited by English soldiers and traders of all sorts, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle being made Captain of the Castle, Sir Gilbert Talbot of the Town, and Sir john Popham was made bailiff there.  

6 1417. Rouen is walled round.  Whilst King Henry and his companies were thus busied in Normandy; he was informed, That the Citizens of Rouen had compassed their City with a strong wall, and had strengthened it with extraordinary Fortifications, Towers, Bulwarks, and Ditches, and that the whole Wealth and Treasure of a great part of the Countries round about it was brought thither. 
The country's treasure is brought into Rouen.  Whereupon he marched with his whole Army towards that City: and in his passage, by strong assaults, he took Pontlarch, Lovyers, and Eureux, and came before the strong City of Rouen the last day of july, and compassed it round about upon the Land parts with a strong siege: 
Rouen is besieged by land and by water.  And at Pontlarch he placed over the River, upon piles, a mighty Chain of Iron and a Wooden Bridge, which prohibited all succours (by water) to come unto the City.  
And the Earl of Warwick having the command of an hundred gallant ships, well manned, victualled, 
Cawdebeck giveth passage to the English fleet.  and provided for the War; entered into the rivers mouth, and came before the Town of Cawdebeck: and so fiercely pressed on it, that by way of composition they suffered him quietly to pass towards Rouen, with faithful promise to yield it into King Henry's hands, 
Conditions.  if he fortuned to win Rouen: but if he did not; then to give the said Earl and his whole Fleet a safe and a peaceable return. And for the due performance thereof, they sent him sufficient hostages; 
Hostages.  whom he received lovingly, and carried them with him before Rouen. Thus was this City girded round about on every part, so that no man could pass in or out.  
At this Siege, there repaired voluntarily to the King▪ 
1600 Irishmen repair to the King, and do him great service.  the Lord of Kylmay of Ireland, with sixteen hundred tall, lusty, swift, and strong men of that Nation, they all being clothed in Coats of Mail, and armed with Darts, whom the King entertained cheerfully, and was extraordinarily furthered by their help and assistance in those his Expeditions.  
Daily the King gave terrible assaults unto the City, 
The Town assaulted and defended.  which with admirable resolution and manlike valour was bravely defended by the Normans. But when force and violence prevailed not, the king to spare his men (and because he understood, 
210000 souls in Rouen.  That there were above two hundred and ten thousand men, women, and children within the Town) determined, if he might, to gain it by famine without blows. 
The King intends to win Rouen by famine.  For which purpose, he cast a deep Ditch about the Land parts of the City, 
The King's fortifications.  and pitched it plentifully with sharp stakes, and guarded them with his Archers; so that the inhabitants could not issue out, either to offend him, or to relieve themselves.  
Thus this Siege continued, from Lammas until the whole Christmas was ended: during which time, 
A great Famine.  the Famine so grievously increased, that the Citizens drank nothing but vinegar and water, and multitudes of them were enforced to prolong their lives, by eating of Rats, Mice, Cats, Dogs, Horses, and such like. Great numbers also of the poorer sort uncharitably were thrust out of the City, 
The poor are thrust forth, and die.  because they spent their victuals, and could not fight: and because they were not suffered to pass through the English Army, they miserably perished for want of food betwixt the Gates and the Trenches of their enemies. And upon newyears day (after the City had been long visited with this famine) there issued out at the Bridge-Gate certain Commissioners, 
Commissioners crave conference with the king  who craved conference with some man of authority in the English Army: unto whom, the Earl of Huntingdon (who was quartered in that part of the City) sent Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle: their errand was, To procure speedy access and free return from King Henry.  

The commissioners repair to the King.  The King was well pleased, that twelve of them should be kindly entreated, if they came. So, the next morning, four Knights, four learned men, and four of the choicest Burgesses of the Town, being all clothed in black, repaired to the King; who beheld them, with a countenance beautified with extraordinary Majesty and Grace: and unto him one of them boldly spoke as followeth:  

A proud Speech of a Frenchman to King HENRY.  
REnowned and great Prince, the world is taught to know by good Experience, that Kings and Noble Captains do win their chiefest Reputation for their valour and for their fortitude, by mastering and subduing of proud enemies and of valiant men by martial violence, and with the Sword: and that it is, and ever hath been, a notorious Badge of cowardly baseness in a Prince, to make them servile by Famine, and by the scarcity of food; in which kind of cruelty there is neither found Manhood to praise him, nor Wit, which may in any sort commend him. To the end therefore, that your Highness may make yourself equally famous with the greatest Princes for your generous disposition, in taming of us, the soldiery of this City, by the Sword; suffer (I pray you) the multitude of our diseased and sick folks, and the weaker sort of our men, women, and Children, safely and charitably to pass through your Army; and then (if you dare) assault our Fortresses and our Walls: and if, by your valour, you fortune to become our Lord, you may use us at your pleasure, and make yourself truly and heroically famous among great Men, who do scorn all base attempts, and can relish nothing but unspotted honour.   
When the King (with a troubled mind) had heard and considered of this bold brag, he stoutly made this answer.  

The KING'S discreet ANSWER.  
Fantastical and fond Frenchmen, think you, that I am so weak a Scholar in the Art of War, that I have not yet learned the Principles in that Science. Are not the Sword, Fire, and Famine, the three Instruments with which worthy and renowned Kings, Princes, and the best Captains ever have done and do still endeavour to subdue their Enemies? Do not all Histories accord in one, That the greatest Monarches, and the Grand Commanders of the World, have still achieved their chiefest Conquests by those three? Is not either of them powerful and able to torment and to afflict the proudest foes? And are they not (all three being joined together) of sufficient force to overcome and to overthrow the greatest Nation in the world? It was my clemency and gentleness to forbear to assault your walls, because I would not willingly hasten the death of any, except they would wilfully further their own destruction: Neither do I intend to consume so fair a jewel, as this City is, in the fire, because I desire to preserve it, the same being mine own Inheritance and my Right. If then I use the mildest of these three, namely Famine, to correct you, and to frame and fashion you to my will, then may you redeem yourselves from her severity, if you be so disposed, by surrendering of this mine own City into my hands. Which thing if obstinately you refuse to do, than would I have you know, That Kings may not be instructed in Martial Policies by every bold companion, who dareth impudently to speak: Neither may they permit a Bookish unexperienced soldier to read unto them a Lecture of warlike proceed, especially if he be their Enemy, as you are mine You desire, nay (saucy) you require, That, with my leave and favour, your sick and starved people may pass into the Country through mine Army; and that then I should (if I dared) by mean assaults attempt the winning of your Town. The world will wonder at your cruelty; who have barbarously and uncharitably thrust out of your Gates multitudes of harmless, poor, and distressed People, being of your own Blood, Kindred, and Country, to the intent that I should mercilessely slay and consume them: yet such hath been my clemency and gentleness towards them, that oftentimes I have relieved them with mine own store. But because I do now find, that your obstinacy is not yet qualified and corrected, I will from henceforth abstain from giving unto them any further comfort: and if they perish with extreme famine, as they needs must do, their blood will be required by GOD at your hands, who do most wickedly expose them to those calamities; and not at mine, who would willingly preserve them, if my favours, in that behalf, would not hinder me from the recovering of my Right. Resolve yourselves therefore, that seeing you remain still froward, they shall not pass through mine Army, but die at your Gates; except (your hearts being mollified) you will relieve them, and suffer them to spend some part of your victuals: And when I shall see cause, your Town shall be assaulted to your pain. But your advise and directions shall not appoint the time, for it shall be and rest wholly and only at my pleasure. And in the mean time I would have you know, That he who dareth to enter into, and thus to pass through all your Countries; He who hath already taken, though not as large, yet as strong Towns as this; and he who, by the destruction of your Nobles, Captains, and bravest men at Arms, hath opened the way thus to besiege your Town; dares also to assault it, and little doubts to win it when he will.   
Thus when the King had spoken, and ended his Speech, he commanded, that those French Commissioners should dine among his great Officers of State, and with a frowning countenance he departed from them, and went into his chamber.  

They desire to speak with the King again.  When Dinner was fully ended, upon a new consultation had betwixt themselves, the Frenchmen became humble Suitors to speak once more with the King; who gently admitted them to his presence: and then (with much submission and humility) they craved a stay from further violence, and a Truce for eight days, that more deliberate advise might instruct them to resolve what course was fittest for the Town to take; 
A Truce granted for eight days.  the King (who loathed all severity, if mildness might obtain him victory) granted their request: and then they departed (being thereby much comforted) into the City.  
Daily and hourly throughout those eight days the Frenchmen resorted unto the English Army, and oftentimes consulted of those affairs with the Earls of Warwick and of Salisbury, and with other Commissioners appointed by the King. Much was demanded; nothing granted, nor concluded: and yet those eight days were spent. 
The eight days are spent.   
The Townsmen again earnestly entreated, That the Truce might be prolonged one day more: 
One day more of Truce craved.  which was frankly yielded to them. The same day the Multitude and the base sort of the people within the City being informed, that nothing was agreed on, with hideous shouts, 
The commons do mutiny in the Town.  and fearful cries and exclamations, accused their Magistrates, Captains, and Commanders, and threatened to cut their throats, because (as murderers of their countrymen and brethren) they suffered them to starve like dogs; thereby supporting the stoutness of their own stomachs, and their own particular estates.  
The Magistrates and the Captains fearing the evil event of this unruly tumult, entreated all the Citizens to repair into the Market place. Which when they did; they then required of them what they would have: With one consent and with one voice they cried out, That they were resolved to save their own lives, by yielding of the City to King Henry.  
Upon this motion, a new Petition was sent unto the King, craving the continuance of the Truce for four days more: Which request was granted to them: And in the fourth day, being about the nineteenth day of januarie, all matters were so thoroughly concluded and agreed on, That the strong and fair City of Rouen, 
Rouen is yielded to King Henry's mercy.  the Inhabitants themselves, and all their goods and riches, were yielded to the King's mercy.  
The rendering of this City, and of all the aforesaid Towns, and many more, did much perplex and cool the courage of the Normans: and the Duke of Burgoine, who (with the discontentment of the Nobility) ruled both the King and his Countries, 
The Regent plotteth to make peace, and to be revenged on his enemies.  feared much least these disasters would be laid unto his charge. Wherefore, to prevent ensuing dangers, which (as he suspected) did secretly threaten his Estate; he resolved, by his best means and endeavours, first to reconcile the two kings, if possibly he could, and then to avenge himself upon the Dolphin, upon the Constable, and also upon all such others, as he supposed were most likely to do him the greatest harm.  
Upon the Duke's motion, king Henry with his Nobles and greatest Commanders, 
Many parties, but nothing concluded.  and one thousand brave and gallant soldiers, and the French Queen (because the king was weak and unable) the Lady Katherine his daughter, and the said Duke, with some other Noblemen of France, accompanied with the like number, met oftentimes, and consulted much. But whatsoever king Henry did demand, all was denied, and all their travails sorted to no end. Whereat king Henry was much displeased; 
King Henry to angry.  and taking leave, he told the Duke, That he would have the king's daughter, the Lady Katherine, for his Wife; with all such signiories, Provinces, and Countries as he required: Or otherwise, he would (ere long) drive both his Master and him also, out of that kingdom.  
The Duke replied, 
The Duke's answer.  That those words were spoken with great ease; but that he must take much labour and toil to make them good.  
Now, when this practice failed, the Duke (upon fair terms) reconciled himself to the Dolphin. 
The Dolphin and the Regent outwardly reconciled.  And this their new amity and friendship was by public Notaries reduced into a formal Instrument in writing, confirmed with both their Seals; and was proclaimed with great solemnity in many Towns in France: yet was it feigned and unfirme, as shortly after it appeared.  
But this outward Reconciliation contented not King Henry; because he was right well assured, That their discord and their brawlings would have given an easy passage to his attempts in those Countries: yet (like an undaunted Prince) he resolved to try his further Fortunes with them all. 
King Henry createth Earls in France. Longevyle, Tankeruyle, Ewe.  And in hope of future service to be honourably performed; he created Giscoyne de Foys, Earl of Longevyle; Sir john Grace, Earl of Tankeruyle; and Sir john Bourchyer, Earl of Ewe. And then, in close and in secret manner, he sent Captain Bueff, brother to the said Earl of Longevyle, with fifteen hundred approved men of War, to the strong Town of Ponthoyse; 
Ponthoys taken.  who (before the day appeared) with scaling Ladders resolvedly entered into the Town, and possessed the Market place without blows. Which when the Lord Lisleadame, the Captain of the Town, perceived; he fled away, with eight thousand of the inhabitants: who were received into Paris. And the next day King Henry's brother, the Duke of Clarence, 
The Duke of Clarence lay before Paris two days.  came unto the same Town, with five hundred gallant and well prepared men of War: and having fortified it, and divided the chiefest of the Spoils thereof among the brave attempters of this Exploit; he marched unto Paris, and lay before it two days. But being unable with so small a number to assault, or much to trouble it, he returned (unfought with) unto Ponthoyse.  

The Parisians are afraid.  The winning of this Town immoderately vexed and appalled the Parisians: because (now) the French King had not, in his possession, any strong Town betwixt them and the English Army.  

All Normandy won by King Henry, except Mount S. Michael.  The Duke of Clarence had also taken the strong Towns of Gysors and of galliard: And within few days after, all the Towns; Cities, Castles, and Fortresses in Normandy (excepting Mount S. Michael only, which never was besieged nor assaulted) were either taken by force, or were voluntarily surrendered to King Henry: who by GOD'S assistance, and his true valour, thus reduced the whole Duchy of Normandy to his Crown; 
7 1418.  and did enjoy it, as his Inheritance and Right.  
The foresaid john, 
john the proud Duke of Burgoine newly seeketh reconciliation with the Dolphin.  Duke of Burgoine, surnamed the proud, perceiving that the Kingdom of France was too too weakly underpropped, by reason that the friendship lately contracted betwixt himself and Charles the Dolphin, was but superficial, and not hearty; determined, in a more submissive manner, to humble himself unto him, that thereby their love taking the deeper root, might bring forth riper fruits of Unity and of Peace. But when they met, the Dolphin (whose malice was irreconcilable; and whom mistrustful jealousy did still persuade, that the Duke would not be faithful) procured him treacherously to be murdered: 
The Duke is murdered.  as the said Duke himself (upon the like interview, for friendship sake) had caused Lewis the Duke of Orleans to be slain, 
A just punishment.  in the tenth year of the reign of King Henry the fourth.  
This horrible Accident for a while tormented with insupportable grief Philip Earl of Carolois, 
8 1419. Philip Duke of Burgoine.  the son and heir of the deceased Duke: insomuch, as that (in his dampish and melancholy passions, and in the heat of his fury) he once determined to separate himself from the bed and company of his guiltless wife, only because she was sister to the Dolphin. But (being more gravely advised by his Counsellors) as his sorrows waxed faint, so his affection towards her increased strength; and she was entertained with his best love.  
This new Duke of Burgoine, and Earl of Flanders, 
He attempts to conclude a Peace.  being very wise and politic, behaved himself courteously and friendly to King Henry; and practised all means by which he might conclude a firm and a settled Peace betwixt the Kings of England and of France. And in those his endeavours he was the more powerful:  
First, because his wife was daughter to the said French King. 
His means to further it.   
Secondly, because his wives sister, the Lady Katherine (who could do all in all with Isabella the Queen her mother) passionately longed to be espoused to King Henry.  
Thirdly, for that the said Queen (who by the Dolphin was deprived of all her Treasure, as formerly you have heard) could not endure to hear of him, nor could abide his presence.  
Fourthly, because the Dolphin was more subtle, cunning, crafty, and revengeful, than politic, wise, and valiant.  
And lastly, because this late horrible and inhuman Murder made him odious and infamous, yea to his own friends.  
This Peace being again and again consulted and debated on, betwixt the Queen, the Duke, and divers of the greatest Nobility in France upon the one part, and the Ambassadors of King Henry upon the other part; and being brought to some maturity and ripeness) it was resolved, That King Henry should meet with Charles the sixth the French King, Queen Isabella his wife, and with the Lady Katherine, 
An interview.  and their Nobility and Council, at Troy's in Champain: which (with all expedition) he did; being accompanied with his two brothers, Thomas Duke of Clarence, and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, and with the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, Huntingdon, Longevyle, Tankeruyle, and Ewe, and divers other noble and great men. But to prevent the worse, and to foresee dangers before they happened; 
King Henry is guarded by his Army. A Peace is concluded. The King is married: and proclaimed Regent and Heir apparent of France.  he was sound guarded with fifteen thousand men. And within few days after their interview, a firm Peace was proclaimed: and the King (with honourable solemnity and triumphant sport) was married to the said Lady Katherine; and was published to be the only Regent and Heir Apparent to the Crown of France, in both those Kingdoms.  
The chiefest Articles (in brief) were these.  

The Articles on which the Peace was concluded.  
1. FIrst, That the two Great, High, and Mighty Princes, King Charles and Queen Isabella, should be entitled the Father and the Mother of King Henry; and should be by him and by his wife honoured and respected with that reverence, which such an alliance did require.  
2. Item, That the said King Charles, during his life, should hold and enjoy (quietly, and in peace his Royal Dignity, Crown, and Revenues of all France: And that all Writs, Processes, Commissions, and all such like Proceed, should pass under his Name and Seal as King: And that the said Queen Isabella (if she survived her husband) should hold and enjoy, during her life, her Title and Estate; and all such Lordships, Rents, and Revenues in France, as of late were holden and enjoyed by Queen Blanch, sometimes the wife and Dowager of King Philip, great grandfather to King Charles.  
3. Item, That Queen Katherine should have in England a Dower of twenty thousand marks by the year; unto which she should be enabled and assured with all convenient speed.  
4. Item, That during the life of King Charles, King Henry should not (in any wise) be styled with the name and dignity of the king of France; and that the French king, whilst he lived, should write him and entitle him in French thus: Nostre trechier filz Henry, Roy Dengleterre, Heretere de France. And in Latin thus: praeclarissimus filius noster Henricus, Rex Angliae, & Haeres Franciae.  
5. Item, That after the death of King Charles, the Crown and kingdom of France should wholly and entirely come, he, and remain, to king Henry and to his Heirs for ever▪  
6. Item, That in regard that king Charles (by reason of his manifold infirmities, occasioned by much sickness) was made unapt and unable to administer, by his own directions, the affairs and businesses of his kingdom, king Henry should be Regent, and should rule and govern France as he pleased, for the king's honour, and for the profit and commodity of that Region and Commonweal.  
7. Item, That the Court of Parliament of France should be kept and be ordered in like sort, and should be supported with the same Privileges, Customs, Estate, and Power, as in all former times had been used and accustomed.  
8. Item, that king Henry should carefully and faithfully do his best endeavour to assist as well the Peers as the people, in the attaining and getting of all such things, as in right, and by the Laws and Customs of that kingdom did belong unto them: and should protect and defend all the Rights, pre-eminencies, Laws, and Possessions of the Clergy of the kingdom of France.  
9 Item, That King Henry should support and preserve all the subjects of France against all foreign Enemies; suppress and beat down all intestine and inbred Quarrels, Debates, Insurrections, and Civil Wars; increase the prosperity and peace of France, and administer justice, without partiality, unto all sorts and degrees of people whatsoever.  
10. Item, That King Henry should place into the Rooms and Offices of justice, and of Receipts, and of Government, such persons as shall be wise, discreet, faithful, and sufficient to minister and to manage those things, which should be committed to their charge.  
11. Item, That King Henry should speedily endeavour, with his best helps, to reduce the Dolphin and the Earl of Arminake, late Constable of France, to the obedience of King Charles; and all such others, as did with them rebelliously maintain civil Dissensions in the Commonweal.  
12. Jtem, That King Henry should cause all the Peers, Nobles, Gentry, Clergy, Towns, Cities, and Burgesses of France to take a corporal Oath for their obedience to King Charles during his life: And after his death, to King Henry, and to his heirs: And to admit none other Regent, or King; nor to conspire any thing against his or their Persons or Estates: but should reveal all mischiefs which should be contrived and practised for his or their hurt or destruction.  
13. Item, That such Possessions as King Henry should win from any person disobedient to King Charles, (excepting only in Normandy) should be employed and converted unto the only use and benefit of the French King. But if the offenders do voluntarily and cheerfully take the aforesaid oath, than the said Possessions to be frankly and freely restored unto them.  
14. Item, That after the death of King Charles, the Duchy of Normandy, and all others conquered by King Henry, should be obedient and bow under the command of the Sceptre and Crown of France.  
15. Item, That King Henry should not burden the subjects of France with any Taxes or Jmpositions, but in cases of great and urgent necessity: and then only the same to be assessed and levied according to the custom and manner of France, and not otherwise.  
16. Item, That after the death of King Charles, the two Kingdoms of France and of England should always sovereignly be ruled and commanded by one Man, and not by two Kings: and that neither of those kingdoms should be subject the one to the other, but each of them should still retain, use, and enjoy their particular Customs, Liberties, Privileges, pre-eminences, Immunities, and Laws.  
17. Item, That all care should be taken, and all provision made, that the subjects of each kingdom, as brethren and friends, should live in mutual love, amity, and peace; and each of them to procure, by their best means, the welfare and prosperity of the other.  
18. Item, That neither the said French king, nor king Henry, should conclude any Peace, nor make any truce, with the falsely entitled Dolphin, except they both, and the said Philip Duke of Burgoine, did all three consent and agree in one so to do.  
19 Item, that none should be appointed to attend the Person of king Charles but Frenchmen, and such as himself or his own Council should make choice of: And that from time to time he should be resident and dwell at his pleasure in the most eminent places of his kingdom.  
20. And lastly, that both the said kings under their Letters Patents, and all their Nobility, Clergy, Gentry, Cities, and Commonalties, by Instruments in writing under their hands and seals, should ratify and confirm the said Articles and Agreements: And that they all should solemnly swear and vow to maintain them in all points, to the uttermost of their ability and power.   

The Articles are proclaimed in England and in France.  These Articles and these Agreements being thus concluded, were ordered accordingly; and then, with all convenient expedition, were proclaimed both in England and in France. The two Kings, and all their Nobles, and other subjects of account, were solemnly sworn to observe and to maintain them. And then they both, 
They are ratified by solemn Oaths.  being accompanied with james the young, but valiant King of Scots, the Duke of Burgoine, the Prince of Orange, one and twenty Earls, forty and five Barons, and a multitude of Knights, Gentlemen, and brave soldiers of France, of England, and of Ireland, wasted such Countries, and besieged and took such strong and well defenced Towns and Castles within the Duchy of Burgoine, 
The King warreth in Burgoine.  as sided and sorted with the Dolphin: As first of all, the Town of Seyne, after it had been besieged fifteen days: and the Castle there, after it had held out six weeks: then Molyn, upon the River of Seyne; which they took, after they had environed it full seven months: and in it were apprehended the Lord Barbason, 
The murderers of john Duke of Burgoine are executed.  the chief Commander there, and divers others, who were agents and actors in the murdering of john the Proud Duke of Burgoine: all which were by the French King sent from thence unto Paris, under the guardship of Thomas Duke of Clarence; who was newly made chief Captain of that City by King Charles. 
The Duke of Clarence is made Captain of Paris  And within few days after, the said offenders were legally tried, convicted, sentenced, and put to death for the said Murder.  
Then the two Kings, with their two Queens, and their Nobility and Companies, went unto Paris; 
King Henry is proclaimed Regent and Heir apparent to the Crown of France.  where King Henry was proclaimed Regent and Heir Apparent to the Crown of France: and so was he, not long after, in London.  
In Paris the two Kings kept their Christmas. The French King (being very sickly and weak) maintained small Hospitality. But King Henry with such heroical Magnificence, rich Plenty, and liberal Entertainment, so feasted the Nobles, Gentry, and Citizens of both the said Kingdoms, and was so openhanded to all sorts and degrees of people, 
King Henry winneth the love of the Frenchmen.  that his State and Majesty was admired: and his Princely courtesy fast bound unto him the hearts of the Frenchmen, to yield unto him all manner of obedience and of service.  
Whilst the two Kings thus remained in Paris, 
The Dolphin and the other murderers are banished.  a great Assembly (by their Authority) was convocated thither: In which they both sat as judges; and before them, the Duchess of Burgoine, late Wife to her slain Husband, by her Advocate appealed Charles the late Dolphin, and seven others, as murderers of her Lord. But no defence was made for them. And not long after, a Court of Parliament was kept there: In which, a solemn Process was awarded against the Dolphin, and the rest of the Accused, to appear at the Marble Table in Paris at an appointed day. But they all failed to observe that command: And thereupon they were (by the said Court) banished the Realm, and all the Territories of France; and were also deprived of all Honours, Names, Titles, Dignities, pre-eminences, and Possessions whatsoever.  
When the late Dolphin had intelligence thereof, he went into Languedoc, and comforted himself with his old friend the Earl of Arminack, 
The Dolphin is aided by his old friend the Earl of Arminake.  sometimes Constable of France: who not only assisted him (in his great distress) with Money, Munition, and with Men; but also (in his own person) did him all reverence, and took his part against all such as professed themselves to be his Enemies.  
These things being thus accomplished; the two Kings, their Queens, and Nobles, sorrowfully departed each from other: And King Henry, 
King Henry ●th the state of Fr●  with his Queen, went unto Rouen; where he received Homage of all his Nobles in the Duchy of Normandy: And (among others) of the Earl of Stafford; to whom he had given the Earldom of Perch: 
The Duke of Clarence is made Lieutenant General of France and 〈◊〉 Normandy. The King & the Queen came into England. The Queen 〈◊〉 crowned.  And of Arthur of Britain; upon whom he had bestowed the Country of jury.  
He also made his brother Thomas, Duke of Clarence, Lieutenant General both of France and of Normandy: and of that Duchy, he made the Earl of Salisbury Deputy to the said Duke: And then he, with Queen Katherine his wife, departed unto Amiens▪ and from thence to Calais, and so came into England: Where they were received and entertained with as much triumphant and true joy as could be by subjects expressed towards their Prince. And in February following, the Queen was crowned at Westminster, 
9 1420. The Duke of Clarence is betrayed by his friend, and is slain.  with great solemnity and much honour.  
The noble and the valiant Duke of Clarence being advertised, That the Duke of Alencon (entitling himself the Lieutenant General of the Dolphin) with divers other Noblemen, had levied an Army; assembled the greatest part of his garrisons in Normandy, and marched strongly into the Province of Angeou, and pitched not far off from the City of Angiers, and spoiled and burnt the Country round about it.  
To perform this Enterprise with honour and with safety; the Duke of Clarence had strengthened himself with sufficient Forces and Provisions, if they had been well and wisely ordered. But having in his Army a false and a traitorous Lombard, named Andrew Forgusa, 
Andrew Forgusa.  whom he too too much loved and trusted; he sent the said Lombard to discover the preparations and the power with which he was resolved to encounter: Who brought him word, That their number was but small, their provisions defective, and their order, orderless; and that the Duke of Alencon was altogether unable and too too weak to contend with him.  
The Duke of Clarence firmly and strongly relying upon the faith and the trust which he reposed in this Traitor; and being desirous with a small number to win the honour of that day: marched forward with his horsemen only, leaving behind him his lusty and his strong Archers. But when he was entered within the secret ambushments, which purposely were placed to distress him; and saw, that his enemies were in number four for one, and were well provided, well armed, and arranged in good order of battle, 
The battle of Blangy.  and that no military discipline or art was wanting; and that himself was villainously abused and betrayed by the Lombard whom he trusted: he could not fly, nor make any safe retreat; but was enforced to adventure his fortunes, with too much inequality on his part. So the fight began: And though it was long maintained by the Englishmen, with as much constancy and resolute valour as any men living could perform: yet they being every minute oppressed with new supplies and multitudes, which still came rushing in upon them, tiring, oppressing, spoiling, and havocking of them wastefully on every side; they were at length overmastered and overthrown.  

The Englishmen slain and taken prisoners.  In this Battle there were slain on the French part more than twelve hundred of their choicest men: and of the English there were slain the brave Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Tankeruyle, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle, Earl of Kent; a prudent man and a worthy Commander; the Lord Rosse, and almost two thousand others: And there were taken prisoners, the Earls of Somerset, Suffolk, and Perch; the Lord Fitz-water, and many others.  
Sir Thomas Beauford, surnamed the bastard of Clarence (who had the direction of the Archers which were left behind) being informed (but all too late) that the Duke of Clarence was betrayed; and that the numbers of the Frenchmen, and their Power, did far exceed the Lombard's report; and that the English were distressed: with incredible speed marched forth to secure them with his best helps. But the Frenchmen perceiving his approach, and contenting themselves with the honour of the day, and with their prisoners, as they had taken; with posting haste and speed fled and ran away as fast as they were able; 
Cowardly Frenchmen.  leaving the new Forces of the Englishmen to perform sad Exequys for their slain friends: the bodies of whom they buried. But the Duke of Clarence was carried into England, and honourably interred at Canterbury, by his father King Henry the fourth.  
The heavy news of this unexpected overthrow, 
The Earl of Mortaigne succeed the Duke of Clarence.  and especially the death of the Duke of Clarence (occasioned by the aforesaid Treachery and Treason) much grieved the King his brother: Who purposing to revenge himself, if he might, upon the Duke of Alencon, and the late Dolphin, and his adherents; sent into Normandy the Earl of Mortaigne, brother to the late taken Earl of Somerset, and gave to him the same Authority and Place which the Duke of Clarence formerly had. He also assembled his High Court of Parliament: In which he substantially discovered in what sort the Estate of both his Kingdoms stood: and how convenient; nay, how necessary and how needful it was, that the Dolphin and his adherents should speedily be pursued. He likewise told them, That he wanted neither Men, Munition, nor Courage; but that Money was too scarce with him to undertake that business. Whereupon the Temporalty, with all cheerfulness and alacrity, gave unto him one Fifteen, and the Clergy gave him two. And because much time would be spent before it could be levied; therefore the King's uncle, the Bishop of Winchester, disbursed unto him in ready coin twenty thousand pounds; which he received again out of the said fifteens.  
The King having levied a gallant Army, 
john Duke of Bedford carrieth an army into France.  which consisted of four thousand men at Arms, and of four and twenty thousand Archers; sent, and with all speed, prosperously landed them at his own Town of Calais, under the command of his worthy brother, john Duke of Bedford: whom, himself (in his own person) followed. 
The King followeth.  And understanding, that the Dolphin with seven thousand men, had besieged and much distressed the City of Chartieres, which was valiantly defended by the Bastard of Thyan; he marched swiftly unto Paris, and from thence toward his Enemies: and in his journey he was met by his hearty and true friend, Philip Duke of Burgoine, 
He meeteth his friend Philip Duke of Burgoine.  and Earl of Flanders; who brought unto him four thousand men, and diligently attended him in that Negotiation and Service.  

The Dolphin raised his siege.  The King was now informed, That the Dolphin (distrusting his own strength) had raised his Siege, and was retired unto Tours into Towrayne: Wherefore (to repress the rage and violence of Sir jaques Harcourt, who wasted the Country of Picardy) he sent the Duke of Burgoine thither: And with other Forces he caused the young and courageous james, 
james the King of Scots winneth Direx.  the King of the Scots, to lay siege unto the Town of Direx: which he performed accordingly; and daily with such violence and valour so assaulted it for the space of six weeks, that with main strength he compelled it to be yielded into his hands, to King Henry's use.  

The Dolphin flieth from place to place.  And whilst this Siege did thus continue, the King himself passed over the River of Loyer, intending to have encountered with the Dolphin. But he (distrusting his own strength) fled from Tours unto Burgys in Berrye; and there expected a change of his frowning fortunes.  
The King perceiving his flight from place to place to be so quick and hasty; he thought it not convenient, to tire out his Army to pursue him: Wherefore, he returned over the River of Loire; and took, either by force, or by voluntary yielding, many Towns and Castles, unto his own use.  

P● Henry is borne.  About the same time, Queen Katherine was delivered of a Son at Windsour, who was named Henry: Of whose birth, as soon as the King had notice, he said unto the Lord Fitz-Hugh his Chamberlain: 
The King's words.  I HENRY, borne at Monmouth, shall remain but a short time, and gain much; but HENRY, borne at Windsour, shall reign long, and lose all.  
The King, who (for many weeks together) had besieged the well-defended Town of Meux in Bry; enforced it to be yielded into his hands: and thereupon all the Towns and Fortresses in the Isle of France, in Lanuoys, in Bry, and in champaign, did the like. 
The Dolphin entereth into the Duke of Burgoines country.   
When the Dolphin understood, that the King, with his Army, was departed far away from him; he raised another Army, and entered into the Duke of Burgoines Countries, wasting and consuming it with Sword and with Fire: and straightly besieged the City of Cosney; 
Cosney is besieged.  which by composition was to be yielded to him, if it were not rescued within ten days. Of this Agreement notice was sent by the Duke of Burgoine to the King, with a request, That he would send a power convenient for the remove of the said Siege. 
The King goeth to relieve Cosney.  Whereupon the King in his own person being accompanied with a gallant company, marched towards that City to set it free. But as he traveled on the way, he fell so sick, that he was unable to travail any further. 
The King falleth sick.  So the charge of that expedition was committed to his brother john Duke of Bedford: whose passage forth was noised to the Dolphin to be with such an high courage and souldiorlike resolution, that the Dolphin fearing to grapple with him, raised his siege, 
The Dolphin sayeth.  and most dishonourably retired himself and his Army into Berry. And thus was that City rescued and delivered by the English.  
The King, by reason of his increasing sickness, waxing more weak and feeble, was carried unto Boys in Vyncennes; where, within few days, he was summoned by Death to departed into another world.  
But before he died, 
The King's Speech before he died.  he called unto him his two brothers, john Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester: the former, he made Lieutenant General of Normandy, and Regent of the kingdom of France; and the other, he made Protector of England, and of his sons own person. He embraced his approaching end comfortably; in regard, that though his time had been but short, yet it was beautified with matchless fame and honour, which longer continuance (being the professed enemy of stability) might have changed. He exhorted them and his Nobles, who then were present, to maintain true and hearty love and friendship with his noble and faithful friend Philip Duke of Burgoine, and never to be at variance with him. He persuaded them to nourish and to cherish an unseparable unity and faithful friendship among themselves: to be faithful and loving to his young infant son, and their succeeding king Henry; and by all means to be helpful, aiding, and assisting to his most sad, dolorous, and mournful Queen: to preserve and to maintain by Wisdom, Policy, and Arms, those things which he by valour and GOD'S furtherance had honourably won and gotten: Never to conclude any peace or amity with the late Dolphin and Duke of Alencon, until they were enforced to submit themselves to his sons grace and mercy. Finally, he thanked Almighty GOD, who had made him Religious, Virtuous, Honest, and Victorious: 
The King died.  and died the last day of August, in the year of our LORD GOD 1422. in the eight and thirtieth year of his Age; when he had reigned but nine years, five months, and four and twenty days: And his body being conveyed into England, was buried among his noble Progenitors at Westminster, with extraordinary solemnity and great pomp.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE sixth.  
KIng Henry the fifth died when his son Henry was but nine months' old: 
1422. 1 A young king, but well governed.  Yet was he so fortunate in his beginning, that his Youth and Government were worthily supported by his three uncles; Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, who (when the King was crowned) was made Protector both of his Person and also of his Realm: john Duke of Bedford, who was established Regent of France: and Thomas Duke of Exeter, who graced all his actions with much wisdom and great valour.  
Needful it was, that the new Protector and the Regent should make the utmost trial of their sufficiencies to the World. For whereas, in the end of the King's father's days, 
France is unwilling to remain English.  the Nobility of France incorporated themselves to the English Nation, and hearty envied the Dolphin: King Charles about this time died: and the unconstant Frenchmen began to play an Irish game. For, on a sudden, many of those dissembling and feigned friends renounced their duties and obedience to King Henry, and (utterly neglecting the performance of Oaths of Allegiance made unto him) they revolted, and not only adhered to Charles their new King, but by all sinister practices and means they endeavoured to extirp the English Nation among them, if they might.  

The Regent's Policies.  The Protector at home (by the advise and counsel of the Statists) plotted many Projects for the retaining of the King's inheritance in Normandy and in France: and for that purpose he furnished the Regent with store of Soldiers, Silver, and of Gold.  
The Regent also levied a strong Army in Normandy among his choicest and chiefest friends: whom (by substantial arguments and sound reasons) he persuaded to persevere and to continue loyal to his Master; and not to be wearied with any labour, or daunted with any danger, because a peaceful and a blessed conclusion should make them rich and fortunate, and win to them the love and favour of their young King, as he increased in wisdom and in years.  
And on the other side, Charles (the new King) spared not any pains; but did the like: insomuch, that nothing but tyrannising War, and the unchristian effusion of much blood, was thought upon. And to begin those Troubles, the French King sent the Lord Grandevyle, 
Pont-Melance taken.  with a selected company, to Pont-Melance, which standeth on the River of Seyne; which he surprised, and slew the most part of them, whom he found there, before any notice of his approach gave any warning to the English garrison to defend it.  

The Earl of Salisbury a famous man.  Thomas Montacute, the Earl of Salisbury, for his admired courage and expert managing of martial actions, was (at that time) more fitly to be compared to a choice Roman, than to any other who lived in his days. To this Earl, the Regent commended the regaining of that Town: in the siege whereof, he spent three months; 
Pont-Melance regained.  but (at length) it was yielded into his hands: and the Lord Grandevyle (by a solemn Oath) promised his faithful and perpetual service to King Henry; but revolted as soon as he was set at large.  

Sens is taken.  From thence, the said Earl marched into champaign, besieged and took the Town of Sens, and devoured the surprised soldiers with the Sword.  

The Parisians crave protection.  The unconstant Parisians (more coveting to make an outward show of their fidelity to the English, than to be true indeed) sent divers of their greatest and gravest Citizens into England, to crave protection and defence against King Charles: Who were received, not only with a cheerful welcome, hearty thanks, and bountiful entertainment; but also were promised the fruition of much happiness, if they persisted loyal unto King Henry.  
About that time, the Regent meeting at Amiens with the Dukes of Burgoine and of Britain, 
1423. 2 A League renewed. The Regent marrieth.  renewed the League formerly concluded between them: And to make it the more firm and sure, he married the Lady Anne of Burgoine, sister unto the Duke.  
The triumphant Shows and Pastimes which were prepared to augment the honour of this Match, 
The Parisians are unfaithful, and conspire with the French king.  persuaded the Parisians in his absence, that the Regent attended nothing but jollity and Mirth: Which conceit of theirs made them (treacherously) to invite their longed for King Charles to come unto them, and to receive that City into his hands.  
This news brought comfort to his soul: 
The treachery discovered.  So that he appointed the day, when his desire should be effected in that business. But, as it ever falleth out, where many are of counsel, nothing can be secret: so, some of those Conspirators acquainted the Regent with every particular of this Plot: Who (with his Army) posted unto Paris, with greater expedition than may well be credited, and entered into the City gates before any notice was given of his repair thither. For this Conspiracy; many of the chiefest confederates were executed publicly with sundry kinds of death. And from thenceforth he mastered the Parisians with English Garrisons, 
The Regent curbeth the Parisians.  and replenished their Castle, Towers, Fortresses, and Places of Defence and Strength, with such English Soldiers, as solaced themselves in being froward Commanders and imperious Rulers of the inhabitants of that City.  
And likewise (by strong Assaults, and enforced Compositions) he won the two Castles of Pacy and Coursay, 
Pacy and Coursay won by the English.  which were not far from it; both which he strengthened in like manner.  
Whilst these things were thus acted, the Lord William Steward, Constable of Scotland; the Earl of Ventadore, 
The siege of Crauant is raised.  and many others, with a strong Army, besieged the strong Town of Crauant, within the Territories of Burgoigne. But the Earl of Salisbury, with an Army of fifteen thousand men, rushed fiercely upon the besiegers; and with the loss of one and twenty hundred of his companies, and with the slaughter of eight thousand of his enemies, he raised the Siege, and gained liberty to the Town.  
The Earl, upon his return to Paris, was substituted vice-Regent of the Countries of France, Bry, & champaign: and Sir john Fastolfe (an approved Knight in Arms) was appointed to be Deputy in the Duchy of Normandy. Which worthy Captains performed such noble deeds of Chivalry, and obtained such unexpected victories, as made them famous, their Followers rich, and their Country renowned in all Kingdoms.  
In the mean time, whilst the Protector providently endeavouring to prevent the increasing strength of the King's enemies in France, and to secure the tranquillity and peace of this Commonweal at home; 
The King of Scots ransomed.  for a small ransom he enlarged james the young and martial King of Scots; who for many years had been a prisoner: And receiving of him, in the King's behalf, his homage and his fealty for Scotland; 
He doth homage for Scotland.  he gave to him in marriage (by the consent of all the English Nobility) the Lady jane, daughter to the deceased Earl of Somerset, and cousin german to the King.  

He is an excellent Prince, but unfaithful and unthankful.  This gallant Prince, by means of his excellent Learning and Education in feats of Arms, under the last King Henry, was better enabled to rule a Kingdom than any of his progenitors did before him. In so much, that making the best use of those heroical virtues with which he was adorned, he reduced that Realm into extraordinary Civility; made his soldiers expert in warlike discipline; and his Nation more learned than ever they had been before his days. Yet was he altogether unfaithful and unthankful to England, his nearest and his dearest friend.  

Provision & an Army sent into France.  The Protector (who was wise and industrious) never suffered the Regent in France to complain of any want. For, as in former times, so now he sent unto him an Army of ten thousand men, with much Treasure. The Regent and his assistants daily won Towns, Cities, Castles, and Forts, with provident policy and true valour. But the French King, by gross Flattery, cunning Devises, secret Treachery, 
Valour was encountered by treachery.  and covert Deal (among others) possessed himself of the strong Towns of Crotoy, and some others, which were suddenly regained: for true Manhood was encountered with Subtlety, and approved Valour with Treachery and Craft.  

The Duke of Britain and his brother do revolt.  The Duke of Britain fearing lest the Regent (growing strong) would at length be Lord of his Country, basely and perfidiously revolted to the French King. And so did his brother Arthur, Earl of Richmond; who by King Henry the fifth was created Earl of Yurye in Normandy, 
Yury in Normandy besieged.  and made Governor of that Town. Whereupon the Regent besieged it; and with many secret Ours, violent Batteries, and fierce Assaults, made it so subject to apparent dangers that the besieged concluded to yield it up, if at an appointed day they were not relieved by the French King. 
The Regent's resolution.  For the Regent being thoroughly resolved to purchase his peace with a short and with a sharp war, determined to abide battle, what force soever should be sent to relieve the miseries of that distressed Town. And to further his purpose in that behalf, he freely permitted messengers to be sent unto his enemies, to inform them of the conclusion which he had made.  
Within few days after, the Duke of Alencon, with sixteen thousand Frenchmen, approached near to the English Camp; 
A cowardly French Army.  who did put themselves into a readiness to receive him. But (according to the French fashion) he made many bragging shows to perform much: but (on a sudden) he cowardly quited the place, 
Vernoyle besieged and won by a false report.  not giving any one blow; and pitched with his whole strength before the Town of Vernoyle in the province of Perch: where he falsely informed the inhabitants, That at Yurye he had fought with the Regent, defeated his Army, slain thousands, 
Policy.  taken many prisoners, freed that Town, and had compelled him (by swift riding) to provide for the safety of his own life.  
This false report soon made the Duke owner of that Town, 
Yury won.  and his Retreat made the Regent Lord of Yurye: and as soon as sound provisions were made to strengthen it, the Regent with his whole Army marched unto Vernoyle; where (meeting with the French cowards, and with divers Scots who did assist them) he compelled them to engage their fortunes by a bloody battle in a pitched field. The fight was cruelly maintained for the space of three hours. But in the end, the Englishmen, 
The battle of Vernoyle.  with the loss of one and twenty hundred of their common soldiers, won the honour of that day, and slew of their enemies five Earls, two viscounts, one and twenty Barons, and more than seven thousand other men; besides two thousand and seven hundred Scots, who were sent thither by their King. But the Duke of Alencon himself, with many Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of Name, 
The Frenchmen are overthrown.  were taken prisoners. And the Town of Vernoyle (without Assault or Battery) was surrendered into the Regent's hands: 
Vernoyle is regained.  who (having fortified it with a strong Garrison, commanded by their worthy Captain Sir Philip Hall) marched to the City of Rouen; where he was received with many triumphant Shows. And from thence he came to Paris; where his kind entertainment proclaimed his welcome and his honour.  
This overthrow so weakened the French King, that none other Provinces or Territories, but only Bourbon, Aluerne, Berry, 
The English do prevail.  Poytou, Towrayne, part of Angeou and Languedoc, could give unto his Royal Person any warrant of safety and assurance. Yet (lest he should want the true honours belonging to a King) in the City of Poitiers he established his High Court of Parliament, and his Chancery; 
The French King laboureth his own establishment.  with the public use of his broad Scale: and of all other things needful and requisite for the due administration of his Laws, and the distribution of justice.  

The Earl of Salisbury winneth many Towns.  The Regent taking the advantage of his late victory, sent into the Country of Maine an Army of ten thousand men: which (with great resolution) were bravely conducted by the valorous and prudent Earl of Salisbury: who quickly won the strong City of Mauns, and the Towns of Saint Susan, le Fort Saint Barnard, and many others. And from thence he went into Angeou: where (with the Sword) he performed such and so many wonders, 
His name is feared.  that the very Name of Salisbury became terrible in all France.  

1425. 4  The perfidious Earl of Richmond (whom King Charles had newly made High Constable of France) intending to make himself famous in the minority of his Government, raised an Army of forty thousand men; which consisted of Britons, French, and Scots: 
The Siege of Saint james.  with which he besieged the strong Town of Saint james in Bevyon; which was defended only by six hundred Englishmen: who having resolutely endured many sharp assaults and hard bicker, 
A miraculous overthrow.  upon a sudden issued boldly out of the Town, and proclaimed their approach with an hideous shout of Saint George, Salisbury; Saint George, Salisbury; and fell upon the multitude of their enemies like a storm. This terrible cry, and the inconsolable fear and terror, which made them think that the Earl of Salisbury, with his Army, had secretly conveyed himself into the Town for their rescue; so amazed and daunted the fainthearted multitude, that (casting away their Armour, abandoning all Order, and entertaining nothing but Despair) they leapt headlong into the River: In which, many of them were drowned; more were slain: some were taken prisoners: and the rest, who ran away, left unto this little handful all their Tents, fourteen Pieces of Ordnance, forty barrels of Powder, three hundred Pipes of Wine, two hundred Pipes of Biscuit and of Flower, and two hundred Pieces of Raisins and Figs, five hundred Barrels of Herrings, much Armour, and many other things.  

A poor revenge.  The New Constable intending to redeem his honour with some better fortune, recollected and furnished his Army: with which he marched into the Country of Angeou; where (without resistance) he burned a few of the smallest, poorest, and most unworthy Villages of that Province.  
This childish Service puffed him up with much pride, and made him to imagine, that he was now a warlike man, though his own Nation, and all others, did publicly mock and scoff at his gross folly.  
Whilst thus the Regent and his Captains daily triumphed in France; a dangerous and an unkind jar broke forth at home, 
Variance between the Protector and his uncle the Bishop of Winchester.  betwixt the Protector and his uncle Henry, Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Chancellor of England: which threatened the breach of the Peace and tranquillity of this Kingdom and Commonweal. For the appeasing whereof, the Regent having made the Earl of Warwick his Lieutenant General, and having set his affairs and business in good order; came into England: Where (in a Court of Parliament) the differences betwixt them were discovered, arbitrated, and the quarrel ended, to the great comfort and contentment of their friends. In honour whereof, 
It is appeased.  the King kept a solemn Feast; in which, the Regent dubbed the King a Knight. 
The King is dubbed Knight.  The King also invested many of his Great subjects with the same Dignity; and created his cousin Richard, son to Richard late Earl of Cambridge, Duke of York; and restored john Mowbray (who was Earl Martial) to his father's Duchy of Norfolk. 
Creation of Lords.   
And in this mean time, the Earl of Warwick approved himself to be a worthy Commander over his great charge, and conquered many things in Main; and prepared to fight a set battle, whereunto he was challenged by the French. But their threatenings were but brags, and their courage fell down into their heels: For, 
A French brag.  a little before the appointed time, they basely and cowardly ran away.  
When all things were thus quieted at home; the noble Regent (being accompanied with his uncle the Bishop of Winchester returned into France: And (upon the request of his brother in law, 
1426. 5 The Duke of Alencon is ransomed.  the Duke of Burgoine) he set at liberty the Duke of Alencon for the ransom of two hundred thousand crowns: The most part of which money he would have given back again, 
A worthy Duke.  if the said Duke would have sworn his homage to King Henry: which he refused to do; and did affirm, That the whole world should not alienate his faith from King Charles, nor his duty from his own country.  
At this time, the rich and proud Bishop of Winchester (being at Calais) according to his ambitious desires, 

Winchester is made a Cardinal.  
He heapeth great treasure together.   was invested with the Hat, Habit, and Dignity of a Cardinal; and received from the Pope a Bull: which gave him means (in a short time) to heap together a great part of the Treasure of this Land: so that all men wondered at him for his Wealth, but no man had cause to commend him for his Learning, or to respect him for his Virtue.  
After the Regent's return into France, the Lord Rustian, Martial of Britain (having strongly fortified Pontorson) pitched with his Army before the Town of Auranches, in the Province of Constantine, 
A notable victory.  within the Duchy of Normandy; purposing to have besieged it. But such was the resolute valour of the English Garrison there, that (like unto lions greedy of their prey) they issued suddenly out of the Town, and set upon the Marshal so successfully, that he was taken prisoner; and the greater part of his followers, as they fled, were slain.  

Pontorson besieged by the English.  This victory gave fresh hopes of Good-speeding elsewhere: So that the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Scales being sent with seven thousand men to Pontorson, besieged it a long time: where (being much enfeebled through many wants) the Lord Scales (for the relief of their necessities) taking with him three thousand of their companies, grievously foraged the Countries of his enemies. But in his return with plenty of Provisions, he was encountered by sundry French Lords, 
The Lord Scales defeateth the Frenchmen.  and six thousand other fight men: against whom, so luckily he prevailed, that most of those Nobles, and a thousand more, were taken prisoners, many hundreds were slain, and the rest, by a quick flight, procured their own safety.  

Ramfort taken.  The Garrison also at Saint Susan made such a sudden road into Angeou, that they surprised the Castle of Ramfort, before any news gave notice of their coming. But they no sooner possessed it, but that they were besieged by twenty thousand men; who were appointed to raise the siege at Pontorson. To these the Castle yielded upon composition: 
Ramfort regained.  so that the Frenchmen (being much elated with this poor conquest) imagined, that they were brave men, and that they had done service sufficient for that time. And this conceit made them altogether careless to relieve the distressed estate of Pontorson: Whereupon it was yielded to the Earl of Warwick; 
Pontorson w nne by the English.  who fortified it with good Provisions, and with a strong Garrison; and came (with great honour) to the Regent.  

Mouns is betrayed.  Whilst things were thus in handling, some of the Clergy, and some of the Magistrates of the City of Mouns (knowing, that the Duke of Britain was revolted, and that his brother, the Earl of Richmond, now wholly adhered to the French King) offered, by treachery, to yield it to King Charles, if a convenient and an able Force might be sent thither to work that feat. This City was eagerly longed for on the French part. Wherefore, that it might be gotten, the Lords Dalabreth and Fayet, Marshals of France, with sundry more Barons, Captains, Gentlemen, and old soldiers, to the number of five hundred, came (in the depth of the night) to the Castle walls; 
Cruelty.  and then the conspirators within (without any compassion, or manlike pity) massacred all such English Guarders as then maintained the first Watch: and setting wide open all the Gates, the Surprizors (armed with barbarous cruelty) entered into the City, murdering and killing their enemies as they pressed forth. Lamentable was the fearful cry, which so suddenly amazed the English Garrisoners within the City. And it was the more full of terror, for that the cause thereof was not unto them perfectly known.  
The Earl of Suffolk, who was chief Governor of the Town, and the greatest part of the English soldiers, entered into the Castle, and were (betimes in the morning) sharply assaulted by the Frenchmen. And though they were altogether unprovided of all necessaries for a long defence, yet their lusty courage (again, and again) gave their enemies the repulse: who making no doubt, but through Famine, or by violence, to be owners of the Castle; carelessly disposed themselves to all ease, jollity, and mirth. Whereof when the Lord Talbot was advertised, he forthwith marched thither in the night with seven hundred men. 
Mouns is recovered by the Lord Talbot.  The Earl of Suffolk (to whom secret intelligence was given of his coming) left the Castle, and with his companies (unlooked for, and unthought upon) rushed into the Town, lustily crying and shouting, 
Policy.  Saint George, Talbot, Saint George, Talbot. Which unexpected noise so wonderfully amazed the lazy, sleepy, and drunken Frenchmen, that some of them, unclothed in their shirts, leapt over the Town walls to save their lives, but lost them: So that (within and without the Town) four hundred Gentlemen being slain and taken prisoners, and the rascal peasants being enlarged; thirty Citizens, 
Execution.  twenty Priests, and fifteen Friars (by whose conspiracy the Town had been treacherously betrayed) were, as Traitors, 
1427. 6  tortured with miserable deaths. And thus was the City of Mouns bravely regained to King Henry.  
Not long before this time died the Tutor of the King's Royal Person, the right Noble Thomas, Duke of Exeter: So that the Earl of Warwick was sent for into England, to undergo that charge. And in his stead, the renowned and most valiant Captain Thomas Montacute, 
A new Army sent into France.  Earl of Salisbury (whose former Services so appalled and daunted the hearts and courages of the Frenchmen, that they feared no man more) was sent into France with five thousand men. To which number, as many more were added. 
Orleans is besieged by the Earl of Salisbury.  And with them all, the said Earl marched to besiege the strong and warlike City of Orleans, which standeth upon the River of Loyer. This City was newly fortified, and incredibly strengthened, by the Bastard, and by the Bishop of that place, with Towers, Bulwarks and Forts: and the Suburbs, together with twelve other Parish Churches, four Abbeys, and all Houses and Vines, being within five leagues of the Town, they caused to be ruinated, defaced, and cut down; because they should not afford any help, sustenance, or secure to the Englishmen. When this siege was strongly planted, 
The Bastard of Orleans defeated.  the Bastard of Orleans, intending to make famous his haughty courage to his enemies; bravely issued out of a strong Bulwark, which was erected upon the Bridge. But (being unable to maintain his bold challenge) he was compelled (with the loss of that Fort, and with the slaughter of the greater number of his Soldiers) to fly into the Town. Within this Bulwark there was raised an high Tower, with a window in it; at which the Englishmen usually pried into the Town, taking the view of the greater part of the City: And thereby (from time to time) did inform themselves, 
The valiant Earl of Salisbury slain  in what case, and in what plight the Townsmen stood. And at the same window (about two Months after the first besieging of the City,) the Noble Earl of Salisbury, looking into the Town, was with a great shot unfortunately slain; and with his death, the Triumphs of the English Nation in France waxed more thin; and the Frenchmen became more victorious than they had been.  

The Earl of Suffolk maintaineth the siege.  He being dead, the Earl of Suffolk was made General in that siege: who finding that all provisions waxed exceeding scant, sent Sir john Fastolfe to the Regent for new supplies, who furnished him at the full; and dispatched him and his companies with all speed. But in his return towards the siege, the Lord Delabreth, with sundry other Barons, Knights and common Soldiers, 
The Frenchmen are defeated. Policy.  to the number of nine thousand at the least, intending their overthrow, presented themselves unto their view: who (placing their Cartes and Carriadges furthest back, their Horses next, and themselves before, and pitching their Stakes behind their Archers, upon the first encounter retired behind their stakes; On which the Frenchmen on horseback were received, gored and miserably slain. And by these means; their Army (being disordered) began to fly: So that in the fight, and in the chase, The Lord Dalabreth, and the Lord William Steward Constable of France, with two thousand and five hundred men were slain, and eleven hundred were taken prisoners: with whom and with rich supplies, the valiant Knight and his companions repaired honourably unto the siege. 
The Battle of Herrings.  And this battle was by the Frenchmen called the Battle of Herrings, because the chiefest provisions which those Englishmen than had, were Lenten stuffs.  
When the besieged heard of this news, and were hopeless of any succours to be sent for their relief from the French King, 
Orleans is offered to the Duke of Burgoine.  by letters they entreated the Duke of Burgoine to receive them into his protection, as his own; who made them answer, That he would so do, if the Regent would thereunto agree. This motion pleased many of the Regent's friends and counsellors, because thereby the Dolphin, surnamed the French King, should not only be dispossessed of so rich and of so strong a City, but also because it should be enjoyed by their chiefest friend.  
But the Regent himself, and some others, 
The Regent will not consent thereto.  were of another mind, and returned this answer to the Duke, That seeing (for so long a time) such great expenses and charges had been consumed by King Henry, to bring that City into such extremities, as that the besieged became weary any longer to be troubled; it would sound much to his dishonour and disgrace, if any Prince besides him should enjoy the Lordship and the signory thereof.  
This Answer pierced the Duke of Burgoine at the heart: 
The Duke of Burgoine falleth from the English.  so that from thenceforth his affections daily waxed cold, and occasioned him, in secret, to become a well-willer unto the French King.  
When this Project was revealed, and became fruitless, 
The Duke of Alencon relieveth Orleans.  the Citizens of Orleans craved present succours from the Duke of Alencon; who did his best to inspire a new spirit of courage into the French King. And so sensible was he of their extremities, and so ready to relieve them; and so extremely negligent was the English Army to attend their Watches in the night, 
The fond security of the English.  because they daily expected the surrendering of the City; that (in the depth and darkness of the night) he conveyed many thousand men, and store of all sorts of provisions, into the Town. And within few days after, the besieged issued forth, being bravely resolved to attempt much: 
The Frenchmen prevail, and are beaten.  These men with strong blows won the Bulwark at the Bridge's end, and one more, and slew six hundred men whom they found there. They also assaulted the bastille, wherein the Lord Talbot was. But with such a wonderful courage and resolution he issued out upon them, that he massacred their companies on every side, and enforced them to fly like Sheep before the Wolf: so that with much losses they hardly recovered into the Town.  

The siege of Orleans abandoned.  But the next day, the Earl of Suffolk quited the Siege, severed his Army, and sent each company to his own Garrison. And in their return, the Lord Talbot (by main assault) won the strong Castle and Town of Lavall. And thus was the fair and the strong City of Orleans delivered from a long and from a sharp Siege.  
And within few days after, the Duke of Alencon besieged and won the Town of jargeaux: wherein (among others) he took prisoner the Earl of Suffolk, 
The Earl of Suffolk taken prisoner.  and one of his brothers, and slew Sir Alexander Pole, another of his brethren: All which prisoners (except the former two) were slain by the Frenchmen; who contended among themselves, to whom those prisoners did in right belong.  

1428. 7 The Englishmen are overthrown.  To the Duke's Army (which consisted of three and twenty thousand men) there repaired Arthur of Britain, the Earl of Vandosme, and sundry other Noblemen, with great and strong troops. All these fortuned to meet with the Lords Talbot, Scales, and Hungerford, who conducted five thousand men to fortify the Town of Meum. Betwixt them there were exchanged many bloody blows: so that in the end the said three English Lords were taken prisoners, 
Prisoners.  twelve hundred of their companies were slain, and the rest, which escaped, hasted unto Meum, and replenished that Town with ability of Strength to resist future Dangers.  
This unfortunate disaster was accompanied with another mischief. For no sooner was it published and known abroad, but that divers Cities, 
Revolts to the French King.  Towns, Castles, and strong Holds treacherously fell off and submitted themselves to the French king: whom these unexpected good chances not only elated and made proud, but also augmented his good hopes of a speedy end of all his troubles; 
English prisoners.  especially, because the Earl of Salisbury was slain, and the Earl of Suffolk, and the Lords Talbot, Scales, Hungerford, and many other valiant English Captains, were then his prisoners, and could not assist the Regent's part.  
The French King being thus stomached and put in heart, would not any longer retain any mean or base thoughts: but in stead of them, he now consulted and devised how he might recover the City of Rheims; 
Rheims.  that in it he might (with all Solemnities and Princelike Requisites) be crowned King, according to the manner and custom of his Ancestors, Kings of that Kingdom. And to effect those his desires with all convenient speed, he forthwith passed into champaign with a great Army: where he besieged, and by composition won Troy's, the chiefest City in that Province. And the inhabitants of Challons being thereof informed, 
Troy's won. Challons, Rheims, etc. yielded.  perfidiously did rebel, and compelled their Captain to yield the Town. By which example, the Citizens of Rheims being induced, did the like. And thus King Charles obtained his hearts desire, and was crowned there. 
Charles is crowned King of France, and is thereby furthered in his future attempts.  And as by that high Title he was chiefly dignified, so was he thereby exceedingly furthered in all his future attempts: For upon the first report that he was crowned King, it cannot easily win credit, how many Forts, Cities, Towns, and Castles, were (without blows) delivered into his hands.  
The Regent perceiving that his proceed would be but vain, except he speedily checked this good fortune; resolved, 
The Regent's brave resolution.  that a pitched Field should make him prosperous or unhappy. For which purpose, he marched with a strong Army from Paris towards the new King: and by his heralds he proclaimed Charles to be an Usurper and a counterfeit King and an arch-traitor to King Henry, and summoned him to a battle, 
The Regent summoneth the French King to a pitched field.  that thereby he might receive punishments agreeable to his deserts.  
The French King not acknowledging any such offence, seemed willingly to accept of this Challenge: yet (for a while) he trifled and lingered up and down; and in the end diverted his course, and marched another way. But the Regent so closely followed after him, that (to defend himself) he was enforced to marshal his companies, and to make bragging shows of resistance. 
The French King departeth and is pursued.  But outward appearances of valour were his best performances for two days space: For in the depth of the night (with great silence) he raised his Camp, and ran away. But when the morning had discovered this his cowardly departure, 
He runneth from the Regent.  the Regent (with much travail and great pain) endeavoured to enforce him to look back. But because he always fled, and would not adventure the exchange of blows, therefore he returned to the City of Paris, 
The Regent hunteth him, but in vain.  to show himself careful of his charge there: And so much the rather, because those Citizens were ever unconstant, variable, wavering, perfidious, and untrue.  
Daily (after the Regent's return) his cares were filled with fresh reports of traitorous Revolts, which made him (once more) to attempt to make his estate more stable and more sure, by exposing of himself and his unto some present danger. For which cause, 
The French King once more runneth away.  he marched again towards the French King with an Army of ten thousand gallant men: who met him with more than that double number. But when all outward appearance presented good assurance of a deadly fight, 
King Henry is crowned. 1429. 8  the French King did (once more) shamefully run away. And near about the same time, King Henry (with all Princely Honour and Solemnity) was crowned King.  

Revolts to the French King.  And albeit, that daily experience made it manifest, that King Charles was a dastardly and a fearful coward: yet the Towns of champaign, Senlys, Beavois, Gaylard, and many others, treacherously yielded themselves into his hand. Whereupon the Regent resolved to cast his anchor in Normandy, and to secure the fidelity and love of the inhabitants of that Province, howsoever the game should chance to run elsewhere. For which purpose he went thither, 
The Regent establisheth Normandy.  and in an honourable and full Parliament he related artificially the Lineal Descent of his Lord and Master King Henry the sixth, from Rollo the Hardy; who was the first Duke of that Country. He also minded them of those miseries, which too too commonly, and with overmuch severity, had been inflicted on their Nation by the Natives of the Kingdom of France. And remembered them of those Immunities and Royal Privileges, which (under the English Government) they had long and liberally enjoyed, by which they were made fortunate and rich: Whereof he promised them, not only a sure and a firm continuance, but also a daily enlatgement, with all favour. Thus, and by these means, he confirmed and ratified to King Henry, and to himself, the affections and friendship of that people.  

The French King wooeth the Duke of Burgoine.  But whilst the Regent thus busily employed himself in Normandy; the French King attempted (by all subtle and cunning means) to lessen and to weaken his power. For the effecting whereof, first of all he endeavoured to dissolve that knot of Love and Amity which conjoined the Regent and the Duke of Burgoine in an indifferent liking of each other; by excusing himself to the said Duke touching the murdering of his Father: and (by solemn Promises and Oaths) vowing to give unto him mountains of Wealth, many Honours, and his inward favour, if he would be firmly reconciled, and become his friend. And albeit, that the Duke was not well pleased, for that the Regent would not consent, 
The French King assaulteth Paris, and is beaten.  that the City of Orleans (when it was besieged and grievously distressed) should be yielded into his hands: yet in a friendly manner he acquainted the Regent with this cunning Plot. So, when King Charles perceived, that this devise was fruitless; he brought his whole Army before the City of Paris: of whose revolt (if the Multitude had dared) the Regent had been right well assured. But when he perceived, that nothing but blows could make him hopeful of good success: He battered and scaled the walls, and assaulted the Citizens with sharp fury: But (by the brave valour and courage of the English Garrisons, which were well assisted by such of the Townsmen as were faithful to King Henry) he was repulsed many times with great loss, and slaughter of his men; and at last, was compelled shamefully to departed from thence.  
The Regent (at his return) thanked, and praised them exceedingly: but especially such of the Parisians, as had well testified their faith and loyalty to King Henry, in his absence. Whereat they seemed publicly to take so much joy, that (hypocritically) they styled themselves, thus; Friends to the English, and friends to the Parisians; Enemies to the English, and enemies to the Parisians: 
The Parisians flatter, and are treacherous.  yet were they treacherous, and unconstant; as in this future discourse it shall manifestly appear.  
It will be to tedious, to make an ample Relation of every light skirmish that was made, and of every Revolt, and Martial gaining; which strengthened the English in some places, and weakened them in others: Wherefore, it shall suffice, that we be well informed, that either part did sometimes win, and sometimes lose. But to say the truth, The English forces and strength in France did not increase; because such was the inconstant levity of the French Nation. That they gladded their hearts at every opportunities, which enabled them to revolt, and yield to King Charles. By means whereof King Henry (as he was counseled) sailed with a puissant Army from Dover, 
1431. 10 King Henry crowned in Paris.  and arrived at Calais: And taking Rouen in his way, He marched unto Paris, where he was (with all beseeming requisities) anointed and crowned King of France, and received homage and fealty upon the Oaths of the Nobles, Gentlemen, and common People of that City.  
These French wars were famous in all the Western parts of the world. And the more were they spoken off, because men generally did wonder, how it was possible, that so small an Island, 
England admired at.  as England was, should (for so many years together) so grievously torment and scourge so large, so populous, and so potent a Kingdom, as France was, and put it to the worst.  
At length, and after frequent mediations, used by Eugenius the Fourth, than Pope of Rome, and by many other Christian Princes. Such great hopes, as made the fairest show of an happy Peace, 
An unperfect Truce.  vanished quite, and came to nothing: saving that an unperfect Truce for six years was consented unto, which lasted but a while: For shortly after King Henry's return into England, Unfortunately it happened, that the Lady Anne, wife unto the Regent, 
The Regent's wife dieth.  and sister to the Duke of Burgoine, died: And not long after, he married the fair and fresh Lady jaquet, daughter unto Peter, Earl of S. Paul, 
The Regent newly married  and thereby allied himself to the ancient and honourable Family and house of Luxenbourgh, and from thenceforth the great love, 
The Regent looseth a good friend.  which for many years had made the Regent and his brother in law, the Duke of Burgoin, fortunate & happy, waxed faint and feeble: by means whereof the Duke won nothing, and the Regent became less powerful than he had been in former times.  

1432. 11 The Truce broken.  The solemnities of this marriage were no sooner finished, but that the six years truce, which was so lately concluded, was quite broken, and war began to threaten the effusion of much blood: For the adverse part (by secret underminings and treacherous persuasions) possessed itself daily of many of the Regent's Castles and Towns; and justified that manner of proceeding, by affirming; That politic gainings without blows, infringed not any Truce: and so far off were the Frenchmen, from restoring those things, which by those subtleties they had gained; that to procure more, 
Treason discovered.  they secretly conveyed two hundred Soldiers into the Castle of Rouen, hoping to have surprised it, but the treason was revealed, and the Conspirators were (with main strength) beaten into the Dungeon: From whence they were sentenced, some to the Gallows; others to death by cruel torments; others to sharp imprisonment; and such of them as sped best, were (for great ransoms, and sums of money) set at large.  

1433. 12 Talbots name was terrible in France.  These coals quickly kindled the fire of rage, in so much that either party made itself strong, by the speedy supply of a new Army. And the Regent's forces were much augmented, by john Lord Talbot, who was of late redeemed out of prison, who though he brought with him out of England but only eight hundred chosen men at Arms, yet his name and his presence more terrified the Frenchmen, 
The Frenchmen would not fight.  then half the English Army beside. Oftentimes the two Armies by their near approach, strived to outface and to daunt each other: And twice the Regent boldly challenged the Frenchmen to entertain the fight: but they only made fair shows to perform much, and seemed as if they thirsted to make themselves famous by their manhood: yet in two several places, and at two times, they fled in the night, and would not (in any sort) hazard their Fortunes in the field.  
Now, 
A Rebellion in Normandy  whilst the Regent was thus carefully employed abroad, the Rustics of Normandy treacherously attempting to shake off the English yoke (which was never burdensome unto them) rudely armed themselves, and marched towards Cane; exercising much violence and cruelty in all places where they did prevail. 
The Rebels are subdued.  But they were speedily encountered and overthrown by the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Willoughby; who slew more than a thousand of them, and tormented their rebellious Leaders and Captains with sundry sorts of deaths, but permitted the base sort to return home. 
The Earl of Arundel slain.   
This noble and courageous Earl purposing to reseise for King Henry the Town of Rue, which grievously punished the Countries of Ponthew, Arthois, and Bolenois; perceived (as he marched) that an old decayed Castle, called Gerbory, near unto Beavois, was newly re-edified and made strong. This Castle he assaulted with great courage: but being mortally wounded on the ankle with the shot of a Culuerine, he was taken prisoner from the ground, but within few days after he died.  
About the same time, the Duke of Bourbon, who about eighteen years before was taken prisoner at the battle fought at Agincourt, paid his ransom of eighteen thousand pounds, 
The Duke of Bourbon is ransomed, and dieth.  but died in London the same day, in which he intended to set forwards towards France.  
In the end of the reign of King Henry the Fifth, 
The Regent and the Duke of Burgoine have stout stomachs.  we may review or remember, what a precise charge and command that King gave to his Brethren, and to his Nobles, never to lose the amity and friendship of Philip Duke of Burgoine; and this History maketh mention how careful they have been ever since, to observe his counsel in that behalf: but the busy tongues of Tell-tales, and of foisting Flatterers, obtaining credit where reprehension was more fitting, prevailed in such sort, That the said Duke causelessly waxed jealous, and his love was cold towards the Regent; 
talebearers or taletellers.  yet through the persuasions, and by the mediation of their honourable friends, an interview to revive their friendship was procured, and S. Omers was the place appointed for that purpose. But when they both had made their entrance into that Town: The Duke of Bedford, because he was Regent, and the son, brother, and Uncle unto Kings, expected the priority of visitation by the Duke: but he, because he was the Lord and Sovereign of that Town, supposed that he should be checked for dishonourable baseness, if he should first repair to the Regent's lodging. These conceits touching their pre-eminence and superiority, were very likely to distemper their humours, more than formerly they had been. For the preventing whereof, their friends endeavoured to persuade them both to meet together in some indifferent place. But the Regent refused to yield thereunto. So they departed, and left the Town; 
The Duke of Burgoine forsakes the Regent.  being both displeased and discontented with each others haughtiness of spirit and great stomach. And forthwith the Duke of Burgoine entered into league and friendship with the French King, who had before murdered his Father. Which falling off from the English, advantaged not him, nor sounded to his honour.  

1434. 13 Saint Dennis treacherously betrayed.  About the same time, the Town of Saint Dennys (near unto Paris) was treasonably yielded to the French King, by the secret practice of the Bastard of Orleans; who was surnamed the Earl of Dunoys. But the Lord Talbot, and some other Lords, accompanied with five thousand men, compassed it round about with a strong Siege. Whereof when the Earl of Dunoys was informed; to remove the Siege, he collected a strong power of chosen horsemen. But ere he came thither, the Town (by composition) was surrendered; 
Saint Dennis is recovered.  and the Walls and Towers thereof were beaten to the ground. And though in this place the English gained; yet the inhabitants of Ponthoys (which standeth on the River betwixt Normandy and Paris) did rebel, 
Ponthois revolteth.  and thrust the English Garrison out of the Town: which from that time forward animated the inhabitants of Paris to think on nothing more, than how they might (by Treason, or by Violence) reduce themselves to the subjection of the French King.  
But behold; a greater mishap than the loss of many Towns and Cities, did (unexpectedly) weaken King Henry's part. For now the most renowned, 
The Regent dieth.  wise, politic, and worthy Regent of France, died; and was (with all Princely Ceremonies and Solemnities) buried in a stately Monument, which was erected for him in our Lady Church, 
He was buried in Rouen.  within the City of Rouen. Whereat the mutable and unconstant Nobility of the Duchy of Normandy (who had received from him many benefits and favours) much repined. And within few years after, they instantly requested the French King Lewis the eleventh (who was the son of King Charles the seventh) to pluck it down, 
His Sepulchre envied.  and to cast the Regent's carcase into the open fields; alleging, That it was much dishonourable, and a great disgrace for them, to suffer such an enemy (as he was to them and to the Kings of France) to be so richly interred within the Metropolitan City of that Province. But King Lewis (who worthily withstood their base attempt) affirmed, & did publicly protest, 
A Kingly Speech.  That a more sumptuous Sepulchre was too too bad to cover the dead corpse of him, who in his life time scorned (upon any occasion whatsoever) to step one foot back for all the power and soldiery of France: and who, in all his proceed, and in all his Government, had approved himself to be so wise, politic, faithful, and hardy, that all heroical and generous spirits should rather endeavour to immortalize his Fame, and with the Trumpet of Honour to proclaim his manlike acts, than (in the least measure) labour to shadow or to eclipse them with Envy or Disgrace. And that there was no stronger an argument or proof of baseness and of cowardice, than to insult over the dead body of him; who (whilst he lived) was amiable and courteous in time of Peace, 
1435. 14 Richard Duke of York made Regent.  but bold and terrible in Arms.  
The death of this renowned Prince was the cause of infinite alterations and changes within the Kingdom of France, and elsewhere. For after his death, Richard Duke of York was made Regent, against the liking and good will of Edmund Duke of Somerset, cousin to the King; who (for himself) inwardly affected that authority and place.  
The treacherous City of Paris also, and many other Towns, 
Paris revolteth, and is cruel to the English.  Castles, and Forts, rebelliously yielded themselves, and wholly became French. And not only so: but villainously they murdered, taunted, and scoffed the English Nation; whom (in outward show, and with fair words) they seemed, not long before, to honour, and extraordinarily to respect.  
The Normans also revolted, and tyrannised over the Englishmen; whom with the Sword, and by a thousand means, 
The rebellious Normans are subdued.  they consumed, until (by the slaughter of five thousand of their companies) they were subdued by the Lord Talbot, the Lord Scales, Sir Thomas Kyriel, and by some others.  
When Paris, Saint Dennys, Saint Germane in Ley, and many more Cities and Towns were lost; the new Regent, 
Private envy hindered the public good.  with eight thousand soldiers, landed at Harflew; and from thence came to the City of Rouen: where his Precedents for justice were much admired and commended. But in the whole course of his Government he effected nothing else to be wondered at; by reason that the Duke of Somersets' secret grudge hindered those Expeditions, which might have made him famous, and his Country fortunate and happy.  
The revolted Duke of Burgoine (who not long before had falsified his Oath and Promise to King Henry, 
The Duke of Burgoine besiegeth Calais  and to his Father) pretending a rightful Title unto the Town of Calais; besieged it with an Army, which consisted of forty thousand men.  
This Town was newly strengthened with many hundreds of brave soldiers; who by Henry, Earl of Mortayne, and by the Lord of Cammoys, from England were brought thither. The Duke attempted to win the Town by three terrible assaults: but he was a great loser by them all: And the incredible strength of the place, and of his enemies, deprived him utterly of all hope to win it by any other means, than only by Famine and scarcity of food. But that course he was not able to pursue; because the English Navy was Master of the Sea. But yet to shut up the Haven, and then for a while to attempt what might be done; he prepared four great Hulks, and filled them with square and massy stones, semented and joined close together with Iron and with Lead, because they should (as a Rock) remain together, and not be beaten in sunder by the Sea. But so unskilful were they, who had the charge to sink them, that they miss the Channel: So that when the water was at an ebb, the ships lay dry, and were by the Callicians torn all abroad: and the Stones and Timber being taken in, served for the provision and fortifications of the Town.  

The Duke's bastille taken by the English  The Duke also built a strong bastille, which he furnished with four hundred fight men: Which, though for a few days it prejudiced the besieged, yet it did them no memorable harm. For (not long after it was erected) certain Troops of horsemen issued out of the Town, who fought proudly with the Duke's Forces: and in the mean time the bastille was assaulted and won by others; who took all such prisoners as were not slain therein, burned the Fort, and returned (with very little loss) into the Town.  

The Duke of Burgoine flieth in the night.  The Duke of Burgoine (who seemed much to rejoice, because the Protector had promised to attempt the raising of the Siege within few days) made great preparations to withstand it. But being surprised with a sudden fear, to be swallowed up betwixt the English Army and the Town, he removed from thence in the night; leaving to the Protector (who landed with his companies the day before) all his Tents, Ordnance, Armour, and Provisions, being of great worth.  
The Protector (who brought with him thither five and twenty thousand men) entered into the Duke's Countries of Flanders and Arthois: where he slew, burnt, ransacked, and won rich booties at his own pleasure. And (without resistance) he returned unto Calais; and (with such superfluities as he had gotten) abundantly and plentifully he supplied it with all things which they wanted: and then he returned into England; where he found the State much troubled. For james the first, being King of Scots (forgetting quite the manifold favours and Princely education, which, 
Rosbrough besieged by the Scots.  being a prisoner, he found within the Kingdom of England) with thirty thousand men had (for many weeks) besieged the Castle of Rosborough: which was valiantly defended by Sir Ralph Grey. But the Earl of Northumberland (as he was appointed) prepared to give him battle, and to remove the Siege. Whereof when notice was given to the Scottish Army, they removed, 
The Scots fly.  and fled with extraordinary speed into their own Country.  
About the same time died Queen Katherine, mother to the King: who, after her husband's death (fancying more her own pleasure and contentment, than the supporting of her high and honourable estate) married a goodly Gentleman, named Owen Tuthar: who (though his means were but small) yet was he descended from Cadwallader, the last King of the Britons: And by her he had issue two sons, half brothers to the King; that is to say, Edmund, and jasper. This Edmund was (by King Henry) created Earl of Richmond; and took to wife the Lady Margaret, sole Daughter and Heir unto john Duke of Somerset; and begot on her King Henry the seventh. And jasper was created Earl of Pembroke.  
Likewise, the Lady jaquet (sister unto the Earl of Saint Paul, and Duchess Dowager to john Duke of Bedford, the late Regent of France) contrary to her friends liking (yet to please herself) married a gallant Gentleman (who was much inferior to her estate) named Sir Richard Wooduyle: 
Sir Richard Wooduyle made Baron Rivers: and afterwards Earl Rivers  whom (afterwards) the King made Baron Rivers, and then Earl Rivers: And by him (among many other children) she had issue Elizabeth; who was (after) the wife of King Edward the fourth; and was mother to the Lady Elizabeth, whom King Henry the seventh espoused and took to wife.  
It pleased the King's Council of this Realm to discharge Richard, Duke of York, of his Regency in France; 
The Earl of Warwick is made Regent 1437. 16  and to establish the Earl of Warwick in his place. Who embarked himself seven times, before he could set one foot in Normandy. But (at last) his arrival was fortunate and happy. And having intelligence, that the Duke of Burgoine, with ten thousand men, lay strongly entrenched before Crotoy; he sent the Lords Talbot and Fawconbridge, Sir Thomas Kyriell, and many other valiant Captains, 
Crotoy is besieged.  with five thousand Englishmen, to raise that Siege. But the Duke (fearing with his double number to encounter with his enemies) fled with his whole Army unto Abbevyle. From whence he being eagerly pursued, and hourly dared to make a stand, and to play the man; 
The Duke of Burgoine will not fight.  he posted unto Amiens: where the Englishmen (who daily hunted after him) found him and his companies strongly enclosed within the walls. But because he played the coward, and would not fight, the Lord Talbot entered into Picardy and Arthois: where (unresisted) he wasted and consumed the whole Country (the walled Towns, Castles, and Forts only excepted) and enriched all his Army with cattle, Money, Plate, and many other things of great worth and value.  

Sir Thomas Kyriels' valour  Sir Thomas Kyriel also surprised the Duke's Carriages and his Ordnance: all which booties were brought unto Crotoy, with as much victuals as would maintain six hundred men for one whole year. And all the residue of those spoils he sent to the Earl of Warwick; which abundantly supplied his great wants.  

Perjury punished.  The Earl of Mortayne, son to Edmund Duke of Somerset, by violent assaults took the Castle of Saint Auyan in Maine, and slew therein three hundred Scots, and hanged all the Frenchmen whom he found there; because (having once been sworn to King Henry) they revolted, and became French.  
Thus Fortune every day turned her Wheel, making him who yesterday won much, to day to lose all; and suddenly advancing those to great honour, whom former disasters had made miserable and bare. 
The French King winneth by treachery, not by valour.  But the Frenchmens Treasons and Treacheries daily betrayed more Cities, Towns, and Castles, to the French King, than either the Englishmen could hold by Policy, or gain by Strength.  

The Dolphin rebelleth against his father.  And albeit that by reason thereof he comforted himself; and prosperous success accompanied most of his Attempts: yet was he (on a sudden) checked by the open Rebellion of his eldest son, the Dolphin of Vyen: Who (being assisted by the Dukes of Alencon and of Bourbon) usurped the Government of France; and by public Edicts divulged the insufficiency of his Father to rule that Kingdom.  

The Rebellion is appeased.  This Cloud threatened a shrewd storm; and begat this Question in his Father and in his Councillors of State: Whether it were better to attempt the curing of this Malady by Civil War, and by letting of Blood; or by Discretion and by Policy, without blows? The later Project being entertained public Proclamations were made in the French Kings Name; by which he prohibited all his subjects (upon the pains of death) to yield any subjection to the Dolphin's Commands, and pardoned all such, as (by his persuasions) had devoted themselves to his service. And moreover, sundry Letters were written, divers Messengers were sent, and many powerful Mediators so prevailed, that the Dolphin, with his confederates, were quickly reconciled, and joyfully received into the King's favour.  
Whilst these unnatural broils breathed fresh hopes into the English Nation, that Paris might be regained; 
The regaining of Paris attempted.  they prepared a great Army for that purpose. But by means of the said Reconciliation and Agreement, those their designs were strangled in their birth: their Army was dissolved; and being enforced to sail by a smaller Compass, they endeavoured to effect such things as were proportionable to their strength, 
Ponthois surprised.  and to win those things which were within their reach.  
About the same time (the ground being covered with a thick Snow, which was much hardened by a sudden Frost) john Lord Clifford (clothing himself and his followers all in white) passed in the night season over the Ditches of Ponthois (which not long before was treacherously yielded to the French King: 
Policy. ) the Walls they scaled; entered in; slew the Watch; won the Town; killed the greater part of all the men found there; and took many prisoners, which yielded them good ransoms in a short time.  
This bold Attempt so passionately vexed the French King, 
The French King besiegeth Ponthois  that (in his own Person) he came before the Town with a great Army: with which, and with many Trenches, Bastyles, Forts, and Rampires, he compassed it round about, and gave unto it many fierce assaults. In all which he lost much, and was scorned by the besieged.  
And whilst he thus lay before the Town, Richard Beauchampe, Earl of Warwick, and Regent of France, died; and Richard, 
A new Regent.  Duke of York, was the second time made Regent of that Kingdom. Who (being accompanied with the Earl of Oxford, the Lord Bourchier Earl of Ewe, the Lord Talbot, and many others) raised a great Army, repaired to the Siege, and dared the French King into the field. Which he refused: and leaving his Ordnance in the strongest bastille of Saint Martin, which he had erected; 
He runneth away in the night.  he raised his Siege in the midst of the night, and went unto Poysy. But in the morning, when the English Army perceived, that their enemies had fearfully abandoned the place, and had left their Tents behind them; they possessed them with much joy, and found much riches, and store of all provisions, with which they comforted themselves and the Town. And leaving there Sir Gervase Clifton, with a thousand valiant men, to defend it, and neglecting the bastille, which neither could without much loss be suddenly gotten, nor was able to do any harm: The Regent, with all his Companies, directed his journey towards Poysie: and being come thither, he set his Army in a warlike manner; nothing doubting, 
He is dared, yet plays the Coward.  but that the French King (whose strength was much increased, by the repair of the chiefest Lords, and gallantry of France) would have answered him, in the open field; but he kept himself close within the Town. In so much that when the Regent perceived that no bold bragging, nor scornful taunt, could move his patience, nor make him valiant: He left him there, and by easy Marches he came to Rouen.  

Ponthoys besieged the second time.  The French King, as soon as he heard that the English Army was so far off; entered into a serious consideration of his estate. And (being mindful that the Parisians, by often scandals, had reproved his faint heart) and that the Town of Ponthoys was an evil enemy to that City: To regain his reputation and Honour, by winning of that Town, he used extraordinary expedition, 
It is valiantly defended.  and with a puissant Army he besieged it round about: And (because he feared, least small delays might deprive him of his hopes) he assaulted it, almost every hour, and lost before it above three thousand men. 
It is taken.  But in the end he won the Town, and slaughtered four hundred Englishmen; the rest of them were taken Prisoners, and ordered according to the French Kings will. And when he had thus prevailed, divers other Cities and towns (greedily embracing all reports of their King's valour) treacherously revolted, and became French.  
Naturalists have taught us, that when two Lions have by Combat tired themselves, they do departed proudly each from the other, neither of them seeming to yield; and both of them expressing many signs of much triumph. 
A Parley.  And our Histories do report, that both King Henry, and King Charles, being wearied with the infinite vexation of their Wars, and with their daily travails, seemed both of them to be Conquerors: yet were they both easily persuaded to hearken to such indifferent motions for a Truce; as were proposed by their friends. For this conference, Calais was appointed the place to meet in, which Town was chosen before any other, because Charles the noble Duke of Orleans (who ever since the Battle of Agincourt, had continued a Prisoner in England) was to be conveyed over, that (for his Ransom of three hundred thousand Crowns if it could be gotten) he might be enlarged and set free. The Ambassadors which met there about this business, consulted often times, but at length they adjourned those negotiations until some other time, 
King Henry's demands.  because the demands of King Henry were thought to be unreasonable in three points.  

FJrst, in regard of the overgreat sum of Money, which was demanded for the Duke's Ransom.  
Secondly, for that the peaceable, and the quiet possession of the whole and entire duchies of Aquitaine, and of Normandy, was required, and to be enjoyed freely, without any acknowledgement of Homage, or of Sovereignty of the Crown of France.  
And thirdly, because the surrendering and yielding up into King Henry's hands, was urged of all such Cities, towns, Castles, Forts and Territories in France, 
The Parley is dissolved.  as the English Nation had enjoyed, at any time within the space of thirty years then last passed.   
Yet (not long after this meeting was dissolved) Philip Duke of Burgoine, pitying the enthralls estate of the Duke of Orleans, 
The Duke of Orleans is Ransomed.  and remembering john his father, had cruelly murdered Lewis the father of the said Duke: paid his Ransom, and (at his own charge) transported him, with honourable attendance into France.  
And now the Regent (purposing to prevent the Frenchman's Wars, 
1440.  with which they intended to disturb the Peace of the Duchy of Normandy) divided all his Companies into four Troops, which were severally commanded by himself, 
Cruel Wars  by the Duke of Somerset, by Robert Lord Willoughby, and by john Lord Talbot. All these (in several places) invaded the Territories of France and of Britain; and prevailed every where: saving at the Town of Deep, which though they long besieged, yet was it cleared in the end. And in the mean time the French King with his Son the Dolphin of Vyen, with the Bastard of Orleans, 
A huge Army.  surnamed the Lord Dumoys, entered into Aquitaine and Guyan, with an Army of threescore thousand men, and received many Castles, Towns and Cities into their bands: which voluntarily, and without blows were yielded unto them, but they were not long enjoyed. For the French Army (being very great; 
Much is gotten and l●st again.  and pinched with extreme Famine and divers wants) was broken up. And immediately after their departure into France, the Englishmen recovered whatsoever was formerly gotten by the French King.  
About the same time, the good Duke of Gloucester, Protector of the King's person, and of this kingdom. Disliked much the undue proceed of his Uncle, 
Dissension between the Protector and the Cardinal. No redress.  the rich Cardinal of Winchester, and of the Archbishop of York: Who (without his consent; or the King's Warrant) attempted, and did many public things for their own profit and private gain. For the reformation whereof, he preferred unto the King, certain Articles against them: The consideration of which, was referred to the Privy Counsel. But because the most of them were Clergymen, they afforded no manner of redress; where at the Protector was much displeased. But to requite him with more vexation, and a greater trouble, they caused the Lady Eleanor his wife, 
The Protectors wife condemned for witchcraft.  to be accused, and convicted for conspiring of the King's death with Witches: and such like graceless people, for which she was enforced three times to do public Penance in the City of London, and afterwards she was committed to perpetual Imprisonment. But divers of her condemned associates were Executed, and put to sundry kinds of death.  
And now to return to the French Wars: King Henry (in regard of former services, and of future hopes of the like performance) Created the Lord john Talbot Earl of Shrewsburie, 
john, created Earl of Shrewsbury. A worthy Captain.  and sent him into Normandy, with three thousand selected men, for the better securing of that Duchy. In which expedition, he worthily demeaned himself, and won much Honour.  
This year the Countess of Coming in Guienne, died without issue: and her inheritance was claimed by the French King. And likewise the Earl of Arminacke pretended himself to be her next heir. 
A marriage offered to King Henry  And to strengthen himself the better to gain his right, he offered his Daughter in marriage to King Henry, with the gift of much money, and with the surrendering into his hands, of all such Territories and possessions within the Duchy of Aquitaine; and Guienne as (either by Conquest, or by descent) did belong unto him.  

The King is offered to the Earl of Arminaks daughter.  This offer was willingly hearkened unto, and accepted by the King, who (by his Ambassadors) was publicly offered to the said Lady. But the French King, minding rather to prevent dangers before they come, then to remove them after they were happened) so suddenly invaded the said Earls Countries and Dominions with an Army: that (with small or no resistance) he quickly made himself the Owner of them all. 
The King refuseth her.  The news whereof, so altered and changed the mind, and the affections of King Henry towards his offered Lady, that he would never after be persuaded to hearken unto; or to think upon that match.  
The grieved compassion, which foreign Princes took upon the lamentable distress of poor France, because the blood of Christians was so unmeasurably and so unmercifully shed in those wars, incited them to mediate both these Kings to make a friendly peace: which was not effected according to their endeavours and desires, 

A truce for eighteen months.  
The Earl of Suffolk soliciteth another marriage for King Henry, without authority given to him. A dishonourable match propounded and concluded.  
Reasons why this match was disliked.   but a truce only was concluded for eighteen months: In the handling whereof, the Earl of Suffolk (not warranted by his Commission, nor making his associates acquainted with his purpose) solicited a marriage betwixt his Lord and master King Henry, and the Lady Margaret cozen to the French King, and daughter unto Reyner Duke of Angeow, being the titulary King of Sicily, Naples, and jerusalem. With her he made no demand for any money, because her father was but poor; nay, (which was much worse) he consented, that if the said marriage might be effected, King Henry should freely and frankly release unto her father all his right and title to the said Duchy of Angeow, and to the Country of Maine.  
The Lords of France were quickly won to hearken to this motion, and King Henry was glad at the heart that he should have for his wife such a fair and fresh Lady, as the Earl of Suffolk could never praise enough. But the Protector strongly opposed himself against this match, terming her descent to be but Titularie, and urging much the poverty of her father; and told the King, that his honour and reputation would receive many scandals, if he should reject the Earl of Arminaks daughter, unto whom with all due ceremonies he was publicly affied: and also, that his loss would be lamentable, if he released his lawful and just title to the Duchy of Angeow, and to the Country of Maine, according to the Earl of Suffolk's unadvised offer. But all his reasons (as frivolous) were rejected, and his counsel was not cared for. But the King, to gratify and to please such of his Noblemen as therein inclined themselves to his humour, 
Creation of Lords.  bestowed on them new Dignities and honours. For john Lord Holland (Earl of Huntingdon) was created Duke of Exeter, as his father had been: Humphrey Earl of Stafford was made Duke of Buckingham: Henry Earl of Warwick was made Duke of Warwick, and the said Earl of Suffolk was created Marquis of Suffolk. Which Marquis (being very honourably accompanied with great troops of Lords, 
The new marquess fetcheth the young Queen. The King is married.  Ladies, and other personages of great worth and honour) went richly provided into France, and according to his condition, received the Lady Margaret from the French King, and from Reyner her father, and conveyed her with great pomp and princely magnificence into England, where (within few days after) she was married to the King, and crowned Queen. Now as the prefixed time for the truce drew towards an end; so King Henry perceived, that this his new alliance with the French King promised him not any certainty that it should be enlarged, or that he should have peace. For in France fresh supplies were hourly provided to revive the former war, and every day offered evident demonstrations, that nothing was more to be expected then blows. Wherefore to encounter those preparations with the like provisions, the King assembled his high Court of Parliament: 
A Parliament. The marquess of Suffolk's oration. His motion.  in which the Marquis of Suffolk (in a powerful, glozing, and tedious Oration) extolled his own deserts above the skies, as well in his service in the French wars, as also in moving and in concluding the late truce, and the King's marriage. He also admonished his Highness, and the two houses there assembled, what preparations for war were made in France, and how behoveful it was for the King to do the like. And upon this motion (proceeding from his haughty pride and ambitious mind) the whole assembly became humble suitors to his Majesty, 
A Record made of his acts.  that not only his said admonition and advice, but also all his said former services and doings, might in most ample sort be registered among the Rolls of Parliament, for the perpetuallizing of his honour and of his name: which with wonderful applause was consented unto; and shortly after he was created Duke of Suffolk. 
He is made a Duke.  Yet for all this, before many years were expired, he was in the same place accused, convicted, and condemned for sundry treasons, 
Humana caduca.  misprisions, and offences; for which he was exiled, taken, and without law put to death, as hereafter we shall see.  
Such is the continual uncertainty, and the assured instability of worldly glory, and the vanity thereof; that when men do imagine, that they do securely sleep on the bed of honour, then is their rest most diseaseful, and their soundest sleep is but an unquiet slumber, troubled with fearful and strange dreams; rather informing them of approaching dangers, then assertaining them of the long continuance of that supposed felicity, which so unmeasurably they do desire.  
It will be worthy of our labour, in this place to observe, that from henceforth the affairs of France proceeded worse & worse: so that within few years that whole kingdom, 
The causes of the loss of France, Normandy, and Aquitaine.  with the Duchies of Aquitaine and Normandy, were utterly lost. The causes of which misfortunes are principally noted to be these.  
1. The first was, the releasement of Lewis the noble Duke of Orleans for his ransom. For his wisdom instructed the weak Counsel of France. His persuasions reconciled all such jars as were too too common among the Nobility of France: and his valour was put into execution with such excellency of discretion, that by his example the French cowards became valiant.  
2. The second was this unhappy and this unfortunate marriage betwixt the King and his Queen: for by means thereof the Earl of Arminake, his kinsmen, and his friends, became mortal enemies to the English Nation, hating them for their King's sake, because he had unfaithfully forsaken his affied wife. And besides that, the King had not one penny with the Queen for her marriage portion; but spent on her many thousand pounds before he enjoyed her as his wife. And by this match also the King did not strengthen himself with any new friends: for her father's penury and wants enforced him to live almost as a private man.  
3. Thirdly, the releasement of King Henry's right to his Duchy of Angeow, and to the Country of Maine, which bordered upon Normandy, so weakened the King's Army in that Province, that shortly after he was driven out and expulsed from that Duchy, and all Aquitaine by reason thereof was quite lost.  
4. The fourth was the guiltless death and murder of the most noble and good Duke of Gloucester, whose advice and counsel were the sinews of those wars.  
5. To these also may be added the divers dispositions and qualities of the King and of the Queen. 
The description of King Henry.  For King Henry was exceeding mild, courteous, and gentle, patiented in all adversities, moderate in prosperity, a despiser of covetousness, an hater of oppression, a lover of quietness and of peace. He loathed wars, and the toil and troubles of the world: he spent much time in his private studies, and in his religious exercises unto God. He was not desirous to meddle much with public affairs, nor with the government of his kingdom. He desired not to revenge any wrong which was done unto him. He was more merciful to such as transgressed, then willing to extend the rigour of justice against such as had offended his laws: yea, so little respectful was he of his own greatness, and of his knightly dignity and honour, (in regard of his soul's health) that he loved rather to be ruled then to govern as a King.  
But the young Queen (who was fair and beautiful, 
The description of Queen Margaret.  strong and lusty, proud and haughty, stout and revengeful, crafty and politic) was not well pleased with the soft nature and flexible disposition of the King: neither could her ambitious spirit endure, that he being more than of full years, should (as a pupil) be ruled and directed by another man. Being therefore clearly resolved to dismiss the Duke of Gloucester of his Protectorship and command, 
The Queen dismisseth the Protector of his office and charge.  and making a public show of her inward intention to supply his place, she was encouraged and furthered therein by her trusty friends the Duke of Buckingham and the Duke of Suffolk, who (by the secret instigation of the rich Cardinal of Winchester, and of the Archbishop of York, who mortally hated the Protector) not only removed him from his place, but called him to a strict account for the expense of the treasure of this kingdom: which justly and honestly was disbursed by him, for the maintenance and furthering of the French wars.  
And when they perceived that they were unable by that course and practise to attain unto their purpose, they procured the Queen (in the King's name) to assemble his high Court of Parliament at Bury, where the said Duke (surnamed for his surpassing and heroical virtues, 
He is called the good Duke of Gloucester. He is murdered.  with which he was adorned, The good Duke of Gloucester) was attached, and a●●ested for high treason, and committed unto prison: and the next day he was found dead & breathless in his bed, being cruelly and inhumanly murdered, without doubt. Assoon as he was thus dispatched out of the way, Richard Duke of York secretly conspired with his great allies and trusty friends, to set on foot his title to the Crown. And likewise the Duke of Suffolk (who with the Queen ruled all the roast) respected more his own profit, than the benefit of the commonweal, and used sundry devices and cunning practices to oppress the people, 
The French wars are neglected.  that with their coin he might fill up his own purse. By means whereof, no provision of money was made for the supporting of the King's wars in France; no Army was newly raised to assist such as were then abroad; 
A weak Counsel.  no wages were paid to soldiers, or unto Captains: which made them discontentedly to murmur. Neither was the King's Counsel of Estate sufficiently able to rule and to direct as was needful and necessary for the King's profit at home, or for his honour or advantage abroad.  

The truce is broken.  Before the last prefixed time of truce was ended, Sir Francis Surrayne (an Arragonoys, but a Captain over some English troops) by a sudden surprisal in the night, 
Fongyers is taken.  took the Town of Fongyers, which standing in the frontier of Normandy, belonged to the Duke of Britain, where he slew the inhabitants, and rifled all at his pleasure: for which no recompense was yielded to the Duke; for he was answered, that the fact was committed by a private Captain, without the consent of the King, or of the Duke of Somerset, who was then Regent or Lieu-tenant of the Duchy of Normandy, in which the said Surrayne at that time lived.  
The Frenchmen likewise, by the subtle policy of a wagoner, (who with his Cart stopped the Draw-bridge until they were entered with their Companies) took from the Englinshmen the town of Pontlarch, which is distant from Rouen about twelve miles, 
Pontlarch taken.  and is the key of entrance from France over the River of Some into Normandy, where the Englishmen were slain without pity or compassion: and the goods and substance of the Inhabitants was taken away in like sort, as it was done at Fongyers.  
Thus was the Truce violated on both Parts: And thus were those bloody wars renewed, which were daily fed with the slaughters of the bravest, and of the most valiant men. The French King (perceiving that the Englishmen were not now as puissant in those Countries, as they had been in former times: 
The French King prevaileth.  and being minded to hold fast his good Fortune, which drew him by the hand into great hope of prosperous success) divided his huge Army into three parts, with which in few days he took the towns of Lovyers, Gerbory, and Vernoyle. The Inhabitants also of Constance, Gysours, Castle, Gayllard, Ponteau-du mere, S. Loy, Fesampe, and many others in Normandy, and in Guyan, who were swayed by their Garrisons, surrendered themselves into his hands. 
Rouen is yielded to the French King  The Duke of Somerset likewise, and the Earl of Shrewesbury (being thereunto violently enforced by the Roanists, by composition yielded unto him that City, and departed with all their goods & substance to the City of Cane, upon Hostages left behind them; that sundry other Castles and Towns (according to their agreement and promise) should also be given up without blows to the French King. So that within few days, 
Harslew is yielded.  the Castle and Town of Harflew, and many others, became French.  
The unhappy news of daily losses in Normandy, and in Aquitaine, much appalled King Henry, and troubled his Counsel, 
A Rebellion in Ireland.  who (being unable to direct, as they had done, whilst the good Duke of Gloucester lived, and did assist them) knew not what course was best to be taken, and they were the more perplexed in those affairs, by means of a lewd and dangerous Rebellion, which (at the same time) happened in Ireland. For the speedy suppressing whereof, King Henry was constrained to transport the Duke of York with an Army thither. In which service he so successfully prevailed, 
The Duke of York appeaseth it.  that he not only appeased that tumult, but (by his wisdom, courtesy, and valour) won the favour, and the hearty love of that Nation.  
This Expedition much hindered the King's preparations for the defence of his Duchy of Normandy; yet he sent thither Sir Thomas Kyriel, a prudent, and a valiant man, accompanied with fourteen hundred Soldiers, who (with so small a handful) did as much as could in reason be expected. For he recovered divers Towns and Castles, which had been lost: And (had his strength consisted of a greater number) he would assuredly by his valour, have performed much more.  
This worthy Captain, finding himself to be too weak, to encounter many thousands of his Enemies, United his forces with Matthew Gough, 
Cane is besieged.  Sir Henry Norbery, Sir Robert Vere, and some others: So that their Army consisted of five thousand approved valiant men, all which (with haughty courage and resolved minds to win honour) encountered with an Army of seven thousand of their Enemies, as they marched strongly to the siege of the City of Cane. In the beginning of this fight the Englishmen prevailed according to their hearts desire: 
The English are overthrown.  But in the midst of all their hopes, they were deceived. For being grievously oppressed by Arthur Earl of Richmont, high Constable of France, james of Luxenburgh Earl of Lavalt, and by many other Noble men of France, (who travailed with many Cornets of Horsemen towards the same siege) and finding their Countrymen beaten down, fainting, and on the point to run out of the field, relieved them with their fresh supplies, and so furiously assaulted the tired English Army, 
The first victory in open field which the French in many years obtained.  that it was quickly overthrown, four thousand of them beieg slain, Sir Thomas Kyriel, Sir Robert Norbery, with eight hundred more were taken prisoners: but Matthew Gough, and Sir Robert Vere, and the survivors of their Companies, saved themselves by flight.  
Thus were the Englishmen overthrown and miserably wasted: and this was the first Battle in open field, which the Frenchmen won of the English in many years before, whereof their Historians do not a little brag. 
Cane is b●ttred, assaulted, & st●●●ly defended.  This victory being thus obtained, the City of Cane in Normandy was closely besieged by the French King: and oftentimes her walls were adventerously scaled: The assailants made many brave and bold attempts, but were manfully repulsed and beaten back, with the loss of their limbs, and of their lives: Then were the walls daily battered, and the Frenchmen eagerly endeavoured to enter in: but their presumption was sharply checked by the besieged, who did cast them off as fast as they enterprised to come in. Thus every man contended to buy Honour, but none other pa●ment for it (but blood) was currant in that place. The Duke of Somerset (being daily importuned by the fearful exclamations of his wife and children to surrender the town) debated thereof seriously with Sir David Hall, 
The Duke of Somerset would surrender Canc. Sir David Hall will not suffer it. A valiant Knight.  who was appointed to be the chief Captain and Commander of that City, by the Duke of York, whose Town it was. But the courageous Knight would not in any sort consent to the Duke's will, whereat he was much displeased, and demanded whether the King's Lieutenant General of that Duchy had not sufficient authority and power of himself (without his leave) to dispose of the Towns and Castles of that Province? No, quoth the Knight, the King's Lieu-tenant here may not, nor can sell, or yield up any man's right, but his only, whose person he doth represent: and this City being my Lord the Duke of York's, quoth he, 
A Mutiny  you have no power to surrender it to the French King, nor shall, on any composition whatsoever. The Duke being highly displeased with this bold and peremptory answer, informed the inferior Captains, common soldiers, and the poorer sort of the Inhabitants, of the approaching dangers, which would undoubtedly be the destruction of them all: and advised them, not to be deprived of their lives, and of their liberties, through the desperate folly and wilfulness of their obstinate and indiscreet Captain. This caveat made them clamorous, and this counsel so hardened their hearts against Sir David Hall, that they resolved (in despite of him) to yield the City (upon composition) to the French King. 
Cane is l●st.  Thus was the people's obedience severed and divided from him: and thus was their courage converted into fear: and on a sudden (upon certain Articles agreed on) the City was abandoned, and became French: 
All Normandy is l●st, and so is France.  so that Rouen and Cane (being the chiefest Cities of the Duchy of Normandy) being lost, all the whole Duchy (in a short time after) revolted from King Henry, and was lost likewise.  
The noble Captain Sir David Hall, being thus wronged and disgraced, forsook Normandy, and sailed into Ireland, where he informed the Duke of York what the Duke of Somerset had done; whereat he was so highly displeased, 
The Duke of York maliceth the Duke of Somerset.  that he never ceased privately and openly to practise, until the said Duke of Somerset deservedly had lost his head. For this insupportable and unfortunate loss of the Duchy of Normandy, the Queen and the Duke of Suffolk were first secretly blamed by the whispering common people of this kingdom, who afterwards by open slanders, and with public reproachful speeches, exclaimed, and accused the said Duke of many notable treacheries and gross treasons, 
1450.  which chief consisted of these particulars.  

Treasons objected against the Duke of SUFFOLK.  
FIrst, That by his wicked and ungodly means, the Duke of Gloucester was deprived both of his Protectorship and of his life.  
2 Item, that by his appointment such Counsellors of State were placed about the King and Queen, as advised all things for their gain, and not for the profit of the Commonweal.  
3 Item, that the Queen and the said Duke ruled the whole kingdom as they listed: so that (by reason thereof) all things succeeded ill and hurtful to this kingdom.  
4 Item, that the said Duke was the means and occasion that the King's right to Aquitanie and Guyan were yielded up, which weakened, and at length lost all the Duchies of Aquitanie and of Normandy.  
5 Item, that he had married his son john to the Lady Margaret, sole daughter and general heir to john Duke of Somerset; and had reported, that she was the next heir to the Crown of England, if King Henry happened to die without issue.  
6 Jtem, that he had persuaded the Earl of Dunoys, and other great Lords and Officers of France, to transport an Army into this Realm, to destroy the King, and consequently to make his said son john successor to this Crown and kingdom.  
7 Item, that he procured the Duke of Orleans to be set at liberty for a ransom, contrary to the commandment and the last Will and Testament of King Henry the fifth: by whose means after wards the affairs of France were made more powerful and fortunate then formerly they had been, and King Henry's forces were daily enfeebled, and made more weak thereby in those Countries.  
8 Item, that he had counseled the said Duke (before his departure out of England) to persuade the French King to augment and to increase his army, and to make sharper wars both in Normandy and in France against King Henry; who so did: by which means the King lost all his possessions in those Countries.  
9 Item, that assoon as he came Ambassador into France, he secretly informed King Charles of the chief points of his Commission, and instructions: by means whereof he grew obstinate, and refused to conclude any peace.  
10 Item, that the said Duke (at his last being in France) revealed to the French king the weakness of King Henry's provisions to withstand him: by means whereof the Frenchmen became more bold and hardy in those wars.  
11 Item, that boastingly and foolishly he had reported, in the presence of many noble and honourable personages, that he had as high a place in the Counsel house of France as be had in England, and that by reason of his especial interest in the French Kings love, he could dispossess the nearest and the greatest of the French Kings counsellors, if he were disposed so to do.  
12 Item, that when men, money, and munitions were in a readiness to be transported into France, to aid and to assist King Henry's forces there, the said Duke (being wickedly corrupted, and being a secret friend to the king's enemies) caused them to be kept at home, by means whereof the king's armies in those Countries wanting due and necessary supplies, were vanquished both in Normandy and in France.  
13 And lastly, that by means of his great favour with the Queen, he had deceitfully and fraudulently enriched himself with the king's lands and treasures, and had procured to himself a monopoly of all the greatest offices for his own gain.   
These and many more foul and treasonable Articles were (in full Parliament) publicly objected against him, and laid unto his charge: all which he faintly denied, but could scarce clear himself of one of them.  

The Queen's policy to help the Duke of Suffolk.  The Queen (to prevent the Duke of Suffolk's further peril and danger, because she entirely loved him) caused him to be committed to the Tower, where he had liberty at his own will: and then concluding the Parliament upon a sudden, she not only enlarged him, but restored him into high favour with the King; so that he proudly jetted and swaggered, as formerly he had done.  


The Commons are displeased.  
A rebellion, but appeased.   The common people repined much thereat, and spoke scandalously and reproachfully of the Queen, and of her government: and some of them wickedly rebelled, making a turbulent mate (nicknamed Blue-beard) their chiefest Captain. But this insurrection was quickly nipped in the bud: their ringleaders were put to death, and the rest of them received friendly admonition, and the King's gracious pardon.  
The King and Queen intending to reconcile all discords, and to give some better contentment to the Commons, held a Parliament at Leicester. 
The Parliaments request  But their purpose failed them: for the lower house instantly importuned the King that justice might be done upon the Duke of Suffolk, and also upon his associating Conspirators, james Fynes Lord Say and Lord Treasurer of England, john Bishop of Salisbury, and upon some others.  
The King (to pacify this broil, and to weaken their importunity, by doing of something wherewith he thought he should please them) exiled the said Duke for five years. 

The Duke is exiled.  
He is taken at Sea, and beheaded.   But as he sailed towards France, he was taken by an English man of war, who landed him upon Dover Sands, and chopped off his head on a boats side. And thus was the guiltless blood of Humphrey the good Duke of Gloucester in some measure revenged: and the rest of those delinquents were sequestered from their Offices, and imprisoned by the King.  

The Duke of York intendeth to claim the Crown. His practices to further it.  Whilst these things were thus in handling, the Duke of York (albeit resiant in Ireland) solicited and procured his allies & friends in England (by some secret plottings, pretending some other ends) to set on foot his claim and title to the Crown; he being lineally descended from Philip the daughter and heir of George Duke of Clarence, who was the elder brother of john of Gaunt, great grandfather to King Henry the sixth. And first of all it was whispered, & privately reported, that the King's wits were weak, the Queen's heart ambitious, the King's Counsellors of State not wise enough to rule: and that all France, Normandy, and Aquitaine were lost, because God blessed not the usurped succession of King Henry.  
Upon these speeches, too too commonly divulged, 
A Rebellion in Kent. jacke Cade.  a Kentish Rebel named jacke Cade, but falsely nominating himself john Mortimer, made an Insurrection in that Country, and with his rudely-armed crew, and banners displayed, he marched towards the King, who was then at Greenwich. 
His message to the King.  But before he came unto him, by messengers he informed him, that he intended not any hurt against his Royal Person, but would displace and punish some of his evil Counsellors, who were his flatterers, and partial to their own friends, bitter to their enemies, enrichers of themselves, oppressors of the common people, greedy of too much honour, and who for rewards corruptly ordered (or rather disordered) all things as they pleased.  
When the King and his Counsel had maturely considered of this undutiful and insolent message, he was advised to encounter them, not with fair words, which might breed further contempt, but with the Sword, for ensamples sake, that others might (by their punishment) afterwards take better heed. 
The King's Army pursueth the Rebels.  And thereupon a strong Army was suddenly prepared; of which when the Rebels were informed, (to gain advantage by their valour, under a false pretence of cowardly fear) they retired many miles. The Queen (who was resolved that this retreat rather proceeded from baseness, then from policy and wit) sent after them Sir Humphrey Stafford, and William Stafford his brother, they being accompanied with many lusty Gentlemen and brave Soldiers. 
Some of the King's forces are overthrown.  But most of them were quickly slain by the Rebels, who boldly and courageously confronted them when opportunity and place gave them good advantage to return.  
This victory being thus obtained, 
The Rebellion is appeased.  jacke Cade (to whom multitudes of rude and graceless people from many shires daily resorted) pressed forth again, and boldly came into Black Heath, and from thence to London, where they did much harm. But at length the King's General Pardon was proclaimed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and by the Bishop of Winchester, 
A good policy.  to all such as were not the Ringleaders of that ungodly rebellion: by means whereof the inconstant and fearful multitude left their Captains, and returned home. Then was jacke Cade proscribed by the King, and proclamation was made, by which a reward by the gift of one thousand marks was promised to him that could take him alive or dead. The hope of this payment occasioned very many to make good inquiries and narrow searches after him: 
jacke Cade is prescribed and slain.  so that in the end being found he was slain as he fought desperately for his life, and his head was presented to the King, who willingly paid the reward which was promised. Thus was this caitiff destroyed, and thus was this commotion appeased, which threatened destruction to the King and Commonweal.  
Such of the Nobility, and such of the Commons, as could no longer endure or digest the evil government of the Queen, and of her adherents, 
The Duke of York cometh into England.  advertised the Duke of York (who remained in Ireland) that a Parliament was near at hand, and prayed him to consider what was fittest to be done for the redress thereof, and for his own good. Whereupon he left his deputation in Ireland, and returned home, and openly conferred with his best friends, john Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, Richard Earl of Salisbury, Richard Nevil his son Earl of Warwick, Edward Brooke Lord Cobham, and with divers others, how and by what means he might soberly, without usurpation, or treason, set forth his right and title to the Crown.  

The causes for which he levied an Army.  After this matter had been long debated, it was concluded, that the Duke of York should raise an Army, under pretence to remove the Duke of Somerset from the King and Queen, because he ruled them both, and the Commonweal too: and against him it was publicly alleged, that he was an oppressor of the people, a deceiver of the King, a secret friend to his enemies, a principal occasion that England had lost France, Normandy, and Aquitaine, and had (by his manifold treacheries and treasons) deserved ill of the Prince, and of his Country.  

The King raiseth an Army.  The King also (fearing the worst) raised another Army; but being certified from the Duke of York, that he intended nothing against his royal person, nor against his State, but only craved that in a Parliament the Duke of Somerset might receive his trial, he committed the said Duke (for a show only) to the Tower: and thereupon the Duke of York (expecting fit opportunity) dissolved his Army, 
A dissembled pacification.  and privately repaired to the King, where (contrary to his expectation) he met with the Duke of Somerset, who accused him of treason, 
The Duke of Somerset accuseth the Duke of York of high Treason. He is imprisoned, and enlarged.  for that (without the King's leave or commandment) he had raised an Army, with which he intended to have murdered the King, and to make himself the inheritor and possessor of his Crown. And though the King's jealousy (being grounded upon strong presumptions that it was true) caused the King to detain and keep the Duke of York as a prisoner, yet within few days after he was enlarged, because it seemed unlikely to the King's Counsel, that his aim was directed to the Crown, seeing that (without compulsion) he had dissolved his Army upon the Duke of Somersets' commitment unto prison, when he was strong enough to have made his party good against the King by force of Arms in the open field.  
This business was the more easily passed over by the King, because that in the midst of those disturbances the Lords of Aquitaine (upon whose fidelities, 
guian and Aquitaine yielded to King Henry, but regained by the French King.  the French King being departed into France, King Henry much relied) by secret messengers had made offer to surrender all that Duchy again into his hands, if he would speedily send unto them a convenient Army to defend and keep it as his own. And thereupon the Lord Talbot, Earl of Shrewesburie, was sent thither with three thousand selected and valiant men, who received that Duchy to the King's use, as it was promised. But assoon as the French King had notice of this Revolt, he marched thither with an Army of two and twenty thousand men, fought with the English, 
john Earl of Shrewesburie slain.  slew the most renowned and brave Earl, and almost all his followers, and in few days regained all Aquitaine, and almost all Guienne into his own hands.  
The Queen was now delivered of a fair son, 
Prince Edward borne.  who was afterwards named Edward, and lived until almost he came to a man's estate. 
Creation of Lords.  And near about the same time King Henry created his two brothers by the mother's side, Edmund Tuthar, who was father to King Henry the Seventh, Earl of Richmond, and jasper Tuthar Earl of Pembroke, but he died without issue.  
France, Normandy, and Aquitaine being all lost, and no wars now busying the Nobility of this Realm, frank and free liberty was thereby given to the Duke of York, 
The Yorkish Conspiracy.  grievously to complain to divers Lords of the greatest power, of the manifold treacheries and treasons of the Duke of Somerset, as formerly he had done. And at the same time Richard Earl of Salisbury, being the second son of Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, whose daughter the Duke of York had married, and Richard his son, who having married Anne the sister and heir of Henry Beauchampe, first Earl, and afterwards Duke of Warwick, and in whose right he was created Earl, were men of prime honour, and of great power, and for their valour and their virtues were especially observed and regarded both of the Nobles and also of the Commons of this Kingdom: but chief Richard the son, Earl of Warwick, whose courtesy, wisdom, and true manhood, had gained him much love.  
These two Earls (among others) faithfully joined themselves and their fortunes with the Duke of York and his: and chief by their means and good assistance he prevailed, as in the sequel of this History it shall appear.  
When the Duke of York had thus strengthened himself with these noble and powerful friends, he caused the Duke of Somerset to be arrested of high treason in the Queen's great Chamber, from whence he was drawn and conveyed to the Tower: 
The Duke of Somerset is arrested for treason.  and shortly after in the Parliament the Duke of York accused him of all those treasons which are formerly mentioned.  
But because the King indeed fell sick, or feigned himself (for the Duke's good) to be diseased, 

The Parliament breaketh off suddenly.  
The Duke of Somerset is enlarged and made Captain of Calais.   the Parliament was suddenly adjourned, and the King by many protestations faithfully promised, that he should answer those accusations at some other time. But within few days after he was not only by the Queen set at liberty, but was graced with the King's especial and public favour, and was made chief Captain of the Town and Castle of Calais, whereat the Nobility & the common people grudged much, and exclaimed upon the unjust proceed of the King and Queen.  
The Duke of York and his associates supposing that their project would still be crossed if they remained quiet, & expected fair proceed against the Duke of Somerset by the ordinary course of Law; 
The Duke of York levieth an Army.  resolved once again to show themselves with an Army in the field, and by open war not only to revenge themselves upon their enemies, but also to settle the Crown upon the Duke of York's head. For which purpose they raised a puissant Army within the Marches of Wales, and confidently directed their march towards the City of London.  


The King meeteth him with an Army.  
The battle of S. Albon. The King is overthrown.   The King and his Counsel fearing lest the Duke of York and his complices would find too many friends if they came thither, met them with another Army at S. Albon: and betwixt them a doubtful and a bloody battle was fought, from which the Duke of Buckingham, and james Butler Earl of Ormond and of Wiltshire, fled: and Edmund Duke of Somerset, Henry the second Earl of Northumberland, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, son and heir to the Duke of Buckingham, john Lord Clifford, and more than eight thousand Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and common soldiers, were slain on the King's part, 
He is taken prisoner.  and the King himself was taken prisoner and brought to the Duke of York.  


The King is used reverently.  
A Parliament.  
The Duke of York is made Protector.   And albeit he might then have put him to death, and by that means might quietly have possessed himself of the Crown, yet because his rising in Arms pretended none other thing but the reforming of some great abuses in the Commonweal, he reverenced him with all duty, & brought him with great honour unto London, where he prayed him to assemble his high Court of Parliament; which he did, & by that great Counsel & honourable estate the Duke of York was made Protector of the King's royal person, and of his Realm, 

The Earl of Salisbury is made Chancellor.  
The Earl of Warwick is made Captain of Calais.  
Their good government.   the Earl of Salisbury was made Lord Chancellor of England, and his son the Earl of Warwick was made Captain of Calais.  
And thus all the regiment of the civil estate of this Commonweal was settled in those former two, and the disposing of warlike affairs and business was conferred on the third. In the administration of which Offices, they showed no injustice, used no bribery, oppressed no man, were indifferent to the poor and rich, and ordered all things in a most commendable and praiseful fashion, to the good contentment of most of the Nobility, Gentry, and Commons of this Realm.  
But Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, who in the battle at S. Albon had lost his eldest son; and Henry Beauford the new Duke of Somerset, who then also lost his father; with revengeful minds and enraged spirits informed the Queen, that this fair and glozing show was used but as a subtle mean to set the Crown of England upon the Duke of York's head: That the King's life and his sons was secretly conspired: That her unfortunate miseries approached near unto her: And that all would be stark nought, except the subtlety and cunning of those three Lords were wittily prevented, and their haughty and ambitious stomachs were with force and violence subdued and beaten down.  
Hereupon the Queen and they assembled a great Counsel at Greenwich, 
The Duke of York and the Earl of Salisbury are removed by the Queen Aspoile on the Merchant strangers in London.  by the authority whereof the Duke of York and the Earl of Salisbury were removed from their government. This sudden alteration bred many broils in the Commonweal. For the English Merchants in London perceiving that the Commonweals government was unsettled, quarreled with the Venetians and Italians who dwelled among them, and by their trading in merchandizing, and by their parsimony and sparing waxed rich, and deprived them of their chiefest means to live. Those strangers they rifled and rob: for which offence (not without much trouble and difficulty) the principal offenders were corrected or put to death.  
The Frenchmen also being divided into many warlike Fleets, landed, 

The Frenchmen land and burn.  
The Scots invade.  
They fly home.   rob and burnt some Frontier Towns within this Realm. And the Scots (being conducted by james their King) did much harm to the Duke of York's Countries in the North. Against whom the Duke himself marched with a brave Army. But the Scots (fearing the sequel of their unadvised invasion) suddenly fled, and returned into their own Country.  

The Queen dissembleth with the Yorkish Faction.  The Queen (who now ruled the King and almost all other things at her pleasure) could not be contented until the said three great Lords (either by strength or policy) were cut off: yet outwardly she seemed in some measure to affect them, and with her cheerful countenance and smoothing words she made them a little to be credulous of her love.  

A subtle policy, but discovered.  But to effect what earnestly she intended, she caused the King (for recreation, and for his health's sake) to make his progress towards the North, hunting, hawking, & using many other pastimes and delightful sports: in the midst of all which (pretending businesses of great import) she caused letters to be written to those three Lords, requiring them to come to a speedy conference with the King: whereupon those Lords (not suspecting any guileful treachery to be conspired against them) did as they were commanded, and were with all cheerful familiarity received by the King and Queen. But being secretly informed by their friends, that their destruction was near at hand, the Duke of York fled from thence into Wales, the Earl of Salisbury to his own Country, and his son (the Earl of Warwick) unto Calais: and yet by their daily messengers and letters sent mutually the one to the other. New projects were devised and put in practice shortly after.  
The King being advised by his Counsellors, that these mortal jars at home would incite his enemies abroad to attempt much mischief against him and his kingdom, 

The King laboureth for unity and peace.  
How both the Factions met at London.   endeavoured by gentle persuasions to reconcile his discontented Nobles, and to unite their hearts in true friendship and in love.  
For this purpose he appointed a general meeting of all his Lords at London, whither they resorted, but were attended on by multitudes of their menial servants, and by such as for that time were desirous and willing to strengthen them with their best service.  
The Lancastrian Faction lodged themselves in the Suburbs, and consulted daily what course was best for them to take. The Yorkish Confederates sojourned within the walls of the City, and met daily, and advised themselves how all things should be ordered in this business. But neither of the adverse parties came near unto the other. And the Citizens of London being Neuters, and fearing the event of blows, furnished every street with armed men both by day and night, to maintain and to preserve the King's peace.  
Thus whilst every hour bred much suspicion, and when jealousy among the Noblemen made the hearts of the Commons to be unstable; the Archbishop of Canterbury, and sundry other Clergymen (by fitting persuasions, and arguments of great force and consequence) so prevailed, that the King, the Queen, and all the Lords were pleased, 
A dissembled friendship.  in friendly and in kind sort to meet and to entertain each other; and all jars and discontented humours were outwardly in words, but not inwardly in heart reconciled: and instruments in writing (for future amity and love) were mutually subscribed, sealed, and delivered. And for the greater solemnity of this new friendship, a religious procession was made thorough the City of London; in which the King's head was adorned with the Imperial Crown, and whereon the Duke of York often times looked with a scornful eye. And one Lord of either Faction marched together hand in hand. The Duke of York lead the Queen, and with great familiarity and graceful honour seemed to be highly respected and esteemed by her. The King likewise rejoiced much at this Union: the Lords made shows of much applauding: and the multitude being ignorant that secret rancour was daubed over with counterfeited dissimulation, skipped, leapt, and gave great shouts for joy.  
But within few days after it happened, that upon a sudden debate and falling out betwixt one of the King's servants and a gentleman belonging to the Earl of Warwick, 
A dangerous affray.  an affray was made near unto the King's Court, in which the King's servant was grievously wounded, and the other fled. Hereupon the Yeomen of the King's Guard with Halberds and Swords, and the scullery with Spits and Forks, 
The E●rle of W●rwi●●e 〈◊〉 assaulted.  assaulted the Earl and his followers as he came from the Counsel Board to take his Barge. Betwixt them many a rude blow was given, much blood was shed, but no man slain. The Queen, who was forward to pick a quarrel to the Earl upon any small occasion, and knowing that in a whirrie he was passed into London, gave straight command for his apprehension and commitment to the Tower. But by reason that his secret friends had forewarned him to look unto himself, he posted with all expedition into Yorkshire, 
He posteth into Yorkshire.  where he discovered to his father and to the Duke of York, the great injury and wrong which was done unto him by the King's servants, and the intention of the Queen, notwithstanding the late reconcilement and friendship which was concluded with great protestations and much solemnity betwixt them.  
And lest some Carpet favourite might expulse him for his place of trust and Captainship of Calais, 
He saileth unto Calais.  he forthwith sailed thither: and assoon as he was gone, his father the Earl of Salisbury marched towards the King's Court with an Army of five thousand men, 
An Army raised.  to complain unto his Highness, not only of the violence and wrong which his menial servants had done unto his son, but also of the sugared and secret dissimulation of the Queen. But when the Queen had certain notice of his resolved purpose, she commanded the Lord Awdley to encounter him on his way with ten thousand men which she had levied: and peremptorily she required him to bring unto her the said Earl quick or dead. 
Bloarheath field.  Herself also with another Army came after him, and in Shropshire in Bloarheath the said Earl and the Lord Awdley met each other; where the one fought for honour, but the Earl for his life, neither of them intending to yield, or to step back. But at length the Earl & his followers (being in despair of good success, or pardon if they maintained not the encounter with bold hearts and strong arms) fought with such resolution and unconquerable stomachs, 
The Lord Awdley is overthrown by the Earl of Salisbury.  that the Lord Awdley, with four and twenty hundred of his soldiers and associates, were slain: the rest fled, and the Earl of Salisbury was Lord and master of the field.  
By these practices the Duke of York perceived plainly, that the lives of him and of his Complices were secretly hunted for: 
The Duke of York raiseth an Army, and claims the Crown.  and therefore he now determined no longer to hide and cover his purpose, as formerly he had done, but by arms in the open field to maintain his claim and title to the Crown. And therefore himself with the Earl of Salisbury marched into Wales, and thither the Earl of Warwick repaired to them, and brought with him for their assistance, Andrew Trollop and john Blunt, two of the most approved English Captains which then lived, and had been best exercised in the wars of France. And when they had plentifully increased their Army, partly in Wales and in the Marches thereof, and partly by such companies as resorted daily out of the North unto them, 
The King's army.  they set onwards, and came unto a little Town called Lud low, where the King and divers of his Nobility presented a strong Army to the view of the Yorkish Faction, so that they lay not far asunder that night. But in the evening the two brave Captains (Trollop and Blunt) surveying the King's forces, 
Andrew Trolop and john Blunt fly into the King's army, and discover all.  espied a certain way and means to endanger the King and all his; so that it was resolved by the Duke and Earls, that their advice & counsel should fiercely be executed the next morning before the King should be able to set his Army in a readiness to fight. But in the first watch those two Captains (making it a matter burdensome to their consciences, not only to fight against their Sovereign Lord and King, but also to betray him into the hands of his own subjects) secretly fled, and came unto the King, to whom they plainly discovered the project and the intention of his enemies, and advised him of the best and chiefest means, how not only they might be resisted, but driven to the worst. And for this service they were gently received, and pardoned, and rewarded by the King.  
The Duke and Earles being certified of their Revolts, began to be diffident of their good success: and not daring to set up their rest on the next days fight, they determined to expect another time, which might afford them more surety and better hopes. And taking advantage by the darkness of the night, 
The Lords fly in the night.  they departed from their Army into several places: for the Duke with his younger son Edmund Earl of Rutland, retired into Wales, and from thence they sailed into Ireland. The other two (with Edward Earl of March, eldest son to the Duke of York) came into Devonshire, and being safely shipped in Ex-mouth Haven, by the favour and procurement of a worthy Gentleman named john Dynham, they sailed to Calais, where (notwithstanding their misfortunes) they were received with much joy.  
The King (who rejoiced much at their departure) coasted the Countries with multitudes of Horsemen to overtake them: but all their labours were in vain. For the present fear which always remained with them, gave them wings to fly. He also pardoned the ordinary soldiers of the Yorkish Faction, which were forsaken by their chiefest guides, and as sheep were exposed to a slaughter. But their Captains who were delivered up into the King's hands, were executed in sundry places within this Realm.  
He also proclaimed the said Lords to be Arch-traitors to him and to his Kingdom, confiscated their goods, offices, 
The Lords are proclaimed Traitors.  and their lands, committed the government of the Northern parts to the Earl of Northumberland, & to the Lord Clifford, his trusty friends, and made Henry the young Duke of Somerset Captain and chief Commander of his Town and Castle of Calais, 

Henry Duke of Somerset is made Captain of Calais.  
He was coarsely entertained.   and of the Marches thereof; who sailing thither with a purpose to take possession of his new charge, and not suspecting that his enemies were there, was on his first arrival well beaten and battered with the great shot and ordinance which from the Castle played on him, and by those means he was compelled to retire and to keep off.  
The Queen having intelligence of this rude and unkind entertainment of her new Captain and great favourite, resolved to send unto him fresh and new supplies: for which purpose some ships of the Navy Royal were made ready within the Haven of Sandwich. 
john Dynham taketh some of the King's ships.  But the beforenamed john Dynham disposing himself to all services which might support the Yorkish Faction, and being furthered by the Mariners, who highly favoured and inwardly loved the young and lusty Prince Edward Earl of March, and being accompanied with many gallant spirits, and brave men, boarded the said ships as they lay there at anchor, took the Lord Rivers, who was appointed Admiral to conduct them, and carried him and those ships to Calais, from whence the Earl of Warwick sailed in them into Ireland, 
The Earl of Warwick saileth into Ireland.  and conferred largely with the Duke of York concerning those affairs. But in his return the Duke of Exeter being Admiral of the Seas, and having under his charge a warlike and a strong Fleet, making no doubt to have taken him, was much deceived: for his own Mariners more adhered to the Yorkish faction then to the Kings, and showed themselves to be exceeding cold and sparing in the performance of their duties, 
He returneth to Calais.  when need required their service; so that the Earl of Warwick returned back again safely unto Calais.  
And now the King upon good advice assembled his high Court of Parliament, 

A Parliament.  
Attainders for Treason. Preparations against the la●●ing of the Lords.   in which he caused all the Lords of the Yorkish Conspiracy to be attainted of High Treason. And lest this Realm might be disturbed by their invasion or secret entrance, divers Captains with their companies were lodged in all Towns and Ports which near adjoined to the Sea, and were the best likely places for their landing. Sir Simon Mountfort likewise, who was a right worthy and a valiant Knight, having under his charge divers of the King's ships, was appointed to keep and to defend the Cinque-ports.  
But nothing was done in the King's Chamber, or in any other place of greatest secrecy or counsel, whereof the said Earls had not certain and quick intelligence at Calais: wherefore they provided, furnished, and strongly manned such of the King's ships as formerly by the said john Dynham had been brought thither, 
The King's Fleet taken in Sandwich.  in which they sailed and safely arrived within the Haven of Sandwich, and suddenly they took Sir Simon Mountfort prisoner, vanquished the town, and carried away with them such of the King's ships as they found there. And having received good intelligence from their friends, that nothing was more expected than their return into England, 
The Lords do land at Sandwich.  they prepared for their journey, and arrived the second time at Sandwich, and were within few days assisted by the Lord Cobham, and by many Gentlemen and brave soldiers, insomuch that their Army consisted of more than five and twenty thousand men, with which they marched towards London. 
Their Army.  But the Lord Scales was sent against them with a small company to that City, to defend it, and to secure the King of the fidelity of the Inhabitants thereof when time should serve. But the Lord Maior refused to receive them, 
The Londoners refuse to receive the Lord Scales.  and told the Lord Scales that he was able enough (without his help or counsel) to keep that City, which by the King was committed unto his charge; whereat he was much displeased, and went to the Tower, from which he much wronged and damnified the inhabitants of London.  
The King, to defend himself, 
The King marcheth towards the Lords.  and to master his rebellious enemies, being accompanied with the Dukes of Somerset and of Buckingham, and many other Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and a strong Army, marched towards them. And though the King himself (for necessities sake) was personally present, yet his mind and cogitations were more religiously bend to his prayers, and his desires affected nothing more than quietness and peace.  
But the Queen (whose heart was manly, 
The Queen encourageth and threateneth.  and whose anger threatened death) with soldier-like terms and speeches cheered up her followers, debased their enemies, promised rewards if they deserved well, and the severest of all punishments to such as fled.  
At length near unto the Town of Northampton the two Armies met: the Earl of March being very frolic, 
The Armies do meet. The battle of Northampton.  and in the heat and flower of his youth, by the advice and counsel of the Earl of Warwick, ordered his Army for the battle. The Queen and her adherents did the like.  
The fight quickly began, and fiercely continued somewhat more than two hours: but at length the Earls became victors, 
The King is overthrown. Ten thousand men slain. Slaughter.  slew more than ten thousand men on the king's part, among which were Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, john Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie, Thomas Lord Egremont, john Viscount Beamond, and many others.  
The Queen, with the Duke of Somerset and divers others, 
Flight.  taking with them the young Prince, fled into the Bishopric of Durham, where they hoped to raise a new Army, or resolved (in default thereof) to go into Scotland, and to remain there until fortune and their friends should enable them to recover what they had lost. 

The King taken prisoner.  
The Tower is delivered to the Lords.    
The King (who was left behind) was taken prisoner, and conveyed by the Earls with great pomp and much honour, unto London, and at their coming thither the Tower was delivered into their possession by the soldiers, against the liking and good will of the Lord Scales, who attempted to fly from thence disguised in a Whirrie. But being discovered by the watermen, he was by them taken, 

The Lord Scales beheaded by the watermen.  
Tho. Thorpe taken and imprisoned. The Duke of York cometh into England. A Parliament.  
What the Duke of York did and said in the Parliament house. The Duke of York's title.   and made shorter by the head, and his body was negligently left upon the sands. And Thomas Thorpe, the second Baron of the Exchequer, who mortally hated the house of York, purposing in the habit of a Monk with a shaven Crown, to fly unto the Queen, was taken, and brought to the Earl of Warwick, who sent him to the Tower, where he remained long after.  
The Duke of York being speedily informed of this victory, left Ireland, and came to London, and procured a Parliament to be assembled in the King's name: and in the presence of all the Lords in the Upper House, he sat himself down in the Imperial Seat, and in an eloquent and powerful Oration he discovered to the Nobles his rightful claim and title to the Crown; he being the son and heir of Anne the daughter and heir of Roger Mortimer Earl of March, son and heir to Philip the sole daughter and heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence, the third son of King Edward the Third, and elder brother to john of Gaunt, who was father to the Usurper King Henry the Fourth, who was father to King Henry the Fifth, who was father to the King who was untruly named King Henry the Sixth.  

England's plagues.  He also related unto them, that because God blessed not his unlawful government, therefore the Commonweal of England had been plagued with many mischiefs: As first, by the murdering and by the executing of many honourable and great Lords. Secondly, by the slaughter of thousands of the common people in France, Normandy, and elsewhere. Thirdly, by civil and bloody wars at home. Fourthly, by the loss of all Territories beyond the Sea belonging to the Crown of England, excepting Calais and the Marches thereof. Fifthly, by sudden incursions made by the Frenchmen and by the Scots. And lastly, by all manner of violence, 
1460.  extortion, and oppression practised upon the poorer sort. And in his conclusion he craved no favour, unless that justice gave them warrant; 
The title to the Crown settled by act of Parliament.  nor quiet possession of the Crown, except they found his descent and title to be infallibly true.  
When the Lords and the Commons there assembled had with mature deliberation and good advice debated sound of this important business, it was by them all enacted, that King Henry should so long as he lived retain the name and honour of a King, and that the Duke of York should be proclaimed to be the heir apparent of the Crown, and should be the Lord Protector both of the King's person, and also of his dominions and countries; and that the said Duke should have the present possession of the Crown of this Realm delivered unto him, if at any time King Henry or his friends, allies, or favourites, in his behalf attempted the infringing of the said Acts, which were agreed and confirmed by their oaths.  
The Duke of York having by these means gotten the government of the King's person, and of all his dominions into his hands, 
The Lords in Scotland refuse to come to the Duke of York.  dispatched his letters into Scotland in the King's name, requiring the Queen, the Dukes of Somerset and of Exeter, the Earl of Demonshire, the Lords Clifford and Rosse, and such other great men as were fled, and remained in that Kingdom, to repair with all expedition to the King's presence. 
They come on with a great Army.  But they all not only refused to obey this peremptory command, but with an Army of eighteen thousand Englishmen & Scots they marched boldly towards the King's Court.  
Whereupon the Duke of York, with his younger son the Earl of Rutland, and the Earl of Salisbury, leaving the King in the custody of the Duke of Norfolk, and of the Earl of Warwick, and being accompanied with no more than five thousand men, directed his journey towards the Queen, 

They are encountered.  
The battle of Wakefield. Haste made waste.  
The Duke of York overthrown and slain.  
A bloody fact.   and met her near to the Town of Wakefield, where no persuasions or good advice could prevail, but the Duke of York, who every hour expected the approach of Edward Earl of March, his eldest son, with a strong Army, would forth with fight; which unfortunately he did: for in lesser time than the space of one hour, himself, with almost three thousand of his company were slain; and his younger son, Edmund Earl of Rutland, being but twelve years old, kneeling upon his knees, and desiring mercy, was cruelly and wickedly stabbed to the heart by the Lord Clifford, who horribly did swear, that by that act he would be revenged for his father's death. And the rest of that small Army being discomforted, confusedly ran away and saved themselves by flight.  
The Queen, who had taken the Earl of Salisbury prisoner, caused his head to be stricken off, and executed many others, 
The Earl of Salisbury beheaded.  all whose heads (to despite the Yorkish Faction) she caused to be set upon the walls of the City of York. Which revengeful deed not long after was requited by the ruin and destruction of the King, the Queen, the young Prince, and of the greater number of such as favoured and assisted the house of Lancaster, and opposed themselves against the rightful and just claim of the Duke of York, as hereafter we shall hear.  
The new and brave Duke of York being informed of this overthrow, 
The new Duke of York's victory.  and of his father's death, augmented his Army, which was but small, and consisted only of three thousand men, with which he fought with the King's half-brother jasper Earl of Pembroke, Owen Tuthar his father, james Butler Earl of Ormond and of Wiltshire, and their companies. And almost at their first encounter those two Earls fled, four thousand of their friends were slain, many others were taken prisoners, 

Owen Tuthar beheaded.  
The Queen's Army prevailed.  
The King is enlarged.   and among them Owen Tuthar (father in law to King Henry) was one, who with some others were incontinently put to death. But the Queen's Army near about that time having fought with the Duke of Norfolk and all his forces, compelled them to fly, & to leave King Henry behind them, whereat she conceived much joy.  
This victory at the first made her insolent and proud: but when she understood how well the young Duke of York had prevailed, and that his Army was now winged with the Earl of Warwick's Regiments and Companies, she with her adherents retired back into the Northern parts of this Realm, and raised a huge Army of threescore thousand men: 

The Queen's Army of 60000. men.  
The Duke of York's Army of 49000. men.  
Towton field. 36000. Englishmen slain.  
The Duke's victory.   and near unto a Town called Towton, Edward Duke of York, the noble and victorious Richard Earl of Warwick, and almost nine and forty thousand men, met with the Queen's Army, where they fought a cruel and a fierce battle, in which more than six and thirty thousand Englishmen were slain; among which were the Earls of Northumberland and of Westmoreland, the Lords Dacres, Welles, and Clifford, Sir john Nevil, Andrew Trollop, and many others. The two Dukes of Somerset and of Exeter saved themselves by flight: but the Earl of Devonshire with sundry more were taken prisoners.  
The King and the Queen, with Prince Edward their only son, fled to the Castle of Berwick, and from thence into Scotland, where they were courteously received and friendly entertained by the young King.  
In recompense of which favours, and in hope of future assistance, 
Berwick delivered to the King of Scots.  King Henry delivered unto him the Castle and Town of Berwick, which the Scots not only much desired, but with exceeding great loss and detriment had oftentimes (but still in vain) attempted to make their own.  
This victory being thus happily obtained, the Duke of York rod triumphantly to the City of York, from whose walls he took the heads of his deceased father, and of his friends: and causing the Earl of Devonshire and some others to be executed, 
Execution.  he set up their heads in the same places.  
King Henry being hopeless of all other help and assistance, 
The Duke of York cometh triumphantly into London.  sent the Queen his wife, and the young Prince their son, to her father Reyner, the titulary King of Sicilia, Naples, and of jerusalem, praying to use his best endeavours and diligence to procure him aid and secure from the French King. And in the mean time he himself remained in Scotland, patiently expecting the event of his future Fortunes.   

THE HISTORY OF KING EDWARD THE FOURTH.  
EDWARD Duke of York having overthrown the King & Queen, and having slain and executed many of his greatest enemies at Towton Field, 
Edward the Fourth proclaimed and crowned King.  returned triumphantly to the City of London, and was proclaimed King of this Realm the fourth day of March, and was crowned the nineteenth day of june than next following.  
In the beginning of his Reign he removed from all Offices all such as were voiced to be the oppressors of his people, and carefully provided that all things might be ordered well for their commodity and profit. And in his high Court of Parliament many things were established and enacted for the peace and welfare of the Commonweal. 
A Parliament.  And all former Statutes which had been made by the last King, 
Acts for treasons repealed.  and convicted him and his adherents of High Treason, were defaced, canceled, and made void. The Earl of Oxford, and Sir Awbrey Vere his son, and some other Counsellors to King Henry the Sixth, 
Execution.  being attainted of sundry treasonable practices, lost their heads.  
And to strengthen his part with powerful and with faithful friends, he created his two brothers, George, Duke of Clarence, 
Lords created.  and Richard, Duke of Gloucester: and Sir john Nevil, brother to the Earl of Warwick, he created Lord Montacute: and Henry Bourchier (who had married the Lady Elizabeth, Aunt unto the King, and was brother unto Thomas Bourchier Archbishop of Canterbury) was created Earl of Essex: and William Lord Fawconbridge was made Earl of Kent.  
The Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralphe Percy, and divers others, being the King's inveterated enemies, perceiving this settlement of the State, 
Some of the King's enemies submit themselves, but afterwards do revolt.  and finding no hope for relief, but only in the King's grace and mercy, voluntarily and humbly submitted themselves to his Highness; whereupon they received his pardon, and were entertained with his love. Queen Margaret (who with the Prince her son was abiding in France) by her father's means procured from the French King certain ships, and an aid of five hundred men, 
The Queen landeth, and flieth into Scotland.  with which she arrived safely in England at Tyne in the North Country. But her success was unfortunate: for by the King's friends four hundred of them were taken prisoners, and ransomed, and the rest were slain: and the Queen herself fled, and with much difficulty went into Scotland, where she found such favour and such friendship, that many a lusty Scot accompanied her, the King, and the Prince their son, to the Castle of Berwick, where she left her son, 
The Queen raiseth a new Army.  and with the King began once more to levy a strong Army in Northumberland, and in the Bishopric of Durham; whereof when the Kings reconciled enemies, the Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralphe Percy, and some others had intelligence, they treacherously slunk away, and came unto the Queen's aid.  
Now when King Edward perceived, that neither his estate nor his succession could be established without blood, 
The King's resolution.  he sent a gallant and a strong Fleet of ships well furnished into the Northern Seas: and raising a puissant Army, he sent the Lord Montacute with some part thereof before him, and with the rest he himself speedily followed after. 
The Lord. Montacutes brave victory  The said Lord boldly seeking adventures, and longing much to make himself famous by his valour, courageously did set upon the Lords Hungerford and Roos, and upon Sir Ralphe Percy and their troops. These Nobles (in the beginning of the fight) fearing their own shadows, quickly ran away: but Sir Ralphe Percy and some others (preferring an honourable death before a cowardly and a shameful flight) disdained to turn their backs, 
The Lord Montacute sette●● on the Queen's Army.  fought stoutly, and were slain like valiant men of war.  
From this victory the Lord Montacute (with much confidence and true magnanimity) marched towards the King and Queen's Army, 
Exhamf●●ld.  and met with them in Exhamshire. Many provocations he used to dare them to the fight, whereof they seemed to take no notice: whereupon he furiously pressed them in their own Camp, so that despair depriving them of all good hope, except they fought like men, they confronted their assailants with such courage, that nothing (for a while) was more uncertain, then unto whom the honour and victory of that day would fall. But in the end the Lord Montacute determining to enlarge his fame with the hazard of his life, before King Edward should enter into the field to secure him, rushed with such violence into the King's battle, that he disordered it wholly in a moment.  
Then blows were exchanged (with desperate resolution) on both sides; and either party fought in blood. 
The King and Queen are overthrown. Great Prisoners taken.  But in the end the King's Army was discomforted and overthrown, and such as were unslain, fled. But in the pursuit there were taken these prisoners, Henry Duke of Somerset, William Taylboys (who enstiled himself Earl of Kent) the Lords Roos, Molynes, and Hungerford, Sir Henry Nevil, Sir Thomas Wentworth, and Sir Richard Tunstal: all which were beheaded in sundry places, 
A terrible execution.  and seven and twenty others suffered the like executions shortly after. But King Henry with fast riding escaped into Scotland: so did his half-brother jasper Earl of Pembroke, Sir Ralphe Grey, and some others. And King Edward when he came forth with his Army, and understood perfectly what was done, humbly thanked Almighty God, and then praised the Lord Montacute and all his followers for this honourable and great victory: and with part of his Army he sent the Earl of Warwick and the Lords Montacute, Fawconbridge, 
An Army sent into the North.  and Scrope into Northumberland, for the recovery of such Forts and Castles as were detained and kept from him: where they won the Castles of Alnewike and Dunstanburgh, with the Castle of Bambrough, in which was Captain Sir Ralphe Grey, who had formerly sworn his service to King Edward. Him they beheaded, 
Sir Ralphe Grey degraded and executed.  when they had degraded him from the honour of Knighthood, by hewing off his spurs, renting in pieces of his Coat of Arms, and breaking his sword over his head. The King, to despite the Earl of Northumberland, who fought against him, dignified the Lord Montacute with his Title, and gave the Earldom of Pembroke from jasper Tuther unto William Lord Harbert. But within few days after, the said late Earl of Northumberland in all submissive manner reconciled himself to the King's favour, and was by him restored to his possessions and estate. And lest he should disgrace and wrong the Lord Montacute, by taking from him so quickly that dignity which so lately for his great service he had bestowed on him, he created him marquess Montacute, 
The Lord Montacute is created marquess Montacute.  and gave him full contentment in that behalf.  
After this victory was thus obtained, the King bestowed many rich and princely gifts upon his Lords and Gentlemen, which served him faithfully and valiantly in his wars: and with such familiarity and kindness demeaned himself among them, that they were confidently assured of his love. 

Captains and soldiers rewarded.  
The King's care of his Commonweal.  
He pardoneth offenders.  
He fortifieth.   He also shared and divided the lands and goods of his slain enemies among his soldiers, and won their hearts by his great bounty. He augmented some of his coins of silver, and of gold; and with new stamps and inscriptions he minted others. He published sundry projects, and effected them for the commodity and welfare of his people. He pardoned such as had borne arms against him in the field, or elsewhere, upon their humble submission and contrition for their offence. He builded strong Forts, Castles, Rampires, and Bulwarks, upon the Sea-coasts, to prohibit his enemies landing within this Kingdom. And on the main land he did the like, to hinder all traitorous Rebels from collecting of new forces to do him harm.  
And whilst King Edward was thus disposing of his affairs, and ordering the businesses of the Commonweal, 
King Henry is taken and imprisoned.  King Henry, who in a disguised fashion (for some secret purpose) was traveling towards London, was taken in the North, and brought unto King Edward, who committed him to a straight imprisonment within the Tower of London. And when he had settled and ordered his estate and kingdom, 
The King intendeth torment.  because he was young and lusty, about the age of four and twenty years, he was entreated by his Counsel and Nobility, to consider of his succession, and to take a wife, whereunto he willingly gave consent. There were nominated unto him the Lady Margaret, sister to the King of Scots, and Elizabeth the sister and heir apparent to Henry King of Castille. But the former of those two was thought to be unfit, because she was continually diseased and infirm. The latter also was not liked, because she was not seven years old. But the Lady Bona, daughter to Lewis. Duke of Savoy, and sister to Queen Carlot, the wife of King Lewis the eleventh of France, was most of all desired. And for that purpose the King's best friend, 
The Earl of Warwick obtaineth the Duke of Savoy's daughter.  Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, was sent Ambassador into France, with an honourable train, where (in the behalf of the King) he won his suit, and with much joy on all parts obtained his request. But in his absence, the King (as he hunted in Wichwood near to Stony-Stratford) came (for his repose) into the Lordship and Manor of Grafton, where the Lady jaquet (daughter to Peter of Luxenburgh, late Earl of S. Paul, and sometimes the widow of john the renowned Duke of Bedford, and wife to Sir Richard Woodvile Lord Rivers) then lay: upon whom there attended her daughter, the fair and fresh Lady Elizabeth, the widow of Sir john Grey, who was slain as he fought for King Henry at S. Albon in the last year of his reign. 
The King in his absence marrieth the Lady Elizabeth Grey.  This Lady was on the sudden so liked, so loved, so fawned and doted on by the lusty and young King, that (for dalliance sake) he resolved to make her his wanton playfellow if he might. But her constant modesty and amorous denials repulsing him from his unchaste hopes, he (to obtain the fruits of his desires) without any further delay, advice, or counsel, took her to his wife; and created the Lord Rivers, 
Creation of Lords.  her father, Earl Rivers, and made him high Constable of England. Her brother Anthony (whom he had made Lord Anthony) was by his procurement married to the sole and only daughter and heir of Thomas Lord Scales, and was in her right dignified with that honour. Her son, Sir Thomas Grey, was created marquess Dorset, and was (by the King's motion) married to the Lady Cicilia, the only daughter and heir to the Lord Bonuyle and of Harrington.  
And though this his marriage with the Queen were pleasing for a time, yet was it most unhappy and unfortunate in the end. 
Evil effects of the King's marriage.  For it occasioned his expulsion out of this Realm. Secondly, the deaths of his true friend Richard the most eminent and valorous Earl of Warwick, and of the marquess Montacute, his brother. Thirdly, the slaughter and execution, and the murdering of many Nobles, Gentlemen, and brave soldiers. Fourthly, the destruction of the Kings two sons, and almost the utter ruin and destruction of the Queen's kindred, and of her blood, as hereafter in this History it shall appear.  
When the sudden news of King Edward's hasty marriage was published in France, 
1464. 4  every person whom it concerned was highly displeased at this frump which thereby he gave to his worthiest and dearest friend the Earl of Warwick: 
The Earl of Warwick hateth the King.  and the Earl himself (by reason thereof) conceived such an inward hatred against the King, that in his heart he resolved (when time should serve) to depose him if he might: yet notwithstanding he made fair weather, 
He dissembleth for a time.  and at his return seemed rather to make sport at his own disgrace, then to take any discontented notice of it.  
The King also (who chief by this Earl was seated and settled in his Throne) endeavoured secretly to abridge him of his authority and power, because he feared lest his greatness might do him harm. And the Earl, although he stayed a while at the Court after his return out of France, yet as long as he remained there, he imagined that he stood on thorns. Wherefore he asked leave of the King to departed unto his Castle of Warwick for his repose, and for recreations sake: But being come thither, his head was busied with new projects, and all his thoughts were employed, how, and by what means he might subdue and depose the King. 
The Lady Elizabeth borne.  And at this time was borne the Lady Elizabeth: who was afterwards the wife of King Henry the seventh, and mother unto king Henry the eight.  
The King (purposing to gain the love of foreign Princes, that by means thereof, he might with the more security defend himself against Lewis the French King, 
A truce with the Scots.  who threatened to be revenged for the injury which by King Edward's marriage was done to him, and to the sister of his Queen) concluded a Truce for fifteen years with the King of Scots: Notwithstanding that (by the delivery of the Queen Margaret) he detained from him his strong Castle of Berwick. He also sent unto Henry King of Castiell, and unto john King of Arragon many Cotsall Sheep, 
English sheep sent to the Kings of Castiell, and of Arragon.  which never before upon any entreaty, or request, they, nor any other Prince could obtain. From which Sheep, such a multitude have increased, that it hath since turned to the unspeakable prejudice, and hurt of this kingdom and Commonweal.  
The King also (contrary to the opinion, and good liking of the Earl of Warwick) contracted and afterwards married his Sister the Lady Margaret unto Charles the Duke of Burgoine, 
The Duke of Burgoine marrieth the King's Sister.  as formerly he had done two other of his Sisters, to the Dukes of Exeter and of Suffolk. The Earl of Warwick (who secretly thirsted for revenge; and thought the time to be long before he had restored king Henry the sixth to his liberty, and Crown) by fair promises, and insinuating persuasions, won his two brothers, the Archbishop of York, 
The Marquis of Montacute, was still a secret friend to king Edward.  and the Marquis Montacute, to take his part. But the Marquis (who was exceeding hardly induced to give his consent to so ill an intended action) performed all things with an unwilling mind: which in the end turned to his own ruin, and to the destruction of his brethren. The Earl likewise (being right well assured, that the King's brother George Duke of Clarence secretly envied the King, because he had preferred Anthony the Queen's brother in marriage with the sole daughter and heir of the Lord Scales; 
The Duke of Clarence joineth with the Earl of Warwick against his brother the King.  and Sir Thomas Grace her Son, in marriage with the sole daughter and heir of the Lord Bonuile and Harrington; and the Lord Hastings, to the sole daughter and heir of the Lord Hongerford; & was careless of his advancement by such a match) watched a fit opportunity to complain to the Duke of Clarence of the King's sullen ungratefulness towards him. Why, quoth the Duke, can you (my Lord) think that the King will be thankful to his friend, who is too too unkind to his own brethren? Think you that friendship or good deserts, can work in him more virtuous effects, than nature hath afforded him? Is he not now so highly mounted, that he vouchsafeth not to cast down an eye upon such as are of his own blood? Nay, who lay in his own Mother's womb? Are not the allies and kinsfolks of his Wife preferred by him to all Promotions, Dignities, Offices and good places? And are not his own brothers, and his truest friends (who have fought in many assaults, skirmishes and battles, to make him a Sovereign King) neglected? unrewarded? and uncourteously shaken off? Were my brother of Gloucester of mine humour and disposition (my Lord) we would (with your assistance and aid) make him to know himself better, and to set a difference betwixt his ancient and truly dignified Nobility, and such new Gentlemen, as unworthily do rule and govern all, to our dishonour and reproach.  
The Earl of Warwick (finding the Duke of Clarence thus tractable; 
The plot is strengthened by a marriage.  and inclining to his humour) consulted with him oftentimes, touching this business. And to tie him unto himself by a fast bond of friendship and of love, He offered to him in marriage one of his daughters, who was named Isabel, with half the inheritance of his wife. Whereof the Duke in all kindly and friendly sort accepted.  
And thereupon the plot was contrived thus. 
The plot against King Edward.  The Earl himself, with the Duke of Clarence would go unto Calais, where the young Lady (who was there) should be married. And (in their absence) as if it happened without their knowledge or consent; the Earls two brothers, the Archbishop of York, and the Marquis Montacute, were appointed with their friends, to raise a Rebellion in the County of York. And this project was put into Execution in this manner.  
The Husbandmen of Yorkshire (by an ancient custom) in the end of Harvest, 
The cause of the Rebellion  used yearly to give a certain quantity of Corn and Graine, towards the maintenance and relief of divers poor people, who lived in the Hospital of Saint Leonard within the City of York. Now, the Earl's friends, scandalously, and falsely reported in the Country thereabout: That the said poor people were not relieved by the said Alms, but that the Governor and Priests of the said Hospital, enriched and fatted themselves therewith. So (when the Proctors, according to their wont fashion, came abroad, to collect the people's devotion in that kind, they were shrewdly beaten by the Rustics; and misused beyond measure. Hereupon, many Religious and well disposed people took part with the Proctors; and with rough words and some blows, they requited the injury which was done unto them. From this beginning, sprang forth a dangerous Insurrection: So that (within few days) there were up in Arms, more than fifteen thousand men. 
This was done by him, in favour of the King: as it seems afterwards.  Who (with their ringleaders) came proudly before the City of York, and (with uncivil and rude terms) they threatened the ruin and destruction of it. But (in the darkness of the night) the Marquis Montacute, being accompanied with many lusty and brave men, set upon the Rebels, slew many hundreds of them: and struck off the captains head; and strongly fortified that City.  
When the King (who was truly informed of this Rebellion) was told this news, he rested doubtful whether his old friend the Marquis had done this service, to make an amends for his revolt, 
Sir john Conyers captain of the Rebels.  or else to colour his ill intendments thereby. The Rebels (who still increased) perceiving that they should lose their labour to linger about the Town, left the City, and marched towards London, being then conducted by Sir john Conyors, a worthy and a valiant Knight.  
The King (being hereof advertised) commanded the Lord William Herbert Earl of Pembroke, and Humphrey Lord Stafford of Southweeke (who was nominated in hope of future good service, but not indeed created, Earl of Devonshire) to levy a strong power in Wales, and with all expedition to fight with the Rebels: And he himself promised to assist them with a fair Army.  

The Lord Stafford overthrown.  These Lords, with eight or nine thousand men, right well ordered and appointed, marched towards these Rebels: And (as they drew near to Northampton) they understood that they were not far off. Whereupon the Lord Stafford, and Sir Richard Herbert (a valiant Knight, and brother to the Earl of Pembroke) taking with them out of the whole Army, two thousand strong & skilful Archers, plotted a secret Ambush, to take a view of the Northern Rebels as they passed by, but as soon as they were gone beyond them, these Archers rushed violently upon their Rearward. But the Rebels (who were nimble, and well ordered by their careful General) turned about, stuck to their tackle, and with their greater numbers, slew most of those Welshmen, and the rest fled hastily to their own Campe.  

An unfortunate dissension  And the next night by reason of an unkind division which happened betwixt the Lord Stafford and the Earl of Pembroke, who at Banburie removed him from a common Inn, where he used to lodge with an unchaste Quean, the Lord Stafford with his Archers departed from the Army, and left them to their fortunes among their foes.  
This froward slinking away nothing at all dismayed the noble Earl, though (as he had just cause) he were much displeased thereat: 
Banburie field.  but made him to resolve with the more alacrity and courage to set upon the Rebels, with whom he fought the next day, and with his Welshmen saw many tokens of victory near at hand.  
But suddenly a Gentleman named john Clapham, and servant to the Earl of Warwick, having his master's Banner with the white Bear, trooped towards the battle with five hundred men, who were by him collected of the off-skumme of the rascal and basest sort of the inhabitants of the Town of Northampton, and of the villages thereabout. All these presenting themselves afar off, and advancing their Standard, and crying, A Warwick, A Warwick, 
A policy.  so incredibly daunted and confounded the Welshmen, who supposed that the Earl of Warwick was come thither with another Army, 
The King's forces are overthrown. 5000. men slain.  that they began to fly, and were on the sudden overthrown, and more than five thousand of them were slain. And Sir Richard Harbert and eight others being taken prisoners, were beheaded at Banburie by the Rebels.  
This fortunate success animated sundry lewd and ill disposed people of Northamptonshire to enter into new broils, insomuch that they (making a notorious Rascal, named Robin of Riddisdale, 
The Queen's father is beheaded by the Rebels  their Captain) entered into the Manor of Grafton, where they apprehended the Earl Rivers, whom they loved not, and Sir john his son, carried them to Northampton, and without questioning with them, or any legal proceeding, smote off their heads. 

The Lord Stafford beheaded. The King marcheth towards the Rebels.  
The Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick do some with the Rebels.   And the Lord Stafford, being by the King's directions taken at Brentmarsh in Somersetshire, was carried to Bridgewater, and was there executed, because he treacherously departed with his companies from the Earl of Pembroke, as formerly we have heard.  
The King (notwithstanding these troubles) was so full of courage and heroical magnanimity, that he was not any thing at all dismayed with any cross or ill news, but marched confidently with his Army against the Northern Rebels, to whom the Earl of Warwick had joined himself with a great power; and likewise the Duke of Clarence brought all his forces to the Earl: so that now a fearful expectation of unchristian cruelty disquieted the vast and great body of the Commonweal. But to prevent that mischief, many of the Nobility endeavoured day, and night, to mediate, 
A parley for peace.  and to conclude a Peace: so that Letters were written from the one part, to the other: Heralds of Arms were sent, and the word of Peace was so pleasing to them all, that every circumstance seemed to give warrant that all things should be qualified, and set in tune.  


This parley made the King too secure.  
The King is taken in his Bed.   By means of this parley, King Edward became more careless of himself, and of his charge then was fitting. Whereof, when the Earl of Warwick was informed; he resolved (though disloyally, and dishonestly) to make an advantage thereby unto himself: so that in the midst of the Night, when security suspected none evil, the said Earl, being accompanied with many of his friends, well armed, and thoroughly appointed, rushed into the King's Camp, slew his Watches, 
He is sent Prisoner to the Archbishop of York.  and took him in his Bed, and (as secretly as he could) he sent him as a Prisoner to the Castle of Middleham in Yorkshire, there to be safely kept by the Archbishop his brother; who either repenting what he had done against the King, or being won by large promises of great favour, and good rewards, suffered him (with his Garders) to hunt and to hawk at his pleasure. 
The King escapeth.  By means whereof, fit opportunity for a rescue was given to Sir William Stanley, Sir Thomas Burgh, and some others of his faithful friends, who not only did set him free, but also by their careful help, 
The King cometh to London.  and assistance, conveyed him from place to place, until the Earl of Warwick was certainly informed, that he was within the City of London.  
This his deliverance much encumbered the said Earl, the Duke of Clarence and their Confederates, with new troubles, and daily consultations, what course was fittest for them to take. For they had dissolved their Army, and permitted the kings to departed from them untouched, when he was taken, supposing that by his Captivity there had been a final end of all those Civil wars.  
But at length, they resolved to raise another Army under colour of some Rebellion in the North, and the King (on his part) was determined by one means or other, to make them better minded, and more dutiful: or else to root them and their Posterity out of the Land.  
Thus, whilst all things were in a Combustion, and nothing but Civil war was threatened in every place: The Common Laws were neglected, justice was laid a sleep, Robberies and oppressions were too too rife: and open violence (without correction) was practised upon the weaker sort. The Lords and Great men of the Land, once more endeavoured to prevent this future mischief: and and upon solemn oaths received for a quiet and friendly interview, 
An interview.  the King and the confederated Lords met kindly in the great Hall at Westminster, where the objections of good deserts and of unthankful requitals, were with such proud and bitter words repeated, and maintained by the Earl of Warwick, that in a great fury they all departed one from another. 
The parley broken off. An Army raised by the Lords.  Whereupon the King went to Canterbury, and the confederated Lords into Lincolnshire, where they raised an Army, of which they made Captain Sir Robert Welles, son and heir apparent to the Lord Welles, because he was a man right valiant, and of good direction and judgement in the Art of war. 
An Army raised by the King.  The King (who was inwardly vexed with this new preparation) was by necessity enforced to levy another Army; which when he had done, he sent for the Lord Welles, who with his brother in law Sir Thomas Dymocke, coming towards the King, took Sanctuary at Westminster, because their hearts failed them to go forward, 
A cru●●l aced  for that they heard that the King was exceeding angry. But upon the King's solemn word and promise that no wrong should be done unto them, they came into his presence, and were by him required to command the Knight to desist from his rebellious purpose, and to repair to the King's Army for his service: and they accordingly took much pain and travel to that purpose. But as the King marched forth towards the Rebels, he was informed, that the said Sir Robert Welles was resolved to persevere in that action: whereat the King was so exceedingly enraged, and so forgetful of his princely promise, that in his unadvised fury he caused the heads of the said Lord & Knight to be smitten off; for which cruelty he was evilly spoken of by many Nobles and inferior men, who otherwise wished him good success in all his affairs and actions.  
When both these Armies had pitched themselves near to each other, 
The battle of 〈◊〉  Sir Robert wills for a while doubted whether he should begin the fight, or stay till the repair of the confederated Lords, who were within a days journey of him with an Army. But in the end, deep hatred to revenge his Fathers and his uncles deaths, and an ardent desire which inflamed his heart, with a small number to win much honour, bred in him a constant resolution to begin the fight; which forthwith he did, and for a long time maintained it with great discretion and true valour. But the King's numbers being far the greater, so tired out the Rebels by their fresh supplies, that they began to fly, and the King by violent pursuit followed after, until he clearly won the honour of that day. 
The Rebels overthrown.  This meeting was called the battle of Loose-coats, because the Rebels threw off their coats, that they might thereby make themselves more active and more nimble to run away. In this battle were slain above 10000 men. 
10000 men slain. Execution.  And Sir Robert Welles, with some others of good account, being taken prisoners, lost their heads.  
The Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick being informed of this mishap, although they were guarded with a huge Army of desperate and wilful people, yet fearing left this overthrow would make them fainthearted, 
Clarence and Warwick d●e fly from their Army, and come before Calais.  mutable, and unconstant, they left their charge, and secretly fled to the City of Exeter, and from thence to Dartmouth, where they shipped themselves, and came before Calais with their friends. The King was much grieved, because they had not been slain, or taken; but especially the safety of the Earl of Warwick perplexed his mind, because he knew him to be exceeding gracious and in much favour with the common people, 
Warwick is exceedingly believed by the common people.  who indeed were persuaded, that the Sun shined not clear any where, but where he was; and that they could not miscarry in any danger if he himself were present.  
Now to prevent his future landing in England with a foreign power, the King by his letters entreated his brother in law Charles Duke of Burgoine, to prohibit his subjects and his friends from giving to the said Earl any aid, 
Warwick is envied by the Duke of Burgoine.  help or succour, and with a Navy to surprise him. The Duke willingly consented to the King's request: First, because the said Earl opposed himself against his marriage with the Lady Margaret the King's sister. Secondly, because the said Earl loved Lewis the French King, whom the Duke mortally hated. And lastly, because the Earl was so generally beloved of the English Nation, that when he was at home, he clipped the wings of the King's authority in his own Kingdom.  
When the Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick came before Calais, 

Clarence and Warwick ●eatea●●●● at Calais.  
The Duchess delivered 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 the 〈…〉.  
M●nsieur de Vawcler made Captain of Calais.  
A pe●●i●n is given him.   having their wives and many other Ladies and Gentlewomen with them, in stead of friendly entertainment, the Earls unkind Deputy, Monsieur de Vawcler, kept their ships off with the great Ordinance of the Castle. And though the Duchess was in ship board delivered of a son, yet would he not permit that it should be landed or Christened there; neither would he afford any thing needful and necessary in that extremity to the said distressed Lady. The King took so much joy to hear of this good news, that forthwith by his Letters Patents, he granted the chief Captainship of that place to the said Deputy. And the Duke of Burgoine so thanked him that he gave him an yearly pension of one thousand Crowns. Yet for all this, Monsieur de Vawcler was so uncertain in all his dealings towards the King, that he advised the said Earl to direct his course to the King of France, and promised to yeeeld unto him a good account for Calais, when time and opportunity should it require. This counsel gave some hope and contentment to the Earl, who intending to do as he directed, launched his ships into the sea, 

The Earl of Warwick taketh the Duke of Burgoines subjects at Sea.  
The French King is gracious to the Lords.   where he met with divers of the Duke of Burgoines subjects, fully loaden with great variety of rich merchandises of all sorts, all which he rifled and took away, and landed at the Town of Deep: and from thence (by the French Kings invitation) they came to the Castle of Amboys, which standeth upon the river of Loyer, where he met them, received them cheerfully, feasted them with great bounty, supplied their present wants, and faithfully promised to aid and to assist them (when time should serve) with his best means: all which he did, not in regard of any grounded love towards them, but because he knew that they were enemies to his enemies, King Edward & the Duke of Burgoine. Queen Margaret and Prince Edward her son, together with jasper sometimes Earl of Pembroke, & some others, who with him had broken prison in England, & were fled into France, understanding that the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Warwick, and others of their friends, were friendly entertained in the French Court, repaired to them, 
New plotting against K. Edward.  where they entered into new conferences and communications for the restoring of K. Henry to his Crown & Kingdom, and solemnly took their oaths, never voluntarily to leave each other, until they had done their best to effect the same. And the Earl of Warwick (to make his own part the stronger) gave his second daughter in marriage to Prince Edward, 

Prince Edward married to Warwick●s second daughter.  
This marriage makes Clarence a secret enemy to Warwick.   whereof when the Duke of Clarence had deliberately considered, and thought what might be the sequel of this business, he evidently foresaw, that this marriage and their newly intended wars would be the utter confusion of him and of the whole family and house of York. For Kings do always look with a jealous eye upon all such as by any possibility may lay any level towards their Crown. This consideration (not without good cause) made him very distrustful of his own fortunes. And to prevent a great mischief, which (as he thought) began to threaten him and his estate, his love & his heart began secretly to forsake the Earl of Warwick and that Faction, insomuch that he gave private intelligence to his brother King Edward, 
Clarence his m●ssage to the King.  that at their landing within the Kingdom of England he would be but a faint and a weak enemy in those affairs. Thus when those Lords had concluded to return, 
The L●rds pr●●●● f●rth for England.  they were with all expedition well furnished with men, munition, money, ships, and all things fitting, by the French King.  
But being in a readiness to pass out of the River of Seyne, the Burgundians met them with a strong Fleet at the mouth of that River, and purposed to defeat them if they might. But an evening storm approaching with unwonted rage and fury, 
The Burgundians drowned.  compelled the Burgundians to run into the Sea, where many of them were drowned, some were driven into Scotland, and the rest, being all dispersed, laboured and toiled hardly to save themselves.  
The Earl of Warwick, who by letters some few days before received from his friends, was certified that his landing was hourly expected, and sufficient strength provided to back him and his, although they came destitute of all other helps and succours, determined to lose no time: but making a present benefit to himself and his of the Burgundians mishap and hard fortune. and leaving the Queen and the Prince her son behind him, the next morning entered into the Sea, and with much speed and safety he landed with all his companies and friends at Dartmouth in Devonshire; 
The Lords do land at Dartmouth. The King was too secure.  from whence he gave speedy notice of his arrival to his dearest and nearest friends.  
The King so much relied upon the bold service intended by the Burgundians Fleet, and not knowing what shipwreck and damage it had received, made no preparation at all, either to withstand their arrival, or to encounter them after they were landed: but hauked, hunted, and solaced himself (according to his humour and wont fashion) in the society and company of young Ladies and fair maidens, to whom his affections were more obliged then to the wars.  

Warwick's Proclamation.  But the Earl of Warwick marshaled his small company in good order, and by public Proclamations which he made in King Henry's name, he required all men to repair unto his aid, with money, victual, armour, and all things needful for that purpose, and valiantly to fight against the Duke of York, who (as he affirmed) by mere usurpation and bloody tyranny, untruly and falsely called himself King. 
He hath a ●uge Army.  This politic practice within few days increased his small companies to a huge Army, with which they marched towards London.  
And such were the quick endeavours, and so industrious was King Edward, (who was compelled by necessity to make provision for his own safety) that he levied a strong Army, and went forth with an high courage, and with princely valour, against the Rebels of his Country. But being informed, that all the Countries, Cities, Towns, and places thorough which his enemies passed, were aiders to their fortunes, and hearing them oftentimes with loud voices to cry, King Henry, King Henry, A Warwick, A Warwick, and distrusting utterly the inconstant minds and dispositions of his own soldiers, his heart failed him, 
The King flieth in the night.  so that in secret manner, and in the night, with eight hundred of his best friends, he left his Army, and posted into Lincolnshire: and when all his hopes of help and secure there, were spent in vain, they being altogether destitute of money, and other provisions needful for a journey into a foreign Country, took shipping, and sailed into Holland, purposing to remain with the Duke of Burgoine, until they might have good means for their return, and to be revenged on the Earl of Warwick, and of all other their mortal enemies.  
As soon as it was certainly known that King Edward was fled, a rude multitude of factious Kentishmen (delighting tumultuously and in a brainsick manner to fish in troubled waters) came to the Gates of the City of London, and would have entered it: 
A rebellion in Kent.  but being resisted in their purpose, they rifled and rob the Suburbs, burnt divers houses, murdered many people, and at Radcliffe and Lime-house they did the like. 
Warwick subdueth them.  But by the Earl of Warwick's power and endeavours, they were quickly overthrown, and punished sharply for their offence, which won him much favour and love among the better sort of the common people.  
The Earl afterwards came to the Tower, 
King Henry is enlarged.  where he not only enlarged the deposed King Henry, but in most triumphant fashion conducted him thorough the City of London to Paul's Church. And when he had concluded his devotions, and performed his offerings, as the Kings of this Realm have been accustomed to do, he was brought to the Bishop's Palace, where he kept his Court with great magnificence and much bounty.  
He also assembled his high Court of Parliament at Westminster, 

A Parliament.  
A●taindors.   in which the late King Edward the Fourth and all his principal adherents were attainted of High Treason, and all their goods and possessions were confiscate and given to the King.  
The Duke of Clarence was by the same authority published to be the next heir of the deceased Richard, late Duke of York, 
The Duke of Clarence advanced.  his father. And albeit that he was but his second son, yet all that Duchy was settled in him and in his heirs. 
The Crown entailed.  The Crown also was entailed to King Henry, and to the heirs males of his body: and for default of such issue, to the said Duke of Clarence, and to his heirs. jasper Earl of Pembroke was also restored to his honour and his lands, and so was john Earl of Oxford, and many others. And the Earl of Warwick, and the Duke of Clarence, who were enstiled friends to the King, and friends to the Commonweal) were established and made chief rulers in all things under the King.  

The Queen dares not to put into the Sea.  When these affairs were thus ordered, Queen Margaret with the Prince her son, and their whole train, shipped themselves. But so violent were the raging storms, and so furious was the troubled sea, that albeit many proffers were made, yet durst they not to adventure for that time. Whereupon the common people of this Realm (of whom the Queen was not beloved) murmured and muttered, saying, that God was not pleased that such a woman as had occasioned so many battles, and such slaughters and executions in England, should return thither to plot more treachery, and to devise more mischief.  

The Duke of Burgoine furnisheth King Edward with money, men, munition, and ships.  The Duke of Burgoine, although he entreated King Edward and his friends kindly, yet because he himself had warred with France, and feared lest the Earl of Warwick would busy him with a new war, sent word to King Henry, that he would not in any sort assist his enemy for his return into England. Yet not long after, when he understood that King Edward's friends by daily messengers and by letters importunated his return, and had by their fair promise strengthened him with good hopes of fortunate success, he delivered to him fifty thousand Floreines of gold, and furnished him with eighteen tall and warlike ships, in which he had only two thousand soldiers for service on the land.  

1470.  With these small forces he sailed into England, and landed at Ravenspurre in the County of York, where his expectation failed him very much. 
King Edward landeth in England. A small hope.  For few or none resorted to him for his help; but all men there acknowledged themselves to be the friends and subjects of King Henry. This check, though it much troubled him, yet was he not utterly dismayed thereby: for mere necessity and danger enforced him to march to the City of York. And in his passage thither, 
He only claimeth his Duchy of York.  he published to the people, and to the inhabitants of that City, that he came not to lay any claim or to make any challenge to the Crown, but intended only to possess himself of his Duchy of York, of which unjustly he was deprived: wherein he affirmed, he ought by the laws of equity and right, to be assisted and succoured by them, and by all good men.  

He sweareth it to the Citizens of York They receive him, and relieve him.  The Citizens at his first repair denied his entrance: but by reason of a solemn oath which he took before them, that he only intended the regaining of his Duchy, and would remain a true, faithful, and an obedient subject to King Henry, he was received, entertained, and moneyed at his own will. But when he had stayed in that City a day or two, he forgot the oath which so lately he had sworn: for he placed a strong Garrison within the Town, 

He breaketh his oath.  
He getteth money, and wogeth soldiers.  
He had never risen by all likelihood, if he had been defeated by the marquess.   and enforced the inhabitants to furnish him with many requisites and provisions for an Army. And then leaving the City (which was by strength reserved to his use) he hired soldiers every where for money as he passed by towards London. And in his march, he came within four miles of the marquess Montacute, his old familiar and trusty friend, who being accompanied with brave troops and companies of valiant men of war to encounter him, gave unto him free passage (without resistance) to march forth; so that by easy journeys he came to Nottingham, where divers Nobles and Gentlemen (who favoured his proceed) made him liberal offers and tenders of their service, if he would resolvedly take upon him the style and title of the King, which he then did. 

He styleth himself King.  
He hath a powerful Army.   And thus as a river by running far is still augmented by the access of other brooks and streams which fall into it; so King Edward's small forces still increased as he marched forwards, until they were indeed a strong Army.  
The Earl of Warwick (having in his company the Earl of Oxford, many other Nobles, and a puissant Army) came to the City of Warwick, and intending to give battle to King Edward, directed and sent his letters and messengers with all speed to the Duke of Clarence, certifying him of his purpose, 
Clarence faileth Warwick in his need.  and praying him quickly to come forward with his forces, and to join with him. Yet for all this the Duke passed on with a lingering pace, so that the Earl (suspecting his fidelity) went with his Army into the City of Coventrie, and King Edward with all his Companies came before the Town, and dared the Earl into the field. 

Warwick keepeth close in Coventrie with all his Army.  
The King and his brother & their Armies are made friends.   But because he purposed to make some trial what the Duke of Clarence would do, he therefore kept close within the walls.  
The King perceiving that he would not fight, bend his course towards his brother the Duke of Clarence, who (with his Army) did the like towards the King; so that a great show was made betwixt them, that many blows should be given. But the Duke of Gloucester being brother to them both, became an earnest mediator to reconcile them each to other: wherein he so well prevailed, that (being unarmed) they courteously met, and publicly proclaimed, that they and their Armies were good friends.  
The three brothers having thus combined themselves, 
Warwick will not be alured to love by fair promises.  made trial whether they could by any fair means and liberal promises, allure the Earl of Warwick to their love. But he (who with many curses and disgraceful speeches published the Duke's perjury, in forsaking his Confederates, 
His answer.  and friends, returned them answer; That he would rather die like himself, then cease to make civil war, until he had confounded them, as his mortal Enemies.  
The King (who knew well enough that the Earl was as valiant as he himself was resolute) feared not his power, but wisely considered, 
The causes why London received King Edward.  That the daily increasing of his own strength, would be his best means, to win the victory: Wherefore he departed from Coventrey, and marched towards London, where (for a time) he was kept out: But when the Citizens had duly considered of the Rightfulness of his Title to the Crown, Of his skill, and noble courage in feats of war; Of his discretion, which enabled him (of himself) to rule wisely; And of his puissant Army, which he then commanded: And on the other side, when they had meditated upon the soft Nature of King Henry, his small reach, shallow wit, insufficiency to reign, and of the continual dangers which would still assault them, if the Lancastrian faction were maintained; They opened their gates; ran out in troops to meet him; Saluted him for their King, and brought him triumphantly into the City; 
Inconstant Multitude. King Henry again is imprisoned.  where he seized again upon King Henry, and committed him to the Tower. Thus may we see, upon what unsure foundation they build, who do rely upon the People's love, and that nothing is more variable and unconstant than the Multitude, who (like unto Weathercocks) are turned about with every wind.  

Warwick's last resolution.  The Earl of Warwick, when he perceived, that King Edward was gone from Coventrey, followed after him with his Army, purposing to have set upon him, before he should have recovered London. But when he perceived that his intendments were prevented, he resolved to set his whole fortunes upon one Battle. For which purpose he marched fourth until he came to the town of Barnet, which by an equal distance of ten miles, lieth betwixt London and S. Albon; there he stayed, rested, and refreshed his Army for a while.  

The King's resolution.  The King also (being persuaded, that nothing could better procure his future right, and safety, than once more to try his manhood in the field, and taking King Henry with him) marched with his army (which by the City of London was frankly furnished with all things needful) unto Barnet, 
Barnet field.  and encamped himself near to the Earl all that night: and early in the morning the Earl of Warwick divided his forces into three parts: The right wing was commanded by his Brother the Marquis Montacute, (whom by necessity he was enforced to trust) and by the Earl of Oxford. The left wing was directed by himself, and by the Duke of Exeter. And his main battle was led by the Duke of Somerset and some others. All these the Earl manfully encouraged, 
The Earl's encouragements to his Army.  by telling them, that they were to fight for their sovereign and lawful King, for a good man, and for their native Country, against an Usurper, a Tyrant, a merciless and an ungodly wretch, whom neither respect of Conscience, justice, Obedience, nor Honesty could reclaim; and against such a one, as (if he lived) would be the confounder and the destroyer of them all.  
The King (on his part) made the Duke of Gloucester chief leader of his Vanguard: himself and the Duke of Clarence ordered the Main Battle, in which King Henry the Sixth was: and the Rearward was conducted by the Lord Hastings, Chamberlain to the King.  
What the King said by way of encouragement to his soldiers, we may easily conjecture: for as he had a wit and a tongue which never did deceive him; so he wanted not matter nor arguments to maintain his quarrel to be good.  
The Fight (after it was begun) was so desperately continued on either part for the space of five or six hours, 
The victory was uncertain.  that no man could conjecture to whom the victory would incline: so that some of those horsemen who were lookers on, and fought not, galloped amain to the City of London, and affirmed that King Edward was overthrown. But among them by and by some others posted with countermanding reports, and assured the Citizens, that the Earl of Warwick had lost the Field. And thus many men (in few hours) related what they wished for: and in the mean time, such as were most valiant, soon lost their lives, and the best men lay breathless upon the ground. But when the Earl perceived, that fresh supplies continually oppressed and pressed upon his wearied and tired friends and soldiers, who would not yield because he could not then be safe, 

The Earl of Warwick is slain.  
So is the Hebrewess his brother, wh●m King Edward loved.  
The King hath the victory.   he dismounted himself quickly from his horse, and making an incredible slaughter of his enemies, he pressed so far into their battle to be revenged on his chiefest adversaries, that having no power nor means to return again, he was slain: and the marquess Montacute (who ever honoured King Edward, and was his secret friend) rushing into King Edward's Army, not to do it any harm, but to rescue and to relieve his brother, met with the like fortune. Thus both of them being dead, their whole Army ran away, and King Edward was master of the Field. And in the afternoon of the same day (carrying with him King Henry as his prisoner) he returned triumphantly like a Conqueror into the City of London; and in Paul's Church he offered up his Standard, 

A thanksgiving to God. 10000 men slain.  
Sir Humphrey Bourchier.   and rendered thanks to Almighty God for his victory thus happily obtained. In this battle there were slain at the least ten thousand men: but none other of any noted name, saving only on the King's part Sir Humphrey Bourchier, son to the Lord Barnes, who was a right valiant and an approved man in Arms.  
The King sorrowed much, and was grieved exceedingly at the death of the marquess Montacute, because he had lost a faithful and a dear friend. Yet to assure the people that those two brothers were dead indeed, 

The dead bodies of the two brethren laid open in Paul's Church. Queen Margaret landeth too late.  
Noble men do repair to her.   he caused them to be brought into London in one coffin, and for the space of three days to lie open faced in Paul's Church: and then among their honourable Ancestors in the Priory of Bissam they were both buried in one grave.  
Queen Margaret (not hearing of this news, but intending to bring some succours to the Earl) landed at Waymouth, where these tidings appalled her senses, and deprived her of all future good hope or good hap. Wherefore in the Abbey of Beawly in Hampshire she with the Prince her son took Sanctuary: and thither repaired to her the Duke of Somerset, jasper Earl of Pembroke, Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, john Lord Wenloke, and divers others. And when the Queen and they had thoroughly debated what course was fittest to be taken, 
They raise a new Army.  they resolved, once more to adventure their fortunes in the Field: for which purpose, every one of those Noblemen resorted into their own Countries, where they prepared such men and furnitures for the war as they could get. The Queen and the Duke of Somerset levied an Army about Bristol and Gloucester, and from thence they endeavoured to go into Wales, to join their forces with such companies as the Earl of Pembroke had raised there.  

The King preventeth them.  The King, who was more strong than they, purposed to prevent their meeting if he might, and so closely followed them, that though the Queen and most of her associates supposed it to be best to fly disordered into Wales, yet the Duke of Somerset would not consent thereunto; 
The Duke of Somersets' resolution to fight. Tewkesburie field.  by reason whereof, both those Armies met near unto Tewkesburie in Glocestershire, and after a long fight, which with a small company the Duke of Somerset had maintained against the Duke of glocester's battle, he (not being seconded by the Lord Wenloke, by whom their middle Ward was commanded) retired towards the said Lord, and with cursed words he bitterly reviled him for his base cowardliness, and with his Pole-axe he suddenly struck out his brains. But within one hour after, King Edward overthrew them all, 
The King getteth the victory.  having slain above three thousand of them; among whom were the Earl of Devonshire, the Lord john, brother to the Duke of Somerset, Sir john Lewknor, Sir john Delues, and many others. 
Great Prisoners.  There were also taken prisoners the Queen, the Duke, the Prior of S. john's of jerusalem, Sir Gervase C●ifton, Sir Thomas Tresham, and twelve others of eminency and of note: all which (Queen Margaret only excepted) were beheaded the next day. 
Execution. Prince Edward cruelly murdered.  And the young Prince Edward (who was taken prisoner by Sir Richard Crofts) was presented to the King: and because he answered him stoutly to some questions which he demanded of him, he was slightly stricken by the King, and suddenly murdered by the Dukes of Clarence and of Gloucester, 
Queen Margaret is a prisoner.  and by Thomas marquess Dorset, and the Lord Hastings. And this was the last Civil Battle which was fought in England in King Edward's days.  
When the King had thus obtained this victory, he returned to London, carrying with him Queen Margaret as his prisoner, and was with triumphant joy received into the City, from whence he sent one Roger Vaughan, a powerful Gentleman, into his Country of Wales, requiring him, by some secret train or other to entrap the Earl of Pembroke, and to behead him if he could. 
R●g● Vaug●an is 〈◊〉 and b●●●aded.  But the Earl being informed of his coming, and of his errand, caused him suddenly to be apprehended and put to death. And then the said Earl, with his nephew Henry the young Earl of Richmond, who was but ten years old, sailed into Britain, and were courteously received, and lovingly entertained by Francis the Duke of that Province.  
Not long after, Reyner the titulary King of Naples, Sicily, 
Queen Margaret is ransomed.  and of jerusalem, with the sale of the Kingdoms of Naples and of Sicily for money, ransomed Queen Margaret his daughter: and upon that Title, and none other, Charles the Eighth, King of France, conquered Naples, as in the History of those wars it appeareth. 

King Henry is found dead in the Tower. The Duke of Gloucester murdered him.  
King Henry brought open faced into Paul's Church.    
Now when no man (by reason of King Edward's peace and prosperity) thought of any evil tidings, suddenly it was noised throughout the City of London, that King Henry was found dead in his chamber within the Tower; and so he was indeed, being cruelly and wickedly murdered and stabbed with a dagger, by Richard Duke of Gloucester, brother to King Edward, as the report commonly went. And his body was brought into Paul's Church, where his face lay uncovered one whole day, that thereby the people might be assured that he was dead. And thus was King Edward freed from his great enemies. But his two brothers, of Clarence and of Gloucester, being for their perjuries, murders, and evil courses, punished by Almighty God, imbrued their hands in their own blood not long after.  
When King Edward for two or three years had enjoyed an happy peace, his brother in law, Charles Duke of Burgoine, hearty detesting the French King, 

The Duke of Burgoine animateth K. Edward to worre for his title to France.  
Reason's moving the King so to do.   and secretly intending to work him some despite, persuaded King Edward to renew his French wars, for the recovering of his right and title to that Crown and Kingdom.  
The King and his Counsel thereupon quickly resolved to undertake that business, principally for these reasons.  
1. First, because the Crown of France was not ambitiously, but justly desired by the King, who thought he had good right and title thereunto.  
2. Secondly, because French wars enriched English soldiers.  
3. Thirdly, because those wars kept them at home, and gave them not any liberty to invade this Realm.  
4. Fourthly, because the French King had assisted Queen Margaret, the Earl of Warwick, and their Complices, against King Edward in the late Civil Wars.  
5. And fifthly, because the said French King made wars upon the Duke of Burgoine, who had formerly aided King Edward for the regaining of his Crown and Kingdom.  

A benevolence craved by King Edward.  But because money wanted for the defraying of so great a charge, King Edward (without a Parliament) craved a benevolence to be freely enlarged to him by his Subjects, who gave him some money, but with an evil will. Yet among others, a rich, yet a sparing and a niggardly widow, did cheerfully give unto him twenty pounds. 
A merry jest.  The King himself (who was present, but to her unknown) perceiving that unexpectedly she had bestowed upon him so good a sum, did not only give her thanks, but merrily came and kissed her, telling her, that for her money she should kiss a King. The old woman was so much gladded with that courtesy, that she told the King his kiss was worth more money, and therefore she added twenty pounds more to the former sum.  
The King having in a readiness before Dover a Fleet of five hundred ships and boats, and having a puissant and a complete Army of fifteen hundred men at Arms on horseback, 
The King transporteth an Army for France.  and fifteen thousand tall Archers, besides all such as attended for other needful services, departed from England, and landed safely at Calais, where he was received with great honour and state. But he was much grieved, because the Duke of Burgoine (upon whose motion, and at whose entreaty and promise to be met by him at Calais with two thousand men at Arms, 
The Duke of Burgoine breaketh promise, and aids him not.  he came thither) trifled with his whole Army in the siege of Nuyce, which he was not likely to win, and at length (after much time spent in vain) had sent all his forces to Berroys in Lorraine, to be revenged upon Reyner, Queen Margaret's father, Duke of that Province, for that he had used foul and unseemly words towards him, when he lay at the siege of Nuyce; whereas if the said Duke of Burgoine had joined with King Edward against the French King, and with the Duke of Britain, who sided with King Edward, they would have put into hazard of winning the whole kingdom of France.  
Yet King Edward with his own Companies marched by Bollen to Perone, into the Duke of Burgoines Country, 
He breaks his promise again.  where the said Duke had not made any manner of provision for the refreshing of the English Army, according to his promise, but suffered them to lie without his Towns in the cold and in the open fields, whereat they were all displeased. From thence king Edward (with the said Duke) marched towards S. Quintens, which was secretly promised to be delivered to him, by Lewis of Luxenburgh, 

He was Earl of S. Paul, and Constable of France.  
The King is kept out of S. Quintens.   great Uncle to king Edward's wife. But when they came before it, their entry was not only denied, but sallies were made upon them, and the great Ordinance played from the Town upon the king's Army, so that plainly he perceived, that nothing was to be obtained there without blows.  
To these breaches of promise was added one unkindness more by the Duke of Burgoine, who to visit his Army, 
A peace is concluded for nine years.  which then lay in Berroys in Lorraine, unexpectedly left king Edward, and road thither, leaving word behind, that he would come unto him with his whole Army as soon as he should be able.  
The French king being politic and wise, and knowing that if all those his enemies should join their strengths against him, they would put him in hazard of his estate, and being informed that king Edward was highly discontented, by reason of the Duke of Burgoines unfaithful usage, and knowing that he began to feel the extremities of a winter war, mediated a friendly conference and a firm peace, which by their Commissioners was effected for nine years, in this sort.  

The Articles of peace.  
FIrst it was agreed, that the French King should forthwith pay to King Edward towards his forepast charges, threescore and fifteen thousand Crowns: and also the sum of fifty thousand more for an yearly pension so long as King Edward lived.  
2. Secondly, that the French King within one year should send for the King of England's daughter, the Lady Elizabeth into France, and marry her to the Dolphin, for whose maintenance the French King should for nine years' space pay yearly to them fifty thousand Crowns, and at the end of those years should deliver to them the quiet and peaceable possession of the whole Duchy of Guienne.  
3. And thirdly, that the Lord Haward, and Sir john Cheney master of the Horses, should stay (as hostages) with the French King, until the whole Army had quited France, and were landed in the Kingdom of England.   

Reason's moving King Edward to conclude this peace.  To these propositions King Edward and his Counsel consented for these reasons.  
1. First, as the Duke of Burgoines promises were seldom or never honestly performed, so with the King (whom he had drawn into those Countries, and into those wars) he did but gloze and feign.  
2. Secondly, because the Earl of S. Paul, Constable of France, did but dissemble when he protested to deliver to King Edward the Town of S. Quintens, which he did not, but offered violence to his Army in stead thereof.  
3. Thirdly, because the winter (which approached sharply) would have enforced him for that time to have returned dishonourably into England.  
4. And last of all, because the late Civil Wars had consumed most of his best soldiers and chiefest Leaders, and the greatest part of his treasure; so that King Edward was hardly able to maintain a great Army any long time.  
But the Duke of Gloucester and his friends (who mortally hated the French King) strived much to dissuade King Edward from these conclusions, but all in vain: for those Articles were scaled and published, the money was paid, both the Kings in a familiar and kind interview, by their solemn oaths had sworn to observe and keep them, and hostage: were delivered accordingly.  
It is to be noted, 
The Duke of Burgoine stormeth at this peace.  that within this peace the Dukes of Burgoine and of Britain were included, if they would consent thereunto. But when this news was told to the Duke of Burgoine, he with all celerity and speed possible hasted to King Edward, and in his melancholy mood he told him, 
His objections.  that it was in a high measure dishonourable for him, to return into England, not having burnt in France one poor cottage, nor having slain as much as a fly with his whole Army. He told him also, that his Ancestors, King Edward the Third, and King Henry the fifth, never passed into France to demand their right, but that they obtained and won it victoriously with their swords; and swore, that King Edward had lost more glory and honour by his infamous peace made with France, than he had won by all his victories in nine battles which he had fought; and that he himself so scorned the French Kings malice and his power, that he would and did absolutely refuse to be included in the said dishonourable league, until six months were fully ended after King Edward's Army was landed again in England.  
The King seeing the unfaithful Duke so angry, 
The King's answer.  made him this reply: That King Edward the Third and King Henry the Fifth entered into France with their Armies of their own accord, to gain their inheritance, and not otherwise, nor for any other purpose, which they performed with true valour and wisdom: And that he himself would never have departed out of that Kingdom, until he had done the like, if he had come thither in that manner of his own accord. But (quoth he) I undertook this journey upon your request, for your aid, and to assist you and your Territories, by plucking down the pride of France: and the claim which I made to that kingdom, was at this time only published, to give me some colour to help you. And albeit you vaunt much of your own strength, and do seem little to regard the French King and his anger, yet me thinks you cannot well forget, how by his strength and power he hath won from you the fair City of Amiens, and the strong pile of S. Quintens, and other Castles and Towns within your dominions; which (notwithstanding all your cracks and brags) you neither dare to attempt, nor can again win. You know likewise, that yourself and mine Uncle of Luxenburgh (to train me into France) promised to me mountains of gold, but they quickly changed into snow, and are now dissolved into water. If your faith, your offers, and your promises had been honestly performed, I would sooner have lost my life, and have adventured for you my Crown and Kingdom, rather than I would have been found unfaithful or unthankful to you. But if any thing be amiss, you yourselves have been the occasioners thereof, and therefore you may thank none others. And so farewell.  
Hereupon the angry Duke in a pelting chafe, took his horse, and road away. And from that time forward they neither loved nor saw one another.  

The French Kings bounty to the English Army.  After the aforesaid Articles were concluded and sealed, and a little before the interview between the two Kings, the French King (of his own bounty) sent into the English Army one hundred Wagons loaden with the best wines which he could procure, and licensed the soldiers for the space of three or four days to disport and recreate themselves within the City of Amiens: and at their coming thither they found many Tables throughout both sides of the streets richly and plentifully furnished with great store of costly dishes both of flesh and fish, and many Gallants and Bon-companions of purpose were chosen to make them mirth, and to attend them; so that nine thousand English armed men were within the same City at one time.  
But when the French King was informed how great a number of them were within the walls of so strong a Town, he reproved and condemned his own kindness, and feared lest he might lose it by reason of his great love, and by that means might occasion more jars betwixt England and his Kingdom of France.  
But the Englishmen disdaining to be found false or unthankful, merrily passed away the time with the Frenchmen; and having sufficiently solaced and refreshed themselves, they departed out of the City, and quietly returned to their own Campe. And the French King being well pleased with this their honest and plain dealing, 

The French Kings bounty to the English Captains.  
The King arriveth in England.   sent unto the English Captains rich presents in plate and in coined silver and gold. And then King Edward with his whole Army returned to Calais, and from thence into England, where he was cheerfully received with much joy. And thereupon the aforesaid Hostages (receiving great gifts and honourable usage) were set at liberty, and returned home.  
The French King (if he might) would feign have excluded the Duke of Britain out of the former league. But in regard that the young Earl of Richmond was in his possession, and whose return into England to make challenge to the Crown King Edward ever feared, he would not in any sort agree thereunto.  
And not long after, 
Henry Earl of Richmond delivered by the Duke of Britain to K. Edward's Ambassadors  King Edward (by his Ambassadors) with much entreaty, rich gifts, and upon solemn protestation that he only intended to marry one of his own daughters to the said Earl, obtained his delivery to those messengers, who being glad at the heart that they had obtained what King Edward so instantly desired, took their leave of the Duke of Britain, and brought the young Earl of Richmond to S. Malloes, where they were enforced to stay, expecting a fair and a good wind.  
But in the mean time, 
Good counsel  the Duke being informed by john Chevelet his true and faithful servant, that the said marriage was but colourably pretended, to get the young Earl into King Edward's hands, and that his death was certainly pretended if he could be brought home; and being also told, that his honour would perpetually be obscured by so foul a deed: the said Duke could never be at rest, until Peter Landoys, his chiefest Treasurer, attempted the repossessing of him with the said young Earl. Whereupon the said Peter repaired to S. Malloes, 
Peter Landoys recovereth the Earl of Richmond into the Duke of Britain's possession.  and pretended much love and familiarity with the English Ambassadors, with whom he pleasantly conversed and spent his time. But in the mean season the servants of the said Peter (being thoroughly instructed for that purpose) conveyed the said Earl into a Sanctuary, whose privileges might not by any means be infringed. The Englishmen understanding what had happened, were much displeased, and condemned the said Treasurer for this unfriendly practice and too much skill. But he (on the other side) assigned the whole fault to their own negligence and folly. And by this mean, the harmless and silly Sheep was delivered from the Wolf. And thus was King Edward defrauded and beguiled of his money and of his hopes. But upon the Duke's faithful promise that the said Earl should ever remain with him as a prisoner, the King was somewhat pacified, and never after attempted to have him in his own power.  
King Edward being now at ease, and enjoying a blessed peace both at home and abroad with all foreign Princes, did many things which highly advanced his honour, 
The Duke of Burgoine is thrice in one year overthrown.  and were very profitable to the Commonweal. But the Duke of Burgoine (who by nature was unconstant, hasty, turbulent, and wholly addicted to the war) was in this year overthrown in three several battles which he fought against the Swiss.  
1. In the first at Granson, where he lost his honour and his wealth.  
2. In the second at Morrat, where he lost his honour and his men.  
3. And in the third at Nancie, where he lost his honour, his riches, his men, and his own life.  
About this time, the Duke of Clarence, brother to King Edward, was suspected, accused, and condemned of high Treason, for that he (with many others) had secretly contrived the King's death: 
The Duke of Clarence imprisoned and murdered.  and thereupon he was returned a prisoner to the Tower. But within few days after, he was wickedly drowned in a Butt of malmsey, not without the King's notice, as most men did suppose. He left behind him but two children, Edward and Margaret, which Edward was created Earl of Warwick, and was executed for High Treason in the reign of King Henry the Seventh. And Margaret, who being wife and Dowager to Richard de la Pole, Earl of Salisbury, was put to death for Treason in the reign of King Henry the Eighth.  
The King in the five last years of his reign utterly changed his former humours. For whereas before that time he had been bountiful and liberal, 

The King changeth his form of government of the Commonweal.  
Penal laws. He lost the love of his Subjects.   loved magnificence and honourable hospitality; he now began to be so wretched, covetous, and miserable, that to get money, and to augment his treasure, he extraordinarily vexed and troubled his subjects, by inflicting upon them the execution of penal laws; by means whereof, he as quickly extinguished and quenched their hearty love and good affection towards him, as water doth the fire.  
In the twentieth year of his reign, he much desired that the marriage which the French King had promised, betwixt the Dolphin and his daughter, 
1480. 20  might be consummate: for which purpose he sent an honourable embassage into France, willing them to tell the French King, that he had broken his promise and his oath, for that he had not sent for the said Lady into France within one year after the concluding of the said former Articles. 
Lewis the eleventh.  But Lewis the French King returned frivolous excuses, and promised very shortly to send for her, when as indeed he meant nothing less. For such was his nature, and such were his evil qualities, that where he might procure any benefit or advantage to himself, he would pleasantly flatter, plentifully reward, and assuredly deceive.  

A marriage intended with Scotland.  About this time, james the Third, King of Scots, seeming earnestly to desire that the Lady Cicilia (one of the King's daughters) might be given in marriage to james his eldest son, sent his Ambassadors into England. And King Edward (supposing that he had meant plainly, and knowing that by such an alliance his own estate would be the better secured) did not only grant his request, but forthwith (to supply his present wants) he disbursed to him great sums of money for part of his said daughter's portion, 
Money is conditionally disbursed.  but yet upon this condition, that the same should be repaid if afterwards king Edward disliked, and would dissolve that match.  
When all those things were concluded, security given, and the money paid, the king of Scots (very treacherously) sent an Army into the Northern parts of this kingdom, which burnt, spoiled, 

The Scots invade the Northern parts.  
Gloucester marcheth with an Army against the Scots.  
The Castle of Berwick is besieged.  
Gloucester entereth Scotland, and spoileth at his own will.  
Peace is granted on certain conditions.   and slew in every place as it passed by: whereupon king Edward (as well to repress his fury, as also to correct his infidelity and folly) sent against him the Duke of Gloucester with a strong Army of one and twenty thousand men, who first of all by force entered into the Town of Berwick, and then besieged the Castle, which was valiantly kept and defended by the Earl Bothwel.  
The Duke (not purposing to employ his whole strength in that place) left the Lord Stanley there with four thousand men, and with the residue of his forces he entered into Scotland, whither the Scottish king was for fear retired, killing, burning, and spoili●●●n all places at his pleasure, and compelling the king to hide him●●●fe in the strong Castle of Maidens within the City of Edinburgh.  
The Nobility of Scotland perceiving the miserable estate of their wasted and poor Country, sent unto the Duke, and craved peace; which he granted upon these four conditions.  
1. First, that full amends and restitution might be made and given to king Edward's subjects for all such damage, injury, and wrongs, as by their last incursions they had sustained.  
2. Secondly, that the Scottish king would again restore his own brother the Duke of Albany (who was in the English Army) unto his especial favour, and to all his honours, dignities, offices, and possessions in that kingdom.  
3. Thirdly, that the Castle of Berwick should be yielded up, or not rescued from the siege wherewith it was then compassed.  
4. And lastly, that repayment might be made of all such sums of money as king james had received of king Edward upon the motion for marriage with his daughter to the son and heir apparent of the king of Scots: or that good security might be given by the Provost and Citizens of Edinburgh for the said repayment, if (before a prefixed day) king Edward did give them notice that there should not be any further prosecution concerning the said marriage.  
The Nobility of Scotland, knowing the state of that kingdom to be unable to perform the first demand, to pacify the Duke of Gloucester, and to prevent the ruin and destruction of their native kingdom, yielded unto the latter three. And for the due observing of them, they sent unto him such an Instrument, sealed and subscribed by the King and them, as he had required. And to the Duke of Albany was sent a free pardon, and restitution was made unto him of all things accordingly as the Duke of Gloucester had desired. Whereupon the said two Dukes, taking a friendly farewell each of other, departed, the one into Scotland, and the other unto Berwick, where the Earl of Athol (being of nothing more assured, then that by his King and Countrymen he should never be relieved) by composition surrendered the Castle into the Duke's hand, 
The Castle of Berwick is delivered to the Duke of Gloucester.  who making the Lord Stanley the chiefest Captain and Commander thereof, returned joyfully with his whole Army, and was much praised and thanked by the King.  
This good news from Scotland was quickly checked with a bad out of France. 
The French King breaketh all the Articles of Peace.  For the French King not only refused to pay unto King Edward the foresaid tribute of fifty thousand Crowns by the year, which was granted to him during his life, but also married his son the Dolphin to the Lady Margaret, daughter to Maximilian the son of Frederick the Emperor, thereby breaking his oath, and infringing those Articles which (upon the last conclusion of peace) he had sworn solemnly to observe and keep. Whereat King Edward justly conceived such an high displeasure and hatred against King Lewis, that (after long and serious consultation with his Counsel, 
K. Edward resolveth to go with an Army into France.  Nobility, Clergy, and Commons) he did resolve to pass again with a royal Army into France, and to revenge himself of all those injuries and wrongs.  
But whilst those preparations made manifest to the world the King's intention to make war, he being either surcharged with deep melancholy, or with some surfeit, (for excess of diet and of pleasure did oftentimes disquiet him) waxed exceeding sick, 
He sickeneth. He dieth.  and shortly after died, when he had reigned more than two and twenty years.  

Profitable Notes extracted out of the troublesome reigns of King HENRY the Sixth, and of King EDWARD the Fourth.  
THe whole Kingdom of France was lost in the seven and twentieth year of King Henry the Sixth. 
27. H. 6.  And the next year after all Normandy was lost. 
28. H. 6. 31. H. 6.  And in the one and thirtieth year of his reign the Duchy of Aquitaine was quite taken from him.  
It is likewise to be observed, that whilst he governed and enjoyed Normandy and France, these heroical Nobles lost their lives there: that is to say, Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, 
6. H. 6. 12. H. 6. 14. H. 6. 18. H. 6. 31. H. 6.  who was slain at the siege of Orleans; john Earl of Arundel, who was slain at the siege of Rue; the noble and renowned Lord john Duke of Bedford and Regent of France, and Richard Beauchampe Earl of Warwick, both which died of a grievous sickness, and john Lord Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie, who was slain at the battle of Chastilion.  
Besides many brave skirmishes and strong encounters, there were fought during his reign, betwixt the two factions and Confederates of the houses of Lancaster and of York, five cruel and fierce battles.  
1. The first was called the battle of S. Albon, 
34. H. 6.  wherein the Yorkish did prevail; and (among others) Edmund Duke of Somerset, Henry the second Earl of Northumberland, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, and john Lord Clifford, were then slain.  
2. The second was termed the battle of Bloarheath, 
37. H. 6.  in which the confederated Lords won the victory, in which the Queen's General the Lord Awdley was slain.  
3. The third was the battle of Northampton, 
38. H. 6.  in which King Henry was overthrown. In this battle there died above ten thousand men, among which were these Nobles, Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, john Earl of Shrewesburie, Thomas Lord Egremont, john Viscount Beaumont, and the Lord Scales was beheaded.  

39 H. 6.  4. The fourth was the battle of Wakefield, in which the King was victorious. In this battle there were slain almost three thousand men, among which was the renowned and most valiant Richard Duke of York, and many others. And certain prisoners were then taken, and lost their heads, among which Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury, and father to Richard Earl of Warwick, was the chief. And at the end of that battle, the young Earl of Rutland, named Edmund, being of the age of twelve years, and second son to the slain Duke of York, was cruelly murdered by the Lord Clifford.  

39 H. 6.  5. The fifth battle was called the battle of Towton, in which the new Duke of York prevailed: and in the same there were slain almost 37000. Englishmen, among which were the Earl of Westmoreland, Henry Earl of Northumberland, the Lords Dacres and Welles, and many worthy Gentlemen and Knights. And the Earl of Devonshire, with some of his Complices, being taken prisoners, lost their heads.  

29. H. 6.  Whilst this King lived, there were also executed for divers Treasons touching the said two Factions, William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, and james Fynes Lord Say, High Treasurer of England. And Humphrey, 
25. H. 6.  surnamed The good Duke of Gloucester, being Uncle and Protector to the King, and being unjustly committed to the Tower, for surmised, but not for approved Treasons, was cruelly murdered in his chamber.   

King EDWARD the Fourth.  
IN the reign of King Edward the Fourth there were principally fought five battles betwixt the houses of Lancaster and York.  

2. E. 4.  1. The first was the battle of Exham in the North, in which King Edward obtained the victory, and took these prisoners among many others, Henry Duke of Somerset, William Taylboys, who named himself Earl of Kent, the Lords Roos, Molynes, and Hungerford, all which were within few days after put to death.  

8. E. 4.  2. The second was called Banburie Field, in which were slain above 8000. men.  

8. E. 4.  3. The third was called the battle of Loose-coats, because the soldiers threw off their coats to run away the faster. And in it above ten thousand men lost their lives.  
4. The fourth was Barnet field, 
10. E. 4.  in which more than ten thousand died, among which were the most renowned Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, john marquess Montacute his brother, whom King Edward entirely loved. And on King Edward's part there was slain a noble and a valiant Gentleman, named Sir Humphrey Bourchier, son to the Lord Barnes.  
5. And the fifth was called Tewkesburie Field, in which 3000. 
10. E. 4.  Englishmen were slain, among which were the Duke of Somerset, and the Lord john his brother, and the Earl of Devonshire.  
In this King's reign there were beheaded the Lord Stafford, 
8. E. 4.  who left the Earl of Pembroke (upon a private falling out) in the Field, and carried from him part of the King's Army.  
The Lord Welles, and Sir Thomas Dymocke, 
8. E. 4.  without any offence at all by them done.  
Richard Woodvile Earl Rivers, and father to Queen Elizabeth, 
8. E. 4.  King Edward; wife, was taken by the Rebels, and lost his head.  
And the Lord Wenloke was murdered by the Duke of Somerset, 
10. E. 4.  because he came not to his rescue with his Companies in the field.  
The young Prince Edward, eldest son to King Henry the sixth, 
10. E. 4.  (to please King Edward) was cruelly murdered by the two Dukes of Clarence and of Gloucester, and by some others.  
King Henry the sixth was himself stabbed with a dagger, 
10. E. 4.  and slain in the Tower of London by the said Richard Duke of Gloucester.  
And not long after, 
10. E. 4.  the Duke of Clarence was found dead in his bed, he having been drowned in a Butt of malmsey, not without the King's consent, as it was supposed.  
And thus open and civil wars by the sword, and the common Executioner with his axe, and inveterated envy and malice, with bloody hands, bereaved and took away the lives of the greater number of the most renowned and valiant Noblemen, Captains, and Gentlemen of this Realm.    

THE HISTORY OF KING EDWARD THE FIFTH.  
IF our memories be pleased to take a review of the life and actions of the late deceased King Edward the Fourth, 
Edward the Fourth described.  we may thereon make this pretty abbreviate and short collection: That he was of a goodly parsonage, and of a kingly presence: That he was very strong, and passing valiant, not proud in prosperity, nor dejected with adverse fortune: That he was moderately pleasant and merry: That he was pleasing to his Nobles, familiar with his soldiers, and amiable to his inferior subjects: That he was merciful to offenders, and favoured all such as did well: That he was very wise, discreet, provident, and sound advised in all his actions. Yet was he somewhat too credulous, and too wanton, and in his latter days more covetous then formerly he had been.  
By many worthy endeavours he expressed how much he longed for his people's love: 
His affability.  and by one action he more particularly declared it, then by all the rest. For in the next Summer before he died, he required the Lord Mayor of London and his brethren to repair to his Castle of Windsour, where he than lay. And when they expected some extraordinary employment in State affairs, because so many of them were called thither, not troubling them with any business, either great or small, private or public, nor requiring of them any supplies from their plenty, he royally feasted, banqueted, and entertained them, not only with the choicest, best, and most costly delicates that could be gotten, but also he gladded them unspeakably with his own presence and companion-like behaviour. He afterwards carried them into his Park, where the thick fall of fat Deer (besides many other things) gave them warrant of their kind welcome. And at their departing from him, he sent such great store of venison into the City, for the friendly feasting of their neighbours there, that nothing ever won him more hearty love among his subjects of that place.  
He left behind him two sons; Edward, who being of the age of thirteen years, unfortunately succeeded him in this Kingdom; and Richard Duke of York, who was two years younger; and five daughters, namely Elizabeth, who afterwards married King Henry the seventh, and was mother to King Henry the eighth, and Cicilie, Bridget, and Katherine, whose fortunes seldom laughed, and Anne, who married Thomas Lord Haward, who after was created Earl of Surrey.  

Richard Duke of Gloucester described.  The said noble King (when he died) left behind him but one brother, namely Richard Duke of Gloucester, who was (by common report) a monster in nature. For he had many teeth when he was borne. He was exceedingly deformed in the composure of his body: for of stature he was but low, crookebacked; his left shoulder was much higher than the other: his visage was uncomely, his complexion swart and brown: he was exceeding strong, yet much withered in his left arm: he was violent, fierce, and bloodily cruel; a good soldier, discreet to order well, and politic to rule. He was very hasty and forward in great expeditions and weighty actions; yet wise, and well advised before he would attempt to fight. He was ambitious beyond measure, and his desires for sovereignty had no bounds. What he contrived, were it good or bad, he would by one means or by another assuredly effect it. He made his conscience in all things to serve his will, though his will could not be obtained without the effusion of guiltless blood. He would oftentimes make himself poor by his lavish bounty to such as wickedly served his turn: and would again quickly enrich himself by pilling and by polling of civil and of honest men. He was so cunning a dissembler, that he would accompany most familiarly and jest pleasantly with such as he inwardly hated in his heart. He spared no man's death, whose life resisted his ungodly purposes; nor punished any man for any offence, if his wickedness might be applied to his service. This ambitious, this fierce, and this cruel man, in his brother King Edward's days (as wise men did conjecture) directed his aim to make himself a King. 
10. E. 4.  For he with others murdered Prince Edward the eldest son of King Henry the Sixth: 
10. E. 4.  and with his own hand he slew the same King when he was a prisoner in the Tower; and was consenting (as the world blabbed) to the death and destruction of his elder brother, George Duke of Clarence, in the same place. 
10. E. 4.   
King Edward's death, and the minority of his two sons, 
Richard aimeth to the Crown.  gave him fit opportunity to work mischief, which first of all he resolved to prosecute by the reviving of old grudges betwixt the Queen's kindred and the Kings, although the last King in his deathbed had reconciled them, and made them all friends. For he knew, that where malice and hatred are of counsel, there no good action or sound conclusion can be expected. And by this practice he endeavoured first to make himself equal with the best, and then to be the best of all.  
We must also now observe, that at the time of King Edward's death the young Prince in his own person kept his residence and Court at Ludlow in the dominion of Wales, that by his presence he might restrain the Welshmen from such outrageous enterprises as oftentimes their licentious and bad manners incited them to commit. And the protection of his person was by the last King appointed to Anthony Earl Rivers the Queen's brother, and by the mother's side Uncle to the said Prince. And her allies and her kinsfolks did now possess all rooms and offices of honour and of profit about him, he being King: which the Duke of Gloucester much maligned, and so scorned it, that in his conceits he contrived how he might thrust them all out of those places. For which purpose he oftentimes secretly and seriously conferred with Edward Duke of Buckingham, and Richard Lord Hastings, who was Chamberlain to the last King. To them he discovered the mean descent of the Queen, and of her kinsfolks in respect of theirs, and told them plainly, that if those Upstarts remained so near unto the King in his youth, they would (through his favour) be so powerful when he came to his full age, that all their honours, their possessions, and their lives, would be in danger to be made subject to their wills. And therefore he advised them to join with him for their remove, and to divide and share betwixt themselves all such benefits as by those means should be achieved.  
These fair persuasions, and their own ambitious humours, quickly wrought the said two great Lords, 
His practice against the Queen's kindred.  not only to hearken willingly to this discourse, but also to be confederates with the Duke of Gloucester in that practice, which quickly was attempted in this manner.  
The Queen with the Earl Rivers her brother, and with her son Richard Lord Grey, and with her other friends, being guarded with a strong power of armed men and soldiers, intended to bring the young King from Wales towards London to be crowned. And the Duke of Gloucester knowing that if his feat were not wrought before that time, it could not easily be effected after; and considering likewise, that if he with his confederates should come armed against the King to meet him, and by open violence attempt to get the King's person into their possession, their said enterprise would be censured and adjudged to be a rebellious action, and no less than Treason. Wherefore he cunningly directed and sent his letters to the Queen, and called to her remembrance the hearty love and friendship which the late King her deceased husband in his deathbed had ratified and confirmed betwixt the Lords of his own blood and alliance, and the kinsfolks of the Queen. He likewise informed her, that it was commonly reported, that her brother and her friends which were near about the King's person, intended with a strong power and with many armed men to conduct his Majesty (for his Coronation) from Wales to the City of London. He protested and swore unto her, that his humble duty to his Sovereign, and his unfeigned love to her and to her kinsfolks and children, incited him seriously and earnestly to advise and counsel her and them, to dismiss those companies of armed men, for that he feared much lest the gathering of them together would be the occasion of new broils, and of civil wars. For seeing (quoth he) that many former battles triumphing in blood, have now made peace, and seeing that the state of the whole Kingdom hateth Arms, and seeing that the King hath no Competitor for his Crown, and that love and friendship hath united and knit together the minds and the hearts of all his Nobles, and seeing that perfect tranquillity and a secure reconciliation hath quieted and gladded all the people, certainly the Kings coming towards the City of London with an armed train, will make the Lords of the deceased King's blood, and many others, exceeding jealous of their intention, and to be fearful lest some secret plot be cunningly contrived to surprise them, when in duty and for service they shall make their access unto the King; and that such fear and jealousy will occasion them (for their defence and safety) to raise the like forces, whereof might ensue much danger, discontentment, and perhaps blows.  
The Queen and her friends (who meant none ill) taking much comfort in this advice, 
The King's strength is sent away.  because she supposed it sprang from hearty love, and also because the Duke of Gloucester had at the same time with all respective duty and reverence likewise written unto the King, and lovingly to the Earl Rivers her brother, and unto Richard Lord Grey her son, caused all such strength of armed men as was provided for the King's conduction towards London, to be dismissed and sent away. And the said Earl, and Lord, and some others of their friends, brought the King forth in his journey to the City of Northampton, and the next day to Stony Stratford, being ten miles from thence. And because that little Town was not capable of the whole train, the Earl Rivers and his private followers remained that night in Northampton. 
The Queen's kindred is betrayed.  But on the sudden and unlooked for, the Dukes of Gloucester and of Buckingham (being strongly accompanied with great store of resolute attendants) dismounted themselves in the Earl's Inn, and with all compliments of love and friendship they passed the time with him; and by reason of their extraordinary familiarity, he secured himself of their hearty and unfeigned love. But assoon as their companies were in their beds, the two Dukes seized upon all the keys of the same Inn, and caused all the ways betwixt those two Towns so to be watched and warded, that no person (of what degree or quality soever he were) could have any passage there. And they revealead, that the pretence of their so doing was because no man before them should in the morning prevent them for diligence to attend upon the King. Whereof when the Earl Rivers had intelligence, necessity compelled him to dissemble, and to seem as if he suspected none evil, although he knew that by the Duke's policy and crafty cunning he was overtaken and beguiled. Yet in friendly and in a jocund manner he came unto the two Dukes, and asked them why they had so done. But suddenly they entered into a needless and causeless quarrel with the said Earl, 
They are imprisoned.  surprised his person, and committed him to safe keeping. And then in good and quiet manner the two Dukes road to Stony Stratford, and humbly presented their duties and their service to the King, who being altogether ignorant of that which so newly had happened, received them with a cheerful countenance and with much joy. But presently they also seized upon Richard Lord Grey, the King's half-brother, and upon Sir Thomas Vaughan, and some others, all which they sent (under a strong Guard) to the Castle of Pomfret in the North, where without any judicial sentence or legal proceeding against them, they were beheaded upon the same day that the Lord Hastings Lord Chamberlain (who conspired in that action with the two Dukes) did lose his head.  

The King's servants are removed.  The two Dukes also and the Lord Chamberlain removed from the King all his other Officers, and most of his menial servants, informing all men which attended the King, or expected the sequel of this business, that the said Earl, Lord, and Knight, with some others, had resolved to destroy all the Lords of King Edward's blood, and to rule both the King and Commonweal according to their own will.  

The Queen with her children take Sanctuary.  When the Queen (who at that time lay, with the King's brother, the young Duke of York, and with her five daughters, at Westminster) heard of these tumults, and what had happened to her brother, son, and friends, it repent her much that she had advised them (upon the Duke of Gloucester's cunning letters) to dismiss and to discharge their soldiers and men of war. And because she had good cause to fear the event thereof, she with her children entered into the Sanctuary there. The young King also mourned grecuously to see the woeful tragedy wherein his friends misfortunes were so unexpectedly acted. But the two Dukes recomforted him with the expression of their humble duties and service, and with a thousand protestations of their fidelity and troth towards his Highness during their lives: 
The King is brought to London.  and then they brought him with great honour near to the City of London, where he was met by the Lord Maior, and five hundred grave Citizens more, in whose presence the Duke of Gloucester used such humble duty and reverence to the King, and so discreetly demeaned himself towards him, that none of them suspected that any thing was done but for the King's preservation, and for his good: yea the Nobility and Counsellors of Estate were so inwardly persuaded to rest in the same belief, that (by their general consent) they forthwith made him the Protector both of the King's royal person, 
The Duke of Gloucester is made Protector.  and of his Kingdom.  
When the Duke of Gloucester had procured and obtained this high place which his heart infinitely desired, (the same being an office of greatest honour, 
He possesseth himself of the King's brother the Duke of York.  of confidence, and of trust) he made no doubt but that his purpose would quickly (though wickedly) be brought to pass as himself wished, if he could also get the young Duke of York into his hands. And to the end that his desires might not remain fruitless, he grievously complained to the King's Counsel of the froward obstinacy of the Queen, who detained the said young Duke dishonourably in the Sanctuary as an offender, and in prison, causing thereby the government of the whole Kingdom, and the Nobles and officers thereof, to be exceedingly blamed and taxed, not only at home, but also in all other Christian Provinces and Kingdoms. He urged also, that his grandmaster the young King was infinitely wronged and disheartened, for that he was not permitted to enjoy the society and the company of his own and only brother, whom above all other creatures in the world he respected and longed for.  
The Lords having considered of the Duke's motion, resolved that he had spoken well, and that it was fitting it should be hearkened unto. And thereupon, they made especial choice of the Cardinal Archbishop of York (upon whose fidelity and love, the Queen did not a little rely) to go to her, and to pray her (without further trouble) to send the young Duke her Son to the king his brother: That he might be comforted with his sight, and be made merry and jocund with his company. And withal they required him to tell her, that for many reasons the young Duke might not be detained there.  
1. First, 
Reasons why the young Duke ought not to be in the Sanctuary.  because the whole estate of this Kingdom would be slandered at home and among foreign Nations, if it should permit so young a child, by birth so noble, so near unto the King, and so innocent, to live in prison: (for every Sanctuary is a prison.)  
2. Secondly, because none could claim the benefit of such a place, but he whose conscience did accuse him of some offence, for which he feared to be punished by the law. But the conscience of this young Duke cannot be so burdened, because his infancy and his innocency do excuse him of any such fault, and therefore he needed no protection there.  
3. Thirdly, that none might enjoy the privilege of a Sanctuary, but such a one as is enabled by true discretion to demand it. But the young Duke (by reason of his infancy) hath not sufficient discretion to require it, and therefore he is not capable of it, nor may enjoy it.  
4. And last of all, he was required to assure her, that any person might be taken out of a Sanctuary, if it be for his good and welfare, and not to his hurt, or to punish him: and that therefore if the Queen did obstinately refuse to deliver him, it was resolved and determined, that he should be taken from thence, and from her without her leave; and the rather, for that great suspicion and fear was justly conceived, that her frowardness or her jealousy would persuade her to send him beyond the Sea, as if he should be more safe there then in his brother the King's Court.  
When this round message was done unto the Queen, though it so nipped her at the heart, that willingly she would not let him go, alleging that none but his own mother was more fit to tutor him, or to attend him, he being so young, sickly, and very weak; and that each of those two brethren was the others safety so long as they were kept asunder, and that the life of the one was maintained in the body of the other, and that if one of them did well, the other was in no peril or danger, and that nothing was more hazardous then to keep them both in one place together: yet when she perceived which way the game went, and that it was resolved by the Protector, and by his friends, that arguments should not prevail, she embraced the lovely young Duke in her arms, she kissed him many times, she wept bitterly, and praying Almighty God to preserve and to defend him from all injury and dangers, she delivered him to the Archbishop, telling him, that she would require that poor and innocent child at his hands. And thus unwillingly and sorrowfully she did let him go.  

A monstrous dissembler.  When the harmless infant was by the Arch bishop delivered into the Protectors hands, who with many other Lords attended the Queen's answer in the star-chamber, he took him (before the whole assembly) in his arms, he hugged and embraced him, and kissed him once and twice, and again and again, protesting upon his soul, that no worldly thing (his Majesty only excepted) was so dear unto him as that young child, when as indeed he meant nothing more than the destruction and ruin of them both. And having brought him to the King, who was infinitely ioied with his presence and company, he conveyed them (within few days after) with princely pomp and attendance thorough the City of London to the Tower, 
The King and his brother sent to the Tower.  under the pretence of an especial care and providence that they should in safety remain there until the Commonweals troubles were thoroughly quieted and appeased, whereas in truth and in deed nothing was out of frame, nothing was ill ordered, but by himself, and by some other great Lords who wholly applied themselves to his will.  

A bloody conspiracy.  When the Protector had thus cooped up those two young Princes, he then began more seriously to determine how he might speedily make himself a King. And though for a while he staggered whether or no he might make the Duke of Buckingham acquainted with his purpose, yet in regard that he stood assured of his love, and knew that his project could not be effected without his privity and assistance, because he was so mighty and so powerful, therefore he found a fit time and a secret place to confer with him about that business: and with small persuasions, and by the offer of his daughter to the Duke's son in marriage, with the gift of the whole Earldom of Hartford, whereunto the Duke pretended a rightful title, but never could obtain it from King Edward the Fourth, and by the dividing and sharing of the greater part of the King's treasure among themselves, he won him not only to consent unto his villainy, but also to assist him in that plot.  
The Lord Hastings (whom the Protector for old acquaintance, 
The Lord Hastings could not be won.  friendship, and love, had newly settled in the office of Chamberlain to the young King) was ever faithful and trusty to King Edward the Fourth, and had vowed his heart to the service of his new master, insomuch that the Protector was not assured whether he might attempt to win him to join with himself and with the Duke of Buckingham in his conspiracy, or no. But in the end he fearing lest he could not do that mischief safely, except the said Lord were either won or destroyed, he resolved upon one of them. Wherefore first of all by liberal gifts, and by large promises of extraordinary advancement and preferment, he won to his will one Catesby, who was both witty, and well learned in the Laws of this Realm, and was the most inward of all others with the said Lord Hastings, from whom he had received his best fortunes, and his chiefest means to gain. Him the Protector employed and instructed, that by dark speeches and by some mystical propositions, he should afar off feel and undermine the inclination of the said Lord his dearest friend touching that matter. Which when he treacherously and craftily had done, he informed the Protector that there was no possibility ever to win him thereunto.  
Hereupon the Protector resolving to cut him short, 
A plot full of villainy.  called a Grand Counsel of the Lords at the Tower of London, proposing to them for their task the consideration of all fitting preparations for the speedy Coronation of the King, when as indeed he intended no such thing.  
The Lords being assembled, and set down in their places, and all of them long expecting the repair of the Protector, who stayed long, at length he came in, took his chair, saluted them all kindly, excused his long absence, merrily jested with some of them, and was more than ordinarily pleasant with them all. But assoon as he had proposed some method to their present conference he told Doctor Morton, Bishop of Elie, whom he loved not, that he was informed that he had store of Straberies in his Garden in Holborn, and entreated him to send for some, which with all expedition he did, being much gladded that he found the Protector (as he conceived) so kind towards him. But (behold) unexpectedly and upon a sudden the Protector (feigning some necessity of a short absence) rose up, and requested the Lords to proceed in the matter which then they had in hand, and promised to make a quick return, which within one hour after he performed accordingly. But being placed in his chair, the Lords perceived that some things were amiss: for he bend his brows, bitten his lip, cast his eyes upon the ground, wrung his fists, looked fiercely, sighed deeply, and by every unpleasing gesture he openly expressed the disquieted passions of a troubled mind. The Lords (who looked on him sadly, and were perplexed with sudden perturbations) wondered much at this sudden change, but knew not what it meant. And when a profound silence had prepared them all to hearken what would be said, the Protector by way of questioning proposed what they deserved who wickedly had intended and practised his destruction, he being Uncle and Protector to the King? The Lords (who were all free and absolutely guiltless of any such crime) sat still as men amazed, and not one of them spoke a word. But at length the Lord Hastings (who by reason of his great familiarity with the Protector, imagined that he was highest in his favour) answered thus: My Lord, such as have so transgressed the Law, deserve the severest punishments which by the Law may be inflicted upon them, and all the Lords assented thereunto. 
A likely matter.  Then quoth the Protector, that Sorceress (meaning the Queen) and that Strumpet Shore's wife, have conspired together by witchcraft to deprive me of my life: and that you may be right well assured that it is true, behold (I pray you) and see how their villainy hath already seized upon my body. For by it my left arm is already wasted and consumed, and therewithal he struck up his sleeve, and showed his arm naked before them all. Thus dared he to do, albeit that all such as were there present were well assured that his arm had never been otherwise from his mother's womb. And moreover, no man was so full of folly to believe that if the Queen had intended such a mischief, 
Shore's wife was King Edward's Concubine.  she would have consorted with Shore's wife above all other women, because she was the Concubine of King Edward her deceased husband. And besides all this, they all knew that the Queen was religious, temperate, mild, charitable, and virtuous in all her actions, hating to revenge although means and opportunity were offered unto her to do mischief.  
The Lord Hastings (who after King Edward's death, 
The Lord Hastings punished for his whoredom.  conversed with Shore's wife; using her as his Concubine; and but the same Morning leaving her in his own bed) being desirous (if he might) to appease the Protectors rage towards her: And (in some sort) being willing to excuse her, Replied thus, My Lord, if the Queen and she have so done, and therewithal the Protectors indignation (waxing intemperate) interrupted him, thus: Thou Traitor (quoth he) tellest thou me of Iffs and Ands; I tell thee they have done it, and as he spoke those words with a loud voice, he clapped his hand rudely upon the Table board; 
Armed men.  upon the noise whereof, the whole Chamber was suddenly stuffed and filled with Armed men. And one of them (at his first entrance) struck with his Halberd at the Lord Stanleys' head: who preventing the violence, but not all the blow, to save his life fell under the Table but did lose much blood. The Protector himself arrested the said Lord Hastings, and accused him (by general terms) of high Treason: 
The Lord Hastings beheaded.  and forthwith without any other proceeding or judgement, caused him to be carried out into the Green, and his Head upon a Log to be chopped off.  
And it is to be noted, that this Execution was thus done on him the same day, and at the same hour, that the Earl Rivers, the Lord Richard Grace, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and their other friends, were executed without legal proceeding in the Castle of Pomfret: 
Murder punished.  which Execution was appointed by the Protector, by the Duke of Buckingham, and by the said Lord Hastings, who little dreamt that he should in the like manner have died at the same time.  
This Execution being thus dispatched, the Protector caused those Armed to seize upon the Cardinal Archbishop of York: and upon the Bishop of Elie, and upon the Lord Stanley, and some others, all which were severally committed to several Prisons in that place.  
And presently the Protector and the Duke of Buckingham, 
A had shift.  thrusting themselves into vile and uncomely harness, as if necessity had compelled them to shift themselves into the first and worst that came unto their hands: They sent for divers worthy Citizens of London and required them with all posting speed to repair thither, which they did. And unto them the Protector passionately related, that his death was conspired, and that his life should have been taken from him as he sat that morning in Counsel with the Lords, by the Lord Hastings, and by his wicked complices, if by sudden force and violence he had not prevented that mischief: and so much they were required to tell their friends, that they might have true notice of the cause of this sudden broil and execution in the Tower. And within two hours after that the Lord Hastings was deprived of his head, a solemn and a long Proclamation written with a fair hand in parchment, and being under the Great Seal of England, was brought into the City, and with great solemnity proclaimed there by an Herald of Arms. But by all circumstances it was conjectured by all wise men, that the same was indicted, written, and sealed some days before.  

Doctor Shaas Sermon.  Thus when the wicked Protector had impiously cut off the heads of those Lords, who would still have kept him back from doing of too much mischief if they had lived, he caused Doctor Shaa (a man more learned than virtuous, and as wicked in practices as the Protector was, who did instruct him) in a Sermon the Sunday following at Paul's Cross, to blazon the honourable birth and parentage of the Protector, to relate his virtues, to commend his valour, to weaken the fame and honour of the deceased King Edward by reason of his lascivious wantonness with Shore's wife, and with many others, to bastardise all his children, as being borne in adultery, and out of lawful marriage, for that King Edward was solemnly contracted (as he affirmed) unto the Lady Elizabeth Lucy (whom he begat with child) before such time as he married with the Lady Elizabeth Grey; and also because he was in the person of Richard the great Earl of Warwick (before his said marriage) affied unto the Lady Bona, sister to Carlot the wife of the French King.  
He also accused the Protectors own mother of great incontinency, when King Edward and George Duke of Clarence (his two elder brothers) were begotten. And thus he strived to make every one crooked besides himself, who was most crooked of all. And (in conclusion) the Doctor applying his speech to the worthiness and goodness of the Protector, he supposed that the people could not choose but receive him for their undoubted sovereign Lord and King, and therefore he strived to prepare the multitude to have shouted out when the King came in, and to have cried, King Richard, King Richard: but he failed of his purpose; for every man was silent, and more surprised with wonder then with applause, to see and to perceive how cowardly, how unnaturally, and how wickedly these affairs and businesses were carried, not to continue the Protector to be a subject any longer, but to be a King.  
And the next day in the Guildhall of London the Duke of Buckingham by like arguments endeavoured to make the Protector the rightful and undoubted heir and inheritor of the Crown. 
The Duke is now King Richard.  And albeit that the Townsmen took no contentment in this message, nor did by their voices assent to that which to them was delivered, yet (against their wills) the Duke of Buckingham procured them the next day to go with him and with many other Lords to Baynard's Castle to the Protector, where they offered to receive him for their lawful King, and prayed him to undergo that burden. But oftentimes he refused to grant them their request. But at last he granted it. And thus he gained and won (by their persuasions) his hearts desire.   

THE HISTORY OF KING RICHARD THE THIRD.  
WHen King Richard had taken upon him the government of this Kingdom, and was crowned, instead of noble and prince like courtesy, 
Cowardly dissimulation.  be applied himself to all baseness, striving thereby (but all in vain) to win the love and favour of his people. And not seeming to take any notice that the Lord Strange, son and heir apparent to the Lord Stanley, intended to raise an Army in the North, because his father had been wronged, and was then imprisoned by the King, but pretending that he loved him when he might punish him, he did not only set him at liberty, but also made him the Steward of his own house.  
He also enlarged the Archbishop of York, 
D. Morton committed.  but committed Doctor Morton Bishop of Elie as a prisoner to the Duke of Buckingham, who was afterwards a principal means of his confusion, and of King Richard's destruction, as in the sequel of this History more particularly it shall appear.  

Nobles created.  The King, to make himself strong, by conferring of great honours upon others, created his only child Edward (who was of the age of ten years) Prince of Wales: and john Howard (who was both valiant in the field, and wise in counsel) was by him created Duke of Norfolk. And Sir Thomas Howard (his eldest son) was made Earl of Surrey. The Lord William Barkley was advanced to the Earldom of Nottingham. And Francis Lord Lovel (whom he entirely loved) was made Viscount Lovel.  

The French King despiseth King Richard.  And when he had (as he imagined) so surely settled his estate, that froward fortune could not change it, by his Ambassadors he made offer to Lewis the French King to conclude a peace. But Lewis so much detested his bloody cruelties and his murders, that he would not vouchsafe to see the Ambassadors which he sent, nor to hear the message which they brought.  
This frump and some others so pinched him at the heart, and the Devil took such an advantage of him, by reason of his ambitious and wicked mind, that he supposed he could never be reputed and truly honoured as a King, so long as his two harmless and poor nephews drew any breath, as though so horrible and so execrable and bloody a murder could win him love and reputation among his discontented people. 
The two young Princes are murdered.   
Thus whilst his head forged this vile and villainous conceit, he made his progress towards the City of Gloucester, as if he only intended by his presence to honour that place from whence his former title of dignity was derived, strongly persuading himself, that if this ungodly and heinous fact were committed in his absence, no man would then repute him to be guilty of that mischief.  

Sir Robert Brackenbury.  We must be informed here, that because from a mean estate he had raised Sir Robert Brackenbury to the dignity of Knighthood, and had made him Lieu-tenant of the Tower, he conjectured that those his favours, and many more which he might hope for, would have incited him (for his sake) to have committed any villainy whatsoever. But the love which this virtuous and good Knight bare to virtue, and the great care which he had to keep a quiet and a guiltless conscience, made him to refuse to perpetrate that murder, which by the King's letters he was peremptorily enjoined and commanded to perform.  

james Terril.  Whereat when the King had stormed, sworn, and cursed like a Fiend, he called to his remembrance, that in the Tower there lodged one james Terril, a man who was needy both in virtue, and of good means, to support his haughty and his ambitious mind, and who was likely (for rewards and promotions sake) to kill his own father and his friend. To him the King by his letters disclosed the earnestness of his desires, and promised larger recompense if the fact were done; then such a hellish service could deserve.  
Thus when he had made him pliant to his will, he then by his letters required the Lieu-tenant to deliver to him the keys of the Tower, which he forthwith did. And thus every thing being fitted according to his desires, the next night james Terril sent Miles Forest, john Dighton, and two other graceless and cruel Executioners, into the poor children's chamber, where they wickedly smothered them in their beds, and buried them at the stairs foot, from whence they were removed, and obscurely bestowed in an unknown place.  
The news which proclaimed that the two young Princes were unfortunately found dead in their bed, so amazed the Nobles and the common people of this Kingdom, and so inwardly perplexed the dying Queen, that every place returned Echoes of lamentations and of sorrow, and every man's eyes sent forth streams of tears in token of their grief. Only the Tyrant and his Confederates, for a few months, solaced themselves in this, that Richard was now a complete King, and with admired policy had surely settled himself and his posterity in this Kingdom.  
But wicked and bloody Tyrant, let such as hate thy vices, demand of thee some questions; and then thou shalt plainly see, and be thine own judge, whether this land did ever breed a more ungodly monster than thyself.  
1. Can not the infancy and the imbecility of those tender and sweet babes (who were unable to resist or to do thee harm) persuade thee to suffer them to live?  
2. Can not their innocency incline thine heart to pity and to take compassion on them?  
3. Can not their proximity of blood with thine induce thee to spare theirs?  
4. Can not the confidence which by the Commonweal was reposed in thee, make thee faithful, being trusted?  
5. How came it to pass, that thou (by violence and by villainy) shouldest dare to take away the life of thy Master, nay of thy sovereign Lord and King, the anointed of the Lord?  
6. Can not the shame which the world would spot thee with, when thou hadst done it, deter thee from consenting to it?  
7. Didst thou not foresee how hateful thyself, nay how odious thy name would be unto all good men, when thy wickedness should be revealed?  
8. By God's Commandment thou wert prohibited to do murder. What then made thee so to neglect and to contemn the precept of thy God, that (in despite of him and of his Law) thou committedst this execrable murder?  
9 Can not the ghastly examples of Gods severe judgements, wrathfully poured down upon such murderers, make thee afraid to kill thine own kinsmen?  
10. Why should the Devil and boundless ambition carry thee headlong into such a Sea of wickedness, to thine own ruin and destruction?  
11. What couldst thou desire to have, which thou hadst not?  
12. Didst thou want riches? Why, the whole treasure of the Kingdom was to be disposed of as thou listedst.  
13. Didst thou want lands and livings? Thou couldst not have wished for any that the King had, but with a word thou mightest have had thy share therein.  
14. Didst thou want authority to command, and to make thee great? No, thou didst not: for thou swaiedst the King's person and his whole Kingdom at thy will and pleasure.  
15. No, no. But thou wast destitute of the grace of God, which made thee empty of all goodness. From henceforth when thou art named, the paper, the tongue, and the care shall sharply accuse thee of innocent blood, yea thine own conscience shall condemn thee, and (as a hangman) torment and torture thee with pains and punishments which shall not quickly end.  

The punishment of a murderer.  Every man already seethe, and rejoiceth to see, how thou art perplexed, and canst not be in rest. Thou fearest lest thine enemies will subdue thee. Thou distrustest thy friends, lest they will betray thee. Thou eatest little, because nothing can do thee any good. Thou sleepest unquietly in thy bed, because visions, fantasies, and fearful dreams do tell thee, that (except thou speedily do repent) thou must expect vengeance for the guiltless blood which (like a monster) thou hast spilled. Thou art unpatient with all men, because thine own heart is still troubled. Thou bitest thy lip, because thou devisest how thou mayest do greater mischiefs. Thou settest thine hand furiously upon thy dagger, purposing to kill other, because thou art surprised with continual fear lest every man will kill thee. Thou bendest thy brows, and lookest sullenly, because no good man's endeavours can content thee. What shall we more say? The shortness of thy life, thy sorrows whilst thou breathest, and the assurance of thy shameful death, do tell us, that these bloody facts of thine do make the earth loath and unwilling to sustain so heavy and so bad a burden. And therefore to God's mercy we must leave thee, but cannot leave (as yet) to speak of thee, until the blood of thy two innocent Nephews, and of all others whom unjustly thou hast slain, be revenged in this world by thy shameful death.  
Now when King Richard's progress was ended, 
Good fruits from an evil tree.  and he returned unto London, he endeavoured by the making of good Laws, and by executing of them with favour and with mercy, and by his bounteous liberality to the poorer sort, and by his humility, gentleness, and courtesy, to insinuate himself into the love and favour of his people. But God (who would not suffer him long to enjoy his worldly dignity and honour without crosses) deprived him of his only child, the young Prince of Wales, 
K. Richard is made chillesse.  for whom he was much grieved.  
Now must we know, that as Doctor Morton Bishop of Elie, 
1484. 2  was singularly well learned, so was he exceeding witty, politic, and cunning. And of all those his qualities he made such use, 
Doctor Morton.  that in the end he obtained his liberty, occasioned the Duke of Buckingham's overthrow, procured the destruction of King Richard, conjoined (by marriage) the two Houses of Lancaster and York, advanced the Earl of Richmond to the Crown, and also preferred himself to great honour, as hereafter it shall appear.  
The Duke of Buckingham (to whom he was a prisoner) was not only great in regard of his high dignity and large possessions, 
He apply himself to the Duke's humour.  but by his learning and much applauded courtesy he also won the extraordinary love and favour of all sorts and degrees of people in this Kingdom. But his witty prisoner perceiving that he was ambitious, and greedy of his own praise and commendation, as commonly great men are, insinuated himself into his especial love and favour, by applying his talk and conference to those humours, 
They begin to be inwardly familiar.  insomuch that within a short time the Duke's heart conceived nothing which his tongue revealed not to the Bishop, yea they began to speak their minds freely each to other touching the bloody villainies and tyranny of the King.  
This crafty Bishop likewise, to provoke the Duke not only to a further detestation of those cruelties, 
Morton raileth on the Usurper.  but also to a resolved purpose to depose him, first of all recounted how slenderly the Usurper had rewarded the Duke himself, without whose aid and countenance he could never have advanced himself (are he did) to the Crown. Then he minded him of the instability of the King's word, who restored not to the Duke, nor to his son, the Earldom of Hartford, according to his promise in that behalf. Now unto that he remembered him of the jealousy which the King conceived of the Duke's greatness, so that he rather diminished, then in any sort graced or augmented his authority & power. Fourthly, the vilifying of the honour and reputation of his own mother, making her unchafte, and such a woman as prostituted her body unto strangers, in the conception of his two elder brothers, King Edward and the Duke of Clarence, to make himself more legitimate than they. Fifthly, his unlawful and bloody executing of Anthony Lord Rivers, Richard Lord Grace, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and of the Lord Hastings, chief Chamberlain to the two last Kings. Sixthly, his horrible murdering of Prince Edward, the eldest son of King Henry the Sixth, and of the same King, and of the Duke of Clarence his own brother. And last of all, and the worst of all, the bastardising, deposing, and murdering of his poor, innocent, and guiltless nephews, which gave him (by wicked usurpation) his passage to the Crown and Sceptre of this Kingdom.  

Mortons' motives.  All these things when the Bishop had recounted, then (for a full conclusion to all that had been spoken) he advised the Duke of Buckingham, for the safety of his own life, and for the preservation of his Country, either to make use of his own virtues and greatness, and of the extraordinary favour and love which all the people bore him, and to make himself their King; or otherwise, to further the uniting of the two houses of Lancaster and of York, by marrying of King Edward's eldest daughter, the Lady Elizabeth, with the Earl of Richmond, the son and heir apparent of Margaret Countess of Richmond, daughter and heir to the Duke of Buckingham's great Uncle john Duke of Somerset, son to john of Gaunt the fourth son of King Edward the Third; and so to make the said Earl a true and a lawful King, by means whereof the Crown of this kingdom should not only be settled where justly it ought to be, but also all future occasions of Factions and of Civil wars would be taken clean away, and the world should be quited of such a Monster, who was loathed and hated by all good men.  

Buckingham's resolution.  The Duke of Buckingham, although he were ambitious beyond measure, and liked well to be styled by the great name of a King, yet because usurpation must needs have been his best title, (and Usurpers never wanted envy) he therefore employed his wits to conclude that match, and to make the Earl King.  
When the Bishop (by often disputes) had thoroughly confirmed the Duke in this his resolution, 
Morton would feign be a liberty.  he made him a solemn protestation, that if he would permit him to go into his Isle of Elie, he then would quickly furnish the said Duke with store of money and of men. But the Duke was most desirous of his company for two reasons. First, because his escape would undoubtedly be laid unto his charge, and revenged, if that project were not supported with sufficient strength. And secondly, because by his absence he should be deprived of such a friend, as was right well able to advise and counsel him at his need.  
The Bishop knowing that whilst he was a prisoner, 
Morton escapeth.  his head was subject to King Richard's command, and that his great familiarity with the Duke cleared him of all suspicion unmannerly to departed, watched his fittest time of opportunity, and being disguisefully appareled in base clothes, he secretly stole away, and came to Elie, where he furnished himself among his friends with store of money and other necessaries, 
He flieth into Flanders.  and then (without lingering) he sailed into Flanders, where by his counsel and best means he animated the Earl of Richmond, who was in Britain, 
His motion and encouragement to the Earl of Richmond and to others.  to return into England, to take to wife the Lady Elizabeth, King Edward's eldest daughter, to depose the Tyrant, and to make himself a true and a lawful King. He also solicited by his letters, and by secret messengers, divers Noblemen and Gentlemen of this Realm, to be aiding and assisting to the said Earl at his return. And the Earl himself so prevailed with Francis Duke of Britain, that albeit King Richard by his Ambassadors had strived by the disbursement and gift of much money, rich jewels, 
K. Richard practiseth to get the Earl of Richmond.  and by frank promises, to make him a new Prisoner, and consequently to deprive him of all good hope, yet the Duke of Britain (as his faithful and constant friend) began to secure him with his best helps.  
And albeit that this plot (devised by Morton) was exceeding secret, as all the Conspirators did imagine, yet was King Richard acquainted therewith as well as they. And therefore, 

K. Richard knoweth Mortons' plot.  
Buckingham refuseth to come to that Court.   to cut off the Duke of Buckingham from that Faction by violence, or else to win him by fair promises to take his part, he courteously importuned his company at the Court. But he having a guilty conscience, and knowing that King Richard was not niggardly in shedding of blood, nor used to spare any man of whom he doubted or feared, submissively and with humble terms excused his not coming, by reason of his indisposition to travel, occasioned by the infirmity of his weak body. The King (who could skilfully cast his water) perceived that he was not sick in body, but in mind towards him: wherefore by letters and sharp threatenings, he peremptorily commanded and required him to come. But the Duke rather desiring to have a public enemy than a dissembling friend, boldly returned him this answer, that he reputed him to be a monster, a tyrant, a murderer, his enemy, and an unlawful King, and therefore that he would not come unto him. 
Armies are raised.  And knowing that his life was near ended, except he could maintain what he had said by strength of arms in open field, he went hastily into Wales, and raised a powerful Army: and in Devonshire, and in Cornwall, Sir Edward Courtney, and Peter Courtney his brother, being Bishop of Exeter, did the like. So did Sir Richard Guildford, and some other Gentlemen in Kent. And Thomas Grey marquess Dorset, who forsaking the Sanctuary road into Yorkshire, levied there much people. Wherefore King Richard (to support his own estate, and to preserve his life, and to vanquish his stout and bold enemies) raised another Army.  
These preparations being thus made, King Richard marched against the Duke, because he accounted him to be the head of this conspiracy, and did persuade himself that he should be quited of all fear, if he could vanquish him before he joined his forces with his friends.  
The Duke perceiving the King's intention, resolved bravely to confront him, and to dare him face to face, for which purpose he determined to lead his whole army thorough the River of Severne at a low ford not far from the City of Gloucester. 
This flood hastened the Duke's death, who consented to the murder of the two young Princes.  But in the night before he should pass over, such an incredible abundance of rain fell, and the showers so mainly poured down for ten days following, that not only the River was made unpassable, but also the whole Country thereabout was surrounded with an excessive flood, insomuch that grounds, villages, towns, and people were drowned or carried away, to the great hurt and prejudice of the inhabitants, who grievously bewailed and sorrowed for their loss.  
This enforced lingering, together with the Duke's wants of victual, money, and of other necessaries, so discomforted the wavering and unconstant Welshmen, that when he thought himself sure of their help, they then ran away, and left him alone: and he himself (by perilous and hard shifting) was enforced to harbour himself near unto Shrewesburie in the house of one Humphrey Banaster, who was his servant, and whom from a low degree he had raised to a fair estate, authority, and worship. And the rest of the Duke's friends in other Provinces (when they heard the certainty of the Duke's ill speeding) upon a sudden dispersed all their companies, and every one of them carefully shifted for himself, and many of them (by means of their diligence and good fortune) entered into the Sea, and arrived safely in the Duchy of Britain, among whom were Sir Edward Courtney, Peter Courtney his brother, Bishop of Exeter, Thomas marquess Dorset, john Lord Welles, Sir john Bourchier, Sir Edmund Wooduile the old Queen's brother, Sir Robert Willoughby, Sir Giles Dawbney, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir john Cheney, his two brethren, Sir William Barkley, Sir William Brandon, Sir Richard Edgecombe, and some others.  
The King having dispersed this cloud, 
The Duke is proscribed.  which threatened a terrible storm, proscribed the Duke of Buckingham, and proposed the gift of a thousand pounds to him that should be the mean to take him: whereupon his faithless, treacherous, 
His servant betrayeth him.  and unthankful servant Humphrey Banaster betrayed him to john Mitton Sheriff of Shropshire, who with a strong Guard of armed men conveyed him to Shrewesburie to the King, who being examined, confessed all in hope of favour, 
He is beheaded.  but forthwith and without any legal proceed or judgement he lost his head.  
In the mean time, whilst these things were in doing, 
Richmond saileth for England.  the Earl of Richmond (who neither beard of this misfortune, nor of the arrival of his worthy friends, who flying out of England came into Britain) having in his company almost five thousand men, entered into the Sea, and directed his course for this Realm. But in the evening after his departure out of Britain, 
A storm taketh him, and he returneth.  he was so cruelly beaten with an hideous storm which so suddenly assailed him and his, that some of his ships were driven back to the place from whence they came, others into Normandy, and only one of them (besides that in which himself was) remained at the Sea. The next day as the Earl came before Pole, he perceived that all the Coasts and hills adjoining were thickly sprinkled with armed men, who eagerly attended his arrival by the commandment of King Richard: and divers practices were used to train him in. But because he feared the worst, as he had good cause, taking the benefit of a fair wind, he returned, and landed safely within the Duchy of Normandy, 
He is relieved by the French King  from whence he sent to the new and young King of France, Charles the Eighth, desiring that by his free leave and licence he might safely pass thorough that Province into Britain; who not only granted his request, but also (pitying his wants and evil fortune) relieved and furnished him with much money. So he having collected his dispersed ships, sent them into Britain, and himself by land went thither, where (to his exceeding comfort and great joy) he met with his distressed friends, all which were valiant men, and great Commanders in the times of war. With these Captains he entered into new consultations, and giving to them his solemn oath to take to his wife the Lady Elizabeth, 
He taketh an oath.  eldest daughter to King Edward the Fourth, if his success were fortunate, they all became his subjects, and honoured him as their King: and all of them (by the Duke of Britain's aid and succours) endeavoured to make ready a new Fleet, and such soldiers as they could get, for his return. In the mean time King Richard by sundry executions shortened the number of the Earls friends, and procured him and his associates by an Act of Parliament to be attainted of High Treason, 
He is attainted of treason.  and thereby he enabled himself to seize upon all their lands and movables which he could find. But his cruelties were so inhuman and barbarous, that they were condemned in the opinions of all his people, who sharply accused Sir Richard Ratcliff, Sir William Catesby, and the Viscount Lovel, his three minions, and wicked counsellors, as furtherers and abettors in those mischiefs: so that (among others) one Collingborne was executed as a Traitor for making and dispersing of this short rhyme: 
Collingborne executed.  

Richard gave a Hog for his Supporter  The Rat, the Cat, and Lovel the Dog,  
Rule all England under the Hog.   
Now though the Duke of Buckingham could not hurt King Richard, (for a dead dog biteth not) yet he resolved by new friendship and alliance to make himself more strong, for which purpose he not only concluded a peace with james then King of Scots, but also a marriage between a niece of his, named the Lady Anne, and the Prince of Rothsay, the eldest son of the said King. He also attempted once more (by lavish prodigality) to get into his hands the worthy and brave Earl of Richmond, 
He attempteth to get Richmond into his hands.  and for that purpose he sent his Ambassadors into Britain to the Duke, to offer to him great store of silver and of gold, and all the Rents and the Revenues of the said Earl and of his Confederates, if he would be pleased to give him the quiet and the safe possession of him. The Duke at that time was exceeding sick, so that his High Treasurer Peter Landoys (who at S. Maloes had freed the said Earl from the Ambassadors of King Edward the fourth, 
Peter Landoys abase slave.  as formerly we have heard) ordered and disposed of all the affairs and businesses of that Country: wherefore those bribes and promises were made and tendered unto him, and he (being greedy of so great a prey) did undertake with great expedition to effect all things according to their desire. But notwithstanding all this secret practising and cunning juggling, this mischievous plot and intended villainy was by secret messengers revealed to Doctor Morton Bishop of Elie, he being in Flanders, 
D. Morton discovereth the danger.  and he with all celerity and posting speed advertised the Earl of the danger which he was in, by means whereof, and to save themselves, he with his chiefest friends and followers as privately as they could departed from Vannes; and passing thorough the Country of Britain in great haste, they came into France, 
Richmond and his friends escape narrowly.  and presented themselves to the French King, who not only received them joyfully as his friends, but promised sufficient aid and secure to the Earl for his relief. But in the mean time Peter Landoys (supposing that the Earl of Richmond and his associates had left Vannes but for a few days to visit some inward friends) prepared certain troops of resolved soldiers well armed at all points, pretending in outward show that they were by him provided to go into England for the Earl's aid; but (to say the truth) they were only fitted to have surprised him and his Confederates, and to have transported them all to King Richard. But when he was certainly informed of their escape into France, he was sore troubled and vexed at the heart, because he was discovered to be so treacherous, and yet could not effect the mischief which by him was intended.  
Now when it was voiced abroad, that the young French King and his Counsel would assist the Earl in his enterprise to gain the Imperial Crown of this Realm, Sir james Blunt Captain of the Castle of Hams, and Sir john Fortescue Porter of the Town of Calais, and john Vere Earl of Oxford, who was a prisoner with the said Sir james, secretly repaired to the Earl, who (because they were valiant men at arms, and skilled much in martial discipline) received them courteously, and with much joy.  
When King Richard was by his own Ambassadors truly assured in what strange manner the Earl of Richmond and his friends had saved themselves, by flying into France, and that he was preparing of new forces to try his fortune when he should land, and that the French King and his Nobles both favoured and assisted him, and that the Earl of Oxford, with the other two, were with him, his continual fear gave him no rest, 
Another villainous practice of King Richards.  until he had (in some sort) pleased himself by a new device. And his plot was thus: By subtle and crafty messengers he made large proffers of massy silver and of gold, besides his earnest promise of much advancement and especial favour to the mother Queen, conditionally, that she would commit unto his custody and keeping her five daughters, so that by means thereof the Earl of Richmond might utterly be deprived of all hope to match with the Lady Elizabeth as he intended: for he strongly persuaded himself, that if that marriage were by craft and subtlety prevented, few men would then engage themselves to depose him and make the Earl King.  

The old Queen's folly and covetousness.  The unconstant and the unprovident Queen, whom covetousness and ambition had made credulous, and willing to believe him, who in the field had formerly slain Sir john Grace her first husband, unjustly had executed her brother and her son, and who had not only bastardized her too other sons, 
K. Richard is possessed of K. Edward's five daughters.  but had wickedly and villainously caused them both to be murdered in the Tower, accepted of those his gifts and promises, and delivered unto him her five daughters.  
And no sooner had he gotten them into his custody, but (to make his title to the Crown more sure) he longed in his heart incestuously to marry with his own brother's daughter, 
His incestuous purpose.  the said Lady Elizabeth. But the life of Queen Anne his wife, who was the daughter of Richard Earl of Warwick, and the former wife of Prince Edward the son and heir of King Henry the Sixth, and whom himself and his brother the Duke of Clarence had murdered in King Edward's presence, was the only impediment to that match.  

The Queen suddenly died.  It must now be diligently observed, that suddenly uncertain Authors made report that Queen Anne (who was not sick) was dead: and moreover, King Richard himself forsook her company and her bed, pretending much discontentment and great dislike because she was barren, and not likely to have any more children to establish his succession in the Crown. The Queen (who shrewdly guessed at the wicked intention of her graceless husband) much grieved and vexed herself thereat: and whether her private conceits that her death was conspired, or whether any poison (as many did imagine) shortened her days or no, it was uncertain; but within few days after she was suddenly found dead indeed.  

He maketh love to his own Niece.  The King so little regarded the death of his said Queen, that presently he began to make love to the Lady Elizabeth his own Niece, who being discreet and modest, and hating his detested villainies, and well considering what peril and danger herself and all her sisters were in, 
She makes him hopeful.  if the Tyrant should rashly be rejected, tempered her denials with tempting and alluring looks, and prettily fed his fancy with the music of her sweet tongue, and instantly requested him, not to urge his suit with too much love, until he had defeated the Earl of Richmond of all his hopes, and had finished his own troubles, and that he would with careful diligence make good provision to defend himself. Thus living in hope of her liking, and pleasing himself by yielding to her request, he disposed himself wholly in making all needful preparations to resist. But whilst he was thus busied, he was informed by such Flatterers as never ceased to abuse him, that his Archenemie the Earl of Richmond and his coadjutors received such small comfort of the French King, that all their hopes were vanished, and that they were so infinitely oppressed with many wants, that he needed not to fear any opposition which they could make.  
This news was by him so quickly credited, 
False news makes him secure.  that too much security made him careless to proceed; nay, he discharged all his Garrisons, which formerly (with great charge and travail) he had placed near unto the Sea-coasts: so that we may by the way make this profitable use thereof, 
A note.  that such is the strength of God's judgements and justice, that wicked and ungodly men are evermore least heedful and vigilant for their own safety and good, when punishments are nearest at hand to correct them for their grievous offences and transgressions against God. Whilst these things were thus acting in England, the Earl of Richmond was informed that his Lady and her sisters were by their mother delivered into King Richard's hands, that his own Queen was suddenly found dead, and that the old Lecherer made love and dalliance to the Lady Elizabeth, who was the anchor and the stay of all his hopes. 
Richmond saileth into England, being aided by the French King.  Wherefore it is not to be wondered at, that now (with more than wont importunity) he solicited the young French King and his Counsel for present aid. And (to say the truth) so graciously was he favoured by them all, that he obtained a quick supply of money, ships, armour, artillery, and two thousand men, to make trial if his fortune had determined that he should wear a Crown. With this little (but resolved) company he arrived and landed at Milford Haven in Ways, when he was least thought on, 
He landeth.  where he saw no great appearance of such succours as he hoped for.  
But when the Welshmen were put in mind, that (being the son of Owen Tuthar) he was of their own blood, 
The Welshmen do stick unto him.  and would be an especial favourer of them all, and that his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth would settle the whole estate of this Kingdom in perfect unity and in peace, they flocked unto him, and thronged about him with resolved minds and willing hearts, under their skilful and hardy Captains, among which john Savage, Arnold Butler, Richard Griffith, john Morgan, and Rice A● Thomas, were the chief. To him also repaired Sir George Stanley, 
More aid.  who conducted the power and strength of the young Earl of Shrewesburie, (he being then in ward) which consisted of two thousand men. Sir Walter Hungerford and Sir Thomas Bourchier (too valiant and worthy Leaders of many a lusty man) presented unto him their service: so did Thomas Lord Stanley, father in law to the said Earl of Richmond, who was accompanied with five thousand fight men. 
K. Richard's people revolt.  All these forces were first levied and provided for King Richard's aid: but God (who purposed to correct and punish him for his forepassed wicked deeds) converted their hearts, made them to revolt from a Tyrant, and to submit themselves to a more lawful power; whereat King Richard grieved and tormented himself in vain. Yet having levied an Army of more than twenty thousand, (few of which, besides his true friend john Duke of Norfolk and his followers, remained firm and faithful) he marched against his enemies, fully resolving to cast all his fortunes in the adventure of one battle, 
K Richard is desperate.  thereby to establish himself without further fear in his Kingdom, or else (by his death in the open field) to conclude the woeful tragedy of his wicked life.  

john Duke of Norfolk.  And albeit that many practices were daily used to have withdrawn the Duke of Norfolk from King Richard's service, yet none of them prevailed. Wherefore to make him jealous and diffident of the case wherein he stood, the night before the two Armies joined, this rhyme was fixed upon his chamber door: 
jacke of Norfolk be not too bold,  
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.   
Yet for all this he persisted loyal until his death: and the next morrow, being the two and twentieth day of August, and in the third year of King Richard's reign, 
Bosworth field.  at Bosworth in Lecestershire the two Armies met and encountered each other, and fought for the space of two hours.  
But when King Richard perceived that the smallest number of his soldiers contended to win the victory, and that the residue of them either cowardly left the field, or revolted to his enemy, or stood as Neuters, intending to join with him who was best likely to overcome, despairing of his fortune, and knowing that death was readily prepared to attach him, 
K. Richard is valiant.  he left his own Army, and dashing his spurs into his horses sides, he rushed furiously into the Earl's battle, and with his sword he desperately made himself a free passage, until he was strongly encountered by Sir William Brandon, who was Standard-bearer to the Earl: him he slew valiantly. And then singling out Sir john Cheyney, a right hardy man in arms, by mere courage and fine strength he tumbled him to the ground, and came to the Earl of Richmond, 
The Earl of Richmond stayeth King Richard.  with whom he fought with desperate resolution hand to hand, until he was by him slain. And thus by his death this mortal quarrel ended, the Earl having lost in this battle not above one hundred men, and King Richard about one thousand, among which the Duke of Norfolk was the chief.  
When King Richard was thus slain, his carrion carcase being found stark naked in the field, 
His body rudely used.  and being wounded and filthily polluted with dirt and gory blood, was cast upon a horse back behind a Pursuivant at Arms, 
God's judgement on a wicked murderer.  to be carried to the Town of Leicester, his head and his hands hanging down on the one side, and his legs on the other side like a calf: and there it was interred with as base a funeral as was bestowed upon his two Nephews in the Tower.  
His Crown being found among the spoils and dead men in the field, 
The Earl of Richmond is crowned in the field.  was brought to the Earl of Richmond by his father in law the Lord Stanley, who with the general acclamations of the people, who shouted for joy, and cried King Henry, King Henry, crowned him therewith in the open field.  
And then the Earl with all his Army in the field gave hearty and humble thanks to Almighty God for this great victory: 
He thanketh and praiseth God.  and (with promises of large rewards) the whole Army was dissolved, and the Earl and his Nobles departed to their rest. Thus lived and thus died King Richard, when he had reigned as a Tyrant two years, two months, and one day.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE SEVENTH.  
AS after a sharp winter men do receive the sweet comforts of a pleasant Spring, and like as Adversity is fully recompensed with more joyful tidings when abundance of Prosperity doth follow; so the hearts of all such as were sad and heavy by reason of the civil wars, were now cheered and made jocund by the happy peace and concord which at this instant blessed all England in the succession of King Henry, 
The King marrieth ●he Lady Elizabeth.  who being crowned King, according to his oath and promise, married the fair and virtuous Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter to King Edward the fourth, joining thereby in one the two great Families of Lancaster and of York, betwixt whom (for Principality and for the Crown) infinite contentions and mortal wars had formerly consumed and destroyed many thousands of brave and valiant men.  
Now that the state of this Kingdom might be confirmed in its happiness, by the safety of the King's person, 
The King chooseth a Guard.  and by other requisites, King Henry (taking his Precedent and ensample from the Kings of France) selected a certain number of warlike men in all places to attend upon him, 
Rewards given. Noblemen created.  whom he termed the Yeomen of his Crown. He also rewarded with great bounty all such as for his sake had been eminent in his service; and created his uncle, jasper Earl of Pembroke, Duke of Bedford. His father in law, Thomas Lord Stanley, was made Earl of Derby. He also made his faithful and firm friend and favourite, the Lord Chandew of Britain, Earl of Bath. Sir Giles Dawbeney was made Lord Dawbeney, Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke, and Edward Stafford the eldest son of Humphrey Duke of Buckingham (who in his quarrel lost his head) was by him restored to his father's dignity and possessions.  

A Parliament. Acts repealed. The Crown is entailed. New Laws. His Pardons.  Then he assembled his High Court of Parliament at Westminster, in which he frustrated, canceled, and made void all former Acts which convicted him and his adherents as guilty of High Treason. The Crown of this Kingdom was entailed to him and to the heirs of his body. He also caused such Laws and such Statutes to be made, as were behoveful and beneficial to this Commonweal. He pardoned all such as (having conspired or borne arms against him) submissively by their oaths acknowledged and received him for their true and lawful King.  

His Counsellors.  He elected the most noble, grave, and wise men of this Kingdom, to be of his Privy Counsel, by whose direction and advice the government of this Realm was established in prosperity and in peace. 
The Duke of Britain is recompensed.  He bountifully recompensed the Duke of Britain for all his former courtesies towards him, and also paid unto him all such sums of money as at any time he had disbursed for his maintenance and relief. 
So is the French king.  The like he did to the French King, and thereby redeemed his two Hostages, the Lord marquess Dorset, and Sir john Bourchier, whom he left there.  

1486. 2  Thus whilst King Henry was careful, willing, and endeavoured to please all men, and by his virtuous employments laboured to settle things in peace, 
A Rebellion.  the malignant spirits of such as tormented themselves at his happiness, and placed their own hope for preferment in rebellious attempts and seditious courses, would not permit him to live at rest, and quietly to perform the duties of a gracious King. For Francis Lord Lovel, Humphrey Stafford, and Thomas his brother, leaving the Sanctuary at Colchester, which for their safety they had taken, seduced and animated much people in the North against King Henry, and caused them (upon untrue surmises) rashly and without advice or counsel to put themselves in arms.  
The King (who was not far away from them) being somewhat troubled with this news, 
The King's celerity in raising an Army.  began to raise an Army to withstand them; and such was his strange and wonderful celerity and expedition to prevent the increase of their further strength, that hastily he sent against them his Uncle the Duke of Bedford with three thousand men, whose breastplates were made of tanned leather, for want of other armour: and he himself travailed day and night to second his soldiers with a better strength. But when the Lord Lovel and his associates perceived that King Henry resolved to make them fight before they were sufficiently prepared, and that fresh forces would give them a second onset, if at the first they should happen to be victorious, their courage failed, 
The Rebels fly.  their hearts fainted, so that in the darkness of the night they fled, and left their unarmed Army to the mercy of King Henry, the two Staffords taking Sanctuary in the Abbey of Culnham, not far from Oxford, and the Lord Lovel being shrouded by Sir Thomas Broughton in the North.  
The next day the poor distressed Rebels (being destitute of their Leaders) humbly submitted themselves to the King's mercy, and received his free pardon. But because no Sanctuary could protect malefactors in cases of High Treason, therefore the two Staffords were by violence seized on, and the said Humphrey (being indicted, arraigned, found guilty, 
Humphrey Stafford is executed.  and condemned) was put to death: but his younger brother was preserved by the King's favour, because it was conceived that his transgression was not hatched by his own malice, but by the peaceless instigation of his brother.  
No sooner was this flame quenched, but a greater fire was presently kindled by a Priest, whose name was Sir Richard Symond, a man very lewd, but well learned, and in all his actions unjust, 
Richard Symonds conspiracy against K. Henry.  crafty, and too too cunning. He knowing that Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, and son and heir unto George Duke of Clarence, brother to King Edward the Fourth, being now of the age of seventeen years, had from his infancy been kept as a Prisoner by the two last Kings in the Castle of Sherry-hutton in the County of York, and that King Henry had secretly removed him to the Tower, got into his tutorship a young boy, 
Lambert the counterfeit Duke of York.  pretty and witty, yet borne of a base parentage and stock, whose name was Lambert. Him he instructed with as much variety of learning, Courtlike compliments, and Gentlemanlike behaviour, as his years would suffer him to comprehend; and then he informed him, that by his birth and lineage he was not only noble, but descended of the royal blood: that he was the only son of the Duke of Clarence, and the first heir male of the house of York, and therefore inheritable to the Crown. This lesson, with the daily repetitions of his heroical Pedigree, he so inculcated into his young Scholar, that he was as able and as ready to discourse thereof, as if by inspiration that knowledge had been infused to him from above.  

The Irish were too credulous.  Thus when this subtle Priest had prepared his Pupil for his purpose, he transported him into Ireland, where he first vented and spread abroad this false and untrue novelty, among the wilder and more barbarous sort of that fickle and busy Nation, who (being too too credulous and flexible to any change) gave to the youth all honour and reverence, as unto their sovereign and liege Lord. And within few days after, divers of the Nobility of that Country were taken in the same net of folly, and believed as the Commons did, among whom the Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas Gerandine, was the chief, who having had much familiar conference with the young counterfeit, and finding his amiable aspect, the trim composure of his body, his princely presence, his pregnancy of wit, his sufficient learning, his ingenious capacity, his quick spirit, his discreet speech, and seemly compliments, to be answerable and fitting to a Prince, not only censured him to be the true and the undoubted son and heir of the Duke of Clarence, and pitied his estate, but (endeavouring to do him good) disbursed unto him for the enlargement of his expenses, train, and honour, divers and sundry great sums of money, and persuaded many other great Lords of Ireland to do the like. He also with great speed and secrecy informed the Lady Margaret, 
The malice of Margaret Duchess Dowager of Burgoine to K. Henry.  sister to King Edward the Fourth, and Duchess Dowager unto Charles the deceased Duke of Burgoine, and the supposed Aunt of this counterfeit, of his being there. And albeit that she was well assured that this news was false, yet because (being of the house of York) she mortally hated and envied King Henry, who was the head and the chief of the Family of Lancaster, she not only gladded her heart to hear thereof, but also pleased her conceits with infinite delectation, that now an opportunity was presented to her to execute her fury upon King Henry, and that she might by this plot (if it succeeded well) enlarge her true Nephew the young Earl of Warwick, and make him King. First of all therefore she caused the false report of this young counterfeit to be noised throughout England, that thereby she might unsettle the minds of such as were credulous, and might be inclined to take his part. She also published, that the Irish Nobility and Nation had not only received him for their Lord and Sovereign, and would take his part, but also that she herself would strengthen his attempts with money, men, and arms to the uttermost of her power.  
These vain and fabulous reports carried unto her into Flanders Francis Lord Lovel, and her nephew the Earl of Lincoln, son and heir to john de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, and of Elizabeth one other of the sisters of King Edward the Fourth, 
The Traitor's land in England.  Sir Thomas Broughton, and some others: and after many speeches and much conference touching those affairs and businesses, the Duchess caused to be levied in her Country about two thousand men, which were conducted by Martin Sward an approved Captain of great resolution and much skill. All these (with quick expedition) sailed into Ireland, and joined with Sir Thomas Gerardine the Chancellor, who was in a readiness with more than two thousand men of his own Nation: and they all determined to transport themselves into England with all speed.  
We may not imagine that King Henry (who was valiant, provident, and wise) was secure, careless, or negligent in these affairs and weighty businesses. 
A politic act.  For (to the end that certainly it might be known that Lambert was but a counterfeit) he caused Edward the young Earl of Warwick to be publicly brought thorough the streets of London from the Tower unto Paul's Church, where infinite numbers of the Nobility, Gentry, and Commons of this Kingdom had the sight and view of him, and many of them spent some time in conferring with him. 
The King prepareth against Lambert. Lambert landeth in England.  He also made great preparations to repel and to subdue all such as (in Lambert's aid) should either attempt any civil war, or invade his land. And thus (when he had ordered all things well) these foreign powers arrived near unto Lincoln, where they expected more succour than they found, or were in any possibility to have. But when the King was informed that they were come, he marched towards them with a constant resolution to try the utmost of his fortune in the field, insomuch that it was now too late for those Invaders to step back: for urgent necessity did require, 
The battle of Stoke.  that either they must fly, fight, or yield. But the truth is, though they were not strong, yet they were no cowards. The Irish people were strangely active, and passing valiant, but they wanted Arms: and their brave resolution so animated their courage, that with haughty stomachs and Lions hearts they joined in battle with the King. But within less space than one hour, 
Lambert is overthrown.  the unprovided and unfurnished Irish with their Captains, the Earl of Lincoln, Francis Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas Gerardine, Martin Sward, 
Lambert is made a Skullian, and then the King's Falconer.  and Sir Thomas Broughton, were all slain, and the rest submitted themselves to the King, who pardoned their offence, and committed the Priest, Sir Richard Symond, unto perpetual imprisonment: and his counterfeited Pupil (being first abased in the scullery) was within few years after chief Falconer to the King. Then was the King's wife with all honour and princely solemnities crowned Queen, 
The Queen is crowned. D. Morton made Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor, and a Cardinal.  and Thomas Bourchier Archbishop of Canterbury died, and was succeeded by john Morton Bishop of Elie, who was also made Lord Chancellor of this Kingdom: and not long after he was dignified with the Hat and habit of a Cardinal by Pope Alexander the Sixth.  
Now though King Henry (through the benefit of a general peace at home) was made fortunate and happy, yet foreign jars among his neighbours provoked him to new employments, upon this occasion.  

The French King quarreleth with the Duke of Britain.  Charles the French King having warred successfully against Maximilian King of the Romans, complained that he was much wronged by Lewis Duke of Orleans, who had married the Lady jane his sister, and was his next heir apparent to the French Crown, for that he with some others took part against him with his enemy. But in the end when King Charles had affied himself to the Lady Margaret, daughter to Maximilian, and had concluded a peace between themselves, the said Duke of Orleans and his complices fled into Britain to Duke Francis, who gave them courteous entertainment, and kindly supplied all their wants.  
The French King (apprehending this as a fit occasion offered to him to quarrel with the Duke of Britain, because he longed to possess his Country) without any parley or conference touching that matter, proclaimed wars against him. And before it was notified that he had raised an Army, he entered into Britain, and planted a strong siege before the strong and fair City of Nantz. And by his Ambassadors he importuned King Henry either to take his part, or (as a Neuter) to give aim unto them both. But King Henry being at the first doubtful what course to take, 
King Henry mediateth a peace.  because he had received much comfort and many courtesies from them both, resolved at the last to requite some part of both their loves, by mediating of a friendly peace, which (with his utmost endeavours) he laboured to effect.  
The French King (who was both witty and crafty) made an outward show as if he seemed hearty to desire it, and was thankful for it, although in truth and in deed he intended nothing less. But the Duke of Britain (following the directions of his French guests) refused plainly to consent unto that motion. And within few days after, 
Some English do aid the Duke.  Edward Lord Wooduile, Captain of the I'll of Wight, and uncle to the Queen, without the King's knowledge or licence, being accompanied with four hundred of his most expert and skilful soldiers, sailed into Britain for the Duke's aid. And soon after his arrival, and near unto Fongiers, a battle was appointed to be fought between King Charles and the Britons. And (the more to have terrified the French) seventeen hundred Britons, being clad in coats with red crosses, as if they had been Englishmen, were joined to the Lord Wooduiles companies, and were subjecteth to his command. But the contrary was to the Frenchmen too well known. Then (at the appointed time and place) the two Armies met together, 
The Britons are overthrown. The Lord Wooduile is slain.  and fought fiercely for a season. But in the end the poor Britons being found counterfeits as they were, and their whole Army being unable to resist so great a puissance as encountered them, were slain together with the Lord Wooduile, and the greater number of his associates, and the victory fell to the French part.  
Within few days after, 
K. Henry aideth the Britons against the French King.  in England it was concluded by Parliament, that albeit King Henry had lovingly been aided by the French King for the recovery of his Crown, yet in regard that the Duke of Britain for many years together had in all friendly, gentle, and liberal sort, entertained, protected, and maintained him when he was unable to relieve himself, and likewise because it was considered, that if King Charles should win and annex that Duchy to the Crown of France, himself and his posterity might and were likely to prove bad neighbours to this Kingdom, King Henry should take part with the Dude of Britain.  
This business being so determined, 
An army is sent into Britain.  the King sent into that Province an Army which consisted of eight thousand men, under the conduct of the Lord Brooke. And for the maintenance of those wars, 
A Tax which occasioneth a Rebellion.  a tax (by the same Parliament) of the tenth penny of the value of all the movable goods and chattels of the Subjects was granted to the King.  
No sooner was the English Army arrived in Britain, but the Duke (who had been long sickly) died: 
A sudden peace is concluded.  and therefore (upon a composition made betwixt his Nobles and King Charles) he was affied to the Lady Anne, the sole daughter and heir to the deceased Duke, who was formerly betrothed to Maximilian King of the Romans, and so was the said French King likewise assured to the Lady Margaret daughter to Maximilian. And thus the British wars were at an end: and the Englishmen having only seen that Country, and done nothing, returned safely into England.  
Now must we understand, that the Rustics and rural Swads of the County of York, and of the Bishopric of Durham, 
A Rebellion.  not only refused peremptorily to pay any part of the Tax which was granted to King Henry for the maintenance of the British wars, but also that in a most rebellious fashion they boldly rushed upon and cruelly murdered Henry the fourth Earl of Northumberland, 
The Earl of Northumberland is murdered.  who by the King was appointed to cause the extracts of that Subsidy to be levied by distress upon the goods of all such as he found slack or obstinate in those payments: which when they had done, trusting to their own strength and numbers, they began a civil war, so that as they passed thorough those Countries, they forcibly compelled Gentlemen and others to take their parts.  
The King (to repress and punish the Ringleaders of this tumultuous insurrection) sent against them a strong and a well provided Army, under the especial command of Thomas Earl of Surrey, who having been taken prisoner as he fought for King Richard at Bosworth field, was now enlarged, and delivered out of prison, and received into the King's favour: and the King himself in his own person followed after him. But the foolish Rebels (as men amazed, 
The Rebels fly.  witless, and wanting counsel to direct their actions, and cowardly distrusting their own power and ability to resist) threw off their armour, shifted hardly to save themselves, and fled every man to his own home. But the King (who resolved by severe executions to terrify such others as otherwise were likely to contemn him, 
They are punished.  and to despise his government) by exquisite and sharp inquiries, found out and apprehended the chiefest authors of this mischief, who (in sundry places of this Realm) were punished by death. But the multitude and the base sort obtained the King's gracious favour.  

1490.  The British Nobles calling to mind that their young Duchess was espoused first unto Maximilian King of the Romans, and secondly to Charles the French King, and perceiving (upon more sound consideration) that the French King would always bear a heavy hand over them, if indeed he were once married to her, began to revolt from their promise, and to resist his intention and desire by strength of arms.  
But the Frenchmen (according to their custom) being more victorious by their prodigal gifts then by their true valour, corrupted the British Nobility, and such Matrons as daily attended upon their young Duchess, in such sort, that King Charles got her into his possession. And then he published, that his own former contract with the Lady Margaret, daughter to Maximilian King of the Romans, and also that the other contract made by the said Maximilian with the said Duchess of Britain, were nullities, void, and frustrate in the Law, for that the said two Ladies (at the times of those affiances made) were too young, and wanted good discretion to make their choice. And thereupon King Charles returned the said Lady Margaret to her father, and was forthwith married to the said Duchess: and by this mean he joined that Province to the Crown of France.  
The King of the Romans (scorning and disdaining thus to be disgraced, 
The King of the Romans craveth aid, and obtaineth it of King Henry.  and that his daughter should so unkindly be sent home) seemed eager, and resolved to revenge those injuries and wrongs: and finding his own strength to be too weak for so great an enterprise, solicited King Henry (by his Ambassadors) to assist him in those wars. Whereupon King Henry (partly in regard of the love which he bore to the said King Maximilian, and partly because he saw that the French King was not only become Lord of Britain, but attempted likewise to bring the Low Countries under his subjection) concluded so to do, by the general assent of his Nobility and Commons in full Parliament at Westminster assembled. And because the poorer and the inferior sort should not be grieved with any tax to support those wars, the King solicited his Nobles, Gentry, and rich men only, by way of a Benevolence to enlarge their bounty towards that charge, 
A Benevolence.  as formerly (in the like case) they had done to his Predecessor King Edward the Fourth. By this motion and device he gathered much money, but lost more love: for many men gave somewhat with their hands, whose hearts were unwilling, and repined to departed with such gifts.  
The King (for the expediting of this weighty business) caused a gallant Fleet of warlike ships to be appareled, and furnished them with all things needful for the transporting of his Army which he had raised, 
Maximilian is unable to perform his promise.  and committed them to the general command of his Uncle jasper Duke of Bedford, and of john Earl of Oxford.  
But when all things were prepared, and the Army ready to be embarked, the King (by his own Ambassadors which were in Flanders) was informed, that Maximilian was altogether unprovided of armour, men, money, munition, victuals, and of all other things requisite for the war, and that King Henry might not depend to be aided by him with one man.  
This news vexed and perplexed him at the heart: for wisely he considered, that if suddenly he should desist from his enterprise, and dismiss his Army, than these inconveniences would ensue.  
First, his enemies (being elated thereby) would deride, mock, and scorn him, and perhaps endeavour to brand him with the infamous title of a coward.  
And secondly, because his own people might thereby imagine and suppose, that by a cunning shift, and by a crafty trick (under a feigned pretence to make war, which by him was not intended) he had picked their coin out of their purses to enrich himself.  

King Henry saileth with an Army into France.  These cogitations persuaded him to take sound advice of his Nobles in this business, and to purge himself, which in such a fashion, and with such a martial resolution he did, that in the end (according to his own hearts desire) it was concluded by a Parliament, that he alone, with his own Nation, should war upon the French King, to revenge many disgraceful wrongs which of latter times he had offered to King Henry.  
When this news was divulged, and publicly known, and the valorous determination of the King by certain demonstrations notified to his people, they not only applauded his courage, and rejoiced in it, but (by the ready and voluntary proffers of their best service) they much increased his Army, with which King Henry himself landed safely at his Town of Calais. And (to set his Army in an order answerable to his mind) he marshaled his whole numbers into four battles, and marched from thence until he came before Boulogne, 
K. Henry besiegeth Bul●en.  which he girded about with a strong siege, and daily battered and assaulted it without ceasing.  
We must now know, that the French King, though he were the absolute Lord of the Duchy of Britain by his late marriage, yet the Nobles and the Commons of that Province disliked and grudged at many things which he attempted (against their wills) to innovate among them, because they tended much to their dishonour, 
K. Charles desireth peace.  detriment, and wrong, insomuch that King Charles feared lest they (joining with King Henry) might shake off his yoke, and set up another Duke. Wherefore by his Ambassadors he proposed to King Henry certain Articles of peace, which were both honourable and also profitable unto him.  

An honourable peace concluded.  This unexpected news crossed the humours of most men in the English Army, whose hopes were confident that the French wars would make them rich. But when King Henry had thoroughly considered that the right to the Duchy of Britain was so inseparably united and knit by the said marriage to the Crown of France, and that no possibility appeared to divide them, and that in regard that he alone had undertaken those wars chief for the preservation of his name and honour, he should immortalize his fame, if upon kind entreaties, and terms of credit and of gain, he should return, he not only harkened attentively to that motion, but within few days after he concluded a peace with the French King, to continue during both their joint lives, and received (to defray his charge) seven hundred forty and five thousand Ducats, which in our sterling money amounteth to the sum of one hundred fourscore and six thousand and two hundred pounds, or thereabout, besides an yearly pension of five and twenty thousand Crowns, which were always duly paid so long as King Henry lived. Thus the King (having concluded all things for his honour and profit, and to his own good liking and contentment) raised his siege, returned to Calais, and safely from thence into England.  
About the time in which King Henry assumed to take part with Maximilian against the French King, the Lady Margaret, 
A new practice by the Duchess Dowager of Britain against King Henry.  Duchess of Burgoine, his ancient enemy, as we have heard, never ceasing to contrive hurtful and malicious practices against King Henry, not for any wrong or injury which ever he had done her, but only because he was the highest of the house of Lancaster, which was opposite to her lineage, had gotten into her possession a young Dutch boy, who was very comely, learned, and witty, but descended from base and unworthy parentage. His true name was Peter Warbeck, 
Perkin Warbeck.  but he was nick named in scorn by the English, who called him Parkin, which in the Dutch Tongue signifieth weakness, or such a one as is unable, impotent, or infirm.  
This youngling did perfectly speak the English tongue, and was by this Lady received into great favour, and not only instructed by her provision in literature and good manners, but he was also diligently and carefully trained up in the imitation of all princely entertainment, compliments, and behaviour, so that all such as beheld him and his Heroical Qualities, pronounced their sentence, that be was descended of a Noble Family, and that some extraordinary Fortune was at hand, and attended to make him more happy than a thousand others.  
Thus when this Lady had procured her counterfeited Idol to be adored and wondered at, by reason of his majestical carriage and behaviour, she informed him, that under the name of Richard Duke of York, second son to King Edward the Fourth her brother, she intended to advance him to the Crown of England, and to make him King, which that she might with the more ease and facility effect, she secretly and so substantially taught him in the whole Pedigrees of the Houses of Lancaster and York, that within few days no Englishman was more expert and cunning therein then he.  

Perkin is aided by the Irishmen.  When she had thus furnished him according to her will, she caused him to be transported into Ireland, where he made himself known among those Nobles to be by his birth a great Prince; and therein he so artificially demeaned himself, that by the whole Nation of the Irish he was received, reverenced, and maintained as their sovereign and rightful Lord.  

The French King sendeth for Perkin Warbeck.  About the same time the French King (who daily expected the landing of an English Army within his Duchy of Britain, or in some other place subject to his dominion, as formerly we have heard) intended to disturb the intention and purpose of King Henry, by setting up of another King in this Realm; for which purpose he sent for Perkin Warbeck into France, and promised with all kind of friendly entertainment to receive, help, relieve and secure him, until he had invested him into his right and Kingdom.  
No sooner was this mocke-prince come to the French Court, but such was the general applause of the Frenchmen, and so extraordinary was their madness and brainsick joy, that the poor Swad could in no wise choose but imagine strongly that he was borne to be a King. But in the midst of his flattering, vain, and foolish hopes, the aforesaid peace betwixt the two Kings of England and of France was concluded, and this young Novice (fearing lest he should be delivered to King Henry) ran secretly away, 
Perkin flieth out of France The Duchess honoureth and maintaineth him.  and came to his titulary Aunt the Duchess of Burgoine, who received him with great joy and much honour, giving unto him princely entertainment, filling his purse with gold, clothing his body with costly and with rich apparel, and appointing thirty gentlemen of worth and quality (as his Guard) to give their daily attendance upon his fantastical person.  

Her practice for assistance in England.  Then she caused it newly to be published in England, that her Nephew Richard Duke of York was yet alive, and lived in her Court, and that he (according to his right and title to the Crown of England, as being the heir male of the House of York) expected the assistance of all his true and loving subjects towards his attaining thereof.  

Perkin is favoured in England.  No sooner did this news wax common among the Vulgar, but it was generally believed by them, and also by divers others of better rank and fashion, insomuch that many for malice only, and for grudge which they conceived against the House of Lancaster, others because they deemed themselves not to be sufficiently rewarded for their adventures in King Henry's wars against King Richard, others because they were ambitious, and saw none other means to raise their fortunes, others because their fancies were easily deluded by novelties and devised news, and others because they delighted to fish in troubled waters, determined to take his part. And upon that resolution the Conspirators (by secret combination) sent Sir Robert Clifford, a man of much valour, wisdom, 
Sir Robert Clifford.  and great discretion, into Flanders, to inquire and to search out the truth of the conception, birth, and parentage of this newfound Duke.  
This Knight, after his arrival, and when he had conferred again and again with the busy-headed Duchess of Burgoine touching this business, and with an observing eye had beheld the young counterfeit, and had communed oftentimes with him, persuaded himself that he was the very true, natural, and youngest son of King Edward the Fourth, and so he certified his friends in England by his letters, and by means thereof, every day fresh reports got greater strength and credit among such as were willing to be partakers in his fortunes. 
King Henry's preparations against Perkins invasion.  Wherefore as a sharp Fever suffereth not the Patient to take any rest, so this fantastical dream and vain imagination troubled King Henry above measure: and wisdom made him provident to prepare for future storms, so that he strongly guarded and fortified all places which bordered upon the Sea, and by his letters he informed the Burgundians and Flemings of the vanity and falsity of this devised foolery, and of this feigned King, using his best means both to prevent all civil wars, and also to withstand all invasions which might be attempted against his Crown and Kingdom.  
And to make himself more strong, 
1493. 9  he selected and appointed divers men of wisdom and of worth, secretly to fly out of England into Flanders to the Duchess, and to this feigned Duke, 
A witty policy.  that by their means and endeavours be might have true intelligence of such as (being of name and quality) conspired to join with this ignoble counterfeit; upon whose information, and after legal trials, the chiefest actors in that business (as Traitors) were put to death.  
King Henry also recounting how that by the late breach of promise Maximilian the King of the Romans failed to assist him in his wars against Charles the French King, and finding that his son Philip, Arch duke of Austria, and Duke of Burgoine, secretly favowoured the attempts of the Lady Margaret concerning Perkin Warbeckes conspiracy, 
The English Mart is removed from Flanders to Calais. A restraint of wares and merchandizes.  removed his Mart of English merchandizing from Flanders to his own Town of Calais, and also he prohibited all men whatsoever to bring any Flemish commodities or wares into this Kingdom. This restraint notwithstanding, the bribing Easterlings were under hand permitted to bring into England what they would. And likewise King Maximilian and his son by strong Edicts forbade and published the confiscation of all English commodities, as leather, tallow, wools, lead, tin, and such like, if they were brought into those Countries.  

An assault on the Flemings in London.  This restraining of the Kings own subjects, and that liberty which was allowed to those strangers, vexed and grieved the English Merchants at the heart, and so it did many others: for by means thereof a great part of their trade (which in former times supported their charge, and maintained their houses and families) was taken from them. And thereby they were also disabled to entertain such and so many journeymen, covenant servants, and apprentices as they had formerly done. Neither could or would they give to such as they had, such large and liberal wages, pensions, and rewards, as was expected by them for their pains and service.  
These extremities occasioned multitudes of Apprentices and of journey men (without the procurement or allowance of their Masters) to run with great violence and fury to the Stillyard in London, where they broke up and rob many Warehouses and shops, and rifled whatsoever did come athwart their hands. And besides all this, they offered much violence (in a strange manner) to the Easterlings, being the owners of those commodities and wares, until the coming thither of the Lord Mayor with a band of armed men both terrified them, and also made them fly. Of these malefactors some were taken and imprisoned in the Tower, and (due examination being taken of them, and of their offence) the principal Ring leaders among them (being in number about fourscore) were continued prisoners for many weeks. But in the end they all were freed, and received the King's Pardon.  
About the same time the before named Sir Robert Clifford (upon his repentant motion, 
Sir Robert Clifford forsakes Perkin Warbeck. A notable policy.  and by the mediation of his friends at home) procured leave for his return, and pardon for his offence, so that when notice was given of his landing, the King appointed him to meet him at the Tower, that there before him and his Nobility he might discover plainly and at large the whole practice, device and purpose of the Lady Margaret, and of her base nephew Perkin Warbeck, and of all other the Conspirators in that business. And this place of meeting (above all others) the King in policy appointed, because if any of his Lords or great ones were by the said Sir Robert Clifford accused as being guilty of that offence, they might (without blows or civil wars) be apprehended and committed in the same place.  
The Knight (at his first appearance in the King's presence) humbly kneeled down, confessed his transgression, expressed many true signs of hearty and unfeigned repentance, and received the King's favour.  
Among the great men attending on the King, 
Sir William Stanley is accused by Sir Robert Clifford.  he only accused Sir William Stanley, whereat the King much marveled, because he not only entirely loved him, but also had by his bounteous liberality increased his possessions, made him honourable, and Lord Chamberlain to his own person.  
This fault was so plainly and so particularly discovered before the King, that the accused Gentleman (not being able to excuse himself) was forthwith committed to prison, 
Sir William Stanley is beheaded.  and within few days after, being by the due course of Law condemned, (for examples sake unto others) he lost his head.  
Yet for all this, so desirous were many of novelties, others of spoils, some of revenge, and others of civil wars, that they began to speak contumeliously, despitefully, and too too lewdly against the King. But for this malady he quickly provided a double remedy: First, by making of himself strong with such Forces as he had levied, and secondly by taking of a straight account, and by severe punishing of some of those, whose tongues (as Rasours) had deeply wounded his honour and his good name. And by their ensamples he reduced the rest to more conformity, and compelled them to obey.  
He also sent an Army into Ireland, under the command of Sir Edward Po●nings, to correct and punish with great severity such of the Irish Nation, 
An army is transported into Ireland.  as two years before had given and assistance to Perkin Warbeck. But the offenders being for the most part wild, rude barbarous, and savage people, delighting in war, and being never better contented, then when they were tumultuous, and in horrid actions, assembled themselves in great multitudes, and (according to their use and fashion) they ran into the woods, mountains, and bogs, whom the Knight was the more unable to pursue, because the Nobility of that Island (who promised to send him much aid) performed nothing, which carelessness he imputed to Gerald Earl of Kyldare, who as he was a man by his birth, possessions, and friends, most powerful among the Irish, so was he chief Deputy of that Country to the King. Him (upon the false and slanderous accusations of his malignant enemies) the Knight apprehended as a Traitor, and brought him into England. But (before the King) his fidelity and his innocency freely delivered him from further trouble and danger: so that being graced, thanked, and rewarded for his true and honourable service, he was not only enlarged, but obtained the continuance of his Deputation as before.  

Perkin Warbeck landeth some of his men in Kent.  In this mean time Perkin Warbeck (being by the Lady Margaret furnished with a Fleet of ships, and being accompanied with Rogues, Vacabonds, Slaves, thieves, Robbers, Murderers, Bankerupts, seditious Varlats, and with the offscum of many Nations) came upon the Kentish Coast, where they cast Anchors, and landed some of those Vassals, who endeavoured to inform themselves whether the people determined to follow poor Perkin Warbeck or no. The answer made by the multitude (who began to rise in arms) gave good contentment: for outwardly they firmly promised (until death) to support and to maintain him and his quarrel against the King. But when (by fair words and soothing speeches) they had trained those Rascals up into the land, 
His men are slain and executed.  they fiercely set upon them, slew many, and took one hundred and threescore prisoners, whom they delivered into the custody of Sir john Peachy high Sheriff of that Province, who railed them in ropes (like unto horses drawing carts) and conveyed them in that fashion to the City of London, where they received their trials, and were executed in sundry places of this Realm. And the counterfeited Duke of York (expecting better fortune at another time) returned into Flanders to his pensive and careful Aunt, 
He returneth into Flanders  where (because he supposed that delays would prove dangerous, and that much lingering would be unprofitable for him) he speedily collected such numbers of base and unworthy Peasants, as by necessity were compelled to enter into his service: which being done, 
He landeth in Ireland.  he embarked them, hoist his Anchors, and sailed into Ireland, purposing with those wild and savage men to augment his numbers, and then to land in the Western parts of this Kingdom.  
But when experience assured him that he might have men enough, 
He cometh into Scotland  but little arms, he then resolved, not to make war by the help of such as were naked: wherefore he left them, and came into Scotland, and presented both himself and his cause to james the Fourth who at that time was very young, and swayed the Sceptre of that Kingdom.  
The Scots, although they knew that Perkin was a counterfeit, 
The Scots invade England, under a colour to aid Perkin Warbeck.  yet they rejoiced that opportunity had offered them that occasion to invade England; not to make a conquest thereof, nor to help Warbeck, but only by valuable booties and large spoils to enrich themselves. Whereupon the young King, being accompanied with his foolish guest, and many thousands of lusty and tall men, marched forth, and entered into Northumberland, where they exercised all kind of rigour, violence, and wrong, burning, robbing, 
Their cruelty.  rifling, stealing, and spoiling in all places, and destroying with the sword both young and old, strong and feeble, healthy and infirm, rich and poor, with such barbarous inhumanity, and strange cruelty, as never was committed before by that Nation. And as soon as they had almost desolated all that Province, finding no help nor succour from the English to assist their new King, they returned into Scotland, and neglected to give unto him any more aid.  
King Henry understanding what rapine, spoil, and violence was done by the Scots unto his people, and being sick until he had requited those wrongs with severe and sharp revenge, 
A puissant Army is levied to go into Scotland  summoned his High Court of Parliament, in which it was concluded, that forthwith an Army should be sent against those enemies, lest perhaps long forbearance might encourage them at another time to do the like mischief. And for the maintenance of those wars a small tax or subsidy was granted to the King, 
A Tax which occasioned a rebellion.  which occasioned him much trouble. The King (who used great expedition in this business) raised a puissant Army, which he committed to the charge and government of his Chamberlain Giles Lord Dawbeney, who was a wise and a valiant man. But no sooner was this Army on foot marching towards the North, but suddenly it was recalled to withstand as great a mischief, which otherwise might give a deadly blow to the state of this Kingdom and Commonweal. For the Cornishmen (who were strong, stout, and courageous, 
The Cornishmen rebel.  yet poor, and oppressed with many wants) not only refused to pay the said Subsidy and tax, but in a brainsick and sullen humour they accused john Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Reinold Bray, (who were two of the gravest, wisest, and most honest Counsellors above others to the King) that they (as enemies to their Country) oppressed the inferior sort, and were prollers, pillars and pollers for their private commodity and gain: And that they seduced the King by lewd advice and bad directions, and were the Authors of much evil: And that therefore they would take it on themselves, not only to remove them from the King, but also to correct and punish them as evil doers, and as foes and enemies to their Native Country and Commonweal. And pleasing their unadvised passions with this fantastical and untruly grounded resolution, they (by the provokement and incitation of Michael joseph a sturdy blacksmith, and of Thomas Flamocke, a man learned in the Law, yet factious, and of a tumultuous disposition) put themselves in Arms, and determined to effect their purpose, though with violence, yea in the presence of the King. Wherefore having augmented their numbers, and hoping that as they marched a long journey, so their forces would daily be increased; and nothing doubting but that (according to the common voice and fame) the Kentishmen would be partakers with them in their Rebellion, 
They march towards London. The Lord Audley is their chief Captain.  they pressed and passed forth towards London, and in their journey were much comforted by james Twichet Lord Audley, who (with many others being his adherents) joined with those Rebels, and gained from them the chiefest authority to command.  
In this mean while the King perceiving their intentions, and having recalled his Army which was traveling towards the North, handled this business with such policy, that he would not suffer one man to move one foot towards the West, for these especial reasons. First, because that on better terms he should encounter with them when they had wasted their best strength, and tired out themselves with a wearisome and with a tedious journey. And secondly, because those Rebels (being so far off from home) should be altogether destitute of kinsfolks and of friends to relieve them, and of convenient places of Retreat, if necessity should compel them thereunto.  

The Kentishmen are against them.  The Cornishmen after much labour and pain, coming into Kent, not only failed of their expected aid, but also found the Kentishmen armed, resolved to withstand their force, and by their best endeavours to subdue them. Yet were not the audacious and bold Cornishmen affrighted with this check, but retired strongly to Blackheath, 
Blackheath field.  not many miles from London, intending there to abide the utmost of their fortune, and either like men to be victorious, or at a dear price to sell their lives.  
The King with his Army drawing near towards them divided it into three parts. Two of them he placed upon the sides of the Rebels, and those were commanded and directed by john Earl of Oxford, Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, Edmund de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Rice ap Thomas, Sir Humphrey Stanley, and divers others. The King himself led the third, and bravely charged the Rebels in the face, and the residue did the like on either side, 
The Rebels are overthrown.  and though the poor sturdy and stout Cornishmen, were oppressed with multitudes on every part, yet they fainted not, but fought like men for a long time, still pressing forth and making no stay, but as they were compelled by the sword. The Lord Dawbenie was at length taken prisoner by them, but they enlarged him incontinently of their own accord, thinking by his means to find some mercy. This fight and battle was courageously maintained for some hours, during which space, there were slain on the King's part about three hundred, and of the Rebels more than two thousand. Their chiefest Captains, and many hundreds besides were taken Prisoners: the rest fled, and King Henry won the field.  
And within few days after, 
Traitor's heads and quarters set up in Cities & in towns.  the Ringleaders of that rebellious insurrection, were in sundry places of this Realm executed as Traitors, and their heads and quarters were sent, and disposed in sundry Towns, Cities, and Castles of this Realm, for a terror to all such as should attempt the like enormous offence against their Sovereign.  
Now must we be informed, that though the King had recalled the Lord Dawbenie, and his Army to withstand these Rebels, yet he knew that the young King of Scots (in the mean time expecting punishment, except he could by force of Arms avoid it) made great provision and daily preparations to defend himself. Which forces would again invade the Northern parts of this Kingdom, assoon as they were informed of King Henry's employment against his own Subjects: 
Provision against the Scots.  wherefore (to prevent that eminent and like danger) he by his letters required Thomas Lord Howard, Earl of Surrey, and Richard Fox, sometimes Bishop of Exeter, and then promoted to the See of Durham, to raise a strong Army: and to withstand the Scots (if they endeavoured to attempt any such thing) until he sent another power to aid and to assist them, which thing should with all celerity and diligence be performed, assoon as he had vanquished the Cornishmen who so desperately opposed themselves against him.  
Now as the King imagined, so fell it out true indeed. 
The Scots invade England  For the Scots (proudly insulting at his troubles, and expecting the worst that he could do when he should be in peace at home) resolved, by anticipating war, to enrich themselves with new Rapines, and Spoils, and to make havoc upon the Borderers: that by means thereof they might the more weaken him, and the better enable themselves, to make resistance when time and opportunity should serve.  
With the same resolution, the King of Scots and his Army again entered upon the English Pale. But ere they could proceed far, or do much harm, the aforesaid Earl, and Bishop, and many other Nobles, Knights, and Gentlemen of the North) assembled themselves and their friends, to the number of twenty thousand fight men, and marched boldly towards the Scottish Army: unto which when they drew near, their King (upon good occasion being timorous and fearful) retired hastily, 
The Scots fly.  and fled into his own Country. But the English forces with brave courage and manly resolution entered into his Kingdom, 
The English Army havaketh in Scotland.  and battered, assaulted, won, and razed to the ground many of his strongest Towns, Castles, and Holds, and were not resisted, albeit the Scottish King with all his Army was not distant from them above one mile. Only he challenged the field the next day, which was accepted, but in the night before he raised his Army, and dispersed them, who ran into the Woods, and high Mountains, and were to no purpose pursued and hunted by the Englishmen, six or seven days.  
But so barren was that Country, and so poor and destitute of all good things, and so unseasonable was the weather there, which abounded with continual Rain, Wind, Snow, hail, Thunder, and Hideous storms, and tempests, that the Earl and the Bishop returning broke up their Armies, and themselves went to Barwick, where they attended directions from the King.  
Whilst these things were thus in action, Peter Hyalus, who was sent Ambassador from Ferdinando King of Castille, to mediate a peace betwixt the kings of England and of Scotland, 

A truce with Scotland. Perkin Warbeck is sent out of Scotland.  
The peace with France newly ratified.   could not effect that business according to his mind. Yet a Truce was concluded betwixt them, to endure for certain years, conditionally that Perkin Warbeck were forthwith banished and exiled out of that Country.  
The French King also, at the same time sent his Ambassadors into England, to ratify the former peace established betwixt the King and him, which was performed with much honour, and solemnity; to the great contentment, and joy, of all the People of both those Kingdoms.  

The English trade is restored to the flemings, and their joy thereas.  Likewise, Philip the Archduke of Austria, and Duke of Burgoine, son to Maximilian, King of the Romans, by his Ambassadors importuned the restitution of the English trade, and the return of the Merchants into his Country of Flanders, because his subjects were exceedingly impoverished, by them & did obtain his suit: whereat such comfort was conceived, that when the Englishmen were for trade returned again unto Antwerp: they were received into the City with solemn Processions, Princely Triumphs, Sumptuous Feast, Rare banquetings, and with the expression of great love, and of much joy.  
And thus was King Henry (at this time) made fortunate, and happy: for he enjoyed peace, and friendship, both at home and abroad, saving only with Perkin Warbeck; 
Perkin Warbeck saileth into Cornwall.  who ceased not to vex and trouble him for a while, to his own overthrow and destruction. For being compelled to forsake Scotland, and understanding that though the Cornishmen had lately been overthrown, yet were they not pacified or appeased, he with four ships only, and with six score ragged landing Soldiers, and no more, sailed into Cornwall; where he was received by the rustic, 
The Cornish men rebel, and do take Perkin warbeck's part. Exeter is besieged.  and meanest sort of the Inhabitants of that Province, with joyful acclamations, and with good welcome. And within few days after, they aided him with three thousand men.  
With these, and with some others he marched Eastwards, and came as far as the City of Exeter, where he used many persuasive and rhetorical arguments, and speeches, to incite the Inhabitants, voluntarily to become his subjects, and to surrender the City into his hands. But finding that the fidelity of the Citizens was constant and unremovable from their King: And that their resolutions (to endure extremities, if otherwise they could not be avoided) was strongly settled and unchangeable, they besieged the City round about. And because they wanted artillery, and great Ordinance to make batteries upon their walls: therefore (with Ladders, crooks, Ropes, and other Engines,) they desperately attempted to scale them in many places, at one instant. But still and every where (with manlike Courage and with approved Valour) they were repulsed, overborne, and tumbled into the Ditches, and deep Trenches, with which that City is environed on all parts. So that (in those assaults) many of those Rebels with great obstinacy lost their lives.  
Now when they perceived, 
Fire encountered by fire.  that those their attempts daily failed, and succeeded not: they desperately approached, unto the City gates, which they endeavoured by many slights to open, or to overthrow. But when none of their practices, could prevail, than they caused great fires to be kindled against them: so that by consuming of them they might make an easy passage, & entrance into the City.  
This stratagem of war (because it was unusual) did at the first somewhat abash the Citizens. But they (considering with themselves, that base cowardliness was the betrayer of true manhood, and that perfect valour despaired not in any danger) assumed the hearts of undaunted men, and by their endevourous attempts and employments, they ceased not to provide for their own present safety: insomuch that with fire they encountered fire, and made greater fires within their Gates then the Rebels did without, which they maintained by adding store of matter and of fuel for a long time, until that with rampires, banks, bulwarks, and other defensive fortifications, they had secured those places from the entry of their enemies.  
When this their practice availed not, than they again busied the Citizens with daily scale and climing against their walls. But the inhabitants so confidently persisted to defend themselves, that poor Perkin began to hang down his head; and being troubled with melancholic passions, filled the air with sighs and groans, and was perplexed at the heart, being weary of his match.  

The King cometh into the West Country with an Army.  The King, who had been speedily informed how violently that City was environed, and how courageously the Rebels were resisted, so carefully regarded it, and the inhabitants thereof, that with a fair Army he himself (in his own person) marched towards the Rebels with all speed. But before he could come near unto them, Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire, and the Lord William his son, Sir Wymond Carew, Sir Thomas Trenchard, Sir William Courtney, Sir Thomas Fulford, Sir john Halwell, Sir john Crocker, Walter Courtney, Peter Edgecombe, and their lusty followers, repaired to the said City of Exeter, and intended to give such good help and assistance to the inhabitants thereof, that the Rebels (leaving the siege) marched into Somersetshire, 
The siege of Exet●r is ●ed. Perkin W●●be●●●●●eg● Tawnton.  where they besieged the Town of Tawnton. But the King understanding that they were removed from the City, and where they than were, directed his course towards Tawnton, he having with him in his Army Edward the young Duke of Buckingham, who was a Prince of haughty courage, and of a gallant resolution, Giles Lord Dawbeney his chiefest Chamberlain, Robert Lord Brooke, Lord Steward of his house, Sir Alexander Baynam, Sir Maurice Barkley, Sir Robert Tame, Sir john Guise, Sir Robert Points, Sir Henry Vernon, Sir john Mor●●mer, Sir Thomas Tremaile, Sir Edward Sutton, Sir Amias Paulet, Sir john Sapcots, Sir Hugh Lutterel, Sir Francis Cheyney, and sundry other Knights and Gentlemen of great place and valour.  

Perkin and the Rebel's site.  But when Perkin Warbeck and his fellow Captains heard of the King's approach, they fled with threescore horse unto Beauly near to Southampton, where poor Perkin and most of those his companions entered into the Sanctuary, and registered their names there: but the residue of them were taken prisoners by the King's light horsemen, and being brought into the King's Army (for examples sake unto others) they were ordered and executed by the martial law in sundry places in the Western parts. But the rude rabble which were left behind (perceiving that their Ringleaders had left them, 
The common sort of Rebels are pardoned.  and were run away) fell down upon their knees, craved mercy, promised faith and loyalty in future times, and not only received the King's pardon, but were revived by his expressing of much favour and gra●e towards them.  
This victory being thus obtained without blows, the King, 
King Henry cometh to the City of Exeter.  with his greatest Lords, and the bravest Gallants in his train; came to the City of Exeter; and was lodged in it certain days, where he commended and thanked the inhabitants, for their faithful and valiant service, promised them the fullness of his favour, 
The King gives his Sword to the City of Exeter.  and (for an addition of Honour to that City) gave unto them his sword from his own side, and commanded that in future times and in all public places within that City, it should be borne before the Mayor, as formerly and for the like purpose his noble predecessor King Edward the fourth had done.  
Then the King (intending to make a final end of these civil wars) sent some of his chosen Captains, 
Perkin Warbeck is brought to the King.  with certain bands of armed men, to apprehend poor Perkin, who compassed the Sanctuary at Bewly round about, so that he (recounting with himself his sundry mishaps, and his hopeless fortunes to be a King) yielded himself, and was brought unto the King, who carried him as his prisoner unto London: where albeit he was closely kept, and narrowly watched by divers of the King's Guard, yet he escaped. But being daily and hourly searched for, 
Perkin escapeth, and is taken again.  he voluntarily committed himself to the Abbot of Shene, near to the King's Palace of Richmond, entreating him to have compassion on him, and to procure for him the King's pardon, 
He is stocked He is committed to the Tower.  which he did. Then was he brought to the King's Court at Whitehall, where all his base descent and ignoble pedigree being in a paper fully written, and pinned upon his back, he was stocked one whole day: so was he the next morning upon a high scaffold in Cheapside within the City of London, from whence he was committed a close prisoner to the Tower. 
He practiseth to escape and to convey away the young Earl of Warwick.   
He being in prison there, corrupted (by infinite promises of honourable advancement) the servants of Sir john Digbie Lieutenant of the Tower, to suffer him and Edward the young Farl of Warwick (who had been a prisoner from his infancy) to escape. But this plot being discovered, Perkin Warbeck was shortly after by the due course of Law condemned for High Treason, 
Perkin Warbeck beheaded.  and was executed at Tyburn within two days after: and the young Earl of Warwick, who consented to have escaped likewise, being altogether innocent of all crime, and only affecting liberty, which men, beasts, birds, and fishes do naturally desire, was indicted, arraigned, convicted, and adjudged guilty of the like offence, and was executed on a Scaffold at the Tower Hill. 
The young Earl of Warwick is beheaded.  His death much blemished the fame and reputation of King Henry, who being merciful and compassionate by nature, and having extended it oftentimes unto notorious malefactors, now (to work his own security, and without any just offence) would not pardon him who all his life time had been so secret a prisoner, restrained from all company, and from the view of this vain and transitory world, that he scarcely knew a Capon from a Goose, nor ever attempted any thing which might offend the King, saving only to set himself at large.  

1500.  As soon as these businesses were thus ended, Arthur the noble Prince of Wales, being of the age of fifteen years, was by an honourable deputation betrothed to the Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando King of Spain, 
Prince Arthur marrieth Katherine daughter to Ferdinando King of Arragon.  she being of the age of eighteen years; and the next year after with triumphant joy and princely entertainment he received her into England, and was married to her in Paul's Church within the City of London.  
And not long after, james the Fourth, King of the Scots, used the mediation of Richard Fox, 
1501.  than Bishop of Durham, but shortly after translated unto Winchester, that he might have to wife the Lady Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry the Seventh. 
The King's eldest daughter affied and after married to james the fourth, King of Scots.  And though the King (for many important reasons) might have bestowed her upon the greatest and most honourable Kings or Potentates in the Christian world, yet for these good respects he cheerfully consented to his request. First, because (by all likelihood and probable conjecture) this marriage would establish a perpetual peace betwixt those two Kingdoms. And secondly, because if issue's males and females failed of the bodies of his two sons, than the Kingdom and the Crown of this Realm descending to the said Lady Margaret, and to her issue, would draw the Scottish King into England, as unto an estate of greater power, magnificence, honour, and riches; whereas if she were joined to a Prince equal, or exceeding her father in those respects, this Kingdom would then wait upon the greater and more worthy, and so might be guided, governed, directed, and commanded by a Deputy, or a Substitute, which would be derogatory from the majesty of such a Monarchy and Commonweal.  
These Halcyon days, 
Prince Arthur dieth.  which made King Henry fortunate and happy, were suddenly exchanged into days of heaviness and of sorrow: for Prince Arthur, within five months after he was married, departed out of this troublesome and transitory vale of misery, and was buried with great pomp and incredible lamentation both of the Nobles, Gentlemen, and common people, in the Cathedral Church within the City of Winchester: by whose decease without issue, his brother Henry Duke of York (without Creation) was Prince of Wales, 
1502.  as unto him (of right) that dignity did belong and appertain: and the next year after he was created Earl of Chester by his Father.  
The King not long after (by an honourable attendance of Lords, Knights, Ladies, and men and women of especial note and quality) sent his eldest daughter, the Lady Margaret, into Scotland, to her espoused husband james the Fourth, who received her upon the limits of his own Kingdom, from the Earls of Surrey and Northumberland, and was the next day married to her in his City of Edinburgh, 
1503.  to the great rejoicing of the people of both those Nations.  
Now when King Henry had thus overcome his enemies and the Rebels, and had settled himself in peace, 
1504  he determined to pluck down the high stomachs and stout courage of his people, 
The King taketh advantage of forfeitures upon Penal Laws.  supposing that their wealth and riches occasioned their rebellions, and was the cause that many enormous insolences were done and committed in the Commonweal. And by that mean he also intended to enrich himself. And the plot whereby he intended to effect it, was, by taking of the advantage of the breach of Penal Laws. 
Empson and Dudley.  And the principal charge of that polling business he committed to Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley, men learned in the Law, but ready enough to execute the King's commands in a worse matter, if occasion did so require.  
These two being attended by troops of base Informers, Promoters, Catchpoles, Cheaters, Knaves, and cozening Rascals, 
Many are undone.  prosecuted and persecuted many of the King's good Subjects, to their utter ruin and overthrow; insomuch that many people in every Shire of this Kingdom (by their oppressions) waxed poor, and were utterly decayed in their estates. But the King's Coffers were filled, his Bags were stuffed, and those two graceless and cruel Cormorants got to themselves the Devil and all. But no remedy there was to cure this malady: for the King authorised them: and they so rigorously, and so unconscionably executed their tyranny, that no man could assure himself, that he was free, and without the danger of their lash.  

1605.  In the 21. year of K. Henry's reign, Elizabeth Q. of Castille, & wife to Ferdinando K. of Arragon and Spain, died without issue male of her body, so that her Kingdom not being devidable among sisters (according to the custom of that Country) descended to her eldest daughter the Lady jane, 
The King and Queen of Castille do come into England by a storm.  wife to Philip Archduke of Austria, and Duke of Burgoine, so that he (being King of Castille in her right) prepared a Navy of strong, and well appointed ships, and entered into the Sea, purposing to take the possession of his new Kingdom. But (by the violence of an outrageous storm) himself with his Queen was driven into Waymouth in Dorset shire: where (at his landing) he was received by Sir Thomas Trenchard a worthy, 
Sir Thomas Trenchard entertaineth them at his house.  and a complete Knight who instantly importuned the King to accept of the entertainment of his house, until King Henry were certified of his being there, which courteously he did. Whereof when he had lovingly accepted he was conducted thither, and feasted like (as he was) a King. The Knight forthwith sent divers Posters to King Henry, who (being much gladded by this news) because the said King, and he were unfeigned and faithful friends, 
They are entertained by the King.  forthwith sent for his better direction, and attendance, the Earl of Arundel and some others, who invited him and his Queen, and their Company to the King's Court, which was then at his Castle of Windsor, of which great courtesy he accepted with a kind heart: and as he came within five miles of the Castle; he was met by the Noble Henry Prince of Wales, who was accompanied by divers Earls, Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of choice reckoning and account: and within half a mile of his journeys end, the King himself with the greatest part of his Nobility, Ladies, and Personages of great worth and honour (being richly appareled, and bravely mounted) met him likewise, where kind salutations, and friendly greetings proceeded from the heart; and were performed with most exquisite compliments of love, that by any could be imagined.  
From the King's Castle of Windsor. the King conducted him and his Queen to the City of London: where nothing was omitted, that any devise, or cost, could make sumptuous: thereby to express the hearty welcome of such beloved guests. And thus when (with great contentment, mirth, and pastime) the King and he had spent some days, they renewed the League which was betwixt them, and taking kind farewells, each of other, the said King and Queen, embarked themselves again, launched into the Sea, and safety arrived according to their own wills. But not long after, King Philip and his wife died, and that Kingdom descended to Charles his eldest son.  
From this time forwards King Henry waxed sickly, weak, 
1506.  and infirm, and by means thereof, the two scourgers of the Commonweal Empson, and Dudley, took larger liberty to extend their villainies, than was given to them, and did oppress, torment, and vex the People of this land.  
But when the King perceived that his time was short, 
1507.  he deprived them of their authority: remitted and pardoned all offences, committed against his penal Laws, and enlarged all prisoners, 
The King waxeth sickly. His deeds of charity.  which were in durance for any offence (treason and murder excepted only) he also paid the debts of all such, as for trifling and small sums, were prisoners in any Ward, and gave certain sums of money unto some poor folks, who had been unconscionably devoured, rob, and spoiled, 
He repenteth of his exactions by the penal laws.  by those two graceless and ungodly Cormorants. He also was exceeding penitent and sorrowful for those wrongs and injuries which (with too much severity) they had done unto many: 
1508.  and he disbursed by way of loan freely, and without reward, divers great sums of money to his Merchants. 
A notable policy.  By means whereof their gains and his custom were mightily increased. Finally, when he had reigned twenty and three years and some months, and when he had lived fifty and two years, he died, 
The King dieth.  and was buried with great solemnity and honour by Queen Elizabeth his wife, in his own Chapel at Westminster: which he had with great cost and skill founded, and caused to be built not long before.   

THE HISTORY OF KING HENRY THE EIGHT.  
KIng HENRY the Eight, 
1509. The King marrieth his brother's wife.  being of the Age of eighteen years, began to Reign the two and twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord God 1509. And being dispensed with by Pope july the second, he married the Lady Katherine, daughter to Ferdinando King of Arragon, Aunt to Prince Charles of Castille, who afterwards was Emperor; when as not long before she had been his brother Prince Arthures wife: by which match, much trouble afterwards ensued, as in this discourse of his government it will appear.  
In his first beginnings he seemed tenderly to affect his people's love, and to execute his Laws with mercy, and with compassion. 
The King is gracious to such as w●re oppressed by Emp●on and Dudley.  And whereas oppression (in the end of his Father's days) had much vexed and grieved the Subjects of this Land, He (by open Proclamations) made it known, that he would not only hear the lamentable complaints of such as by the Tyrannous Rapine, and greedy Covetousness of Empson and Dudley, and of some other tormenting Promoters had been undone; but would also redress and recompense their wrongs. By means whereof great throngs of People daily resorted, flocked, and rushed into the King's Court: Among whom many complained most who had least cause, but they received sharp punishment for their impudency and boldness; and, to the rest, the King gave liberal restitution and amends. And the more frankly and freely to content such as had been justly offended by those extremities, after all legal proceed finished, he caused the heads of those two devouring Caterpillars to be stricken off at the Tower hill: 
Empson and Dudley put to death.  and the rest of that rascal rabble were disgracefully corrected by the stocks and pillories in sundry places of this Realm.  

1511. 3  Thus when the King had well busied himself in the settlement of his Kingdom the first two years of his reign, he was by his wives father, 
Ferdinando craveth and obtaineth aid, but did nothing.  Ferdinando King of Arragon, entreated to enter into more turbulent actions, by aiding and assisting him against the Moors, which willingly he did. But by reason of a cessation of those jars, the Englishmen returned out of Spain, having been rudely entertained, and spent all.  

The French King warreth on the Pope.  About the same time the French King Lewis the twelfth (by reason of some private quarrelings betwixt himself and Pope july the second) transported an Army into Italy, and by strength and violence (as a Conqueror) he possessed himself of the fair and rich City of Bologna la Grassa, and insolently did much harm.  
Whereupon King Henry (in favour to the Pope, because he dispensed with his late marriage, and was united unto him by more than by the ordinary bonds of friendship and of love, and because the Pope himself was unable to resist, 
King Henry mediateth a peace, but he is neglected. Wars betwixt King Henry and Lewis the twelfth.  or to maintain his own quarrel) interposed himself as an indifferent mediator, and as an intercessor for amity and for peace.  
But the French King (tasting the pleasant and the profitable fruits of his successful fortune, and longing to extend his government into so rich a Country) turned the deaf ear, and would not hearken to this motion. Whereupon King Henry (whose body was young and lusty, and whose high heart was replenished with true fortitude, magnanimity, and valour) made it known to the Christian world, that as he scorned to be neglected in so good a suit, so he loathed to be idle, and a looker on, in a time of such negotiation and employment, and therefore would attempt by his best means to withdraw the French Kings wars from the Pope's Countries. Upon which resolution, forthwith, by his Ambassadors he required the French King to give unto him the full and peaceable possession of his two Duchies of Guienne and of Normandy, together with his ancient inheritance of Angeow and of Main, which wrongfully was kept and detained from his Ancestors and from him.  
The small acquaintance which at that time the French King had with King Henry, and the contempt of his youthful years, made him to return a scornful denial to his demand; insomuch that King Henry proclaimed war against him, and prepared daily to send a puissant Army into Guyan. Upon which occasion, and others, 
Defender of the faith.  and in regard that those broils were chief undertaken to relieve the Pope, King Henry was by him enstiled with this addition to his kingly Title, Defender of the Faith.  
This resolution being notified to his father in law Ferdinando King of Arragon, (who was crafty, and cunningly intended, 
Fer●inando promiseth aid to King Henry.  under the colour of much friendship, to usurp, and treacherously to win unto himself the Kingdom of Navarre, for which immoderately his ambitious heart did thirst) he made unto King Henry a large proffer of great assistance and help, with horses, tents, carriages, ordinance, and sundry other things needful and expedient for those wars, if he would land his Army within his Country of Biskey, and march from thence into Guyan.  
The King (who dreamt not of any fraud, 
The King's Army landeth in Biskey.  but was persuaded of good performance of more than had been offered) most thankfully accepted of this great courtesy, and sent (for the aforesaid purpose) ten thousand men into Biskey, under the principal command of Thomas Grace marquess Dorset, who was their General in that war.  
But Ferdinando (whose own plot touching the surprisal of Navarre was not fully perfected, 
Ferdinando yields no help.  and who intended nothing less than according to his promise to aid the English Army) by flattering messages to the marquess maintained his hopes, but yet suffered both him and his (without employment or succour) to lie idle, to their great dishonour and reproach.  
In the end he prepared a strong Army, 
The Kingdom of Navarre taken and conquered by the Spaniards.  which was conducted by the Duke D'Alva, and outwardly pretended to unite them to the English forces. But as a River growing outrageous by the abundance of much rain, overfloweth the low adjacent grounds, so this Army with great violence and strength unexpectedly rushed into the unprovided Territories of Navarre, surprised the City of Pampalona, and treacherously (without blows or resistance) subdued the greatest part of that Kingdom, which (without right or title) the Spaniards do hold and enjoy at this day.  
And although that King Ferdinando (by this unjust and deceitful practice) had easily attained to the height of his ambitious desires concerning that conquest, 
Ferdinando a●●●r●s no help or assistance at last.  yet did he continue false and unkind to the English Army, whom he assisted not at the last, but suffered them for the space of four months to be oppressed with a thousand wants, and to be consumed by the flux and other calamities in the open field: by means whereof, the common soldiers (being heartless, 
The Englishmen return home without leave.  and hopeless of better usage from the King of Arragon) forsook the field, and (without the licence of their General) returned stragglingly into England. And thus was K. Henry grossly abused and wronged by his father in law the second time.  
Whilst the English Army was thus unkindly deluded in Biskey, the right valiant Knight Sir Edward Howard (Lord Admiral of England, 
Sir Edward Howard plagueth the Britons.  and a younger son to the Earl of Surrey) with a well appointed Fleet of ships (which were well furnished with brave and lusty men) kept and commanded the Narrow Seas, daily took the French Merchants, oftentimes landed in sundry places within the Duchy of Britain, foraged their Fields, ransacked their Villages and their Towns, set them on fire, and enriched his companies with great spoils.  

The Britons dare him, but run away.  The Britons (being hourly endamaged, and knowing that no better fortune would attend them, except by true valour and manhood they encountered the English assailants) braggingly dared the Admiral into the Field; of which challenge he joyfully accepted, although that with six and twenty hundred (and no more) he was to fight against more than ten thousand men. And incontinently with martial skill and policy he ordered his battle in the open field. But when the Britons approached near, and with judicious eyes beheld the order and the courage of the English soldiers, their hearts fainted, their Leaders retired, their common soldiers fled, and would not once look on an English face.  

The King sendeth him more aid.  The King being advertised of the valour of his Admiral, and of the haughty courage of his men, & intending to give them strength which should be answerable to their desires, did send unto them some of his ships royal, & many others, which were well ordinanced, and plentifully manned, both for the Sea, & also for the Land.  
When the Admiral was thus provided, and had reduced all his ships into one Fleet, 
He fighteth at Sea with the French Fleet.  within few days after he met and fought with the French Navy; at which time death was despised, in regard that every man sought by blood to purchase honour and renown: until the Regent of England, and in her Sir john Carew of Devonshire, and Sir Thomas Knyuet, with seven hundred more, and the great Carrack of Breast, and in her Sir Pierce Morgan, and nine hundred men of war, (both those ships being fast grapped together) were unfortunately burnt, 
The Regent and the Carrack are burned.  slain, and drowned in the Sea. The view whereof being unusual, was so terrible, that whilst men fearfully looked on, the fight ceased, and the Frenchmen (scattering themselves) returned into the Sea.  
The French King (to make his match the better with the English Navy) augmented the number of his ships and men, 
The French Fleet entereth into the Haven of Breast.  and sent them thoroughly provided with ordinance, powder, shot, and other necessaries, into the Haven of Breast. And King Henry (who scorned that his Admiral should be oppressed with a greater strength than he should be well able to resist) rigged up the most part of his Royal Fleet, and some others, 
King Henry augmenteth his Fleet.  which safely arrived in Bartram Bay within the Duchy of Britain. With these, and with all the rest, the brave Admiral attempted to assail the French Bottoms as they lay at anchors within the Haven of Breast. But as he was entering in, the foremost ship, which Arthur Plantagenet did command, was split in sunder upon a rock, which made the rest doubtful to proceed, except with better guidance they might safely enter in.  
The French Captains perceiving the Englishmen intent, 
The Frenchmen do fortify the Haven.  ancoured as near to the Castle of Breast as they were able, and placed four and twenty old Flemish Hulks towards the mouth of the Haven, betwixt themselves and the English Fleet, which they appointed to be set on fire, and to be unmoared when the ships of England did approach towards them, that by them they might be endangered. They also raised and fortified divers Rampires and Bulwarks upon the entrance of the Haven, from which their great Ordinance might play upon their enemies.  
The Lord Admiral of England (doubting lest the Haven of Breast was too shallow to support his ships of greatest strength and burden, 
The Admiral in Boats entereth into the Haven.  and finding that the French cowards meant nothing less than to express their manhood by a resolute encounter) resolved with oared Barges to be rowed into the Harbour, and there to do some memorable exploit upon his enemy's ships. With this determination (which more manfully then advisedly he did put in practice) he with such an haughty courage and with such violence assailed the three great Galleys of the Rhoads, 
He taketh the three Galleys of the Rhoads.  which were brought thither by a gallant Knight, named Prior john, that he won them quickly, and possessed them as his own. But when the Frenchmen perceived that the English Barges were gone out of the Haven, and were returned to their own Fleet, they then with great numbers of well armed men rushed into the said Galleys, where the brave Admiral with that small remnant which were with him, defended themselves a long time with great courage. But being overmastered, and too much wearied with fresh supplies, which every minute did assail them, 
He is drowned.  the greater part of his men were slain, the Admiral with a pike was violently borne over board, and drowned in the Sea, and the rest of them were taken prisoners by their enemies. And thus were they overthrown, who (if they had been more provident, and better counseled) might have triumphed in their victories. And within few days after, the Lord Thomas Howard, the eldest brother of the said deceased Knight, 
His brother is made Lord Admiral.  was by the King made Admiral, who with all the extremity of war became a cruel revenger of his brother's death.  
The King (not minding any longer to trifle or to dally with the French King) levied two Armies. 
Two Armies sent into France.  In the one of them were eight thousand men, and in the other six thousand. The former of them was commanded by George Lord Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie, and the other by Sir Charles Somerset, Lord Harbert, Chamberlain to the King. These two Generals with their companies (departing from Portsmouth) arrived safely at Calais, from whence they marched to the strong City of Tyrwyn, 
Tyrwyn is besieged.  and besieged it on every side. And within few weeks after, the King himself (having first committed the government of this Kingdom to the general charge of the Queen his wife, and the particular protection of the Northern parts unto the noble and worthy Lord Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, 
The King with a third Army cometh before Tyrwyn.  if peradventure the Scots, according to their custom, should in his absence beyond the Seas, enter into those Countries) being accompanied with many of his Nobles and Gentry, and having an Army of eleven thousand lusty and gallant men, departed out of England, came to his Town of Calais, and marched forth in warlike order, until he had joined himself with all his other force, which lay strongly encamped before Tyrwyn.  
Now whilst King Henry thus lay in this siege, the inhabitants oftentimes sallied out of their gates, and with great resolution skirmished with their enemies, but were always losers in their Retreats.  

The French Army attempteth to raise the siege.  By the Englishmen likewise daily batteries and hourly assaults were made, and manfully resisted by the Citizens, until the French King (to raise the siege) caused a huge Army to be levied, which appeared, and approached near to the English Camp, and made many a boasting and a proud brag, as if they were determined to do much: but still and still they trifled, not doing any thing which might merit praise. But in the end (they being provoked more by the taunting reproaches of their own Nation, and by the daily scorns which for their want of courage they received from the sharp tongues of their daring enemies, then by their own valour) they attempted to raise the siege by strong blows: In so much, that the two Armies met together, fought stoutly, and on either part performed many brave deeds of Chivalry, with great courage: But the presence of King Henry, and his example of good Knighthood, so animated his men of War, that with undaunted spirits, they redoubled their strength, in times and in places of greatest need and extremities, so that at the last, 
The French Army is overthrown. Tyrwyn is yielded and burnt.  the Frenchmen being dissolved into many heaps of breathless carcases, and many of their Nobles and Gentry being taken prisoners, the rest fled; and within few days after, the City of Tyrwin (by composition) was yielded to King Henry, who (only preserving the Bishop's Palace, in which he lodged, and the Cathedral Church) razed the Walls, Towers, Bulwarks, and Fortresses thereof to the ground: and consumed the rest of that City with fire.  
In this siege Maximilian the Emperor, 
The Emperor ●rue●l under King Henry.  with thirty approved men at Arms, repaired to the King's camp; and (after his great welcome, amply expressed by his Princely entertainment) he with them were all enroled into the King's pay.  
This victory, and the said City, being thus won, 
Torray is besieged and yielded.  King Henry (with all convenient expedition) besieged the strong and the warlike City of Tournay, which (for a while) was by the Inhabitants manfully defended and preserved: But (after many bitter and sharp assaults, and bloody skirmishes) when they perceived that their hopes for succour and help were frustrated and in vain: they then, by composition, yielded themselves to the King's mercy; who, for the sum of ten thousand pounds, graciously received them as his own subjects, and by his Almoner, Thomas Wolsey, took the oaths of their fidelity and allegiance, as to their sovereign Lord and King. And then King Henry (leaving there a strong Garrison) he committed the government and safety of that City to Sir Edward Poynings, who was valiant, 
King Henry re●●●ne● into England. The Lord Admiral vexet● the Fre●h nation. james the 4. K●ng of S●●ts (in the ab●●● o● his brother, k●ng Henry) riv●●ieth England.  and a worthy Knight. And (dissolving his Army, because the cold winter was unfit for the continuance of warlike employments) he safely returned to England, where he was received by his subjects with lovely acclamation and great joy.  
Now must we understand, that whilst the king was thus busied in France, the Lord Thomas Howard, his chiefest Admiral, intolerably tormented, vexed, and daily grieved the French Nation, both by Sea and Land.  
And likewise at the same time, james the Fourth, king of the Scots (although he had married with the Lady Margaret, the eldest sister of king Henry) made open war, and wilful breach of his Promise, and of the Peace, which had been confirmed by his solemn Oath; and began unjustly to pick quarrels against the King. In so much, that (upon notice given to the Earl of Surrey, that in Scotland daily preparations and provisions were made for war) He commanded Sir William Bulmer, 
Sir William Bulmer, a valiant Knight.  a valiant Knight, with two hundred lusty and tall Archers, to harbour in some Town, or Village, near to the Scottish Pale; to the intent, that he might not only give speedy notice and intelligence how things passed, but also might do his best, to withstand and to resist their power.  
Within few days after, the Lord Humes, Chamberlain to the King of Scots, entered with an Army of eight thousand men into the Kingdom of England: slew the Inhabitants, burned their houses, ransacked their goods, and foraged their fields: And having enriched himself and his soldiers with money, and great spoils, he returned securely, not thinking that any reckoning was to be made for his good speeding. But on a sudden, and unexpectedly he was encountered by Sir William Bulmer, who with one thousand Archers, and no more, so thickly showered arrows upon the Scots, and with their swords in such a desperate and strange manner assailed, and assaulted them, that quickly they were overthrown: and five hundred of them being slain, and four hundred at the least taken prisoners, the rest fled, leaving their spoils and their booties behind them, and so returned beggarly into Scotland.  
The King of Scots (who not only meant to revenge this disgrace, but also to work wonders, if he might, in the absence of King Henry) entered into this Realm with an Army, in which were more than one hundred thousand fight men; 
100000. fight men.  and besieged the strong Castle of Norham, which (through the captains prodigal expense, of all his powder and shot, to little, or no purpose) he took, and kept it as his own.  

The Earl of Surrey marcheth against the King of Scots.  The valiant and renowned Earl of Surrey, was no idle person in this business: But (being aided and assisted by his eldest son the Admiral, who understanding of his Father's preparations for those wars, came from the Sea to Newcastle, and brought with him one thousand Mariners, and lusty fight men) and by the Lords Dacres, Clifford, Conyers, Latymer, Scrope, Ogel, and Lomley, and by Sir Edward Stanley, Sir William Bulmer, Sir Nicholas Apple-yard, Sir William Sidney, Sir Stephen Bull, Sir john Everningham, Sir Henry Sherborne, Sir Thomas Metham, Sir Marmaduke Constable, Sir William Percy, Sir Christopher Ward, Sir Philip Tylney, Sir William Gascoigne, Sir Thomas Barkeby, Sir Walter Griffeth, Sir George Darcy, Sir Christopher Pickering, Sir Thomas Butler, Sir Guy Dawney, Sir john Booth, Sir john Rowcliffe, Sir john Stanley, Sir john Normavile, Sir Lionel Percy, Sir john Willoughby, Sir Edward Echingham, and Sir Brian Stapleton, Knights; and by Ralph Brearton, john Laurence, Brian Tunstall, Richard Bold, john Donne, john Bygod, john Claruis, Thomas Fitz-Williams, Brian Stapleton, Robert Warcop, and Richard Cholmley, Esquires, and by many other Gentlemen or worthy reputation and great valour. 
26000. fight men.  And having in his Army six and twenty thousand men, able and fit for war, he marched towards the King of Scots: and upon the ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord God 1513. in a Field which was called Flodden, 
Flodden field  both the Armies came in view each of other. The English forces (being marshaled in good order) made two main battles, both which were politicly and strongly guarded by their wings. And the Scottish Army was divided into four battles. 
The Scots are overthrown,  All these (after some few skirmishes, and the expense of much shot, both small and great) joined together pell-mell, and fell to handy strokes, and made such an incredible expression of their manhood, by the indifferent exchange of blows and wounds, that many a strong and lusty man was quickly deprived of his life. Nobility and Gentry were no privileges to protect any man from danger, nay from death; insomuch that King james himself fight courageously among his people as a common soldier, 
The King of Scots is slain.  triumphed over the dead carcases or such as (by his sword) he had prepared for the grave. But in the end he himself was also slain, and so were two Bishops, twelve Earls, fourteen Lords, and twelve thousand Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, and common soldiers of the Scottish Nation. And on the English part, fifteen hundred and no more were slain. Thus was this Field won by the blessing of Almighty God, and by the victorious courage and true manhood of the Earl of Surrey, and of his son, and of such Nobles, Knights, Gentlemen, and brave soldiers, as in that battle approved themselves hardy and strong in Arms. And the surviving Scots (finding their chiefest help and safety to consist in the agility and nimbleness of their light heels) forsook the Field, and with more than posting speed they fled, and returned with heavy hearts into their own Country.  
King Henry (after his return into England) bountifully rewarded such as in France, and against the Scots in England, 
Noblemen created.  had done him the best service, and some of them he advanced to higher places, by giving to them an increase of dignity and of honour. For he created Thomas Howard (who was then Earl of Surrey) Duke of Norfolk, and the Admiral his son was made Earl of Surrey. Sir Charles Brandon (being Viscount lisle) was made Duke of Suffolk. Sir Charles Somerset (being then Lord Harbert, and Chamberlain to the King) was created Earl of Worcester. Sir Edward Stanley was made Lord Mountegle. And the King's Almoner Thomas Wolsey was created Bishop of Lincoln, which favour he unthankfully requited, 
The enclosures about London thrown down.  to his own ruin, as hereafter we shall see.  
In the end of this year, the inhabitants of Islington, Hoxston, Shoreditch, and of other Towns and Villages bordering near to the City of London, enclosed their Champion Fields (in which the Citizens were accustomed, for their recreation and pastimes sake, to walk, run, shoot, leap, and to use such like sports at their wills and pleasures) with high hedges, and wide ditches, because they would more privately appropriate the commodities of those grounds unto themselves. But multitudes of the meaner sort of the Citizens issued forth with mattocks, spades, shovels, and such like tools of husbandry, with which they overthrew the said hedges, filled up those ditches, and leveled the said grounds, using in them their former exercises and pastimes, and so they are enjoyed at this day.  

1514. 6  Not long after the King's return into England, the before named Prior john, with his Galleys, and some Foists, being well manned and provided, 
Prior john landeth, but is well beaten.  arrived in Sussex, and landed in the night, and burned a poor Village named Brigh-helmston. But being discovered, himself wounded in the face with an arrow, and divers of his men slain, he with the rest were compelled to run into the Sea, out of which, being drawn into their vessels, they returned with small gain.  

Spoils in Normandy by Sir john Wallop.  But to requite their boldness, the Lord Admiral of England, with some few ships, and eight hundred soldiers besides the Mariners, sent Sir john Wallop to the Sea, whose often landing in Normandy was very prejudicial to the inhabitants: for he burned one and twenty of their Villages and Towns, and many boats and ships which were ancoured in Traport, and in other Havens, ransacked the Country, and slew much people. And much wondering there was, how with so small a number he could land so often, and perform such great things.  

A peace concluded. The French king marrieth with the King's sister.  The old French King Lewis the twelfth (understanding that the Flemings would not, according to their former agreements, receive into their Country, the goodly, fair, and virtuous Lady Marie, sister to King Henry, to be espoused unto Charles, the young Prince of Castille, because the Spaniards had not consented to that match; by his Ambassadors craved peace: and became an earnest suitor to the King, that she might be his wife: whereupon (to settle love and amity betwixt those two Kings, and their kingdoms: and to make the said Lady so great a Queen, and that she might be endowed with an yearly pension of ten thousand marks during her life, and might again return into England if the French King died) The King, and the said Lady consented and yielded to his request: And thereupon the Duke of Longvyle, and such other Frenchmen, as had been taken at the battle of Tyrwyn, were now released and set free. And within few days after, the said Lady (being by the King and Queen accompanied to Dover, and there shipped, and attended on by Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Marques Dorset, and his four brethren, the Earl of Surrey, the Lords De la ware, Barnes, and Mountegle, Sir Mawrice Barkley, Sir john Peche, Sir William Sands, Sir Thomas Bulleyn, Sir john Car, and by many other Knights, Gentlemen, and Ladies of great worth: She landed at Bollen, where (with great magnificence and honour) she was received by the Dolphin, and by many Lords of France, who brought her to Abuyle, where she met with, and was married to the King: And (within few days after) at Paris, 
The French King dieth. Francis the First. The French Queen returneth into England. The peace with France renewed.  she was crowned Queen; The French Nation thinking their King and Country to be happy, who to their Queen had the fairest Lady in the world.  
And at her Coronation, the Dolphin (upon a general challenge formerly made by himself, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, Thomas Grace Marquis Dorset, his four brethren, and two others, against all comers) erected many honourable and martial games, as the lusts, Turnay, Barriers, and such like: All which were performed with great valour, and to the great pleasure of the King and Queen. But within twelve weeks after the said marriage, King Lewis died, and Francis the first succeeded him in that kingdom. And by the Duke of Suffolk the said Queen Mary was brought again into England, where he won her love, 
All the deeds and actions of Cardinal Wolsey, touching this story are here set together, because the discourse of the rest would otherwise by them be too much interrupted.  and married her with the King's consent.  
In the seventh year of King Henry's reign, the former peace betwixt him and King Lewis the twelfth, was renewed and confirmed with King Francis the first, and great amity and love was exchanged between those two kings.  
It now so chanced that Thomas Wolsey (who was borne of base Parentage in the Town of Ipswich, and was first made the King's Almoner; then Bishop of Lincoln, and then of the Privy Counsel) succeeded the Archbishop and Cardinal of York, who was named Doctor Benbrike, in the said Archbishopric. And not long after he was made Cardinal of York, by the mediation and procurement of those two Kings.  
And now, because the King's affections towards him were extraordinary: His authority above all others eminent; his covetousness insatiable, and his excessive Pride and Ambition boundless and unlimited, which made him bold and peremptory, to do all in all; From henceforth (for many years) all things were commanded and governed, according to his directions & will, until his monstrous oppressions and saucy practises brought him to ruin, and to destruction. And lest his deeds and his actions by often interviewing should interrupt the other discourse of other occurrences and negotiations, happening in this King's Reign: We have therefore thought it convenient, yea necessary, to prosecute the History of his proceed to a conclusion, before we intermeddle much with the Narration of other passages and things.  

He intermedles in other men's offices.  This proud Cardinal, so eagerly hunted after authority and power, to rule and to command all others: that (not contenting himself with his own offices, though they were great) He intruded malepertly into the Enquirie and determining of such things, as properly belonged unto others, but especially into the Chancelorship of this Realm.  

He is made Lord Chancellor.  The Archbishop of Canterbury, unto whom it appertained, was much troubled with those his intermeddlings. But (being old and perceiving that the King's affections were fast bound to his humours: and that to cross with him, it was the ready way to cross himself) he therefore delivered up the Great Seal into the King's hands, who no sooner accepted of it, but he bestowed it upon Wolsey: which favour and dignity might well have satisfied his proud humour, but nothing could. For now he (being an Archbishop, a counsellor of Estate, a Cardinal, Chancellor of England, and the King's especial Favourite) directed all, commanded all, and did all.  
He being thus imperiously great, Required an account of the Captains, treasurers, and other Officers of the king's wars: so that some of them (who by the King's connivence had gotten much) by excessive Bribes excusing themselves, 
He demands accounts and enriched himself thereby. He erecteth new Courts.  Enriched him, and left themselves poor. Others whose Estates were more powerful, to please him, shared that which unjustly they had gotten. And some others, who had deceived the King, and had prodigally spent all, had nothing left, and therefore were punished publicly, and exposed to open shame.  
He also erected sundry Courts of equity (which might more truly be termed Courts of Iniquity) under a colour and pretence to hear and to determine the cases of distressed and poor people: By means whereof the seats of justice, belonging to the common Laws, were little frequented for a while, and by them he gained a mass of treasure to himself, until the people (perceiving that by them he waxed rich, and they poor; and that the Sentences and judgements of those Courts were not final, but controlable, They (of their own accord) forsook them, and commended their Controversies to the censure of the common Laws.  
In the ninth year of King Henry's reign, 
1517. 9  Pope Leo sent unto him Cardinal Campeius as his Legate, to solicit him (as likewise he had done to the Kings of France & Spain, 
By subtlety he is made a Legate.  and the Princes of Germany) to make war upon the Turks. But so outrageous was the ocean of Wolsey's pride, that (because he knew that Campeius, in regard of his power Legantine, was to have the Precedency of place when they two met) he cunningly informed him by certain Bishops (who went unto him to Calais, under a feigned colour to visit him) that his journey would not be successful, but come to none effect, except Wolsey were joined in equal authority with him in that business: whereupon Campeius (with all expedition) dispatched Messengers unto Rome, by whom within forty days he received a new Commission; by which Wolsey was also made the Pope's Legate and Commissioner as well as he. 
Cardinal Campeius.  Then was Campeius admitted to come into this Realm, and both those two Legates (within few days after) repaired to the King's Court at Greenwich (having two silver Crosses, and two Pillars of the same metal, two Axes gilted with fine gold, & two embroidered Cushions borne before them: But the Cardinal of York preferred his elder brother to the inferior place. And by an eloquent Oration (which by an Italian was made unto the King) he was informed of the substance of their message; But to make answer thereunto, The King desired respite for a few days, in which he might be advised and counseled in that matter. 
The Court Legantine.  Then did Wolsey (by his authority Legantine) erect an honourable Court, without the King's notice or licence, and called it the Legantine Court. By the authority whereof, he visited all Bishops and their Dioceses, and other Clergy men; punishing such as were poor and unable to give bribes, but enriching himself by the enforced bounty of such as had store of money, and of faults.  
By the same authority, 
Wolsey's intolerable pride.  he also sequestered unto himself the probate of all Wills and Testaments: and such was his intolerable pride, by reason of his Legantine authority, that when (before and after meat) he washed his greasy fists, he was at his Lavatorie attended and served by Dukes and Earls, for that purpose.  
This his example of haughtiness, made the Clergy of this Land so proud and insolent, that their industrious labours, which formerly they applied to the studies of moral Virtues, and of Divinity, were now employed to devise curious fashions in their behaviour, in their apparel, and in their diet.  

1520.  King Henry and his Queen, in the twelfth year of his Reign, resolved to travail into France, for love and friendship's sake, to glad themselves with the society of the French King, 
King Henry and his queen go into France.  Francis the first, and of his Queen. For which journey, it cannot well be reported what cost in apparel, what provision for attendance, what furniture for horses, what charges for jewels, and what preparations for rare banquet, and Princely gifts, were made both in England, and in France.  
And when the appointed time drew near, the King and the Queen (being accompanied with the Cardinal of York, and with many Dukes, Earls, Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and fair Ladies of principal reckoning and account, sailed from Dover, and safely came to Calais, and the French King and his Queen, with their Royal and goodly train, came to Arde.  
And (because it was intended, that the peace which was betwixt the two Kings, should be enlarged and confirmed) King Henry appointed the Cardinal to go before him to the French King, and to confer with him touching that matter. For which purpose, he gave unto him (by his Letters Patents, 
Two large commissions.  under the great Seal of his Kingdom of England) full power and absolute authority, in all points, to do therein as he himself listed.  

The Cardinal going to the French king.  The Cardinal (being infinitely prided by reason of this unreasonable, and unlimited authority and power, which he had gotten) took his journey towards Arde, being attended on by some hundreds of Lords, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen: all which were clothed in crimson Velvet, and aware chains of gold; and with as many Yeomen and Grooms, whose apparel was made of rich Scarlet.  
Now, when he came unto Arde, he was Royally entertained by the French King, and also by all the Nobility of his Court, who gave their attendance on the King. But when the French Counsel had viewed his Commission, and the unlimited extent thereof: The French King (by their advise and counsel) granted to him the like authority and commission, 
A Princely meeting.  in all respects, under the great Scale of France: which he dissemblingly refused, until he was licensed by King Henry to accept thereof. After this great honour unto him done, both the said Kings and their Queens met together divers days in the Valley of Andren, where they feasted, banqueted, cheered, and gladded each other, and with great bounty communicating their rich gifts each one to the other, and to the great men and Ladies of each others Nation, they took an unwilling and a friendly leave, and King Henry, with his Queen and honourable train, returned to Calais, and from thence into England, where they were received with much joy. But in the mean time the Cardinal so earnestly gaped after honour, and the reverence of the people, that he did little or nothing touching the said peace.  
Now must we understand, that all places and all Countries were filled with the frequent reports of war to be made betwixt the Emperor and the French King, 
The Cardinal's ●ar●e Commission.  with both which Princes King Henry was in league; by means whereof, King Henry solicited amity and peace. Whereupon it was concluded, that the Commissioners of those three great Princes should meet together at Calais, where that matter should be debated and concluded, if possibly it might be.  
King Henry, the more to honour and to exalt his Cardinal, gave unto him, and to the Earl of Worcester, and to the Lords S. john, Ferrer, and Harbert, and to the Bishops of Durham and Elie, and to Sir Thomas Bulloyne, Sir john Peche, Sir john Hussey, Sir Richard ●yngfield, and Sir Henry Guildford Knights, and unto such others as he made Commissioners for that purpose, as large and as ample power and authority touching that business, as by any means could be devised, or by any words be uttered: and then (being fully furnished and provided) this proud Cardinal with his Colleagues (whom he respected as his underlings) passed to the Tower Wharfe thorough the City of London, 
The Car●●na●● is ●●●ored.  and in his passage was met by the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and by the Companies in their several Liveries, who did unto him all honour and reverence; and then proceeding forwards, he with the rest of the Commissioners and their Attendants took their Barges, landed at Gravesend, and coming to the City of Canterbury, the Archbishop, 
The Cardinal is received with Pr●●●ssi●n. The King 〈◊〉 he should be honoured.  and the prime ones of the Clergy of England, met the proud Cardinal without the City's Gates, with a solemn Procession, and magnified him as a King. Then being shipped at Dou●r, he with his company safely arrived at Calais, where he was too much elated, and made too arrogantly proud, by receiving of too much reverence and honour: yet all was done by the King's command. Thither also resorted the other Ambassadors, and betwixt them often conferences were had. But the Commissioners of the Emperor were stiff, and the French were stout.  

The Cardinal goeth to the Emperors Court.  The proud Cardinal (not contenting himself with such honours as formerly had been given to him) would needs proclaim and publish his greatness in the Emperor Maximilians Court at Brudges, where he hoped to receive the greater esteem, because he had with him the Great Seal of the Kingdom of England, 
He had the great Seal of England with him.  which never before that time any Chancellor dared to transport beyond the Seas out of this Realm. For this purpose he entreated some few days absence of the Commissioners of the two other Princes, that in the mean time he might visit the Emperor: for he pretended that their personal presence and conference might greatly further and expedite that business. Wherefore being accompanied with four hundred and threescore horse, he passed by graveling, 

His great state.  
The Emperor meeteth him.   Dunkirk, Newport, and by Odenburgh, and was every where met and saluted by the Noblemen and Gentry of those Countries. And coming towards Brudges, he was met one mile out of the Town by the Emperor himself, and by the Prime and Flower of all his Court: where the Emperor did him the more reverence principally for two causes: First, because he was informed of the large extent of his commission, granted by King Henry. And secondly, because the great seal of the Kingdom of England was in those Countries borne with great state before him, which seemed to be the chiefest mark and badge by which King Henry would express the extraordinary trust & confidence which he reposed in him; when as in truth and indeed he foolishly and unadvisedly carried the said Seal with him for his own glory, without the King's leave: so that in his absence no Sheriffs could be made, nor any Writs, Commissions, or Patents could be sealed, which wronged many particular men, and was very prejudicial to the present estate of the whole Kingdom.  

His Oration.  Within a day or two after the Cardinals coming to Brudges, the Emperor with his Counsel, and Wolsey with his Associates, seriously disputed and debated of the causes of the jars and wars intended betwixt his Majesty and the French King. But when the Cardinal perceived that the Emperor (without restitution unto him made of such of his Castles, Forts, Towns, Cities, and Territories, as by the French King were detained from him) would not incline to any peace, he then (like a learned and like a witty Orator) discoursed largely of the happiness of peace, and of the unspeakable and insupportable miseries of bloody war, and forgot not to show unto the Emperor the kingly strength and puissance of his Sovereign, both in men, and also in horses, ships, armour, ordinance, and all other materials for the war. And further adding, that in regard of the league which was betwixt those two Kings, his Lord and master should be urged to take part with the French King, if any violence by any other Prince should be offered to him.  
The Emperor, 
The Emperor's answer.  acknowledging all to be true whatsoever the Cardinal had spoken touching the benefits of peace, & the incommodities of war, answered, that God, who had given honours and possessions unto Emperors & Kings, had (includedly in the same gifts) appropriated such an inheritable right in them unto those to whom they were so given, that he doubted not but (with the pleasure of Almighty God) they might not only defend and keep them with the sword from all Usurpers and Intruders, but might also by force and violence regain them, if injuriously and beside right they were kept and detained. And seeing that all Kings and Princes were bounden to support right, and to suppress all injuries & wrongs, he said he doubted little of his uncle King Henry's help and comfort, if betwixt himself & the French King there were no peace to be made without blows. 
The Emperor's grievances.  He also informed the English Commissioners, that when his forces (he being at that time but Archduke of Austria) had overthrown the Army of K. Charles the eighth at Gingate, than the said King (to procure his peace) desired and espoused the Lady Margaret his daughter (now wife to the Duke of Savoy) and upon the same conclusion of the said marriage, he gave with her to the said French King a good portion in money, with divers Towns and Castles in Piccardie, which were still detained and kept from him, notwithstanding that the said King Charles perfidiously refused afterwards to marry her, and sent her home.  
He told them likewise, that he himself being lawfully betrothed unto the Lady jane, the young Duchess of Britain; he treacherously gate her from him, and took her to his own wife.  
He showed them also, that whereas the Duke of Gelders' was his Subject, and aught to live under his homage and obedience, he (by the procurement of the now French King) stood out as a Rebel, Refusing to be reform without blows.  
He complained also that the French King treacherously surprised from the house of Castille the Realm of Naples, but should restore it again by friendship or by war.  
Thus when the Emperor had discoursed, and had made an end of speaking: the Cardinal replied little, leaving him to his own will; and taking a friendly and a kind farewell, he returned to Calais: where he again (but more coldly than before) debated with those Ambassadors upon the conclusions of a peace: But when he perceived that no such matter could be effected, he took his leave and returned into England, and was graciously welcomed as a friend, and liberally feasted as a stranger, by the King.  
In the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth years of King Henry's Reign: this proud Cardinal (under the colour of the Kings partaking with the Emperor in his wars against the French king) of his own authority, and without the King's commandment, granted forth Commissions under the great Scale of England, into every Shire and Province of the Kingdom, and directed them to the principal and chiefest men, 
He granteth strange commissions for taxes.  and gave unto them private instructions, how, and in what sort, they should proceed, and demean themselves in the execution of that business. And by the same Commissions, every man was required to depose the certain and true value of his Estate: And then, Of every fifty pounds and upward, there was demanded four shillings the pound; And for every pound, above twenty, and under fifty, two shillings; And for every pound, above twenty shillings, & under twenty pounds, twelve pence. The payment thereof to be in money, or in plate. And in London, he made himself the chief Commissioner: In which he behaved himself insolently as a Tyrant, not so much to enrich the King, as to stuff up his own purse. The like Commissions he granted forth against all the Clergy of this Land, of whom he demanded four shillings the pound of all their livings.  

The commons will not obey.  These unjust proceed grieved the Clergy, and common People at the heart; and generally they refused to submit themselves in that business.  

Their reasons  1. First, because those Commissions were not established, nor were grounded upon the Laws of this Kingdom and commonweal.  
2. Secondly, because the execution of them would be a dangerous precedent against the liberty and freedom of this kingdom, in time to come.  
3. Thirdly, because many men's credits exceeded their estates; and to discover their inabilities, either upon their oaths or otherwise; it might, and would tend to the subversion and utter overthrow, both of them, and of their Families.  
4. And lastly, because the thing demanded and required to be paid was so much, That not one man (among ten generally) had that value in money, or in plate, though he were worth much more: And therefore if the King, by force of these Commissions, should get into his hands all his subjects plate and money; they then should for necessity's sake be constrained to barter, and to exchange and chop Lead for Clothes, Tin for Bread, and Cloth for Cheese.  
But these reasons prevailed not with the Cardinal: but contrariwise, he (being by a general Petition entreated to persuade the King, to de●ist from that course, and by the Laws to devise some other: made this froward and sullen answer: That he would rather have his tongue plucked out of his mouth with pincers, 
His tyranny.  than he would move any such matter; and that the said sums demanded should be paid, or levied, whether they would or no. And in Hampshire, the common people so much repined and grudged at these demands, That the Lord Viscount lisle, and Sir Richard Weston, and the other Commissioners for that business, greatly doubted, what would ensue thereof. Wherefore (to pacify the people) He, by his letters, most humbly entreated the Cardinal, that the twelfth penny, proportioned with the sums before demanded, might suffice, that thereby future dangers and troubles might be avoided. But when the Cardinal with malignant eyes had perused the Viscounts letters, he deeply swore, that they should cost him his head; because in them his presumption did manifestly appear, taking to himself leave and liberty, to differ from those instructions which were given him. Thus was he requited and recompensed for his good service to the King: And for his duteous desire to preserve the peace and quietness of his Country, and of this commonweal.  
The Cardinal perceiving, 
New commissions.  that the People would not support this heavy burden, recalled those Commissions, and sent forth others; whereby a sixth part of their substance was demanded, according to the aforesaid rates, 
The Cardinallis cursed.  whereto he doubted not but willingly they would yield: but they refused not only to submit themselves therein, but in every Shire they cursed the Cardinal to the pit of Hell; and were so incensed, that much trouble among them was likely to ensue. The King, who was informed in what strange sort, and fashion, his people were used: 
The commissions are recalled.  and understanding that every place was filled with clamours, with discontentment, and with danger, grieved thereat exceedingly. And being resolved to reform what was amiss: with all expedition, he (by his letters, which were directed into every County within his kingdom) commanded a present cessation of all executions of the said Commissions, and protested that they were granted forth without his knowledge or consent, and that he would not (but by the course of Law) require any thing from his people, though his wants were great to maintain his wars. 
A Benevolence.  But if by way of a Benevolence they would of their own accord enlarge themselves towards him, he then would accept thereof, and take it as an infallible proof of their love and duty towards their King.  

The Cardinal's base flattery.  The ambitious Cardinal privately grudging that the King in his Letters had includedly laid the fault on him, and intending to rob his Majesty of his people's good affections towards him, and practising to win it unto himself, required the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London to come before him, to whom by a subtle and a cunning speech he protested, that because he saw and perceived that those Taxes were too heavy for them to bear, and because in his heart he loved them, he therefore had kneeled to the King, and had persuaded him to revoke the said Commissions, and wholly to rely upon their free benevolence and good will. Wherefore he courteously advised them to be voluntarily bountiful and liberal of their own accord. Then with great expedition he dispatched his Letters to that effect into every Shire and County of this Kingdom. But in regard that the King in his Letters had protested his ignorance touching the said former taxes, therefore the proud Cardinal was still condemned, and mortally hated by the people.  

Commissions for the Benevolence.  Then forthwith (by the incitation of the Cardinal) new Commissions for the said benevolence were made. And in the execution of them some of the Commissioners endeavoured fairly to persuade, but others of them by rough and unkind speeches procured men to give largely, whether they would or no. Yet they prevailed little: for the greatest part of the people refused to give any thing, some of them alleging the Statute which was made against the demanding of Benevolences in the first year of the reign of King Richard the Third, and some others alleging for their excuse, their poverty and their want.  

The Cardinal suppresseth some Religious Houses.  It is now seriously to be observed, that the Cardinal having newly erected two Colleges, the one in Ipswich, where he was borne, and the other in Oxford, and intending to make their possessions fair and great, as their foundations were wide and large, procured a licence from the Pope, by virtue whereof (as he was authorized) he plucked down certain small Abbeys, 
Note this.  Friaries, and Religious Houses, to appropriate their Lands and Revenues to those Colleges: which example and precedent first moved the King, for other respects, within few years after to pluck down all such Religious Houses. For if it were religious in the Pope and Cardinal so to do, the King little doubted (seeing the gross enormities and evil life of most of those men) but it was likewise lawful for him to pluck them down.  
And because the busy head of the Cardinal could not be idle, 
He reformeth the King's household.  therefore he made the King to believe, that the estate and condition of his own house was unprofitably disordered, and out of tune. Whereupon, for the reformation thereof, he removed divers of the King's menial servants and household officers from their places, and bestowed them upon others, whom he more fancied, although they deserved worse. He also bestowed his Manor of Hampton Court, 
Hampton Court.  with all such costly buildings as he had erected there, upon the King; in regard whereof, the King gave him leave to keep his Court in his Palace of Richmond, wherein King Henry the Seventh did extraordinarily delight. These his two actions made him hateful to the Commons, who mutteringly repined, saying that the King and they were much abused, so to be used by a Butcher's Dog.  
At this time the French King became an earnest suitor to King Henry, to have in marriage for the Dolphin, the Lady Mary, the King's only daughter, and heir apparent to the Crown. 
The King's marriage called into question.  But the said motion was crossed by a double encounter. The first was, the dislike which the Statesmen and the Commons of this Realm had conceived touching that match, which publicly they declared by their solemn protestations, and frequent speeches, that if King Henry should die without issue male of his body lawfully begotten, as he then had none, they would not receive a Frenchman to be their King, because he possessing a greater estate and Kingdom, would make this but a servant and an attendant upon that. The second was a scruple cast in the way (as most men thought, upon the secret intimation of the Cardinal, in displeasure to the Emperor, because by strength he had not made him Pope) by the Precedent of Paris, who made it questionable, whether or no the Lady Mary were legitimate, and borne in lawful matrimony, because the King had begotten her upon the body of the Lady Katherine, Aunt to the Emperor, and who had sometimes been his brother Prince Arthur's wife. And from this doubt and from this scruple (which before that time was not thought on) infinite vexation and trouble did ensue, as in this discourse it shall appear. For thereupon the King's Confessor, Doctor Longland, Bishop of Lincoln, and many other profound Divines, informed the King, that almost twenty years he had lived incestuously with the Queen, and that now (for his conscience sake) he ought truly and hearty to repent for that great sin, and to leave her bed.  

The Cardinallis Ambassador for France.  The Cardinal, who (as he thought) had a long time lain lazily at home, would now be gadding into France, in an embassage to the French King, the substance whereof was only known to the King and him. And at his departure, the King (in the presence of all his Lords) embraced him as his familiar friend. 
He is made proud.  And at that time such was his great estate, that passing thorough the City of London, he was attended by twelve hundred horse. And when he came to Calais, he was received with as much honour as by the Town and Garrison could be presented unto him. And at Bulloyne (among many other devices to magnify his greatness) he was entertained with two ridiculous Pageants.  

Two ridiculous Pageants.  1. In the one of them there was a Nun (called the holy Church) unto whose person and chastity three Spaniards and three Amaines attempted to offer violence, but by a Cardinal she was rescued and delivered from them all.  
2. And in the other there was represented a Pope lying on the ground, and an Emperor sitting in an Imperial Throne; but a Cardinal plucked him from his seat, raised the Pope, and placed him therein.  

The French king meeteth him.  From Bolleine as he came towards Amiens, he was met upon the way by the Provost and the most substantial Citizens on horseback, and by them he was saluted and reverenced as a King. And when he came within half a mile of the City, the King himself with his Nobles met him, cheerfully embraced him, and in a wonderful and magnificent pomp conducted him to his lodging, on the gates whereof was written in large and fair letters, Cardinalis pacificus, The peaceable Cardinal, or The Cardinal of peace. And at their departure the proud Cardinal would have vouchsafed to have brought the King to his Court, but the King would not suffer him so to do. Thus Kings, Nobles, Times and Places conspired (if it had been possible) to have made him more proud, whose heart was so haughty, that he supposed he could never be humbled and brought low.  
Then daily almost for the space of three weeks together, the French King, his Counsel, and the Cardinal (with his Associates, who were obscured by his greatness, 
He concludes a peace.  as the Moon is by the direct opposition of the Sun) conferred seriously: and in the end he concluded a peace betwixt the two Kings, in the honour whereof, and of the proud Cardinal, the instrument in which the Articles of the said peace were contained, was sealed with a seal purposely made of fine gold, whereof he boastingly bragged the next Term in the star-chamber, affirming before the whole Assembly, that the peace which by him was concluded, was such an absolute, perfect, and sound peace, that it would continue in secula seculorum, world without end. But the people mutteringly repined thereat, saying that England never long enjoyed any benefit by any peace which was concluded with the French, whose property it was (for their advantage, without cause) to start aside from any thing which they had said, and sworn to perform. They also said, that to enter into a feigned league with the French King, the Emperor and his friendship was abandoned, and that old enemies were entertained, and old friends were unadvisedly (by the Cardinal's means) cast off. And therein they spoke truly: for by the Cardinal's enticement, and secret persuasions, the King (without good cause) showed himself an enemy to the Emperor, and to the Flemings, and unto others of his people, although the Emperor by all fitting and beseeming means had wooed him to obtain and to keep his love.  
By these jars, thus cunningly broached by the Cardinal, in favour of the Pope, and of the French King, the question touching the lawfulness or nullity of the King's marriage was smothered for a while. But not long after, 
The marriage in question.  such as seemed to be tender over the King's conscience, and provident to establish the true succession of this Kingdom in a lawful heir, revived the scruple, and therewithal so busied the King's 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, 
A power Legantine is granted.  and unto his ancient brother Campeius, that before them, as supreme judges, that question (by legal processes and proceed) might be heard, debated on, and censured, according to the Laws of God and the Laws of man.  
These two Legates (having received this commission) informed the Queen of their authority and power: 
Wolsey is accused.  and she (in some passion) accused Wolsey as the principal broacher of that doubt, and the maintainer of that contention, 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 often times in a most secret, loving, and gentle fashion, she had admonished and warned him of his covetousness and tyranny; of his extortions and oppressions, and of his pride and lechery: But he excused himself, as if he had been an honest man.  

The Queen chooseth Counsellors.  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 of the best learned men within his Kingdom, to defend and to maintain her cause: Whereupon he elected William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, And Nicholas West Bishop of Ely, who were Doctors of the Laws; and john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, and Henry Standish Bishop of Alssaph, who were Doctors of Divinity, and some others: And they (as occasions did require) did for her as much therein, as by wit and learning could be done.  
Now for the prosecuting of this business, the two Legates caused a stately Court to be erected at the Blackfriars in the great Hal, In which (for them) were placed two Chairs and two great Cushions, 
The King and Queen are summoned.  covered over with cloth of gold: And (at the appointed day) the two Legates took their places; but the Cardinal of York (as his custom was) preferred his elder brother Campeius to the left hand: and then, having caused their commission publicly to be read, the King and the Queen were cited in their own persons, or by their Proctors to appear. The King by his Proctors submitted himself to the Apostolical authority and power, which by the Pope to the two Legates was given. But the Queen herself (being accompanied with many Lords, 
The Queen appealeth.  Knights, Gentlemen, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, and having first done great reverence to the Legates) appealed from them (as from judges which were not competent, 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.  
But the King (perceiving, that no quick dispatch was used, though oftentimes deliberately they consulted) came with the Queen into the said Court, 
The King's protestation.  where his Majesty solemnly protested his infinite love towards her; acknowledging her to be the most amiable, loving, kind, duteous, modest, and sweetest wife, that (he thought) was in the whole 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. 
He desireth a quick 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 safely) as before.  
Within few days after, the King being informed, 
The King is delayed.  that after the last day of that month of july, the Legates would not sit any more, until the fourth day of October, He was thereat vexed and troubled above measure: Wherefore (at the next sitting) he sent the Dukes of Norfolk, and of Suffolk, with some other Lords to the Legates; requesting them to dispatch their judicial sentence one way or other, that long delays might not augment the anguish of his troubled conscience. The Dukes, in a reverent, and in an earnest manner delivered their message in the open Court. But by Campeius it was answered, That there was yearly, and of custom a cessation in the Court of Rome, betwixt the aforesaid days, from all Legal proceed whatsoever: And that, if any sentence in the Interim were given, it was utterly void in Law and of no force at all: And therefore, seeing that their Court was a branch of the Court of Rome, they could not (until the prefixed day) intermeddle any further in that business. This answer so much offended Charles the Duke of Suffolk, 
The Duke of Suffolk is angry.  that (striking his fist upon the board) he swore, that the old saying was too too true: That never Cardinal or Legate did any good in England, and therewithal the offended Lords departed, and so did almost the whole company, leaving the two Legates to look one upon the other.  
The King being thus troubled with an enforced delay, 
Campeius is bound for Rome.  contented himself as patiently as he was able, hoping that in October that business would have an end. But within few days after, He was informed, that Campeius (being sent for by the Pope) made great preparations for his return to Rome: 
Two crafty mates.  Whereby he perceived plainly, that the two Legates had grossly dissembled with him; and that they had secretly plotted these delays; that the matter should not be definitively censured and sentenced by them. But in the Court at Rome, where infinite costs and charges would be expended: The business would be lingered on with arguments, and long disputes, and that his conscience should be unsettled in the mean time. And for this cause, from this time forward, 
The King hateth Wolsey.  the King in his heart hated and maligned his unthankful & dissembling creature base Wolsey, whom (from a contemptible birth and estate) he had preferred, and made Abbot of S. Albon, his Almoner, a Counsellor of Estate, Bishop of Winchester, and of Durham, Archbishop of York, an Ambassador to Kings and Princes, his Chancellor, and a Cardinal.  
And thus, this business which be plotted, to make himself gracious with the King, eminent above others, and to be revenged upon his enemies, turned to his own ruin and utter destruction in the end.  

Articles against Wolsey.  For the King's Counsel and the Nobles of this Land (perceiving that the King's heart was changed from him) were not a little glad, because generally he was hated. And (to press him down in his falling) they framed against him divers Articles, some demonstrating his excessive pride, others his insulting tyranny, others his grievous oppressions, others his monstrous injustice, others his insatiable covetousness, others his abominable lechery, others his eager and sharp courses to revenge, and others his secret and his cunning dealing betwixt the Pope and him, whereby his majesties regal authority and his prerogative royal in all things touching the Clergy and Church, was made void. And thereupon they concluded that he was guilty of the Praemunire, 
Praemunire.  and consequently bade forfeited all his promotions, lands, goods, chattels, and his liberty to the King. These Articles being reduced into good form, and fit order, were by the Nobility engrossed into a book, subscribed with their hands, and then it was delivered to the King, who concealed it for a few days.  

Campeius taketh his leave.  The two Legates (not knowing what had passed) came to Woodstock to the King, where Campeius took his leave to go to Rome: and Wolsey (who purposed to have left him, and to have remained with the King) was frowningly commanded to accompany his honest brother unto London, where he should be further informed of the King's mind. When they were come thither, and from thence were journeying towards the Sea coasts: By order and direction from the Council, 
His chests are broken.  Campeius his trunks and chests were broken up, and a diligent search was made, to find such letters, as they conjectured were by Wolsey sent to Rome: But none were found: For by a Post, they were sent a way a day or two before.  

The Cardinal is indicted.  The next Term, the King caused his Attorney General, named Sir Christopher Hales, to prefer into the King's Bench, an indictment upon the Statute of Praemunire, against the Cardinal, upon the aforesaid Articles, which he performed accordingly: And by the Grand jury, 
The great Seal is taken from him.  it was found against the Cardinal. Then forthwith the Dukes of Norfolk, and of Suffolk, were required to take from him the great Seal, 
His goods are seized.  which the King bestowed upon Sir Thomas Moor: he also caused Sir William Fitz-Williams, Knight of the Garter, and Treasurer of his majesties household, and Doctor Stephen Gardiner his new Secretary, so to guard, and so to watch his House and Palace at Westminster, that none of his movables, whatsoever, might be imbeaseled, or purloined, or carried away from thence. And the Cardinal himself being confined to Asher, 
He is confined.  not far from Kingston, and most of his Attendants being displaced, and removed from him: a small allowance of things needful was appointed to him for his necessary use, whereat he infinitely grieved.  
Then was he required by the King, 

He confesseth this indictment.  
His dignities taken from him.   to plead to the said indictment: but by his Attorney (sufficiently authorized under his hand and seal) he confessed every material point thereof.  
Then the king conferred the Abbey of Saint Alban's upon the Prior of Norwich, the Bishopric of Durham upon Doctor Tonstall, and the Chancellorship was ratified to Sir Thomas Moor. But the king (of his gentleness, and in regard of his former favours towards the Cardinal) left unto him the Arch bishopric of York: and the Bishopric of Winchester, and sent unto him much plate, household-stuff, and many other things (part of that which had been taken from him) to a great value. Yet in his heart, he remained unthankful, grudging, and malicious towards the king.  
The king (in former times) had intermeddled very little with the government of this Commonweal, for he was almost altogether ruled and directed by the Cardinal, and by the Clergy of this Land. But he now began to be sensible of that error, and to cast away that yoke: so that he took the rains into his own hand. And (first of all) he assembled his high Court of Parliament, in which the Commons of the Lower house sharply complained of the misdemeanours of the Clergy: But especially in these six things.  

Articles against the Clergy.  
FIrst, because (with great extremity) they exacted unreasonable sums of money, as due fees, for the Probate of men's last Wills, and Testaments.  
2 Secondly, Because they were excessively covetous, and cruel, in demanding for Mortuaries, especial of such poor people, as scarcely left two kine, for the maintenance of their wives and children.  
3 Thirdly, Because their full purses made them to become Farmers of great Granges, barton's, and temporal farms, taking them in lease in every Shire, and become Husbandmen and Graziers, to the prejudice and hurt of such as were trained and brought up only to be husbandmen.  
4 Fourthly, Because many of them kept Tanning houses for their private gain, and were Brokers, Buyers, and Jngrossers of Wool, Cloth, and other merchandises, snatching up all, and enforcing tradesmen, and clothiers to buy those commodities at the second, or third hand, and at unreasonable prices.  
5 Fiftly, Because such Clergy men as had the best, and the greatest Spiritual livings, did (with great extremity) take the utmost of their rights: And yet they lived in the Court, or in the houses of Noblemen, and Bishops; so that they spent nothing in Hospitality among their Neighbours, Nor did feed their flock with the milk of Gods most holy and sacred Word.  
6 And last of all, Because divers ignorant men among them, held and enjoyed eight, ten, twelve, yea more Benefices and Spiritual promotions to themselves severally; and yet lived not upon any one of them: but kept great Scholars and learned men, at a short commons, in one of the Universities, who were better able to do more good than they.   

Doctor Fisher wrongeth the lower house of Parliament.  The Bishops perceiving that these matters much concerned them, and the whole Clergy of this Land, strongly opposed themselves against such as exhibited the same complaints. In so much that Doctor Fisher Bishop of Rochester (being more earnest, then well advised) desired the Lords to remember well, and to consider, that when the Bohemians abused the estate and dignity of their Clergy, they then ruinated and destroyed their Kingdom, and Common weal: Wherefore he instantly requested them, to be well advised, before they entertained these objections: For (quoth he) they are not religious, nor do proceed from Faith.  
When the Commons had understood what the Bishop of Rochester had spoken: Then by Thomas Audley their speaker, and by thirty others of the house, They informed the King of the said injury and wrong: Alleging that if the lower house of Parliament were reputed to want Faith, than they were esteemed to be Heretics, and consequently, that all such Bills as they preferred, or did pass, should be preferred and concluded on by paynim, Pagans, and Faithless men, and so were unlawful, and unfit to rule, and to govern Christians, and such as truly, and sincerely honoured, and adored God.  
The King (who was much offended, 
They complain to the King.  and grieved at the Bishop's speech) gave them this gentle answer; That he would understand his meaning, concerning those words, and that (with all convenient expedition) he would inform them of his answer. And within a day or two after, the said Bishop and six others were sent for, and the Bishop of Rochester was reprehended by the King. But with many solemn protestations, he assured the King, that he referred those words. They proceeded not from faith; to the doing deeds and actions of the Bohemians, and not to the doings of the lower House, which likewise was affirmed by the rest. This his excuse was by the King sent to the Commons; who spoke liberally of the Bishop, and repaid their debt with unseeming terms. 
A bad 〈◊〉.  In so much, that at a Committee (in which the Bishops strongly persisted, to maintain, and to justify, the taking of their Fees for probates of Testaments, to be lawful) because the same payments had been of a long time used; a Gentleman of the lower House replied to the Archbishop of Canterbury, That thieves on Shooter's Hill used to take purses there: Ergo, it was lawful. This speech pleased the Commons well: For they thought, That they had now angered the Bishops, as the Bishop of Rochester had angered them. Then were the matters aforesaid comprised in the same complaint, reduced into formal Bill: which (being long, and substantially disputed on, and in some points qualified) were assented unto by both the Houses, and afterwards (for Laws) established by the King.  
The Book also, which contained the Articles, 
The articles against Wolsey  which were drawn against the Cardinal, was sent by the Lords to the lower House. In which (among divers other things) he was principally accused of these great faults.  

1 FIrst, That by dishonest and cunning reasons, he had deceitfully induced the King, to consent that he should be made a Legate to the Pope, which authority did (indeed and in effect) frustrate and make void, all the authority and jurisdiction of all other Bishops and Clergy men within this Kingdom, and also the authority of the King in Ecclesiastical things and causes.  
2 Item, That in all his letters, and other passages to foreign Estates and Princes, his phrase in writing was, Ego, & Rex meus; I, and my King: as if the king's Majesty had been his inferior, and at his command.  
3 Item, That (to induce the Pope to give unto him a power legantine) he in his letters for that purpose had this phrase: ecclesia Anglicana facta est in reprobum sensum, The Church of England is become reprobate: whereby he unchristianly disgraced and abominably slandered the Church of England, as being faithless. And that therefore necessity did instantly urge and require, that by a power Legantine, to be granted unto him, it might be reduced to a right belief.  
4 Item, That when he was sent an Ambassador to Calais, there to confer with the Ambassadors of the Emperor, and of the French king, He carried with him, without the kings leave, the great Seal of this kingdom: and from thence he also carried it into Flanders to the Emperor's court for his own honour, and vain glory.  
5 Item, That without the king's knowledge or consent, he had sent a commission sealed with the great Seal of England, to Sir Gregory de Cassado, authorizing him thereby in the king's name, to conclude a peace betwixt the Duke of Ferrara, and the king's Majesty.  
6 Item, that he, being filthily powdered with the french pocks, by reason of his excessive lechery, and dishonest life, did oftentimes presume to talk with, and to cast his unwholesome breath into the king's face.  
7 Item, That to magnify his own power both at home, and with foreign Nations, he caused a Cardinal's hat to be stamped on some of the the King's coin, without his majesties appointment or consent.  
8. Item, that he would not suffer the King's Clerk of the market to execute his office in S. Albon, because the same Town was parcel of his Abbey.  
9 Jtem, that (to obtain his dignities, and to continue the love and favour of the Pope and of his Cardinals towards him) he had in sixteen barrels conveyed to Pope Clement the seventh, and to his Cardinals toward their redemption out of prison, wherein after the sacking of Rome they were kept by the Emperor Charles the fifth, and to the French king in the Pope's behalf, to make wars upon the Emperor, so much gold as did amount to the sum of two hundred and forty thousand pounds at one time, and incredible sums of other money at other times, to the great impoverishing of this kingdom and Commonweal: and to enrich the king again, had of his own accord sent out such Commissions into all Shires within this kingdom, for the exacting of infinite sums of money, as quenched the people's love towards the king, and made them rebelliously to disturb the peace of this kingdom in Norfolk and elsewhere.   
These Articles and many more being comprised in the said book, 
Wolsey confesseth the Articles.  the Cardinal by a subscription written with his own hand, frankly and freely confessed, and submitted himself to the King's mercy.  
About the same time the King (for honourable and good service) created Sir Thomas Bulloyne (who was Viscount Rochfort) Earl of Wiltshire, 
Noblemen created.  and Viscount Fitz-water was made Earl of Sussex, and the Lord Hastings was created Earl of Huntingdon.  
The King (because he was informed that the Emperor and the Pope were together in Bononie) sent thither (as Ambassadors) the said Earl of Wiltshire and some others, 
An embassage.  protesting that the question touching his marriage was not begotten nor motioned by him, nor by his consent, but first by the Precedent of Paris, who received it (as he affirmed) from the Counsel of Spain, and since by the gravest and the best learned Divines within his Kingdom, and not upon any dislike which he conceived against his Queen, nor for any desire to change: and therefore he earnestly entreated them, 
The King craveth a sentence.  that for the clearing of his troubled conscience, the same matter might one way or other receive a speedy and a final end by a sentence or judgement declaratory in the Consistory of Rome. The Emperor said little, but only answered, that the judgement of the Law should content and satisfy him in that point. And the Pope said, that when he came to Rome, the matter should receive an end; but yet he meant nothing less: for he knew right well, that if he pronounced sentence against the dispensation granted by Pope julie his predecessor, although he knew well that it was flatly against the Law of God, than the Pope's future dispensations would be little or nothing at all respected or regarded. And he likewise knew, that by giving of sentence against the Queen, he should again make the Emperor his enemy, who was now newly become his friend. Thus this unthankful Pope flattered and dallied with the King's Ambassadors, making them hopeful, but in vain; yet with this answer they returned to the King, who (fearing lest the Pope and his Cardinals would indeed by long delays abuse and dally with him) employed divers Lords, and the greatest Divines within his Kingdom, at his exceeding great costs and charges, to travel into all the Universities in the Christian world, and there to be resolved of their opinions touching the validity or nullity of his said marriage. And when they all returned, they brought with them twelve Instruments, sealed with the public Seals of so many Universities, and also the opinions of sundry great and famous learned men, 
The opinion of Universities  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.  

Wolsey is licenced to go to York.  The King at this time (by the advice of his Counsel) licenced Wolsey to live within his Diocese of York, for which cause he went thither. But divers of his servants (by their friends means) got into the King's service; among whom Thomas Cromwell (being a wise and a discreet man) was one, whom the King entertained with public demonstration of his good affections towards him, and of his favour.  

The Cardinal's Colleges.  Now though such of the Cardinal's lands as he intended to have bestowed upon his two Colleges were clearly forfeited unto the King, yet his Majesty in regard of his great love which he bore to learning, and unto learned men, bestowed the same wholly upon his College founded in Oxford, called the Cardinal's College, but then newly named the King's College, but now it is called Christ's Church. And the other of his Colleges (founded at Ipswich) the King destroyed, as being unprofitable, and serving to no purpose.  
The King being secretly informed that the Cardinal had gotten a Bull from Rome, to curse him, 
1530.  except he would restore him to all his goods, lands, and dignities, 

A Bull from the Pope.  
A proclamation.   and that none but he (no not the King himself) should for any offence whatsoever correct or punish any Clergy man, proclaimed that all provisions, appeals, and instruments, within the space of one year next before that time procured, or which at any time from thenceforth should be procured from the See of Rome, whereby the authority royal and prerogative of the King might in any jot be lessened or diminished, should be utterly void and frustrate in all respects, and that the procurers of them should be punished at the Kings will.  
The proud Cardinal, 
Wolsey writes to Rome.  scorning to be humbled and trodden down, and purposing to set new broils and disturbances in the Commonweal, to molest the King, wrote secret letters to the Pope and to his Cardinals, to animate and to exasperate them against the King. And they (understanding in what a disgraceful plight the Cardinal then stood) encouraged him not to faint, 
The answer.  nor to show himself a coward, and a heartless man, by yielding to the perverseness of his present fortune, promising his restoration, and that (for his sake) the King should be effectually crossed in his weighty business betwixt the Queen and him.  
Hereupon the Cardinal began to take heart: 
His pride.  and nothing doubting but that he should again be advanced, if not by the King's consent, yet volens nolens, and against his will, made great preparation for his instalment into his archbishopric at York, which he intended to solemnize with such magnificence and pomp, as the like before had never been seen in that place. For which purpose he erected in that Cathedral Church a stately seat, of an extraordinary height, not much unlike to a King's Throne. He also wrote to the Nobles, Knights, and chiefest Gentlemen in the North, many fawning, flattering, and kind letters, entreating and inviting them at a prefixed day to accompany him (at his installment) to the City of York, where he provided for them great cheer, not sparing any cost.  
The King (who was advertised what he had written to Rome, and what answer was made thereunto, and perceiving that he intended with extraordinary pomp and state to be installed, for which his doings he had no licence from his Majesty) imagined (and therein he was not deceived) that those great preparations were made of purpose, and in an outfacing fashion, to confront him.  

Wolsey is arrested.  Wherefore, to prevent his said installment, he sent a commission under his great Seal of England, whereby he required Henry the sixth Earl of Northumberland, to attach and to arrest the body of the said Cardinal, to bring him to the Castle of Sheffield, and there to deliver him to the safe custody and keeping of the Earl of Shrewsbury, which he did: Although the Cardinal proudly checked him, and told him that he was a member of the College of Cardinals in Rome, and that neither the King, nor any other temporal Prince under heaven could, or aught to intermeddle with him for any cause, or matter whatsoever. Yet for all this (assoon as he was gone) all his plate, 
His goods are attached.  goods, horses, and household stuff were seized on to the King's use: his Officers were discharged, and his Physician Doctor Augustine, was by Sir Walter Welsh, one of the King's chamber, conveyed to the Tower.  
Assoon as the King was informed of the executing of his commission, he sent Sir William Kingston, the Captain of his Guard, and Constable of the Tower, with certain Yeomen of his Guard, to fetch the Cardinal to that prison.  
The sight of this Messenger more daunted and appalled the Cardinal than all the rest: For now he was right well assured, that his head was in great danger. This fear made him to fall into a sudden sickness, so that (purposely, as it was conjectured, to dispatch himself out of this life) he took a purgation, which was more strong, 
He dieth.  than the weakness of his nature could control, by reason whereof he died two nights after.  
Thus lived, and thus died this Cardinal, who was Proud and Ambitious, Wanton and Lecherous, Rich and Covetous, a Liar and a Flatterer, 
His description.  a Tyrant and Merciless: Forgetful of his beginnings, Disdainful in his prosperity, and wretched in his end: Whose death made the King joyful, his Nobles jocund, and the People glad.  

The Clergy feared the Praemunire.  He being thus dead, the King by his Council was informed, that all the Clergy of England were guilty of the Praemunire; because (in all things) they had supported and maintained the authority, 
100000 pounds. The King's Supremacy acknowledged.  and power Legantine of the Cardinal: Wherefore (to prevent a mischief before it fell upon them) They gave to the King for their redemption, and for their pardon, the sum of one hundred thousand pounds: And by a public instrument in writing, subscribed, and scaled by all the Bishops and Fathers of the Church, they plainly, voluntarily, and willingly acknowledged the King (within his own Kingdoms and Dominions) to be the supreme Head of the Church, as well in all matters Ecclesiastical, as in all Temporal things and cases whatsoever. Yet not long after the King diminished their number and their strength, as hereafter it shall appear.  
The Cardinal being thus gone, 
Opinions showed.  the King intending nothing less than to dance attendance in the Court at Rome, caused the said instruments procured from so many Universities, together with the opinions of so many learned men, and of his two Universities of Oxford and of Cambridge, publicly to be showed in both the houses of his Parliament: which being done by divers honourable Lords, both spiritual and temporal, he caused them to be showed to the Queen, and the question to be demanded of her, whether she would relinquish her appeal to the See of Rome, and refer herself and her cause to any Nobles and Bishops within this Kingdom? whose answer was, that she would not: whereupon the King resolving in his conscience, 
The King marrieth Anne Bullen.  that his said marriage was void in Law, began to bend his love and kind affections to a goodly, fair, and beautiful Lady in his Court, named Anne Bullen. Her he created a marchioness of Pembroke, and after took her to his wife. And some few months after, 
The King is divorced from Queen Katherine.  the Archbishop of Canterbury (being accompanied with the Bishops of London, Bath, Lincoln, and some others, together with divers Doctors, Advocates, Proctors, and Officers of the Ecclesiastical Court) repaired to Dunstable, where the Princess Dowager (for so she was then called) lay. Her the Archbishop peremptorily ascited personally to appear before him in a case of matrimony: 
The Author returneth to the history, which is interrupted by the relation & connecting together of the deeds and actions of Cardinal Wolsey.  and the like he did for fifteen days together. And then upon the default and contumacy of the said Princess, the Archbishop pronounced the said marriage (being against the Law of God) to be merely and utterly void, the Pope's dispensation notwithstanding.  
Having discoursed of all things memorable which were done by Thomas Wolsey Cardinal of York, and concluded the contention touching the marriage of King Henry with Lady Katherine his brother's wife, it will be very expedient and fitting that we now return to the narration of such other things as are worthy to be comprised in this Story, and which were done whilst King Henry lived.  
First therefore we may understand, 
A riot on Merchant strangers.  that in the end of the eighth year, and in the beginning of the ninth year of his reign, the Citizens of London hearty hated such Merchant strangers and strangers Artificers as dwelled among them; partly because by their great wealth and extraordinary labour and industry they took from them the greatest means whereby they were to live, and partly because their riches made them so proud, that in derision and in scorn, privately and publicly, they would deprave and abuse the Citizens with many mocks and frumps: so that they (being resolved no longer to endure or to bear them) upon May day many hundreds of them riotously assembled themselves together, 
Evil May day.  and with great outrage and violence rifled, rob, and ransacked the houses and the shops of all strangers, and intended to have done more mischief, if the provident care and industry of the Lord Maior and chiefest Citizens had not suppressed them. For some of the malefactors (by flying) shifted for themselves, and many (who were most of all notoriously faulty) were committed to several gaols and prisons; 
Treason.  and being afterwards indicted, arraigned, and found guilty, were condemned of high Treason, because their injury and wrong tended to the breach of the League which was betwixt the King and their Sovereigns. Wherefore some of them were executed as Traitors, according to their judgement; and the residue of them (being about four hundred) were pardoned by the King, who in his own person sat in the guildhall of London. And then all things were again settled in prosperity and in peace.  
The French King now longed to be again owner of the fair City of Tourney, which by conquest was possessed by King Henry. Wherefore by his Ambassadors he not only desired the ratification of the peace which was betwixt the King and him, 

A peace with the French King.  
Tourney is delivered up by composition.   but also a restitution of the said City, for money to be unto him paid. The King so lovingly accepted of this message, that forthwith the peace was confirmed, and further it was concluded, that for 60000. Crowns to be paid for the Town, and for 400000. Crowns more to be paid for the Castle, which by King Henry was erected, and almost finished, and for 24000. pounds sterling to be paid in discharge of a debt due and owing by the Citizens for the preservation and redemption of their Liberties, according to the composition and their own agreement, the Town and Castle should be surrendered up into the hands of the French King. Whereupon four great hostages (for the true payment of the said sums of money at the appointed days) were sent over, 
Hostages.  and accepted by the King. And then the Earl of Worcester, Sir Edward Belknap, and some others, were sent over, who delivered the Town and Castle (according to both the said King's Commissions) to Monsieur Chastilion, who was not suffered to make his entry with Banners displayed, but rolled up, because it was not won, nor conquered, but yielded up by composition.  
The surrendering of this City was much disliked by many wise and prudent men for two reasons. First, because that the holding thereof was a curb and a bridle to the French Nation. And secondly, because the Garrison of that place was a very profitable Nursery for the training up of Gentlemen and younger brothers in feats of Arms, and in Martial Discipline.  
About the same time the Emperor Maximilian died, 

Maximilian dieth.  
Charles is elected Emperor.  
He cometh into England   and Charles King of Castille (Nephew to Queen Katherine) was elected in his stead; who shortly after coming out of Spain towards the City of Acon, where he was to receive his first Crown, came into England, and was with all pomp and princely magnificence welcomed and entertained by the King and Queen, to his good liking and contentment.  
The Lords of the Counsel of Estate perceiving that certain Gentlemen of the King's Privy Chamber (who were the King's Minions) were so much Frenchified, 
A rare example.  that they were scoffed and derided by all wise men, and that they were over bold, saucy, and malapertly familiar with the King, to his great disgrace, besought his Majesty to reform them and himself therein. 
A wise King.  The King not only thanked them hearty for this their friendly admonition and fatherly care of his well-doing, but also referred to them the absolute ordering and disposing of those metamorphized Gentlemen. Wherefore they banished them from the Court, and placed in their rooms Sir Richard Wingfield, Sir Richard jerningham, Sir Richard Weston, and Sir William Kingston, who were discreet, temperate, and valiant men, of whom the King graciously accepted, and received them into his extraordinary favour.  
The King and Queen having made large and costly provision for the meeting of the French King and Queen, 
1520.  according to promise, near unto Arde, shipped themselves at Dover, 
The King and Queen sail into France.  and with their stately and honourable train they landed at Calais, and afterwards effected their journey in princely fashion, as formerly in this discourse it is more particularly set down.  
Within few days after the King and Queen's return from Arde unto Calais, 
The King visiteth the Emperor.  he with an honourable train road to the Town of graveling in the Low Countries, to see and to visit the Emperor, and his great Aunt the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy, by whom he was received with great familiarity and bounty, 
They come to Calais.  and was by them both brought back again to Calais, where their welcome, cheer, and entertainment far exceeded measure and their own desires and expectation. But this exchange of love and of kindness grieved the French King at the heart, 
The French King is angry.  who was inwardly displeased and revengeful, because he practised, but could not be elected Emperor according to his hopes. Yet because he could flatter and dissemble, therefore he sent unto them the Lord de la Roch, not only to congratulate for former courtesies received, but also to conclude a peace betwixt them three, 
A peace.  which for his part he never intended to observe. But the peace was fully agreed unto, 
A condition.  with this condition, that he who first made breach thereof, should be warred on by the other two.  
Not long after the King's return into England, he was secretly informed (and it was true) that by a Monk the haughty and ambitious Duke of Buckingham was much abused in this, 
The Duke of Buckingham's overthrow.  that he was by him persuaded, and did believe, that he should be the King of this Realm, which could not be, but by usurpation, and the confusion of the King's royal person. And this conceit so pleased him, that he now and then would babble and reveal it to some of his inward and familiar friends, and some of them discovered it, to his destruction and utter overthrow. Likewise this hope framed him to a more ambitious course in his carriage, and made him negligent of his service and duty to the King; insomuch that his Majesty, by his Letters, required him with all convenient expedition (privately) to repair unto the Court. But as he was in his Barge upon the Thames, he was by Sir Henry Marney Captain of the King's Guard (who had with him an hundred of the King's Yeomen subject to his command) attached and arrested of high treason, and as a prisoner conveyed to the Tower. And being afterwards legally and according to the due form of Law indicted by sundry Knights and Gentlemen, for that (as much as in him lay) he had conspired and contrived the King's death, to make himself his successor, he was brought to a Bar at Westminster Hall, before the Duke of Norfolk, high Steward of England, and his chiefest judge. And having holden up his hand, he was arraigned of treason upon the said indictment, and pleaded thereunto that he was not guilty, and did refer himself for his trial to God and to his Peers, who were these, the Duke of Suffolk, the marquess Dorset, the Earls of Oxford, Devon, Derby, Shrewesburie, Essex, Worcester, and Kent, and the Lords De la Ware, Fitz-Warren, Willoughby, Harbert, Cobham, Brooke, and Morley. These Noble men, in the presence of the Prisoner, had witnesses face to face, (who were all prisoners for concealments of the same offence) and deposition in writing; which when they had done, they arose from the Bench, retired into a private room, and after a short absence returned again to their places: and the Duke of Buckingham being again brought unto the Bar, the said Lords, one by one, protested with great solemnity, and protestations on their honour, that they thought him to be guilty, according to the indictment. And thereupon the Lord high Steward, with many tears, pronounced against him that judgement which against meaner offenders in that nature is given. Whereupon he was taken from the Bar, and having an Axe borne before him, with the edge thereof turned towards him, because he had his judgement to die, he was conveyed by water to the Temple stairs, and was there received on land by Sir Nicholas Vaux and Sir William Sands, both Baronet's, who conducted him thorough the City of London to the Tower: and within two or three days after he was beheaded on a Scaffold at the Tower Hill.  
About the same time the King himself wrote and published in the Latin tongue a book against Martin Luther's Assertions, 
The King writeth against Martin Luther.  Disputes, and Arguments, touching Indulgences and the Sacraments of the Church; for which cause he was by the Pope enstiled Defensor Fidei, Defender of the Faith. Yet some do affirm that he was so entitled in requital of the aid and secure which by the gift of excessive sums of money (when he and his Cardinals were prisoners to the Emperor) was extended to him and them. 
Defensor Fidei.   
We have already heard, how that Cardinal Wolsey, being sent to Calais, to ratify, and to confirm the Peace, which not long before was concluded there betwixt the Emperor & the two Kings, 
The French King first breaketh the peace.  did therein little good. And we must now know, that the first breach of that peace was made by the French King, who began to war sharply on the Emperor, both by Sea and Land: And because he suspected that King Henry (partly for affinities sake, and partly by reason of the condition of partaking, annexed to the said peace) did secretly side with the Emperor against him, therefore he dealt thus unkindly with King Henry.  
1 First of all (contrary to his faith and promise) he sent john Duke of Albany into Scotland, to raise new wars, 
The French King wrongeth King Henry.  and many mischiefs against this Realm, to the end, that the King might not have any leisure to join with the Emperor, and to make war upon him.  
2 Secondly, he detained and kept from the King, that yearly Tribute, which for Normandy, Aquitaine, and other the King's inheritance in those Countries, was due and payable by the Kings of France.  
3 Thirdly, contrary to his promise, and safe conduct given to the Merchants of England, no war betwixt the two Kings being proclaimed, he seized on all their wares, and merchandises in Bordeaux, and committed them to prison.  
4 Fourthly, upon the Seas he riffled, rob, and spoiled the Merchants of England daily; and upon complaints promised liberal restitution, but made none.  
5 Fiftly, he refused to pay to Queen Mary, Dowager of France, her yearly pension, contrary to the agreement made betwixt king Henry, and the whole estate of France.  
6 And last of all (neglecting his Hostages, and making a wilful breach of his promise) he would not pay those sums of money which were concluded to be paid, for the surrendering and yielding up of the City and Castle of Tourney into his hands.  

King Henry's course for requital.  These injuries and wrongs, first of all procured the King to make general Musters through his whole kingdom, and then to apparel, provide, and furnish his Navy Royal, and to commit them to the charge and government of the Earl of Surrey, his high Admiral, the scourger of the French King for all his faults. To him he gave ample and large commission to vex, and to annoy the French King, and his Subjects, both by Sea and Land.  
He also restrained the French Ambassador of his liberty, not permitting him to go abroad without his leave.  
He also caused the merchandises, wares, goods, and money of all Frenchmen within his kingdom (not being Denizens) to be attached to his own use.  
Also he committed their bodies to gaols, and Prisons, using them in the like sort, as his Subjects, and Merchants, were misused in France.  

A French Army vanisheth.  King Henry (being informed that the French King having levied an Army, hovered up and down, near unto the marches of Calais) to prevent danger, and to meet with him at all assays, sent many thousands of gallant, and brave Soldiers, to the Sea, which were by the Admiral received into his Fleet, so that (upon any occasion or need) they might quickly be set on land. But when they perceived that Calais was not in any hazard, for that the French Army was vanished and dissolved: then the Admiral (because he loathed to be idle) landed many of his men upon the coast of Britain, 
Morley's taken & burnt.  and with great confidence and resolution, conducted them to Morley's, where (a principal gate of the City being battered and beaten open with some great shot) the brave English men boldly entered in, riffled, ransacked, and spoiled the town, and by the commandment of the Admiral, they consumed it with fire, & razed it to the ground. This service was by divers Gentlemen so gallantly performed, that in honour thereof the Admiral dignified with the honour of Knighthood, these worthy Gentlemen, Francis Brian, john Russel, Anthony Browne, john Rainsford, George Cobham, Giles Hussey, Richard Cornwall, john Cornwallis, Thomas Moor, and some others. And daily other brave and warlike exploits, were still made and performed in Britain, near unto the Sea coasts: Of which it will be too tedious to make particular relation, neither will we much busy ourselves with the discourse of such things as happened betwixt the Emperor, and the French king, in their wars; because they do not properly belong to the History of this kingdom.  
The King (who was informed that the Duke of Albany intended to invade the Northern marches of his Realm) commanded the Lord Roos. 
The Scots are troublesome.  and the Lord Dacres of the South (by an anticipating war) to enter into the Borders of Scotland, with a slight Army, which they did, and burnt fourscore Hamblets, Villages, and Towns, razed, and destroyed divers Castles, Bulwarks, and Towers; foraged their fields, and without any encounter returned into England. The King likewise made the Earl of Shrewsbury Lieutenant general of the North, whose charge was, to make strong provision, to withstand all sudden invasions, which the Scots should attempt to make.  
And likewise, he levied an Army of twelve thousand men, 
Another Army sent into France.  which he commended to the Government of the Admiral, for the supply and maintenance of his wars in France.  
Thus the King, being daily employed, and wanting money to defray his charge; by way of loan upon privy Seals, 
Privy seals.  he borrowed of the City of London twenty thousand pounds. And of many others great sums of money; In all Shires and Provinces within his kingdom, whereat his Subjects much grieved: But afterwards they were much more displeased thereat, because the said loans by an Act of Parliament, 
They are released.  were clearly released to the King. And yet for all this, Wolsey (by strange commissions, and by other unlawful means, without the King's consent or notice) endeavoured to raise, and to levy more money, as formerly we have heard.  
The Admiral, who (maugre his Enemies, 
Brave service in France.  having landed his Army at Calais) Marched from thence, and passed in good order of Battle over Newnam Bridge, wasting, spoiling, burning, and ransacking sundry Towns, Villages, Castles, and Forts; as namely Selloys, Brunbridge, Senkerke, Fring, Blanjoy, Dorlans, and other places as they passed by) so terrified the people, that they would not abide his sight. And in those services these Gentlemen (as chief Captains, 
Chief Gentlemen of service.  and worthy of the best praise) are principally to be noted, Sir William Sands, Sir William Fitz-William, Sir Maurice Barkley, Sir john Wallop, Sir Richard jerningham, Captain Coo, and Captain Thwayts. The three former of them (among other employments) were by the Admiral sent with three thousand men to the strong Town of Marquison, which was newly builded, fortified, and well defended for a while. But at length they took it, ransacked it, and utterly consumed it with fire. The like they did at the Towns of S. john's Rhode, and Temple, 
A great booty.  and with great spoils returned to their General. Then all the Army being collected, the Admiral marched unto Calais, and brought thither with him 14000. Sheep, 1400. Oxen and Kine, 1300. Hogs, and 700. Horses, Geldings, and Mares. And then he commended and rewarded his soldiers, dissolved his Army, and with great honour, and in the especial favour of his Sovereign, he returned into England.  

The Scots invade.  Whilst these things were thus ordered in France, the King's professed enemy, john Duke of Albany, Protector to the young King, and of his Realm, by the procurement of the French King, levied a great Army, purposing with fire and sword to have entered into the West Marches of England. But the Lord Dacres, and the Lord Roos, and many other Knights and Gentlemen, having carefully provided and well furnished an Army of eight and twenty thousand men, 
They will not fight.  to make head against him; and likewise the Earl of Shrewesburie having levied another Army of great strength, and appearing boldly into the Scots sight, the Scots began wisely to doubt of their success, and the rather because the most of them knew not the cause or ground of that quarrel, and therefore would not fight, but (leaving to assist their Captain) they returned home, and were not pursued by the English, who by their Commission were not authorized to invade, but to defend themselves.  

The Duke of Suffolk warreth in France. Bell Castle.  The next year, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, was sent to Calais with an Army of thirteen thousand men, with which he marched forth, burning, spoiling, & foraging without compassion, until he came to the strong Castle of Bell, which (after many gallant and brave assaults) was yielded, and razed to the ground.  
Thither repaired to the Duke's Army, 
Aide from the Emperor.  as servants to the Emperor, three thousand footmen, and five hundred horsemen, being Burgundians, Flemings, and of their neighbouring Nations: all which besieged the strong Town of Bray, 
Bray.  which was well fortified, and furnished with goodly Ordinance, and with two thousand men. This Town they took, not by composition, but by assault. But because the Frenchmen themselves had first fired it, and were run away, the Englishmen and their friends (besides the winning of it) received small commodity thereby.  
Then with undaunted courage they passed over the River of Some into France: 
Roy.  and to them (upon several summons) were yielded up the Towns of Roy and Lyhome. 
Lyhome. Mount dedyer.  But they were compelled to besiege the warlike Town of Mount dedyer, in which were two thousand men, and five hundred horse. This Town they daily battered with the continual shot of their great Ordinance, so that it was made assaultable, and then the Frenchmen (upon composition to departed with bag, baggage, and with their Arms) yielded the Town to the Duke's forces, in which there was exceeding plenty of costly linen, arras, tapestry, bedding, and of choice household stuff. Afterwards they took the Castle of Boghan, 
Boghan.  which (had not the Marshes been excessively hardened by a continual frost) was not accessable, nor pregnable by any strength. This Castle they razed to the ground, because it was not commodious to their service.  
These achievements being thus manfully and honourably performed, the English soldiers (by reason of the extremity of the weather, and the sharpness of the Winter, 
English soldiers return without leave of the General.  long nights, and short days) were altogether unwilling to proceed any further at that time, and the rather for these two other causes: First, for that the Duke of Bourbon (who was revolted from the French King to the Emperor) came not (according to his promise) to the Duke's Army with ten thousand men, but applied them about Marcelles, and by them they had no help. And secondly, because the Burgundians, Flemings, and their companions, having Carts, Wagons, and other carriages, and being near unto their own Countries, took and were able to carry away the greater and the better part of all their spoils, and yet they would seldom fight, as the Englishmen were compelled and enforced to do. The Duke (not knowing what allowance the King would give to the dissolving of the Army without his consent) sent the Lord Sands and Sir Richard jerningham to the King, to inform him of the state of his Army, and also to know his pleasure touching the breaking of it up. But the King would not in any sort assent to their return, but prepared the Lord Mountioy with an Army of 6000. men, money, and store of victuals, and of other necessaries, to hasten unto their aid. But before the return of those two messengers, the soldiers (without the Duke's leave) wilfully departed home thorough Burgundy and Flanders. And because the greater number of them had so done, 
The Army is dissolved.  therefore the Duke was compelled to break up his whole Army; whereat the King was highly displeased for a while: but at length (finding the Duke and chiefest Captains faultless) they returned home, and were by his Majesty received into his especial grace and favour.  

The Scots are again busy.  Whilst the Duke of Suffolk was thus busied in France, the Duke of Albany raised another Army of 80000. men. But to resist and to fight with them, the Lord Admiral and Treasurer of England marched forth with an Army of forty thousand. But the Scots (not well enduring the sight of such powerful and well appointed enemies) presently ran away, and would not strike one stroke. And had the Earl's commission been enlarged, and given them leave to have followed them into their own Country, undoubtedly the Scots had received a fatal blow at that time: but by quick message, 
A truce.  the Queen of Scots (who was the King's eldest sister) again obtained a truce: so that in the mean time a trial might be made, whether a peace would be concluded, and agreed on, or no. Betwixt the Marches of Bulleyn, and of Calais, divers feats of Arms were evermore valiantly performed for honours sake: in which, sometimes the vanquished were again victors, and such as prevailed now, were by and by overcome.  
The Duke of Albany perceiving, that the Nobility of Scotland would no longer endure, that he (being a Frenchman borne, and (next to the King) the inheritor of that Crown) should have the rule and government of their King and Country: 
The Duke of Albany forsaketh Scotland.  Feared, lest any mischief might befall him, or least by some devise, he should be delivered to the King: Wherefore he secretly fled into France, upon whose departure, much peace and quietness ensued betwixt the King and that kingdom. For the Queen and Nobles of the Realm of Scotland, 
The Scots desire peace.  by their Ambassadors desired Peace: And that the Lady Marie (who was then the only daughter of King Henry, and Heir apparent to his Crown) might be given in marriage to james their young King. To this motion, it was answered: that touching the said Peace (if honourable and fit conditions might be proposed and concluded) the King would willingly assent thereto: But concerning the other point of their demand, he said: That he was not yet resolved how to dispose of his said daughter, for that she was but young: yet in the end a peace was assented unto, and proclaimed in both those Realms.  
Likewise the Lady Margaret, Duchess of Savoy, 
The emperors Regent craveth peace.  and great Aunt to the Emperor, and (in his absence) the Governor of the Low Countries, by her Ambassadors, proposed to his Majesty these requests.  
First, that the Lady Marie, his daughter, might be given in marriage to the Emperor, who longed for her with his best affections, and respected her with his hearty love.  
Secondly, that (because the Emperor intended to give unto her for her Dowry, the Provinces of the Low Countries) his desire was, that forthwith she might be sent thither to officiate the Protectorship of them in his absence.  
Thirdly, that such sums of money as the King intended to give unto her as her marriage portion, might presently be disbursed for the maintenance of the Emperor's wars.  
And last of all, that the King himself would be pleased (in his own person) the next spring to enter with a Royal Army into France, upon the territories of the French King, who (in contempt of them both) did divers injuries and wrongs unto their Subjects, and had made the first breach of the Peace, which was concluded, and by their oaths confirmed betwixt them three.  
But, because King Henry was secretly displeased with the Emperor, for that he (by the raising and enhancing of the prices and value of this gold, and other coins, within the Provinces of the Low Countries) had politicly drawn the greatest part of his money out of this Realm, and in some other things, had not respected him, as his inleagued friend, therefore he only returned thanks for a fashion's sake: but made answer, That his daughter was too young to be married to the Emperor, and was (as yet) unfit to be coupled with any Prince.  
At the same time also, the French King, by his Ambassadors, 
The French desire to renew the peace  desired, that the said Lady might be espoused to his son the Dolphin. And that the former peace (betwixt the King and him) might be renewed, and revived, during both their lives.  
These his motions (to speak truly) were best received and digested, and were most likely to have taken place, if the French king himself, and his children, had not (shortly after) been taken prisoners, by the Duke of Bourbon's Army, and by the Marquis of Pescarie, as he lay at the siege of Paura, where he lost fourteen thousand men, and was defeated: although he had then in his Army almost fifty thousand men.  

The King in danger of death.  Among these friendly motions for peace and marriages, an evil chance happened to the King. For one day, as he hawked for his recreation and delight, he offered to leap over a wide and a watery ditch, but his staff broke in sunder, and his head pitched fast into the clay; so that he had assuredly died there, if a footman of his own, named Edmund Moody, had not quickly plucked his head out of the dirt.  
About this time died the most Noble, and Victorious, Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, and was honourably buried at Thetford in his own Country.  
The King (who for a long time had wanton conversed with a beautiful, and a lascivious Gentlewoman of his Court, named Elizabeth Blunt) begat on her a son, 
Noble men created.  who by the King was called Henry Fitz Roy: This young Gentleman (being now of the age of six years) was by the King created Earl of Nottingham, and forthwith Duke of Richmond. And at the same time the Lord Henry Courtney, cozen german to the King, was made Marquis of Exeter: the Lord Henry Brandon, the eldest son of the Duke of Suffolk, and of the French Queen Marie his wife (being but two years old) was created Earl of Lincoln. Sir Thomas Manners Lord Roos, was made Earl of Rutland: and Sir Henry Clifford was created Earl of Cumberland: and Sir Robert Ratclife, Lord Fitz Water, was made Earl of Sussex: and Sir Thomas Bullein, the Treasurer of the King's household, was made Lord Rochfort: And thus, in regard of great services honourably performed, the king requited them with such honours, as were answerable to their deserts and callings.  

The French were humble to serve their own turns.  The Queen Regent of France (foreseeing what present misery was likely to ruinated that Estate and Kingdom, if in time by careful providence it were not prevented) sent Monsieur de Bryond, chief Precedent of Paris, and some other Lords, Ambassadors into England: who not only (according to their commission) in a most submissive and an humble sort confessed the injuries, and the wrongs done by the French Nation, to King Henry, and to his subjects, both by sea and land, in the absence of King Francis, but (for a requital and satisfaction thereof) and for the arrearage of his tribute, they made offer to pay unto the King the sum of twenty hundred thousand crowns, whereof fifty thousand pounds sterling should be paid in hand, and fitting security should be given for the rest: they also promised the continuance of the said tribute, and assumed to pay Queen Marie her dowry, and all the arrearages thereof, if the King would grant them peace, and receive them into his love and favour.  
The King and his Counsel having seriously considered of these motions and large offers (for many important causes) assented to their requests, 
Peace concluded.  and caused those his conclusions and agreements to be proclaimed solemnly, both in England and in France, and received both money and good security accordingly.  
But betwixt King Henry and his nephew the Emperor (by the subtle practices and crafty juggle of Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal of York) wars were denounced with evil terms, 
Wars between the Emperor and King Henry  but little or nothing was done thereon, saving that in England, Spain, and in the Low-Countries, the Merchants of either Nation, and their goods and substance were attached, to the infinite loss and damage of them all: but upon several truces oftentimes concluded, and again broken, they were released, and again arrested; 
Merchants vexed.  whereby the ancient saying of the Poet was truly verified: 
Quicquid Delirant Reges, Plectuntur Achivi:  
When Prince's jar, and for revenge do seek,  
The meaner sort must pay for their dislike.  But in this place we must now observe, That in regard of those often concluded truces, and in regard of the peace which united the kingdoms of England, France and Scotland in one mind; little or nothing worthy of our discourse (more than hath formerly been written) happened in six of the next ensuing years, for the greater part of that time was spent and consumed in debatings, enquiring, ordering, handling, and disposing of the business of the King's marriage with the Lady Katherine of Spain, sometime his brother's wife.  
And now the King (who in a manner was wholly guided and directed by the private advice and counsel of his chief favourite, Thomas Cromwell (sometimes servant to Cardinal Wolsey) whom he had made a Baron, and a Counsellor of State, 
The Pope's authority kerbed.  proceeded daily more and more to diminish, nay (by succeeding degrees) clearly and absolutely to abrogate, and to make void the claimed power and authority of the Pope within this Realm. In so much, that in his Parliament he procured it to be enacted for a law, That the penalty of the Praemunire should be inflicted upon the bodies, lands and goods of every such person, as for any matter, thing, or cause whatsoever, appealed to the See of Rome, or did procure from thence any Process, Citation, Inhibition, Suspension, Sentence, or judgement whatsoever.  
And in the next Session of the same Parliament (to please, and to content him) the whole Clergy of this kingdom freely submitted themselves to the King, touching their Spiritual and Ecclesiastical affairs and business: and the Pope was utterly deprived of all Annates and first fruits; which formerly for bishoprics, and other spiritual promotions and dignities, had usually been paid unto him: and likewise to establish and to confirm the lawfulness of his marriage with Queen Anne, and to settle the inheritance of his Crown upon her issue: he procured it by Parliament to be enacted, That his former marriage with his brother's wife was absolutely void, 
The King's marriage made void. The Crown entailed.  and of none effect in Law, because it was contrary to the Law of God, and that the Pope's dispensation had none effect or power to make it good: and by the same Act, the Crown of this kingdom was entailed to the King, and to his heirs of his body (out of which the Lady Marie was inclusively excluded) and to this Act all the Lords & Burgesses there present, were particularly sworn, 
B. Fisher.  saving Doctor Fisher Bishop of Rochester, and Sir Thomas Moor Knight (sometimes Chancellor of England) who some few years before disliking the King's proceeding against Queen Katherine, 
Sir Thomas Moor.  and against the authority and jurisdiction of the Pope, had delivered up the great Seal of England into the king's hands. These two not only refused to swear, as the rest did; but publicly contested, and protested, against the said Act of Parliament, which nullified the kings said first marriage, by reason of the Pope's dispensation given to enable the same, and to make it lawful. For which causes the said Bishop, and Knight, were sent unto the Tower, where they remained, until (as Traitors) they lost their heads, 
They are beheaded.  for denying of the king's Supremacy in Ecclesiastical things and causes, and attributing it to the Pope of Rome: of which the king's supremacy a Statute was made in Parliament the next year after.  
About this time, divers treasonable practises (by malicious and lewd Conspirators) were surmised and intimated to have been intended, and contrived, against the king's person, by the Lord Dacres of the North. 
The Lord Dacres.  And thereupon he was Indicted and arraigned; but the guiltless and well affected Lord (with such a temperate boldness, and with such a modest courage) so discreetly, and so wisely defended his innocency, against those false suggesters, that he was freely acquitted, and discharged, from all suspicion, and from all blame. But (by the whole Parliament) Elizabeth Burton (nicknamed the holy maid of Kent) and her Companions in mischief (who under an hypocritical show and shadow of Religious devotion, 
The holy maid of Kent  and of holiness, had conspired the King's death) being attainted and condemned, were executed as Traitors according to their deserts.  
The next year the King in Parliament was made and acknowledged to be the supreme head of the Church within all his Countries and Dominions, 
The Supremacy of the King.  in all Spiritual and Ecclesiastical things and causes: and the Pope's Bulls, Pardons, Indulgences, and other Instruments of the like nature, were utterly banished, frustrated, made void, and of none effect, validity, or force, concerning the King and his Subjects. And likewise the First Fruits and Tenths of all Benefices and Ecclesiastical dignities and promotions were in the same Parliament given and granted to the King, and to his heirs and successors for ever.  
And not long after, Queen Anne (sometimes the King's dearest wife) was beheaded; yet innocently, as at her death she religiously protested, and as all men present did believe, 
Queen Anne Bulloyne beheaded.  for that it was unjustly surmised, and falsely testified, that she had incestuously conversed with and prostituted her body to the Lord Rochfort, her own brother, 
Execution.  who likewise (with some others) received the like sentence, and were put to death.  
This Tragedy being thus ended, 
The King marrieth.  the King (within twenty days after) married a virtuous and a fair Gentlewoman, whose name was jane, the daughter of Sir john Seymor Knight, who bore unto him a goodly Prince, named Edward, who succeeded, and was King. But within few days after his birth the good Queen died.  
We have formerly heard, that james the Fourth, King of Scots, was slain at Flodden Field. And we must now know, that Queen Margaret his wife, being the eldest sister of King Henry, was married afterwards unto Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus, who by her had a daughter named Margaret. This Lady, the Lord Howard (without the King's notice or consent) took to wife; 
The Lord Th. Howard is beheaded.  for which unadvised boldness and offence (she being of the blood royal) he was condemned as a Traitor, and lost his head.  
The King, who within his own Territories and Dominions daily furthered his own intentions to abrogate the authority, power, and jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, 
The 32. Commissioners.  procured it by Parliament to be enacted, that thirty and two such persons spiritual and temporal as his Majesty should under his great Seal nominate and appoint, should have authority and power to make and establish Laws and Ordinances Ecclesiastical, which should bind the Subjects of this Kingdom And by the same Parliament all religious houses, 
Petit houses of Religion suppressed.  whose possessions in yearly revenue exceeded not the sum of two hundred pounds, were suppressed and dissolved, and all their scites and possessions whatsoever were given for ever to the King.  

The book of Articles.  The Clergy also (at the same time, of their own accord, and to insinuate themselves into grace and favour with the King) composed and published in printed books, certain Articles for the ordering and governing of the Church, in which mention was made of three Sacraments only: and the rest of them (which former times superstitiously received and did maintain) were left out of the said books.  

A rebellion in Lincolnshire.  These proceed of the King and Clergy against the Pope and holy Church, were so generally disliked by the rude, ignorant, and wilful people, that in many places their lavish tongues were witnesses of their inward grief and discontent, so that they publicly affirmed, that the King's Counsel irreligiously and absurdly advised and directed him amiss, and that the soothing, smoothing, and temporising Clergy of this Land, profanely and wickedly practised by all means possible to extinguish all devotion, and utterly to subvert the ancient rites, ceremonies, and commendable government of the Church. And in mad humour, and frantic fashion, the rude and unruly people in Lincolnshire, to the number of 20000. assembled themselves in arms, taking upon themselves to frame and to devise better orders for the governing of the Church and Commonweal.  

The King marcheth against the Rebels.  The King (who scorned to be thus checked by his own Vassals, and loathing to prove himself a coward at home, seeing that foreign Nations had found him to be valiant and full of courage) levied a strong and a puissant Army, with which (in his own person) he marched with princely magnanimity against those rebellious people, 
The Rebel's petition.  who (as he drew towards them) by their petition craved a reformation of those things which lately had been done and concluded against Religious Houses, and against the former and ancient government of the Church; which things being consented and yielded to, they solemnly protested their humble duty and service to the King.  

The King is stout.  But he (who highly disdained that such plain Swads and rustic people should presume to give instructions unto him, and unto his whole Clergy and Court of Parliament, in matters so far above their understanding and capacity) rejected their petition, and resolved (by an exemplary course of justice, to be by the sword martially used in the open Field) to punish and to correct them, except one hundred of those their chiefest Conspirators might be sent and delivered absolutely into his hands. This resolution and quick demand so appalled the fainting hearts of the rude and headless multitude, that they (suspecting each other of being to be sent unto the King) forsook the Field, 
The Rebels fly. Captain Cobbler. Execution.  and with all speed resorted to their own houses. But Captain Cobbler (their chiefest Ringleader being indeed Doctor Makarell) with some others, were shortly after apprehended, and executed according to their merits and deserts.  
The King (who now supposed that all things had been settled in a sure and in a firm peace) was suddenly informed of another Insurrection in the North, 
A rebellion in the North.  and that their grievance was grounded upon the same points, and that the number of those Rebels exceeded the number of 40000. men, 
The holy Pilgrims.  who termed themselves the Holy Pilgrims, who intended nothing but the establishing of true Religion, and the reformation of great abuses, which defaced the government of the Church.  
To encounter these men, 
The King's Army.  and to correct their brainsick humour and foolish madness, the King appointed the two Dukes of Norfolk and of Suffolk, and some other Lords, with a strong and well appointed Army, to march against them with all speed. And the Rebels (expressing much joy because they were to fight) came near unto the Duke's Army, and before them expressed many signs and tokens of undaunted courage and desperate boldness. But in the night before the two Armies intended to have joined together in handy strokes, 
A strange accident.  a little brook which ran betwixt them, and which with a dry foot might the day before have been passed over, grew so outrageously great and violent, by the fall of immoderate and continual showers of rain, that the Armies could not meet as they determined. This miraculous pity, and this merciful compassion, which by Almighty God himself was immediately extended towards his people for the preservation of their lives, so effectually wrought in the hearts and minds of the two Armies, that (upon the faithful promise of the two Dukes, 
The Rebels quietly do departed home.  that the King's free and ample pardon should remit and acquit them all) the Rebels left the Field, and quietly departed to their own houses. And thus was this Kingdom and Commonweal delivered the second time without blows, from as great danger and peril as at any time before had threatened the ruin and destruction of the people of this Land. By means whereof the King waxed more absolute and more strong in his government than he was in former times, especially concerning his Clergy, and the ordering of the Church, wherein he disposed of all things (uncontrolled) according to his own will.  

A third rebellion.  Yet as a lightning, so on a sudden in Westmoreland Thomas Tilbie and Nicholas Musgrave, with some others, (for the only causes above mentioned, and for none other) broke forth into an open Rebellion, with eight thousand men, against the King. But by the Duke of Norfolk many of them were slain, 
The Rebels overthrown.  the rest were overthrown, and threescore and fourteen of their Commanders and chiefest Actors in that Rebellion, were (as Traitors) by Martial Law and judgement executed in sundry places in the North. 
Execution.   
At this time (before Henry Courtney, Earl of Devonshire, marquess of Exeter, cozen german to the King, and Lord High Steward for that day) were brought, 

The Lord Darcy.  
The Lord Hussey.  
Execution touching the Supremacy.   arraigned, found guilty, and condemned, the Lord Darcy, and the Lord Hussey, and both of them were executed accordingly; the former for a Murder, and the latter for High Treason. Likewise Sir Robert Constable, Sir Thomas Percy, Sir Francis Bigot, Sir Steven Hambleton, and Sir john Bulmer, Knights, William Lomley, Nicholas Tempest, Robert Ask, two Abbots, and some others, being condemned as Traitors for denying of the King's Supremacy, were executed in divers places of this Realm: 
Friar Forest.  and Friar Forest for the same matter, and also for maintaining certain Heresies with an obstinate and unrepentant resolution, received the judgement of a Traitor, and of an Heretic, and (being hanged in irons upon a Gibbet) he was burnt.  

Noblemen created.  The King being gracious to some whom he much favoured, and who had deserved well, bestowed Titles of Honour on them. For the Viscount Beauchampe was created Earl of Hartford, Sir William Fitz-William, high Admiral of England, was made Earl of Southampton, Sir William Paulet, Treasurer of the King's household, was made Lord S. john, 
The Lord Cromwell is made Vicegerent in Ecclesiastical matters and things.  Sir john Russel Knight was made Lord Russel, and Sir Thomas Cromwell, a Counsellor of Estate, Knight of the Garter, Lord Privy Scale, Lord Cromwell, was made the King's Vicegerent in all cases and matters Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, by virtue whereof, both in Parliament and elsewhere, he had the precedence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and (almost in all things) did all in all: so that (by reason of that authority) he utterly defaced, , and destroyed all senseless and dumb Images and Shrines, to whom any thing was superstitiously offered, or unto whom Prayers, 
Images and Shrines are suppressed.  Invocations, or Pilgrimages, were fantastically and foolishly made. He also suppressed the Orders of Begging and Crafty Friars, and Puling Nuns, whose houses and possessions came unto the King. And about the same time, the marquess of Exeter, 
Attainders  Henry Poole, Lord Montagne, and Sir Nicholas Carew of Beddington in the County of Surrey, Knight of the Garter, and master of the King's horses, were attainted and executed for high Treasons, especially because that with Cardinal Fool (brother to the Lord Montagne) they endeavoured to procure foreign Princes (in the Pope's aid) to invade this Land, and to reform the businesses of the Church by the Apostolical authority of the See of Rome. For this offence the said Cardinal (being beyond the Seas) was by Parliament attainted: and within a few months after, his mother, the Lady Margaret Countess of Salisbury, (who was the last of the princely line of the Plantagenets, the said Cardinal only excepted; for she was the daughter of George the last Duke of Clarence) together with Gerthrude the widow of the late marquess of Exeter, Sir Adrian Foskew, and divers others, were also attainted of high Treason for the same Conspiracy: and so were the Abbots of Reading, Colchester, and Glastenburie, with many Monks, Friars, and religious men, because they obstinately denied the King's Supremacy, and confidently attributed it unto the Pope. And all these (except the Cardinal, who came not home whilst the King lived) were afterwards executed in sundry places of this Realm. Many others also (for the same offence) suffered the like deaths, whose names (by reason of their mean estate, and undignified qualities) may not (in this our History) challenge a place of particular remembrance.  
Whilst the King was thus busily employed in cutting off his subjects heads, the great O'neill and Odoneyle, with a rude rabble of savage Outlaws, wild Kerns, and desperate Irishmen, 
A rebellion in Ireland.  entered more than twenty miles within the English Pale, and did much mischief. But by the Lord deputy (being the Lord Leonard Grace, brother to the marquess Dorset) they were so well fought with in the open field, that he obtained the victory. But such was the nimbleness of those Rebels, that when by blows they failed to maintain their match, than (according to their common use and custom) they swiftly ran over the bogs and marshes into the woods and rocks, unto which the more sober and well ordered Englishmen could not approach, without apparent hazard and danger to their lives.  
The King (who in a manner was wholly directed and governed by the Lord Cromwell now Earl of Essex, 
Religious houses suppressed.  and made high Chamberlain of England) pretended many quarrels against the fat Abbots, Priors, Monks, Friars, Nuns, and Cloisterers of this Kingdom. for many exorbitant misdemeanours daily by them committed and done, especially because they were abominably lecherous, and unmeasurably idle, and slowbellies, fruges consumere nati, unprofitable, yea a burden to the Church and Commonweal.  
Those faults the King endeavoured not (like a good Magistrate) by correction to amend, but he resolved, with the deluge of his displeasure to wash them clean away. And so he did indeed. For his high Court of Parliament (which was then holden at Westminster) utterly dissolved and clearly suppressed all Abbeys, Monasteries, Priories, and other religious houses, (some few being only excepted) and gave their houses, scites, Lordships, and possessions (which in yearly revenue amounted to more than two hundred thousand pounds) unto the King, who with his worldly policy (to the intent that future posterity should not be enabled to restore them back again to their former uses) exchanged them liberally for other lands, 
Policy.  with his Nobles and Gentry of his Kingdom, many of whose Estates at this day do wholly consist of possessions of that nature, or else are greatly advanced by those lands.  
This havoc thus made on Churchmen, and of their possessions, proceeded not (as most men thought) from the love which the King bore unto the reformation of Religion, out of extraordinary devotion, nor from the purity of his mind, desiring the extirpation of that wickedness and sin, which indeed abundantly reigned and ruled among those irreligious religious men, but from the covetous humour of his Nobles, and from the secret grudge and unreconcilable hatred which he bore unto the Pope. But thus the world than fared, and thus was the Church pared, and pruned, and made a prey, every bird being desirous to beautify herself with her fair feathers.  

Cromwel's match for the King with Anne of Cleve.  When the Lord Cromwell had thus effected that great business, than he undertook another, which in the end broke his own neck. For upon his persuasive motions, strengthened by the view of flattering pictures, and of unmerited immoderate commendations, the King took to wife the Lady Anne of Cleve, who was exceeding religious, and replenished with many virtues: but in her person and countenance, she was neither well composed, fair, nor lovely.  

The King likes not his match.  Her religion and her virtues were not much respected by the King. For when he first saw her, he liked her not; insomuch that albeit he were married unto her four months and somewhat more, yet his amorous appetite towards her was so amated, and so insensible was he of wanton passions when he was private in her company, that he never did nor could know her as his wife.  
Whereupon the Bishops and Clergy of this Land (who for fear of afterclaps, were well pleased to dance after the King's pipe) in their solemn Convocation, 
His marriage is dissolved.  published an authentical Instrument in writing, under the Scales of the two Archbishops, by which they made it known to the Christian world, that the King's marriage with the said Lady Anne of Cleve, was a nullity, void, frustrate, and of none effect, because the said Lady (under her own hand) had (upon due examination) confessed, that the king never had nor could perform to her that benevolence which by a husband was due unto his wife.  
The like sentence was enacted, pronounced, and published by the Parliament, with these additions, that it was lawful for his Majesty, whensoever and with whomsoever, to marry and to take another wife, according to the Ecclesiastical Law of this Realm: and likewise that it was lawful for the said Lady Anne of Cleve, to marry and take another husband when she should please, according to the Laws of the holy Church. 
Treason.  And further it was then enacted, that all such as (by writing, printing, speaking, or by any other overt act) did express or maintain the contrary, should be guilty of Treason, and receive punishment accordingly. The King (who was thus enlarged and freed from his bonds of discontented matrimony) took to wife (within twenty days after) Katherine Howard, the daughter of the Lord Edmund Howard, 
The King marrieth again. The King frowneth on Cromwell.  brother to the Duke of Norfolk: and from thenceforth he began to alter the copy of his countenance, and looked discontentedly upon his great favourite and inward Counsellor the Lord Cromwell, who had fettered him in those his former troubles. And because this alteration in the King was quickly perceived by many, who longed for his ruin and his downfall, a long and a tedious Bill (by some of them) was unexpectedly preferred against him into the Parliament, 
Cromwel's downfall.  in which (rather in a generality then by many particulars) he was accused of sundry Treasons, Misprisions, and of Heresy. And among other objections laid unto his charge, it was suggested, that (joining with the last Queen Anne) he favoured the Lutherans above measure, and so strongly supported them against the Catholic Priests and Prelates of this Kingdom, that when by some of the Clergy he was told, that they doubted not but that the King would shortly curb their boldness and presumption, the said Lord Cromwell did reply, that the King should allow of their Religion whether he would or no. But how true or how false soever these surmises were, the said bill was found. Yet was he not called to make his answer or defence thereto; so that being by the said Parliament attainted of Heresy and of Treason: He with the Lord Hungerford was beheaded on a scaffold, on the Tower hill, whereat his enemies did rejoice: some of them attributing the cause to his haughtiness, and pride; and some of them affirming, that it was God's revenge and punishment for his hateful defacing and wasting of the Church.  

The Lord Leonard Grace executed.  And near about the same time, the Lord Leonard Grace (who not long before had been the king's deputy in Ireland) was condemned for many treasons, by him committed in that Country, during the time of his Government: especially, for that secretly he had once procured the Irish Rebels, to enter into, and to make havoc within the English Pale; all which he (of his own accord) confessed to be true: wherefore he received his judgement, and lost his head.  
The King (who was but newly married to Queen Katherine) was now informed by some who presumed that they knew it well, that before her marriage with the King, 
Queen Katherine beheaded.  she had lived a licentious, and an evil life, with a Gentleman named Francis Dyrham: And furthermore, it was much presumed and suspected, that since she was the King's wife, 
Francis Dyrham, Thomas Culpeper, The Lady Rochfort.  she had unchastely conversed with another Gentleman, whose name was Thomas Culpeper, for it was fully proved, that in her last Progress, the said Thomas was secretly brought by the Lady Rochfort into the Queen's chamber, at eleven of the clock in the night, and that he remained there almost five hours: And that (at his departure) he was gifted with a chain of gold, and a rich wrought cap. For these offences, the said two Gentlemen, at Tyburn suffered death. And not long after, the Queen by Parliament was attainted, and so was the Lady Rochfort, and some others, and lost their heads for the said offence. And in the same Parliament, 
King of Ireland. The King marrieth again.  the King was proclaimed King of Ireland, which Title his Predecessors never had.  
The King likewise, took to wife the Lady Katherine Parr, sister to the Marquis of Northampton, and sometimes the wife of the Lord Lattimer: who in the latter end of the King's reign, was in a fair possibility to have lost her head, if her own virtue, modesty, and the King's sudden sickness and death, had not reserved her for a better fortune.  
At this time Eustace the Great Oneyl, and Mathias his son, repaired to the King's Court, and (with all submissive, and humble contrition) they confessed their late rebellion, 
Earl of Tyron.  and treasons; and so gracious was the King unto them both, that he not only gave them his free pardon, but (in hope of future service according to their promise) he created him Earl of Tyron, and made his son Lord of Duncan.  
The Scots (who for a long time had been quiet) did now begin to swagger, and by sudden invasions, to hurt, 
Contention with the Scotish King.  and damnify the Subjects of this Land; which occasioned the King.  
1 To require of their king james the Fifth, and Nephew to the king, these things. First, That the said king james, should do his homage, and his fealty, to king Henry, for his kingdom of Scotland, as his Ancestors in former times had often done: But the Scottish king (with great obstinacy, and with froward messages) refused to yield thereunto.  
2 King Henry likewise required the delivery of some small, and trifling Territories, bordering close upon the inheritance of the said Scottish king. And for the proof of his rightful Title thereunto: He caused certain ancient and old evidences to be showed forth: But the Scottish Commissioners (with taunts and scorns) rejected them: Saying, that they were written and sealed by Englishmen, who (for their own profit and gain) might write and seal what they listed.  
3 Upon these, and some other grievances, king Henry (who rather desired a friendly reconciliation, betwixt himself and his Nephew, then by the dint of sword to shed Christian blood) concluded to meet, and to confer with king james in kind manner, upon the borders of either kingdom: For which purpose, king Henry made his Progress unto York; and was there certified, that the Scottish king intended not (according to his promise) to meet with him: But would (by Commission) authorise some of his Counsellors of estate, to confer, and to conclude with his majesties Commissioners of England, touching the matters, then in difference betwixt them two.  
4 The king (though he were thus deluded) yet did he not express any touch of impatience for that wrong, but (authorizing certain Commissioners in that behalf) he ended his Progress and returned home. All these Commissioners met; but whilst they were in Parley, two notorious and great despites were offered to king Henry.  
5 For though the Commissioners daily communed of unity, and of peace, yet at the same time the Scots invaded the Western marches of this Realm, burnt, slew, spoiled, and riffled, beyond charity and reason; and yet no war was then denounced betwixt the said two kings. For this injury, and for this wrong, sufficient, and liberal amends, and recompense was promised, by the said Commissioners, but no manner of restitution, or satisfaction, was made in that behalf.  
6 And lastly, although the King of Scots commission was very large and ample, and authorised those his Agents, to do (almost) whatsoever they themselves pleased, yet did the said Commissioners so strictly stand upon sundry points (which were too too much unreasonable, and dishonourable for king Henry to yield unto) that by the English Commissioners (who had thoroughly viewed and perused their authority and power) they were condemned as enemies to the peace, and to their own Country: For that (by the means of their frowardness) there would be wars. Whereupon, the Scottish Commissioners (to clear themselves of this blame, imputed to their obstinacy and folly) showed forth their private instructions from their King, which (for fear of death) they dared not to exceed: By which instructions it appeared plainly, that their authority, expressed in their said Commission, was (in all things) kerbed, and made of little, or of no force; except the said English Commissioners would yield to such demands, as were unprofitable, and dishonourable, to their king.  

Wars in Scotland.  These notorious injuries and wrongs, and this dalliance, and crafty dissimulation, enforced King Henry, to send an Army of twenty thousand men into Scotland, under the command of the Duke of Northfolk, who was accompanied by the Earls of Shrewsburie, Derby, Cumberland, Surrey, Hertford, Angus, and Rutland, and with the greatest part of the Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of the North: All these marched on their journey, and for eight days space (being unresisted, and unfought with) they killed, riffled, burned, foraged, and spoiled the Scottish Towns, Castles, Fortresses, Houses, and Fields, with as much cruelty, violence, and fury, 
The English Army returneth.  as the extremity of wars could execute in so short a time: Which when they had done, the Army retired, was dissolved, and every man repaired (loaden with spoils) to his own home.  

The Scots invade England.  With this deserved and severe revenge, the King of Scots was infinitely grieved, and perplexed, at the heart; In so much, that he caused (with all expedition) to be raised an Army of fifteen thousand men, which was sent into the West marches of this kingdom; where they began to spoil, and did much mischief. But Thomas, the Bastard Dacres; William Musgrave, and the Lord Thomas Wharton (having at a short warning collected a small number of approved, 
A notable overthrow.  and valiant men at arms) taking with them some part thereof, and leaving the rest for a secret stale, or ambush, to annoy their enemies, when time should serve, encountered unexpectedly with the Scots, upon whom in the Rearward, the said ambush, valiantly issued; which did so terrify and affright them, that they supposed verily, the Duke of Norfolk, with a great Army did fall on them, wherefore (to save themselves) they fled; and in the pursuit there were taken prisoners, the Earls of Cassels, 
Prisoners.  and Glancarne; the Lords Maxwel, Fleming, Sommerwel, Oliphant, Grace, and Oragy, and the Lord Car of Gredon; two hundred Gentlemen, and about eight hundred common Soldiers; so that every English man had two or three prisoners, to recompense their adventurous pains, and travail: The Englishmen also took, & brought away, four and twenty pieces of Ordinance, and four Carts loaden with Spears: this overthrow, many men then imputed (and peradventure truly) to the Scottish Kings unadvised and indiscreet direction, 
Disdain.  who made so mean a Springal the General in that army, in which so many Lords, Earls, and worthy Captains were, who scorned to be commanded by such an Underling; and therefore hazarded their own lives, by a willing flight, rather than (by obtaining the Victory) to lay on him such honour as they knew, he was not able to deserve.  
Of these prisoners, four and twenty of the chiefest, were sent to the Tower of London; from whence (after two days) they were removed, and committed to the care and custody of divers Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen of worth: at whose hands, they received such kind welcome, and bountiful entertainment, that (with multiplied words of extraordinary praise and commendation) they ceased not to extol their friendly, and good usage, to the skies.  
This unexpected, strange, 
The King of Scots dieth.  and unfortunate overthrow of so fair an Army, with so small a handful: so much disturbed the patiented disposition of the Scottish King, that (with melancholy, and inward grief) he died within few weeks after. 
Marry queen of Scots.  Leaving behind him (as to succeed) his only daughter and heir Queen Marie; a child who was then but newly borne.  
When the news of this King's death was voiced to the Scottish Prisoners, it is not to be marveled at, if pensive sorrow and anguish much appalled them for a while: But at length (making a virtue of necessity, and recomforting themselves with some hope which they conceived of future happiness) they counseled king Henry to procure their said young Queen, to be by the State of Scotland, 
A motion for marriage.  given in marriage unto Prince Edward his son: For the furtherance whereof, they all protested, swore, and promised, to employ their best travails, and their chiefest friends.  

Scottish prisoners released.  The King so thankfully entertained this their motion, and proffered service for the furtherance thereof, that he not only enlarged them all without ransoms; but also gave unto them rich and great gifts, for which they were exceeding thankful; and departed joyfully into their own Country.  

The French men break the peace.  Now must we know, that as the Scots without cause, had made breach of the former peace; so did the French King: who suffered his subjects (upon the Seas) to rob and spoil the Merchants of this kingdom. And thereupon King Henry permitted his subjects to do the like. divers complaints for these injuries and wrongs, 
The Merchants are vexed.  were first made unto the French King; because his subjects had first transgressed: but he neither afforded answer, redress, or recompense therein. And by reason of this debate and variance betwixt the two Kings, the Merchants of either Nation were arrested and imprisoned, and their goods, and merchandises were attached, and seized on in each Kingdom. Likewise the French and English Ambassadors, were (for a time) restrained of their liberties, but were quickly set at large again: yet still, the poor Merchants on either part, were compelled to pay the reckoning, although they fared ill, and were enforced to sustain punishment for the faults of other men. Such was the iniquity of those times, wherein War and Rapine did bear the chiefest sway, 
Unthankful Frenchmen.  and such were the miseries which harmless men sustained: because Peace and justice were not suffered to moderate, betwixt Right and Wrong. For the French King did utterly forget, in what a desperate case his kingdom stood, when King Henry (upon the humble supplication of the Queen Regent, and of his Nobles, when he, and his children were prisoners in Italy) gave unto him peace. Wherefore, to correct his monstruous ingratitude, and to be revenged of daily wrongs, The King (to defy him) sent his Heralds towards France. But the French King would not in any sort permit them, 
An Army sent into France.  to come into his kingdom: Whereupon King Henry (under the principal command of Sir john Wallop, Sir Thomas Seymour, and Sir Richard Cromwell) transported a strong Army, who (presently upon their landing) besieged the Town of Landersey, 
Landersey besieged.  and by continual batteries, and fierce assaults, brought it into some necessities, and danger: but the French king knowing well the distressed estate in which the Town then stood; in his own person, with a huge Army, came to relieve it: by means whereof, the English Generals raised the siege, 
The siege abandoned.  and made themselves strong, and ready to encounter the French King in battle: of which, he made great brags. This expectation of a bloody skirmish, caused the English Army (who would not then disorder nor encumber themselves with other employments) to suffer the said Town to be newly victualled and relieved. But in the midst of the night before it was intended by the English Army that this battle should have been fought, the French King (being shrouded in the dark) ran away, and all his companies returned with speed unto their own Countries; insomuch that for that time no more was done, but (by command) the English Army returned into England.  
In this mean while, 
A marriage concluded with Scotland.  the aforesaid motion concerning the marriage of the young Prince with the Infant Queen of Scotland, was so well applauded and entertained by the Scots, that in their Parliament it was first concluded, and then confirmed by an Instrument in writing, under the hands and seals of their Nobility, and ratified by their oaths, that the said intended match should be effected, and that their young Queen (for that purpose) should be conveyed into England. But within few months after, by the secret and cunning plots and practices of the French King, the Nobility of Scotland neglected their Law, their promise, and their oath, which occasioned King Henry with all speed to make new and unwonted preparations and provisions, 
The Scots do break their oath.  not only to invade that Country, but also to make war upon his enemy the King of France.  
And to effect his purpose in that behalf, first he sent a puissant Army (which was transported in two hundred warlike ships) into Scotland, 
An Army spoileth Scotland.  under the general command (by Sea) of his high Admiral the Viscount Lisle, and under the general command (by land) of the noble and right valiant Earl of Hartford.  
All these ships safely entered into the Fryth, where they took many good Vessels, which were exceeding serviceable to their proceed. And then was the whole Army set on land: and being well ordered into three battles, and marching towards Leyth, they first took view of six thousand Scottish horsemen, with whom they encountered for a while. But when the Scots perceived that the Englishmen took more delight to fight with courage, then to dally, as being fearful of their lives, they made a quick retreat, and suddenly fled away, leaving their Artillery and that Town to their enemies, who appropriated to themselves every good thing which they found there, and then consumed the town with fire. From thence they marched towards Edinburgh, the principal City of that Kingdom. But on the way the Provost and some of the chiefest Burgesses of that Town, made offer to the Earl of Hartford (General of the Field) to deliver to him the keys, conditionally that he would preserve it from fire, and suffer the soldiers and the Inhabitants thereof with bag and baggage to departed.  
But the General made answer thus: That he was sent into that Country to take revenge upon that Nation, because their Nobility (with one consent) by the perverse and unfriendly instigation of the French King, had violated their own Law, their promise, and their oath, touching the marriage agreed on, to be solemnized between Prince Edward and their young Queen. And therefore if all the Soldiers and all the Inhabitants of that City would come disarmed into the open Field, and yield their substance and their lives to be ordered according to his pleasure and will, he then would do as he thought good: but if they refused so to do, he then protested to visit the Town and them with all the extremities which were incident to such a war.  
This quick answer so little pleased the Townsmen, that they returned, purposing to resist: and so they did. But by strong batteries and fierce assaults, their gates and their walls were beaten down and entered, so that many thousands of the Scots were slain, their riches were possessed by the English Army, and a great part of that City was consumed by fire. Now whilst the Army was thus busied, there came unto them from the King four thousand English horsemen: so that when the spoils and booties were by the soldiers embarked, and by water sent into England, the English Army coasted thorough a great part of those Countries, unfought with, burning, kill, and foraging in all places, as they pleased: so that they having taken, ransacked, and burned a good part of the City of Edinburgh, Holy-rood house, and the King's Palace there, and having rifled and defaced the Towns of Leyth, Haddington, Dumbarre, Dyrlaw, Broughton, Dudiston, Beverton, Markle, Hatherwike, Bowland, Blackborne, West-Crage, Chester-fels, Stone-house, Travent, Trapren, Belton, Butterden, Raunto, Enderleigh, Crawenden, Shenston, the Fycket, East-barne, Kyrklandhill, Quickwood, part of Muskelborough, and many other Villages, besides Abbeys, Monasteries, and Religious Houses, (which particularly we cannot name) they returned powerfully, with rich booties, and with the only loss of forty men, into England.  

Two Armies sent into France.  And thus did King Henry in some sharp measure correct and punish the unstable dealings of the Scots. Which troubles when he had finished, he then forthwith made such plentiful preparations to invade France, that he sent unto the French Kings Dominions two strong Armies, of which the one was commanded by the Duke of Norfolk, and by the gentle Lord Russel, who was then newly made Lord Privy Seal, who therewithal besieged the strong Town of Muttrell, where they lost much time, 
Muttrell besieged and abandoned.  and much labour, and were enforced to leave it in the end. And the other of the said two Armies was commanded by the Duke of Suffolk, with which the said former Army embodied itself: and then they all encamped about the strong and warlike City of Bulloyne, 
Bulloyne is besieged.  and after many sharp conflicts and hot skirmishes, they first took the Old man, and shortly after base Bulloyne.  
To this siege King Henry himself (being attended by many a worthy man) repaired, and after his coming thither, 
The King cometh to Bulloyne.  so long as the light gave leave, for the space of one whole month together, he caused the walls of the Town and Castle so cruelly to be battered, and the Town itself to be so beaten, and the breaches and the trenches to be so furiously assaulted, that the walls in many places lay almost level with the ground. No house escaped unhurted: and the Inhabitants with continual labour, vexation, 
Bulloyne is yielded.  and travel, were almost tired and worn out: so that at length, upon composition that all the Soldiers and Inhabitants should safely departed with bag and baggage, the strong and stately Town and Castle of Bulloyne was delivered into the King's hands: out of which issued (upon the said agreement) threescore and seven horsemen, fifteen hundred, threescore and three footmen, eight hundred Gunners, fourscore and seven men who were hurt, and nineteen hundred twenty and seven men, women, and children, they all being in number 4444. souls. But many (who by reason of their grievous wounds could not departed) were found, and well cherished and relieved in the Town.  
Now whilst the King thus lay at the siege of Bulloyne, 
King Henry returneth.  the Emperor (without the King's knowledge or consent) secretly concluded a peace with the French King; whereat King Henry much grieved: so that (after he had taken an exact order for the repairing and fortifying of that Town and Castle) be dismissed his Army, and with great joy, honour, and triumph, he returned into England.  
And because his daily wars (which required continual supplies) had wasted and consumed his treasure, 
john Stow. 993.  which (for the preventing of future mischiefs, and in especial such as were daily offered unto him by the Scots) he endeavoured to augment, he therefore demanded a Benevolence of all his Subjects both Spiritual and Temporal. For which purpose Sir Thomas Wryothesley, 
A Benevolence.  Lord Chancellor of England, the Duke of Suffolk, and others of his majesties Counsel of Estate, (sitting as Commissioners in Bainard's Castle in London) taxed the Citizens and Inhabitants according to their wisdoms and discretions. And because one Alderman (whose name was Richard Read) refused to pay what they had ordered, 
Alderman Read.  he was therefore by them required (on a great pain) personally to serve the King in his wars against the Scots; which cheerfully be performed, and was (with many others) taken prisoner and detained by his enemies, until that for his ransom he was enlarged and set free.  

The Dolphin's success.  After the King was departed home, the Dolphin (taking the benefit to a dark night) came with a great power so suddenly into Base Bulloyne, that he took it. But such as fled, and had saved their lives, being aided by the soldiers of the upper Town and Castle, came fiercely on the Dolphin, and so manfully assailed him, that (to save himself and his) he in all the haste departed, and left the Town with his great loss.  

The French are overthrown.  Within few days after, Monsieur de Bees came on the other side of the water before the Town, with an Army of fifteen thousand men, and began to erect a Fortress there. But by the valiant Earl of Hartford, the Viscount Lisle, the Lord Grace, and divers others, they were assailed, fought with, and shamefully put to flight, and were compelled to leave behind them their Ordinance, Tents, and other good provisions, to their great ignominy and reproach.  
The French King (intending to work wonders in England, by way of a revenge, for that his strong Town of Bulloyne was lost) sent to the Sea a mighty Fleet, 
The French Kings Navy doth nothing.  of two hundred tall ships, and seven and twenty strong Galleys, all which were stuffed (as it was reported) with threescore thousand men. All these came in good order, and ancoured before the Isle of Wight, and were oftentimes beaten with the great Ordinance which the Admiral of England liberally bestowed on them. But as the English Fleet passed out of the Haven of Portsmouth into the Sea, a stately, strong, and a goodly ship, named the Marie Rose, 
The Marie Risen drowned  belonging to the King, (in which was Captain Sir George Carew Knight, with more than four hundred men beside) was drowned almost in an instant, by the gross folly of the Gunners, and of the Mariners, the former of them having left their Ordinance untrigged, and the latter having left the under port holes open, by means whereof when the ship turned, the Ordinance ran back to the one side, and bore the port holes under water, so that the sea violently and abundantly flowed in, and in a moment swallowed up both ship, Captain, Men, Ordinance, and all other things there to the great grief and sorrow of the King himself, and of all such as were present, and beheld it.  
The Lord Dambalt, high Admiral of France, being by certain poor Fishermen, whom he had taken, informed, that the King in his own person, being accompanied with an infinite number of valiant men of war; expected and longed to be made victorious and rich by their landing, feared to hazard all his fortunes in so desperate and hot a service: Wherefore be hoist anchors, and without Fame or Honour, returned basely into France.  
Now must we know, 
The Scots invade England.  that no sooner was King Henry departed out of England to the siege of Bullein (as we have heard) but the Scottish Nation (observing their old custom) entered, riffled, spoiled, and burned many Houses, Villages, and small Towns, in the marches of England, without pity: Wherefore, King Henry (after his return) resolved to correct their madness, and their folly, and to take revenge for those injuries and wrongs: And for that purpose, he sent the Noble Earl of Hartford into that Kingdom, 
An Army sent into Scotland.  with an Army of twelve thousand men, where he havoked Men, Towns, Castles, and the Country, in such a furious and fierce manner, that the Scots were extremely damnified thereby; and thousands of them were utterly undone.  
About the same time, the valiant Lord Lisle, Lord high Admiral of England, 
Treport.  entered into and landed within the Haven of Treport, and burned the suburbs of that town, and many other houses, Villages, and Towns, which bordered upon the Sea coasts: And at his return from thence (as a rich prey) he carried with him many Ships, Barges, Boats, and Vessels, which he found there.  
Now (like as after many ruff and boisterous storms, a sweet, and a delectable calm doth follow: so after these busy conflicts, and martial contentions, 
The Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Surrey committed.  whereof we have already taken a perfect view: A peace was lovingly concluded, and joyfully proclaimed, between the two kingdoms of England and of France. But this joy (as in human affairs it often happeneth) was quickly checked with an other sorrow: for the most victorious, faithful, and ever to be honoured Captain, the Duke of Norfolk, and his son, the most illustrious Earl of Surrey (both which, in this King's reign, performed many memorable, and brave services, in Scotland, England, and in France) were suddenly apprehended, and sent unto the Tower; For none other thing, but because they quartered, and bare in their Escoucheon certain Arms, which were pretended, properly, and only to belong unto the King and Prince (which Arms notwithstanding, they and their Ancestors timeout of mind had so borne without controlment, reproof, or check. For this offence, the said Earl was indicted of high Treason, arraigned thereon, and tried by a jury of Knights, and Gentlemen, 
The Earl of Surrey beheaded.  (and not by his peers) because he was no Lord of the Parliament) by whom he was found guilty, and then received his judgement, and lost his head, to the great grief and sorrow of many thousands, who lamented the causeless death of such a worthy man, as had so well deserved of the King, and of the common weal.  

The King dieth.  But the Duke his father (by reason of the King's sickness, and death, which followed shortly after) was preserved by God from that danger, for better fortunes.  

He is described.  The Presence of this King was amiable, and Princely: for he was somewhat more than ordinary tall, strongly limmed, proportionably composed, fair in his complexion, nimble, and full of agility in his younger years; and always as resolutely valiant as a man might be: He had a pregnant and a sharp wit, and was generally held to be well learned, because he could, and used to speak well: He was exceeding humble, and passing stout; applying the former to gentle spirits; and opposing the latter against proud, insolent, and rough Mates: He was bountiful, and magnificently liberal (if occasion so required) Yet in regard that he was a man: He was not free from all faults; For he was too too much familiar and conversant with wanton and light women: And delighted too much in variety, and in change, as most men did conjecture, because he had six wives. From two of them he was severed, because his marriages were held to be void, frustrate, and of no force: other two of them (for the objected crime of incontinency) lost their heads: A fifth died in her childbed: and the sixth escaped fairly by his death. Finally, he (oftentimes) much pleased himself, to be overfamiliar in the swaggering company of lose Fellows; yet in most respects, he was a famous, a worthy, and a most noble King: Thus ended he his life; and thus do I conclude this History of these twenty Kings; hoping that some other (who shall be better able) will (with more sufficiency) writ the rest.  
FINIS.   

THE SUCCESSIONS OF THE DUKE'S AND EARL'S OF THIS KINGDOM OF ENGLAND: FROM THE CONQUEST until the twelfth year of the famous Reign of the mighty Monarch King JAMES THE FIRST.  THOU SHALT LABOUR FOR PEACE PLENTY  printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON, Printed by W. Stansby for Henry Fetherstone. 1615.   

Princes of Wales since the Conquest. 
john Speed 97   

1 EDward Caernarvon, son to King Edward the First, afterwards king Edward the Second.  
2 Edward of Windsour, son to king Edward the Second, afterwards king Edward the Third.  
3 Edward the Black Prince, son to king Edward the Third.  
4 Richard of Bourdeaux, son to the Black Prince, afterwards king Richard the Second.  
5 Henry of Monmoth, son to king Henry the Fourth, afterwards king Henry the Fifth.  
6 Henry of Windsour, son to king Henry the Fifth, afterwards king Henry the Sixth.  
7 Edward of Westminster, son to king Henry the Sixth.  
8 Edward of Westminster, son to king Edward the Fourth, afterwards king Edward the Fifth.  
9 Edward Plantagenet, son to king Richard the Third.  
10 Arthur Tuther, son to king Henry the Seventh.  
11 Henry Tuther, son to king Henry the Seventh, afterwards king Henry the Eighth.  
12 Edward, the son of king Henry the Eighth, afterwards king Edward the Sixth.  
13 Henry, the son of king james.  
14 Charles, the son of king james.    

THE SUCCESSIONS OF THE DUKE'S AND EARL'S OF THIS KINGDOM OF ENGLAND. From the Conquest until the twelfth year of the famous Reign of the mighty Monarch King JAMES the First.  

Albemarle and Holdernes.  
EUDO (Son to the Earl of Champagne) married one of the Conquerors sisters, 
Conq.  and was by him created Earl of Albemarle, and of Holdernes.  
Stephen, their son, succeeded, and was Earl of Albemarle, and of Holdernes.  
William surnamed Le Grose (being his son) succeeded, 
K. Steph.  and was Earl of Albemarle and of Holdernes.  
William de Fortibus, married Hawse or Avicen, the daughter and heir of the aforenamed Stephen, and was in her right created Earl of Albemarle, and of Holdernes, by King Stephen.  
William de Fortibus, their son succeeded, and was Earl of Albemarle and of holderness.  
William de Fortibus, his son, was Earl of Albemarle and Holdernes, and died without issue Male.  

R. 2.  Thomas Plantagenet, otherwise called Thomas of Woodstock, a younger son of King Edward the Third, was by his Nephew King Richard the Second, created Earl of Albemarle, Holdernes, Derby, Lancaster, and Leicester.  
Henry Plantagenet his son, was Earl of Albemarle, Holdernes, Derby, Lancaster, and of Leicester.  

R. 2.  Edmund Plantagenet, the son of Edmund of Langley, another of the younger sons of King Edward the Third, and Duke of York, was by king Richard the Second, his cozen, created Earl of Rutland, and Duke of Albemarle.  
Thomas Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, and son to King Henry the Fourth, was by him created Earl of Warwick, and of Albemarle.   

Arundel.  

Conq.  ROger Mountgomery, was by William the Conqueror, created Earl of Arundel, and of Shrewsbury.  
Hugh Mountgomery, his son, succeeded him, and died without issue.  
Robert Mountgomery, his brother, (being Earl of Belesme) succeeded, and died without issue.  
william de Albeney, was by Mawld the Empress created Earl of Arundel, 
Mauld.  and Sussex, because he took her part against King Stephen, he married Adeliza, the widow of King Henry the First, and was confirmed in his honours, 
H. 2.  by king Henry the Second.  
William de Albeney, his son, succeeded in those honours:  

R. 1.  William de Albeney, his son, was by King Richard the First, restored to the said Earldoms, which for displeasure had been kept from him by Henry the Second.  
William de Albeney, his son, succeeded in those Earldoms.  
Hugh de Albeney, was Earl after his brother, and died without issue.  

H. 3.  William de Albenetto, was created Earl of Arundel, by king Henry the Third, and died without issue.  

E. 1.  Richard Fitz-Alen, married Isabel, (who was one of the daughters of the last Earl William) and was by king Edward the First, created Earl of Arundel, he was (before that time) Lord of Clun, and Oswaldstry.  
Edmund Fitz-Alen, their son, was Lord of Clun and Oswaldstry, and succeeded in the Earldom of Arundel; but was beheaded on displeasure, and by the commandment of Queen Isabel, the wife of king Edward the second.  
Richard Fitz-Alen, his son, succeeded in all those honours, he was also Earl of Warren, and of Surrey.  
Richard Fitz-Alen, his son, was Lord of Clun and Oswaldstry, and Earl of Arundel, Warren, and of Surrey: he was also Lord of Bromfield, and Yale; and was beheaded at Bristol, whilst king Richard the second lived.  
Thomas Fitz-Alen, his son, was Lord of Clun, Oswaldstry, Bromflet, and Yale, and Earl of Arundel, Warren, and of Surrey, and died without issue Male.  
john Fitz-Alen, and Lord Maltravers, 
H. 6.  being the next heir Male to the said Thomas, was by King Henry the sixth created Earl of Arundel, and Duke of Torayne.  
Humphrey Fitz-Alen, his son, was Earl of Arundel, and died without issue.  
William Fitz-Alen, his Uncle, and brother to the last Earl john, was Lord of Clun, and Maltravers, and Earl of Arundel.  
Thomas Fitz-Alen, his son, succeeded, and was Lord of Clun, and Maltravers, and Earl of Arundel.  
William Fitz-Alen, his son, was Lord of Clun, and Maltravers, and Earl of Arundel.  
Henry Fitz-Alen, his son, was Lord of Clun, and Maltravers, and Earl of Arundel, and died without issue Male.  
Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, and the fourth and last Duke of Norfolk, married Marie, one of the daughters and coheirs of the said Henry Fitz-Alen, and was in her right Lord Maltravers, and Earl of Arundel. The other moiety descended to the Lord Barkley.  
Philip Howard, his son, was Lord Maltravers, and Earl of Arundel, and of Surrey.  
Thomas Arundel, his son, is Lord Maltravers, 
K. ja.  and Earl of Arundel: to which honours he was restored by the mighty Prince King james.   

.  
PHilbert de Chandew, a Britton borne, 
H. 1.  was by King Henry the first created Earl of Bath: he died without issue Male.  
john Bourchier, Lord Fitz-Warren of Towstock in Devon, being the son of Foulke Bourchier, Lord Fitz-Warren, who was the son of William Bourchier, Lord Fitz-Warren, who was the younger son of William Bourchier, 
H. 8.  Earl of Ewe in Normandy; who was the younger brother of Henry the first Earl of Ewe, was by king Henry the eight, created Earl of Bath.  
john Bourchier, his son, was Lord Fitz-Warren of Towstock, and Earl of Bath.  
William Bourchier, the son of john Bourchier, who was the son of the said john, last Earl of Bath, is now Lord Fitz-Warren of Towstock, and hath issue one son only, who is named Edward, Lord Fitz-Warren of Towstock.   

Bedford.  

E. 3.  INgram, Lord Concy, a Frenchman borne, married Isabel, the daughter of king Edward the third: and being by him created Earl of Bedford, he died without issue Male.  
john Plantagenet, the third son of king Henry the fourth, was (by his father) created Duke of Bedford; 
H. 4.  and whilst king Henry the sixth lived (to whom he was Uncle) he was Regent of France, Ruled it with great wisdom, and valour; and died without issue.  
George Nevil, was by king Edward the fourth, created Duke of Bedford, 
E. 4.  and died without issue.  
jasper Tuthar, surnamed jasper of Hatfield, son to Owen Tuthar, and of Queen Katherine, the widow of king Henry the fifth, was (by his half brother, king Henry the sixth) created Earl of Pembroke, 
H. 7.  and was after (by his Nephew, king Henry the seventh) created Duke of Bedford, and died without issue.  
john Russel, was by king Henry the eight, made Lord Russel, and by king Edward the sixth, 
E. 6.  he was created Earl of Bedford.  
Francis, Lord Russel, his son, succeeded, and was Earl of Bedford.  
Edward, Lord Russel, his sons son, viz. the son of Francis third son to the said Earl Francis, is now Earl of Bedford.   

Bridgewater.  
GIles Dawbeney was by king Henry the Seventh made Lord Dawbeney, 
H. 8.  and his son Henry was (after his father's death) created Earl of Bridgewater by king Henry the Eighth, and died without issue. But Alice his sister and heir was married to john Bourchier, Lord Fitz-Warren of Towstocke in Devon, from whom William Lord Fitz-Warren of Towstocke and Earl of Bath is descended.   

Buckingham.  
WAlter Gifford, Earl of Longuile in Normandy, 
Conq.  and cozen to the Conqueror, was by him created Earl of Buckingham and Pembroke.  
Walter Gifford his son succeeded, and died without issue.  
Thomas Plantagenet, surnamed Thomas of Woodstock, the sixth son of King Edward the Third, was by his nephew King Richard the Second created Earl of Buckingham, Northampton, and Essex: 
R. 2.  and afterwards he made him Duke of Gloucester. And for his good counsel to the same King, he was sent prisoner to Calais, and there murdered.  
Humphrey Plantagenet, his son, was Earl of Buckingham, Northhampton, and Essex, and died without issue.  
Humphrey Stafford, Lord of Brecknock and Holdernes, 
H. 6.  and being Earl of Stafford, was by King Henry the Sixth created the first Duke of Buckingham.  
Henry Stafford his son, being Lord of Brecknock and Holdernes, was Earl of Stafford, and Duke of Buckingham, and was beheaded by King Richard the Third.  
Edward Stafford his son, being Lord of Brecknock and Holdernes, and Earl of Stafford, by restitution from King Henry the eight, was the third and last Duke of Buckingham, 
H. 7.  and was beheaded whilst King Henry the Eighth reigned.   

Cambridge.  

E. 3.  IOhn of Henault, brother to William Earl of Henault, and uncle to Queen Philip the wife of King Edward the Third, was by him created Earl of Cambridge. But he revolted to the French King, and thereby lost his honour.  

E. 3.  William marquess of julier, Bergen, and Cleveland, was by King Edward the Third created Earl of Cambridge.  

E. 3.  Edmund Plantagenet, surnamed Edmund of Langley, being the fifth son of King Edward the Third, and Duke of York, was by his father created Earl of Cambridge.  
Edward Plantagenet his son, was Duke of York and Albemarle, Earl of Rutland and of Cambridge, and being slain in the battle of Edgingcourt, he died without issue.  
Richard Plantagenet, his brother, was Earl of Cambridge, and had issue, Richard.  
Richard Plantagenet was Lord of Clare, and of Wigmore, Duke of York, and Earl of Ulster, March, and Cambridge, and was slain in his wars against King Henry the Sixth.  
Edward Plantegenet his son succeeded him in all those honourable dignities, and was afterwards King Edward the Fourth.   

Chester.  

Conq.  HVgo Lupus, Viscount of Aurenges in Normandy, nephew to the Conqueror, was by him created Earl Palatine of Chester.  
Richard Lupus his son succeeded, and died without issue.  
Ralphe Meschynes (being the son of Margaret the sister and heir of Hugo Lupus) was by King Henry the First created Earl of Chester. 
H. 1.   
Ralphe Meschynes his son succeeded, and was Earl of Chester.  
Hugh Meschynes, surnamed Kevelitocke, because he was there borne, succeeded his father in the Earldom of Chester.  
Ralphe Meschynes, surnamed Blundevile, his son, being Lord of Little Britain, was Earl of Chester, Lincoln, and of Richmond.  

K. john.  john, surnamed Scot, was by King john created Earl of Chester, and died without issue male.  
Edmund Plantagenet, surnamed Crowch-backe, the second son of king Henry the Third, and brother to king Edward the First, 
H. 3.  was by his father created Earl Palatine of Chester.  
Edward the Prince, son and heir apparent to king Edward the First, was by his father created Earl Palatine of Chester, 
E. 1.  Duke of Cornwall, and Prince of Wales. He was afterwards king Edward the Second.  
Edward the Third was in his father's days created Earl Palatine of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, and Prince of Wales, 
E. 2.  and was afterwards king Edward the Third.  
Edward Plantagenet, surnamed The Black Prince, the eldest son of king Edward the Third, was in Parliament created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester.  
Richard Plantagenet, son to the Black Prince, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and was after that king Richard the Second.  
Henry Plantagenet, the eldest son of king Henry the Fourth, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he was king Henry the Fifth.  
Edward the son of king Henry the Sixth, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he was shamefully murdered.  
Edward Plantagenet, the son of king Richard the Third, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and died without issue.  
Arthur Tuther, the eldest son of king Henry the Seventh, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and died without issue.  
Henry Tuther, the second son of king Henry the Seventh, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he was king Henry the Eighth.  
Edward Tuther, his son, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he was king Edward the Sixth. He died without issue.  
Henry Stewart, the eldest son of the illustrious Prince, King james the First, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and died without issue.  
Charles Stewart, his brother, is Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Cornwall, and Rossay, and Earl Palatine of Chester.   

Clarence.  

K. Steph.  GIlbert de Clare was by king Stephen created Earl of Clarence.  
Roger de Clare, his brother, succeeded, and was Earl of Clare.  
Richard de Clare, his son, succeeded, and was Earl of Clare.  

E. 3.  Lionel Plantagenet, the third son of king Edward the Third, was by his father created Duke of Clarence. He had no issue male: but his daughter and heir Philip was married to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, from whom the Family of York did lineally descend.  

H. 4.  Thomas Plantagenet, the second son of king Henry the Fourth, was by his father created Earl of Albemarle, and Duke of Clarence.  
George Plantagenet, the third son of Richard Duke of York, and brother to king Edward the Fourth, was by him created Duke of Clarence, and was murdered in the Tower.   

Cornwall.  
candour a Briton was Earl of Cornwall at the time of the Conquest, and did homage to the Conqueror for the same.  
candour his son was the second Earl of Cornwall.  

Conq.  Robert Earl of Mortaigne in Normandy was by the Conqueror created Earl of Cornwall.  
William his son, being Earl of Mortaigne, was also Earl of Cornwall.  

K. Steph.  Reynold the base son of king Henry the First, was by king Steven created Earl of Cornwall.  

H. 2.  john the second son of king Henry the Second, was by his father created Earl of Cornwall. He was afterwards king john.  

H. 3.  Richard, the second son of king john, was by his brother king Henry the Third created Earl of Cornwall. He was also king of the Romans.  
Henry Plantagenet his son succeeded, and was Earl of Cornwall, and died without issue.  

E. 1.  Edward Plantagenet, the eldest son of king Edward the First, was by his father created Prince of Wales, Earl Palatine of Chester, and Duke of Cornwall, and he was afterwards king Edward the Second.  
Pierce Gaveston, a Gascoigne borne, 
E. 2.  was by king Edward the Second created Lord of Wallingfold, and Earl of Cornwall and Gloucester. He was beheaded by the Barons, because he mislead the king. He died without issue.  
john Plantagenet, second son to king Edward the second, 
E. 2.  was by his father created Earl of Cornwall. He died without issue.  
Edward Plantagenet, the eldest son of king Edward the Second, 
E. 2.  was by his father created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, which he enjoyed until he was king Edward the Third.  
Edward Plantagenet, surnamed The Black Prince, 
E. 3.  was by his father king Edward the Third in Parliament created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester.  
Richard Plantagenet, son to the black Prince, 
E. 3.  was by his Grandfather king Edward the Third created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, which he enjoyed until he was King Richard the Second.  
Henry Plantagenet, the eldest son of king Henry the Fourth, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he was king Henry the Fifth.  
Edward, the son of king Henry the Sixth, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and was murdered.  
Edward, the son and heir apparent of King Richard the third, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and died without issue.  
Arthur Tuther, the eldest son of king Henry the Seventh, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, and died without issue.  
Henry Tuther, his brother, enjoyed the Principality of Wales, the Duchy of Cornwall, and the Earldom of the Palatinate of Chester, until he was king Henry the Eighth.  
Edward Tuther, the son of king Henry the Eighth, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he was King Edward the Sixth.  
Henry Stewart, the eldest son of King james the First, was Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl Palatine of Chester, until he died without issue.  
Charles Stewart, his brother, is Earl Palatine of Chester, Duke of Rossay, York, and Cornwall, and Prince of Wales.   

Cumberland.  

Conq.  RAlphe Meschynes, a Norman, was by the Conqueror created Earl of Cumberland and Carlisle.  

H. 8.  Henry, Lord Clifford, Bromflet, and Vessey, was by King Henry the Eighth created Earl of Cumberland.  
George, Lord Clifford, Bromflet, and Vessey, being his son, was Earl of Cumberland, and died without issue male.  
Francis, Lord Clifford, his brother, is Earl of Cumberland.   

Derby.  

Conq.  WIlliam Peuerell, base son to the Conqueror, was by him created Earl of Derby and of Nottingham.  
William Peuerell, his son, succeeded in those Earldoms.  

K. Steph.  Robert de Ferrer, Lord of Tedburie, and Earl of Ferrer and of Nottingham, was also Earl of Derby.  
William de Ferrer succeeded his father in those honours.  
William de Ferrer, his son, was Lord of Tedburie, Chartley, and Groby, and Earl of Ferrer, Nottingham, and of Derby.  
Robert de Ferrer, his son, possessed his father's dignities. He was disherited, because he sided with the Barons against King Henry the Third.  
Edmund Plantagenet, surnamed Crowch-backe, being Earl of Lancaster, second son to King Henry the Third, and brother to king Edward the First, 
H. 3.  was by his said father created Earl of Leicester and of Derby.  
Thomas Plantagenet, his son, being Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln, and Salisbury, was by descent Earl of Derby, and died without issue.  
Henry Plantagenet, his brother, was dignified with all those honours.  
Henry Plantagenet, his son, enjoying those Earldoms, together with the Earldoms of Albemarle and Holdernes, was by king Edward the Third created Duke of Lancaster. 
E. 3.  And his daughter and heir, named Blanch, was married to john of Gaunt, the fourth son of the same King.  
john Plantagenet, surnamed john of Gaunt, being Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Leicester, Lincoln, and Salisbury, was also Earl of Derby.  
Henry Plantagenet, surnamed Bullingbroke, being his son, was Duke of Lancaster, and Hereford, and Earl of Leicester, Lincoln, and of Salisbury; he was likewise Earl of Derby, and was king, by the name of king Henry the Fourth.  
Thomas Stanley, Lord Stanley, (whose Father Thomas was by king Henry the Sixth, made Lord Stanley) was by king Henry the Seventh, created Earl of Derby. 
H. 7.   
Thomas Stanley, his Grandchild, viz. the son of his son Henry, who married jone, the daughter and heir of john, Lord Strange, and Knoking; being Lord Stanley, and Strange, was also Earl of Derby.  
Edward, Lord Stanley, Strange, and Knoking, being his son, succeeded, and was Earl of Derby.  
Henry, Lord Stanley, Strange, and Knoking, being his son, was Earl of Derby.  
Ferdinando, Lord Stanley, Strange, and Knoking, being his son, was Earl of Derby, and died without issue Male.  
William, Lord Stanley, Strange, and Knoking, his brother, is now Earl of Derby.   

Devonshire.  
RIchard de Bruer, surnamed Richard of the Heath, being a Norman, was by the Conqueror created Earl of Devonshire, 
Conq.  he died without issue.  
Adela de Bruer, his sister and heir, 
Conq.  was by the Conqueror created Viscountesse of Devonshire.  
Baldwine de Rivers, being Earl of Exeter, 
H. 2.  was by King Henry the second created Earl of Devonshire.  
Richard Rivers, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
Baldwine Rivers, his son, was Earl after him, and died without issue.  
Richard Rivers, his brother, was Earl, and died without issue.  
William Rivers, surnamed the Valentia, was their Nephew, and heir, was after them Earl of Devonshire.  
Baldwine Rivers, his son, was Earl of Devon.  
john Rivers, his son, being Earl, died without issue.  
Isabel Rivers, surnamed de Fortibus, being the General heir of the Earls of Devonshire, did enjoy the said Earldom. She married one who was named William de Fortibus, Earl of Albemarle and Lord of Holdernes; by whom she had a plentiful issue. But King Edward the Third would not permit them to enjoy the said Earldom of Devonshire.  
Hugh Courtney Knight, who was descended from the before named Earls of Devonshire, 
E. 3.  was by King Edward the Third created Earl of Devonshire.  
Hugh Courtney, his son, was Earl after him.  
Edward Courtney, surnamed the Blind, (who was the son of Edward, the son of the last Hugh Courtney) was Earl of Devonshire.  
Hugh Courtney, his son, was Earl of Devonshire.  
Thomas Courtney, his son, being Lord of Okehampt, in Devon, was also Earl of Devonshire. He took part in the wars with King Henry the sixth, and being taken prisoner at the battle of Towton in Yorkshire, he lost his head.  

E. 4.  Humphrey Stafford Esquire, was by King Edward the Fourth, first made Lord Stafford of Southweeke, and afterward Earl of Devonshire: and because he cowardly left the field at Banbury in the civil wars; at Bridgewater he was beheaded by the commandment of the said King.  
Edward Courtney, Lord of Hackham, being cozen and heir to the said Thomas Courtney, 
H. 7.  was by king Henry the seventh created Earl of Devonshire.  
William Courtney, his son, married the Lady Katherine (one of the daughters of king Edward the Fourth) and was Earl of Devonshire.  
Henry Courtney, his son, was Earl of Devonshire, and by his cozen Germane king Henry the Eight, 
H. 8.  he was created Marquis of Exeter, but lost his head.  

Q. Ma.  Edward Courtney, his son, was by Queen Marie restored to the Earldom of Devonshire, but died at Padua without issue.  

K. ja.  Charles Blunt, Lord Mountioy, was by King james the First created Earl of Devon; he died without issue.   

Dorset.  

Conq.  OSmond a Norman, being by the Conqueror created Earl of Dorset, died without issue.  
Thomas Beauford, the son of john of Gaunt, 
john of Gaunt called all his Children by that Wife, by the name of Beauford's.  by Katherine Swinsford, his third wife, was by king Richard the Second created Earl of Somerset, and Marques Dorset, which latter dignity was taken from him in Parliament, in An. 1. H. 4.  
john Beauford, his brother, was Earl of Somerset only, and was afterward by king Henry the Fourth created Marquis Dorset, 
H 4.  and by king Henry the sixth he was created Duke of Somerset. His daughter and heir named Margaret, was married to Edmund Tuther, Earl of Richmond; and they two had issue king Henry the seventh.  
Edmund Beauford, his brother, was Earl of Somerset, and by king Henry the Fifth he was created Earl of Mortoigne in Normandy, and by king Henry the sixth, Marquis Dorset, 
H. 6.  and Duke of Somerset.  
Henry Beauford, his son, was Earl of Mortaigne, Marquis Dorset, and Duke of Somerset, and died without issue.  
Thomas Grey, the son of Sir john Grey knight, and of the Lady Elizabeth his wife, and widow; who was afterwards married to king Edward the Fourth, 
E. 4.  was by the same king created Marquis Dorset: he was also Lord of Groby, Astley, Bonduile, and Harrington.  
Thomas Grey, succeeded his Father in those honours.  
Henry Grey, his son, being Lord Ferrer of Groby, Lord Harrington, Bonduile, and Astley, was after his father's death Marques Dorset, and by king Edward the sixth, he was created Duke of Suffolk, and was executed in Queen Mary's reign.  
Thomas Sackvile, Lord Buckhurst, and Lord Treasurer of England, was by king james created Earl of Dorset. 
K. ja.   
Robert Sackvile, his son, was Lord Buckhurst, and Earl of Dorset.  
Richard Sackvile, his son, is Lord Buckhurst, and Earl of Dorset.   

Essex.  
GEoffrey de Magna Villa, otherwise Mandevile, 
K. Steph.  was by king Stephen created Earl of Essex.  
Geoffrey, his son, was Earl of Essex, and died without issue.  
William, his brother, was Earl of Essex, and died without issue.  
Geoffrey Fitz-Pearce, otherwise Ludgarshall, married Beatrice the heir of the said William Mandevile, 
K. joh.  and was by king john created Earl of Essex, she had by him two sons, Geoffrey and William, whom (at his wives request) he named Mandeviles, according to the name of their Grandfather.  
Geoffrey Mandevile, their son, was Earl, and died without issue.  
William Mandevile, his brother, was Earl, and died without issue  

H. 3.  Humphrey Bohun, was by King Henry the Third, created Earl of Essex, and of Hereford.  
Humphrey Bohun, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
Humphrey Bohun, his son, was Earl after him.  
Humphrey Bohun, his son, was Earl of Essex and of Hereford.  
john Bohun, his son, was Earl, and died without issue.  
Humphrey Bohun, the son of William Bohun, who was the son of the last Humphrey, was Earl of Essex, Hereford, and Northampton, and died without issue Male. And Eleanor, his eldest sister, was married unto Thomas of Woodstock, one of the sons of king Edward the Third.  

E. 3.  Thomas of Woodstock, the sixth son of King Edward the Third, was by his father created Earl of Essex, Buckingham, Hereford, and Northampton, and by his Nephew king Richard the Second, he was created Duke of Gloucester, and murdered in prison at Calais, because he had warned the king friendly of his faults.  
Humphrey Plantagenet, his son, succeeded in those Earldoms, and died without issue Male.  
Henry de Bargo Caro, otherwise Bourchier, being Earl of Ewe in Normandy, who was the son of William Bourchier, who by king Henry the Fift, was at Maunt in Normandy, created Earl of Ewe, was by king Edward the Fourth, 
E. 4.  created Viscount Bourchier, and Earl of Essex, his son William had issue Henry, and died whilst his father lived.  
Henry Bourchier, was Viscount, and Earl, and died without issue.  

H. 8.  Thomas Cromwell, was by King Henry the eighth, made Lord Cromwell, and was by him created Earl of Essex, but lost his head.  

H. 8.  William Parr, was by king Henry the eighth, made Lord Parr of Kendal, and Earl of Essex; and by king Edward the sixth, he was made Marquis of Northampton, and died without issue.  
Walter Devereux, Lord Ferrer of Chartly, and Viscount Hereford, was by Queen Elizabeth, 
Q. Eliz.  created Earl of Essex.  
Robert Devereux, his son, was Lord Ferrer of Chartly, Viscount Hereford, and Earl of Essex.  
Robert Devereux, his son, was restored to all his father's honours, by king james the First, 
K. ja.  and now liveth.   

Exeter.  
john Holland, half-brother to King Richard the Second, 
R. 2.  was by him created Earl of Huntingdon, and Duke of Exeter. He was executed because he conspired against King Henry the Fourth.  
Thomas Beauford, one of the sons of john of Gaunt, 
H. 4.  by his third wife, Katherine Swinford, was by his brother K. Henry the Fourth created Earl of Dorset, and Duke of Exeter. He died without issue.  
john Holland, the son of the aforenamed john, 
H. 6.  was by King Henry the Fifth restored to his Earldom of Huntingdon, and by King Henry the Sixth to his Duchy of Exeter.  
Henry Holland, his son, was attainted when King Edward the Fourth reigned, and was drowned on Calais Sands.  
Henry Courtney, Earl of Devonshire, 
H. 8.  was by king Henry the Eighth created marquess of Exeter, and lost his head.  
Thomas Cecil, Lord Burleigh, 
K. james.  was by King james the First created Earl of Exeter, and yet liveth.   

Gloucester.  
WIlliam Fitz-Eustace, 
Conq.  being by the Conqueror created Earl of Gloucester, died without issue.  
Robert Fitz-Hamon, Lord of Astrevile in Normandy, 
Conq.  was by the Conqueror created Earl of Gloucester.  
William Fitz-Hamon, his son, was Earl of Gloucester.  
Robert de Millent, base son to king Henry the First, 
H. 1.  was by him created Earl of Gloucester. He died without issue. 
H. 2.   
john Plantagenet, the son of king Henry the Second, was by his father created Duke of Gloucester. But he was afterwards King of England.  
Geoffrey Mandevile, the last of that name, Earl of Essex, 
K. john.  was by King john created Earl of Gloucester, and died without issue.  
Almericus, Earl of Eureux, 
K. john.  was by King john created Earl of Gloucester, and died without issue.  
Gilbert de Clare, being Earl of Hartford, 
H. 3.  was created Earl of Gloucester by King Henry the Third.  
Richard, his son, was Earl of Clare, and Gloucester, and Hartford.  
Gilbert de Clare, his son, had those three Earldoms.  
Gilbert de Clare, his son, was Earl of Hartford, Clare, and Gloucester, and died without issue male.  

E. 1.  Ralphe Mounthermer, who married jone of Acres, one of the daughters of King Edward the First, and who was widow to the last Gilbert de Clare, was by the same King created Earl of Hartford and Gloucester, and died without issue.  

E. 2.  Pierce Gaveston, a Gascoigne borne, was by King Edward the Second, created Lord of Wallingford, Earl of Cornwall and Gloucester, and died without issue, being executed by the Barons.  
Hugh Spencer, the younger, was by King Edward the Second created Earl of Gloucester, and was executed at London.  

E. 3.  Hugh Awdley, Lord Awdley of Helie Castle, was by King Edward the Third created Earl of Gloucester, and died without issue.  

R. 2.  Thomas Plantagenet, surnamed Thomas of Woodstock, the sixth son of King Edward the Third, was by his father created Earl of Essex, Buckingham, and Northampton, and by King Richard the Second, his nephew, he was created Duke of Gloucester: but was murdered at Calais in prison for reproving the King friendly of his faults.  

R. 2.  Thomas Lord Spencer, the grandchild of the aforenamed Hugh Spencer, was by King Richard the Second created Earl of Gloucester, and died without issue male.  

H. 4.  Humphrey Plantagenet, the fourth son of king Henry the Fourth, being Earl of Pembroke, was by his father created Duke of Gloucester, and died without issue.  

E. 4.  Richard Plantagenet, the son of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, and brother to King Edward the Fourth, was by the same King created Duke of Gloucester. He was also King Richard the Third, and died without issue.   

Hartford.  

H. 2.  ROger de Clare, Earl of Clarence, was by King Henry the Second created Earl of Hartford.  
Richard de Clare, his son, enjoyed both those Earldoms.  
Gilbert de Clare, his son, was Earl of Clare, Hartford, and of Gloucester.  
Richard de Clare, his son, enjoyed those three Earldoms.  
Gilbert de Clare, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
Gilbert de Clare, his son, succeeded, and died without issue male.  
Ralphe de Mounthermer, who married jone of Acres, one of the daughters of king Edward the First, 
E. 1.  was by him created Earl of Gloucester, and of Hartford, he died without issue.  
Edward Saint-Maure, alias Seymour, 
H. 8.  was by king Henry the Eight made Viscount Beauchamp, and Earl of Hartford; he was Uncle and Protector to king Edward the sixth, by whom he was created Duke of Somerset, and lost his head.  
Edward Saint-Maure, alias Seymour, his son, 
Q. Eliz.  was by Queen Elizabeth created Viscount Beauchamp, and Earl of Hartford, and he now liveth.   

Hereford.  
WIlliam Fitz Osborne, 
Conq.  who first persuaded the Conqueror to undertake that weighty business, was by him created Earl of Hereford, and Lord of the Isle of weight; because he made the first Conquest thereof.  
Roger Fitz-Osborne, his son, who succeeded, was attainted of Treason, and died a prisoner without issue.  
Miles Fitz-Water, was by King Henry the First, 
H. 1.  created Earl of Hereford.  
Roger Fitz-Water, his son, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Walter Fitz-Water, his brother, was Earl, and died without issue.  
Henry Fitz-Water, his brother, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Humphrey Bohun, was by king Henry the Third, 
H. 3.  created Earl of Hereford, and of Essex.  
Humphrey Bohun, succeeded his father in those Earldoms.  
Humphrey Bohun, his son, was Earl after him.  
Humphrey Bohun, his son, was his successor in those Dignities.  
john Bohun, his son, was Earl, and died without issue.  
Hurmfrey Bohun, his Nephew, viz. the son of William, brother to the said john, was Earl of Hereford, Essex, and Northampton, and died without issue Male.  
Thomas of Woodstock, the sixth son of king Edward the Third, 
E. 3.  married Eleanor, the eldest sister of the said Humphrey, and was by his Father created Earl of Hereford, Essex, Buckingham, and Northampton: he was afterwards by his Nephew, king Richard the Second, created Duke of Gloucester, and was murdered in prison at Calais, because he informed the king friendly of his faults.  
Humphrey Plantagenet, his son, was Earl, and died without issue Male.  
Henry Plantagenet, surnamed Bullingbroke, the son and heir apparent of john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, being Earl of Derby, was by his cozen, 
R. 2.  king Richard the Second, created Duke of Hereford, and was afterwards king Henry the Fourth.  
Humphrey Stafford, was Earl of Stafford, Northampton, and Hereford, and was by king Henry the sixth, created Duke of Buckingham, but he lost his head.   

Huntingdon.  

Conq.  WAldolf a Saxon, married judith, the Conqueror's Niece, and was by him created Earl of Huntingdon; he died without issue Male.  
Simon de S. Lize, otherwise Saint-Leger, married Mawld, one of the daughters of Waldolf, 
Rufus.  and was by William Rufus, created Earl of Huntingdon, and Northompton: and (having issue Simon) he died.  
David, Prince of Scotland, and son to Malcolme the Third, being Earl of Northumberland, 
Steph.  and Cumberland, was by king Stephen made Earl of Huntingdon, for Simon was but a child, and unjustly kept from his Inheritance.  
Henry, Prince of Wales, (assoon as David his father was king of Scotland) enjoyed the Earldoms of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Huntingdon.  
After the death of King Stephen, the said Simon (being son to the said Simon) entered into his Earldoms of Huntingdon and Northampton, and enjoyed the same in peace, during his life.  
Malcolme, Prince of Scotland, and son to the before named Henry (because the rightful Earl of Huntingdon was in his minority) was by king Henry the Second, 
H. 2.  made Earl of Huntingdon, as he was Earl of Northumberland, and of Camberland.  
William, his brother, being Prince of Scotland, and Earl of Northumberland, Cumberland, and of Huntingdon, made wars upon King Henry the Second, after he was king of the Scots, and was taken prisoner in the field, ransomed, and lost those honours.  
Simon de S. Lize, otherwise Saint-Leger, the third of that name, was by king Henry the Second, restored to his Earldom of Huntingdon, and was also Earl of Northampton, and died without issue.  
David, the brother of the aforenamed William, was by the favour of king Richard the Second restored to the Earldom of Huntingdon. 
R. 1.   
john, his son, succeeded, and was Earl of Huntingdon, and died without issue male. He was surnamed Scot  
William Clinton was by king Edward the Third created Earl of Huntingdon, and died without issue. 
E. 3.   
Guischard, a Gascoigne borne in Angolesme, 
R. 2.  was by king Richard the Second created Earl of Huntingdon, and died without issue.  
john Holland, half-brother to King Richard the Second, 
R. 2.  was by him created Earl of Huntingdon, and Duke of Exeter, and lost his head for conspiring against king Henry the Fourth.  
john Holland, his son, was restored to his Earldom by King Henry the Fifth, 
H. 5.  and by king Henry the Sixth to his Duchy of Exeter.  
Henry Holland, his son, was attainted when king Edward the Fourth reigned, and was drowned on the coast of Calais.  
Thomas Grey, son in Law to king Edward the Fourth, was by him created marquess Dorset, and Earl of Huntingdon.  
Thomas Grey, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
William Herbert, the eldest son of William Herbert, whom king Edward the Fourth had made Earl of Pembroke, 
E. 4.  was by the same King made Earl of Huntingdon.  
George Hastings, Lord Hastings, Botreaux, and Molines, was by king Henry the Eighth created Earl of Huntingdon. 
H. 8.   
Francis Hastings, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
Henry Hastings, his son, being Lord Hastings, Hungerford, Botreaux, Molines, and Moeles, was also Earl of Huntingdon.  
George Hastings, his brother, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Henry Hastings, the son of Francis Hastings, who was the son of the said George, now liveth, and doth enjoy the said Lordships, and Earldom of Huntingdon.   

Kendal.  
GAscoigne de Fois, a Gascoigne borne, was at Maunt in Normandy created by king Henry the Fifth Earl of Longuile and Kendal. He revolted, and became French. 
H. 5.   
john de Foys, his son, married the Niece of William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, 
H. 6.  by whose mediation he was by king Henry the Sixth restored. But he became French.  

H. 6.  Capdaw de Beuffs was by king Henry the Sixth created Earl of Kendal. But he revolted to the French King.   

Kent.  
WIlnotus (at the Conquest being brother to King Harold) was Earl of Kent. But (for fear) he fled into Denmark, and died without issue.  

Conq.  Odo, Bishop of Bayon, and half-brother to the Conqueror, was by him created Earl of Kent, and he died without issue.  

K. Steph.  William de Ipre, Earl of Flanders, was by King Stephen created Earl of Kent, and died without issue.  
Hubert de Burgh, being Lord chief justice of England, was by king Henry the Third created Earl of Kent, 
H. 3.  and died without issue male.  
Edmund Plantagenet, surnamed Edmund of Woodstock, being son to king Edward the First, 
E. 2.  and brother to king Edward the Second, was by his brother created Earl of Kent, but lost his head in the reign of his nephew king Edward the Third.  

R. 2.  Thomas Holland, half-brother to King Richard the Second, was by him created Earl of Kent, and Duke of Surrey.  
Thomas Holland, his son, was Earl of Kent, and Duke of Surrey, and died without issue.  
Edmund Holland, brother to the said Thomas, was Earl of Kent, and Duke of Surrey, and died without issue.  
William Nevil, Lord Fawconbridge, a younger brother to Ralphe Nevil, 
E. 4.  the first of that Family, Earl of Westmoreland, was by king Edward the Fourth created Earl of Kent, and died without issue male.  
Edmund Grey, Lord Grey of Ruthen, was by king Edward the Fourth created Earl of Kent. 
E. 4.   
Richard Grey, his son, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Reynold Grey, who was descended lineally from the said Edmund, 
Q. Eliz.  was restored to the Earldom of Kent by Queen Elizabeth, and died without issue.  
Henry Grey, his brother, is now Earl of Kent.   

Lancaster.  
IOhn Plantagenet, brother to king Richard the First, 
R. 1.  was by him created Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, and Derby. He was afterwards King of England.  
Edmund Plantagenet, surnamed Crowch-backe, the second son of king Henry the Third, was by his father created Earl of Lancaster, 
H. 3.  Leicester, and Derby. He married Blanche the Queen of Navarre, and had issue by her, Thomas and Henry.  
Thomas Plantagenet, his son, was Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln, Salisbury, and Dorset, and died without issue.  
Henry Plantagenet, his brother, was dignified with all those honours.  
Henry Plantagenet, his son, enjoying all those Earldoms, together with the Earldoms of Albemarle and Holdernes, was by king Edward the Third created Duke of Lancaster. 
E. 3.  His daughter and heir, named Blanch, married john of Gaunt, the fourth son of king Edward the Third.  
john Plantagenet, surnamed john of Gaunt, enjoyed all those Earldoms, and was Duke of Lancaster.  
Henry Plantagenet, his son, surnamed Bolingbroke, held all those Earldoms, and was Duke of Lancaster and Hereford, and was king Henry the Fourth, by deposing of king Richard the Second.   

Leicester.  
LEofrick was Earl of Leicester when Edward the Confessor lived.  
Algarus, his son, succeeded in that Earldom.  
Edwin, his son, was Earl at the Conquest.  
Robert de Beaumont was created Earl of Leicester by king Henry the First. 
H. 1.   
Robert de Beaumont, his son, was Earl after him.  
Robert, his son, surnamed Blanch-Maynes, was his successor.  
Robert, his son, was Earl, and died without issue.  
Simon de Mountfort was by king john created Earl of Leicester, 
K. john.  and was slain at the siege of Tholouse.  
Simon de Mountfort was Earl of Leicester. He took king Henry the Third prisoner in the Baron's wars. But the young Prince Edward, set his Father at liberty, and slew this Simon, with many more, at the battle of Eversham, and his possessions were confiscate to the king.  
Edmund Plantagenet, surnamed Crowchback, second son to king Henry the Third, was by his Father created Earl of Leicester, Lancaster. etc.  
Thomas Plantagenet, his son, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Henry Planagenet, his brother, possessed all those honours.  
Henry Plantagenet, his son, was Earl of Leicester, etc. and was by King Edward the Third, 
E. 3.  created Duke of Lancaster; his daughter and heir, named Blanch, was married to john of Gaunt.  
john Plantagenet, surnamed john of Gaunt, the fourth son of king Edward the Third, married Blanch, and was Earl of Leicester, etc. and Duke of Lancaster.  
Henry of Bullingbroke, his son, was Earl of Leicester, etc. and Duke of Lancaster, and of Hereford, and was afterwards king Henry the Fourth.  
Robert Sutton, otherwise Dudley, a younger son to john Duke of Northumberland, was by Queen Elizabeth, created Earl of Leicester, and died without any lawful issue.   

Lincoln.  
MArcarus, being Earl of Lincoln, and Northumberland, at the time of the Conquest, rebelled, and died in prison without issue.  

Rufus.  William de Romara, was by King William Rufus created Earl of Lincoln, and died without issue.  

Steph.  Gilbert de Gaunt, was in the right of Avis, his wife created Earl of Lincoln, and died without issue Male.  

Lewis.  Gilbert de Gaunt, in the troublesome times of King john, was created Earl of Lincoln, by the Dolphin Lewes, son to the French King.  
Ralf de Meschynes, surnamed Blundevile, being the sixth Earl of Chester, 
H. 3.  was by king Henry the Third, created Earl of Lincoln, and of Richmond, because he took his part against the Barons: he died without issue.  
john Lacie, Baron of Haulton, was by king Henry the Third, created Earl of Lincoln.  
Henry Lacie, the son of Edmund Lacie, son to the said john, succeeded, and was Earl of Lincoln.  
Thomas Plantagenet, the son of Edmund Crowchback, was Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, Derby, and Salisbury: He married Alice the daughter and heir of Henry Lacie, and was (in her right) Earl of Lincoln, and died without issue.  
john de la Pole, the son of john de la Pole, the second of that name, Duke of Suffolk, was created Earl of Lincoln, 
E. 4.  by king Edward the Fourth, and died without issue.  
Henry Brandon, the son and heir apparent of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, was by his Uncle king Henry the eighth, 
H. 8.  created Earl of Lincoln, he died a child without issue.  
Edward Fines, Lord Clinton, was by Queen Elizabeth, 
Q. Eliz.  created Earl of Lincoln.  
Henry Fines, Lord Clinton, the son of the said Edward, was Earl of Lincoln after his Father, and yet liveth.   

March.  
EDwin a Saxon, at the time of the Conquest, was Earl of March; he with Marcarus and Swardus, kept the Isle of weight, against the Conqueror, and was banished.  
Roger Mortimer, Lord Mortimer of Wigmore, 
E. 3.  was by king Edward the Third, created Earl of March, and was executed for Treason.  
Roger Mortimer, the son of Edmund Mortimer, who was the son of the said Earl Roger, 
E. 3.  was by the same king restored to the Barony of Wigmore, and to the Earldom of March.  
Edmund Mortimer, his son, married Philip, the daughter and heir of Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the third son of king Edward the Third, and was Earl of March, and from them two, did descend the heirs of the Family of York.  
Roger Mortimer, their son, was Earl of March, and of Ulster in Ireland, and by king Richard the Second, was proclaimed heir apparent to the Crown of England, and was slain long after in Ireland.  
Edmund Mortimer, his son, was Earl of March, and after one and twenty years imprisonment in Wales, and elsewhere: he died without issue.  
Richard Plantagenet, Earl of Cambridge, was the son of Edmund of Langley, Duke of York, the fift son of King Edward the third) he married Anne. the sister and heir of the said Edmund, & daughter to the said last Earl Roger, and in her right, he was Earl of March, and they two had issue, Richard Duke of York, who was father to King Edward the fourth.  
Richard Plantagenet, son to Richard Earl of Cambridge, was Earl of March, and Duke of York, and had issue Edward the fourth.  
Edward his son was first, Earl of March, then by his Father's death, he was Duke of York, and by his victory at Barnet field he attained the Kingdom of England, and was King Edward the fourth.   

Mountgomery.  

K. ja.  SIr Philip Herbert Knight, the second son of Henry late Earl of Pembroke, and younger brother to William Lord Herbert now Earl of Pembroke, was by K. james created Earl of Mountgomery.   

Norfolk.  
RAlph Waer, at the time of the Conquest, was Earl of Norfolk, and Suffolk, and fled for treason.  

Conq.  Ralph Bygot, Precedent of the East Angles, was by the Conqueror, created Earl of Norfolk, but he was disherited for conspiring against him.  

H. 1.  Hugh Bygot, was by King Henry the first, created Earl of Norfolk,  
Roger Bygot, his son was Earl after him.  
Hugh Bygot, his son, was Earl of Norfolk.  
Roger Bygot, his son, succeeded in that Earldom.  
Roger Bygot, (his Nephew, vizt. the son of his brother Robert) was Earl of Norfolk, and died without issue.  

E. 2.  Thomas Plantagenet surnamed Brotherton, who was a younger son to King Edward the first, and brother to King Edward the second, was by his brother created Earl of Northfolk, he had one daughter and heir; who was named Margaret.  
john Lord Segraue married the said Margaret, & they two had issue Margaret, 
R. 2.  which Margaret was by King Richard the second created Duchess of Norfolk after her husband's death, and then she married john Lord Mowbray.  
Thomas Lord Mowbray, their son, 
R. 2.  was by King Richard the second created Earl of Nottingham, Martial of England, and Duke of Norfolk, he died without issue. He complained of Henry of Bullinbrooke to King Richard the second, and should have fought a combat with him, but died at Venice in his banishment.  
Thomas Lord Mowbray, his son, was never Duke of Northfolk, but was in his father's life time only Earl of Nottingham, and was executed for treason with Richard Scroop Archbishop of York by King Henry the fourth, and his brother john succeeded their father and was Marshal of England, Earl of Nottingham, and Duke of Norfolk.  
john Lord Mowbray, his son, was Earl of Nottingham, Warren, and Surrey, High Marshal of England, and Duke of Norfolk.  
john Lord Mowbray, his son, succeeded his father in all those honourable Dignities, he died, and had issue Anne.  
Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and second son to King Edward the fourth, was married in his childhood to the said Anne, and was in her right possessor of all those honours. But he was murdered by his Uncle King Richard the third, and died without issue. The said Anne also died without issue, whereby all the Lordships of the Mowbrays, by course of inheritance was devolved to john Lord Howard, and to William Lord Barkley.  
john Lord Howard, who by his mother's side, 
R. 3.  was descended from the before named Mowbrayes, was by King Richard the third created Duke of Norfolk, and lost his life in the said King's quarrel at Bosworth field. 
H. 8.   
Thomas Howard, his son, who by King Richard the third was made Earl of Surrey, was created Duke of Norfolk, by King Henry the eighth.  
Thomas Howard, his son, succeeded and was Duke of Northfolk.  
Thomas Howard, (the son of Henry, who was the son of the last Thomas Duke of Norfolk) was Duke of Norfolk, and Earl Martial of England. He was also (in the right of his wife Marie the eldest daughter of Henry Fitzallen) Earl of Arundel.   

Northumberland.  
MArcarus, at the time of the Conquest, was Earl of Northumberland and Lincoln, he with others kept the I'll of Wight against the Conqueror, and was taken, died in prison, and had no issue.  

Conq.  Robert de Cumine, was by the Conqueror created Earl of Northumberland, but was slain by the Northumber's.  

Conq.  Gospatrick, was created Earl of Northumberland by the Conqueror, but he took it from him again.  

Conq.  Waldrofe, was by the Conqueror created Earl of Northumberland, but lost his head for treason.  

Conq.  Walcher, Bishop of Durham, bought the Earldom of Northumberland of the Conqueror, and died without issue.  

Conq.  Robert de Mowbray, was by the Conqueror created Earl of Northumberland, but he rebelled, and lost it.  

Steph.  David, Prince of Scotland, son to King Malcolme the third, was Earl of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Huntingdon.  
Henry, his son (assoon as his father was King) enjoyed all those Earldoms.  
Malcolme, his son, was Earl of Northumberland, and of Cumberland, and Huntingdon.  
William, his brother, succeeded him in his Kingdom, and was Earl of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Huntingdon, he warred against King Henry the second, was taken Prisoner, ransomed, and lost those honours.  

R. 1  Hugh de Puddsey, Bishop of Durham, was by King Richard the first created Earl of Northumberland, and died without issue.  

R. 2.  Henry Percy, was by King Richard the second, created Earl of Northumberland, he was father to Henry surnamed Hotspurre, who was slain in their rebellion against King Henry the fourth.  

H. 5.  Henry, the son of Henry Hotspur, was by King Henry the fifth restored to the Earldom of Northumberland.  
Henry Percy his son, was Earl of Northumberland. He and his son Henry took part with King Henry the sixth, and in his quarrel he was slain at Towton field, but Henry his son fled with the king into Scotland.  
john, Lord Montacute, brother to Richard Earl of Warwick, was by king Edward the fourth created Earl of Northumberland, 
E. 4.  but the said Henry Percy obtained the king's favour, by his friend's mediation, so that john Lord Montacute surrendered his Patent to the King, And was created Marquis Montacute.  
Henry Percy, was by King Edward the fourth, 
E. 4.  restored to the Earldom of Northumberland, and was slain by the Common People there, because he levied a tax for the King which much displeased them.  
Henry Percy, Lord Percy, Crockermouth, Petworth, Poynings, Fitz-Payne, and Brian, his son succeeded and was Earl of Northumberland.  
Henry Percy, his son, enjoyed all those honourable titles and possessions, and died without issue.  
john Dudley, Earl of Warwick, and Viscount Lissle, Lord Basset & Ties, was created Duke of Northumberland by King Edward the sixth, and lost his head in the reign of Queen Mary.  
Thomas Percy, being the heir male of the house of the Earls Percies was restored by Queen Mary, 
Q. Ma.  to the Earldom of Northumberland, and for default of issue male of his body, it was entailed to his Brother Henry Percy, and to the heirs males of his body. And whilst Queen Elizabeth reigned, the said Thomas died without issue male.  
Henry Percy, his brother (according to the aforesaid entailement) was Earl of Northumberland and died.  
Henry Percy, his son, is now Lord of Petworth, Crockermouth, Poynings, Fitz-Paine, and Brian, and Earl of Northumberland.   

Nottingham,  
WIlliam Peverel, base son to the Conqueror, 
Conq.  was by him created Earl of Nottingham, and of Derby.  
William Peverel, his son, was Earl of Nottingham, and Derby.  
Robert, Earl of Ferrer in Normandy, 
K. Steph.  and Lord of Tedbery in Staffordshire, was by King Stephen created Earl of Nottingham.  
William his son, was Earl of Nottingham, and by King john, he was also created Earl of Derby.  
john de Mowbray, was by King Richard the second, 
R. 2.  created Earl of Nottingham, and died without issue.  
Thomas de Mowbray, his brother, was by K. Richard the second, 
R. 2.  first created Earl of Nottingham, and then Duke of Northfolk: he was challenged by Henry of Bullingbroke, Duke of Hereford, to a single combat, for his false reports to the King, and was banished, and died in his exile.  
Thomas Mowbray, his son, was Earl of Nottingham, and executed for treason with Richard Scroop, Archbishop of York, In the Reign of King Henry the fourth.  
john Mowbray, his brother, was by King Henry the sixth, created Earl of Nottingham, 
H. 6.  and Duke of Norfolk.  
john Mowbray, his son, was Earl of Nottingham, Warren, and Surrey, and Duke of Norfolk.  
john Mowbray, his son, enjoyed all those honours, and died without issue male.  

R. 3.  William, Lord Barkley, being one of his General heirs, was by King Edward the fourth, made Viscount Barkley, and by King Richard the third, he was created Earl of Nottingham, and by King Henry the seventh, Marquis Barkley.  
Henry Fitz-Roy, the base son of King Henry the eighth, and of Elizabeth Blount, was by the same King created Earl of Nottingham, 
H. 8.  and Duke of Richmond, and died without issue.  
Charles Lord Howard, of Effingham, was by King james, created Earl of Nottingham.   

Oxford.  
EDgar Atheling, (the son of Edward the Outlaw, who was the son of Edmund Ironside) was at the Conquest Earl of Oxford, and was by the Conqueror deprived of that honour.  

Mauld.  Awbrey de Vere, was by Mauld the Empress created, and by her son King Henry the second, confirmed Lord High Chamberlain of England in fee and Earl of Oxford.  
Awbrey de Vere, his son enjoyed those honours, and died in the days of King john, without issue.  
Robert de Vere, his brother was High Chamberlain of England, and Earl of Oxford, and sided with the Barons in their wars, against King john, when they took part with the Dolphin of France, by reason of the Pope's Curse.  
Hugh de Vere, his son, was high Chamberlain of England, and Earl of Oxford; he was Viscount Bolbeck, and Lord Samford.  
Robert de Vere, his son, succeeded in those Honours.  
Robert de Vere, his son, enjoyed the same, and died without issue.  
john de Vere, the son of Alphonsus de Vere, brother to the last Robert, was Lord Samford, Viscount Bolbeck, High Chamberlain of England, and Earl of Oxford.  
Thomas de Vere, his son, held all those honourable dignities.  
Robert de Vere, his son, being Lord Samford, Viscount Bolbeck, Earl of Oxford, and high Chamberlain of England, was by king Richard the Second, created Marquis of Dublin, and Duke of Ireland: he died without issue.  
Awbrey de Vere, his Uncle, was Lord Samford, Viscount Bolbeck, and Earl of Oxford: But the inheritance of his high Chamberlainship of England, he voluntarily surrendered to king Richard the Second, who gave it to his half brother, john Holland, Duke of Exeter.  
Richard de Vere, his son, was Lord Samford, Viscount Bolbeck, and Earl of Oxferd.  
john de Vere, his son, enjoyed those Honours: He and his eldest son Awbrey de Vere, were attainted, and executed in the time of king Edward the Fourth.  
john de Vere, his son, was by King Henry the Seventh, 
H. 7.  restored to the honours of Bolbeck, Samford, and Scales, was made high Chamberlain of England, and Earl of Oxford.  
john de Vere, his Nephew, by George his brother, succeeded him in all those Honours: and died without issue.  
john de Vere, the son of john de Vere, who was the son of Robert de Vere, who was brother to john de Vere, the twelfth Earl of Oxford, of that name, who was Father to the before named George, enjoyed all those dignities.  
john de Vere, being the heir male of that Family, was the sixth Earl of that Christian name: He was also Lord Samford, and Badilsmere, Viscount Bolbeck, and high Chamberlain of England.  
Edward de Vere, his son, enjoyed all those Honours.  
Henry de Vere, his son, is Lord Samford, and Badilsmere, Viscount Bolbeck, High Chamberlain of Engl ●d, and Earl of Oxford.   

Pembroke.  
WAlter Gifford, was by the Conqueror, 
Conq.  created Earl of Pembroke, and Buckingham.  
Walter Gifford, his son, succeeded and died without issue.  
Gilbert de Clare was by King Stephen created Earl of Pembroke.  
Richard de Clare, surnamed Strongbow, being his son, was Earl of Pembroke, and died without issue male.  

K. john.  William Martial, Earl Martial of England, was by King john created Earl of Pembroke.  
William Martial, his son, enjoyed all those honours, and died without issue.  
Richard Martial, his brother, succeeded him, and was slain, and died in Ireland without issue.  
Gilbert Martial, his brother, was Earl Martial, and of Pembroke, and died without issue.  
Walter Martial, his brother, was Earl Martial, and of Pembroke, and died without issue.  
William de Valentia, the son of King john's wife Isabel, and of her second husband Hugh de Brun, 
H. 3.  was by his half-brother King Henry the Third created Earl of Pembroke.  
Aymer de Valentia, his son, was Earl of Pembroke, and was by King Edward the First made Viceroy of Scotland, and died without issue.  
Laurence, Lord Hastings, was by King Edward the Third created Lord of Abergauenny and Earl of Pembroke.  
john Lord Hastings and Abergavenny, was Earl of Pembroke.  
john his son succeeded, and died without issue.  
Humphrey Plantagenet, the youngest son of King Henry the Fourth, 
H. 5.  and brother to King Henry the Fifth, was by his brother created Earl of Pembroke, and Duke of Gloucester. He was also Protector to his Nephew King Henry the Sixth, and died without issue.  

H. 6.  William de la Pole was by King Henry the Sixth created Earl of Pembroke, Earl, marquess, and Duke of Suffolk.  
jasper of Hatfield, the second son of Owen Tuthar, and of Queen Katherine his wife (widow to King Henry the Fifth) and being half-brother to King Henry the Sixth, 
H. 6.  was by him created Earl of Pembroke, and by King Henry the Seventh Duke of Bedford. He died without issue.  

E. 4.  William Herbert was by King Edward the Fourth made Lord of Cardisse, and Earl of Pembroke, and was slain at Banbarie field.  
William Herbert, his son, succeeded, and resigned the said Earldom to King Edward the Fourth.  
Edward the Prince, being son and heir apparent to King Edward the fourth, 
E 4.  was by his father created Earl of Pembroke, Flint, and March. He was King Edward the Fifth.  
Anne Bullen, 
H. 8.  who was afterwards married to King Henry the Eighth, was by him created marchioness of Pembroke, and lost her head.  
William Lord Herbert, son to Richard Herbert, who was brother to the last Earl William, 
E. 6.  was by King Edward the Sixth created Earl of Pembroke.  
Henry Lord Herbert, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
Williom Lord Herbert, his son, is Lord of Cardiff, Fitz-Hugh, Marmion, and S. Quintens, and Earl of Pembroke.   

Richmond.  
EVdo was by the Conqueror made Lord of Middleham and Earl of Richmond. 
Conq.   
Allen Fergaunt, surnamed The Red, being his son, was Lord of Middleham, and Earl of Britain, and of Richmond. He died without issue.  
Allen, surnamed The Black, being his brother, succeeded him, and died without issue.  
Stephen, his brother, possessed all those honours.  
Allen, his son, by descent enjoyed the said dignities.  
Conan, his son, succeeded him, and had issue, Constance.  
Geoffrey Plantagenet, the third son of King Henry the Second, married the said Constance, and was in her right Earl of Richmond.  
Arthur Plantagenet, his son, was Earl of Richmond, and died without issue.  
Ralphe Blundevile, being Count Palatine of Chester, 
K. john.  was by King john created Earl of Richmond.  
Peter Earl of Savoy, who built the Savoy, 
H. 3.  was by King Henry the Third created Earl of Richmond.  
john de Dreux, Duke of Britain, son to john the first Duke of Britain, was by King Edward the First created Earl of Richmond. 
E. 1.   
john de Dreux, his son, was Earl of Richmond.  
john de Dreux, his son, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Robert de Arthoys, sometimes Earl of Arthoys, but disinherited by Philip de Valois the French King, 
E. 3.  was by King Edward the Third created Earl of Richmond.  
john Plantagenet, the son of King Edward the Third, being surnamed john of Gaunt, being Duke of Lancaster, 
E. 3.  was by his father created Earl of Richmond.  
Henry of Bollingbroke, his son, was Duke of Lancaster and Hereford, and Earl of Richmond, until he was King Henry the Fourth.  
Ralphe Lord Nevil of Rabie Castle, the first Earl of Westmoreland, was by King Henry the Fourth created Earl of Pembroke for his life only. 
H. 4.   
john Plantagenet, Duke of Bedford, and brother to King Henry the Fifth, 
H. 4.  was by his father created Earl of Richmond. He died without issue.  

H. 6.  Edmund of Hadham, called Edmund Tuthar, the eldest son of Owen Tuthar, and of Queen Katherine his wife, the widow of King Henry the Fifth, and daughter to Charles the Sixth of France, and half brother to King Henry the Sixth, was by him created Earl of Richmond. He married Margaret the daughter and heir of john Beauford, marquess Dorset, and Duke of Somerset, who was the son of john Beauford, who was the son of john of Gaunt, by Katherine Swinsford his third wife, and had issue Henry, who was king Henry the Seventh.  
Henry Tuthar, their son, was Earl of Richmond, until he obtained the Crown, and was King Henry the Seventh.  

H. 8.  Henry Fitz-Roy, base son to King Henry the Eighth, was by him created Earl of Nottingham, and Duke of Richmond, and died without issue in the sixteenth year of his age.   

Rutland.  
EDward Plantagenet, the son of Edmund of Langley, the fifth son of King Edward the Third, and Duke of York, was by his cozen King Richard the Second created Earl of Rutland, 
R. 2.  and Duke of Albemarle. After his father's death he was Duke of York, and was slain at Agincourt field.  
Edmund Plantagenet, brother to Edward, who was afterward King Edward the Fourth, was Earl of Rutland, and died in his childhood, without issue, being slain.  

H. 8.  Thomas Manors, Lord Roos of Hamlake, Beluoyr, and Trusbut, was created Earl of Rutland by King Henry the Eighth.  
Henry Manors, his son, succeeded his said father.  
Edward Manors, his son, enjoyed those honours, and died without issue male.  
john Manors, his brother, succeeded him.  
Roger Manors, his son, enjoyed those honours, and died without issue.  
Sir Francis Manors, his brother, is now Lord Roos, Hamlake, and Trusbote, and Earl of Rutland.   

Rivers.  
RIchard Wooduile of Grafton, Knight, married jaquet the widow of john Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, and daughter to Peter of Luxenburgh, Earl of S. Paul. He was by King Henry the sixth made Lord Rivers. Afterwards king Edward the Fourth married his daughter, the Lady Elizabeth Grey, the widow of Sir john Grey deceased, by whom he was made Lord Treasurer of England, and Earl Rivers. He and his son john were slain by the Commons in an uproar.  
Anthony Wooduile, his son, being Lord Scales, and Earl Rivers, was by King Richard the Third beheaded unjustly at Pomfret Castle, and died without issue.  
Richard Wooduile, his brother, succeeded him in that Earldom, and died without issue.   

Salisbury.  
STephen Patrick of Eureux was by the Conqueror created Earl of Salisbury. 
Conq.   
William, his son, was Earl of Salisbury, and died without issue male.  
William Longspée, the base son of King Henry the Second, by the fair Rosamond Clifford his Concubine, 
R. 1.  was by King Richard the First, his half-brother, created Earl of Salisbury.  
William Longspee, his son, was Earl of Salisbury after his father, and was slain in the wars in the Holy Land.  
Henry Lacie was by King Henry the Third created Earl of Salisbury, 
H. 3.  and died without issue.  
Thomas Plantagenet, the son of Edmund Crowch-backe, being Earl of Lancaster, was also Earl of Salisbury, Leicester, and Lincoln, and died without issue.  
Henry Plantagenet, his brother, was Earl of Salisbury, Leicester, Lincoln, and Lancaster.  
Henry Plantagenet, his son, was created Duke of Lancaster. He was also inheritor to all those Earldoms. His daughter and heir, called Blanch, was married to john of Gaunt: and from them descended the house of the Lancastrians.  

E. 4.  William Montague, Lord of the I'll of Man, was by King Edward the Fourth created Earl of Salisbury.  
William Montague, his son, being Lord of the I'll of Man, and Lord Mounthermer, was also Earl of Salisbury, and died without issue.  
john Montague, son to Sir john Montague, brother to the said William, was Lord Mounthermer, and Earl of Salisbury. He with others conspired the death of King Edward the Fourth at Oxford, and was slain.  
Thomas Montague, his son, was Lord Mounthermer, and Earl of Salisbury.  
Richard Nevil, the second son of Ralphe Nevil, who was the first Earl of Westmoreland, 
H. 6.  married Alice the eldest daughter and coheir of the said Thomas, and was by King Henry the Sixth created Earl of Salisbury. He was taken prisoner in the battle of Wakefield, by Queen Margaret, wife to King Henry the Sixth, and lost his head.  
Richard Nevil, his son, was Earl of Salisbury, and of Warwick also in the right of Anne his wife, who was the daughter and heir of William Beauchampe Earl of Warwick. This was that great Earl of Warwick, who deposed and raised King Henry the Sixth, and was slain at Barnet Field by King Edward the Fourth.  
Richard Pole, a Knight of Wales, married Margaret Plantagenet, the daughter of George Duke of Clarence, brother to King Edward the Fourth, which the said George begot on Isabel the eldest daughter and coheir of the last Richard Earl of Warwick and Salisbury. She was by Parliament in the fifth year of King Henry the Eighth restored to those Earldoms: 
H. 8.  but in Parliament in the one and thirtieth year of King Henry the Eighth, she with Gerthrude the widow of Henry Courtney, marquess of Exeter, Reynold Pole Cardinal, being her son, and others, were attainted of treason, and she lost her head. She was the last of the name and royal stock of the Family of the Plantagenets, out of which had issued successively fourteen Kings of England.  
Robert Cecil, the second son of William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, and Treasurer of England, was by King james created Lord Cecil of Essendeu, in Rutlandshire, Viscount Cranborne, in Dorsetshire, and Earl of Salisbury.  
William Cecil, his son is now Lord of Essenden, Viscount Cranborne, and Earl of Salisbury.   

Shrewsburie.  
EDrick, a Saxon surnamed the wild, being Earl of Shrewsbury, was by the Conqueror disinherited.  
Roger de Mountgomery, Earl of Belesme, in Normandy, 
Conq.  was by the Conqueror made Earl of Arundel, and of Shrewsbury.  
Hugh de Mountgomery, his son, succeeded, and died without issue.  
Robert Mountgomery, his brother, being Earl of Shrewsbury, and of Arundel, was taken by king Henry the first, and deprived of his eyes.  
john, Lord Talbot, Strange, Blackmore, Furnivall, and Verdon, 
H. 6.  was by Henry the sixth, created Earl of Shrewsbury.  
john Talbot, his son succeeded in those honours.  
john Talbot, his son, was Lord, etc. and Earl of Shrewsbury.  
George Talbot, his son, was Lord, etc. and Earl of Shrewsbury.  
Francis Talbot, his son, was Lord, etc. and Earl of Salisbury.  
George, Lord Talbot, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
Gilbert, Lord Talbot, his son, is Lord Talbot, Strange, Blackmore, Furnival, and Verdon, and Earl of Shrewsbury.   

Somerset.  
OSmond, Bishop of Salisbury, was by the Conqueror, 
Conq.  made earl of Somerset.  
William de Mohun, was by King Henry the first, 
H. 1  created Earl of Somerset.  
Reynold de Mohun, in King john's time, 
K. joh.  received the inheritance of his Grandfather Earl William, and was created Earl of Somerset, he was disinherited by King Henry the third, because he took part against him with the Barons in their wars.  
john Beauford, the son of john of Gaunt, by Katherine Swinsford his thitd wife, was by King Richard the second, created Earl of Somerset, and Marques Dorset, but the latter of those two, he voluntarily did renounce.  

H. 5.  Henry Beauford, his son, was Earl after him.  
john Beauford, his brother, was created Earl of Somerset, by K. Henry the fifth.  

H. 6.  Edmund Beauford, his brother, was Earl of Somerset, and by king Henry the sixth, was created Marquis Dorset, and Duke of Somerset, and was slain at Saint Albon by Richard Duke of York.  
Henry Beauford, his son, was Duke of Somerset, he revolted from King H. the sixth, to King Edward the fourth, and afterward from King Edward the fourth, to King H. the sixth, and was by the Yorkish faction, taken Prisoner at Hexhamfield, and lost his head.  
Edmund Beauford, his brother, was Duke of Somerset, and being taken prisoner at Tewkisbery-field by king Edward the fourth, he lost his head, and had no issue.  

H. 7.  Edmund Tuther, a younger son to king Henry the seventh, was at five years of his age, created Duke of Somerset, and died without issue at that age.  
Henry Fitz-Roy, base son to king H. the eight, was created earl of Nottingham, and Duke of Somerset, and Richmond, and died without issue.  
Edward Seymour, Earl of Hartford, was by his Nephew King Edward the sixth, created Duke of Somerset, and lost his head.  
Sir Robert Car, was by king james created Viscount Rochester, & Earl of Somerset.   

Southampton.  
BEavoys, was (at the Conquest) Earl of Southampton.  

E. 1. H. 8.  William Gobion, was by king Edward the first, created Earl of Southampton, and died without issue male.  
William Fitz-William, was by King Henry the eight, created Earl of Southampton, and died without issue male.  

E. 6.  Thomas Wryothesley, Lord Chancellor of England, was by King Henry the eighth, created Baron of Tichfield in Hamshire, and by King Edward the sixth, he was created Earl of Southampton.  
Henry Wryothesley, his son, was Lord Tichfield, and Earl of Southampton.  
Henry Wryothesley, his son, is Lord Tichfield, and Earl of Southamton.   

Stafford.  
RAlph Stafford, was by King Edward the third, 
E. 3.  created Earl of Stafford.  
Hugh Stafford, his son succeeded in that Earldom.  
Thomas Stafford, his Grandchild, by Ralph his son, was Earl of Stafford.  
William Stafford, his brother, was Earl of Stafford after him.  
Edmund Stafford, his brother, was Earl and died without issue.  
Humphrey Stafford, his son, was Earl, and by king Henry the sixth, he was created Duke of Buckingham, and was slain in Yorkshire, in the said king's quarrel.  
Humphrey Stafford, his son, was dignified with those honours.  
Humphrey Stafford, his son, 
H. 7.  succeeded and was beheaded by king Richard the third.  
Edward Stafford, his son, was restored by king Henry the seventh, and lost his head in the reign of king Henry the eighth.   

Suffolk.  
RAlph Glandvile, Lord of Bromhelme, 
H. 2.  was by king Henry the second, created Earl of Suffolk.  
William Glandvile, his son, being Lord of Bromhelme was Earl of Suffolk.  
Gilbert Glandvile, his son, enjoyed those Honours.  
Ralph Glandvile, his son, was Lord Bromhelme, and Earl of Suffolk, and died without issue.  
William de Vessey, who married Mauld his Daughter and Heir, 
E. 2.  was by King Edward the second, created Earl of Suffolk.  
Robert de Vfford who married Sarah daughter and heir of the said William, was by King Edward the third, 
E. 3.  created Earl of Sufolke.  
William de Vfford, his son, being Lord of Eay, and Framlingham, was Earl of Suffolk.  
Michael de la Poole, a man more rich then honourably descended, 
R. 2.  was Chancellor to king Richard the second, 
R. 2.  and by him created Earl of Suffolk, and was banished as a corrupter of him, by his lewd counsel, he died with grief at Paris.  
Michael de la Poole, his son, was Lord Wingfield, and Earl of Suffolk, and died at the siege of Harflew.  
Michael de l● Poole, his son, succeeded his father, but died within one month after.  

H. 6.  William de la Poole, his brother was Lord Wingfield, and Earl of Suffolk, he was by king Henry the sixth, created Earl of Pembroke, than Marquis of Suffolk, and last of all Duke of Suffolk, he was banished, taken at Sea, and lost his head on a boats side.  
john de la Poole, his son, was Lord Wingfield, Earl of Pembroke, and Duke of Suffolk.  
Edmund de la Poole, his son was of a turbulent disposition, & in the fifth year of Henry the eighth, he was executed for treason.  

H. 7.  Charles Brandon, the son of Sir William Brandon, knight (who was Standard-bearer to the Earl of Richmond, in Bosworth field, & was slain by king Richard the third) was by Henry the seventh, made Viscount Lisle, 
H. 8.  and having married king Henry the eight his second sister Mary Queen Dowager of France, he was by Henry the eight created Duke of Suffolk.  
Henry Brandon, his son, was Earl of Lincoln, and Duke of Suffolk, and died without issue.  
Henry Grey, Lord Ferrer of Groby, Lord of Astley, Harington, & Bonvile, being also Marquis Dorset, and having married Francis who was one of the Daughters and coheirs of Charles Brandon, 
E 6.  was by king Edward the sixth, created Duke of Suffolk, and was attainted of treason whilst Queen Mary reigned: their daughter was the Lady jane, who married Guildford Dudley the fourth son of the Earl of Northumberland, 
K. ja.  who lost her head.  
Thomas Lord Howard, of Walden, second son to Thomas the last Duke of Norfolk, was by king james created Earl of Suffolk.   

Surrey.  

Rufus.  William Warren, Earl of Warren in Normandy, married one of the Conqueror's daughters named Goundred, and was by king William Rufus, created Earl of Surrey.  
William Warren, his son, succeeded and was Earl of Surrey.  
William Warren, his son, was Earl, and died without issue male.  
William de Blois, son to king Stephen, being Earl of Mortaigne, Bolloigne, and Eagle, and being Lord of Lancaster, married Isabel the daughter and heir of the last Earl William, and was in her right Earl of Surrey, and died without issue,  
Hamlyn Plantagenet, brother to king Henry the second, married the said Lady Isabel, and was in her right Earl of Surrey, and king Henry the second created him Earl of Warwick.  
William Plantagenet, their son, was Earl of Surrey, and of Warwick.  
john Flantagenet, his son, was Earl of Surrey, Warren, and Sussex, and died without issue male.  
john Flantagenet, his brother succeeded him in those Earldoms and died without issue.  
Edmund Fitz-allen, Earl of Arundel, married Alice the daughter of the aforesaid William, and was in her right Earl of Surrey, and of Warren.  
Richard Fitz-allen, their son was earl of Arundel, Surrey, and Sussex.  
Richard Fitz-allen, his son, was earl of Arundel, Surrey, and Sussex.  
Thomas Fitz-allen, his son, was earl of Surrey, Arundel, and Sussex, and died without issue.  
Thomas Holland, 
R. 2.  half brother to king Richard the second was by him created earl of Kent, and Duke of Surrey.  
Edmund Holland, his son, was earl and Duke.  
john, Lord Mowbray, son to the Duke of Norfolk, was descended from the earls of Warren and Surrey, 
H. 6.  and was by king Henry the sixth, dignified with those honours, and also after his father's death, he was Duke of Norfolk.  
Thomas Howard, the son of john Howard, 
R. 3.  whom King Richard the third had created Duke of Norfolk, was by the same King created earl of Surrey, and by king Henry the eighth, Duke of Norfolk.  
Thomas Howard, his son, 
E. 4.  by Anne daughter to king Edward the fourth, was by the same King created earl Marshal of England, and earl of Surrey.  
Henry Howard, earl of Surrey, was in his father's life time, attainted and executed and had issue Thomas.  
Thomas Howard, his son was Duke of Norfolk, 
Q. Ma.  and earl of Surrey, after his Grandfather's death, being restored by Q. Mary.  
Philip Howard, his son, was Earl of Surrey, and of Arundel.  
Thomas Howard, his son, is Earl of Arundel, and of Surrey.   

Sussex.  

H. 2.  WIlliam de Albaney, was Earl of Sussex, and of Arundel, by his marriage with Queen Adeliza, the widow of king H. the first, which Earldoms were her jointure, and those honours were given to him by king Henry the second.  
William de Albaney, their son succeeded and was Earl.  
William de Albaney, his son, was Earl of Sussex, and of Arundel.  
William de Albaney, his son, succeeded his father.  
Hugh de Albaney, his brother enjoyed those Earldoms, and died without issue.  
john Plantagenet, the seventh Earl of Surrey, was Earl of Sussex, and died without issue male.  
john Plantagenet, his brother enjoyed those honours, and died without issue.  

H. 8.  Robert Ratclife Lord Fitzwater, Egremount and Burnel, was by King Henry the eighth, created Viscount Fitzwater, and Earl of Sussex.  
Henry Ratclife, his son, enjoyed all those honours.  
Thomas Ratclife, his son, was Lord, Viscount, and Earl, and died without issue.  
Henry Ratclife, his brother succeeded in those dignities.  
Robert Ratclife, his son, is Lord Egremount and Burnel, Viscount Fitz-water, and Earl of Sussex.   

Warwick.  
TArquinius, a Saxon, was Earl of Warwick at the Conquest, he was banished and died without issue.  

Conq.  Henry Beaumont, alias Newburgh (brother to Robert Earl of Millent, and of Leicester) was by the Conqueror created Earl of Warwick.  
Roger Beaumont, alias Newburgh his son was Earl of Warwick.  
William Beaumont, alias Newburgh, his son, was Earl of Warwick.  
Walteran Beaumont, alias Newburgh, his brother, was Earl of Warwick after him.  
Henry Beaumont, alias Newburgh, his son, was Earl of Warwick.  
Thomas Beaumont, alias Newburgh, his son, succeeded his father.  
john Marshal married Margery the sister and heir of the said Thomas, and was Earl of Warwick in her right, but died without issue.  
john de Plessetis, the second husband of the said Margery, was in her right Earl of Warwick.  
Hugh de Plessetis, their son, succeeded, and died without issue.  
William Maledoctus, otherwise Manduyt, Lord of Hanslop, cozen and heir to the said Margery, Countess of Warwick, was Earl of Warwick, and died without issue.  
William de Beauchampe married Isabel, sister and heir to the said William, and had issue, William.  
William Beauchampe, their son, was Earl of Warwick.  
Guido de Beauchampe, his son, succeeded his father.  
Thomas de Beauchampe, his son, was Earl of Warwick.  
Thomas de Beauchampe, his son, was Earl of Warwick.  
Richard de Beauchampe, his son, was Earl of Warwick. He was Lieu-tenant of Munster in Ireland, and a great Warrior in France in the days of King Henry the Fifth, and King Henry the Sixth.  
Henry Beauchampe, his son, was Earl of Warwick, and by King Henry the Sixth he was created Duke of Warwick. 
H. 6.  He died without issue male.  
Richard Nevil, the eldest son of Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury, married Anne the daughter and heir of Richard Beauchampe, and was (in her right) Earl of Warwick. He is termed, The great Earl of Warwick: for he was so powerful, that he advanced King Edward the Fourth, deposed King Henry the Sixth, and made him King again; but was at last slain by King Edward the Fourth at Barnet Field.  
George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, and brother to King Edward the Fourth, married Isabel, the eldest daughter of the said Earl Richard, and was (in her right) Earl of Warwick. They had issue, Edward, who was beheaded by King Henry the Seventh, and Margaret, married to Sir Richard Pole. She lost her head in the one and thirtieth year of the reign of King Henry the Eighth.  
Edward Plantagenet, their son, was Earl of Warwick. He lived a prisoner from his infancy, and was beheaded by King Henry the Seventh, because he sought to escape with Perkin Warbeck out of the Tower: and died without issue.  
john Dudley, Lord Somery, Basset, and Tays, and Viscount Lisle, was by King Edward the Sixth created Earl of Warwick, 
E. 6.  and Duke of Northumberland. But in Queen Mary's days he lost his head.  
john Dudley, his son, died in his father's life time, but was Earl of Warwick, and had issue, Ambrose.  
Ambrose Dudley, his son, was Lord Somery, Basset, and Tays, and Earl of Warwick, and died without issue.   

Westmoreland.  
RAlphe Nevil, Lord Nevil of Rabie Castle, Standrop, and Branspeth, was by King Richard the Second created Earl of Westmoreland.  
Ralphe Nevil, his grandchild, viz. the son of Sir john Nevil, was Lord Nevil of Rabie, Standrop, Branspeth, Warkworth, and Sherrie-hutton, and was Earl of Warwick.  
Ralphe Nevil, his Nephew, by Sir john Nevil his brother, succeeded his uncle in all those honours.  
Ralphe Nevil, his grandchild, by Ralphe Lord Nevil his son, enjoyed those Lordships, and was the fourth Earl of Westmoreland.  
Henry Nevil, his son, was Lord Nevil of Rabie, Standrop, Branspeth, Warkley, Sherrie-hutton, and Middleham, and Earl of Westmoreland.  
Charles Nevil, his son, succeeded in all those honours, and was in the reign of Queen Elizabeth attainted of Treason (by Parliament) with others.   

Wiltshire.  

R. 2.  WIlliam le Scrope was an evil Counsellor to King Richard the Second, and was by him created Earl of Wiltshire. But he lost his head.  
Aymer Butler, the son and heir apparent of james Butler, the fourth Earl of Ormond in Ireland, 
H. 6.  was by King Henry the Sixth created Earl of Wiltshire. He died without issue.  
john Stafford, the younger son of Humphrey the first Duke of Buckingham, was by K. Edward the Fourth created Earl of Wiltshire. 
E. 4.   
Edward Stafford, his son, was Earl after him, and died without issue.  
Henry Stafford, of the house of Buckingham, 
H. 8.  was by King Henry the Eighth created Earl of Wiltshire.  
Thomas Bullen was by King Henry the Eighth made Viscount Bullen, and Earl of Wiltshire. 
H. 8.  He was father to Queen Anne Bullen, and grandfather to Queen Elizabeth.  
William Pawlet was by King Henry the Eighth made Lord S. john of Basin, 
E. 6.  and by King Edward the Sixth he was created Earl of Wiltshire, and marquess of Winchester.  
john Lord S. john, his son, enjoyed all those honours.  
William Pawlet, his son, succeeded his father, and was Lord S. john of Basin, Earl of Wiltshire, and marquess of Winchester.  
William Pawlet, his son, is Lord S. john of Basin, Earl of Wiltshire, and marquess of Winchester.   

Winchester.  
CLyton, a Saxon, was at the Conquest Earl of Winchester, and was banished, and died without issue.  
Saer de Quincy, Lord Quincy of Groby, 
K. john.  was by King john created Earl of Winchester.  
Ralphe Quincy, his son, was Earl after him, and died without issue male.  
Hugh, Lord le Despencer, 
E. 2.  was by King Edward the Second created Earl of Winchester, and died without issue, being beheaded.  
Lewis de Burgh, a Burgundian, and Lord of Granthouse, was by King Edward the Fourth in Parliament created Earl of Winchester, 
E. 4.  because he had highly favoured and relieved King Edward when he fled from the great Earl of Warwick, and from King Henry the Sixth. This Earldom he afterwards surrendered to King Henry the Seventh.  
William Pawlet was by King Henry the eighth made Lord S. john of Basin, and by King Edward the Sixth Earl of Wiltshire, 
E. 6.  and marquess of Winchester.  
john Pawlet, his son, succeeded in those honours.  
William Pawlet succeeded, and was Lord, Earl, and marquess.  
William Pawlet, his son, is Lord S. john of Basin, Earl of Wiltshire, and marquess of Winchester.   

Worcester.  

Rufus.  VRsus de Abtot was by King William Rufus created Earl of Worcester.  
Walteran de Beaumont, Earl of Millent in Normandy, was by King Stephen created Earl of Worcester. 
K. Steph.   
Thomas Percy, brother to Henry, the first Earl of Northumberland, 
R. 2.  was by King Richard the Second created Earl of Worcester. He conspired with his Nephew, Henry Hotspurre, against King Henry the Fourth, and lost his head.  

H. 5.  Richard Beauchampe was by King Henry the Fifth created Earl of Worcester, and died without issue male.  

H. 6.  john, Lord Tiptost, was by King Henry the Sixth created first Viscount, and then Earl of Worcester, but was beheaded for taking part against the said King, with Edward Earl of March, who was afterwards king Edward the Fourth.  

E. 4.  Edward Tiptost, his son, was by King Edward the Fourth restored to his Viscountship, and to the Earldom of Worcester, and died without issue.  

H. 8.  Charles Somerset, Lord Herbert and Gower, was by King Henry the eighth created Earl of Worcester.  
Henry Somerset, his son, was Lord Herbert, Chepstow, Ragland, and Gower, and was also Earl of Worcester.  
William Somerset, his son, succeeded in all those honours.  
Edward Somerset, his son, is Lord Herbert, Chepstow, Gower, and Ragland, and Earl of Worcester.   

York.  
EDrick, a Saxon, was Earl of York at the Conquest. He lost his eyes, and died a prisoner.  

H. 1.  Robert Escovyle was by King Henry the First created Viscount of York.  
Robert Escovyle, his son, was Viscount of York.  
Edmund Plantagenet, otherwise Edmund of Langley, the fifth son of King Edward the Third, 
R. 2.  was by his father created Earl of Cambridge: and by his Nephew, King Richard the Second, he was made Duke of York.  
Edward Plantagenet, his son, was Earl of Rutland, and Duke of Albemarle, and of York, and was slain at Agincourt Field.  
Richard Plantagenet, his brother, another of the sons of the said Edmund, was Earl of Cambridge, March, and Clare.  
Richard Plantagenet, his brother, was Duke of York, etc. and was father to King Edward the Fourth, and was slain in the wars against King Henry the Sixth.  
Edward, his son, was Earl of March and Ulster, and Duke of York. He deposed King Henry the Sixth, and was himself King Edward the Fourth.  
Richard Plantagenet, his younger son, was Duke of York, 
E. 4.  and was with his brother King Edward the Fifth murdered in the Tower by king Richard the Third.  
Henry Tuthar, the second son of King Henry the Seventh, 
H. 7.  was by his father created Duke of York, and himself was King Henry the Eighth.  
Charles Stewart, the only son, and heir apparent of the illustrious Prince, King james the First, is now Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, York, and Rossay, and Earl Palatine of Chester.    

The Nobility of ENGLAND, ranked according to their degrees and creations.  
THe marquess of Winchester.  

EARLS.  
1 Earl of Arundel.  
2 Earl of Oxford.  
3 Earl of Northumberland.  
4 Earl of Shrewesburie.  
5 Earl of Kent.  
6 Earl of Derby.  
7 Earl of Worcester.  
8 Earl of Rutland.  
9 Earl of Cumberland.  
10 Earl of Sussex.  
11 Earl of Huntingdon.  
12 Earl of .  
13 Earl of Southampton.  
14 Earl of Bedsord.  
15 Earl of Penbroke.  
16 Earl of Hartford.  
17 Earl of Essex.  
18 Earl of Lincoln.  
19 Earl of Nottingham.  
20 Earl of Suffolk.  
21 Earl of Northampton.  
22 Earl of Dorset.  
23 Earl of Salisbury.  
24 Earl of Exeter.  
25 Earl of Mountgomerie.   

VICECOUNTS'.  
1 VIcecount Montague.  
2 viscount Lisley.  
3 viscount Rochester.  
4 viscount Cramborne.   

BARONS.  
1 LOrd Abergavennie.  
2 Lord Audeley.  
3 Lord Zouch.  
4 Lord Willoughby of Eresbie.  
5 Lord Laware.  
6 Lord Barkley.  
7 Lord Morley.  
8 Lord Stafford.  
9 Lord Scroop.  
10 Lord Dudley.  
11 Lord Sturton.  
12 Lord Herbert of Chepstow.  
13 Lord Darcy of the North.  
14 Lord Mounteagle.  
15 Lord Sands.  
16 Lord Vaux.  
17 Lord Wyndsor.  
18 Lord Wentworth.  
19 Lord Mordant.  
20 Lord Cromwell.  
21 Lord Euers.  
22 Lord Wharton.  
23 Lord Rich.  
24 Lord Willoughby of Parham.  
25 Lord Sheffield.  
26 Lord Paget.  
27 Lord Darcy of Chiche.  
28 Lord Howard of Effingham.  
29 Lord North.  
30 Lord Chandos.  
31 Lord Hunsdon.  
32 Lord S. john of Bletsho.  
33 Lord Burleigh.  
34 Lord Compton.  
35 Lord Norris.  
36 Lord Howard of Walden.  
37 Lord Knowles.  
38 Lord Wotton.  
39 Lord Elsmer, Lord Chancellor of England.  
40 Lord Russell.  
41 Lord Grey of Groby.  
42 Lord Peter.  
43 Lord Harrington.  
44 Lord Danvers.  
45 Lord Gerard.  
46 Lord Spencer.  
47 Lord Say and Sele.  
48 Lord Denny.  
49 Lord Stanhope.  
50 Lord Carew.  
51 Lord Arundel of Warden.  
52 Lord Cavendish.  
53 Lord Knyuet.  
54 Lord Clifton.    

The names of Baronet's made by his Majesty at several times, as followeth.  

1 SIr Nicholas Bacon, of Redgrave, in the County of Suff. Knight.  
2 Sir Richard Molleneux, of Sefton, in the County of Lancaster, knight.  
3 Sir Thomas Manucel, of Margan, in the County of Clamorgan, knight.  
4 George Shirley, of Staunton, in the County of Leicester, Esquire.  
5 Sir john straddling, of S. Donats, in the County of Clamorgan, knight.  
6 Sir Francis Leake, of Sutton, in the County of Derby, knight.  
7 Thomas Pelham, of Laughton, in the County of Sussex, Esquire.  
8 Sir Thomas Howghton, of Howghton Tower in the County of Lancaster, knight.  
9 Sir Henry Hobart, of Intwod, in the County of Northfolk, knight.  
10 Sir George Booth, of Dunham massy, in the County of Chester, knight.  
11 Sir john Payton, of Iselham, in the County of Cambridge knight.  
12 Lyonel Talmach, of Helmingham, in the County of Suffolk, Esquire.  
13 Sir Gervase Clifton, of Clifton in the County of Notting● knight.  
14 Sir Thomas Gerard, of Bryn, in the County of Lancaster, knight.  
15 Sir Walter Aston, of Tyxhal, in the County of Stafford, knight.  
16 Sir George Trenchard, of Wolu●ton in the County of Dors. king.  
17 Philip Knevit, of Buckinham, in the County of Northfolk, Esquire.  
18 Sir john Strangewayes of Melbury, in the County of— knight.  
19 Sir john S. john of Lydeard Tregos●, in the County of Wiltesh. kt.  
20 john Shelley, of Michelgrove, in the County of Sussex, Esquire.   

1 SIr john Savage, of Rock-savage, in the County of Chest. knight.  
2 Sir Francis Barrington, of Barrington Hall in Essex, Knight.  
3 Henry Barkley, of Wymondham, in the County of Leicest. Esquire.  
4 William Wentworth, of Wentworth Woodhouse, in the County of York Esquire.  
5 Sir Richard Musgrave, of Hartley Castle in the County of Westmoreland, knight.  
6 Edward Seymor of Bury Castle, in the County of Devon. Esquire.  
7 Sir moil Fince, of Castwel, in the County of Kent, knight.  
8 Sir Anthony Coap, of Hanwel, in the County of Oxford, knight.  
9 Sir Thomas Vavasor, of Skellingthorp, in the County of Lincoln, knight.  
10 George Greysley, of Drakelow, in the County of Derby, Esquire.  
11 Paul Tracy, of Stanway, in the County of Gloster, Esquire.  
12 Sir john Wentworth, of Gosfield, in the County of Essex, knight.  
13 Sir Henry Bellasis, of Newborough, in the County of York, Knight.  
14 William Constable, of Flamborough, in the County of York, Esquire.  
15 Sir Thomas Leigh, of Stoneley, in the County of Warw. knight.  
16 Sir Edward Noel, of Brook, in the County of Rutland, knight.  
17 Sir Robert Cotton, of Cunnington, in the County of Huntingdon, Knight.  
18 Sir Robert Cholmondleigh, of Cholmondleigh, in the County of Chester, knight.  
19 john Molleneux of Tevershalt, in the County of Notting. Esquire.  
20 Sir Francis Wortley, of Wortley, in the County of York, knight.  
21 Sir George Savile, the elder of Thornhil, in the County of York, knight.  
22 William Knyneton, of Myrraston, in the County of Darb. Esquire:  
23 Sir Philip Woodhouse, of Kemberley Hall, in the County of Norfolk, knight.  
24 Sir William Pope, of Wilcot, in the County of Oxford, knight.  
25 Sir james Harington, of Ridlington, in the County of Rutl. knight.  
26 Sir Henry Savile, of Metherley, in the County of York, knight.  
27 Henry Willoughby, of Ryseley, in the County of Derby, Esquire.  
28 Sir Robert Dormer, of Wing, in the County of Bucking. knight.  
29 Lodowick Tresham, of Rushton, in the County of Northampton. Esq.  
30 Thomas Blundevel of Dene, in the County of Northampt. Esquire.  
31 Sir George Saint Paul of Snacrefford in the County of Lincoln, knight.  
32 Sir Philip Tirwhite of Stamesfield, in the County of Linc. knight.  
33 Sir Roger Dallison, of Lawghton, in the County of Linc. knight.  
34 Sir Edward Car, of Slesford, in the County of Lincoln, knight.  
35 Sir Edward Hussey, of Hommington, in the County of Lincoln, knight  
36 Le Strange Mordont, of Massingham parva, in the County of Norfolk, Esquire.  
37 Thomas Bendish, of Steeple Bamsteed, in the County of Essex, Esq  
38 Sir john Winne, of Guidder, in the County of Carnarvan, knight.  
39 Sir William Throgmorton, of Tortworth, in the County of Gloucester, knight.  
40 Sir Richard Worsley, of Appl. dorcombe, in the County of Southampton, knight.  
41 john Read of Mitton in the County of Worcester, Esquire.  
42 Richard Fleetwood, of Calwish, in the County of Stafford, Esquire.  
43 Thomas Spencer, of Y●●●●ngton, in the County of Oxford, Esq  
44 Sir john Tuffton, of Hothefield, in the County of Kent knight.  
45 Sir samuel Payton, of Knowleton in, the County of Kent knight.  
46 Sir Charles Morrison, of Coshiobury, in the County of Hertford, knight.  
47 Sir Henry Baker, of Sissingburst, in the County of Kent knight.  
48 Roger Appleton, of Southbemflete, in the County of Essex Esquire.  
49 Sir William Sidley, of Alisford, in the County of Kent knight.  
50 Sir William Twisden, of East Peckham, in the County of Kent, Knight.  
51 Sir Edward Hales, of Woodchurch, in the County of Kent, knight.  
52 William Monings, of Walwarcher, in the County of Kent, Esquire.  
53 Thomas Mildemay, of Masham, in the County of Essex, Esquire.  
54 Sir Will. Mainard, of Easton parva, in the County of Essex, knight.  
55 Henry Lee, of Quarrendam, in the County of Bucking. Esquire.   

1 IOhn Portman, of Orchard, in the County of Somerset, Esquire.  
2 Sir Nicholas Saunderson, of Saxby, in the County of Lin. knight.  
3 Sir Miles Sands of Willerton, in the I'll of Elie.  
4 William Goswick, of Willington, in the County of Bedf. Esquire,  
5 Thomas Puckering of Weston, in the County of Hartford, Esquire.  
6 john W●ay, of Glentworth, in the County of Lincoln, Esquire.  
7 Sir William Ayloffes, of Braxsteed magna in the County of Essex, Knight.  
8 Sir Marmaduke Wyvell, of Constable Burton, in the County of York, Knight.  
9 john Peshall, of Horsley in the County of Stafford, Esquire.  
10 Francis Inglefield of Wotton Basset, in the County of Wilt. Esquire.  
11 Sir Thomas Ridgway of Torre, in the County of Devon. Knight.  
12 William Essex, of Beaucot, in the County of Berk. Esquire.  
13 Sir Edward Gorges, of Langford, in the County of Wilt. Knight.  
14 Edward Devereux, of Castle Bramwide, in the County of Warwick, Esquire.  
15 Sir Reynold Methum, of Buckconnock, in the County of Cornwall, Knight.  
16 Sir Thomas Holte, of Aston, near Brimingham, in the County of Warwick Knight.  
17 Sir Harbotle Grimston, of _____ in the County of Essex, Knight.   Honour virtutis praemium. 

john Speed, 5.  Bishoprics. Counties subject to their several jurisdictions. Parishes in each several Bishopric. Canterbury Arch. Bish. Kent. 257 Rochester. 98 London. 

Essex,  
Middlesex,  
Hertfordshire part   623 Lincoln. 

Lincolnshire,  
Leicestershire,  
Huntingdon,  
Bedfordshire,  
Buckinghamshire,  
Hertfordshire part.   1255 Chichester. 

Hertfordshire part,  
Sussex.   250 Winchester. 

Hamshire,  
Surrey,  
Weight Isle,  
Gernsey Isle,  
jersey Isle.   362 Salisbury. 

Wiltshire,  
Berkshire.   248 Exeter. 

Devon,  
Cornwall,  
Exeter City.   623 Bath and Wells. Somerset. 388 Gloucester. Glocestershire. 267 Worcester. 

Worcestershire,  
Warwickshire part   241 Lichfield and Coventrey. 

Warwickshire part  
Staffordshire,  
Darbyshire,  
Shropshire part.   557 Hereford. 

Shropshire part.  
Herefordshire.   313 Ely. 

Cambridgeshire,  
Ely Isle.   141 Norwich. 

Norfolk,  
Suffolk.   1121 Oxford. Oxfordshire. 195 Peterborough 

Northamptonshire  
Rutlandshire.   293 Bristol. 

Dorsetshire,  
Bristol.   236 Landaff. 

Glamorganshire,  
Monmothshire,  
Brecknockshire,  
Radnorshire.   177 S. David. 

Pembrokeshire,  
Caermardenshire.   308 Bangor. 

Caernervonshire,  
Anglesey Isle,  
Merioneth, and  
Denbighshire part.   107 S. Assaph. 

Denbighshire part.  
Flintshire part.   121  

York Province.  Bishoprics. Counties subject to their several jurisdictions. Parishes in each several Bishopric. York Archbish. 

Yorkshire,  
Nottinghamshire.   581 Chester. 

Chesshire,  
Richmondshire,  
Cumberland part,  
Lancashire,  
Flintshire part.   256 Carelyell. 

Cumberlandshire part.  
Westmoreland.   93 Durham. 

Durham,  
Northumberland,  
Man Isle,   135  
Bishoprics in England and Wales Shires in England and in Wales Parishes in England and in Wales 26. 63. 8083.  


john Speed, 801.  At the time of the first dissolving of Religious houses in England, there were  

Archbishoprics and Bishoprics, 21.  
Deaneries, 11.  
archdeaconry, 60.  
Dignities and Prebends in Cathed: Churches, 364.  
Benefices, 8803.  
Religious Houses, 65:  
Hospitals, 110.  
Colleges, 96.  
chantries and free-Chappells, 2374.  
Their Rates were per annum 320180.    

A Table containing the provisions of the Spanish Armado, against England, in Anno Domini 1588. & Anno ELIZ. REG. 30.  
Leaders Provinces aiding. Galliass and galleons Ships and Hulks. Pinnaces and caravels Great Ordinance. sailors. Soldiers. Galley slaves. 
john Speed, 858. Richard Hakluyt.  D. Medina Sidonia. Portugal. 10 2  300 1300 3300  Diego de Mandrana. Portugal. 4   20 360  888 joh. Martynes de Richaldes. Biscai, 10  4 250 700 2000  Michael de Oquendo, Guipusco, 10  4 310 700 2000  Pedro de Valdez, Andolozia. 10  1 280 800 2400  Martin de Vertendona, Italy, 10   310 800 2000  Diego Floris de Valdez, C●stile 14  2 380 1700 2400  john Lopez de Medina, Medina,  23  400 700 3200  Hugo de Moncado. Naples 4   200 460 870 1200 Antonio Buccado. Mendoza.  22  193 574 488   

Shires in England.  
BArkeshire.  
Bedfordshire.  
Buckinghamshire.  
Cambridgeshire.  
Cheshire.  
Cornwall.  
Cumberlandshire.  
Darbyshire.  
Devonshire.  
Dorsetshire.  
Durham, B.  
Essex.  
Gloucester.  
Hampshire.  
Herefordshire.  
Hertfordshire.  
Huntingtonshire.  
Kent.  
Lancaster.  
Le●●istershire.  
Lincolnshire  
Middlesex.  
Northamptonshire.  
Norfolk.  
Northumberland.  
Nottinghamshire.  
Oxfordshire.  
Rutlandshire.  
Shropshire.  
Somersetshire.  
Staffordshire.  
Suffolk.  
Surrey.  
Sussex.  
Warwick.  
Westmoreland.  
Wiltshire.  
Worcestershire.  
Yorkshire.   

Shires in Wales.  
ANglesey.  
Brecknock.  
Carmarden.  
Carnarvan.  
Cardigan.  
Denbigh.  
Flint.  
Clamorgan.  
Merioneth.  
Monmoth.  
Mountgomery.  
Pembroke.  
Radnor.    

The battle betwixt the Conqueror, 
1. Conq.  and King Harold, was stricken the 14 of October 1066. in which were slain about 68000 English men. Speed, 415- and almost above 6000. Stow. 128.  
48 H. 3. Lewis. 1263 49 H. 3. Euersham. 1264 25 Edw. 1. Barwick. 1296 7 Edw. 2. Estrivelin. 1313 13 Edw. 2. Burgh-bridge. 1320 27 Edw. 2. Fanrike. 1298 20 Edw. 3. Cressey. 1345 30 Edw. 3. poitiers. 1355 3 H. 4 Shrewsbury. 1401 3 H. 5. Agincourt. 1414 9 H. 5. Blangy. 1420 3 H. 6. Vernoyle. 1423 6 H. 6. Herring. 1427 34 H. 6. Saint Albon. 1456 37 H. 6. Bloarheath. 1459 38 H. 6. Northampton. 1460 39 H. 6. Wakefield. 1460 39 H. 6. Saint Albon. 1460 39 H. 6. Towton 1460 in which were 109000. Englishmen and of them were slain 37000. men. 2 Edw. 4. Exham. 1462 8 Edw. 4. Banbery. 1468 8 Edw. 4. Looscotes. 1468 in it 10000 men were slain. 10 Edw. 4. Barnet. 1470 in it were slain 10000 men. 10 Edw. 4. Tewksbury. 1470 3 Rich. 3. Bosworth. 1485 3 H. 7. Stoke. 1487 5 H. 7. Fongiers. 1488 12 H. 7. Blackheath. 1496 5 H. 8. Flodden. 1513 34 H. 8. Solemn Mass. 1542    

Especial notes worthy of observation.  

13 H. 1. The first parliament was in Anno 1112  
19 H. 2. Ireland was conquered in Anno 1172  
4 johannis, Normandy was lost by King john 1202  
43 H. 3. and the title thereto released 1258  
11 E. 1. Wales was subdued Anno 1283  
25 E. 1. Scotland surrndred to King E. the third as to the supreme Lord thereof. 1296  
19 E. 3 The order of the Garter devised 1344  
14 E. 3. England first quartered the arms of France 1339  
21 E. 3. Calais was won in Anno 1346  
5 Mariae. Calais was lost in Anno 1557  
34 E. 3. The French title on Composition was released 1359  
5 H. 5 Normandy was won in Anno 1416  
8 H. 5 King H. the fifth was proclaimed heir apparent and Regent of France in Anno 1419  
10 H. 6. Henry the sixth was crowned King of France in the City of Paris. 1431  
27 H. 6. France was lost in Anno 1449  
28 H. 6. Normandy was lost in Anno 1449  
31 H. 6. Aquitaine, etc. were lost in Anno 1453  
4 R. 2. Wat Tylors rebellion 1380  
29 H. 6. jack Cades Rebellion 1450  
4 H. 8. Navarre surprised by the Spaniards 1512    

A TABLE FOR THE READY finding of all the material things which are contained in the Histories of the before named TWENTY KINGS.  

A  
ADela. 8  
Affability. 297  
Agincourt. 182  
Aid pur file marrier. 23  
Albany Duke forsakes Scotland. 398  
Alexander King of Scots. 81  
Ambush. 184  
Anne Bullen. 389. 403  
Anne of Cleve. 408  
Anselmus. 14. 15. 20  
Appeals to Rome. 14. 54  
Appleyard. 362  
Archb. strive. 7  
Archers. 184  
Arms of France. 109  
Arms of London. 140  
Armies great. 182. 235. 260. 145  
Armies. 3. in France. 361  
Armies afflicted. 98  
Armies two in France. 416  
Arthur Plantagenet. 51  
He is drowned. 53  
Articles of peace. 129. 200. 286 335  
Articles against King Richard the Second. 156  
Articles against King Henry the Fourth. 169  
Articles against the Duke of Somerset. 244  
Articles against the Clergy. 381. 404  
Articles against Wolsey. 383  
Arundel beheaded. 100  
Arundel Archb. 144  
Ask. Robert. 406  
Assifes. 34  
Auricular confession. 58  
Awdley. 254   

B  
BAgot. 155  
Bailiol. 82. 83  
Banishment. 86. 91 95. 152. 150 154. 157. 246  
Bardolph. 173. 365  
Barkley. 362. 365. 396  
Barons wars. 66. Distressed, 58. Overthrown, 72. 74. 96. Executed, 97  
Barns. Lord. 365  
Basset. 69  
Battles of The Conqueror, in which were slain of the English 67974. and of the Normans 6013. 

john Stow, pag. 128.  
Nice. 22  
Lewis. 72. 74  
Euersham. 74  
Fanrike. 85  
Estryulin. 93  
Cressey. 119  
poitiers. 126  
Shrewesburie. 191  
Agincourt. 182  
Blangy. 206  
Vernoyle. 215  
Herring. 221  
S. Albon. 250  
Bloarheath. 254  
Wakefield. 259  
Northampton. 257  
Exham. 264  
Banburie. 271  
Loose-coats. 273  
Barnet. 280  
Tewkesburie. 283  
Bosworth. 324  
Stoke. 331  
Blackheath. 344  
Flodden. 363    
Beauchampe. 231. 233  
Beauchamp Duke of Warwick. 237  
Beaumont. 183. 257  
Becket, and his doings. 37. etc.  
Belasme. 20  
Benevolence. 284. 335. 374. 417.  
Betrayed. 301  
Bishop made an Earl. 10  
Blunt. 254  
Body of King Edward the Fourth. 178  
Bold. 363  
Bolleyn, 336. taken. 417  
Bolleyn. Anne. 389. 403  
Bolleyn. Sir Tho. 365  
Bolleyn. Lord Rochfort. 400  
Bollingbroke in Arms. 155  
Boothe. 363  
Booty, rich. 396  
Borrowing. 109  
Bounty. 45. 18. 121. 128 186. 288  
Bourchier. 198. 282. 233 363. 344. 392  
Brandon. 325. 365 Is valiant in France. 396  
Brandon, Henry Earl of Lincoln. 400  
Breast yielded up. 151  
Brearton. 363  
Brembere. 147. 149  
Bribery. 99  
Bristol. 100  
Britain.  
Brooke, Lo. Cobham. 248 256. Lo. Brooke. 392  
Buckingham Duke. 257  
Buckingham Duke beheaded. 393  
Buildings of Forts. 4. 28  
Bulls from Rome. 68 69 387  
Bull, Sir Stephen. 362  
Bulmer. 362. 406  
Bourbon ransomed. 227  
Burgh, Lord. 62  
Burgoine, 285. is angry, 286  
Burial denied. 8  
Burial maligned. 228  
Burnell, Lord. 181  
Burning. 358  
Butler. 324. 363  
Bygot, Sir Fra. 406   

C  
CAde jacke. 247  
Calais. 121. 123. 124 173. 230  
Cambridge, Richard. 180  
Camoys, Lord. 174  
Campeius, 367. etc. 379 380  
Cane. 190. 243  
Captain Cobbler. 405  
Car. 365  
Cardinal of Winchester. 217. 218  
Cardinal Wolsey. 365. etc.  
Cardinal Poole. 406. 407  
Carew, Sir john. 358  
Carew, Sir Nicholas. 406  
Carew, Sir George. 418  
Castles builded. 28. 178  
Castles razed. 35  
Challenges. 173. 223  
Charles is Emperor. 391  
Charters. 208  
Chair of Scotland. 86  
Chester Palatine. 64  
Children disobedient. 36  
Cholmley. 363  
Churches rob, and wronged. 4. 14. 49. 80. 138  
Circuits. 34  
Clare, Gilbert. 76  
Clarence. 268. 275. 290  
Clarvys. 363  
Clergy articled. 381  
Clergy fear the Praemunire. 388. and are liberal. 388  
Clifford. 138. 260. 281. 339. 340  
Clifford Earl of Cumberland. 400  
Clifton, Sir Gervase. 233 282  
Colleges, of W●olsey. 386  
Combats. 125. 154  
Commission de les douz pyers. 67. etc.  
Commissioners Traitors. 145. 368  
Commissioners. 114. 152 32.  
32 Commissioners, 403  
Compassion, 44  
Complaint of the Parliament, 133  
Coniers, 270  
Constable, 262. 406  
Constable of London, 71  
Constancy, 279  
Contention with the Scots 411  
Coo, 396  
Copland, 122  
Cornwall, 89  
Cornish Rebels, 345  
Cover le fiew, 4  
Counsel received, 91. 391  
Counterfeits, Poydras, 93 Magdalen, 165. Lambert, 234. Warbeck, 333. etc.  
Courtney, E. of Devon. 392  
Courtesy. 297  
Cowardice. 84  
Courage. 171. 223. 233 234  
Croffts 289  
Crown. 164. 225. 258. 277. 328. 402  
Crowned twice. 49  
Crown resigned. 156  
Crown on the pillow. 174  
Cornwall. 406. 407. 409  
Cruelty. 138. 13. 343  
Cuer de Lyon. 44  
Culpepper. 410  
Cumberland Scottish. 28  
Curse. 41. 55. 57 62 67 107  
Curthose rebelleth. 7. invadeth and compoundeth. 9 He rebelleth & compoundeth. 12. 19 He is subdued. 19 and dis-eyed. 20  
Cyprus. 46. 47   

D  
DAcres acquitted, 402  
Dacres. 412  
Damnation. 58  
Danes. 6  
Dane gelt. 18. 28  
Dacres. 260  
Darcie. 262  
Dartmouth. 136. 276  
Dartwell. 110. 114 115  
Dawney. 363  
Defensor fidei. 357. 393  
Degrading. 265  
Delawarre, Lord 392  
Delues. 283  
Demands. 235. 411  
Depopulation. 5  
Deposed. 101. 160  
Derby. E. 392  
Descriptions. 8. 59 239 297 298. 420  
divorce. 389  
Disarming. 3  
Discipline Warlike. 35  
Discord. 73. 132  
Disdained. 413  
Disobedient children. 36  
Disobedience punished. 36 49  
Dissension. 89. 128 189 191. 229  
Distrust. 64  
Dolphin scoffeth. 179  
Donn. 363  
Dorset Marques 392  
Douglas marriage 430  
Douz Pyers. 66. 69  
Drunkenness. 22  
Drowned. 22. 30. 53. 359 H. 8. almost drowned. 400. Marry Rose. 118  
Dudley. 351. 356  
Douglas 171  
Duke of Guyan. 68  
Duke of Ireland. 149  
Durant. 55  
Durham burnt. 111  
Diet moderate. 18. 28  
Dymock. 273  
Dynham. 256  
Dyrham executed. 410   

E  
EAarnesly, 84  
Echinham. 363  
Egremount. 257  
Elinor Queen 43  
Emperor debased 59 and excommunicated. 14  
Emperor Charles. 391  
Empson. 351. 356  
England given to the Pope 56  
England is admired. 225  
Englishmen oppressed. 6 10. 14  
Enclosures 364  
Enlargement. 73. 85. 128 277  
Interview. 200 227. 273  
Escape. 272  
Escape of Morton. 317  
Escape of King Edward the fourth, pag. 271  
Escape of W●rbeck 350  
Escape of Edward E. of W. 350  
Estreulin. 85  
Eueringham 362  
Excommunication. 14. 58  
Execution of 

Lluellin. 81  
Arundel. 100 152  
Spencers. 100  
Gaveston. 91  
Poydras. 93  
Warbeck, 350  
Edward Earl of Warw. 350  
Two and twenty Barons. 92  
Harkley, Earl of Carlyel. 98  
Stapleton, D. of Exeter, 99  
Earl of Kent. 104  
Mortimer. 104. 105  
Fifteen hundred Rebels, 141  
Brembre, 149  
Trefilian, 149  
green, 155  
Bush, 155  
Scroop, Earl of Wiltshire, 155  
Earl of Worcester, 171  
Scroop Archbishop of York 173  
Mowbrey D. of Norfolk, 173  
Percy Earl of Northum. 171. 174  
Hastings Lord. 173  
Fawconbridge, 173  
Bardolf, 174  
Rich. Earl of Cambridge, 180  
Henry Lord Scroop, 180  
Sir Thomas Grey, 18  
Inhabitants of Cane, 191  
At Montz. 219  
Frr Perjury, 232  
Michael de la Poole, 246  
Lord Scales, 258  
Rich. Nevil, Earl of Salisbury, 259  
Owen Tuthar, 260  
Courtney, Earl of Devon. 260  
Suffolk, 244  
Earl of Oxford, 263  
Sir Awbrey de Vere, 263  
Hen. D. of Somerset, 265  
Tayboys, 265  
Roos, 265  
Molines, 265  
Hungerford, 265. 410  
Henry Nevil, 265  
Wentworth, 265  
Tunstall, 265  
Sir Ralph Grey, 265  
Earl Rivers, 271  
Humphrey Lord Stafford, 171  
Lord Wells, 273  
Sir Thomas Dymock, 273  
Sir Robert Wells, 274  
Sir Henry Stafford, 529  
L. Hastings in the Tower, 307  
Earl Rivers, 307  
Richard Lord Grey, 307  
Sir Thomas Vaughan, 307  
Duke of Buckingham, 317 393  
Sir William Stanley, 341  
Humphrey Stafford, 329  
Empson, 356  
Dudley, 356  
Sir Thomas Moor, 402  
Fisher Bishop of Rochester 402  
Queen Anne Bullen, 403 and Queen Katherine Howard, 410  
Lord Howard for his marriage, 403  
Execution of Rebels, 406  
Marks of Exeter, 406  
Lord Dacres, 406  
Lord Hussey, 406  
Friar Forest, 406  
Carew, Sir Nich. 406  
Margaret Countess of Salisbury, 407  
Gerthrude Marchiones of Exeter, 407  
Leonard Lord Grey, 410  
Cromwell, 410  
Francis Dyrham, & Thomas Culpeper, 410  
Lady Rochfort. 410  
Thomas Earl of Surrey, 420    
Exeter, 349. 347  
Exeter marquess, 400  
Exton, Sir Nich. 142  
Extortion, 86   

F  
FAlse friend, 153  
Famine, 172. 94. 193  
Fanhope 183  
Fastolfe, 183  
Fawconbridge, 165. 173 131. 164  
Feast solemn, 113  
Ferdinando, 357  
Fisher wrongs the Parliament, 382  
fifteens denied, 142  
fifteens conditional. 144  
Fitz-William. 161. 196. 406  
Fitz-Warren. 192  
Fitz-Water. 112. 206  
Flatterers. 18  
Flattery. 151  
Flight. 277  
Flodden Field. 161  
Forgusa. 206  
French title. 105. 178  
Frenchmen in Wales. 167  
French faint-hearted. 181  
French unthankful. 414  
Friar Forest. 406  
Funerals. 178   

G  
Guard, Yeomen. 327  
Gascoine recovered. 63  
Gascoine, Sir William. 362  
Gavelkind. 3  
Gaveston. 86. 89. 90. 91. 92  
Glendor. 166. 172  
glocester's practices. 299  
Gloucester murdered. 240  
Glottenry. 18  
Government changed. 290  
Gough. 242  
Greene. 155  
Grey degraded. 265  
Grey, Sir Thomas. 180  
Grey, Lord Richard. 307  
Grey, Lord Leonard. 407 410  
Griffith. 324. 362  
Grobyn of Grace. 118   

H  
HAll, Sir Philip, 215  
Hall, Sir David, 243  
Hampton Court. 375  
Harflew. 241  
Harkley. 98  
Harold. 1. 2  
Hartford Earl. 406 415  
Hastings. 173. 307  
Hastings, Lord. 305  
Hastings Earls of Huntingdon. 385  
Henalt revolteth. 156  
Henry Hotspurre. 167. 169  
Henry Fitz-Roy. 400  
Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. 270  
Herbert, Lord. 392  
Herring. 221  
Holland, Sir Thomas, 117 153. 164. 181  
Holland, Sir john.  
Holy Land. 45. 77. 108. 174. 141. 153. 164. 189  
Holy Pilgrims. 405  
Hongerford. 222. 265  
Hostages. 3. 73. 130. 390  
Howard, Sir Edw. 358 359  
Howard, Sir Tho. Earl of Surrey. 360. 361. 394. He dieth. 400  
Howard, Lord, executed for marrying, etc. 403  
Hunters. 5. 6. 16  
Hunting. 5   

I  
IAcke Cade. 247  
jane, Countess of Henalt. 109. 111  
jaques Dartuell. 110. 114 115  
jerningham. 396. 397  
jerusalem. 17. 47  
jest. 284  
jewels. 90  
Images defaced. 406  
john of Gaunt. 132. 150  
Ingratitude. 14. 44  
Insanum Parliamentum. 66  
Interdiction. 55. 58  
investure of Bishop. 22. 23  
Ireland conquered. 36. rebelleth. 407. King of Ireland. 410  
judges followed the Court. 5  
judges and justices. 355  
judges banished. 150   

K  
KEntishmen. 3  
Holy maid of Kent. 402  
King Henry the Eighth stout. 404  
Keryell. 232. 242  
King Knighted. 217  
King Richard the Second called to a reckoning. 143  
King of Castille entertained. 352  
King of Ireland. 410  
Knights Fees. 6  
Knowles. 132. 166  
Knyuet, Sir Thomas. 358   

L  
LAmbert. 324  
Landoys. 289. 317  
Langton. 54  
Lanfrank. 9  
Laterane. 58  
Laws severe. 4  
Laws mitigated. 18  
Laws restored. 18. 63  
Laws against robbers. 18  
Laws refined. 34  
Laurence. 363  
League broken. 64. 213  
Legates. 38 41. 55  
Lewknor. 283  
Liberality. 18. 45. 121 128. 186. 288  
Little john. 50  
Lluellen. 80  
Lomley. 406  
London against Mauld the Empress. 29  
London with the Barons, 70. 149  
Londoners submit themselves. 75  
London should have been burnt. 74  
A rebellion in London. 71. 76  
London's liberties restored. 85  
London pleaseth the Rebels. 138  
London's Arms. 140  
Constables of London. 71  
London receives King Edward the Fourth. 280  
London. 84. 140. 148. 180  
Londoners graced by king Edward the Fourth. 297  
London's Mayor. 59  
London bridge. 59  
Longchampe. 46. 47. 48  
Lovel, Lord. 329 331  
Luther. 393  
Lion, Richard. 138   

M  
MAgistrates over Priests. 28. 38  
Magna Charta. 63  
Malcolme slain. 11  
Manners Earl of Rutland. 400  
Manors. 5  
many, Sir Walter. 124  
Merchants, 353. vexed, 401. 414  
Merchant strangers. 34 251. 389. 489  
marquess Dorset. 357  
Marriages of Wards. 63  
Marriage of K. Henry the Seventh. 327  
Marriage of K. Edward the Fourth. 267  
Marriage of Prince Arthur. 350  
King Henry the Eighth his widow. 355  
Marriage with Scotland, 351  
Marriage with Anne of Cleve. 404  
Marriage with Lewis the 12. of France. 364  
Marriage with Scotland broken off. 415  
Mart in Flanders. 125 340. 346  
Marney, Sir Henry. 392  
Martial feats. 103  
Martin Sward, 331  
Mary Rose drowned. 418  
Mauld marrieth Plantagenet. 24  
Mauld the Empress. 19 23. 24. 29  
Measures. 18  
Mercy. 44  
Metham. 362  
Miracle. 405  
Michael de la Pole. 142 144  
Molynes. 181. 265  
Money scarce. 108  
Money borrowed. 109  
Morbeck. 127  
Morgan. 324  
Morley, Lord. 392  
Morley's taken and burnt. 393  
Morton, 332. 311. 315. 317. 331  
Mortimer, Sir Roger. 71 103  
Mortimer beheaded. 105  
Mortimer proclaimed, 141  
Mortmain, 82  
Montague, or Montacute, 216. 220 216 265. 266  
Mountford, 72  
Mountioy, 398  
Murders of. 

Becket, 41  
Edward the second, pag. 101. 105  
jaques Dartwell, 114  
Richard the second, pag. 160  
Ho. D. of Gloucester, 240 158  
Lord Scales, 258  
Archbishop of Canterbury, 139  
john Duke of Burgoine, 199  
Henry the sixth pag. 283  
George Duke of Clarence, 290. 295  
Lord Wenlock, 295  
Prince Edward, 293  
Edward the fift, and Richard Duke of York, 312  
Rutland, 281    
Murder by the Lord Darcy, 406  
Murder revenged, 307 318. 328  
Musgrave William, 412   

N  
NAuarre taken, 357  
Neck broken, 8. 81  
Nevil Sir john, 260  
New Forest, 5  
Nobles created, 152 240. 363. 267. 327. 385 400. 406  
Nobility despised, 142  
Nobility wasted, 497  
Mowbray, 242  
Normandy, 53. 68 117  
Normandy lost 53. won 168. lost 238  
Normavile, 363  
Northfolk Duke High Steward, 392  
Notes especial, 293  
Niceness banished, 18   

O  
Oath to the succession, and of fidelity, 24 56. 69  
Oath to observe etc., 24  
Oath broken, 27. 145. 279 34  
Oath of the Scots, 86  
Oath touching Gaveston, 89  
Obstinacy, 41  
Odo, 10  
Officers examined in Parliament, 144  
Officers evil, 133  
Officers displaced, 144 170  
Opinion of the Universities, 386. 389  
Overthrows of 

Harold, 2  
Rebels, 6. 7. 273  
Scots, 11. 83. 171  
Welshmen, 11. 12 13  
Robert Mowbray, 13  
Barons, 20. 96  
Prince Edwnrd, 71  
King Stephen, 29  
Fifteen thousand Genoese, 119  
French, 58. 371. 120. 187  
King Edward 2, pag 93 94  
Percies, 171  
English, 206. 222. 242  
Miraculous, 216  
King H. 6. pag. 250. 257 266. 280  
Duke of York, 259  
james the fourth King of Scots, 362  
Frenchmen, 418    
Owen Glendor, 166. famished, 172  
Owen Tuthar, 260  
Earl of Oxford, 133  
Duke of Burgundy thrice overthrown in one year. 289  
john Earl of Oxford, 144  
Oxford Earl,   

P  
PAgeants, 376  
Pandulphus. 55. 56  
Partiality, 71  
Pardon crafty, 153  
Parents honoured, 43  
Paris is English, 204. and revolteth, 229  
Parliament and the King strive, 142. 143  
Parliament the first, 23  
Parliament once a year, 142  
Parliament complains, 133  
Parliament threatened 143  
Parliament makes a King, 160  
Parliamentum insanum, 60  
Parliament breaks up suddenly, 256  
Parliament wronged by Bishop Fisher 382  
Pawlet made Lord Saint john, 406  
Peace, 52. 64. 285. 333 336. 364. 392  
Penal laws, 290. 351  
Penance, 42  
People wasted, 14  
Percies, 171. 362. 363  
Percies will not deliver Scottish Prisoners, 67  
Percies do ransom Edmund Mortimer, 169  
Percy Sir Thomas, 406  
Perjury, 232  
Perkin Werbeck, 337. etc.  
Peter Landoys, 289. 315  
Petition of the Rebels, 404  
Pickering, 363  
Pilgrims holy, 405  
piracy, 96  
Pity, 44  
Plantagenet Geoffry, 24  
Plantagenet Arthur, 51 53  
Plymouth, 136  
Poydras, 93  
Policies, 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12. 18 23. 29. 35. 82. 117. 140 212. 215. 233. 246. 250 299. 331. 339. 340 408.  
Policies touching Warbeck, 339. 340. 341  
Policies touching Lambert, 331  
Policy touching Cade, 247  
Policy by fire, 347  
Pomfret, 301  
Pontlarch, 241  
Popham, Sir john, 113  
Pope, 14. 15. 18. 53. 150 kerbed, 401  
Popish blindness, 57  
Popish pride, 54  
Poynings, 341. 361  
Poisoned, 59  
poitiers, 63  
Practices of Richard Duke of Gloucester, 299. etc.  
Praemunire, 380. feared by the Clergy, 388  
Prerogative crossed, 66  
Presumption, 140  
Prey rich, 395  
Pride, 396  
Pride of Longchamp, 46 47. 48  
Primacy, 7  
Prince of Chester.  
Prince imprisoned, 86 177  
Prince of Wales, 114  
Prince reclaimed, 177  
Prior john, 364  
Prisoners: 

Marcarus, 7  
Edwinus, 7  
Egelwinus, 7  
Mowbray, 13  
Curthose, 20  
Belesme, 20  
King Stephen, 29  
Queen Elinor, 43  
King Richard the first, p. 48  
Bayliol, 84  
The Prince, 86. 177  
Queen Isabel, 105  
King David, 122  
King john of France, 127  
Earl of Pembroke, 132  
King Richard the second pag. 156  
Edmund Mortimer, 166  
French Pris. slain, 185  
Lord Talbot, 222  
Lord Scales, 222  
Lord Hongerford, 222  
Duke of Suffolk, 222  
King Henry the Sixth, 257. 266. 281  
King Edward the fourth, 271  
Duke of Bourbon, 277  
Duke of Orleans, 235  
Scottish prisoners, 413  
Mordack Earl of Fife, 167  
Archibald Douglas, 167  
Earl Murrey, 167    
Privy Seals, 397. 398  
Proclamations, 192. 276 387  
Proclaimed heir of Fra. 141. 200. 204  
Proscribed, 248. 319  
Protector, 61. 251  
Protector displaced, 240   

Q  
QVartered, 345  
Queen Anne beheaded, 403  
Queen Katherine beheaded, 410   

R  
RAgman, 104  
Ramsey, 136  
King Richard the First ransomed, 48  
Douglas ransomless, 171  
King of Scots ransomed, 214  
Duke of Bourbon ransomed, 227  
Duke of Orleans ransomed, 235  
Edmund Mortimer ransomed, 164  
Queen Margaret ransomed. 283  
Rain, 405  
Rebellions, 6. 7. 10. 11. 12 13. 20. 22. In London, 71. 76. Lluellen, 80 Wat Tilar, 137. In Kent, 277. Owen Glendor, 166. Percies, 170 171. In Ireland, 241. jacke Cade, 247. 264. 273. 328. 334 Cornishmen, 345. 347. 349. In Yorkshire, 269. In Lincolnshire, 404. In the North, 405. In Ireland, 407  
Rebels fly, 405. quietly departed, 405  
Reconcilement, 64. 279  
Reformation, 66. 69. 64 153  
Regent's, 43. 201  
Regent dieth, 228  
Regent drowned, 358  
Religious houses, 178. 374 403. 403  
Repayment, 327  
Repeals, 4. 263. 328  
Repentance, 8. 353  
reproof, 167  
Reseisure, 35. 34  
Resolution 15. 34. 95  
Restitution, 18  
Return vnlicenced, 358 359  
Revenge, 49 

Revolt, 214. 242. 244    
Renulph, 81  
Ribamont, 124  
Riceap Thomas, 344  
King Richard the First valiant, 46 47  
Rich Soldiers, 191  
King Henry the Second Rich, 37  
Richmond Earl in danger, 289. 317. sweareth, 320. landeth, 323 and is victorious, 325  
Rifling, 389  
Rouen, 192. 193. 197. 241  
Robberies, 14. 18. 33  
Robin Hood, 50  
Robinet of Bonuile, 187  
Rochfort, 400. 410. 411  
Bolloigne, Viscount Rochfort, 385  
Rokesbie, 174  
Rosamond Clifford, 37  
Rosbrough, 112. 130  
Rowclif, 363  
Rufus stain, 16  
Russell, Lord, 406  
Rutland murdered, 281  
Rutland Earl, 400  
Rivers, 256   

S  
Sanctuary, 302. 303 304  
Saluo honore Dei, 41  
Sands, 365. 396. 397  
Sarum secundum usum 7  
Savage, 324  
Scales, 218. 222. 257. 258  
Scot, Earl of Chester, 64  
Scottish homage, 11. 214  
Scots, 25000. slain, 83  
Scots swear obedience. 86  
Scots overthrown in Ireland, 97  
Scots overthrow K. Edw. the Second, 93 94  
Scots invade England, 11 28. 111. 122. 167. 171. 251. 291. 361. their cruelty, 343. They invade, 345. and are slain, 346. 412  
Scots misuse the French, 147  
Scots aid Warbeck, 342 345  
Scottish King slain, 363  
Scotland surrendered, 81 82. 84  
Scotland governed by England, 84  
Scotland wasted, 346  
Scotland invaded, 97. 103 306. 111 147. 174. 412. 415. 416. 419  
Scotland disposed by King Edward the Third. 106  
Scotland claimed by the Pope, 86  
Scottish King ransomed, 214  
Scottish tenure released, 106  
Scottish chair, 86  
Scottish prisoners, 413  
Scroop, 155. 173. 180. 265  
Sea victories, 62. 110. 125 188. 189  
Seals Privy, 394  
Secrecy, 107  
Secundum usum Sarum, 7  
Security, 221. 271  
Seizure, 3. 35  
Seymour, Earl of Hartford, 406. 415  
Seymor, Sir john, and Lady jane, 403  
Shawe's Sermon, 408  
Shepard jacke, 137  
Sherborne, Sir Henry, 361  
Ships, 300. taken, 56 500 Ships, 188 1200. Ships, 146  
Ships in Sandwich, 256  
Sheep, 268  
Sheriff of Northumberland, 174  
Shoreswife, 309  
Shrewesburie, Earl, 392  
Shrines destroyed, 406  
Sickness, 181  
Slain, 

King William Rufus. 5. 16  
Malcolme. 11  
King Edward the Second. 101  
King Richard the first. 50  
King Richard the second. 160  
Simon Montfort. 74  
Lord Beaumont. 113  
Peter of Castille. 131  
Wat Tilar. 140  
Vere, Duke of Ireland. 149  
Prisoners, French. 185  
Thirty six slain by King Henry the Fourth. 171  
Edward Duke of York. 187  
Richard Duke of York. 259  
Duke of Suffolk. 187  
john Earl of Shrewesburie. 249  
Earl of Salisbury. 220  
Clarence. 206  
Earl of Warwick. 281  
Arundel. 226  
marquess Montacute. 281  
Courtney, Earl of Devon. 283  
Wooduile. 333  
james the Fourth, King of Scots. 362  
Stafford. 329  
Humphrey Duke of Buckingham. 257  
Thomas, Lo. Egremount. 257  
john, Viscount Beaumont. 257  
Northumberland. 260  
Westmoreland. 260  
Lord Dacres. 260  
Lord Welles. 260  
Lord Clifford. 260  
Somerset, Sir Charles. 360  
Spencers. 92. 94. 96. 99  
Northumberland. 334  
Spencer, chief justice. 74. 68    
Speeches. 194 195. 209  
Spencers executed. 100  
Soldiers unlicensed return. 358. 397  
Sons disobedient. 36  
Southampton Earl. 406  
Stafford Earl. 181  
Stakes. 183  
Stanley. 341. 344  
Stapleton B. of Exeter. 99  
Stapleton. 363  
Stoutness of K. H. 8. 404  
Strangers Merchants. 34 251. 138  
subjects duty. 35  
Submission of K. Io 56. 66  
Submission of the Barons. 58  
Submission of King Richard the Second. 155  
Submission of Londoners. 75  
Submission of Lluellen. 80  
Supremacy. 403  
Duke of Suffolk. 237. 238. 244. 392. 418  
Duke of Suffolk warreth valiantly in France. 396  
Surfeit. 24  
Surrey beheaded. 420  
Surprisal. 173  
Sussex, Earl. 385  
Swanus. 6  
Swimming. 48 149  
Sword given to Exeter. 349  
Sidney. 362   

T  
talebearers. 227  
Talbots name terrible. 226  
Talbot. 106. 324  
Talbot slain. 220  
Talbot, Gilbert. 192  
Talbot, Lord George. 360  
Taxes. 5. 10. 97. 109  
Taxes causing rebellions: 6. 7. 136. 333. 335. 343  
Taxes lost Aquitaine, etc. 130  
Taxes pleasing. 12. 52. 189  
Taxes released. 18. 28  
Taxes not demanded. 37 45  
Tax on Wools and Hides. 83  
Tempest, Nicholas. 406  
Temporalties. 20. 21  
Terryll. 312  
Terwyn. 360. 361  
Thankfulness. 24. 297  
Thanksgiving. 171. 186 190. 282. 325  
thieves. 50. 93  
Thorp. 258  
Thwaits. 396  
Title to France, 105. 107 relinquished. 129  
Title, King of Ireland. 410  
Title, Defensor Fidei. 357. 393  
Tourney taken. 361. redelivered. 380  
Trade restored. 346  
Translation. 7  
Transubstantiation. 58  
Traitor, Archb. of Cant. 151  
Treasons. 64. 164. 180 226  
Treason to speak, etc. 409  
Treason at Oxford. 164  
Traitors. 145. 173  
Treachery. 152. 213 252  
Trenchard. 352  
Treport. 364  
Tresham. 283  
Tresilian. 147. 149  
Troyl-Baston. 86  
Tuthar. 260. 249  
Tylar, Wat. 137  
Tylney. 362  
Tyron, Earl. 410  
Tyrwyn taken and burnt. 361   

V  
VAlour. 33. 46. 47. 124  
Vaughan. 283. 307  
Vere. 142. 149. 242  
Vernoyle. 205  
Vicar general. 107  
Victory in Castille. 130  
King Edward the Fourth victorious. 281  
Victory without blows. 168  
Victory miraculous. 216  
Victory over the Percies. 171  
Victories at Sea. 62. 110 125. 188. 189  
Vicegerent Cromwell 406  
Victuals cheap. 108  
Visited by three Kings. 130  
Vmfrevyle. 192. 206  
University opinions. 386  
Unthankfulness. 14. 44  
Unthankful Frenchmen. 414  
Usurpers. 

Rufus, 9  
Henricus Primus, 17  
Stephanus, 27  
Edwardus Tertius, 101  
Henricus Quartus, 160  
Henricus Quintus. 177  
Henricus Sextus, 211  
Richardus Tertius, 311     

W  
Weights, 18  
Wales, 86. Prince, 114  
Wallop, 364. 396  
Wars in the Holy Land, 45. etc. 77  
Wars with Arthur Plantagenet, 51 

He is drowned, 53    
Wars incommodious, 272  
Wars with Charles the Emperor. 401  
Ward, Sir Christopher, 362  
Wardships, 63  
Warbeck, 337. etc.  
Warlike discipline, 35  
Warwick Protector, 251  
Warwick slain, 281  
Warrens, 18  
Watermen, 258  
Welles, 260. 273  
Welshmen rebel, 11. 12. 13. 22. 80. 81. 83. 84. 85 166  
Wenlocke, 283  
Wharton, Lord, 412  
Whipped, 42  
Wife, a good one, 43  
Willoughby, 363. 183. 392  
Witchcraft, 236  
Wives paid for, 24  
Wooduile, 231. 333  
Woods in Wales burnt, 81  
Woolsey, 365. etc. until pag. 388  
Wounding, 77  
Worcester Earl, 392  
Wryothesley, 417    

Errata.  
PAg. 305. lin. 4. for daughter to the Duke's son, read son to the Duke's daughter. Pag. 324. lin. 3. for George Stanley read George Talbot.