BRITANNIA  
A ROMAN  
A SAXON  
A DANE  
A NORMAN  
THE HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN Under the Conquests of the ROMANS, SAXONS, DANES and NORMANS.  
Their Originals, Manners, Wars, Coins & Seals with the Successions, Lives, acts & Issues of the English Monarches from JULIUS CAESAR, to our most gracious Sovereign King JAMES.  
by JOHN SPEED  
IMPRINTED AT LONDON  
Anno Cum Privilegio 1611  
And are to be sold by john Sudbury & Georg Humble, in Pope's head alley at the sign of the white Horse.    

THE poem. TO THE LEARNED AND LOVERS OF GREAT BRITAIN'S GLORY.  
Having thus far traveled in the protract, and description of this famous Empire of GREAT BRITAIN, I might here have rested, and claimed the privilege that years and imbecility have brought me unto: had not a further desire in others ●…ged it a matter incident, historically to lay down the originals of those Nations and successions of those Monarches, which either by birth or conquest have aspired to the Imperial Crown. And albeit I find myself both tired in the former, and most unfit to prosecute this latter, yet will I endeavour to give herein my best assays; though as my labours, so my wants also, thereby will be made more vulgar to the world.  
For if those men were blameworthy against whom Heraclite exclaimeth, who 
Heraclite.  with long toil and great trouble find a little pure substance in a great deal of base earth: how shall I then free me from the like imputatio●…, that from so many mines of pure metals, have gotten so little Oar, and the same neither well tried in my defective furnace, nor yet artificially cast off through the default of the mould, wanting both skill for to fashion, and measure to perform, the true proportions that in such a project is to be required; and how often these my defects have dissuaded my proceedings, is best known to him that is the searcher of the heart.  
But by what fate I am enforced still to go forward, I know not, unless it be the ardent affection and love to my native Country; wherein I must confess that Nature in those gifts hath been both liberal, yea and prodigal, though Fortune as sparing & fast-handed against me, ever checking the Bit with the Rains of necessity, and curbing the means that should illustrate my labours: which moves me sometimes to think that if the great Philosopher Theophrastus, had cause on his deathbed 
Theophrastu  to accuse Nature, for giving man so long a lesson, and so short a life; then I against Fortune may as justly exclaim, that hath assigned me so great a labour and so little means. And therefore let it not seem offensive that I draw my waters from the cisterns of others, who am not able to fetch them at the springhead myself: Neither that I strike upon the same anvil unto their sound, though nothing so loud, nor with the like strength; wherein yet this fruit at least will (I hope) redound of my endeavours that I shall incite the more learned: if not otherwise, yet in emulation of me, to free the face drawn by Apelles, from the censure of the fault or defect in the foot, and not only to amend, but even to newmould the whole. Which thing though my days are near spent; and with Barzillai I may say that music to me is now unpleasing: 
2. Sam. 19 35.  yet doth my ear thirst after the set of that strain, as Socrates' thoughts ran ever 
Socrates.  on his Book: who the night before he was to suffer death, was desirous to learn music, because he would die learning still something. Moses when he foresaw the destruction of his Commonwealth, which whilst it stood, was the glory of the earth, and a pattern to all kingdoms succeeding, left this for a Law among the rest, and even to remain 
Deut. 6. 6. 7.  for ever, that the fathers should teach their children, and should commit unto writing those things which the Lord in their days had done, and enjoined the children; Likewise to inquire of the times that were passed, even from the first creation of man: For when as 
Deut. 4. 32.  Empires and Kingdoms, Common weals and Cities, do end and perish, yet the Histories thereof do remain and live; And that made Cicero to say as he did, that Salamina should be utterly forgotten, before the things that were done in Salamina should perish: And therefore as among the wise answers of Thales, the Histories of Countries are to be 
Thales.  accounted for principals, either as Cicero calleth them the Mistress of life, and expositions 
Cicero.  of Times; so likewise let us from the lyrical Poet Simonides learn this further, That he 
Simonides.  is perfectly happy which knows his native country to be truly glorious. And as Cassidor●… calls 
Cassidore.  him a worthy Citizen that seeketh the commodity of his country: So chose he is by Bale esteemed but a fruitless clod of earth, that sucks the sap of his soil only to himself, 
Bale in Leylands Newyears gift.  whose memorial shall perish as the dispersed smoke in the clouds, though for a time he mount aloft in his swelling pride. This natural love and true affection to our native Country, we may further learn from the ancient patriarchs and Fathers themselves, who besides a desire that they had to theirs, continually to live therein during life, commanded their bodies to be buried therein after death: from whose Bowels they 
Gen. 49. 29.  first had assumed their breaths, and in whose bosom they laid their bones, as in their last bed of rest. Yea, of the unreasonable creatures, the Birds and Beasts, we may learn this love, that always are willing towards their home. And if it happen that Countries grow unkind as Homer's did, that in his old age and blind, suffered him to beg his bread; or that a Prophet in his own country is not esteemed, as jeremy felt it, 
jerem. 37. 1.  and CHRIST JESUS taught, yet did the one for his people's captivity, wish his eyes a 
Matt. 13. 57  fountain of tears, and the other for his countries destruction lamented and wept, holding 
jerem. 9 1. Luke 19 41.  it unlawful to take the children's bread, and to give it unto others. 
Matt. 15. 26.   
That this our Country and subject of History deserveth the love of her inhabitants, is witnessed even by foreign writers themselves, who have termed it the Court of Queen Ceres, the Granary of the Western world, the fortunate Island, the Paradise of pleasure and Garden of God; whose typographical descriptions for the whole Island, and Geographical surveys for the several parts, exceed any other kingdom under the cope of Heaven; that only excepted which was conquered and divided by josuah; And for fruitfulness and temperature may be accounted another Canaan; watered with rivers that do cleave 
Habak. 2. 9  the earth, as the Prophet speaketh, and make the land as rich and beautiful, as was that of Egypt. Our Kings for valour and Sanctity, ranked with the worthiest in the world, 
Gene. 13. 10.  and our Nations originals, conquests, and continuance, tried by the touch of the best human testimonies, leave as fair a Lustre upon the same stone, as doth any other, and with any nation may easily contend (saith Lanquet) both for antiquity, and continual 
Tho. Lanquet.  inhabitants, from the first time that any of them can claim their originals.  
And although our many Records are perished by the invasions of strangers, through their covetous Conquest of so fair a Land; or in the civil dissensions of homebred aspirers that have sought the possession of so rich a Crown, yet Truth hath left us no less beholding unto her, than mightier Nations, and them that would be far more famous. Neither is it to be wondered at, that the Records of GREAT BRITAIN are eaten up with Time's teeth, as Ovid speaks, when as in Times ruins lie buried their Registers, 
ovid. Metam▪ lib. 15.  that have been kept with a stronger guard, as Titus Livy in the entrance of his History affirmeth of the Romans. As for those things (saith he) as are reported either before, or at the foundation of the City more beautified and set out with Poet's fables, then grounded upon pure and faithful reports, I mean neither to aver nor disprove. Of whose uncertainties, let us a while hear the reporters themselves speak, before we proceed to the certain successions of our British Monarches: until which time the credit of our History may well be said to weigh with (if not down peize) many others. Uarro (that learned Roman writer, who lived an hundred years before the birth of our Saviour Christ) 
Histories uncertain to the Flood, and from the Flood to the first Olympias fabulous. Plutarch.  calleth the first world to the Flood uncertain; and thence to the first Olympias fabulous: Because in that time (saith he) there is nothing related (for the most part) but fables among the greeks, Latins, and other learned Nations. And therefore Plutarch beginneth the lives of his worthy men, no higher than Theseus: because (saith he) what hath been written before, was but of strange things, and sayings full of monstrous-fables imagined and devised by Poets, which are altogether uncertain and most untrue. And Diodorus Siculus 
Diodorus Siculus.  (that lived in Augustus Caesar's time, a great searcher after Antiquities, and for thirty years continuance a traveler into many countries, for information and further satisfaction) writing his History called Bibliotheca, containing forty Books, and years of continuance one thousand, one hundred thirty and eight, of his first six himself giveth this censure in his poem. These Books (saith he) containing the Acts of ancient men, before the destruction of Troy, with the ancient Histories aswell of Grecians as Barbarians, are called fabulous: Which moved Lucretius the Poet to demand this question. 
Cur supra bellum Thebanum & funera Troia, 
Lucretius.   
Non alias qu●…dam veteres cecinere Poeta?  
Why have not Poets in their works of feigned stories brought,  
Things done before the Wars of Thebes, or Troy's destruction wrought?   
Yea and of Troy's story itself, if we may believe Thucydides (whom Bodine 
Thucydides.  commendeth for an absolute Historian) though it be ancient (saith he) yet a great part thereof is fabulous. And Tully out of Plato complaineth of as much: For you Grecians 
Tully.  (saith he) as children in learning, deliver only things uncertain, and have mingled fables with the Wars of Thebes, and of Troy, things (perhaps) which never were, but gathered out of the scattered Verses of Homer and others, not digested by Aristarchus, and are yet uncertain and obscure. And that the greeks indeed were but babes in Antiquity, josephus 
josephus contra Appion. lib. 1.  in his Nation's defence against Appion, sufficiently doth prove, where he affirmeth, That the invention of their Letters was not so old as the siege of Troy, insomuch that the Poesy of Homer (than the which there is none more ancient among them) was not committed to writing, but sung by roate. And the Latin tongue itself by M. Cato is 
M. Cato in a fragment of his.  said, not to have been in use four hundred and fifty years before the building of Rome. And Titus Livy their famous Historian, freely confesseth, That the use of Letters and 
Titus Livi.  learning among the Romans, was rare and hard to be found before the taking of Rome by the Gauls. Yea, and of the uncertainty of Rome's foundation, how lavish so ever Historians have written, not only Fenestella hath continued whole Pages, but Plutarch 
Fenestella. Plutarch in the life of Romulus.  likewise in the life of Romulus, hath many sayings, whereof this is one. The Historiographers (saith he) do not agree in their writings, by whom, nor for what cause the great name of Rome (the glory whereof is blown abroad through the world) wasfirst given unto it; some affirming, that the Pelagians after they had run over a great part of the world, lastly stayed themselves in that place where Rome was new built, and for their great strength in Arms, gave name to that City Rome, which signifieth power in the Greek tongue. Other say, that certain Troyans' after their siege, in certain vessels saved themselves by flight, and being put into the Tuscan Sea, anchored near to the River Tiber: whose wives being extremely seasick, through the counsel of Roma a Lady, the wisest and worthiest among them, set fire on the whole Fleet; whereupon their husbands (though sore offended) were enforced to make use of their present necessity, and near unto Palantium planted this City, whose fame presently grew great, and in honour of Lady Roma named it Rome; and from hence they say the custom of kissing in salutations came, after the example of these wives, who to appease the husband's wraths with smiles and embracings kissed their mouths. Some will have the name from Roma the daughter of Italus and of Lucaria, or else of Telephus the son of Hercules, and of the wife of Aeneas. Others of Ascanius the son of Aeneas. Some again from Romanus the son of Ulysses and of Cyrce, will have it named Rome. Others from Romus the son of Emathion, whom Diomedes sent thither from Troy. There are that bring the name thereof from one Romus a tyrant of the Latins, who drove the Tuscans out of those parts. And they who think that Romulus (as that is most general, and carrieth the most likelihood to be Rome's founder,) do not agree about his ancestors, as more at large in Plutarch appeareth. And therefore with Thucydides we may well say, It is a hard and difficult matter to keep a mean in speaking of 
Thucydides lib. 2. cap. 7.  things, wherein scarcely can be had a certain opinion of truth. And the rather, for that the writers themselves have blamed each others of affectation & falsehood, as in josephus we 
josephus contra Appion li. 1. Hellanicus. Acusilaus. Diodorus. Herodotus. Ephorus. Timaeus. Philistus. Callias. Thucydides. Suetonius in vita Caesar. Sect. 55. Tacitus. F. Maximus. Silenus. Antigonus. Hierome. Dionysius Hai. Bodine.  may see; who affirmeth, That Hellanicus dissented from Acusilaus, Acusilaus with Diodorus correcting Herodotus; Epherus accused Hellanicus of untruths; so did Timaeus reprove Ephorus of as much; Philistus and Callias dissented from Timaeus in his History of Sicily, and Thucydides accounted a liar by some. Caesar is taxed by Asinius Pollio (saith Suetonius) to be partial in his Commentaries; And Tacitus by Tertullian is blamed for untruths; Fabius Maximus is reprehended by Polybius for defectively writing the Punic wars; and himself again with Silenus, Timaeus, Antigonus, & Hierom, as much found fault with by Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, for writing the Roman histories so unperfectly. And a man may use the very same speech against Dionysius, saith Bodine. These things thus standing, let us give leave to Antiquity, who sometimes mingleth falsehoods with truth, to make the beginnings of Policies seem more honourable: And whose power is far screwed into the world's conceit, that with Hierome we may say, Antiquity is allowed with such general applause, that known untruths 
Hierom in his Prologue. in job.  many times are pleasing unto many. Yet with better regard to reverend Antiquity, whom jobs opposer wills us inquire after, and to our own relations in delivering 
job. 8. 8.  their censures, let this be considered; That more things are let slip, then are comprehended in any man's writings, and yet more therein written, than any man's life (though it be long) will admit him to read. Neither let us be forestalled with any prejudicate opinions of the reporters; that in somethings may justly be suspected, or in affection, which by nature we owe to our natural Country; nor consent (as Livy speaketh) to stand 
Titus Livi. lib. 8.  to the ancientness of reports, when it seemeth to take away the certainty of truth. To keep a mean betwixt both, myself with Bildad do confess, that I am but of yesterday, and know nothing, and therefore will relate the original names and Nations of this famous Island, with the successions of her monarchs and Historical actions, so far only as is most approved by the best Writers, and will leave other clouds of obscurity to be cleared by the labours of a more learned pen.   

THE SITE AND CIRCVIT OF GREAT BRITAIN'S MONARCHY.  

CHAPTER I.  
BESIDES those fruitful islands that dispersedly are scattered about the Main, like to beautiful pearls that encompass a Diadem, the I'll of GREAT BRITAIN doth raise itself first to our sight, as the Body of that most famous & mighty Empire, whereof many other Kingdoms and Countries are parcels and members. Being by the Almighty so set in the main Ocean, as that she is thereby the High Admiral of the 
BRITAIN Admiral of the Seas.  Seas, and in the terrestrial Globe so seated, as that she is worthily reputed both The Garden of Pleasure, and The Storehouse of Profit, opening her havens every way, fit to receive all foreign traffic, and to utter her own into all other parts: and therefore (as the Sovereign Lady and Empress of the rest) deserves our description in the first place.  
(2) This Island is so spacious and ample, that Cesar (the first Roman discoverer thereof) supposed that he had found out another World: for to his seeming it appeared, that the Ocean was rather contained 
In Panegy. Orat. to Constan●…s.  within that Main, than that Main to be compassed with the Ocean about. And julius Solinus, for her circuit and largeness, saith that it deserveth the name of Another World. But Aristides a Greek Author speaks 
Aristides.  much more properly, who by way of excellency termeth BRITAIN, The Great Island: As likewise Tacitus, that undertook to describe BRITAIN 
Tacit. in vit. Agr.  by his own knowledge, who saith, that of all islands 
BRITAIN the greatest Island known to the Romans. Dionysius. Strabo. Rutil. Numat.  known to the Romans it was the greatest: And so doth Dionysius in his description of the World.  
(3) But as Strabo compares the then known World, to a Cloak, Rutilius Numatianus Italy, to an Oaken leaf, and Dionysius Spain, unto an Oxhide: so the said Tacitus in the life of Agricola, from Livy his ancient, and Fabius Rusticus his modern, doth liken the 
Fabius' Rustic.  fashion thereof to a long Dish, or two-headed Axe: whose form notwithstanding may better be exposed to the eye, in the draft before seen, then can be explained in words to conceit, or unto any other thing be compared besides itself: especially seeing that so many good Writers have had but very bad success in their resemblances of Countries. And this of them is rather unlike to either, if we speak of the whole, which then was unknown, as it seemeth by 
BRITAIN discovered to be an Island 136. years after julius Caesar's entrance ●…to it. Tacitus in vita Agric.  Tacitus. And the huge enorm tract of ground beyond Caledonia, which runneth unto the furthermost point, growing narrow and sharp like a wedge, was first redoubled with the Roman fleet by julius Agricola, and BRITAIN discovered to be an Island, one hundred thirty and six years after julius Caesar's first entrance therein.  
(4) Some have been induced by the narrowness of the Sea, and likeness of the Soil, to think 
BRITAIN thought one continent with FRANCE. servius Honorat.  that BRITAIN was sometimes joined to the continent of France: whereunto servius Honoratius subscribeth in his Commentary upon the first Eclog of Virgil, who there mentioneth 
— Penitùs toto divisos orb Britannos, 
Clandian.   
The Britain people quite from all the world disioined.   
As likewise by Claudian another ancient Poet it is styled, 
— nostro deducta Britannia mundo,  
The Britain soil removed from our world's continent.   
And Vinianus with them affirms, that in the beginning 
Vinianus.  Britain and Gallia were both one Land. The like doth Virgil verify of the I'll of Sicily, which in 
Sicily thought once one continent with Italy. D●… Niger. Thought of some that all islands had their first separation from the Main by the rage of the general Deluge.  times past he reports to have been one with Italy. Others hold, that all islands had their first separation from the Main by the rage of the general Deluge, and that the mountains thereby showed their tops above the plain grounds; and the plains settling lower, became deep valleys. When or howsoever, by God's divine ordinance and wisdom, we see that these islands situated in the Seas, do no less serve and adorn the Ocean itself, than the Lakes and Pools of water do the dry land, and all of them (as members of one mass) to minister sustenance for the life of all things living, and pleasures to the use and service of man.  
(5) The Island of BRITAIN, of all others the most famous (by Catullus reputed the furthest towards 
Catullus.  the West) is bounded on the South with Normandy and France, upon the East with Germany and Denmark, upon the West with Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean, and upon the North with the vast De●…calidon Seas. The length thereof, measured by the graduations to both extremes, that is, from the Lysard Point Southward in Cornwall, which lieth in the Latitude of 50. degrees and 6. minutes, to the Straithy head in Scotland (being the furthest point of this Island towards the North) set in the degree 60. and 30. minutes containeth (according to the scale of the terrestrial Globe) six hundred twenty four miles: not 
Britain's length.  to trouble the Reader with other accounts, seeing the same so exactly to agree with the spaces of the heavens. And the extent of the Land in the brodest part is from the Lands end in Cornwall in the West (situated in 14. degrees and 37. minutes of Longitude, according to Mercator his Atlas) unto the Island Tenet in the East of Kent (lying in 22. degrees 30. minutes) and containeth miles 340. as they have delivered, that 
Britain's breadth.  with curious search have laid the dimension thereof.  
(6) The site of this Island is set by the Mathematics 
BRITAIN in the 8. Climate for Latitude, and for Longitude placed between the parallels fourteen and twenty six.  in the eighth Climate for Latitude, and the Longitude likewise placed betwixt the Parallels fourteen and twenty six: a seat as well for Air as Soil, both fruitful and mild; and for length of days, pleasant and delightful: for in the height of Summer the day is said to be eighteen equinoctial hours long, whereof sixteen and a half are spent from Sun to Sun. Yea and Tacitus saith, that in the furthest 
In the furthest North part of BRITAIN the nights so short, as the space betwixt the days going and coming can hardly be perceived. In vita Agricolae.  North part of the Island the nights are so short, that betwixt the going out and coming in of the day the space is hardly perceived, and the Sun seen neither to set nor arise: Because (saith he) the extreme and plain parts of the earth project a low shadow, and raise not the darkness on high, so the night falleth under the sky and star. Better might he have said, by reason of the inclination of his Circle to the Horizon descending not directly, but passing obliquely, razing as it were under their Horizon.  
(7) The air, saith Strabo and Tacitus, is rather inclinable to showers then to snow. And Cesar commends it to be more temperate, and the cold lesser, 
Caesar. Com. lib. 5.  then that in France, as not subject to either extremes, 
The cold in Britain less●… then in France.  as the more Northern and Southern Countries are: to which temperature Cescenius Getulicus a very ancient Poet seemeth to have respect, when of this Island thus he versifieth: 
Non illîc Aries verno ferit aëra cornis, 
Probus in Virgil. Georgic.   
Gnosia nec Gemini praecedunt cornua Tauri.  
The horned Ram there butteth not the air of tender spring:  
The Twins, nor Bull do to this soil untimely seasons bring.   
(8) And although the Seas thereof are accounted and called by Nubiensis the Arabian, The dark and 
The Arabic Geography.  dangerous Seas, in regard of the misty vapours that therefrom arise, yet in the winter season those clouds are dispersed into still showers of rain, that do dissolve the rigour and great extremity of the cold: yea and those Seas themselves stirred and working to and fro with the winds, do thereby wax warm (as Cicero▪ 
British Seas warm. De natura Deorum Lib. 2. Minutius Foelix, adjoined to Arnobius, as his eighth book.  saith) so that a man may easily perceive within that world of waters a certain heat enclosed. And Minutius Foelix proving that GOD hath a special regard to the several parts of the world, as well as to the whole, saith, that BRITAIN, though otherwhiles wanting the aspect of the Sun, yet is it relieved with the warmth of her environing Seas; and as much refreshed, 
Britain's sea-windes in summer assuage the heat.  we may well say, by those sweet and gentle winds that in the height of Summer are sent from those seas, and do abate the rigour of the suns great scorching heat; and yieldeth not only intercourse for traffic into all parts of the World, but plentifully aboundeth with all sorts of fish, to the great benefit of the Inhabitants; and bringeth forth Pearls, as Tacitus showeth, which were usually cast out with the flood, and gathered 
In vita Agricolae.  at the ebb. These Pearls, though not altogether so orient as they in India, by Amianus in his 23. book and 12. chapter, are called Rich Gems. And Pliny in his ninth book and thirty fifth chapter, useth the like term: The desire whereof (as Suetonius saith) drew Caesar's affection for the Conquest of 
In vit. Caesar. cap. 47.  BRITAIN.  
(9) The soil (saith Tacitus) setting aside the Olive, the Vine, and such other plants as are only proper to hotter Countries, taketh all kind of Grain, 
Britain aboundeth with all sorts of Grain.  and beareth it in abundance: it shooteth up quickly, and ripeneth slowly: the cause of both is the same, the overmuch moisture of the soil, and th●… air. And Cesar writeth, that for timber it was stored of all kinds, as in Gallia, the Beech and Fir tree only excepted. 
Caesar. Com. lib 5.  For abundance of Grain, Britain is said to be The seat of Queen Ceres, by Orpheus the old Poet; 
Britain called the ●…eat of Q. Ceres.  and the Granary and Storehouse for the Western World, as Charles the great termed it: and by our own Ancestors in the black Book of the Exchequer it is called a Paradise of pleasure. From whence the Romans 
Romans laded 800. vessels with corn in Britain for their armies elsewhere. Zoso●…us.  were wont yearly to transport (with a fleet of eight hundred vessels bigger than Barges) great store of corn for the maintenance of their Armies. But unto the particular relation of each several blessing belonging to this most happy Island, we will not again enter, seeing that in every County we have sufficiently, and no more than truly, spoken thereof. Only, if you please, hear what hath been said of this Land by the Roman Orators, and first in the panegyric to Constantius the Emperor.  
(10) O happy BRITAIN, and more fortunate 
Panegyric. to Constantius.  than all other Lands beside, which first didst see Constantine Emperor! For good cause hath nature endowed thee with all blessings both of air and soil: wherein there is neither 
In Britain neither excessive cold of winter, nor extreme heat of summer. Britain abounding with all plenty of food for man's sustenance and delight.  excessive cold of Winter, nor extreme heat of Summer: wherein there is so great abundance of grain, that it sufficeth both for bread and drink. There the forests are free from savage beasts, and the ground void of noisome serpents: in whose stead an infinite multitude of tame cattle there are, with their udders strutting full of milk, and laden with fleeces to the ground. And verily (that which for the use of our lives we most esteem) the days are therein very long, and the nights never without some light, for that those 
Britain's nights never without some light.  utmost plains by the sea side cast and raise no shadows on high; and the aspect both of sky and stars passeth beyond the bound of the night: yea the very Sun itself, which unto us seemeth for to set, appeareth there only to pass by a little, and go aside.  
And in another, spoken to Constantius, the father 
Panegyr. spoken to Constantine.  of Constantine the Great, thus is said:  
Though BRITAIN be but a single name, yet surely the State's losses have been manifold, in foregoing a Land so plentiful in fruit and grain, so rich in pasturage, so full of mines and veins of metal, so gainful in tributes 
BRITAIN full of mines of metals.  and revenues, so accommodated with many havens, and for circuit so large and spacious.  
And a Poet of good antiquity, of nature's motherly 
Remains.  affection towards this our Island, hath thus written: 
Tu nimio nec stricta gelu, nec sydere feruens,  
Clementi coelo temperiéque places.  
cum pareret Natura parens, varióque favore  
Divideret dotes omnibus una locis,  
Seposuit potiora tibi, matrémque professa,  
Insula sis foelix, plenáque pacis, ait.  
Quicquid amat luxus, quicquid desiderat usus,  
Ex te proveniet, vel aliunde tibi.  
Nor freezing cold, nor scorching hot thou art;  
Thy air a heavenly temper, sweetly breathed:  
So pleased Dame Nature when she first bequeathed  
To every soil of her rich gifts a part;  
Then Mother-like best choice for thee she sought:  
Be thou (quoth she) the blessed I'll of peace.  
What ever pleasure yields, or wealth's increase,  
From thee shall grow, or shall to thee be brought.   
(11) And that BRITAIN hath been taken for those fortunate islands whereof the Poets have imagined a perpetual spring time, is certain by Isacius Tzetzes a Greek Author of good account. And 
Isaci●… Tzetzes.  in Robert of Auesburie we read, what time Pope Clement the sixth had elected Lewis of Spain to be Prince 
Robert of Auesburie. Britain taken for the fortunate islands.  of the Fortunate islands, raising him powers both in Italy and France, the English Ligier Ambassadors, that lay then in Rome for King Edward the third, were so deeply set in the opinion, that this preparation was made against BRITAIN, that they wrote their suspicions conceived, and presently withdrew themselves into England, to certify the King of these designs. And it seemeth Pope Innocent the fourth was of the same mind, when (as Matth. Paris. writeth) 
Ad●…. 1246.  he said, Verè hortus deliciarum est Anglia: verè puteus inexhaustus est: Et ubi multa abundant, de multis multa possunt extorqueri, etc. Certes the Kingdom of England is the very Paradise of pleasures, a Well which can never be drawn dry: where many things do abound, and whence many things may be extorted, etc. With 
Pope Innocent maketh suit to the King of England to see Britain.  which his conceit he was afterward so far transported with a longing desire, as he made great means and earnest suit to the King of England (as the said Author writeth, ad ann. 1250.) that he might come into England to see that Country which was every where so much renowned. In a word, BRITAIN is so rich in commodities, so beautiful in situation, and so resplendent in all glory, that if the Omnipotent (as one hath said) had vouchsafed to fashion the world 
joseph. bell. judas. lib. 7. cap. 13.  round like a ring, as he did like a globe, it might have been most worthily the only Gem therein. Whose Valleys are like Eden: whose Hills are as Lebanon: whose Springs are as Pisgah: whose Rivers are as jordan: whose Walls is the Ocean: and whose defence is the Lord JEHOVAH.  
(12) The body then of this Imperial Monarchy showeth not only the greatness of itself in itself, but also extendeth her beautiful branches into many other Countries and Kingdoms far jacent and remote. This greatness is made the more sensible, 
BRITAIN sustained at once no less than 11. King's commanding great powers.  for that the Island in times past sustained at once no less than eleven Kings in their royal estates, all of them wearing Crowns, and commanding great powers. Such was the Heptarchy of the Saxons seven Kingdoms, seated on the South of Severius his Wall. Two Kingdoms thence had their sites in that Northern part, and their several Kings of Scots and Picts ruling on both sides the Clude, even unto the Deucaledonian Seas. And two Kingdoms (if not more) divided into North and South, and their Kings of the ancient Britain's ruling the West part of this Island 
D 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 the Great.  beyond the Clawdh Offa, or Offa his Ditch, commonly called WALES.  
(13) The islands likewise belonging to this Empire 
The I'll of Ma●… belonging to Britain, a kingdom within itself.  had Kings of their own, as that of Man, the Orcadeses, and in Ireland at one time five Kings reigning together. France also is annexed, and so was Cyprus 
Cyprus and some provinces subdued to Britain.  sometimes with some Provinces of Syria, subdued by King Richard the first, surnamed Caeur-de-lion. And at this present in the new World of America a Colony of 
A Colonel of Britain's in VIRGINEA.  BRITAIN'S is seated in that part now called VIRGINEA; whereby the borders of our Sovereign's command and most rightful title may be enlarged, & the Gospel of jesus Christ further preached, which no doubt will in time be embraced, to the salvation of many, and great honour to the BRITAIN'S. And that the borders of this most royal Tent have been wide spread in former times, White of Basingstocke is of 
Vitus Basingstocke. The limits of the British Empire in times passed from the Orcadeses unto the Pyere●… Mountains.  opinion, who affirmeth that the limits of the British Empire in old time was from the Orcadeses unto the Pyrenean Mountains. And that King Athelstan after his conquest of those Northern parts with that of Denmark wrote so his title: which further is confirmed by the Charter of King Edgar for the foundation of the Cathedral Church at Worcester, wherein likewise he so styled himself. The enlargement whereof we pray to be accomplished, especially in those parts where God is not known, according to the saying of the Prophet, that the curtains of our habitations may be further 
Isa. 54.  spread, with increase on the right hand and on the left: and that our seed may possess those GENTILES, and dwell in their Cities: whereby the ninth Nation 
Eight Nations converted to Christ by Englishmen.  may be converted unto CHRIST, as eight others before this time by Englishmen have been.   

THE NAMES THAT HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED UNTO THIS ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAPTER II.  
AS touching the first Inhabitants and original Names of this Island, things so far cast into the misty darkness of obscurity and oblivion, that there is no hope left us, so lately born, to discover them; especially 
The first Inhabiters of this Island being merely barbarous, never troubled themselves to transmit their Originals to posterity. Caesar. Com. lib. 6. Druids the only wise men among the first Inhabitants of this Island. If the first Inhabitants of this Island had written any thing of their original, yet it must needs have perished. Gildas de excidi●… Brita●…iae. No understanding of the first af●…aires of this Island, but from sorraine Writers.  knowing that the first Inhabitants being merely barbarous, never troubled themselves with care to transmit their Originals to posterity: neither if they would, could have done, being without Letters, which only do preserve and transfer knowledge unto others. And say they had letters, yet was it not lawful for them to commit their affairs to writing, as Cesar doth testify of the Druids, the only wise and learned men among them, that had the managing both of justice and religious Rites. And had they committed these things to writing, yet doubtless had they perished in the revolutions of so many ages as are passed, and so many conversions or eversions of the State. Gildas and Nintus, the Britain's first Historians, confess plainly, that they had no understanding of the ancient affairs of this Island, but from foreign Writers; and neither that above two hundred and odd years before the birth of our Saviour Christ. At which time Polybius a most grave Writer, and an attendant 
Polybius.  upon Scipio, saith, that the Regions Northward from Narbona (as this is) were utterly unknown; and whatsoever was written or reported of them, was but a dream. And therefore until such time as the Roman 
Roman Writers the best directors for the antiquity of Britain.  Writers reach forth their hands to direct us, we shall wander, as without a guide, and shall seem to heap more rubbish upon former ruins.  
(2) Yet let this be granted, that the Original names of Countries and Provinces were first assumed from their possessors, whereof josephus in the seventh 
The original names of Countries and Provinces assumed first from their possessors. judg. 18. 29. judg. 10. 4.  Chapter of his first Book of Antiquities is a sufficient Witness, who in the dispersion of Noah's sons and his nephews, nameth the Country's according to their families. So did the children of Dan name Laish after their father: jair his Cities that he conquered in the Land of Gilead: and judea from judah whose King was of him: And that this also was the practice of the Gentiles, Perionius doth show, who saith, that himself 
〈◊〉 de original. Gallic●…. Spain named from Hispalus, Italy fr●… Ital●…. 〈◊〉 the sixth son of Iap●…eth the first inhabiter of this Island, who named it 〈◊〉 252. years after the flood.  knew no Nation in the earth, which would not have their names either from their Prince, Captain, or King: the example whereof he inserteth, that Spain was so named from Hispalus, Italy from Italus, and the like.  
(3) And accordingly from Samothes the sixth son of japheth (whom Moses calleth Mesech) the brother of Gomer, and of Ia●…an, whose seed is said in the tenth of Genesis to have replenished the Isles of the Gentiles, is brought by some Authors into this Island, the year after the general Flood two hundred fifty and two, where he seated, and gave Laws to his people, and left to his posterity the name thereof to be called Samothea, after his own. But sith the credit of this Samothes and his Samothea ariseth only from a 
The credit of this Samothes and his Samothea ariseth only from a small and new pamphlet, bearing the name of Berosus the Chaldean.  small and new pamphlet, bearing the name of Berosus the Chaldean, bolstered out under a show of aged Antiquity, and thrust into the world under the countenance of the ancient Historian himself: I mean not to enforce, seeing my purpose is to expose this most beautiful Island in her own beseeming attire, and not deformed by these rotten and patched rags. And of this forged Berosus we have better cause to upbraid johannes Annius his Countenancer and Commenter, than the Egyptian Priests had to twit Solon, in accusing 
Plato in Ti●…. Solo●… quippeth the Grecians, as not having attained to the years of a grey head for history. Lodovic. vives. Gasperus Varrerius. Berosus reject d.  the Grecians, that for history had not attained to the years of a grey head. For it exceeds not much one hundred and twenty years since the same book first appeared in the world; and then vehemently suspected as fabulous by Lodovicus vives, and afterwards convicted by the learned Gasperus Varrerius in a several treatise, and now universally rejected of all skilful Antiquaries.  
(4) But the name ALBION is better received, 
ALBION the name of this Island so termed by the Grecians.  being found so termed of the Grecians in ancient time, as in the book De Mundo, written to Alexander, and supposed to be Aristotle's, Pliny in his Natural History, Ptolemy, Strabo, and others: yet upon what ground it should be so called there arise many conjectures. Pomponius Mela, Nicolas Perottus, Rigmanus Philesius, Aristotle, and Humphrey Lhuyd, derive it from 
Pomponius Mela cap. de Gallia.  Albion Mareoticus a Giant, and son of Neptune, that 
The name Albion from Albion the Giant.  conquered (as they say) these Samotheans, and seated himself in this Island the year after the Flood three hundred thirty five. And if that be true which Perottus and Lilius Giraldus have written, then may this Albion give name to this Island. Notwithstanding, Strabo, Munster, and Friar Bartholomew, will have it so 
Strabo lib. 4. Munst Cosmogr. Bar●…hol. de proprietatibus rerum.  named ab albis rupibus, of the rocks and white cliffs appearing towards the coasts of France: which carrieth the more likelihood through the credit of Orpheus a most ancient Poet, who in his Argonauticks (if so be they were his) calleth the Island next unto Hibernia or Hernin, which questionless is this of ours, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the white Land. And accordingly have 
Albion called the White Land.  the Welsh Poets called it Inis Wen. And this is further confirmed from Cicero, who termeth these whitish 
Welsh Poets called this Island I●…is Wen.  cliffs mirificas moles; as also by the antic Coins of Antonius Pius and Severus the Roman Emperors, whereon BRITAIN is stamped in a woman's attire 
Britain stamped in a woman's attire sitting upon rocks. Fracast. de morbis contagio●…is, Lib. 1.  sitting upon rocks. And the same being chalky, or of a plasterlike substance, Fracastorius supposeth was the cause of the sweeting sickness, and whereof Albion had the name. Unless some will derive it from Alphon, which as Festus saith, doth signify white in Greek; or Olbion, rich or happy, in regard of the fertility of the soil, wholesome temperature of the air, and the rich commodities in the same: either from Albion for the high situation. But from the Latin albis rupibus 
Humphrey L●…uyd in Bre●…ar. Brit.  it could not be derived, when that language was unknown to the world. Marianus the Monk, john Rous, David Pencair, and William Caxton, from others 
Marianus Scotus. joh. Rous. Albion, from Albina the beautiful daughter of D●…oclesian.  more ancient, do fetch the name thereof from Albina the beautiful daughter of Dioclesian King of Syria, who with her sisters, thirty in number, for the slaughter of their husbands, were banished their Country, and without man, oars, or tackles, were committed to the mercy of the Seas, who after many adventures, lastly arrived upon this shore, where they inhabited, and gave name to this Island, calling it Albion after the 
A ridiculous opinion for a progeny of Giants in Albion.  name of their eldest sister: and accompanying with Devils, brought forth a progeny of Giants, if we will believe the Legend of this most impudent liar, which is worthily rejected by Badius, Volateranus, Harding, Bale, john Rous, and others. But that the name Albion was both of great acceptance and long continuance, is apparent by the worthy Epitheton of King Edgar the Saxon, who in his Charter for the foundation of the Abbey of Ely, hath these words: Ego Edgarus Basileus 
The name Albion re●…eined in the Char●…rs of some of our latter Kings.  dilectae Insulae Albionis, subditis nobis sceptris Scotorum, Cumbrorum, & omnium circumcirca Regionum, quieta pace fruens, etc. By which he knitteth the whole Island together, as a Land worthily to be beloved, and calleth it ALBION.  
(5) The next name ascribed unto this Island is 
BRITAIN. The Grecians first named this Island by the name BRITAIN.  BRITAIN, and that first found and given by the Grecians, who were the first discoverers of these Western parts of the world: either from their painted bodies; as their neighbours (if not ancestors) the Gauls were named of their long shaggy hair, or of their rich metals therein gotten, and thence carried in abundance into other Countries; or from Brute, that with his dispersed Troyans' conquered it, as he of Monmouth hath translated; or what occasion soever, 
jeffrey ap Arthur.  I dispute not: only it fears me I shall give but small satisfaction to the desirous Reader, of the cause and original of this name, being consorted with so many uncertainties, wherein the further we follow this entangled 
How this Island came to have the name Britanni●… is very uncertain.  thread, the further are we lead into the Labyrinth of ambiguity. But as Plutarch, Livy, and other Latin Writers have complained of the many fictions 
The feign of Poets have bred mistrust in many true histories.  and fables of Poets intermingled with the histories of truth, whereby truth itself was often made inctedible; so we in rehearsing the divers names of Britanny, and the reasons thereof by sundry Writers alleged, rest free in our relations, either from impeaching the power of Antiquity, or approving those things that are as yet wrapped up in Times oblivions, leaving the credit to them that have left the same unto us, and the censure of their opinions to the judgement of the learned, and those of better experience.  
(6) The vulgar received opinion, held on with four hundred years continuance, (some few men's 
Britain the name of this Island thought to take his name from Brute.  exceptions had against the same) is, that this Island took the name of Britannia from Brute the son of Silvius, of whom more shall be spoken in the next Chapter for the peopling of this Island, and from whom some (following a suspected Gildas) do write the name Brutaine: for so doth Hierome, who translating Aethicus that excellent Scythian Philosopher, calleth both this and the islands adjacent, Insulas Brutanicas. But besides the many objections made both by foreign and home-●…red Writers, that seem to make the story of Brute doubtful, Humphrey Lhuyd a Cambre-Britaine, a learned and diligent searcher of 
In his breviary of Britain.  Antiquities, doth confidently deny the name Britain to be taken from Brute; and among many other observations, makes this an infallible argument, that the letter B. is not the first radical of that name; and affirmeth 
The letter B. no radical in the British tongue.  boldly, that there is not any British word whose first radical letter is B. And therefore he will have it to be anciently written PRYDCAIN, compounded of two British words, PRIDE and CAIN, which 
PRYDCAIN  signify (as he saith) Beauty and White; the C. being lost in the latter word, for the more easy pronunciation in the British tongue; and the P. in the former changed into B. by the Latins, for the more gentle and pleasant sounds sake: so that himself thinketh, that those learned and expert men in the British tongue, which wrote the islands name with B. do therein rather follow the Latins, then judging that to be the true name indeed: for proof whereof he citeth both ancient Copies and Traditions of their own old Poets the Bardi, by whom 
Britain usually called Prydain.  (saith he) it was usually called Prydain, as the fittest denomination for so beautiful a Land. But if either colour or commodities were her Godfathers at the font-stone, why was she not rather named The Palace of Queen Ceres, as old Orpheus terms her; either Insula flor●…, as it hath been found written in a very 
Brita●…ia the Insula 〈◊〉.  ancient manu-script? And yet to second this his conc●…ited name, I find recorded by Bishop Cooper, a learned 
Bishop Cooper in his Dictionary.  Writer, that which makes for that purpose. At E●…ychurth (saith he) two miles from Salisbury, in the digging 
〈◊〉 written Pryd●…a.  down of a wall, a book containing twenty le●…es of very thick velo●…e was found, which from the hands of Master Richard Pace, chief Secretary to the King, I received; 
King Edward V●….  but being sore defaced, could read no one sentence thorough, yet did I well perceive the word PRYTANIA, (not called so, from the adjuncts white and Beauteous) but rather from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prytania, which 
Prytania so called from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  as he saith, doth signify metals. For the Grecians flourishing in wisdom, and experience, entered the Ocean, and finding this Island full of Brass, Tin, Led, Iron, Gold, and Silver gave name thereunto accordingly and called it Prytania. Thus far he. And some in regard of these rich commodities thence brought, will have it named Britannia, as upon like occasion Vibius Sequester affirmeth Calabria sometimes to have been so called. Others, and those many, do hold a more strange 
Vibius' Sequest.  opinion, namely, that this Island was called Britannia of Bretta a Spanish word which signifieth Earth, for 
Britannia of Bretta a Spanish word.  that it was separated from the main land, and, say they, it was once joined with the continent of France. Of this opinion are Antonius Volscus, Dominicus Marius Niger, Servius Honoratus, Vinianus, Bodine, Twine, and 
Antonius Volscus Dominicus Marius Niger, etc.  Verstegan. But how that name from that separation may be gathered I understand not: for if it be granted, that this Island also was cut from the continent (as it is thought all others in the world were,) by the violent rage of the universal flood, yet it followeth not, that this only should claim that name, and from that occasion, more than any other, or then all of them so divided and set apart in the main Ocean. Others there are that would have the name Britain to be brought from Britona a Nymph in Greece, daughter to 
Britannia named of Britona a Nymph. Textor Chr●….  Mars, who (as they say) to avoid the lascivious intents of Minos, forsook the country, and passing the seas arrived in this Island and by her the name arose, this hath Textor. But I might as well cite Calepine for his Anglia, and Marianus for his Albina, being all fables 
Textor.  consorting alike together, and fictions of the same authority that Virgil's Dido is. Hesychius deriveth the 
Hesychius.  name Britain from Britannus the father of Celtice on whom Hercules begat Celtus the original of the Celtaes as Parthenius Nicaeus a very ancient author writeth. 
Parthenius Nicaeus. Sir Thomas Eliot. Britain of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  And Sir Thomas Eliot a learned Knight draweth the name of this Island from the Greek fountain also, but of other signification, viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prutania, by which term the Athenians signified their public revenues, and yet that is justly excepted against, seeing that it is a peculiar term only to the Athenians, and that 
Grecians called this Island 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Goropius Becanus in Orig. de Ant. lib. 6. Bridania or Free-Denmark.  the Grecians called this Island 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Goropius Becanus in his Original of Antwerp saith, that the Danes sought here to plant themselves, and so named this Island Bridania, that is, free Denmark. And others derive it from Prutenia a country in Germany. But that both these are fictions it manifestly appeareth, for that this Island was famous by the name of Britain many hundred years before that either Dania or 
Britain so named before either Dania or Prutenia were heard of in the world. Pomponius Latus.  Prutania were heard of in the world.  
Pomponius Latus would have it Briton, and that name given it from the Britons in France. Indeed it is probable, that from the Celtes, the old Gauls, our originals descended: but that the name should come of them hath no colour of truth, seeing that those Britons came from us, and not we from them: and in Caesar's 
Britons in France came of us. Cambden Brit. pag 8. Forcatulus. Britain called of Brithin a drink. White. Britain called of an Hebrew word. Isidore.  time that coast was called Armorica, but this of ours Britain. Forcatulus deriveth the name thereof from Brithin a drink, which as Athenaeus saith was used among the Greeks. And others will have it from the Brutij a roving and straggling people in Italy: both which are accounted but idle conceits and for no less we will leave them. White of Basingstocke will have the name thereof derived from an Hebrew word, and Isidore from a word of her own language. Thus then is Britanny burdened with many titles under one truth; and these are the ascriptions, causes and exceptions, as far as we are able to gather: all which must give place to that which is to follow out of the painful collections and judicious observances of our illustrious Antiquary Master Cambden. Whose words I will abridge, and by his good favour bring to furnish this chapter, and further to satisfy the unsatisfied Reader. 
Cambdeni Britannia.   
(7) This than he holdeth for granted, that ancient 
Ancient nations had names of their own: afterwards wrested by Greeks and Latins.  nations in the beginning had names of their own: and that after from these the Greeks and Latins by wresting them to the analogy or proportion of their speech, imposed names upon Regions and countries, which took their denominations from their people and indwellers. So jewry was named from the jews, Media from the Medes, Persia of the 
jewry so called of the jews. Media of the Medes. Scythia of the Scythians. Britta, Brito, Britoneses and Brittus. From Brit or Birth.  Persians, Scythia of the Scythians, etc. And why not then by the authority of Martial, Juvenal, Ausonius, Procopius, and in old inscriptions set up by the Britain's themselves, BRITTA, BRITO, BRITONESES, BRITTUS, from BRIT, or BIRTH, from whom any one being of that nation might be termed NATIONE BRITTO, as is seen so inscribed in Saint Mary the Round at Rome? The Saxons likewise themselves called the Britain's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Witichindas' the Saxon every where nameth the Britain's Britae: so that the word 
BRIT. Witichindas'.  BRIT is doubtless the Primitive, from whence BRITTO is derived, and from whence the first glimpse of light 
Brit the primitive from whence Britto is derived.  leading to the word BRITAIN, seemeth to appear. And that all nations devised their names of that, wherein they either excelled others, or were known by from others, whether in regard of their first founder's honour, as the jones of javan, the Israelites of Israel, the Canaanites of Canaan; or whether in respect of their nature, conditions, and inclinations; 
Israelites so called in honour of their first founder Israel. Iberi why so called. Nomades named of their breeding of cattle. Dio. Aethiopians so called of their black hue. julius Solinus.  as the Iberi after the Hebrew Etymology because they were Miners; the Heneti because they were stragglers; the Nomads for that they were breeders of cattle; the Almains for their esteemed valour and manhood; the Frankners for being free; the Pannonians, as Dio conceiteth, of their coats with cloth-sleeves; the Aethiopians of their black hue: and the Albans because they were borne with white hair, for so saith Solinus, that the colour of their heads gave name unto the people. Seeing then that these our Islanders were known and called by a name common to both them and their neighbours, Cimbri or Cumeri, 
Britain's and their neighbours called both by one name Cimbri or Cumeri. Caesar, Mela, Pliny, Martial.  and had no better mark to be distinguished and known from the borderers, then by their custom of painting their bodies, whereof the most approved authors do witness, as Caesar, Mela, Pliny, Martial an●… others, who affirm that the Britanes used to colour themselves with woad, called in the Latin glastum (and glaze at this day with them doth 
The Britain coloured themselves to be distinguished from their neighbours.  signify blue) what if I then should conjecture (saith he) that they were called Britain's from this their painted bodies? for what is thus stained or coloured, in their ancient country speech is called BIRTH. Neither let this Etymology of Britain's seem to be either harsh or absurd, seeing the very words sound alike, and the name also as an express image representeth the thing which in Etymologies are chiefly required; for Birth, and Brit, do passing well accord: And the word Birth among the Britain's, implieth that 
Birth and Brit do accord.  which the Britan's were indeed, to wit, painted, stained, died, and coloured, as the Latin poets describe them: having their backs pied or medley coloured, as Oppianus termeth 
Oppianus. Cyn●…. li. 1. Britain's so named for painting themselves.  them. From which colours and use of painting, the ancient Britain's (as he thinketh) had their names, and as yet in use among the Welsh. But this is certain that a Britain is called in the British tongue BRITHON, and as BRITO came of BIRTH, so did BRITANNIA, who as Isidore saith took the name from a word of their own nation: for what time the ancient Greeks (that first 
Isidore.  gave name to this Island) either as rovers or merchants traveled into other remote and far disjoined countries (as Eratosthenes reporteth) learned from the Inhabitants themselves, or else of the Gauls which spoke the same language, 
Eratosthenes.  that this our nation was called Birth and Brithon: They then unto the word BIRTH, added TANIA, 
The Grecians unto the word Birth added tania.  which in the Greek Glossaries betokeneth a REGION, and whereof they made a compound name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the BRITONS-LAND. And that this is so, the countries also lying in the West part of the world, as Mauritania, Lusitania, and Aquitania, do sufficiently confirm: for the Grecians being the first Surveyors of those regions, of Mauri, whom Strabo saith was called Numidia, made Mauritania; 
Strabo. Tania added to●… divers countries, by the Grecians. Iuo Carnotensis.  of Lusus the son of Bacchus, Lusitania, and of Aquis (waters, as Iuo Carnotensis is of opinion) called the country Aquitania: as also Turditania, and Bastinania, Provinces in Spain, might arise from the Turdi, and Basti their possessors. And that this manner of composition is most usual in the names of countries we see: For came not Ireland by composition of the Irish word Erim? Did not Angle terre gr●…w together of an English and French word and became England, Doth not Franc-lond proceed from 
England coming of Angleterre.  a French and Saxon word? Came not Poleland from a Polonian word, which with them betokeneth a plain? and was not Danmarch compounded of Dan and the Dutch word 
Danmarch compounded of Dan and March.  March, which signifieth a bound or limit? Neither have we cause to wonder at this Greek addition TANIA, seeing that S. Hierome in his questions upon Genesis, proved out 
S. Hierom. in Gene.  of most ancient Authors, that the greeks inhabited along the sea coasts and Isles of Europe throughout as far as to this our Island. Let us read, saith he, Varroes' books of Antiquities, and those of Sisinius Capito, as also the Greek writer Phlegon, with the rest of the great learned men, and 
Phlegon.  we shall see, all the islands well near, and all the sea coasts of the whole world, to have been taken up with Greek inhabitants, 
Grecians inhabited well near all the sea coasts of the whole world.  who, as I said before, from the mountains Amanus and Taurus even to the British Ocean, possessed all the parts along the sea side. And verily, that the Greeks arrived in this our region, viewed and considered well the site and nature thereof, there will be no doubt nor question made: if we observe what Athenaeus hath written concerning Phileas 
Athenaeus.  Taurominites who was in Britain in the year one hundred and sixty before Caesar's coming: if we call to remembrance 
The certainty of the Greeks inhabiting in Britain. Brodaeus Miscellan. lib. 3. Ulysses' Altar in Caledonia. Thule thought to be one of the Isles of the Orcadeses in Scotland. Low countries.  the Altar with an inscription unto Ulysses in Greek letters, erected in Caledonia as Solinus saith, and lastly if we mark what Pytheas before the time of the Romans here, hath delivered and written as touching the distance of Thule from Britain. For who had ever discovered unto the Greeks, Britain, Thule, the Belgic countries, and their sea coasts especially, if the Greek ships had not entered the British and Germane Ocean, yea and related the description thereof unto their Geographers? Had Pytheas, think you, come to the knowledge of six days sailing beyond Britain, unless some of the Greeks had showed the same? Who ever told them of Scandia, Bergos and Nerigon, out of which men may sail into Thule? And these names seem 
Thule much mentioned in Greek writers.  to have been better known unto the most ancient Greeks, then either to Pliny or to any Roman. Whereupon Mela testifieth, that Thule was much mentioned and renowned in Greek writers: Pliny likewise writeth thus; Britain an Island famous in the monuments and records both of the Greeks and of us. By this means therefore, so many Greek words have crept into the British, French, and withal, into the Belgic or Low-Dutch language. And if Lazarus 
Laza. Baysius. As other nation's glory that they derive many words from the Greeks, so may we.  Baysius, and Budaeus do make their vant and glory in this, that their Frenchmen have been of old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, lovers and studious of the Greeks, grounding their reason upon few French words of that Idiom, which receive some marks and tokens of the Greek tongue: if Hadrianus junius joyeth no less, because in the Belgic words there lie covertly Greek Etymologies: then may the Britain's make their boast in whose language many words there be derived from the Greeks. Thus far M. Cambdens' judgement for Britannia.  
Which name we find first mentioned by Polybius the Greeks historian, who lived and traveled with Scipio thorough most parts of Europe, about 265. years before the birth of Christ. And after him Athenaeus a Greek author of good account, and before the year 
Athenaeus. For so by the Scriptures account I place the time. In Britain great store of large trees.  of grace 179. mentioneth the name of Britain, and that upon this occasion: King Hiero, saith he, framing a ship of such hugeness and burden, as was admirable to the world, was much troubled for a tree, whereof he might make the main mast: which at last with much ado was found in Britain, by the direction of a Swineherd: and by Phileas Taurominites the Mechanic conveyed 
Phileas Taurominites.  into Sicily, whereby that want was sufficiently supplied. To this let not the Critics from Caesar say, that 
Caesar.  Britain brought forth neither Beech nor Fir, as he in his fist book of commentaries affirmeth (if by fagus he mean the Beech) seeing that the same kind doth most 
In Scotland Fir trees for masts.  plentifully grow in all parts of this Island, and the fir-tree for masts in the North west of Scotland upon the banks of the Lough argicke of such great height and thickness, that at the root they bear 28. handfuls about, and the bodies mounted to 90. foot of height they bear at that length 20. inches diameter, as hath been measured by some in commission, & so certified to his Majesty: and at this present growing upon the lands of the right worthy Knight Sir Alexander Hayes, his majesties principal Secretay for Scotland. But among the Latin Writers Lucretius was the first that before Cesar mentioneth Britain in these verses: 
Nam quid Britannum coelum deferre putamus, 
Lucretius.   
Et quod in Aegypto est, quà mundi claudicat Axis:  
We see the difference in the spheres where Britain's Sun doth go  
From Egypt's Clime, wherein Charles wain is forced to draw so low.   
(8) Other names hath this Island been termed by, and that either by way of note for her situation, as Insula Caeruli, the Island in the Sea, so written in the 
Britain called Insula Caeruli.  sonnet or parodia made against Ventidius Bassus, and by Claudian confirmed, whose sides (saith he) the azure Sea doth wash. And in a very ancient manuscript it is found written, Insula florum, an Island of flowers, for the abundance of Grain therein growing: as also for her subjection to the Romans, hath been called by Aegisippus, the Roman World, and by her own Historian 
Britain the Roman world. Prosperus Aquitaine. A prophecy of the Roman sooth sayers concerning Britain. This Island Britain named the Roman Island.  Gildas, Romania: for being first subdued by them, the very name of servitude (saith he) stuck fast to the soil. And Prosperus Aquitaniss in express words calleth it, the Roman Island, and so did the Soothsayers when the statues of Tacitus and Florianus the Emperors were by lightning overthrown, who prophesied, that an Emperor should arise out of their family, that should send a Proconsull to the Roman Island. Upon the like cause of conquest and subjection we read in Amianus, that what time the Island had assayed a dangerous 
Amianus Marcel. lib. 28. cap. 7.  revolt in the reign of Valentinianus the Emperor, Theodosius as then Governor of Britain, reducing them under their wont obedience, in honour of Valentinianus, caused the Island to be called VALENTIA, which name notwithstanding died either with, 
This Island named Valentia.  or immediately after the death of the said Emperor.  
(9) But about the same time, when as by God's decree the Romans fullness was come to the wane, and 
Many countries arise by the Romans downfall.  the greatness of their glory did abate; by the downfall of that one Empire many Kingdoms began to arise, and to have their Rulers, Laws, and Limits of themselves. Among the rest, this Island Britain shortly came to be divided into three scuerall Kingdoms, 
This Island Britain divided in to three kingdoms. The first, Scotland, whose partition southward is from Carlisle to Newcastle.  and each of them to retain an absolute power in their own dominions, and known by their several and proper names. The first was Scotland from Scotia, and that from Scythia, as the best suppose, whose Southern bounds was the famous Wall from Carlisle to Newcastle, and from thence the enorm tract of all that Northern promontory was called Scotia, or Scotland. The second was Cambria, of us called Wales, sited in the West of this Island, enclosing those waste 
The second. Cambria or Wales, whose partition is from Basingwark to Wye.  mountains with a ditch drawn from Basingwarke in Flintshire in the North, to the mouth of Wye near Bristol in the South, so separated by great Offa the Mercian King. And the third was Angle-lond, the East, the most fruitful, and best of the Island, lying coasted 
The third. Angle-lond coasted with the French and Germane Seas.  with the French and German Seas; so named when the united Heptarchy of the Saxons was ruled by King Egbert, who by his edict dated at Winchester, Anno 819. commanded the same to be called Angle-lond, according to the name of the place from whence his ancestors 
This Island named Angle-lond of a place in Denmark called Engloen.  the Angle-Saxons came, which was out of the continent part of Denmark, lying betwixt juitland and Holsatia, where to this day the place retaineth the name Engloen. And therefore Calepine is to be rejected, that would have the name from Queen Angela, and Goropius, of good Anglers; either from Pope Gregory his attribute of Angel-like faces; or from others that 
Gregory 1.  would feign it from Angula the Giantlike brother to Danus; or force it from Angulus Orbis.  
(10) Neither indeed was it called England before 
This Island not called England before the days of Canutus the Dane.  the days of Canutus the Dane; but with Angle-land, retained still the names both of Albion and Britain, as in a Saxon Charter made by King Edgar the tenth in succession from Egbert, and no less than one hundred forty and nine years after this Edict is seen, 
This Island usually called both Angle-lond, Albion, and Britain, before Canutus days.  where in the beginning he styleth himself thus: Ego Edgar totius Albionis Basileus, etc. And in the end of the same charter thus: Edgar Rex totius Britannia D●…conem cum sigillo S. Crucis confirmavi. And yet upon his Coins wrote himself Rex Anglis, whereby we see the relish of the former names not utterly extinct, though a new was imposed by the Saxons.  
(11) This last name this Island still retained, 
The name England not changed either by the Dane or Normane Conquerors.  though two several Conquests of two several Nations were made of the same. Neither did William the Conqueror attempt to alter it, it sounding belike so Angellike in his ears, accounting himself most happy to be King of so worthy a Kingdom: the glory whereof is further enlarged by the ranking of Christian 
Hath the fifth place in all General Counsels.  nations, assembled in their general Counsels, wherein England is accounted the fifth, and hath place of presidency before kingdoms of larger territories. This name of England continued for the space of seven hundred eighty and three years, unto the coming 
Hath continued and kept the name England the space of seven hundred eighty and three years.  in of our Sovereign Lord King JAMES, in anno 1602. who by the hand of GOD hath united all these Diadems into one Imperial Crown, and reduced the many Kingdoms in one Island, under the government of one Monarch: and after the manifold conquests, eruptions, and dissensions, hath settled an eternal amity; and extinguishing all differences of names, hath given the whole Island the ancient name of 
Now reduced to the name of Great Britain.  GREAT BRITAIN, by his Edict dated at Westminster, quartering the royal Arms of his several Kingdoms in one royal Scutcheon, and for his mott, as is most meet, BEATI PACIFICI.   

THE ANCIENT NATIONS INHABITING THIS ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN BEFORE THE CONQUEST THEREOF BY THE ROMANS. CHAPTER III.  
IT is not to be doubted, but that this Island with the Universal was replenished 
Britain replenished with people before Noah's flood.  with people, immediately after that men began to be multiplied upon the earth, even in the days of the former patriarchs, and long before the Flood of Noah, as sundry ancient Writers have related. And surely if we consider in those first ages of the world the long life of man (the only means to multiplication) and the world's continuance for one thousand six hundred fifty and six years before it was destroyed, we shall easily yield, that every Country and corner of the earth was plentifully peopled and inhabited. And so much do the Sacred Scriptures intimate unto us, where, by the Prophet Esay it is said, Thus saith the Lord, that created heaven; God himself, that framed the earth, and made it: he 
Isa. 45. 18.  hath prepared it; he created it not in vain; he form it to be inhabited.  
(2) But when the wrath of GOD was executed upon the world for sin, and all overwhelmed with a Flood of waters, the whole earth thereby became altogether unpeopled, eight persons only with the breedreserued 
Noah's flood.  creatures saved in the floating Ark: Whose Port or Haven was the mountain of Araret in Armenia; 
The haven of Noah's Ark, Mount Araret.  whence, with the blessing of procreation, mankind again began to be multiplied upon the earth; and from the confusion of Babel's building, to be scattered 
Babel's Tower the cause of sundry Languages, and dispersion of people.  by Tribes and Colonies, according to the diver sitie of Languages, into divers parts and Countries of the world, giving names to the places where they seated, according to the names of their Princes, or chief Commanders. Amongst whom the sons of japheth the eldest son of Noah (whom Moses declareth to 
japheths' progeny peopled Europe. Genesis 10.  have peopled the Isles of the Gentiles) betook themselves into Europe, these western parts of the world: as Sem did into Asia, and Cham into Africa: whose 
seems planted in Asia. Cham's offspring seated in Africa. joseph. lib. 1.  posterities accordingly dispersed josephus in his first Book of Antiquities hath both branched into their several divisions, and reduced them to their first roots and originals.  
(3) Now that the Isles of the Gentiles mentioned 
Europe the Isles of Gentiles.  by Moses, were these of Europe, all learned men confess: and therefore those especially of Britanny and Sicily, as Wolfangus Musculus is of opinion. And that 
Wolfang. Muscul. Origen. lib. 9 cap. 2. Wolfang.  Europe fell to japhets' portion, josephus and Isidore do agree: who affirm his offspring to have inhabited from the Mount Taurus all Europe Northward, so far 
Lazius. Theophilus Episc. Antioch. ad An●…ol. lib. 2.  as the British Seas, leaving names both to places and people. And Gildas, as Nubrigensis witnesseth, and Polydore Virgil granteth, will have this Island inhabited even from the Flood. But of these ancient things, 
Sebastian Munster.  saith Sebastian Munster, no man can write certainly, it depending only upon conjecturals, and the same by 
Stories of the first times merely conjectural.  hearsay, and flying reports of private men, as Origen speaketh.  
(4) Gomer then, the eldest son of japheth, gave 
Gomer the eldest son of japheth.  name to the Gomerians, who filled almost this part of the world, leading (as Villichius saith) in the tenth 
Villichius. A Colony of Gomerians called Combri or Cimbri, of Gomer, came into 〈◊〉. Englishmen were of Cimbrica Chersonesus, which came from Italy. joh. Lewis in Reform. hist. li. 1. ca 9  year of Nimrod, a Colony out of Armenia into Italy, which of Gomer were called Combri, and afterwards Cimbri: whence such as departed Italy went into the North parts and gave name to Cimbrica Chersonesus: from whence it is certain we the English proceed, and of whom also it is likely the Britain's came. For so judgeth a learned Britain himself, who saith his countrymen the Welsh which are unlearned, as yet know no other name for their land and people, but only C●…mbri.  
(5) And that of these Gomerians were also the 
Gauls of the Gomerians.  Gauls, learned Clarenceaux that brightest lamp to all Antiquities, out of josephus and Zonaras sufficiently hath observed; who that they were also called Cimbri, he proveth out of Cicero, & Appian Alexandrinus; 
Appian. Alexand. Lib. 〈◊〉.  that those Barbarians whom Marius defeated, Cicero plainly termeth Gauls, where he saith C. Marius repressed the armies of the Gauls, entering in great numbers 
Gauls by all History were the Cimbrians.  into Italy: which, as all Historians witness, were the Cimbrians. And the Habergeon of their king Beleus digged up at Aquae Sextia, where Marius put them to flight, doth show the same: whereon was engraven in strange characters BELEOS CIMBROS; as also the testimony of Lucan doth no 
Marius' Habergeon. Marius' killed by a Cimbrian.  less, who calleth the Ruffian hired to kill Marius, a Cimbrian, whom Livy and Plutarch in the life of Marius affirm to be a Gaul. They also who under the conduct of Brennus spoiled Delphi in Greece, were 
Delphi spoiled by Brennus.  Gauls, as all writers with one voice agree; and yet that these were named Cimbri, Appian in his Illyricks doth testify. And for Brennus their Grand-captain, 
Brennus' a Britain or a Cimbrian.  our Historians report him to be a Britain: as likewise Virgil (though in taunting wise) termeth that Grammarian 
Virgil. Catalect. lib 8. cap. 3. Quintilian.  the Britain Thucydides, whom Quintilian affirms to be a Cimbrian.  
(6) And if of the rest of Noah's nephews, seated 
The Turks, the jones, Medes, and Thracians come of Noah's nephews.  in several countries, the Nations proceeding from them, are known by their original names, as the Turks of Togorma, whom the jews to this day so term, the jones from javan, the Modes from Madai, the Thracians from Tiras, and so of the rest, whose names as yet sound not much unlike to their first planters; why then shall not we think, that our Britanes or Cumerians, are the very offspring of Gomer, 
Britain's or Cumerians the offspring of Gomer.  and of Gomer took their denomination, the name so near according? Sith granted it is, that they planted themselves in the utmost borders of Europe, as Isodore 
Isodore.  hath said. For the Ark resting in Armenia, and the people 
Armenia the fountain region of all Nations. Places nearest Armenia first peopled.  thence flowing like waters from the spring, replenished those parts first that lay next their site: as Asia the less, and Greece before Italy: Italy before Gaul, and Gaul before Britain. And if we consider the occasions, that might be offered, either for disburdening the multitudes of people, for conquest, desire of 
The occasions why people disperie.  novelties, smallness of distance, or commodities of the air and soil, we may easily conceive this Island to have been peopled from thence. For it standeth with sense that every country received their first inhabitants 
Each Nation peopled from places near.  from places near bordering, rather than from them that lay more remote: for so was Cyprus peopled out of Asia, Sicily and Candie out of Greece; Corsica and Sardinia, out of Italy, Zealand out of Germany, Island out of Norway, and so of the rest. Now that Britain had her first inhabitants from Gaul, sufficiently is 
Britain had her first inhabitants from the Gauls.  proved by the name, site, religion, manners, and languages, by all which the most ancient Gauls and Britain's have been as it were linked together in some mutual society; as is at large proved by our Arch-Antiquary in his famous work, to which I refer the 
Britannia Cambdeni.  studious reader.  
(7) And although the inner parts of the Island were inhabited, as Caesar saith, of such whom they themselves out of their own records, report to have 
Caesar. Comment. Lib. 5.  been borne in the Island: yet the sea coasts were peopled 
The seacoasts of Britain peopled out of Belgia.  by those, who upon purpose to make war, had passed thither out of Belgia, and Gaul, who still carried the names of those cities and states, out of which they came: as the Belgae, the Attrebatij, Parisi, and the like names of people both in Gaul, and in Britain, that after the wars there remained. Which is the more confirmed in that both the Provinces were governed by one and the same Prince, as Caesar in his own remembrance 
Caesar. Com. lib. 2 A part of Gaul and Britain governed by one Prince.  knew, and nameth one Divitiacus to hold a good part of Gaul, and also of Britain under his government. Yea and Tacitus the most curious searcher into Britain's affairs, in the life of Agricola thus disciphereth them. Now (saith he) what manner of men 
Tacitus in vita Agricola.  the first inhabitants of Britanny were, foreign brought in, or borne in the land, as among a barbarous people, it is not certainly known. Their complexions are different, and thence may some conjectures be taken: for the red hair of the dwellers in Caledonia, and mighty limbs, import a Germane descent. The coloured countenances 
The Caledoniant import a Germane disscent. The Silureses from Spain.  of the Silureses, and hair most commonly curled, and site against Spain, seem to induce, that the old Spaniards passed the Sea, and possessed those places. The nearest to France likewise resemble the French, either because they retain of the race from which they descended, or that in Countries butting together, the same aspect of the heavens doth yield the same complexions of bodies. But generally it is most likely, the French being nearest, did people the Land. In their ceremonies and superstitious 
Britain most likely to be peopled by the French.  persuasions, there is to be seen an apparent conformity. The Language differeth not much: like boldness to challenge and set into dangers: when dangers come, like fear in refusing: saving that the Britaines make show of great courage, as being not mollified yet by long peace.  
(8) Whereby we see, that these Cimbrians (of whom, as Appian Alexandrinus saith, came the Celts, 
Appian. Alexand. in 〈◊〉. Celt.  and of them the Gauls, as Plutarch in the life of Camillus 
Plutarch. Plato. Aristotle.  affirmeth, with whom both Plato and Aristotle agree) were the ancient progenitors of these our Britain's: and them, with the Gauls, to be both one and the same people, is allowed by Pliny, that placeth 
Britain's and Gauls both placed in the Continent of France  them both in the continent of France; for so Eustathius in his Commentary understandeth Dionysius Afar, that these Britaines in Gaul gave name to the Island now called GREAT BRITAIN, as Pomponius 
Pomponius Laetus. ●…. hist. Angl. lib. 1, cap. 〈◊〉.  Laetus and Beda before him had done. These things considered, with the nearness of their sites for ready intercourse, made both Cesar and Tacitus to conceive as they did. Neither were these things following small motives unto them: for their religion was alike, saith 
Lucan. Britain's and Gauls alike in many respects. Strabo, Tacitus, Dion, etc. Caesar, Strabo.  Lucan and Tacitus: their boldness in wars, and manner of arms alike, saith Strabo, Tacitus, Dion, Pliny, Herodian, and Mela: Their building alike, saith Cesar and Strabo: their ornaments and manners alike, saith Pliny and Cesar: their wits alike, saith Strabo and Tacitus: their language alike, saith learned Bodine: and in 
Bodin.  all things the unconquered Britain's to the ancient Gauls alike, saith Tacitus. And all these do warrant 
Tacitus.  us (me thinks) to come from the Cimbrians, whose sons, and our fathers, were the Celts and Gauls: 
The Celts and Gauls our fathers. Bale Cent. 1. Britain's assisted the Gauls against Cesar.  the bands of whose amities were so linked together, that the Britaines gave aid, and assisted the Gauls against Cesar, which was no small cause of his quarrel against them.  
(9) Not to derive the truth of our history from the feigned inventions of a forged Berosus, that bringeth 
Berosus thought a forged author.  Samothes to people this Island, about one hundred fifty two years after the Flood, to give laws to the Land, and to leave it to his posterity, for three hundred thirty five years continuance: although he be 
Holinsh. hist. lib. 1 cap. 2. Vitus hist. Brit. lib. 1. annot. 25. Genes. 10. 2.  countenanced by Amandus Zirixaeus in the annotations of White of Basingstocke: and magnified unto us by the names of Dis and Meshech the sixth son of japheth, from whom this Island with a Sect of Philosophers took their names, saith Textor, Bale, Holinshead, 
Textor, etc. job. Caius in Antiq. Canterb. lib. 1.  and Caius: yet seeing this building hath no better a foundation but Berosus, and he not only justly suspected, but long since fully convicted for a counterfeit, we leave it, as better fitting the pens of vulgar Chroniclers, than the relish or liking of judicious Readers: whilst with Laertius we judge rather, that those Sophes 
Laertius in vit. Philosophorum, cap. 1. Villichus.  were termed Semnothoes, and they not from Samothea, as Villichus would have us believe.  
(10) Neither soundeth the music of Albion's legion tuneable in our ears, whom Berosus with full note, and Annius alloweth to be the fourth son of 
Hollinshead. An unlikely story of Britain's first peopling.  Neptune, and him the same that Moses calleth Napthtahim, the fourth son of Mizraim, the second son of Cham, the third son of Noah, (because his fictions should be countenanced with the first) who being put into this Island by Neptune his father (accounted forsooth the god of the Seas) about the year after the 
Samothea this Island Britain conquered by Cham's posterities  flood three hundred thirty and five, overcame the Samotheans, as easily he might, being a man of so great strength in body, and largeness of limbs, that he is accounted among the Giants of the earth. Him Hercules 
Pompon. Mela.  surnamed Lybicus in battle assailed for the death of Osiris his father, and after forty four years tyranny (saith Bale) slew him with his brother Bergion in 
Bale.  the continent of Gallia near to the mouth of the river Rhodanus: whence Hercules traveled into this Island, as Giraldus (from Gildas the ancient Briton Poet) conjectureth, whose fifth dialogue of Poetry he 
Giraldus.  had seen; and the rather believed, because Ptolemy calleth that head of Land in Cornwall, Promontorium 
Hercules in Britain left the possession thereof to Cham's posterity.  Herculis, and left the possession of the Island unto them of Cham, contrary to the meaning of the Scriptures, that made him a Captive, but never a Conqueror over his brethren, whiles their first Policies were standing.  
(11) The last, but much applauded opinion, for 
An opinion much applauded.  the possessing and peopling of this Island, is that of Brute, generally held for the space of these last four hundred years (some few men's exceptions reserved) who with his dispersed trojans came into, and made 
Brute and his Troyans' conquered this Island.  conquest of this Island the year of the world's creation 2887. and after the universal flood 1231. in the eighteenth year of Heli his Priesthood in the land of Israel, and before the incarnation of Christ our Saviour one thousand fifty nine. This Brute is brought from the ancient Troyans' by descent, yea and from the persons of the heathen deified Gods: as that he was the 
Brute descended from jupiter.  son of Silvius, who was the son of Ascanius, the son of AEneas, the son of Anchises by Venus the Goddess, and daughter to jupiter their greatest in account. And if Pliny and Varro hold it praise worthy to challenge descents (though falsely) from famous 
Pliny. Varr●….  personages, whereby, as they say, appeareth an inclination to virtue, and a valorous conceit to persuade unto honour, as sprung from a race divine and powerful: 
A false descent may not be challenged. Geffrey of Monmouth died in Anno 11●…2. Acts 17. 28.  then by all means let us listen to him of Monmouth, who hath brought his Nation to rank in degree with the rest of the Gentiles, which claim themselves to be the Generation of the Gods.  
(12) But why do I attribute the work to him, as the Author, sith he professeth himself to be but the translator of that history out of the British tongue, 
Monmouth his excuse.  which Walter the Archdeacon of Oxford brought out of Normandy, and delivered unto him? For the further confirmation thereof, and more credit to his story, Henry of Huntingdon, who lived in the time of king Stephen, and wrote likewise the history of this land, 
Henry of Huntingdon died in Anno 1148.  bringeth the line of Brute from AEneas the Trojan, and his arrivage and conquest to happen in the time of Heli his Priesthood in the land of Israel, as Geffrey ap 
Henry Huntingdon also recordeth Brutus' line and arrival in Britain. Geffrey ap. Arthur. A book hereof found.  Arthur hath also done: not taking (as some think) any thing thereof from him, but rather out of an ancient book entitled De Origine Regum Britannorum, found by himself in the library of the Abbey of Bec, as he traveled towards Rome: which history began at the arrival of Brute, and ended with the acts of Cadwallader, as by a treatise of his own inditing, bearing the same title, hath been compared, and found in all things agreeing with our vulgar history, as industrious Lamberd affirmeth himself to have seen. And Ninius is said by the writer of the reformed history, to 
Wil Lamb. Peramb. Ninius and Taliesin bring the Britain's from Brute.  bring these Britain's from the race of the Troyans', four hundred years before that Geffrey wrote: yea and long before Ninius also, Taliesin a Briton Poet in an Ode called Hanes, of Taiess his course of life, in these words, Mia deythymyma at Wedillion Troia, that is, I came hither to the Remnants of Troy.  
(13) That William of Malmesbury (who wrote in the days of King Henry the first) was before him of 
Died in Anno 1142.  Monmouth, is most certain; yet doth he make mention of Arthur a Prince (saith he) deserving rather to be advanced by the truth of records, then abused by false imputation 
Malmesb. de Gest is rerum Anglorum. lib. 1.  of fables; being the only prop and upholder of his country. And Beda, his ancient also, nameth Ambrose Aurelianus to be King of the Britain's, long before 
Beda hislor. Angli. lib. 1. cap. 16.  that Geffrey was borne: So was Brennus mentioned by Livy; belinus, (if he be Belgius) by justine; Casibelan by Caesar; Cunobilin by Suetonius; arviragus by 
Livy. justine. Caesar. Suetonius. Martial. Rusebius. Eutropius. Nicephorus. Ambrose. Socrates. Harding Chr●…. chap. 11. johan. Hanuil. Nichola. Vpton.  Martial; Lucius by Eusebius; Coel, Constantius, Carausius, and others by Eutropius, and Paulus Diaconus; and Helena by Nicephorus, Ambrose, and Socrates. These are the affirmatives that give countenance to the Archdeacon of Monmouths' translation, and credit to Brutus' conquests and successors; yea and john Harding his Herald, in his homespun poetry, can easily emblaze his arms to be Gules, charged with two lions rampant endorsed o'er; and the same to be borne by the Kings of Troy. And his banner displayed at his entrance is said to be Vert a Diana of gold fitchel, crowned, and enthronized, 
〈◊〉.  the same that AEneas bore, when he entered the land of the Latins. But the censures of these relations I leave to the best liking of judicious Readers, only wishing them to be unlike the inhabitants under the rocks of the Cataracts of Nilus, whereof Cicero and Ammianus make mention, who were made deaf 
Cicero de Som. Scipionis. Ammianus Marcel. lib. 22. cap. 14. Histories must be weighed with judgement.  by the continual noise of the fall of Nilus: left by the sound and loud voices of these writers, the exceptions of others can not be heard, which from the fullness of their pens I will likewise declare, without offence, I hope, unto any.  
(14) First (with a reverend reservation had to the sacred histories) Varro the most learned Latin writer, 
Va●…o.  dividing times motions into three several parts, that is, from the creation to the flood, which he termeth altogether uncertain: from the flood to the first Olympiad (by Beroaldus computation set in the year of the 
Time's motions divided into three parts. Beroaldus.  world 3154. and thirty one of the reign of joas, king of judah: seven hundred seventy and four years before the birth of our Saviour) he calleth fabulous: and the last age from the first Olympiad to himself 
The third only historical.  he nameth historical. Now the story of Brute beginning two hundred sixty seven years before the 
The story of Brute fabulous.  first Olympiad, falleth in the time wherein nothing else is related, either of the Greeks or Latins, the only learned writers, but fables and tales, as both himself and others have told us, much more then, among the barbarous, unlettered, and uncivil nations, as all these parts of the world than were.  
(15) Whereupon Gildas our ancientest home-born writer, (cited and in whole sentences followed 
Gildas.  by venerable Beda, who termeth him the Britain's historiographer) in this of Brute is silent, and in his lamentable 
Beda hist. Angli. lib. 1. cap 22. Gildas maketh no mention of Brute.  passions never dreams of him, but as one overwhelmed with grief bewaileth the wickedness of the time wherein he lived, who was born, as himself saith, in the forty fourth year after the Saxons first entrance, about the year of Christ's incarnation 493. and died, as Bale citeth out of Polydore, the year of our redemption 580. Ninius also another ancient writer, 
Bale out of Polydore. Ninius also saith nothing of him.  who lived above eight hundred years since, taking in hand the Chronicles of the Britain's, complaineth that their great Masters and doctors could give him no assistance, being ignorant of skill, and had left no memorial of things passed, nor committed their acts unto writing, whereby he was enforced to gather what he had gotten from the annals and Chronicles of the holy fathers. Beda likewise, whose history ended in anno 733, beginneth no sooner then with julius Caesar's 
Beda hist. Angli. lib. 5 cap. 24. Beda beginneth but at julius Caesar. Beda had the help of the Abbot Albinus.  entrance; notwithstanding he had the assistance of the Abbot Albinus, who was brought up under Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury, and had begun the history of this land with most diligent search from the records of the kingdom of Kent, and the provinces adjoining; as also being further assisted by Daniel Bishop of the Westsaxons, who sent him all the records that were to be found of the same Bishopric, 
Of Daniel Bishop of Westsaxons.  Southsaxons, and the isle of Wight. The like helps had he from Abbot Essius, for the country of East-Angles; 
Of Abbot Essius.  from Cymbertus and the brethren of Laestinge for the province of Mercia, and Eastsaxons. And from the 
Of Cymbertus and brethren of Laestinge. Of the brethren of Lindisfarnum.  brethren of Lindisfarnum, for the country of Northumberland; besides his own pains in collections, knowledge and experience: all which he did digest and historically compile, and before the publication thereof sent it to king Ceolulphe at that time reigning in Northumberland, to be approved or corrected by his most learned skill: yet in none of these found he that history of Brute nor his successors, which as some 
The history of Brute not to be found in Beda his time. Elward.  would have it, was then unbegotten in the world.  
(16) After him Elward, as William of Malmsburie calleth him, or rather (as he writeth himself) Patricius Consul fabius Questor Ethelwerdus, a diligent searcher of antiquities, a reverend person, and of the blood royal, wrote four books, briefly comprising the whole history of England, from the beginning of the world unto the time of king Edgar wherein he lived; 
Elward speaketh nothing of Brute. Ingulphus. Florentius of Worcester.  of Brute nor his Britain's speaketh a word; but passeth with silence to the Romans and Saxons. What need I to cite Ingulphus, who died anno 1109. Florentius of Worcester, that flourished in the days of King Henry the first, or William of Malmsbury, that wrote unto 
William of Malmsbury. All these writers before Geffrey and yet none mention Brute but he.  the end of his reign; all of them writers before Geffrey of Monmouth, but none of them mentioning this story of Brute. This moved William of Newbourgh, borne (as himself saith) in the beginning of King Stephen's reign, & living at one and the same time with this Archdeacon of Monmouth, too too bitterly to inveigh against him and his history, even so soon as the same came forth: as in the poem of his book is to be seen. And that the words are his and not our own, take them from him as they lie. In these our days (saith he) there is a certain writer risen up, devising fictions and tales of the Britaines out of the vain humours of his own 
William of Newboroughs Chronicle inveighing against jeffrey ap Arthur.  brain, extolling them far above the valorous Macedonians, or worthy Romans; his name is Geffrey, and may well assume the surname Arthur, whose tales he hath taken out of the old fables of the Britain's, and by his own invention augmented with many untruths, foiling them over with a new colour of the Latin tongue, and hath invested them into the body of an history. Adventuring further to divulge under the name of autentick prophecies, deceitful conjectures and foredeeming of one Merline (a Wizard), 
Merline a wizard.  whereunto also he addeth a great deal of his own. And again: In his book which he hath entitled the Britain's History, how shamelessly, and with a bold countenance he doth lie, there is no man that readeth therein can doubt, unless he hath no knowledge at all in ancient true histories; for having not learned the truth of things indeed, he admitteth without discretion and judgement, the vanity and untruths of fables. I forbear to speak (saith he) what great matters this fellow hath forged of the Britain's acts before the Empire and coming in of Caesar. Thus far parvus.  
But I know the answer to this so great an accusation: 
A device to put by this William of newburgh's accusation.  namely, that this William making suit unto David ap Owen Gwyneth, Prince of North-wales, for the Bishopric of Saint Assaphs, after the death of Geffrey, and thereof failing, falsely scandalised and impudently belied that most reverend man. Which surely had been a great fault, and might of us be believed, had not others of the same rank and time, verified as much.  
(17) For Sylvester Giraldus, commonly called Cambrensis, that flourished in the same time with the said 
Descript. Camb. cap 7. He flourished in Anno 1210. Giraldus Cambrensis calleth Bruts history the fabulous story of jeffrey. john Weathamstead.  author, made no doubt to term it The fabulous story of Geffrey. The like is verified by john Weathamstead Abbot of Saint Albans, a most judicious man that wrote in anno 1440. who in his Granary giveth sentence of this history as followeth. The whole discourse of Brutus (saith he) is rather poetical, then historical, and for divers reasons is built more upon opinion then truth, first because there is no mention thereof made in the Roman story, either of his killing his father, or of the said birth, or 
The discourse of Brutus disproved by john Weathastead.  yet of banishing the son. Secondly, for that Ascanius begat no such son who had for his proper name Silvius by any approved Author: for according to them, he begat 
Ascanius had no son whose proper name was Silvius.  only one son, and his name was julius, from whom the family of the julii took their beginning. And thirdly, Silvius Posthumus, whom perhaps Geffrey meaneth; was the son of Aeneas by his wife Lavinia, and he begetting his son Aeneas in the thirty eighth year of his reign, ended his life by course of natural death. The kingdom therefore now called England, was not heretofore, as many will have, named Britain of Brutus the son of Silvius. 
A ridiculous thing to usurp gentility.  Wherefore it is a vain opinion and ridiculous to challenge noble blood, and yet to want a probable ground of the challenge: for it is manhood only, that enobleth a nation; and it is the mind also with perfect understanding, and nothing 
Wisdom the true nobility.  else, that gaineth gentility to a man. And therefore Seneca writeth in his Epistles to Plato; that there is no King but he came from vassals, and no vassal but he came from 
Seneca Epist. 44.  Kings. Wherefore to conclude, let this suffice (saith he) that the Britaines from the beginning of their nobility have been courageous and valiant in fight, that they have subdued their enemies on every side, and that they utterly refuse the yoke of servitude.  
(18) Now that William of Newborough, had sufficient cause (say some) to exclaim against the fantasies of Merline, and the fictions of Arthur, is made manifest in the sequel, not only by the decree of that obtruded Council of Trent, wherein was inhibited the publication of Merlin's books; but also (in effect) by the statute enacted the fifth year of our last deceased 
Merlin's books inhibited.  Queen Elizabeth of blessed and immortal memory, wherein is forbidden such fantastical predictions, 
An Act inhibiting fantastical predictions.  upon occasions of Arms, Fields, Beasts, Badges, Cognisances, or Signets, such as Merline stood most upon; and likewise William of Malmsbury saith that Arthur 
Malmesburies' testimony of Arthur.  being the only prop that upheld his country, deserved rather to be advanced by truth, then abused with fables wherewith that story is most plentifully stored. And also, that Weathamstead had reason to account Brutus' acts and conquests, to be rather poetical than any ways warranted by the records of truth, appeareth by the silence of the Roman writers therein, who name neither Brute nor his father in the genealogy of the Latin Kings: and if any such were, (saith 
Brute not mentioned in the genealogy of the Latin Kings.  the contradictors) how could they be ignorant of the untimely death of their king, slain by the hand of his natural (though in this act unnatural) son? or what should move them, being so lavish in their own commendations, to be thus silent in their Brutus' worthiness, that with seven thousand dispersed trojans warred so victoriously in Gallia, conquered a kingdom of Giants; subdued a most famous Island, reigned gloriously, and left the same to his posterity; none of them, either in prose or poetry once handled, but left to destiny to be preserved by a long ensuing means, or to perish in oblivion for ever? And surely this moved the whole senate of great Clerks to give sentence, that never any such Brute reigned in the world; such 
Never any such king in the world as Brute. Boccace, vives, Hadrianus junius, etc. The Critics argument.  as were Boccace, vives, Hadrian junius, Polydore, Buchanan, Vignier, Genebrard, Molinaeus, Bodine, and others.  
(19) Yea, and there are some Critics that feign would take advantage from the defenders of Brutus' history themselves, as from Sir john Prys, that produceth many uncertain ensamples of the original of other nations; which granted, (say they) doth no ways confirm the truth or certainty of our own; neither is it any honour to derive these Britain's from the 
No honour to the Britan's to be derived from the Troyans'.  scum of such conquered people as the Troyans' were. Humphrey Lhuyd likewise denying absolutely the derivation of the Britain's name from Brute, and bringing it from two compounded words, (as we have said) doth thereby weaken the credit of his conquest of this Island to their understanding, as also the 
The Britain's histories weakened by themselves.  catalogue of his successors, which are said to reign successively for many hundred of years after him. And another industrious British writer, having the help of two most ancient British copies, the collections of Caradock of Carnarvan, their own Bardies' every 
D. powel beginneth his history of Wales but at Cadwaller.  third-yeeres visitation, and twenty seven authors of good account, (all of them cited in the preface of his Chronicle) besides his helps had in the offices of records for this realm; yet ascending no higher than to the person of Cadwallader, Prince of Wales, whose reign was in the year of Christ's incarnation 682. and no less than one thousand seven hundred twenty and six years, after that Brute is said to come into this Island, doth not warrant (say they) the story that is included betwixt, but rather even the same is interlaced 
Cadwallers story also doubtful.  with many doubtful uncertainties, and so left disputable by the said compiler himself; as namely whether that this Cadwallader whom the Britain's 
Ran. Chest  claim to be their king, be not the same Chedwald whom the Saxons would have theirs; both living at 
Rob. Fabian.  one time, both in acts alike, and names near, both abandoning their kingdoms, both taking the habit of religion, both dying in Rome, both buried in one Church, nay, say they, in one Sepulchre. The like he bringeth of the Britain's juor, and the Saxons Iue, in the like coherences of names, acts, devotions, and deaths: so that this history of Brute carrieth not so smooth a current for passage as is wished, nor is that Gordeons' knot so easily unloosed.  
Again, the Reformer of the British history himself, although 
john 〈◊〉  he hath written one whole chapter in defence of Geffrey Monmouth, and straineth to make his book authentical, complaining often and accusing learned and unpartial Cambden several times, for blowing away 
Master Cambden accused by the defender of jeffrey of Monmouth.  sixty of the Britain Kings with one blast: yet when he compareth the generations with the time, is forced thus to write: From Porrex to Mynogen are twenti one Kings in a lineal descent, and but years ninety two: now divide 92. by 21. and you shall find, that children 
A further disproof of Brutus' history.  beget children, and these (saith he) by George Owen Harry in his book of pedigrees dedicated to his Majesty appeareth to be in a lineal descent, besides three or four collaterals. And yet goeth further: Though the Scripture (saith he) allege judah, Hezron, Solomon, and Ezekiah, to be but young when they begat their sons, 
Ach●…z he should have said. Rabbi Isaac. Aug. de civit. Dei, lib. 16. cap. 43. Hierome.  which (as Rabbi Isaac saith) might be at thirteen years of age: And although Saint Augustine say, that the strength of youth may beget children young; and Hierome bringeth instance of a boy that at ten years of age begot a child: yet this doth not help to excuse the mistaking of years for the British Kings above mentioned.  
Thus far john Lewis: and for the exceptions made against Brute: wherein I have altogether used the words of others; and will now (without offence, I hope) add a supposal of mine own, seeing I am fallen into the computation of times, which is the only touchstone to the truth of histories, especially such as are limited by the bounds of the sacred Scriptures, as this for Brutus' entrance is. And that the same cannot be so 
The Authour●… own opinion of Brutus' history.  ancient (supposing it were never so certain) as the vulgar opinion hitherto hath held, the circumstance of time, to my seeming, sufficiently doth prove.  
(20) For Brutus' conquest and entrance are brought 
Brutus' conquest in the eighteenth of Heli his priesthood.  by his Author to fall in the eighteenth year of Heli his Priesthood in the Land of Israel, and so is fastened into a computation that cannot err. Now the eighteenth year of Helies' government, by the holy Scriptures 
1. Sam. 4. 18.  most sure account, is set in the year of the world's creation 2887. after the universal flood 1231. and before 
Heli his priesthood in anno 〈◊〉 28●…7.  the birth of our blessed Saviour 1059. years. Brute then living in this foresaid time, was four descents from the conquered Troyans', (as he of Monmouth hath laid down) which were Aeneas, Ascanius, Silvius, and himself: so that by these generations successive in order, the very year almost of Troy's destruction may certainly be pointed out and known: which in searching hath been found so doubtful, that by some it hath been thought to be a mere fable. Yet with more reverence to antiquity observed, let us cast and compare the continuance of these four generations unto Brutus' Conquest, not shortening them with Baruch, to be but ten years to an age; neither lengthening them with josephus, who accounteth one hundred 
Baruch 6. 2. joseph. contra Appion. lib. 1.  and seventy years for a generation: but with more indifferency let us with Herodotus, who wrote 
Herodotus i●… Euterpe.  nearer these times, allow thirty years for a succession, as he accounteth in his second book. Now four times thirty make one hundred and twenty, the number of years that these four Princes successively did live: by which computation likewise measured by Scripture, the ruination of Troy fell in the thirty eighth year of Gideons' government in Israel, and was the year after the world's creation 2768. But the 
judg. 8. 28. Clemens Alexand. Stromat. 1.  authority of Clemens Alexandrinus, alleged out of Menander, Pergamenus, and Letus, destroyeth that time of Troy's destruction, and placeth it fully two hundred and thirty years after, even in the reign of King Solomon: for in his first book Stromat●…n thus he writeth: Menelaus from the over throw of Troy came 
Menelaus' returned from Troy when Hiram gave his daughter in marriage to Solomon.  into Phoenicia, at that time when Hiram King of Tyrus gave his daughter in marriage unto Solomon King of Israel. Where, by him we see, that Troy's ruins and Salomon's reign fell both upon one time. And so Brute hath lost of his antiquity, by this account, 230. years; and entered not in Helies' Priesthood, but rather in the usurpation of judah's Kingdom by Athalia, and in 
2. King. 11. 3. Brute his conquest rather in Athalia her time. joseph. cont. Appion. lib. 1. & 2.  the year of the world 3118.  
(21) To whom let us join josephus, an Author of great credit, and without suspicion in this case, who in his Nation's defence against Appion, in both his books, confidently affirmeth himself able to prove by the Phoenician Records of warrantable credit, that 
Phoenician records. Carthage built after King hiram's reign 155. years.  the City Carthage was built by Dido, sister to Pygmalion, one hundred fifty and five years after the reign of King Hiram, which was Salomon's friend, and one hundred forty three years and eight months after the building of his most beautiful Temple. Now we know by Virgil, 
Virg. 〈◊〉 lib. 1.  from whom all these glorious tales of Troy are told, that Carthage was in building by the same Dido at such 
Tacitus 〈◊〉. lib. 16. cap. 1.  time as Aeneas came from Troy's overthrow, through the Seas of his manifold adventures. If this testimony of josephus be true, then falls Troy's destruction about the twentieth year of joas reign over judah, which was the year of the world's creation 3143. whereunto if we add one hundred and twenty years for the four descents before specified, then will Brutus' conquest of this Island fall with the twelfth of jothams' 
Brutus' conquest rather in jotham his time. 2. King. 15. 32.  reign in the Kingdom of judah, which meets with the year of the world's continuance 3263. And so hath he again lost of his antiquity no less than 375. years.  
(22) And yet to make a deeper breach into Brutus' story, and to set the time, in a point so uncertain, as from which neither circle nor line can be truly drawn; Manethon the Historian Priest of Egypt, in 
Manethon cited by josepo. cont. Appion. lib. 2. Israelites depart from Egypt 1000 years before the wars of Troy, by josephus account. josep. cont. Appion. lib. 1. Brutus' conquest rather after Alexander the great.  his second book cited by josephus, affirmeth that the Israelites departure from Egypt was almost a thousand years before the wars of Troy. If this be so (as it seemeth josephus alloweth it so) and one hundred and twenty years more added, for the four descents above mentioned, the number will fall about the year of the world's creation 3630. long after the death of Alexander the Great, and Greek Monarch. By which account the great supposed antiquity of Brute, is now lessened by seven hundred fifty and two years; and the time so scantelized betwixt his and Caesar's entrance, that two hundred forty six years only remain: 
Two hundred forty six years a time too short for the reign of seventy two Kings.  a time by much too short for seventy two Princes, which successively are said to reign each after others, and from Brute to Cesar recorded to have swayed the regal Sceptre of this Island.  
(23) But unto these objections I know the answer will be ready; namely, the diversities of Scriptures 
A supposed answer.  account, being so sundry and different, that the story of Brute cannot thereby be touched, but still standeth firm upon itself. Indeed I must confess, that from the first Creation, to the year of man's Redemption, the learned Hebrews, greeks, and Latins, differ much, and that not only each from others, but even among themselves so far, that there can be no indifferent reconciliation made, as by these several computations may be seen, as followeth: 
Hebrews: 


Baal Seder-Holem— 3518.  
Talmundistes— 3784.  
New Rabbins— 3760.  
Rabbi Nahsson— 3740.  
Rabbi Levi— 3786.  
Rabbi Moses Germidisi— 4058.  
josephus— 4192.     
Greeks: 


Metheodorus— 5000. 
The great differences in computation of years among Writers.   
Eusebius— 5190.  
Theophilus Antioch— 5476.     
Latines: 


Saint Hierome— 3941.  
Saint Augustine— 5351.  
Isidore— 5210.  
Orosius— 5190.  
Beda— 3952.  
Alphonsus— 5984.      
And yet do these disagreements help little the Obiectors if this be considered, that the main foundation of these diversities consisteth chiefly in the first world before the Flood, wherein it is manifest, that 
These differences were chiefly before the Flood. Septuagint.  the reputed Septuagint addeth to the Hebrew Original five hundred eighty and six years. And from the Flood to Abraham's birth, is accounted two hundred and five years more than Moses hath. As likewise 
joseph. Antiquis. lib. 1. cap. 7.  the like is done in the latter times: for from the Captivity of Babylon to the death of Christ, one hundred thirty and seven years are added, more than the suns course hath measured: so that it seemeth the differences were not great for the times of Heli, Solomon, nor judah's Kings, in whose reigns Brute is brought to people and possess this Island. But leaving these diversities, and to come to a certainty, let us calculate the years of the holy history according as Functius, Beroaldus, and sundry other Theologicke Chronologers 
〈◊〉. Beroaldus.  have done; who from the Scriptures most sure 
The accounting of years by the Scripture is a m●…st sure manner of computation.  account, so tie the stories of times together, that like to a golden chain, the links are fastened each to other, and the whole so complete, that a year is not missing from the fall of man, unto the full time of his redemption.  
(24) First than from the Creation to the Flood are 
From the creation to the flood 1656.  reckoned years 1656. gathered by a triple account, from the ages, beget, and deaths of the fathers. The like is thence observed for four hundred twenty 
From the flood to the seventy fif●…h of Abraham's life 427.  and seven years, that is, to the seventy fifth of Abraham's life, wherein God began to tie the times accounts in holier sums: for Terah, the first recorded Idolater, was the last in honour that had the suns 
joshua 24. 2.  course measured by man's life. And now the bounds of time tie the Promise to Abraham, to be before the 
From the promise to Abraham, till the Law, 430 Galath. 3. 17. From the Law, to Salomon's Temple, 480. 1. King. 6. 1. From the foundation of the Temple, to Salomon's death, 36. years. 1. King. 11 42. From Salomon's death, to the burning of the Temple, 390. years. 2. King. 25. 8. Eze. 4. v. 2. & 5. From the burning of the Temple, to the end of Iudah●… captivity, 51. years. jer. 25. 11. Isa. 45. 1. 2. Chron. 36. 21. 22. 23. Ezra 1. 1. 2. From the first year of Cy●…us, unto the death of Christ, 490. years.  Law four hundred and thirty years, as the Apostle to the Galathians affirmeth. From the Law to the building of Salomon's Temple, and that in the fourth year of his reign, were years four hundred and eighty: and from that foundation, to his death, were thirty six years: for his whole reign was forty. From his death and kingdoms division, unto the burning of that Temple, which was executed in the nineteenth of Nabuchadnezzar King of Babel, were years three hundred and ninety, as by the days of Ezekiels' siege and sleep appeareth in the second and fifth verses of his fourth Chapter. From the burning of the Temple, to the end of judah's captivity, were years fifty and one, for the whole time of Babel's bondage contained seventy years, as jeremy 25. 11. whereof nineteen were expired; and fifty one remaining unto the first year of Cyrus their deliverer, whom the Lord in that regard calleth his anointed Isay. 45. 1. In the first year of whose Monarchy he published an Edict for the return of the jews and new building of their Temple, as in the books of Chronicles and of Ezra is seen. And from this first year and proclamation of King Cyrus, unto the last year and death of Christ our Saviour the great year of jubilee, the acceptable time, wherein he trod the winepress alone; to the finishing of the ceremonies, the taking away of sin, the reconciling of iniquity, the bringing in of everlasting righteousness, to the sealing up of vision and prophecy, and to the anointing of the most holy; were years four hundred and ninety, as the Prophet Daniel from the Angel Gabriel received, and unto us hath delivered Dan. 9 24. all which added together make the number to be three 
Dan. 9 24.  thousand nine hundred and threescore years. And by this said computation, I have accounted Brutus' story, as all others wherein I shall be occasioned to speak.  
(25) Last, if from among these misty clouds of ignorance no light can be gotten, and that we will needs have our descents from the Troyans'; may we not then more truly derive our blood from them through the Romans, who for the space of four hundred 
Britain's may more truly derive their descent from Troy by the Romans. Britain●…s took wives of the Romans, and they of the Britain's. B●…da hist. Anglic. lib. 1. cap. 16. Gen. 6. 1.  threescore and six years were planted amongst us? in which continuance it is most certain, they took of our women to be their wives, and gave their women to be wives unto us, seeing that some of their Emperors did the like themselves, and from whose blood, saith Beda, the Britain's Ambrose lineally descended. And if beauty and parts be the instigaters unto love, as in the first world we see it was, no doubt then the features of the Britain's were moving Angels unto the Romans, whose faces even in those times were accounted to be angelical, and whose personages as yet, are respected as the best (if not better) than any other in the world. But that the Romans themselves descended from the Troyans', or AEneas should be the root of the julian family, howsoever the fictions of Poets as a spring tide have flowed from the 
Romans to be●… descended of the Troyans' is a fable.  fullness of their pens, yet Tacitus their best writer accounteth those things not far unlike to old fables, 
Tacit. 〈◊〉 1●…. 1●….  wherein he judgeth that Nero to win credit before the Consuls, and to get reputation in the glory of eloquence undertook the pleading of the Ilienses cause, declaring the Romans descent from Troy: and the julij from the loins of AEneas, which notwithstanding he censureth as is said. And josephus in the dispersion of Noah's sons and families, affirmeth that 
Ioseph. 1. 7. Romus the original of the old Romans.  Romus was the Original of the old Romans and he of Chus, and Cham, if he mean as he speaketh. To conclude; (by what destiny I know not) nations desire their originals from the Troyans'; yet certain it is, that no honour from them can be brought, whose city and fame stood but for six descents, as under the 
To have a descent from Tr●…y, cannot be an honour to any Nation. Troyans' thrice vanquished.  reigns of Dardanus, Erithonius, Troos, Ilium, Laomedon, and Priamus, during which time they were thrice vanquished; twice by Hercules in the days of Laomedon, and the third time razed by the rage of the Grecians in the reign of King Priamus, and the Troyans' themselves made as it were the scum of a conquered people. And therefore as France hath cast off their Francio King Priamus his son, Scotland their Scotia King Pharaoes' daughter, Denmark their Danus, Ireland their Hiberus, and other Countries their Demigods; so let BRITAIN'S likewise with them disclaim their BRUTUS, that bringeth no honour to so renowned 
Brute embaseth the descent of the Britain's.  a Nation, but rather cloudeth their glory in the murders of his parents, and imbaseth their descents, as sprung from Venus that lascivious Adulteress.   

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE ANCIENT BRITAIN'S. CHAPTER IU.  
Having thus far spoken of the ancient Names of this famous Island, and of the Nations acknowledged to be the first Planters and Possessors thereof; it remaineth that somewhat be mentioned of the Manners and Customs of those people and times, though not so pleasing or acceptable as were to be wished, for that the clouds of ignorance and barbarous incivility did then shadow and overspread almost all the Nations of the earth: wherein I desire to lay imputation no further than is sufficiently warranted by most authentic Writers: and first from Cesar, who foremost of all the Romans discovered and described our ancient Britain's.  
(2) Touching their persons: All the Britaines (saith 
Of their Persons. Cas. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 5. where he useth the word 〈◊〉  Cesar) used to die themselves with woad, which setteth a blue colour upon them, and that maketh them more terrible to behold in battle. But 〈◊〉 Mela therein moveth a doubt. They died their bodies (saith he) with woad; but whether to make a gallant show, or for what other cause else is uncertain. And yet Herodian herein absolutely determineth, where he saith, that the 
Herodian.  Britaines knew no use of garments at all, but about their wastes and necks wore chains of iron, supposing 
Pliny also addeth another ornament, and saith that the Britain's wore rings on their middle finger. The Britain's would not be clad, because they would show the gay paintings of their bodies. Pliny. Oribasius calleth that herb, Vitrum; and the Britain's call that colour, glass: whence our English word glass, (called also Vitrum in Latin) may seem to be taken, by reason of the colour thereof. Dio Nicaeus. Caesar. Some Britain's clad in leather. Solinus.  them a goodly ornament, and a proof of their wealth: and their bare bodies they marked with sundry pictures representing all manner of living creatures; and therefore they would not be clad, for hiding the gay paintings of their bodies. To which painting Pliny also agreeth, and describeth that herb woad, to be like to the Plantine in Gallia, naming it Glastum, with the juice whereof (saith he) the women of Britain, as well wives as young women, anoint and die their bodies all over, resembling by that tincture the colour of the Aethiopians, in which manner they use at solemn feasts and sacrifices to go all naked. And Dio Nicaeus out of the epitome of Xiphilinus, saith, that the custom of that Nation was, to abide in tents all naked and unshod. Notwithstanding, Cesar doth elsewhere report, that they clad themselves in leather, which perchance is meant of the civiller sort of them, and in time of battle. Solinus likewise speaking of the Britain's, saith, their Country is peopled partly with Barbarians, who by means of artificial incisions of sundry forms, have from their childhood divers shapes of beasts incorporate upon them; and having their marks deeply imprinted within their bodies, look how their growth for stature, so do these pictured characters likewise increase. Neither do these savage Nations repute any thing a greater testimony of their patience, then by such durable scars to cause their limbs drink in much painting and colour. These scars by Tertullian are termed Britannorum stigmata, The Britain's marks. And unto 
Tertullian. Britannorum stigmata.  this skie-colour, or bluish die, it seemeth Martial had relation in his praises of Lady Claudia: 
Martial.  
Claudia caeruleis tùm sit Rufina Britannis,  
Edita cur Latiae pectora plebis habet?  
Sith Claudia comes of azured Britain's race,  
Whence comes her mind so decked with Roman grace?   
And of this use of painting, as our great Antiquary judgeth, both the Britaines had their primitive derivation, 
Master Cambden.  and the Picts (a branch of British race) a long 
Picts of the British race.  time after, for that their accustomed manner, were called Picti by the Romans, that is, the painted people. 
Called Picti of their painted bodies. Caesar. come.   
(3) The hair of their heads, saith Cesar, they let grow, and wore long, which naturally was curled, and of colour yellow, (as in the panegyric Oration ascribed to Mamertinus, and spoken in praise of Maximianus, is to be seen) all other parts of their bodies 
Mamertinus.  being shaven, saving only the head and upper lip. Yet their complexions were much different, as by Tacitus we see, who avoucheth that some of those 
Tacitus in vit. Agricola.  Islanders were red of hair, as the Caledonians in the Northern Promontories; the hair of the Silureses coloured and curled, like to the old Spaniards; and those 
Caledonians the Northern people. Silureses the Western.  nearest unto Gallia resembled their complexions, though not altogether so yellow, saith Strabo. But their wit by Tacitus is preferred before them, and their statures more tall, as Strabo affirmeth, whose lineaments 
Tacitus.  showed a good making of body, and measurable 
Strabo.  proportion in all parts answerable. Their women fair, and of exceeding good features, as is described by the Roman Writers. Such was Boudicea, saith Xiphilinus; Claudia and Helena, saith Martial and 
Xiphilinus. Martial. Eutropius.  Eutropius.  
(4) That the strength of nature wrought long in the Britain's, we read out of Plutarch, who reporteth that the people lived one hundred and twenty years, 
Plutarch. They lived to a great age.  for that, saith he, their cold and frozen Country kept in their natural heat: whose conditions by Diodorus Siculus are commended to be plain and upright, far from the wiliness and craft of the Romans. And by 
Diodorus Siculus.  Strabo their dispositions are partly resembled to the Gauls, but yet somewhat more rude and plain; and 
Strabo.  those most civil, who were the inhabitants of Kent, by reason of their oftener conversing with other Nations, as Cesar showeth. But the farther from the continent, 
Caesar. These Britaines in Kent the civilest. Pomponius Mela.  the more rude, and less acquainted with other kind of riches besides cattle, as Pomponius Mela affirmeth.  
(5) Now touching their domestic matters. Their buildings were many, and like to them of the Gauls 
Of their domestic matters. Caesar. The Britain's towns are their woods being fortified. Strabo.  saith julius Caesar; notwithstanding they give the name of Towns to certain cumbersome woods, which they have fortified with rampires and ditches, whither they retreat, and resort to eschew the invasions of their enemies. Which stand them in good stead, saith Strabo: for when they have by felling of trees, mounted, and fenced therewith a spacious round plot of ground; there they build for themselves houses and cottages, and for their cattle set up stalls and folds, but those for the present use only, and not for long continuance. Which, as Diodorus Siculus saith were usually thacked with reed; but the cities without walls, and the country 
Diodorus Siculus.  without towns; as Dion describeth the Calidonians and Meats. 
Dion.   
(6) Their wives were ten or twelve a piece, as Caesar hath alleged, which they held common among 
The Britain's multiplicity of wives. Caesar.  brothers and parents; yet the issue reputed his, who first married the mother when she was a maid: and Dio indeed affirmeth no less, adding withal, that 
Dio.  the children thus begotten, were fostered and brought up in common among them. And Eusebius likewise 
Eusebius 〈◊〉. praepar●…. 6.  testifieth, that many Britain's together kept one wife in common to them all. This community in marriage moved julia the Empress of Severus, to twit the 
julia her reproof to a British woman.  wife of Argetecaxus, that the fashion of the women of Britain in accompanying with men, was very impudent; to whom she replied and said, we British women 
The answer.  do indeed herein differ from you Roman Ladies; for we satisfy our appetite, by accompanying with the worthiest men, and that openly, but you with every base fellow, in a 
Dion. Cas. lib. 76.  corner.  
(7) For their diet; it was a heinous matter with them to eat either Hen, Hare, or Goose, saith Caesar, 
The Britain's diet. Prohibited. meats. Caesar.  which notwithstanding they bred for their pleasures; neither fed daintily at full and rich tables, as Diodorus Siculus affirmeth, but rather in necessity could live upon barks and roots of trees, and with a 
Diodo. Siculus. The Britaines of a very spare diet.  kind of meat no bigger than a bean, after which for a good time they did neither hunger nor thirst, saith Dio Nicaeus: who likewise testifieth that the Britain's, did till no ground, neither eat fish, though their rivers 
Dio Nicaeus.  thereof be pleneously stored, but live upon prey, 
They eat no fish.  venison, and fruits: to which also Caesar addeth milk, whereof (saith Strabo), they had not then skill to 
Caesar. Unskilful to make cheese. Strabo. Their drink of barley. Solinus. Pliny.  make cheese. And according to Solinus, their usual drink was made of barley. But for tillage Pliny seemeth to contradict Dio, affirming that the Britaines manured their grounds with Marl in stead of dung; which argueth no such simplicity in gardening, planting, and in other like points of husbandry as Strabo 
Strabo.  doth tax them with. And this foresaid temperance of diet differeth much from that, which Saint Hierome chargeth their neighbours the Anthropophagis of Ireland, who used to feed on the buttocks of boys, and 
Hiero. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2.  women's paps, as their most dainty and delicate dish.  
(8) For their religion, or rather diabolical superstition, was as the rest of the world, (some few excepted) 
Of their religion and learning.  when Satan had clouded the truth of God's doctrine, by the foggy mists of confused darkness. For Tacitus makes their superstitions, and ceremonies to be the same in conformity with the Gauls. And what that was, Dio Cassius in his Nero, and Solinus in his history, 
Dio Cassius. Solinus.  do declare; who do ascribe to them the most inhuman offering of man's flesh in their sacrifices. 
The Britain's inhuman sacrifices. The names of their Idols.  And besides their ancient Idols, such as Dis, jupiter, Apollo, Diana, and the like, they worshipped Andates for their Goddess of Victory, unto all which they performed no small adorations and honours, imputing their prosperities unto them: unto whom also they erected temples with such magnificence as they then had; whose walls, as it seemeth, long after remained, whereon some of those profane portraitures with deformed lineaments were seen by mournful Gildas, carrying a stern and grim countenance, after the 
Gildas.  wont heathenish manner: here see we (saith he) upon these desert walls, the ugly features of the Britain's Idols, 
The Britain's Idols exceed Egypt for number.  merely diabolical, and in number almost exceeding those of Egypt. So by Tacitus they are noted with the common custom of the Gentiles, which was that they sought for the direction of their Gods by the looking into the entrails of Beasts, yea and of men too; and that they honoured the Altars of their Gods with the sacrifice and blood of such as they took captive in wars. And Pliny writing of Magic, saith, that in his 
Pliny. Magic highly honoured of the Britain's.  days the art thereof in Britain was highly honoured, and all the people thereunto so much devoted, yea and with all such compliments of ceremonies in the same to be performed, that a man would think the Persians had learned all their Magic skill from them. Priests and instructors had they, whereof the chief were called Druids, whose office was employed about holy things, saith Caesar; for they had the managing of public and private sacrifices, and to interpret and 
Caesar. come. 6.  discuss matters of religion. Unto them do resort great numbers of young men to learn at their hands, and they be had in great reverence. For they determine almost all controversies, and matters in variance, 
The Druids determine almost all controverfies.  as well public as private. And if there happen any thing to be done amiss, if there be any murder committed, if there rise any controversy concerning inheritance or bounds of lands, they take the matter into their power, and award either recompense or penalties in the case. And if there be any, be he private person, or be it corporation, that will not stand to their judgement, they interdict him, which punishment among them is held most grievous. They that are so excommunicated are accounted in the number of the wicked and ungracious: all men shun them, all 
Excommunication of great source in the time of the ancient Britain's.  men eschew their company and communication, lest by conversing with them, they should defile themselves and receive harm. If they demand law, they may not have it: neither may they enjoy any place of honour. Over all these Druids there is one Primate, 
Among the Druids one Primate and chief over the rest.  which hath chief authority over them. When he is dead if there be any of the rest that excelleth in worthiness, he succeed: or if there be any equal, he is chosen by voices of the rest, and divers times they strive for the sovereignty by force of arms.  
These men at a certain season of the year, in the borders of the Caruntes (whose country is counted the middle of all Gallia) do sit together in a place hallowed, 
They assemble once a year at a place in France to hear controversies.  whereunto resort from all sides all such as have any controversies: and look what is decreed and judged by them, that they stand unto. This order of discipline is thought to have had beginning in Britain, 
Here appeareth, that Academies were then amongst the Britan's, and from their example derived into other countries. They are exempted from war.  and from thence to have been brought into Gallia. And at this day, they that are desirous to attain this skill more exactly, do commonly repair thither to learn it. These Druids customably are exempted from the wars, neither do they pay taxes and tallages with other folk: for they are privileged as from the wars, so from all other burdens. Allured with so great rewards, many even of their own accord, do register themselves in that order, and divers are sent thither by their parents and kinsfolk. Where they are reported to learn a great number of verses by heart. 
Their scholars must learn a great many verses by heart.  Whereof it cometh to pass, that divers continue twenty years in learning. Neither do they think it lawful to put them in writing, whereas in all other things, for their accounts, as well public as private, they use the Greek letters.  
This order they seem (in mine opinion) saith he, to have taken for two considerations: partly because 
They use the Greek letters lest their skill should be too common.  they will not have their discipline published among the common people; and partly because they will not that they which shall learn, trusting too much to their books, should have the less regard of remembrance: in that it happeneth well near to most men, that upon trust of the help of their book, they are slacker in learning things by heart, and less care to bear them in mind. This is one of the chiefest things 
Their Theology is, that the soul dieth not, but passeth from one to another.  that they labour most to beat into men's minds, that the Souls die not, but do after death pass from one to another: and hereby they think men should be most stirred unto virtue, when the fear of death is nothing regarded. Also they dispute many other things: as of the stars, and of their movings: of the 
Their natural Philosophy.  bigness of the world, and the earth: of the nature of things: of the strength and power of the gods immortal: and do therein instruct the youth. Unto these Druids and their doctrine had Lucan the Poet relation in his first book towards the end, where he 
Lucan.  writeth thus of them.  

Et vos barbaricos ritus, moremque sinistrum  
Sacrorum, Druidae, positis repetistis ab armis.  
Solis nosce Deos & Caeli sydera vobis  
Aut solis nescire datum. Nemora alta remotis  
Incolitis Lucis. Vobis autoribus, umbrae  
Non tacitas Erebi sedes Ditisque profundi  
Pallida regna petunt, regit idem spiritus artus  
Orb alio: longae, canitis si cognita, vitae  
Mors media est. Certè, populi quos despicit Arctos,  
Foelices errore suo, quos, ille timorum  
Maximus, haud urgent laethi metus: inde ruendi  
Inferrum mens prona viris, animaque capaces  
Mortis: & ignawm est rediturae parccre vitae.   
In English thus.  

You (Druids) free from wars, with barbarous devices  
Sinistrous rites perform, and uncouth sacrifices.  
High Mysteries, of God, and Heavens, you only know;  
Or only err therein. Where shady woods do grow;  
There you repose; and teach, that Souls immortal be;  
Nor silent Erebus, nor Pluto's Hall shall see.  
And, (if your Saws be sooth) Death is no final doom,  
But only Midway, twixt life past, and life to come.  
Brave Britain bloods perdilwarmd with this happy error,  
Death (greatest fear of fears) amates the with no terror.  
Hence 'tis, they manly rush on pikes, and grisly death,  
And scorn base minds, that stick to sped reviving breath.   
(9) These Britain's being merely barbarous, as most of the Western parts of the world than were, lived 
Of their commerce and traffic.  privately to themselves with scarce any commerce, or intercourse with any other nation: neither indeed were much known to foreign people, for a long time. For the first notice of them extant, was by Polybius the Greek writer, that accompanied Scipio in 
Polybius the first that took notice of this land.  his wars, about the year of the world's creation 3720. and two hundred and nine, before the birth of our Saviour Christ. Which Author nameth their Island to be plenteously stored with Tin: but of other 
Polyb. lib. 3.  things therein is silent, saying that all those parts which lay betwixt Tanais and Narbor bending Northward in his days were unknown and uncertain, and therefore the reporters of them he held as dreamers. So doth Master Cambden another Polybius, & no way his 
Cambd. Britannia de moribus Britan.  inferior, account it a prodigal humour of credulity, to be persuaded that Himilco, from the state of Carthage sent to discover the coasts of Europe, in the said expedition 
Matters scarce to be believed. That Himilco entered this Island. Polyb. Eclog. lib. 10. That Hannibal should war here. That Alexander came hither.  entered this Island: or that Hannibal should war in this Island, because Polybius in the Eclogues of his tenth book saith that he was enclosed within the straits of Britain, which place is mistaken for the Brutij in Italy: or that Alexander came from the East Indians, to Gades, and from thence into Britain, though Cedrenus say so, seeing all other writers are against it; or that Ulysses, (ancient enough if he be that Elishah the son of javan, the fourth son of japheth) 
That Ulysses should visit Britain.  should visit Britain in his travels, whereof Brodaeus maketh doubt; though Solinus report that an Altar in Caledonia was erected, and Ulysses in Greek letters thereon inscribed. Which might very well be: for who doubteth but that the greeks, in their vain devotions, did both build and sacrifice unto their Gods, which they made of their worthiest men? and sith Ulysses, (in regard of his far sea-travels) was had in special account among all navigators, why might 
The like examples we have now of Cap. Henry. etc. The Romans not mentioned either by Thucydides or Herodotus.  not such monuments be reared, and his name inscribed, as far as the Grecians traveled, though his person never came there?  
And if the Romans, at whose greatness the whole world trembled, were so lately known in those ancient times, as that neither Thucydides nor Herodotus made mention of them: yea and with much ado at last were heard of by the Grecians themselves: as josephus affirmeth; And if the Gauls and Spaniards, (inhabitants 
joseph. contra Appion. lib. 1. Gauls and Spaniards for many years unknown to Historiographers.  in the continent) for many years together were utterly unknown to the world's historiographers; shall we then think, that this remote Island, and people then far from civility, were noted forth with marks of more certainty? surely to my seeming, nothing less: seeing that their next neighbours the Gauls knew not so much as what manner of men they were: none resorting thither, except some few 
The Britain's unknown to their next neighbours. Caesar come. lib. 4.  merchants, and they no further, then upon the sea coasts, neither able to describe the bignesle of the Island, the puissance of the inhabitants, their order for war, the laws that they used, the customs of the people, nor their havens for the receipt of ships; all which Caesar by diligent inquiry sought after, but could find no satisfaction till he had sent some purposely to search it out.  
(10) Neither is this their want of knowledge to be wondered at, seeing the intercourse of their traffic was upheld by so mean commodities: for Strabo saith, that their merchandizing chiefly consisted in 
Their merchandise of small use. Strabo.  ivory Boxes, Shears, Onches, Bits, and Bridles, Wreaths & Chains, with other conceits made of Amber and Glass; for which notwithstanding they were compelled to pay customs and imposts unto Oct avian Augustus, as elsewhere shall be showed.  
(11) And as their commodities were very mean, so were their means either for exportation or importation very slender in those times; I mean their shipping. It is true, that some are of opinion, that 
Their shipping very mean. Sh●…s first invented in Britain, is a matter to be doubted.  Ships were first invented in these our Seas: but that this should be true, I have cause to doubt, that Art being long before inspired by God himself into the heart of Noah for making the Ark, and no doubt practised by that pattern of many others. But that the ancient Britain's had ships of reasonable use, though of simple Art, Cesar testifieth, saying, that the 
The ships of this Island according to Caesar.  keels and ribs of their ships were of light wood, and covered over with leather: which kind the now- britain's call Corraghs': and with them (saith Polyhistor) they did sail betwixt Britanny and Ireland, (which sea for roughness and danger may be compared with any other whatsoever) though the bulk of their vessels were but of some flexible wood, covered with the hides of Bufflles: and as long as they were sailing, so long did they abstain from meat: whereby it seemeth they never sailed any great journeys. And of this their shipping Pliny also speaketh, and Lucan singeth, thus: 
Pliny and Lucan of the ships of this Island.  
Primùm cana salix, madefacto vimine, paruam  
Texitur in puppim, caesoque induta iwenco,  
Vector is patience tumidum super emicat amnem:  
Sic Venetus stagnante Pado, fusoque Britannus,  
Navigat Oceano.—  
At first, of hoary sallowes wreathed boughs, the ships  
Small bulk is trimly twist, and clad in bullocks hide:  
Then, patient to be ruled, on swelling wanes she skips.  
Thus on the spacious Poe the Venice Merchants glide,  
And Britain Pilots sail on surge of Ocean wide.  But aftertimes brought the Britain's to more exquisite skill in naval affairs, insomuch as the royal Navy of this Kingdom hath been reputed (and so is at this day) not only the invincible walls of our own, but the incredible terror of all other Kingdoms, which have or shall envy our happy peace: and the adventures likewise of Merchants, and the skill of our Seamen, hath left no corner of the world unsearched.  
(12) And their traffic amongst themselves was not of much worth, in that, as Cesar saith, the Coins 
Caesar.  which they had were either of brass, or else iron rings sized 
The Britain's coins.  at a certain weight, which they used for their moneys. Of which kind some have averred they have seen found and lately taken up in little cruses or pitchers of earth. But as times grew more civil, and traffic more frequent, they shortly after stamped both silver and gold; and thereon the faces of their Kings, even in the days of julius Caesar, who was the first that had his own 
The first Roman coins with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were in Caesar's time.  stamped on the Roman Coins. Many of these are amongst us remaining, whereof I have inserted some few, as in their due places shall follow, which I received from the liberal hand of that most learned Knight, and worthy storer of Antiquities Sir Robert Cotten of Cunington. These Coins are commonly embossed 
Sir Robert Cotten.  outward and shield-like, whereon the inscription, 
The m●…ks to know 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  or face, is seen; the reverse hollow, and therein their devise set: and by these forms are they known to be the Britain's, no other nation stamping the like, except some few among the Grecians.  
(13 We come lastly, to speak of the manner of 
Of their wars. Caesar come 4.  their warfare, which Caesar thus describeth. First (saith he) they ride round about all parts of the battle, casting off their darts: and often times with the terrible noise of their horses, and the rattling of their chariot 
They amaze the enemy 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of their chariot 〈◊〉.  wheels, they amaze the enemy and break their array. And when they have wound themselves in among the troops of horsemen, they leap forth of their wagons, and fight on foot. In the mean while the wagoners withdraw themselves somewhat out of the battle, and set their wagons in such order, that if they be overcharged by the enemy, they may have speedy and easy recourse unto them. By means whereof they are both as ready to remove as the horsemen, and as steadfast to stand in the battle as the footmen, and supply both duties in one. And they are come to such perfectness by daily practice and exercise, that even in steep and falling places they will stop their horses running a full gallop, and guide and turn them in a short room, & run upon the vergies, and stand steadfastly upon the beams, and quickly recover themselves back again into the wagons.  
These would often give ground to egg their enemies from their main battle, and then would leap 
Caesar. come. 5.  out of their chariots and fight on foot. And they kept also such an order in fight on horseback, that whether the enemies chased, or were chased, they were always in danger. For they never fought in great companies together, but scatteringly a great way distant 
They fight not in great companies together.  the one from the other, and had stalls lying in divers places one to supply another, having ever fresh and lusty men in the rooms of them that were weary. 
They have ever fresh men in the rooms of them that are weary. Strabo. Diodorus Siculus. The Britain's fight in chariots as the use was in the world's first age. Pomponius Mela.  Of this their manner of fight in chariots, Strabo also declareth; and Diodorus Siculus saith that the Britaines lived after the manner of the first age of the world, using chariots in their fight, as the report goes of the ancient Greeks at the Trojan wars. Pomponius Mela also describing these Britain's, affirmeth that their fight was not only with horsemen and footmen, but also with wagons and chariots, harnessed, and armed at the ends of the axletrees with hooks and scythes, after the manner of the Gauls; but with appearance of greater courage, as Tacitus saith; as being not yet mollified by long peace. Their strength in 
Tacitus.  field consisteth most of footmen, yet some countries 
Their chief strength consists in sootmen.  there are (saith he) that war in wagons, the greatest persons guiding the same; and so much doth Juvenal intimate, who in show of prophecy but indeed in 
Juvenal.  flattery of the Emperor Domitian, salutes him after this manner. 
It bodes thee Triumph great; to captinate some King;  
Or fierce arviragus from Chariot's beam to ding.  Dio Nicaeus from Xiphilinus more particularly declareth their strength; Their horses (faith he) are but little, 
Dio.  yet therewithal swift of pace: their footmen also run very speedily, but in their standing are the strongest: their armour 
Their footmen run swiftly. Their armour.  are shields, and short spears, in the neither end whereof is fastened a round bell of brass like unto a ball, which at the first onset of encounter they shake with great courage, supposing that such a rattling noise doth much amate the enemy. And Herodian saith that their shields were narrow and spears short, wearing swords hanging down their 
Herodian.  naked loins, having neither knowledge nor use either of corselet or helmet.  
(14) Some have thought that their women also were not exempted from the wars; but certain it is 
Many British women renowned for valour. Tacitus.  that many of that sex were renowned for their valour amongst them. Which made Tacitus to say, it was usual for the Britain's to fight under the conduct of women, (which the Romans found to their smart) nor to make any difference of sexes for government. A more noble pattern whereof, never had any age, then in our late glorious Virgin Queen, (the wonder of her sex, and of all future ages,) who, as she was inferior to no Prince 
Queen Elizabeth a glorious virgin Queen.  ever living, for her admirable government in upholding of her kingdoms peace, so was she a match (to say no more) to the proudest monarches, in her managing of her wars; as (when occasion was offered) she was ready to make good, in her own royal person in 
A most valorous Princess in war.  the field. But besides the use of arms, the ancient British women had another employment in the field, which I will only set down in Tacitus his words, speaking of Paulinus Suetonius his assailing of Anglescy: 
Tacitus.  The British Army (saith he) stood on the shore, thick of men and munition, and women running up and downc amongst them, like furies, carrying burning firebrands in rueful attire, and with their hair hanging about their shoulders. The Druids mean while went with their hands 
The British women's rueful attire and the Druids behaviour in prayer amaze the Roman soldiers.  lift up to heaven, pouring out prayers and imprecations. The strangeness of which sight so amazed the Roman soldiers, that they stood still like stocks, whiles the other wounded them at their pleasure; till Paulinus encouraged them, and they excited one another, not to be so daunted by an army of women and wizards. etc.  
(15) In the relations of these things, let no man think, that the glory of these ancient and warlike nation of Britain's, is any ways disparaged, or made inferior to them that would be more famous, whose beginning have been as mean, and state as rude, if not more. For let us consider the Romans so lavish in their 
The Romans derive their name from an infamous person.  own worths and greatness; who notwithstanding, bring their name and original from Romulus, a bastard by birth, nourished by a beast, educated among a sort of rustic shepherds: and grown to the ripeness of his own affections, he became ringleader of a damned crew, that lived by robberies and without laws: besides the shedding of his natural brother's blood, as Titus Livy their own historian witnesseth: and both himself and followers, had in such 
Titus Livius, etc.  contempt and derision by their neighbour nations, that they both disdained and refused to give them their daughters in marriage, lest in time they also should become lawless, until that by subtlety and force, they had ravished their virgins, and thereby made them unworthy of other matches. Yet when their after fortunes and success had mounted them upon the wings of glory, and seated them on the necks of their subdued neighbours, their Caesar's would needs be more than mortal, and their pedigrees must lineally be brought from the Gods.  
(14) And, to let pass many others, the like may be said of the beginners of the Scythian and Turkish 
The poor beginnings of Scythian and Turkish Empires.  Empires, two golden pillars raised upon leaden bases, howsoever now, the power of their command, circles three parts of the earth. Nay what more is, that precious, royal, and Gods only people, from whom the eternal King of Kings descended, in their offerings made 
And of jewish.  in time of their highest glory, were by the Lord thus commanded to acknowledge and say: A Syrian was my father, who being ready to perish for hunger, went down 
Deut. 26. 5.  into Egypt, and sojourned with a small company. And the richest stone of that most beauteous building in his highest pride is counseled by the Prophet, to look back to the rock whence it was hewn, and to the hole of the pit 
Isai. 51. 1.  whence it had been digged.   

THE GOVERNMENT OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAPTER V.  
WE come, at length, to speak of the government and political estate of the 
The British government.  Britain's, which doubtless (the times then considered) was as honourable in their rulers, and as manageable in the subjects, as any other nations in these West parts of the world: their temperance, religion, learning, and noble resolution showing no less. But in this point I must crave pardon of our British Heralds, and some learned Antiquaries, if I bring not a lineal succession from Brute, and a monarchical government in those 
Their succession doubtful.  times of obscurity, through whose mists no Eagles eyes could pierce, before the days of Geffrey ap Arthur, as before was touched. And therefore following his counsel, who is best able in these things to give direction; I will begin the succession of Great Britain's Monarches, at the entrance and person of julius Caesar; at 
Not merely monarchical.  which time, it seemeth, by him and other Latin writers (the best Recorders of kingdoms affairs,) this Island was governed rather after the manner of an aristocraty, that is, by certain great Nobles and Potent men, then under the command of any One as an absolute Monarch: though herein is a difference, in that in the Aristocratical regiment, the rulers are all Peers of one Common wealth; whereas here, as many Princes, so many several Public weals. For so Caesar himself found the state of Britain to be 
How in Caesar's time and after.  divided into Provinces under the names of her inhabitants; and to be ruled by divers Peers or petty Kings.  
(2) And such a Governor was Cassibelan, over the Trinobantes: Cingetorix, Caruilius, Taximagulus, and Segonax, all four Rulers together in Kent: Comes supposed to be King of the Atrebatij, and to be the same Comius of Arras, whom Caesar employed to tease and work the Britain's to his subjection. Caractacus the warlike King of the Silureses, Galgacus the worthy King of the Caledonians; yea and women also, without exception of sex, held government among them, such as 
Tacit. an. 14. 11.  was faithless Cartismandua Queen of the brigants, and famous Boudicea Queen of the Icenians. Whereby 
Tacit. histor. lib. 3. cap. 9  it seemeth that every several Province owed service and allegiance only to their own Prince. And as their governments were confined unto certain bounds and limits, so were the Inhabitants divided and distinguished by divers Names: of whom because we shall have occasion hereafter often to speak, it shall not therefore be amiss in this place once for all, table-wise to lay down the same; whereby our narrations may pass untroubled without more explanations, and the reader's mind carried with less encumbrances. Those ancient names of people, and places for abode, throughout the whole Island, from Ptolemie were as follow.  

A TABLE OF THE ANCIENT INHABITANTS, AND THE CITES OF THEIR POSSESSIONS AS THEY WERE CALLED BY PTOLEMY, AND OFTEN SINCE MENTIONED IN THE ROMAN WRITERS.  People. Countries. CANTII.— Kent. REGNI.— Sussex. Surrey. DUROTRIGES.— Dorsetshire. DAMNONII.— Devonshire. Cornwall. BELGAe.— Somersetshire. Wiltshire. Hampshire. ATREBATII.— Berkshire. DOBUNI.— Oxfordshire. Gloucester. CATIEUCHLANI. Warwickshire. Buckingham. Bedfordshire. TRINOBANTES. Hertford. Essex. Middlesex. ICENI.— Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridge. Ely Island. Huntingdon. CORITANI.— Rutlandshire. Lincolnshire. Northhampton. Leicestershire. Darbishire. Nottingham. CORNABII.— Staffordshire. Worcestershire. Cheshire. Shropshire. brigants. Lancaster. Yorkshire. Richmondshire. PARISI. Duram. Westmoreland. Cumberland. ORDOVICES.— Flintshire. Denbighshire. Caernaruon. Montgomery. Merionethshire. SILURES.— Herefordshire. Radnorshire. Brecknock. Monmouth. Glamorgan. DIMETAe.— Caermarden. Penbrookshire. Cardiganshire. OTTADINI.— Northumberland. Teifidale. Twedale. Merch. Louthien. SELGOVAe.— Lidesdale. Ensdale. Eskdale. Annandale. Niddisdale. NOVANTES.— Gallowey. Carick. Kyle. Cunningham. DAMNII.— Cluydsdale. Renfraw. Lennox. Striueling. Menteth. Fifa. CALEDONII. Perth. Strathern. Albin. GADINI. Argile. Lorne. EPIDII.— Cantyre. VICEMAGI.— Murray. VENNICONES.— Mernia. Auguis. Mar. TAEZALI.— Buquh●…e. CANTAe.  CREONES. Rosse. CERONTES. Sutherland. CARNONACAe. Strath●…ern. CARINI. CORNABII. SIMERTAe. Caithues. LOGI.  
(3) These States ambitiously banding each against others, to raise their own Prince to a more sovereign 
Their emulations & ambition.  supremacy, and to enlarge their Provinces upon the borders of the next, were ever ready, the least occasion ministered, saith Pomponius Mela, to enter quarrels, and seldom held amity, or were quiet. This 
Pomponius Mela.  was the cause, as Tacitus tells us, which brought that puissant nation into bondage: and was the only help to the 
Tacitus in vita Agrico.  Romans victories: for seldom it chanced (saith he) that two or three states met in counsel, and concurred in opinion to repulse the common danger: so that whilst they resisted and fought one by one, all at length were subdued. But this was not at once performed by julius Caesar the first Roman enterer, who (as he saith) rather showed the place to posterities, than gave them the possession 
Caesar first enterer, not conqueror.  thereof, supposing it his glory sufficient, to have done what he did. For unto the days of Domitian, they held play with the Romans, and that with such valour, that the subduing of some small part of this Island was accounted by themselves to match the conquests of other mightier countries, and more notes of honour showed in their public triumphs for one Britain's misfortune, then usually was solemnised for whole kingdoms subdued. 
Caractacus.   
(4) That such people possessed, and that many Kings together reigned here in Britain, Pomponius Mela doth show: Britain (saith he) bringeth forth Nations, and Kings of nations, though they be all without civility and barbarous. And Caesar's intendments being known unto them, it is said that many of their Cities sent him by their Ambassadors proffers of submission: whereby appeareth their diversities of States, whereof only two held promise, and the rest failing was the occasion of his second expedition for Britain. And Tacitus, speaking of the shipwreck suffered by the Romans 
Tacitus Annal. lib. 2. cap. 5.  in the reign of Tiberius, saith, that many of their soldiers then distressed and torn, being cast upon the coasts of Britain, were by the people courteously relieved, and by their petty Kings sent back unto Germanicus their General into Germany; which Princes or petty Kings, were drawn (as else where he saith) by emulation into many partialities and factions; which was indeed their own destruction. And by Gildas these were termed cruel Tyrants, taking his authority out 
Gildas. S. Hierome.  of Saint Hierome.  
(5) Let thus far suffice, in general, of these ancient Britain's; whose particulars we will further prosecute in the places of their resistances, lest otherwise they should seem to fight only against themselves. And therefore so many of these Governors, as either yielded their subjections to the Romans, or stood their opposites till their own strengths were spent, I will briefly touch, until such time as the land was made a Province, by the valour and industry of julius Agricola the first Roman that found it an Island, and left it more civil, and in subjection to the Roman Empire; and by the way I will insert some of such ancient Coins, as among them were then used, expressing their names, and places of coinage.   

THE KINGS AND GOVERNORS OF GREAT BRITAIN WITH THE ANCIENT COINS USED IN THEIR TIMES. CHAPTER VI.  
THe first British Coin (as is supposed) both by the fashion thereof being shield-like, and Name thereupon inscribed REXCOM: denoteth Comius, (if he be a Britain) King of the Atrebatij in this Island: whom some judge to have fled thence unto Caesar, as a traitor to his Native country; and in Gallia vanquished those parts, that lay coasted against the White, 
Ptolem●…i Geograph.  wherein (by Ptolemy) the people called likewise the Atrebatij inhabited: over whom he received the government by the gift of Caesar, and was by him employed to work the Britain's to his obedience. And that he was King of the Atrebatij in Britain, may be strengthened by that which Caesar in his second book of Commentaries affirmeth, where, by his own knowledge he saith, that one Divitiacus reigned over a great part of Gallia, and some portion of Britain also: and so likewise this Comius is reported to be of great respect among our Britain's, and able in that country to do much. Neither is it altogether 
Caesar. 〈◊〉. lib. 4.  unlikely, seeing the Britaines distasted his loyalty to Caesar, and his embassage for their subjection, with such dislikes, that they laid violent hands only upon him, and cast him in prison; using no such rigour against the rest of their own Ambassadors. Notwithstanding when success altered, they set him at liberty, and made him their means to pacify Caesar.  
Other Coins I have inserted to such British princes as by their inscriptions are known to be theirs. And whereas some are not yet noted by that honour to the world; I have unto such added only blanks, if happily more be revealed hereafter, and the bowels of the earth deliver to others, her treasures hid, as formerly (and in these our searching days) she hath already done.  
(2) Cassibelan, as the most worthy among the Britain's Kings, to withstand the common danger now ready to light upon them all, by the invasions and wars of the Romans; was by a general consent chosen their chieftain, though in times past, he had molested his neighbouring provinces to the enlargement of his own. Whose signiories, as Caesar saith, were severed from the Cities towards the sea coast by the river Thames, about fourscore miles from the same. 
Caesar. comen. lib. 5.  He had obtained the government of the Trinobantes, by the slaughter of Imanuence, and the expulsion of Mandubrace his son. And, with great valour, held opposite to the Romans, until the revolt of his chief City, the Cenimagues, Segontians, Ancalits', Bibroces, Cassians, and other states, which drew back, and yielded to the enemy; his confederates, the four Kings of Kent, overthrown, his own town won, and himself forced to yield unto Caesar, and the land to pay a tribute of 3000. pound yearly to Rome. A British Coin of gold with the inscription CASE in scattered letters we have inserted; as also another whereon is instamped the word VER, supposed to be his, because it is thought to have been coined in ancient Verolam, the City of Cassibelan, 
Verolam a famous City near to the place where now S. Albon is.  and that in his days, before the Romans won it.  
(3) Cingetorix: whom Caesar calleth Kings that reigned in Kent, were instigated by Cassibelan suddenly to set upon, and to assault the Roman forces, that lay encamped upon the sea shore whilst he kept Caesar occupied further in the main: which thing they attempted, but failed of their hoped expectation, their men being slain, three of them chased, and Cingetorix the chiefest taken captive. This heavy news and unfortunate success, caused Cassibelan to sue unto Caesar, and by the means of Comius obtained his peace. Caruill: Taximagull: Segonax:  
(4) Mandubrace a prince of the Trinobantes, but a traitor to his country; whose father Imanuence being slain by Cassibelan, and his own life likewise sought after, and in danger, fled unto Caesar into Gallia, and followed his fortunes in the wars; wherein, he was a great spur unto Caesar's forwardness for Britain, both to be revenged upon the murderer of his father, and to recover the government of the Trinobantes usurped by Cassibelan: preferring his own ambitious desire, and the revenge of one man's death, before the freedom of his native Country, or the deaths of many his countrymen, that daily stopped the Romans passage with streams of their blood. He recovering his chiefest City with the protection of the Romans, yielded subjection, & forty hostages to Caesar: whose example drew others to sell their own liberty, & to buy many miseries at too dear a rate, and with too late repentance, him doth Beda call Androgorius. 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 2.   
(5) Cenimagues' Inhabitants of Norfolk. Suff. Cam. etc. Segontians Hantshire. Ancalits' 
Camb. Britan.  Hendly hund. in Oxford. Bibroces Bray hund. in Berkshire. Cassians Caishow hund. in Hartf. These people or states, seeing the proceedings and happy success of Caesar, after the example of the Trinobantes, whose chiefest City had yielded him obedience, and were thereby secured, and protected from the harms of his soldiers, sent him likewise their submissions, and were accepted into subjection: so ready were they to save their own stakes, that they left the whole to the hazard of loss, which soon after followed as an overflowing flood, wherein was lastly drenched the whole islands liberty.  
(6) Cunobeline (for so upon his Coins his name is instamped) was the son of Theomantius and he the son of Lud (as say our British historians, by whom his name is corruptly written Kymbeline) he lived at Rome, and in great favour with Augustus Caesar the Emperor, by whom he was made Knight, and by his means the peace of Britain was continued without the payment of their Tribute, as Fabian out of Guido de Columna hath gathered. In the fourteenth year of his reign the Daystar of jacob appeared, and the rod out of I shall did flourish from 
Numb. 24. 17.  the womb of a Virgin, when the wonderful 
Isay. 11. 1.  Counsellor, the mighty God and Prince of Peace, the Emmanuel with us was borne at bethlehem of 
Isay. 9 6.  his maiden-mother the blessed Virgin Mary, and was made man like unto us in all things, sin only excepted. These were the times that great Kings and Prophets desired to see, but sàw them not, when 
Matt. 2.  the Wolf and the Lamb, the Leopard and the Kid, the Calf and the Dyon fed together; for war was 
Esay 11. 6.  not heard of then in the world, but rather their swords were made into mattocks, and their spears 
Mica. 4. 3.  turned into scythes, as the Prophets, Sibyls, and Poets from them have affirmed. In Rome the temple of janus was shut, and in Britain Cunobeline enjoyed peace with the rest of the world, and his fame made more famous by the many Coins instamped of him, and whose face thereon among all the British Kings was first inscribed, as by these here inserted doth evidently appear, one with two faces, like unto janus, and four more with his own, besides three others wherein is read his name, one of them with a woman's head, another with a horse, and the third with a wreath: all these (if not more) are known to be his, which showeth his wealth, his fame, and his civil respect. The chiefest City for his princely residence was Camalodunum, now Malden in Essex, won by Claudius from the sons of Cunobeline, as by the inscription of the Coin next ensuing appeareth, and wherein many of the British moneys also received their impress. This City with the free town Verolam afterwards felt the heavy hand of merciless BODVO in her revenge against the Romans, who laid the beauty and gorgeous buildings thereof so level with the earth that those walls and mounted turrets never since aspired to half their wont heights.  
(7) Adminius the first son of Cunobeline, King of the Britain's, by Suetonius his report, upon some offence was banished the Island by his father; and with a small train fled over the seas into Belgia; where Caius Caligula was in making his ridiculous expedition against the Ocean. And yielding himself to his protection, added matter to his vain glorious humours, as of a great victory and conquest; sending the news thereof to Rome, with an especiali 
S●…ton. i●… vitae Catig●…, s●…. 44.  command that his letters should be delivered in the Temple of Mars, and that in the assembly of a full Senate. It is judged by learned Cambden that the Roman Coin above prefixed, upon whose reverse is inscribed Metropolis Etiminij Regis, to be meant of this Adiminius the son of Cunobeline, whose City Camalodunum, Claudius Caesar the Emperor afterwards won, and wherein a temple was built and consecrated unto him, attended by the Priest's Augustals: which heavily burdened the poor estates of the Britain's.  
(8) Catacratus another son of Cunobeline, immediately after the death of his father, found himself agr●…eued 
Dio calls him Catacratus.  at the Romans, for the retaining of certain fugitives the betrayers of their native country; wher●… one Bericus was a chief, and a great firebrand of Claudius his attempts against the Britain's. This Catacratus maintained resistance against Aulus Plautius the Emperor's Deputy, with such noble resolution and warlike encounters, that often he endangered both his person and army. But Fortune and victory attending the Romans, brought at length Catacratus their captive into bands, with great slaughters of his Britain's, himself led shortly after in great triumph through Rome, in honour of Plautius his so fortunate success. The miseries of others thus made the Romans to mount the chair of their triumphs; and the chains of their captives, the records of their present aspired pride.  
But the bordering D●…buni seeing his fall, made their own standings surer by yielding themselves subjects to Rome.  
(9) Togodamnus the third son of Cunobeline, and successor to Catacratus, prosecuted his country's quarrel with the like boldness and resolution as his brother before him had done: & was the only touchstone that gave Vespasian his lustre, whose interpositions 
Tacitus in vitae Agric●….  (as Tacitus saith) was the beginning of that greatness whereunto afterwards he aspired. And with such manhood followed the chase of the Romans, that in a bloody battle he ended his life, and brought Plautius their Lieutenant unto a stand, where straightened in dangers both of place and people, he was forced to send to Claudius the Emperor; whose conceit was then grounded, that in Britain was greatest glory to be gotten, and therefore came to his assistance in person himself, the first since julius Caesar that attempted their conquest. His recorded compositions made with arviragus, the marriage of his daughter and building of Gloucester, I leave to be read out of Geffrey of Monmouth, and to be allowed at the choice of his hearer; only noting that the possession of so fair a land drew the affection and aged person of this Emperor to undergo so far distant and dangerous a journey, as this of Britain lay from Rome.  
(10) Cogidunus a Britain borne, received in pure gift at the hands of the Romans, certain Cities, over which he peaceably reigned their King. For when they had conquered the nearest part of this Island, and reduced it into the form of a Promi●…; according to their ancient policy, it was their custom, (saith Tacitus) to use Kings themselves for instruments of bondage, both in admittance of their authority, and in protecting 
Tacitus in vita Agricola.  them against their opposites. Other memorial of him none remaineth, but that he is reported to have rested ever most faithful to the Romans, and was of them accordingly esteemed, albeit his own people bore him no such good will, but rather accounted him and others his like, to be Rome's only instruments, and Britain's vipers, that brought in strangers to eat out the homebred inhabitants, and fettered the freedom of their land, with the heavy chains of a foreign subjection.  
(11) Caractacus the most renowned prince of the Silureses, in nine years resistance waded through many adventures against the common enemy. For when as the Icenians, Cangi, and brigants began to faint and give over, he only with the Ordovices held out with such service and fame, that thereby he grew both famous and fearful to the Romans. But Destinies determining the downfall of Britain, the props that were set to stay it still up, proved too slender and broke under the weight. For this bold Caractacus overthrown in battle, his wife, daughter, and brethren taken prisoners, and his forces defeated, committed himself to the protection of Cartismandua the brigants faithless Queen: who by her was delivered to the Romans; and by P. Ostorius brought to Rome; where beholding the riches and glory of that City, he openly and boldly checked the avarice and ambitious humours of the Romans, who being owners of so great and glorious things, were (notwithstanding) covetous and greedy for the poor possessions of the Britain's. And there being led in triumph, with admiration he was beheld of all the spectators, and for his 
Zonaras.  undaunted spirit and magnanimous resolution released of bands, and taken into favour by Claudius the Emperor. And the Lords of the Senate assembled together made glorious discourses touching Caractacus captivity, affirming it to be no less honourable than when P. Scipio showed Syphax unto the people, and L. Paulus, Perses, or if any other had exhibited to the 
Tacit. Annal. 12. cap. 8.  view of the people kings vanquished and overcome. The British Coin here above showed, by the scattered letters therein inscribed, is by the judicious observers of such ancient moneys supposed to be his.  
(12) Venutius, a famous King of the brigants, and husband to Cartismandua, (a woman of an high and noble lineage, but of a base and unsatisfied lust:) finding his bed abused by Vellocatus his servant and harness-bearer, raised his power against her, and her paramour. With him sided his brigants, and the neighbour countries adjoining, whose good will went generally with the lawful husband, fearing the ambitious authority of a lustful woman. With her went the Romans, at the command of Didius their Deputy: and these striking battle won the day: yet so, as the war continued to the Romans, the kingdom to Venutius, and the infamy with Cartismandua, both for betraying the pledge of her trust reposed by Caractacus in his distress, and her truth to Venutius her noble Lord and husband: preferring the licentious pleasures of a vassal, before the bed of chaste marriage, or the nuptial embracements of a worthy King, and hath to ages following left her name noted with the scars of infamy, that time nor continuance shall ever wear away. His ancient coin is thought to be as thou seest here above described.  
(13) Prasutagus Boduo King and Queen of the Icenians, a people unshaken by war, and themselves rich, (as Tacitus reporteth;) the only cause of their ruins, for which the Romans than warred; were brought to destruction upon this ensuing occasion. King Prasutagus dying, by will left Nero his heir (supposing by this means to leave his state the safer,) together with the protection of his two daughters. These, contrary to trust, were abused, and deflowered, the mother Boduo turned out of all, and against all manly civility, or womanly (much less, princely) respect, contumeliously and despitefully whipped. In the revenge of which unsufferable wrongs she so opposed and oppressed the Romans, that at one battle seventy thousand (or as Dion Cassius saith 80000. of their slaughtered bodies she sacrificed to her dead husband's ghost; and hath left the fame of her proceedings registered, even by her enemies themselves, to her immortal and never dying memory. The strong Cities, Camalodunum, and Verolanium, she sacked with the rage of merciless war; Petilius, Lieutenant of the ninth Legion, she discomfited, Catus the Procurator drove over the seas, Posthumus the Campe-master durst not resist her, and all indeed feared the valour of this heroic Lady: whose laws were not martial to save upon ransom: whose revenge was not pacified with yielding or submission, nor did she think there was blood enough in the Romans to imbrue the altars of her assisting gods, or to wash off the stain of their unnoble and unmanly injuries. But when success altered, after loss, and valorous resistance, she made an end of her life by poison, lest living she should see either her own miseries in their triumphs, or leave her remembrance in the records of their lavish and self-pleasing historians. Her Coin of gold we have here expressed, the form shield-like, and upon the embossement thus inscribed: BODVO.  
(14) arviragus, the valiant British King, whom Humphrey Lhuyd confidently affirmeth to be the same man that is called Meurigus, and is said to withstand Claudius in his enterprises for Britain, until a composition of marriage was concluded betwixt the Emperor's daughter and himself. Notwithstanding by Juvenal it is plain, that this arviragus was in his fame in the days of Domitian, unto whom the Poet, as a Prophet, would foredoom his happy success in the dispossession of his government over the Britain's, as in these his verses are seen; 
It bodes great honour to thyself, some King th●… shalt deprive,  
Or else arviragus from the rule of Britain's wain shalt drive.  An ancient British Coin of silver is here inserted, and a man's head thereon instamped, which is supposed to be his, the letters alluding so near to his name.  
(15) Galgacus, a worthy and most valiant prince of the Caledonians, for virtue, and birth, preferred before any other in the Northern parts of this Island, and made their General against the invasions of julius Agricola, was the last Britain, that against the Romans stood out: accounting those only happy, which were free from the contagion of that Roman tyranny, and themselves the flower of all the British nobility, that yet had not subjecteth their necks to their yoke. The resistance which he made was great and warlike, but against the decree of God no man can stand; for the Romans, risen to their greatness, bore down all that withstood them; and in a bloody battle subdued him, and his forces, making all silent before them where they came, and leaving desolation in the places where they had been. Thus then was the whole Island subjecteth to the Roman Emperors, about one hundred thirty and six years after Caesar's first entrance, and the land that had been ruled by many petty kings, was brought now (as most parts of the world beside were) under the government of one absolute Monarch. Grievous, no doubt, was the loss of their liberties, but a greater gain was gotten not many years after; for from the rude and savage manners of the barbarous, they were reclaimed, and became most civil. And he that had given their Island to his Christ, prepared their hearts to receive him their King; unto whose subjection also they were 
Psal. 2.  motives to the Romans themselves. Two ancient British Coins stamped in silver we have here set down, attributing them both to this Galgacus of Caledonia. Notwithstanding in these (as in the rest) I must submit myself to the more experienced, and the censures of these ancient things to the learned and more judicious.  
(16) These than were the resisters of the Romans proceedings, that rather yielded their breasts to the sword, than their necks to the yoke of a foreign subjection, and made their assaulters more famous in their conquests, and themselves more renowned to following posterities: neither in these relations have we followed the records of our own, but the approved testimony of their best writers, who have delivered what we have said, and no doubt felt the like repugnancy of many others, both in the South and North of this Island, though their names died with their valiant resistance. And as these Britain's held the Romans at even hand the space of one hundred thirty and six years, neither yet then were subdued without themselves, that ever sided with the enemy against themselves, and whose factions made way for the feet of their conquerors, as from Tacitus we have declared: So their successors the Saxons found as warlike withstanders, till God for Britain's sins had cast down their strength, whereof more shall follow (Christ assisting) in the due place of their stories, that from the reign of Vortigerne the scourge of his country to Cadwallader the last prince of the Britain's, spent their lives in the quarrel of liberty, and hath left their memorial famous for their country's defence.  
(17) But the state of kingdoms (how largely so ever extended, or by what human wisdom strengthened with defence) do find their periods not to exceed much the number of six hundred years, as by common experience among most nations is seen. In these times therefore when the world was shaken with wars, first by the Romans that strove to mount high the spires of their intended glory, and were by God's decree appointed to overrun and afflict the earth, when Kings of people (I say) were enforced to lay the Crowns from their heads at their conquering feet; and free nations loaded with the yokes of their bondage: then was fulfilled the resolution of this question demanded, Alas who shall live 
Numb. 24 23.  when God doth this? And then among the rest, Britain gave place to necessity with as manlike resistance as did states more stronger, or kingdoms confined with far more larger compass. And Caesar himself bought his entrance with such loss to the Romans that no Emperor after assayed the like, before aged Claudius, whose opinion was, that thence the remembrance of his succeeding glory should wholly arise.  
But when the props of that Empire began for to fail, as nothing can be firm in this still-wearing world, the Saxons, for their valour a second triumphant nation, began as it were where the Romans left: for besides the continual possession of their own country, as in that case unpartial Tacitus doth tell us; their legions were transported into all parts of the world, and without whom almost no victory was won: of whose power and prowess in the expeditions of war both Dionysius, Arrianus and Seneca, do speak. To these then likewise if the Britain's gave place, their lots came forth with the like price of the rest, and in this Island they bought their conquests as dear as they had done in any other part of the world. Neither was Britain subdued by either of these nations, or their inversion and exchange of policy altered, but with as unwilling subjection and streams of blood as had been slused out of the sides of their mightier nations, or by them had been tamed to follow their triumphal chariots. And more honour attributed to pass these British seas, with more admiration only to see the Island itself, than was usually conceived of kingdoms more larger, or that lay jacent as far from Rome. And the conquest of some small parts of Britain in no small selfe-glory to be inscribed as trophies of their victories upon their Coins, and to give surnames to the Emperors and their sons: as shall be showed, when the age of this history shall be increased with the times of the Romans assaires in this Island. Free from subjection before the attempts of Caius julius Caesar by the testimony of Diodorus Siculus, and never had yielded to any foreign power, as not provoked by Dionysius or Hercules, nor enforced by any to maintain their liberties by the feats of war. But Caesar in Gallia thirsting after novelties, or his conceited humour to purchase renown, made the sea seem safe from dangers in passage, and himself resolute to venture his person amongst those bold and barbarous Britain's: wherein he left no means unassaied for their conquest and subjection, nor his successors omitted any provident care to retain and keep the land in their possessions, which whilst it stood a province in their obedience was held and accounted the fairest plume in their triumphant Diadem, and the loss thereof (if no more but only in name) as was publicly affirmed, would prove a great detriment to the Empire. This made the Romans to desire it as they did, who besides the great glory they conceived in the conquest, made it the granary for the western garrisons, besides the delicate provisions for their Emperors own tables.  
And the Germane Saxons straightened in their own countries through increase of their people, or haply to supply their own wants, infested with piracies these West parts of the world, and among all others set the eye of their affections upon this most beautiful Island, and never left their attempts unassaulted till they set the glorious diadem thereof upon their own heads. Changing the name Britannia into Anglia, a term most fit to express that subject, and pleasing in sound as Angelical like, neither have themselves proved unworthy of so rich a possession, that in wars have maintained, and by voyages made known her fame as far as the sun hath his beams, or the endless Ocean her ebbs and tides. But of these things we shall have occasion hereafter.  
And now address ourselves to describe our ancient Britain's, and to show their true pictures as they are reported. At first rude and uncivil (I task them no further than all others then were in the world, some few excepted that were only taught by God) and with the first were reclaimed to a more civil respect, both in their apparel and apprehension of literature; whose pictures in the Chapter succeeding we will demonstrate as they are described by Caesar, Pliny, Dio, Herodian and others; at first altogether naked, cut, and painted as thou seest, afterwards partly clad in imitation of others which frequented their country either for traffic or conquest; in both which manner take them as they are reported to be by these authors, and impute no liberty in the draft to the workman's best liking, nor thyself any whit disparaged to be brought from such parents, which here are set as the pillars spoken of by josephus, that 
joseph. Antiqui. lib. 1. cap. 3.  after the flood did preserve the invented science of the celestial bodies, lest time or elements should consume that knowledge or devour those rules before demonstrated: So the true portraiture of our ancient progenitors may by these be preserved from the ruins of time & made our motives to be thankful unto him that hath brought us forth in these most civil times, and not only clad us with the garments of humanity, but by his spirit hath guided us unto a celestial knowledge.   

THE PORTRAITURES OF THE ANCIENT BRITAIN'S, OF THEIR NAKEDNESS, PAINTING AND FIGURING THEIR BODIES, OF THEIR PERSONAGES HABITS, AND HABILIMENTS, BOTH IN PEACE AND WAR: AS ALSO OF THE PICTS, THEIR ORIGINAL AND HABITS, etc. CHAPTER VII.  
THe understanding and apprehensions of men clouded in ignorance, are 
Aristotle.  by a Great Philosopher compared to the eyesight of such men, as stand and behold things afarre-off; because both of these, though they apprehend some general shapes and notices, yet can they not discern of the true proportions and proprieties of their Objects. The like happeneth in the search and survey, as of all other Nations, so of our own, of our first beginnings, our antic Customs, behaviours, habits: the true Circumstances whereof are the more difficile to find, in that those things are not only remote many degrees beyond the kenning of our Eye, (yea so many Ages from the times wherein we live,) but are also shadowed and enwrapped in manifold uncertainties and contrarieties, wherewith even those Writers 
The reason why Nations Originals are so hardly found out.  have perplexed our way, who undertook to be both our Guides and our Lights. Notwithstanding, our purpose being to propose unto the eye of our now glorious and gorgeous Britain's, some general draughts of our poor and rude progenitors, (that as King Agath●…cles in his chief feasts used only earthen dishes to put himself in mind that his Father was but a Potter, so we may remember that true British Nobility is more in Virtue then in Ancestors;) let us first see what the principal notes and marks are whereby the persons of those first Britain's were made so remarkable among all other Nations.  
(2) These Notes were chiefly three; first, their going naked; secondly, their staining and colouring of 
The three chief notes of the Britain's.  their whole Bodies; thirdly, their cutting, pi●…king and pouncing of their flesh, with garnishments (for so they thought them) of sundry shapes and fashions, as the two first ensuing Icones or Portraitures do represent. Touching all which, the reports of Authors are very discrepant: and therefore, sith light is gotten out by collision of flintes, we will essay, whether out of those Writers contradictions (brought to the stroke, and confronted together) we may strike some glimmering light to direct us how to paint them forth, who so delighted in painting themselves.  
(3) First touching their going naked, the authority of Caesar must oversway (as being ancientest) 
1. The first note of the Britain's, their Nakedness.  the too-generall reports of such others, as seem to relate that the Britain's generally used no Gouer●…e, as neglective either of weather's injury, or of civil modesty; for he saith, interiores plerique pellibus sunt vestiti: the Inland men for the most part were clad with 
Caesar.  skins. And yet these Inlanders were the rudest of all the rest, the Kentish and Seaborders being full of humanity and little differing from the French civility. So that when Herodian saith, Vestis usum non cognoscunt, nec induuntur quidem, They neither know the use of 
Herodian.  Garments: nor put any on: either he speaks on hearsay, or his large report must be restrained to some certain Persons, Times, and Places. And for certain Persons and Times indeed Plynie somewhat limits it, 
Pliny,  saying, that their married women, both elder and younger, (coniuges, nurusque) in certain festivals used to go stark naked: so doth Dio also for certain Places: in their Tents (saith he) they lived naked and unshod, where 
Dio.  he seemeth to allow them some coverture abroad. The like may be supposed in time of Winter or War, where Herodian himself saith only, pleraque corporis 
Herodian.  nudi, A great part of their body was bare.  
(4) Itmay seem hereby, that those Originals of Particular Nations were not much unlike that first beginning of the universal prosemination of Mankind, when our first Parent's innocency walked in naked simplicity: the foundations of all things being, as farthest from our sight, so more simple and far from those artificial frauds, which some call Wit and cunning. And though an 
* Saint Cypri●… interprets. A 〈◊〉, East. D. 〈◊〉, West. A. arctos, North. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. South.  ancient Father be mistaken, in conceiving that by the four letters of the name of Adam, were signified the four quarters of the World, (that being an Hebrew name of three letters, and not a. Greek of four) yet all those Quarters of the World participate somewhat of Adam's dispositions; and as all Natural things return by course to that whereof first they were framed, so if Laws, discipline, and Customs, did not restrain men, they would in time, of themselves revolve to that first neglective condition, and carelessness of those outward respects whence men are now named Civil.  
(6) As ability to endure cold, so ignorance (in many) of means to prevent it, may seem another 
2. Ignorance.  occasion of these Britain's nakedness. The Romans (it seems) in their old Consuls times, and after, had not the skill nor use of Hats, Breeches, etc. That Britain abounded with wool and other materials for clothing, is past all doubt, for which cause, by one Panegyric, it is named rich in Pasturage, which by another 
Paneg. ad Constan. Paneg ad Constan.  is thus explicated, that therein was an infinite multitude of tame cattle both with Udders full of milk, and loaden with Fleeces to the ground. So then wol was not wanting, but Will, or Skill; the latter in most likelihood: for, as Strabo saith, that though those strutting Udders yielded great store of milk, yet some of them had not skill to make cheese, and having so rich grounds, 
Strabo.  yet had not the art of tillage, so their sheep might have such heavy sleeces, yet some of their Owners no cunning to keep themselves warm therewith. Some of them, I say; for otherwise, as Pliny, touching Tillage, gives light to Strabo, witnessing, that others of them were so good Husbands as to manure their grounds 
Pliny.  with Marle, as likewise doth Dioscorides, saying they had skill to make drink of Barley: so probable is it, that 
Dioscorides:  those other who were by Caesar and Tacitus said to be so like the French in conditions, had also some 
Caesar. Tacitus.  part of their Art in fitting the Burden of their sheeps backs to cover their own.  
(7) The last reason of such their going naked 
3. Pride.  sometimes, was out of an opinion that no clothing so adorned them, as their painting and damasking of their Bodies, for which cause (saith Herodian) they 
Herodian.  would not cover themselves, lest then their gay painting should not be seen: but Pomponius Mela makes doubt, 
Mela.  whether their thus painting themselves were for ornament or for some other use; which doubt Caesar seems to resolve, as if the men did it; because it made them 
Caesar.  look more terrible in war.  
(8) And thus we are now orderly fallen on the second of those three notes appropriated by Authors 
2. The second note of the Britain's, their painting. Caesar.  to our Britain's, which is their painting and staining of their Bodies, which appears by Caesar to have been more universally used, then going naked, for all the Britaines (saith he) die their bodies with staining. As Authors differ in the reason of this their painting, (as we showed) so in the name, perchance also in the substance. of that wherewith they stained themselves, and somewhat also in the colour itself. The substance Caesar calls luteum, which yet in vulgar acception is thought to be some yellow substance, as Pliny calls luteum 
Caesar. Pliny.  ovi, the yolk of the Egg; Pliny himself saith the Frenchmen call it glastum, describing it to be an herb like plantain, which Oribasius (as learned Cambden 
Cambd. in Bri●…. p. 14. Mela.  showeth) doth term Vitrum, in which sense Mela is understood, to say, that they were stained Vitro (and not Vltrò,) it being generally taken to be Woad, from those ancient times hitherto used for the surest stain. But for the colour which is made, Caesar and the rest agree, it was Caeruleus, bluish or azure, which colour the Cambro-Britannes do yet call glace, whence our glass for windows (called also vitrum) seemeth by reason of the colour, to have taken name. Only Pliny 
Pliny.  leaveth some scruple, in saying, that the naked painted women imitated the Aethiopian colour; which must be understood either comparatively, in respect of People white and unpainted, or because blue a far-off hath the appearance of black.  
(11) Neither may we think that formerly they 
3. The thi●…d note of the Britain's, their picturing of their bodies.  refused such Apparel, only to show this staining and colouring of their Bodies: for besides it, some other bellishments they had, which they esteemed much more graceful, then either their painting was, or any clothes could be. Which of the Britain's, Solinus thus delivereth: The Country is in part (note that he 
Solinu●…  makes it not general) inhabited by People barbarous, who by artificial forms of incision have from their Childhood sundry shapes of Beasts depourtraied in their bodies, and as their limbs increase in growth, so doth the pictured work together therewith, neither doth these wild People boast of any greater kind of patience, then in bearing long-lasting scars, where the paint had deeply sunk into their sliced flesh. The very parallel whereof is also by I sidore set down touching our Picts whose bodies 
I sidore.  sliced and pinked be an artificial punchion, did suck in the tuice of the staining herb, carrying these rasures on their pictured limbs, as badges of their Nobleness, thus endamasked. Neither only the shapes of Beasts, but 
Maculosa Nobilitas.  of all other things, were so printed in their flesh; which Herodian takes to be the prime reason, why 
Herodian.  they delighted to go naked, lest they should hide these their pleasing garnishments. Where also by the way may be observed, since Solinus saith that the barbarous only used so to do, and Herodian, that those who did so, used therefore to go naked; that therefore not the Britaines in general, but the most barbarous of them used to go naked. And very answerable to Solinus, (who elegantly calleth such their figuring of themselves, inscriptis visceribus, a writing on their Bodies,) 
Solinus.  is that of Claudian, Perlegit exanimes Picto moriente 
Claudian.  figuras, On dying Picts he reads the breathless shapes, as if the beasts so lively portraited on them, seemed to lie dead together with the murdered bodies of the Picts.  
(12) By these varieties of picturing, (if 
* The Appendix to Hariots Virginea. Their married women.  some have not misinformed us out of their alleged ancient Authors,) those people so distinguished themselves, 
The use of their different picturing.  that the married women were known by having pictured on their shoulders, elbows and knees, the heads of some fierce beasts, as Lions, Gryphens, etc. On their Belly, the Sun spreading his beams: on their Paps, Moons and Stars etc. On their arms, thighs, and legs, some other fancies of their own Choice. But for their Virgins, their whole Body was garnished over with the shapes of all the fairest kinds 
Their Virgins.  of flowers & herbs; which (to speak indifferently) could not but yield, though a strange, yet no unpleasing aspect. Whereas the Men were (as Caesar speaks) very horrible to be looked on, having all their 
The Men.  breast & body disfigured with ugly Beasts, Serpents, ravenous Birds, scales and fins of fishes etc. In which relation yet, this scruple will not easily be removed (if it be true, that from their childhood their prints increased with their bodies) how those, who being Virgins had no prints but of herbs and flowers, becoming Wives were so easily transformed either into Beasts or heavenly Creatures.  
(13) The later Women, (as you see by the later portraiture,) became far more modest, that is indeed 
The later British women.  more womenly; having learned that then they openly show most beauty, when openly they show not their beauty; much less should they expose to the view, that which nature most endeavoured to hide, as knowing it lest worth the viewing: yea * some observe that women being drowned, naturally swim with their face and foreparts downward, 
Agryppa de la●…de saeminarum.  whereas Men do contrary, as if the impression of modesty were not to leave a Woman even after death. Agryppa who mentioneth it, reporteth also of some Matrons, so too-modest, that they chose rather to die, then to expose some hidden diseases to their Chirurgeons view: A point unfortunately inserted into his witty book, in praise of women, which he dedicated to Margaret wife to Maximilian (afterward Emperor) she, of womanly bashfulness choosing rather to die, then to have her thigh cured, which was broken with a fall from a horse. The picture of this British woman here last deportraied, is framed to that description of the most valiant British Lady. Boudicea, of whose brave attempts on the Romans you shall read, more hereafter in the 7. Chapter of the sixth Book.  
(14) Of which Sex, though naturally the weaker, yet in most Writers their are remembrances of 
Of their women Governors.  some, whose Actions both politic and Warlike have been no way inferior to the worthiest Men; as our own Age hath given testimony to the World in another Great Lady of British race, (the offspring of the valiant and lovely Meredicke of Wales,) the glory of 
Queen Elizabeth descended from Owen Tender, whom L●…iland calleth M●…ridyck.  whose Reign and Regal virtues shall be as lasting as the World. Whose just, wise, and resolute kind of Government hath justified that Custom of our old Britain's and Picts, of the former of which Tacitus reports, as Beda doth of the later, that they made no difference 
Tacitus. Beda.  of Sex for the Sovereign Command, yea and used to war under the conduct of women. In which respect though their Ordinary sort of women were not employed in martial services, otherwise then before we showed in the fourth Chapter, yet because some of the choicest of them have been so employed, we have so deciphered them in their Martial habit.  
(15) For their other habiliments of war, and the manner thereof, we have described it in the same 
Of the Britain's habits in war.  4. Chapter; their fight being (as Diodorus saith) after the fashion of the Heroes in the first age of the World, who 
Diodorus.  fought in Chariots; yet on foot also they were most strong (saith Die) and also most swift; which makes me marvel why Strabo should say, they were pedibus malè suffulti, 
Die Strabo  not strongly underpropped; Who also adds that they were (as himself observed at Rome) much tauller than the Gaulleses, but yet of no very elegant shape and timber; Using as (Caesar saith) to wear their hair very long and curling, otherwise shaven all their body over, except only the upper lip. Their weapons (saith Herodian) were narrow shields, and short spears, at the end whereof 
Herodian.  (saith Dio) was a little bell like a ball, which they shook at their first encounter in War for terror of 
Die  the Enemy. Swords also had they, but short, hanging at their naked sides; but helmet and corselet they used 
Herodien.  none, as esteeming them burdens rather than helps in war. But about their necks they wore a round circle of Iron (as an ornament no less esteemed than gold with other Nations) as also about their waste, whereat they hung their skeines: being doubtless, a most warlike Nation, (as their posterity have ever since proved,) and most desirous to spill blood, wherein yet their Offspring by divine blessing are now most different from their Ancestors.    

THE SUCCESSION OF THE MONARCHES OF GREAT BRITAIN IN THE TIME OF THE ROMANS, WITH AN HISTORICAL RELATION OF THE LIVES, ACTS, AND GOVERNMENTS OF THEIR EMPERORS AND LIEUTENANTS: So far as toucheth the affairs of this Island, and so long as it stood a Province to that Empire.  
BOOK VI.  

CHAPTER I.  
THe next Nation that to the Britain's obtained possession, 
The Romans the second possessors of this Island. julius Caesar the first Roman attempter.  and sovereignty of this Island, were the Romans, and of them Caius julius Caesar the first; what time their State had undergone all kinds of governments, and now aspired almost to their highest pitch of glory. This Caesar bearing the office of Questorship in Spain, and naturally disposed for great assays, was thereto the more incited at the sight of Alexander's portraiture, standing in the temple of Hercules at 
* Calez. Suet. in vita Caesar. Sect. 7.  Gades, where beholding it with great admiration fell into a sudden dislike of himself, and (as Alexander in seeing Achilles' tomb) with an ambitious, yet honourable emulation, sighed and said: Hast thou at my years achieved the conquest of the whole world, myself 
Caesar's speech beholding Alexander's picture.  hitherto having done no memorable act? Ever after which he disdained that his petty charge, and made suit to the Senate to be dismissed, holding that the cloud which overshadowed his following and (soon after) flowing fortunes. And forthwith returning to Rome 
Caesar's complotings for the Empire.  observed every occasion that might make him gracious in the people's eyes, having the advantage of the time which then was swayed with most dislikes: and entering into many factions, yea and some of them not without suspicion of conspiracy, did notwithstanding so manage his proceedings, that their constructions were ever made honourable, and himself the man by all assents that did support the glory of their State; unto whom offices of high dignities were assigned, which daily increased his credit and power. And in the time of his Consulship, took upon him 
Caesar ten years in Gallia.  the government of Gallia, where he remained ten years together, and forbore no occasion for war, were it never so unjust or dangerous: Insomuch that framing a Bridge of wood over the broad and swift river Rhine, he entered the country of the Swevians, 
Caesar the first Roman that assailed the Germans.  being the first Roman that assailed the Germans: And thence with victory returning, found his charge the Gauls in quiet: both which fortunes were as spurs to his aspiring mind, and set his thoughts to work upon other attempts.  
(2) For now intending a voyage into Britain, he prepared thitherward, as well to enlarge the extent of his ambition and glory, as to satisfy himself with the sight and seat of the Island, as for a further knowledge 
Causes of Caesar's invasion.  of those people the inhabitants, after whom he had most diligently inquired, yet by no relation could find content. But his pretence was revenge against the Britain's, for that thence (as himself speaketh) the Gauls had received most of their supplies against him in all his wars, or as some have written, for the desire 
Sueton. in vita Caesar. Strabo.  of Pearls that therein plentifully grew, whose beauty and weight he had oft observed.  
But because the summer was almost spent, and that the voyage seemed dangerous through want of knowledge, either for place of entrance, or safety in harbour (for our learned countryman Roger Bacon 
Bacon de arte & natura.  was doubtless in an error, who thinketh that Caesar set up perspective glasses on the coast of France, and thence saw all the ports and creeks in England) he thought good to send one Caius Volusenus a military Tribune in a 
Volusenus Caesar's spic.  galley before him, giving sufficient instructions for so great an enterprise in hand, himself drawing towards those parts of Gallia, that lay nearest coasted unto Britain, thence expecting his success.  
(4) But now composing his affairs in Gallia, and having ready an hundred ships (wanting but two) 
Athenaeus reports he had 1000 ships.  besides many Galleys also for transporting his army, he loosed from the shore; having a good wind, about the third watch of the night, taking order for his 
The Romans divided th●… night into four equal parts, each part being called a watch. Caesar cometh in person against Britain.  horsemen to embark with all speed and follow after him; himself early in the morning attained the sight of Britain, whose cliffs he found covered with armed men, and place for entrance so naturally beset and strengthened with steep hills and rocks, that he there cast anchor, and called to counsel the Legates and Tribunes, declaring unto them the danger of the haven that gave such advantage to their enemy, whose darts from the higher ground might much impeach their arrivage, and therefore determined their landing elsewhere.  
(5) Their Counsel was no sooner dismissed, but Caesar both tide and wind fitting him, not foreslowing the occasion, gave sign of remove, and some eight miles distant came to 
* Thought to be Deal.  a plain and open shore, and made preparation to land his men. Thither also the Britain's had removed part of their forces, and so valiantly withstood the enemies, that Caesar himself, though wholly addicted to honour himself and his Romans, yet confesseth that his army was sore overlaid and terrified with that encounter: and had they not been assisted from the Galleys with an unusual kind of Engines, which did beat back the Britain's (unexpert of that strange manner of assault) from the shore, the Romans had not set foot on British soil, neither durst they then adventure it, until the standard-bearer for the tenth legion desperately leapt forth 
This ensign was an Eagle of silver standing in a little shrine upon the top of a spear. Valer. M●…. lib. 3. cap. 2.  of the ship with his Eagle, calling on the daunted soldiers and ask whether they would dastardly forsake their ensign and betray it through cowardice to the enemy? which opprobry provoked them to follow his example, and so they got the shore after an encounter fierce and terrible on both parts, as Caesar acknowledgeth. But the first of all (even before the Stander-bearer) who put courage into the Romans and taught them how to deal, was (as testifieth Eutropius) one Scaeva a Britain (who formerly had fled to Caesar) and guiding four other soldiers in a boat to a rock near the shore, where the tide leaving them, his fellows slunk back in the boat, but he most boldly defended himself from the rock against the Britain's, like a Bear at a stake among a multitude of mastiffs, till having all his armour broken in pieces and himself all wounded with darts, he swam to the fleet; and begging pardon for his foole-heady forwardness, Caesar both forgave him, and rewarded his valour with the honour of a Centurion: and he did Caesar afterwards noble service at Dyrrachium in the civil wars. Caesar confessing, that he alone saved the fortification against Pompey, at which time his target 
Caesar. bell. ●…il.  was showed to Caesar, having 230. holes pierced in it by the enemy, whereof josephus Iscanus that ancient 
joseph. Iscanus in Antiocheid●….  Poet of Excester writeth thus: 
Hinc & Scaeva satus pars non obscura tumultûs  
Civilis, Magnum solus qui mole soluta  
Obsedit, meliorque stetit pro Caesare murus.  
The Britain Scaeva in civil wars well known,  
Besieged the 
* Viz. Pompey.  Great, and rampires overthrown,  
Was Caesar's wall more strong than wall of stone.   
The first attempt assayed, that is warranted by any true Record for the conquest of this Island: which 
The first assay for the conquest of this Land. An. ●…nds 3873.  happened in the year of the world's creation 3873. and before the birth of our Saviour Christ, 54.  
(6) This enterprise for landing thus achieved, Caesar charged so fiercely upon the enemy, that he put them to flight; but wanting his horsemen to follow 
Caesar putteth the Britain's to flight.  the chase, (which as yet were not arrived) he proceeded no further, but encamped his host upon a great plain, not far from the Sea, and not without 
At Barham Down Caesar seeth the dispersion of his ships.  likelihood thought to be Barham Down: for so near lay it upon the shore, that thence he beheld the dispersion and loss of his 18. ships (coming under sail with his horsemen to his assistance) through the violence of a storm, and rage of Sea.  
(7) In the mean time the Britain's; that after flight had again recovered head, and in their assemblies advisedly considered their imminent dangers; concluded their submission for the safest remedy, and to that end sent their second Ambassadors unto Caesar, with whom Comius before remembered was employed, 
The Britain's second embassage to Caesar.  whom they had retained in straight prison for Caesar's cause, but now made him a mean to work their peace; which was granted after some soft and gentle reproofs, with hostages received for performance of Covenants, and resort of their Nobles to Caesar's camp, to yield themselves and Cities to his will.  
(8) These Britain's, although rude in regard of the Romans, and unmatchable to them in educated civility, yet were so skilful in the affairs of war, and so ready to discern the least advantage, that they easily perceived the weakness of Caesar's power, both in want of horsemen to equal their wagons, wherein chiefly stood the strength and order of their fight, as also of ships for service and safety, as occasions should be offered: whereby their minds touching their promised submission began to waver, and the matter with better advice to be pleaded in their assemblies; for that not only these foresaid ships for Caesar's supply were dispersed and hindered, but even his own 
Caesar's ships distressed.  flect, which lay then in harbour by the rage of wind and sea, (being then spring tide, and the moon in the full) was not only filled with waves, but also their tackle, sails, and anchours spoiled or lost, the violent storm so dashing the bulks one against another, that their bruised bottoms were thereby made unfit for burden.  
(9) This loss was so great, that it is accounted 
Suetonius in vit. Caesar.  the first of the three adverse fortunes which ever happened to Caesar in all his proceedings: and it was so well observed by the Britain's, that immediately they intended a revolt, and in Counsel urged this, as the material point that breathed hope and life to their 
Britain's revolt.  former liberties, condemning themselves as impious if they should refuse to join consent with the heavens, whose elements had thus far fought for their freedom and full deliverance, assuring themselves (if on this advantage they might cut off these new guests) that never any afterward would adventure to enter Britanny in hostile manner.  
And thereupon they began both to slack the performance of covenants, and daily to withdraw themselves from Caesar's Camp, which gave him just occasion to suspect whereat they aimed. And to prevent their proceedings he as wisely wrought: for first repairing his Navy with the huls, timber, and tackling of the most bruised ships, with the loss of twelve ships only, the rest were made able to brook the seas. And providing against the advantage of the enemy, he sent forth the seventh Legion for forage to supply any occasion.  
(10) This Legion taking the coast clear, and little surmising so sudden a revolt, fell to the sickle and scythe like harvest labourers, and laid their weapons apart, mistrusting no Enemy. Now the Britain's as forward to put in practice what they had determined, closely had laid themselves in ambush, for thither they knew the enemy would come, a piece of corn there standing, whereas in all other parts harvest was passed: and so having these workmen in their danger, suddenly fell upon them, slaying some, and forcing 
The Britain's suddenly assail the Romans.  the rest out of their array, who not knowing the order of their fight, cast themselves in a ring (the best defensive form of embattelling) and stood on their guard as they might: but had they not happily been rescued, Caesar had lost one whole Legion at that time.  
(11) For though this skirmish thus in acting was altogether unknown and unexpected to the rest of the Romans, yet by the rising of the dust, appearing to the Coherts that warded before their Camp, the same was mistrusted, which caused Caesar in all haste to make thitherward with part of his host.  
(12) The Britaines thus prevented, seeing more supply to maintain the battle, stood still, without further stroke: and the Romans as much amazed at this sudden attempt, and order of their fight, made a stand, not venturing any further. Which order in fight so often mentioned, and so much admired, in Caesar's words we will declare, the rather because some 
Clem. Edmund's his observations on Caes. Comment. li. 4. ca 12. obscr. 2.  have thence collected, that the Britaines were the offspring of the Troyans', who with other Eastern Nations only used this kind of fight in Chariots.  
(13) They used (saith he) to ride in wagons against 
Cas. Commen●…. li. 4.  the approach of the enemy, and to circulate them about with a whirling compass, and rattling noise, each ways casting their darts as they did drive, and ever as they saw advantage 
The manner of the Britain's fight.  would wind themselves in amongst the horse and foot, to break the array; which done, they would for sake their wagons, and onfoot most dangerously assail the enemy. In the mean while the Wagoners would withdraw themselves somewhat out of the battle, and place their wagons in such order, that if their masters were overcharged, they might have speedy access, and opportunity of retreat, by which means they were ever as quick to move as were horsemen, and as steadfast to stand the battle as were the foot, whereby they did supply the duties of both at once, and by daily exercise grew so expert in managing their horses, that running them forcibly down a steep hill, they would stop, and turn them in the midway: and they would run along the beam, and stand firm upon the yoke; whence with like facility they would again return into their Chariots.  
This order Caesar so well observed, as that notwithstanding his desire of revenge, yet wanting his horsemen (as he pretended) wherein consisted the chiefest resistance, he durst attempt no further on them, but was content to keep the field without proffer of battle.  
(14) The Britaines likewise hopeless of further success at that present, departed without any impeachment, intending to prosecute their cause with a greater and more general supply: and thereupon 
The Britain's gather a greater power.  sent messengers to their severail States, with notice of their hopes against so small a power; whose Camp by them if any way might be vanquished, the purchase of spoil, besides their frced liberties, would requite the pains.  
(15) These States, though maintaining civil factions amongst themselves, yet seeing the intended danger of this general enemy, presently assembled 
Cor. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  a great power, purposing yet once again to try the hazard and fortune of war. Caesar, whose vigilancy did ever equal his valour, prepared his army, wherein now only ●…0. horsemen were present, and those 
Comius supplieth Caesar with ●…0. 〈◊〉.  brought to him by Comius the King. The battle joining continued not long, but that the Britaines gave back and fled, whom the Romans pursued as far as strength endured, and returned with the slaughter of many, burning the Country where they came.  
(16) Thus the Britain's once again vanquished, 
The Britain's ●…ubmit 〈◊〉 the third time.  forthwith sent their third Embassage unto Caesar, desiring peace, with promise of quiet subjection; whom he with hard terms now reproved, and imposed a double number of hostages to be brought him into Gallia, whither he made all possible preparation, for that the Aequinoctium drew near, doubting his crazed 
Aequinoctium is 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are both of a length.  ships would hardly brook the winter storms, that usually rage upon these Seas. And having gotten a fair wind, embarked all his forces about midnight, and so brought most of his fleet safe to the continent. This enterprise so fortunately accomplished, Caesar by his letters made known to the Senate, who decreed and proclaimed to his honour a general supplication 
Caesar was now the first that had 20. days 〈◊〉 g●…ted: the greatest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 5. days, or 10. at the most.  or thanksgiving to their Gods, for the space of twenty days together, wherein all the Romans, clothed in white garments, and crowned with garlands, went to all the Temples of their Gods, and offered sacrifices for so glorious a victory.   

CAESAR'S SECOND EXPEDITION INTO BRITAIN. CHAPTER II.  
CAESAR expecting the performance of Covenants agreed upon in the treaty of peace with the Britain's, received hostages from two of their Cities only, and no more: the rest 
Most of the Britain's break covenant with Caesar.  drawing back, refused his subjection: whereupon intending not to lose so rich a prey, nor to suffer that Sun to be eclipsed, whose glory thus far in his Horizon had as●…nded, he appeased some troubles in Gallia, and in the winter season began his preparation to that enterprise. And having had experience of his former wants, he furnished himself accordingly, and the next spring following drew his forces towards Calis, the shortest cut 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some think to be Calis. some S O●….  into Britain. There committing the charge of Gallia to T. Labienus his Lieutenant, himself with five Legions of soldiers, 2000 horsemen, and 800. ships, about going down of the Sun loosed from the shore, and with a soft Southern gale were carried into the stream. But about midnight the wind failing, and their sails becalmed, the tide diverted their course: so that in the dawning he well perceived his intended place for landing to be passed.  
(2) Therefore falling again with the change of 
Caesar again landeth at the place of his first arrival  tide, and endeavours of their Oars, about noon the same day he recovered the shore, even in the same place (and that without any show of resistance) where he had found best landing the Summer before. There in convenient manner he encamped his host, and by certain Fugitives got notice of the power and place of the enemy.  
(3) And lest delay should afford them advantage, he committed the government of his ships at anchor to Qu. Atrius, and his camp on land to the guard of ten Cohorts, besides the strength of three hundred horsemen; and himself with the rest about the third watch of the night took their march towards the enemy, proceeding with such celerity, that by the day dawning they were entered twelve miles higher into the Continent: where seeking to pass a river, which is supposed to be the water Stower, the Britain's with 
Caesar resisted at the river Stower.  their darts and chariots began in most terrible manner to assault the Romans. But being at length by them repulsed, took into a wood strongly fortified both by nature and man's industry. For in the time of their own dissensions they had formerly made this place one of their strongest fortresses, and had cut down many trees, which overthwart the ways of entrance they had bestowed.  
(4) In this they secretly kept, and where they saw advantage, would by companies sally out upon the enemy to their no little annoyance. Whereupon Caesar commanded the seventh Legion to raise a bank, and to build a Testudo of boards, covered with 
The Britain's driven from their fortress.  raw hides, by which means the place without much ado was won, and the Britaines forced to forsake the woods. Whose chase Caesar forbade both in regard the day was near spent, as also that the country was altogether unknown to the Romans. But the next day the pursuit being begun, sudden news was brought from Q. Atrius, that most of his ships the night before by a violent tempest were cast on Land, 
Caesar's Navy greatly impaired by tempest.  their bulks shaken, their cables broken, and anchours lost. Caesar's experience in like mishaps the Summer before, made him so much more ready to prevent the worst. And therefore recalling his forces, in all haste returned to his Camp, finding the relation too true in their wrack, wherein forty of his ships were quite lost. Wherefore he wrote to Labienus his Lieutenant in Gallia for supply of ships, thence to be sent in all haste. Then gathering his shipwrights out of the legions, with the ruins of the bruised bulks, he repaired the whole; and now having twice felt the dangers of these seas, caused his whole fleet (a strange attempt) to be drawn on land, even into the midst of the fortifications 
He draweth his fleet on shore.  of his camp, so to secure them from the like mishap, and that one strength might defend both.  
This Cassibelan present Governor of the Trinobants, had attained to the possession of their chiefest City by the slaughter of Imanuence their former Ruler (a man well respected, and much lamented after death) whose son Mandubrace, a gentleman of great hope, 
Caesar. Com. lib. 5.  fearing the like danger, by the new established authority of Cassibelan, had made over into Gallia, craving Caesar's assistance to set him in his right.  
(6) Cassibelan (if among these authentic Authors 
Flor. Histor. Fabian.  the British Writers may be heard) was the brother of King * Lud, and in the nonage of his nephews 
Cassibelan brother of King Lud.  governed the Trinobants, whose bounds he sought to enlarge upon the bordering Countries of his neighbours, and in his fortunes had so borne himself, that he was much maligned, and more feared. But now all their dangers yoked alike in a common peril, they laid aside private grudges, and held him the only man to support the strength of their troubled and declining estate, and by a common consent made him General of their wars. The expectation of whose proceedings he long delayed not, but with a fierce and hot encounter did assail the Romans, and so manfully discharged the parts of his place, that in the sight of the whole Camp Quintus Laberius a military Tribune was slain, (in memory whereof the place as yet, though somewhat corruptly, is called jul-laber) and Caesar 
Lamber. Peramb.  himself professeth he learned many points of martial policy by their brave and running kind of encountering.  
(7) But his next days service proved not so fortunate; for the Romans having learned their own defects by the former days experience, laid aside their weighty armour, that with the more facility they might both assail the enemies, and with like nimbleness avoid their fury, they having now bestowed their powers dispersedly, and scattered their troops into companies, whereby the Romans were still matched with fresh supplies. A policy no doubt of no small consequence, had not destiny determined the fatal subjection of the Britain's, and Fortune now raised the Romans almost to the height of their Monarchy.  
(8) For this failing, the Britain's never after showed 
Britain's retire to their several Provinces.  themselves with any united resistance, but having lost the day departed, thinking it better to secure every private by his own means, then by a general power to hazard all, as hopeless any more to uphold that which the heavens (they saw) would have down. And Cassibelan himself despairing of happy success, drew into his own territories, keeping with him not above 4. thousand wagons. And fearing the Romans further approach, fortified the river Thamisis (then passable 
Thought to be Oatland.  only in one place) with sharpened stakes bound about with lead, and driven so deep into the bottom, that Beda and Asser report them so to remain 
Beda lib. 1. cap. 2.  in their times. All which notwithstanding, the Romans passed with the repulse of their enemies, and Caesar, who grew now to the height of his honour, marched further into the Continent, and coming forward, was met by Ambassadors from the chiefest City of the Trinobants, which first of all the States proffered submission, and promised subjection, with this 
The Trinobants submit to Caesar. Beda calleth him Androgorius, lib. 1. cap. 2.  entreaty also, that Mandubrace (who being Caesar's follower, and doubtless the contriver of this submission) might be Governor of their City.  
(9) Caesar ready to work upon such advantage, seized them at forty hostages, with sufficiency of grain for his whole army, which with all expedition those Suppliants performed, preferring the satisfaction of their own discontentments before the common cause 
Ceminagues, Segontianus, Ancalits', Bibrokes, Cassians.  of their Native Country, thus laid open, and betrayed into the enemy's hands; from whose example many other States without stroke yielded to Caesar's command: yea further treacherously showing unto him both the power and place of Cassibelans abode, who had now retired himself into his own City called Verolam, well fortified both with woods and marish 
S. Alban besieged by Caesar.  grounds.  
Thither Caesar came, and with little loss or labour won the place, and many of the miserable Britain's both taken and slain. Cassibelan now despairing of his own power, far unable to match, and much less to overmatch his Enemies, instigated the Governors 
The Governors of Kent join with Cassibelan against Caesar.  of Kent, being four in number, Cingetorix, Caruilius, Taximangulus, and Segonax, (whom Caesar termeth Kings) to raise all their strengths, and suddenly to set upon the Romans Camp that guarded their ships; which enterprise was accordingly attempted, but with such success, that the Britaines were on each side slain, and Cingetorix taken prisoner, the rest saving themselves by flight.  
(10) Cassibelan beholding these unfortunate proceedings, feared the end of unhappy success, for he saw his Country wasted, his own designs defeated, and himself forsaken by the traitorous revolt of many Cities and States on every side. Therefore as bootless to bandy against fortune, he sought to hold 
Cassibelan soliciteth for peace.  his own with others, and sent Comius King of the Attrebatij to be his mean to Caesar for peace, which was the willinglier heard and granted, for that he determined to winter in Gallia, his affairs so requiring it.  
(11) The conditions were hard, but necessity must be obeyed: for Caesar imposed a grievous Tribute 
A great Tribute.  to be taxed of the Britain's, of no less than three thousand pounds yearly to be paid, and moreover included 
So saith an old written Chronicle, the Author not named.  the safety of Mandubrace, with his Trinobantes taken into friendship, and protection of the Romans; & lastly, that these Covenants should be faithfully observed, he commanded hostages for assurance forthwith to be delivered. These things thus compounded, he took the Seas, about the second watch of the night, which then began to equalize the day in length, and safely arrived in the Continent of Gallia; Having rather showed the place to posterities, then delivered to 
Tacitus in vita Agric.  the Romans the possession thereof, as Tacitus saith, supposing it his glory sufficient to undergo a matter so rare and difficult, and at his coming to Rome, to have presented his British Captives; whose strangeness for attire and behaviour filled the people's eyes both with wonder and delight. He offered also in the Temple 
Eutrop. Plin.  of Venus' genitrix, a Surcoat made all of British pearls, as a Trophy and Spoil of the Ocean. And now his fortunes coming to the highest, the title of perpetual Dictator (than which the State of Rome could afford nothing greater) sufficed him not, but a King he will 
Caesar's ambition.  be, and sole governor over all, though contrary to the Law and liking of the Romans; whereof in short time grew such heartburning and hatred, that seventy principal men conspired his death, and after his many dangers 
Caesar's death.  of enemies in battles abroad, was in the Senate-house amongst his supposed friends, and in peace (if treachery may be called peace) cruelly murdered, receiving in his body three and twenty wounds, whereof he died, after he had sat Emperor only five months.  
(12) I am not ignorant that the British Writers do vary from Caesar in relating these his proceedings, 
British Writers vary from Caesar.  and speak more honourably of their own resistance than himself hath set down, namely, that by the valour of Cassibelan their King, in his first attempts he was twice driven back without his purpose, 
That Cassibelan repulsed Caesar twice.  and forced to take the Seas, to the great hazard of his ships and men, yea and with the loss of his own sword, which with great prowess was won from him in a single encounter by Nenion Cassibelans brother. And surely howsoever Polydore accounteth 
Nenion won Caesar's sword.  their Story new, and Caesar carrieth himself gloriously in his own affairs; yet by sundry other renowned writers it seemeth, that the currant of his Conquest went nothing so smooth and untroubled, or with so 
Beda hist. li. 1. c. 2.  little loss of the Romans, nor the Britain's liberties foregone by so easy resistance: which may be collected even out of some covert passages of Caesar's own words, where it appeareth, that he durst not at sundry times give the Britain's battle, though they were only harnessed in leather, and his Soldiers were all old Legionaries of long service, called for their huge armour, Milites gravis armaturae, as having a helmet, corselet and boots, all of massy brass or iron, with a large target, a strong twoedged sword, and a great staff or club headed with an iron pike; which odds notwithstanding had not Cassibelan been undermined by Mandubrace, and traitorously forsaken (which Caesar himself confesseth) by the Princes which promised him assistance, but ever mangned him, and had now a fair time of revenge, perhaps Caesar might have miss this parcel of his glory. Yet for all these helps, Lucan saith expressly of him, 
Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis:  
He Britaines found, but left them soon by fright. 
Lucan.    
Eutropius saith, He was wearied out and quelled both with the fierce battles of the enemy, and cro●…es of tempests. 
Eutropius,  Tacitus saith, He found out Britanny for the Romans, 
Tacitus.  but could not win it for them: which was the very cause why (as Dion witnesseth) for twenty years after Caesar's entrance, Britanny kept their own Kings and their own laws, and had no foreign Prefects to command them. And Beda showeth, that Caesar in this Land was both received with sharp and sore fight, and weakened by the loss of his ships, and with the most part of his men at arms. Tacitus also, using the speech of Caractacus to his Soldiers, hath these words: He called (saith he) upon the names of his Ancestors, 
Tacit. lib. 12. ca 〈◊〉.  which chased Caesar the Dictator out of the I'll, by whom and by whose valour they were delivered from Hatchets and Tributes, and enjoyed freely their wives and children's bodies undefiled. Again, in the consultations of the Britaines intending a revolt, he allegeth their arguments, whereof one was the sudden departure of Caesar out of this Island, little better than a slight. With 
In vita Agric.  whom Dion Cassius also agreeth, affirming that Caesar 
Diodi. 39 Caesar got nothing in Britain, save the sight of the Country.  got nothing in Britain besides the honour and renown of that voyage, and sight of that Country, until then unknown to the Romans. And again (saith he) Caesar departed thence having done no memorable act, which caused the Britain's to be secure and careless to provide themselves against his second arrivage. Whereby is apparent (even by Roman Writers) both the bold resistance that the Britaines made, and the dear subjection that the Romans bought. But in matters so far passed, it is hard for me to avouch any thing resolvedly, unless I could meet with that aged Britain whom M. Aper conferred with here in Britanny (as Quintilian writeth) who avowed that he was in the British Camp 
Quintilian.  when they did beat Caesar from the shore.  
(13) Neither will I urge that for truth, which Authors have left us in their reports, concerning the many prodigies before going, and forewarning his death: things rather to be accounted the superfluities of their own pens, and vain imageries, ever working upon accidental events, and ascribing issued success to a supernatural cause. Such conceit had Caesar of himself, that for his fortunes he would be styled amongst 
Caesar would be styled amongst the Gods.  the Gods: and his deity to that credulous generation was further strengthened by the appearance of a blazing star, which moved (no doubt) an over-large opinion of his human power, and caused his glory much to surmount itself. And therefore lest ignorance should any way blemish his immortality, they have feigned the manner of his dying best pleasing 
Sueton. Plutarch.  to himself, and many ominous signs to foreshow the same: all which he either lightly despised, or carelessly neglected, as they would have their Readers believe.  
(14) Such was that of Spurina his diviner, that 
Caesar forewarned to take heed of the Ides of March.  forewarned him of great danger, which should not pass the Ides of March. And Suetonius out of Cornelius Balbus reporteth, that in the ancient Monuments of Capuae, discovered but few months before, was found a Table of brass, wherein was written the manner of his murder, and the revenge that should follow: his own dreams the night before, wherein he seemed to fly in the 
His dreams.  clouds, and to shake hands with jupiter: as also his wives, that thought him stabbed in her arms, and to lie all bloody 
His wives dream.  in her bosom. Besides many other observances both of beasts and birds, and that in such plenty, that it yielded sufficient matter for Ovid the Poet to furnish 
Ould. Meta. li. 15.  and fill up the latter part of his last book of Metamorphosis. His feature, qualities, and fortunes, are by them thus described: Of parsonage to be tall, strong, 
His parsonage.  and well limmed, fair, and full faced, with black eyes, and bald headed, to cover which he usually wore the Triumphant Laurel Garland. He was well learned, and therewithal very eloquent: and although so great a warrior, thirsting after fame, yet would he be easily reconciled to his enemies, yea and often times 
Easy to be reconciled.  seek the means first himself. And he held it no less valour to subdue his wrath, than his enemy; as likewise in his disasters he was of great temper and 
Seneca.  moderation, insomuch that Seneca writeth of him, that whiles he was in Britain, hearing news of his daughter's death (which was lamented as a great loss to the whole State) he conquered that sorrow as easily and as quickly as he subdued all things where ever he came. And of his other moderateness, Cotas (who then held the second 
Cotas apud Athenaeum.  place of honour and command in the Army) writeth, that though Caesar was then so great and glorious a Commander, yet he was so far from outward pomp, as that when he came into Britanny he had only three servants to attend him.  
(15) In his enterprises he was both valiant and fortunate, and is therefore singled out for an Idea or Pattern of an absolute General, especially for four militaric properties very resplendent in him: first, laboriousness 
His success in war, and number of battles.  in his affairs: secondly, courage in his dangers: thirdly, industrious contriving of what he undertook: fourthly, quick dispatch in accomplishing what he had once begun: In all which he proceeded with such success, that in fifty several battles by him fought, he always prevailed, one only excepted, as both Pliny, Solinus, and others have recorded. Four times he was created Consul, and five times entered Rome in triumph, bearing 
His Offices.  still the style of Perpetual Dictator. And therefore with less dishonour did nations subject themselves unto him; and this of Britain with them, whose lot being cast among the hazards of the world, was drawn with an equal chance, as the rest, and yielded their freedoms with as hard conditions, as did Countries of more extent, and Kingdoms of greater account. But most especially the decree of God could not be gaine-stood, who had foreshowed by his Prophets the rising 
Num. 24. 24. Dan. 11. 30. Dan. 2. 35.  of these Chittims, and them a means to make the metalline image dust.   

OCTAVIUS AUGUSTUS: CHAPTER III.  
AFter the death of Caesar, thus slain in the Senate, Octavian (the grandchild of julia, Caesar's sister) whom he had adopted, and declared his heir, returned unto Rome from 
* From Macedonia, say some.  Apollonia, where he studied Philosophy, intending to prosecute the revenge of Caesar's death; where falling at odds with Marcus Antonius a man of great spirit and power, and setting himself 
Caesar against Antony. Sueton. in vita August.  against Brutus and Cassius, with their Complices, for the murder of his uncle, secretly wrought the friendship of the Citizens, before whose eyes also Caesar's wounds seemed yet to bleed.  
(2) These factions thus begun, grew to such height, that in the Senate-house their causes were pleaded, and by the instigation and eloquence of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Antonius was proclaimed enemy to 
Cicero against Antonius.  the State: against whom Octavian was sent, with Ensigns of Consul, and title Propraetor, being yet not twenty years of age; which duty and office he so well discharged in the parts of a valiant Captain, that Antony was forced out of the field, albeit in this battle the one Consul was slain, and the other deadly wounded. For 
Antonius' discomfited.  which service so effected, he entered Rome in Triumph; though the glory thereof was much blemished, being obtained but in an intestine and civil war. Marcus Antonius, to recover himself, and make good his cause, joined friendship with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, Captain of the horse, who together interposed themselves against Octavians proceedings; but by mediation of friends all three were reconciled, and jointly 
Octavian and Antony reconciled.  erected that form of government which thence was named the Triumuirat: for the establishment whereof they had several jurisdictions assigned them: to Lepidus, Africa, whereof he was present Governor: to Antony, the Countries as well of Greece as Asia, that lay betwixt the Ionian Sea, entering at the gulf of Venice, unto the river Euphrates: and unto Octanian all these West parts of Europe, amongst which this our Britain was one.  
(3) In these civil broils, and bandings of great men (as Tacitus termeth it) the State of Britain lay long forgotten, and stood in peaceable terms, Augustus thinking it wisdom (saith he) to restrain the infinite desire of enlarging the Roman Empire, whose extent was grown to that vast greatness, as it seemed even burdensome unto itself, whereby this remote 
The Empire too great.  Island lay overshadowed from their sight: whereunto may be added that the presence of Kymbeline the British 
Fabian out of Guido. Columna.  King (as their history recordeth) in great favour with Octavian, was a great furtherance to the peace, even without payment of the formerly imposed Tribute. But yet the truth is (as Dion Cassius hath it) that 
Dio Cass. lib. 49.  Octavian desirous in all things to be like unto Caesar, seeing their tribute neglected, had intended a voyage towards 
Octavians preparation for Britain.  Britain; but having set forwards into Gallia, he had there tidings of the sudden revolt of the Pannonians, against whom he diverted his prepared power, and left his first designment for that time. Notwithstanding, he still retained the desire of their subjection, and four years after made a second very great preparation thitherward, proceeding with his power again into Gallia.  
(4) The Britain's that had felt the force of the Romans, and in regard of their own distractions at home were hopeless of strength to withstand them, sought the favour of Augustus by their submission, and to that 
Dio. Cass. lib. 53.  end sent over their Ambassadors, who presenting themselves before him in Gallia Celtica, appeased his 
The Britain's appease Octavian.  wrath, with promise of obedience and full satisfaction for their Tributes detained: whereby Caesar was again stayed, and the Britaines taken into savour and protection. Notwithstanding, the minds of their Magistrates were so unconstant, or else the money so hardly drawn from the people, who naturally hated all such 
Strabo lib. 4.  obliged servitudes, having ever lived a free Nation (as Aegisippus speaketh of them) that they again failed their payment; whereat Augustus was sore offended, and the third time prepared his voyage that way, which 
Augustus' third preparation against Britanny.  yet a while was hindered by the revolt of the Byscayans, and some other Provinces.  
(5) The Britain's seeing themselves thus still sought after, sent unto Caesar their excuses, with presents to be offered in the Capitol to the Roman Gods, 
The Britain's excuses.  having now learned with the rest of the world to appease Princes by gifts and rewards, yielding part of the Island, and swearing him fealty in the Temple of Mars, and so were registered subjects to the Roman Empire. At which time also they agreed to pay toll●…s 
Customs first paid in Britain.  and customs for all wares which they transported into other parts, their merchandise chiefly consisting of ivory boxes, Iron Chains, and other small trifles of Amber and Glass. All which agreements and compositions were afterward so loyally observed, and the 
The Britain's loyalty.  Land so composed to quietness, that one band of soldiers, with a small troup of horse (as Strabo saith) or four Legions (as josephus writeth) were sufficient to contain so great a multitude in a settled form of obedience.  
(6) Over the Trinobantes, the greatest and most potent State of the Britain's, than reigned the happy Prince Cunobeline (for so in his Coins yet remaining 
Cunobeline prince of the Trinobantes.  we find it) corruptly written Kimbeline, the son of Theomantius nephew to Cassibelan before spoken of, whose abode and principal seat was Camalodunum, 
Malden.  as by the reverse of the said Coins may appear. This Prince to make his estate more respective, 
The first stamped Coins in Britain.  caused his own Image to be stamped thereon, after the manner of the Romans, (who now had newly taken up that fashion) his payments before consisting for the most part in rings of iron, and plates of brass, seized at a certain weight, which usually passed for currant amongst the Britain's, as Caesar reporteth, and as those rings are yet witnesses, whereof we have 
Caesar. Com. lib. 5.  seen some.  
This man trained his people to a more civil life then formerly had been accustomed, and enjoyed peace with the rest of the world, which then stood universally 
A general peace thorough all the world. M●…cah 5. 2. Isay 9 6. Gen. 3. 5. Isav 7. 14. Gal. 4. 4.  in quiet, as waiting the coming of that Prince of peace, whose going forth had been from everlasting, and of whose kingdom there shall be no end: even Christ the anointed Emmanuel and son of the living God: so long before expected, and now in the fullness of time manifested: at whose birth war went down, as Virgil speaketh, or rather to use the words of the Prophet, when 〈◊〉 were made into mattocks, and spears broken into 〈◊〉: 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  And as in the building of Salomon's Temple neither 〈◊〉 of axe, nor the sound of hammer was heard●… so his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 building of 〈◊〉 Temple. joh. 3. 19 Luk. 2. 14.  the true Temple, he came and was ●…arnate at such time, when the sound of war did not awake the world, but a calm and quiet peace incompass●…d it, as by the Angels was proclaimed amongst the jews, and now was more publicly made known amongst the Gentiles by the shutting 
Paulus O 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Temple is shut.  of janus Temple in Rome. This universal peace was so famous and so admirable, that it found matter for the finest wits amongst the Heathens to enlarge themselves: whereupon Virgil framing the persuasions of jupiter to his daughter, foreshoweth the happy success of her seed, and in what tranquillity they should sit, when the hands of Mars were thus restrained from fight, as he thus expresseth: 
Aspera tum positis mitescent secula bellis: 
●●rg. Aeneid. li. ●….   
Cana fides, & Vesta, Remo cum fratre Quirinus  
jura dabunt: dirae ferro, & compagibus arctis  
Claudentur belli portae: furor imptus intus  
Saeva sedens super arma, & c●…ntum vinctus ●…enis  
Post tergum nodis, fremet horridus ore cruento.  
Then men shall milder prove: cease shall fierce wars: 
The fruits of a true peace.   
Faith, Gods, and Princes all shall justly guide:  
Wars ghastly gates with bolts and iron bars  
Fast shut shall stand: and Mars cashiered shall hide  
'mongst heaps of rusty armour, where his hands  
Bound fast shall be with hundred brazen bands.   
And yet further in his Ecloge (from the Sibyls, who 
Lactan. li. 4 ca 〈◊〉.  in all likelihood had it from the divine Oracles) he 
D●…ples. 〈◊〉. c. 32.  useth the very words of the Prophets in speaking of a Maid, and a Child of a new progenic borne and sent down from heaven, by whom the brassy and ironlike world should cease, and a pure golden age succeed. Thus he sweetly singeth: 
Vltima Cumaei venit iam carminis aetas: 
Eclog. 4.   
Magnus ab integro seclorum nascitur ordo:  
jam redit & Virgo: redeunt Saturnia regna:  
jam nova progenies coelo demittitur alto.  
Tu modò nascenti puero, quo ferrea primùm  
Desinet, ac toto surget gens aurea mundo, etc.  
Now is the time of which Sibylla said,  
The old world doth his prime again renew:  
Now hath the world a pure unspotted Maid: 
Sa●…urne (whom Virgil nameth) was esteemed the father of the Gods.   
Now reigns the * God of Gods, whose offspring new  
Descends from heaven. Blessed be the babe whose rays  
Hath turned our iron age to golden days.   
In which Ecloge are sweetly couched many other most divine allusions to our saviours 
1 Magnum Io●… is incrementum, etc.  Deity, 
2 M●…tri long●… decem, etc.  birth and humanity, 
3 Nec Deus b●…c ●…ensa, etc.  poverty, 
4 Assyriu●… vulg●…●…scetur, etc.  graces, 
5 Cui non risere parents. etc.  crosses, 
6 Paca●… 〈◊〉 reget patri●…, etc.  kingdom, and 
7 Soluet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  redemption of the world from 
8 Si qua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  sin, 
9 Fall●… herba veneni, etc.  death, and 
10 Occidet & serpen●…, etc. Sueton. in vit. August. Sect. 94. D●…ples. veritat. Christi. 32. sol. 518. Niceph li. 1. ca 17. Juvenal. Sa●…yr. 3. Zephan. 2. 11. Our Saviour Christ borne in the fourteenth year of Cunobeline.  hell.  
So likewise Marcus Tullius Cicero saw in his dream (as himself reporteth) a child of an ingenuous and beautiful countenance, let down from heaven by a golden chain. And Suetonius in the life of Augustus from julius Marathus hath observed, that certain predictions in Rome happening, were so respected and generally expounded, That Nature was about to bring forth a King that should reign over the whole world. And albeit these and other Heathen Writers ascribe these things either to Augustus himself, or to some of his favourites, yet we see them accomplished in none other but jesus Christ the Messiah our blessed Saviour, in whom only the Kingdom of God began, with the utter subversion of all their heathenish Oracles, which at his birth, or at furthest at his death, ceased all, and gave place to HIS eternity. Which time of his birth by the Scriptures most certain account, was from the world's creation, 3927. and is set by the Britaines in the fourteenth of their Cunobelines reign, and by other authentic Writers in the two and fortieth of Augustus Caesar, even in the top of that Empire's greatness, when Rome was with an universal subjection acknowledged the absolute Lady of the known earth. For so in S. Luke we read, that this Augustus then first 
Luk. 2.  taxed the world. A text most strong for the full dissolution of the four foregone kingdoms represented in daniel's Image, by the fall of this stone Christ, the rock and stay of our eternal happiness. 
Dan. 2.   
(7) This Emperor reigned in great honour the 
Augustus' described. His reign.  space of fifty six years, and was obeyed both by the Eastern Indians, and the Northern Scythians, with the subjection of the Parthians, a fierce and untamed people, and generally with the love of all. He was a Prince endued with great wisdom, magnanimity, and justice; yet faulty in this, that he took from Tiberius 
Tacit. Annal. li. 5. cap. 〈◊〉.  Nero his wife Livia, both great with child, and having also formerly borne him a son. Devout he was in the worship of the Roman Gods; amongst whom in the Capitol he built an Altar unto the Hebrew child, with this inscription: The Altar of the first begotten 
His devotion to Christ. Niceph. li. 1. ca 17. Suid●….  Son of God: being thereunto moved by the Oracle of Apollo that had answered his own destruction by the birth of this child. Of Stature he was but low, and 
His endowments of body.  of a good complexion; gray-eied, his hair somewhat yellow, and his body freckled with spots, which as his flatterers would have the world believe, were in form like stars. Predictions foreshowing his government and death are alleged, the which I willingly overpass, holding most of them rather fantasies then truth. At his death he demanded of the standers by, whether he had well acted the interlude of 
Sueton, in vitae August●….  his life upon the stage of this world: and died fourteen years after Christ his incarnation; leaving after him so honourable an estimation of his glory, that as the succeeding Emperors in remembrance of julius Caesar gloried to be called Caesar's, so they ever held the name of Augusti to be sacred, and only befitting persons destinated to imperial Majesty. And both their names were inserted into the number of the months, that 
The months of july and Augst.  the honour of them both might never perish while Time's eviternitie should endure.   

TIBERIUS. CHAPTER IU.  
AVgustus Caesar thus gloriously reigning, and peaceably dying, had ordained for his successor Tiberius Nero, the son of Tiberius 
Tiberois Nero his parents.  the Patrician, and of Livia his wife, whom (as we said before) he had taken for his Empress, and by whose incitements and continual instigations that matter was procured: though Suetonius thinketh, it was by Augustus his 
Sueton. in vit. Tiber.  own ambitious conceit, to make himself the sooner miss, and the more lamented, in leaving his son so unlike him to succeed, whose conditions as they stood upon their own basis, he knew to be both reprooveable, and also contemptible.  
(2) But before the death of Caesar could be divulged, to write his imperial style as it were in blood, he 
His actions and conditions.  began with the murder of young Agrippa the son of julia, daughter to Octanian, and once his own wife, and continued his reign with such tyranny, that many 
Tacit. Annal. li. 1. cap. 〈◊〉.  he slaughtered, without respect of person or cause; and in his losest lasciviousness, thought of nothing but how to subvert the Nobility; for rare it was in his 
Tacit. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. cap. 3. His plotting against his Nobles. Tacit. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. cap. 7.  days that any such died a natural death: and maintaining a race of men (Promoters, as Tacitus terms them, found out for a common overthrow and destruction of others) alured them by rewards to accuse the rich, though guiltless; only this favour granted to the condemned, that if they slew themselves before the day of execution, their bodies should have burial, 
Tacit. Annal. li. 〈◊〉. cap. 7.  their goods not confiscate, and their testament stand good in law.  
(3) A great dissembler he was, seeming ever to hate 
〈◊〉 his hypocrisy.  those vices which in truth he loved, and to love those virtues which he did most deadly hate: and for life 
His libidinous, ●…esse.  and libidinous filthiness so extreme, that a Christians pen may not express, when the Heathen themselves do blush to name such things as he shamed not openly 
Tacit. Annal. li. 6. cap. 1.  to commit: his public drunkenness, and continual banquetings, whereat he spent whole days 
His 〈◊〉.  and nights together without intermission, caused exchange of names from Tiberius Nero to 
* A wine-●….  Biberius Mero. Dissolute and careless he was in government, 
Careless in government.  though some have accounted him a wise and politic Prince: for the Provinces he left to defend themselves, 
The provinces v●…defended.  and yet daily charged them with larger Tributes, to their great impoverishment, and almost utter ruin.  
(4) In this state, amongst others neglected, Britain 
Britain without foreign garrison or government.  stood, wherein Tiberius neither maintained garrison, nor attempted alteration, and whereby (as it may be thought) their own Laws and Princes bare sway among themselves, howsoever the cause for Tribute was ballized betwixt them. And most certain it is, the Britain's, if not in subjection, yet were well affected to the Romans, as appeareth by Tacitus in the kind entertainments, and in relieving their shipwrecked 
Tacit. Annal. li. 2. cap. 5.  soldiers, that in crossing the Seas were by tempest driven upon their Coasts, and courteously sent thence by their petty Kings unto Germanicus their General. Notwithstanding, jeffrey Monmouth seemeth to affirm the contrary, that bringeth the reign 
jeffrey Monm.  of one Guiderius, and the valour of arviragus, the sons of Cunobeline (of whom more hereafter) to withstand the Romish Command, and utterly to refuse the payment of Tribute, banding both against Tiberius, as also against Caligula and Claudius the emperors succeeding.  
(5) Other remembrances of these times concerning 
Our Saviour Christ's death.  us find we none, besides that which is common to all, namely the death of our Saviour Christ, which under this Tyrant, and in his eighteenth year was accomplished by the proceeding of his (as wicked) 
Tert●…l. in Apolog. ad●…s. ge●…es, c. 5.  Deputy Pontius Pilate, who both adjudged him to die, and to be guiltless of deserving death: whereby was wrought the mystery of our Redemption, with such signs and evidences of his Deity, that the wicked judge himself wrote thereof to Tiberius, and he to the Senate, to have him consecrated among the Roman Gods. Which they refused to do, that the wisdom 
Eus●…b. ●…ccles. hist. li. 2. ca 2.  and divine power of God in the doctrine of Salvation should not need the allowance and commendation of men, as Eusebius hath well observed.  
(6) Finally, when he had reigned hated of all 
Tiberius' hi●… reign, age, and death. Tacit. Annal. li. 〈◊〉. cap. 7. 2. Chr. 21. 20. Tacit. lib. 〈◊〉. ca 12.  men the space of three and twenty years, with no better liking than is read of joram King of judah, that lived without being desired, he was smothered to death (as is thought) by Caligula, the seventeenth of the Kalends of April, the year from Christ's Nativity thirty nine, and the seventy and eighth of his own age. He was of parsonage tall, and of body strong, broad chested, and used both his hands alike, fair of complexion, but great and goggle-eied, whereby he saw so clearly as is incredible to report.   

CAIUS CALIGULA. CHAPTER V.  
himself feared by Tyranny at home, than any ways famous by Acts abroad.  
(2) How the other Provinces stood affected, I leave to themselves; but by Tacitus it should seem the Britain's and Germans were not his best subjects: 
Tacit. in vitae Agric.  for these are his words, that Caius had a meaning to invade Britain, it is certainly known: but his rash running 
Casigula intendeth to invade Britain.  head, and hasty repentance in his attempts against Germany, turned all to nothing. And Suetonius ascribes the foolish erection of that admirable bridge over a creak of the Sea in Campania (whereof Dion writeth at large) to his vainglorious conceit, that by a brute 
Dion Cass. lib. 59  blazed abroad of so huge and monstrous a work, he might terrify Germany and Britain, upon which Countries he meant to make war. The issue whereof was as fruitless as his great cost was ridiculous. 
Sueton. in vita Caligula.  For having set forward for the conquest of Britain with no small preparation, he proceeded no further than to those parts of Holland that confront against Norfolk, where he suddenly pitched his tents, and stayed.  
(3) At which time, Adminius the son of Cunobelin King of Britain being banished by his father, 
Adminius banished flieth to Caesar.  fled over Sea with a small power, and submitted himself unto Caesar's protection: whereupon Caligula wrote vaunting letters to the Senate, as if the whole Island had been yielded into his hands: commanding the messenger that his letters should be carried in a Chariot into the Curia, and not delivered but in the Temple of Mars, and that in a frequent 
Caligula his vain ambition.  and full assembly of the Senate. And having no further matter to work upon, he caused certain German prisoners secretly to be conveyed into a wood, and word to be brought him in great fear and amazement of the sudden approach of the enemy; against whom with show of great manhood and noble resolution in all haste and warlike manner he marched, and in chains openly showed them as his captives taken in war, forbidding the Senators the wont celebration of their Feasts, or to enter their theatres 
His deluding of the Senate.  to take solace, seeing their Caesar exposed himself to so many perils, and fought so great battles with hazard of his life. Last of all, as if he had meant to make a final dispatch for ever of the war, he drew his forces down to the Sea-coast of Belgia, and embattled 
His warring with the Sea.  his army upon the Ocean shore; planting his balists and other Engines of artillery in their several places, no man witting what he meant: which done, himself in a Galley launched into the Sea, and immediately returning, caused the Trumpets to sound the 
Caligula his great victory.  battle, and commanded his Soldiers forthwith to fall a gathering of cockles and muscles into their helmets, terming them the Spoils of the conquered Ocean: Against which he also built a Tower, as a Trophy of his victory, the ruins whereof as yet remain in Holland to this day, and is called The Britons house, 
Ort●…lius Geograp.  in memory of that fantastical service: upon which exploit he made a glorious Oration to his soldiers, commending and requiting their valours with rewards, and avowing their shell-spoiles worthy offerings to be presented in the Capitol, writing letters to Rome 
His ambition.  of this his great Conquest, and demanding Triumph, and divine honours to be assigned him: which when the Senators made some question of, he threatened them with death. But this sea-service (as it seemeth) so ran ever after in his mind, that one night he dreamt that the Sea in dreadful shape came and expostulated with him, which cast him into an incredible horror and affright. 
Affrighted in his sleep.   
(4) In his last year of life and reign, Pontius Pilate, under whom Christ jesus suffered, was apprehended and accused at Rome, deposed and banished to the Town of Lions in France, where, in despair 
Pontius Pilate banished killeth himself.  he slew himself in the year from Christ his incarnation, forty one, and from his death, the seventh, as 
Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 7.  Eusebius hath noted.  
(5) And now both the Ambition and cruelty of Caius was grown so intolerably savage, as that he often lamented that some rare and unusual disaster (as either some horrible slaughter of huge Armies, or some universal plague, or famine, or fire, or opening of the earth, or overflowing of the Sea) happened not in his time, whereby his reign might be made memorable to posterity. And he wished that all the people of Rome had but one neck, that he might have the glory of giving the bravest blow that ever was given, whereby so infinite multitudes of men might be killed by him at one stroke. But this his wish was prevented by a blow on himself, his death and downfall being 
joseph. Antiq. lib. 19 cap. 1.  complotted and executed by certain Tribunes, whereof Chaerea was chief; who following him from the Theatre with resolution for the fact, took the time when Caligula turning suddenly aside into a narrow Cloister to see certain boys sent him out of Asia, lost the defence of his fore-warders, and the straightness of the place permitted not his guard to follow, on which advantage Chaerea demanded his watchword, which he (according to his usual manner) gave in great disdain and scorn, whereunto Chaerea replied, and with his sword wounded him in the neck, and jaw; 
Caligula slain.  and then the rest of the Conspirators coming in, with thirty wounds made an end of his life, after he had most impiously reigned three years and ten months.  
(6) He was of stature tall, of complexion pale and 
His parsonage.  wan, of body somewhat gross and unfashionable, his neck and legs exceedingly slender, his eyes sunk into the hollow temples of his forehead, and that also frowning and full of wrinkles: his hair was thin and shaggy, but bald on the crown, though otherwise so hairy of body, that all the time of his reign if a man did but name a Goat, it was held a touch and offence of Lasae Maiestatis against his imperial person. His Countenance 
Sabe 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 7. lib. 2.  naturally stern and grim, which by composing and gesture he purposely made more ugly and terrible. His apparel always costly, but not always Courtlike, neither civil: his beard he wore of gold like jupiter or Aesculapius. In his hand for a Sceptre, a Mace three-tined, as Neptune or God of the Sea, and upon his body the Cuirass of Alexander the Great, taken from his Sepulchre and Monument. He died aged twenty nine years, whose memory was so hateful unto 
Dion lib. 60.  all, that all the Copper Coins or Modals stamped with his picture were melted down by decree of the Senate, whereby (if it were possible) his name and 
His hatred after death.  feature might be forgotten unto future ages.   

CLAUDIUS DRUSUS. CHAPTER VI.  
But Claudius Drusus a man of better spirit and temperature, 
Claudius' Drusus chosen by the Praetorian Soldiers.  immediately upon the death of Caligula, and even in the height of those disturbances, by the Praetorian 
joseph Antiquit. l. 19 cap. 3.  Soldiers (who were encamped near the walls of Rome) was nominated, and chosen Emperor; whereas the Senate had decreed and determined to reduee the City into her ancient liberty, without admission of any Caesar, or subjection to such absolute and sole authority; notwithstanding, the power of this Army, and the vote of the City so prevailed, that the election was confirmed, and the Imperial dignity by him assumed, as the next, and only man to whom it must of right belong: whose father Drusus was the son of 
Claudius' his Parentage.  Livia, wife to Octavian, to whom the emperors succeeding held it a glory to be any ways allied.  
(2) In his first proceedings with the Provinces affairs, he determined war against the Britain's, 
The Britain's detain their Tribute.  whose Tribute had been a long time neglected, and whose subjection was now to be feared: all of them being raised in a tumultuous uproar. The cause pretended was certain fugitives, (the betrayers of their State, and liberties) lately departed, and by the Romans received with protection of the Emperor: a matter that moved them to great discontents, and served as a show for their just revolt.  
(3) Claudius, as ready to prevent the worst, being thereto further incited by Bericus one of those British 
Dion Cass lib. 60. Anno Domi. 45.  fugitives as Dion reporteth, in the second year of his Empire, and from Christ's Nativity forty five, sent Aulus Plautius a Roman Senator, well experienced in the 
Aulus Plautius sent against the Britain's.  affairs of war, to take charge of the Army remaining in Gallia, and with those old trained Soldiers to make over into Britain to retain their obedience. Which service upon them thus imposed, was generally distasted, as apparently was showed by their unwillingness 
His Soldiers unwilling. Dio. lib. 60.  thitherward, muttering and complaining, that they must now be enforced to make war out of the world, and protracting time, could hardly be drawn forward, though the Emperor sent his second command.  
(4) But being at last embarked and crossing the Seas, their ships were beaten with contrary winds, which still added discouragements unto their proceedings, and had not an accident the same time happened, the edge of their courage had been more abated: for even in this distraction suddenly afiery learn shot itself from East to West, the same way that their 
Encouraged by a sign from heaven.  ships made sail: which presently gave hopes to their despairing hearts, being heathenishly interpreted for a sign of good luck, and so sent from their Gods, whereupon without any resistance, they came to shore and took land.  
(6) But he following still the Enemy, being seconded by Flavius Vespasian (afterward Emperor) the leader of the second legion (the foundation of 
Tacitus in vit. Agric.  whose succeeding fortunes was first laid here in Britain) gave them again another overthrow. The chiefest means whereof was a policy they had gotten to gail the Chariot horses, whereby their riders were mastered, and their whole powers disordered: many Britain's in this battle were slain, and more in danger, had not the night ended theskirmish.  
(7) The next day the battle was again begun and maintained on both parts with equal advantage, till C. Sidius Geta enforced the Britain's to retire, 
C. Sidius Geta his valour.  whereby the victory rested in the Romans: for which exploit Triumphal honours were assigned him, although he had not yet attained to the Consular degree. In this Conflict, Vespasian hardly escaped, being sore oppressed by the Enemy, and in such sort, that had not Titus (his renowned son) come to rescue, he had been slain, whose valour afterwards was tried in one and thirty battles, and in the Conquest of the I'll of Wight.  
(8) After this conflict, the Britain's withdrew 
The Britain's retire to places of advantage.  themselves into places of more advantage, and in the mouth of Thamisis near her fall into the Sea, passed the shallows and firm grounds in safety, whereas the Romans ignorant of both, brought many into danger, and in their distressed passage, were sharply assailed by the Enemy, in which turmoil, a bloody battle was begun, wherein Togodumnus a British 
Togodumnus slain.  Prince, brother to Catacratus, and son to Cunobeline, was slain: Notwithstanding, the courage of the Britain's was nothing abated, but rather exasperated to a further revenge: for effecting whereof, new forces were gathered, and confluence of people assembled from each part of the I'll. Plautius' the Lieutenant seeing daily the increase of their power, Vespasian employed in other parts, and himself straightened in a place of danger, proceeded no further, but sent word to the Emperor of the doubtful estate of their affairs.  
(9) At that time (saith Suetonius,) the Senate had 
Claudius' the Emperor cometh into Britain with a great Army.  by decree allowed Claudius his Triumphal ornaments. But he supposing that such a bare title of honour was inferior to the Majesty of an Emperor, and willing of himself also to enterprise some exploit whereby he might win the glory of a complete Triumph, made choice before all other Provinces, of Britain, attempted by none since julius Caesar of famous Memory. And with great strength entered into the journey, having with him a mighty Army both of horse and foot, as also Elephants, a beast of great bigness and burden, 
Dion Cassius. lib. 60. Elephant's first brought into Britain.  whose strangeness then amazed the Britain's, and whose Carcases falling in this Land, their late found bones (no doubt) have bred our error, being supposed to be of men, and not of beasts.  
(10) With very great danger he passed the Seas, and joining strength with his Lieutenant and Vespasian, they all together crossed the River Thamifis, where 
Claudius entereth Britain.  presently they were encountered by the Britain's, who a while maintained the battle very desperately, but in the end gave place and fled, whom the Romans pursued even to their strong Camulodunum, than the seat of Adminius, Cunobelins' son, as may aptly be 
He surpriseth Camulodunum.  conjectured by the Medul of Britannicus the Emperor's darling, figured in the front of this Chapter; which City they surprised and fortified with their own Garrisons, which the Emperor in the eleventh of his reign, as appeareth by the other coin, turned to a Colony of Roman Citizens. Claudius now disarming the Britain's, remitted further punishment either upon their bodies or confiscation of their goods: The which his favourable clemency moved those distressed Britain's to such liking and love, that they erected a Temple and Altar in his name, and gave him divine 
His clemency maketh him to be honoured for a God.  honour, as a God: The rest as unable to resist, proffered their submissions, and promised a peaceable subjection under the Romans government.  
(11) These things thus achieved, at the end of six months Claudius in his ninth year returned and 
Claudius returneth to Rome, & entereth in Triumph. Sueton. in vita Claud. Sect. 17.  entered Rome in triumph with more than usual manner, stamping again upon his moneys his Arch of victory, as appeareth in the face of this Chapter, a perpetual trophy of his victories and memory of our servitude. After whose Triumphant Chariot road Messalina his wife, the Monster of her sex for impudency and lascivious life: and upon the top of his Palace he placed a Naval Coronet in memorial of the Ocean by him sailed over, and subdued: withal assuming to himself, and son, the Surname Britannicus: And honoured Plautius with his presence in his Triumphs for Britain, giving him the right hand, ascending the Capitol, and beside graced divers Captains that served under him in that war with Triumphal Ornaments. So great an esteem was held of the Conquest of so small a part of this Island.  
(13) But the Silureses (that is, those of South-wales) could not be brought to bear the Romish yoke of subjection, who besides their own courage relied much upon the strength and valour of their Prince Caractacus (whose Coin we have here expressed) a man which had waded thorough many dangers, and in many adventures both prosperous and lucky had gotten such reputation, that he was preferred before all the British Captains. This General knowing his own strength unable to match the enemy, by policy thought to supply that want, and having advantage of the Country, removed the war unto the Ordovices, which is now North-wales, where all joined to him that either feared or disdained to hold peace with the Romans. here he chose a place to encamp his host, even on the top of a hill naturally defensed 
His manner of encamping.  from access: and where any doubt was, there he stopped up all passage with heaps of stones in manner of a Rampire; near the foot whereof ran a River with a ford somewhat dangerous, and not easily found, where a troup of his best soldiers were set in order to receive the Enemy.  
The more to animate their minds, the Leaders 
His animating of his soldiers.  went about exhorting and encouraging the Soldiers, taking all occasions of fear from them, and putting them in hope, with all inducements of resolution: especially Caractacus, who coursing hither and thither, protested that day and that battle should be 
His resolution.  the beginning either of a recovered liberty, or else a perpetual servitude and bondage: and ever he called upon the names of his valiant Ancestors, who formerly had chased Caesar the Dictator out of the I'll, by whose valour they were delivered from Hatchets and Tributes, and enjoyed freely their wives and children's bodies undefiled. The Soldiers also themselves showed as great forwardness, and as Echoes redoubled his words, vowing according to the Religion of their Country, never to yield for wounds or life, which they all were ready to sacrifice in the cause of their liberties. This their apparent resolution much appalled the Romans cheerfulness, and most of all the Captains and Leaders, who before their faces saw the River, on both sides of them had the hanging hills, and the Fort commodious for the enemy, but deadly unto them: all which notwithstanding the common Soldiers despised, and demanded the battle. Ostorius, whose 
Ostorius his care.  study was chiefly to perform the parts of a General, passed the River with some little difficulty, and leading his Army up to the Rampire, was met with such a shower of darts, that many therewith were wounded and slain. Yet at length breaking down those rude compacted stones, joined battle with the enemy, and affront came close to handy strokes; wherein the Britain's having better courage than armour (for they had neither headpiece nor coat of defence) were sore galled with their javelling and twohanded swords, and so disordered, that they betook themselves 
The Britain's put to flight.  to flight.  
(14) This victory as it was almost unexpected, so was it made famous by the taking of Caractacus 
Caractacus wife, daughter, and brethren taken prisoners. Himself betrayed by Cartismandus.  wife, daughter, and brethren, and himself flying for succour and protection to the brigants, was (as we have before showed) by Cartismandus their Queen betrayed and delivered into the hands of the Conquerors after his nine years most generous resistance. 
He 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Tacit. Annal. 12 cap. 8.  Whereupon his fame being carried over the islands, and spread abroad thorough the Provinces, was also renowned in Italy, and they desired to see him that so many years had contemned their forces. Neither was his name meanly esteemed of at Rome; for whilst Caesar's worth and power was there commended, a more glorious conceit was held of the conquered Caractacus: and against his coming to the City 
Caractacus led in triumph.  the people from all parts were assembled, as to behold some notable and most rare spectacle. The emperors Guard in arms and good order were placed in the field before the Camp, thorough whom the Captives and Trophies were carried, and presented after this manner: first the vassals of Caractacus going foremost bowed their bodies to the people as they passed, and seemed by their rueful countenances to discover the sense of their calamity. The comparisons, his chains, and other spoils gotten in the wars, were carried after them. Then Caractacus his brethren, wife, and daughter followed, and last of all himself, whose attire and stout behaviour filled the people's eyes with wonder and delight. His body, for 
His habit and attire.  the most part, was naked, and painted with figures of divers beasts. He ware a chain of iron about his neck, and another about his middle: the hair of his 
Ex histor. magn. Britan.  head hanging down in curled locks, covered his back and shoulders, and the hair of his upper lip parted on both sides, lay upon his breast. Neither was his behaviour less noted than the strangeness of his habit: for he neither hung down his head, as daunted with base fear; nor craved mercy, as the rest; but 
His undauntedness.  with a confident spirit, and bold countenance, held on till he came before the Imperial Seat, where making his stand, and a while beholding Caesar's Majesty, at last with great courage spoke to this purpose.  
(15) If my moderation in prosperity had been 
His Oration to Claudius Caesar.  answerable to the greatness of my birth and estate, or the success of my late attempts to the resolution of my mind, I might have come to this City rather as a friend to be entertained, then as a Captive to be gazed upon; neither wouldst thou disdain to have received me on terms of amity and peace, being a man of royal descent, and a Commander of many warlike Nations. But what cloud soever hath darkened my present lot, yet have the Heavens and Nature given me that in birth and mind, which none can vanquish, or deprive me of. I well see, that you make other men's miseries the subject and matter of your triumphs; and in this my calamity, as in a mirror, you now contemplate your own glory. Yet know that I am, and was a Prince furnished with strength of men and habiliments of war; and what marvel is it if all be lost, seeing experience teacheth that the events of war are 
Events of war variable.  variable, and the success of policies guided by uncertain fates? As it is with me, who thought that the deep waters like a wall enclosing our Land, and 
Britain's wall.  it so situated by heavenly providence, as in another world, might have been a sufficient privilege and defence for us against foreign invasions: but I now perceive that the desire of sovereignty admits no limitation; and if you Romen must command all, than all must obey. For mine own part, while 
Ambition hath no bounds.  I was able I made resistance, and unwilling I was to submit my neck to a servile yoke, so far the law of Nature alloweth every man, that he may defend 
Nature disdaineth servitude.  himself being assailed, and to withstand force, by force. Had I at first yielded, thy glory and my ruin had not been so renowned. Fortune hath now done her worst: we have nothing left us but our lives, which if thou take from us, our miseries end; and if thou spare us, we are but the objects of thy Clemency.  
(16) Caesar wondering to see such resolutions and so free a mind in a Captive estate, pardoned Caractacus, his wife and brethren, who being unbound, did their reverence to Agrippina the Empress, that sat aloft on a Throne Royal. This Conquest and Triumph over Caractacus, ministered matter of discourse and admiration through out all Rome, and the Lords 
Tocit. Annal. li. 12. cap. 8.  of the Senate held it no less honourable, then that of P. Scipio, who triumphed over Syphax the Numidian King, or that of Perses, whom Paulus Aemilius vanquished, or then any other King that had been taken in war, or exhibited to the view of the people. Then were also public Triumphal honours decreed for Ostorius; whose fortunes until then had been very prosperous, but now began to be doubtful, or 
Ostorius and his fortunes decline.  rather to decline, either because Caractacus (the foil of his glory) was removed, and thereupon (as though all had been subdued) a more careless service entertained, or else the courage of the Britaines was more 
The Britain's take heart again.  inflamed to revenge through the fervent compassion of the fall of so mighty a King.  
(17) For immediately they environed the Campmaster, and the Legionary Cohorts, which were left to build fortresses in the Country of the Silureses, whom with eight Centurions, and the forwardest Soldiers, they slew, and had put all the rest to the sword, if rescue had not speedily come from the villages and forts adjoining. The Foragers also and troup of horse that were sent to aid them they put to flight. 
Their victory.  These affronts touched Ostorius to the quick, and lest their aids should grow to a greater head, he sent forth certain light-harnessed companies, which with the Legionary Soldiers undertook the battle, and with small odds was it continued till the night came, and parted them: divers other Skirmishes afterwards were made, though for the most part in woods and marshes, whence taking their advantage in sallying forth, they many times prevailed, sometimes by strength, sometimes by mere courage, and sometimes by chance; neither were they always commanded by their Captains, but many times fought voluntary and without warrant.  
(18) The principal motive that induced the rest to take Arms, was the example of the Silure, who were most resolutely bend, as being exasperated by certain speeches that the Roman Emperor himself 
Caesar's threats make the Britain's more resolute.  had used, which was, that as the name of the Sugambri was destroyed, and the people transported into Gallia, so the memory of Silures should utterly be extinguished: And in this heat as men desperate (whose destinies were read and lots cast already) they intercepted the scattered troops of the Romans that uncircumspectly wasted and spoiled the Country, taking of them many prisoners, and recovering rich booties, which they sent and distributed amongst their neighbours; whereby many other were drawn to revolt: These proceedings sat so near Ostorius his heart, who with long cares and travels had wearied his spirits▪ spent the strength of his body, and thereunto had now added the discontentment of his mind, that in these vexations he gave up the Ghost, 
Ostorius dieth.  the Silureses rejoicing that so worthy and victorious a Captain was fallen in their wars.  
(19) But Claudius Caesar, lest the Province should make head, presently sent Aulus Didius for his 
Aulus Didius sent Lieutenant into Britain.  Lieutenant into Britain; where, notwithstanding all his haste, he found all out of frame. For Manlius Valens with his Legion had encountered the Britain's 
Tacit. Annal. 12. c. 8. Manlius Valens encountered the Britain's with ill success.  with ill success, yet not so bad as the Islanders gave forth, thinking thereby to terrify their new-established Governor: which report himself also in policy was contented to augment, thereby to purchase more praise in appeasing so dangerous stirs; or if he could not, to retain his own credit without his valour's impeachment. These resisters had made many inroads into the subdued Countries; against whom upon his first arrival, Didius entered the field, and for a while 
Didius for a while keepeth them in awe.  kept them in awe.  
(21) For the Silureses were not altogether quieted, & a Legion commanded by Caesius Nasica, fought luckily against the Britain's. In all which stirs Didius 
Tacit. Annal. 12. 〈◊〉.  in person was absent, as being stricken in years, and having received many honours, held it sufficient to execute his charge by the assistance of others. The State of Britain thus standing, let us so leave it, during this emperors reign, which now began to draw towards his last period, by the working of Agrippina his wife, and by her upon this occasion.  
(22) It chanced, Claudius in his wine, to cast 
Claudius' his own words the occasion of his death.  forth a word of great suspicion, in saying: That it was fatal unto him first to bear the lewdness of his 
* Messalina was his first wife, a woman of unsatiable lechery, who was put to death.  wives, & then to punish them. She knowing herself guilty in disinheriting of Britannicus, who was Claudius his own son, for the adoption of Nero who was hers, besides other insolences, wherewith she might be taxed, sought therefore to clear her own way by taking him out of the way: and with Locusta a woman skilful in poisoning, and Zenophon a Physician, as 
Tacit. Annal. lib. 12. cap. 13.  large of conscience, conferred for the manner of his death: who in fine, concluded that poison was the surest and the least in suspect, or at leastwise the most difficult to be proved against her.  
(23) This then resolved, they temper poison in 
joseph. Anti. lib. 20. ca 5.  a Mushroom, whereof he greedily did eat, and shortly after ended his life the thirteenth day of October, 
The continuance of his reign.  when he had reigned thirteen years, eight months, and twenty days, the year of Christ his incarnation fifty six, and of his own age sixty four. He 
ANNO DO. 56.  was of stature tall, and of a pleasing Countenance, full 
His endowments of body. His imperfections.  of Majesty and comely grey hairs, his Head continually shaking, somewhat stammering in his speech, very learned, but therewithal very forgetful, and altogether ruled by his wives, and domestical Servants, the two ordinary banes of most men who are advanced 
Wives and servants most mislead great personages.  to any eminent place of government & command.  
(24) This Emperor (saith Seneca) might make his boast that he was the first conqueror of the Britain's, for julius Caesar did but show their Island unto the Romans, whereas Claudius made their necks yield to the chains of their captivities. And Aegisippus saith thus of Claudius, His witness is Britan, which lived without the world, but now by him reduced under the Romans Empire, and those whom the former ages knew not, neither themselves any servitude, are now by him both made known, and servants to the Romans. And again: As great a matter it was to pass those Seas, as to have triumphed over those Britain's, wherein (saith he) even the elements have done homage unto Claudius. In joy whereof, and reverence to the Gods, in his triumph he mounted the stairs of the Capitol upon his aged knees, being supported and lifted up by his sons in Law on either side, the glory of this islands conquest had so possessed this old emperors mind.   

NERO. CHAPTER VII.  
THis violent and unexpected death of Claudius, gave breath and life unto Nero's further hopes: for whilst the Consuls were assembled to make supplications for their Prince, (not knowing him already dead) Nero suddenly set open the Palace gates, and accompanied with shouts and acclamations, entered the Cohorts that kept the watch, where of them 
Nero assumeth the Empire.  and the rest of the soldiers he was saluted Emperor, the Senate as men affrighted with amazement, not once contradicting the same.  
(2) He was the son of Domitius Nero, and of julia Agrippina the daughter of Germanicus brother to 
His parents.  Claudius the precedent Emperor, vicious by nature, as sprung of those parents from whom (as his own 
Suetonius in vita Neronis.  father Domitius said) no goodness could proceed: and the same vile disposition was perfected and augmented by his own affected study and pursuit of all possible lewdness, as one who could well fit his wanton and lascivious humours to the unripeness of his years, being not passing seventeen when he assumed the Empire. All religion he had in contempt, and all laws violated, letting loose the rain to all unnatural lusts, and licentiousness of life.  
(3) For blood and libidiousnesse he was held a most unsatiate fury, and amongst men a very monster 
His excessive lust and bloodshed.  of nature. His father he poisoned: upon his mother he committed both incest and murder: upon males, pollutions against nature: deflowered the Vestals (a matter sacrilegious & impious) slew his brother Germanicus, 
Suetonius in vita Neronis.  and his sister Antonia, his wives, Poppaea and Octavia, his aunt Domitia, his son in law Rufinus, and his renowned Tutor Seneca; With such savage slaughter of the Roman Nobility, that Tacitus (their best Remembrancer) was wearied to record their names, 
Tacit. Annal. 16. cap. 3.  whilst with a servile patience (as he termeth it) they died honourably. 
Rome set on fire by Nero.   
(4) The City Rome he set on fire, charging the Christians with the fact, and inflicted such torments and death upon them, that they were pitied of their enemies, and his own cruelties thereby made more notorious. Whose Religion, though Suetonius termed 
Suet. in vita Nero.  new, and a wicked superstition; and Tacitus (as it were in contempt) nameth the Author thereof to be Christ, who in Tiberius' reign (as he with the Evangelists 
Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 10.  agreeth) was put to death under Pontius Pilate Procurator of judea, where that religion first began; yet by him it is confessed, that these men were innocent of the fact, and their doctrine to burst forth further into many other parts, insomuch that Rome it 
Christians in Nero's Court.  self did affect the same. Yea and in Nero's Court also some embraced that faith, as by the words of the Apostle is manifest, who from the Saints in Caesar's house sent salutations to the Brethren. Phil. 4. 22.  
(5) And last, to fill up the measure of his bloody 
Peter and Paul put to death. Euseb. li. 2. ca 25. Tertul. Apol. ca 5.  cruelty, he crucified Peter upon the Cross, and beheaded Paul with the sword, two principal Apostles of jesus Christ, and worthy instruments of the world's salvation; and forgetting the Majesty of his estate, fell into the sink of contempt and all sins, giving his mind leave to digest all uncleanness, and his body over to work any base exercises, attending nothing besides his haps and Harlots, whereby a careless (but yet a cruel) government was entertained, and the Senate fashioning themselves to feed his loose humours, strove each to outstrip other in their base flatteries.  
(6) In this state the Provinces subjections began to 
A great overthrow of the Romans. Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 2.  stand doubtful, and the greatness of the Empire to overcharge the foundation; for the Parthians under Vologeses gave Paetus the Roman a great overthrow, and that in such wise, that those which escaped were termed the unfortunate Army. And in Britain their affairs proceeded with no good success; for aged Didius could do no more than keep that which he had already gotten: and Verannius his successor, only with small inroads assailing the Silureses, was in his first year cut off by death, insomuch that Nero having neither 
Tacitus in vita Agric. Suet. in vit. Nero.  will, motion, nor hope to propagate and enlarge the Empire, minded once to have withdrawn the forces out of Britain, had it not been for very shame.  
(7) But Paulinus Suetonius attaining the government of that Province, in skill for service, and opinion of people comparable to any, sought to match his concurrent Corbulo, who with daily victories prospered in Armenia, himself wanting neither courage nor discretion to achieve the like, only matter and occasion the Island afforded none. Therefore determining an expedition into further parts, he made preparation to invade the I'll of Mona, separated from the Continent 
Anglesey invaded  by the River Menai, and fronted upon the midst of Ireland, both strong with inhabitants, and a receptacle of Fugitives.  
(8) Against his approach the Islanders had gathered their powers, which stood thick upon the shore ready armed to make resistance, their women running among in mourning weeds, their hair loose, and firebrands in their hands, like furies of hell, together with their Druids (men of religion) who with hands and eyes lifted up towards heaven, cried for vengeance, and powered out curses as thick, as hail. With the strangeness of which sight, the Romans stood amazed, not offering one stroke; seeming rather to 
Romans amazed at sight of the British.  present themselves for a pray upon their enemy's weapons, then for the Conquest of their land or lives: which sudden and unexpected discouragement, their Captain soon redressed, by putting them in remembrance of their wont valours, which now was far overmatchable unto a fearful flock of weak women, or a company of rude and frantic men: whereupon their Ensigns were displayed, and the Enemy presently dispersed and slain, themselves becoming masters both of the field, and whole I'll: which no sooner was thus obtained, but sudden news came to recall their powers, the Provinces being raised to a present revolt.  
(9) For the Britain's in absence of the General, laid open their public grievances grown now both common and intolerable by the oppressions of the Romans, who from the diseases of their Head, had sucked and dispersed their corruptions throughout the Provinces of the Empire: and Catus Decianus the Procurator here in Britain, renewed the confiscation 
The Receiver of tribute his oppression. Di●…n Cass. lib. 62.  of their goods, which Claudius had formerly remitted. The Roman Colony at Camulodunum, thrust out the ancient Inhabitants; seating themselves in their possessions without any other recompense, saving reproachful terms, calling them their drudges, slaves and vassals: beside, the Temple there erected in honour 
Tacit. An●…al. 14. cap. 10.  of Claudius, was now become an eyesore unto them, as an Altar of their perpetual subjection, while the Augustall Priests there attending, wasted all their wealth under pr●…text of Religion. But the very spring or head, from whence the cause of this sudden Rebellion issued, was the present abuse offered to 
* 〈◊〉.  Boduo, Queen of the Icenians, late wife to Prasutagus, deceased 
* V●…dica.  upon the ensuing occasion.  
(10) This Prasutagus King of the Icenians famous for his riches, which a long time he had been 
Prasutagus his Testament.  gathering, made Caesar with his two daughters his heir, by Will, thinking by that flattery, his kingdom, and house had been sufficiently warranted from future injuries: which fell out clean otherwise, for his kingdom of the Centurions, and his house by slaves were spoiled as lawful booties: his wife whipped, and his da●…hters deflowered, and the chiefest in that Province dispossessed of their rightful inheritance, and the King's kindred reputed and used as Slaves.  
(11) Whereupon the Icenians began seriously to discourse of their present miseries and bondage, made subject not only to a Lieutenant that sucked their blood, but likewise to a Procurator, that sought their 
Tacit. in vit. Agric. pag. 190.  substance, while with a servile fear they yielded to please the meanest Soldier; As though the Heavens had framed them only for servitude, and the Earth appointed to bear their injuries unrevenged, whereas chose, they saw both heaven & earth flexible to their deliverance: For (whether by policy or chance) the Image of victory at Camulodunum fell down reversed without any apparent cause known: the women 
Prodigies daily seen.  distempered with fury, ran in the streets, singing, and prophesying destructions: strange noises were heard in the Court, and howl in the Theatre, and strange apparitions, and Edifices seen in the River Thamisis: the Ocean itself between Gallia and them, seemed all bloody, and the prints of dead bodies left in 
Dio. lib. 62.  the sands at the Ebb. Again, weighing the present estate, they saw Suetonius absent, and busied to enlarge the Confines, the midst but slenderly guarded, and by 
Other Provinces shake off the yoke. In the battle against Quintilius Varius. Tac. in vit. Agric.  those who were readier for private gain, then diligent to discharge the offices of war. The examples of other Provinces also whetted the edge of their encouragements: for Germany (they saw) had well shaken off the yoke of subjection: The Parthians had revolted, and Armenia held play with Corbulo, as famous as Paulinus: Their cause was as just, their land as well defensed; their ancestors as valiant in resisting the first Ringleader Caesar; and themselves better experienced of their adversaries powers, and the●…r own habiliments. So now having attained the hardest point, which was their assembled Consultations (a matter of as great danger to be taken with, as in acting their intendments) in fine this was resolved, that liberty was 
Their Resolution.  to be preferred, though bought with their lives; and bondage to be avoided, if not otherwise then by their deaths.  
(12) These their often and noted assemblies brought suspicions of some designments, and the prodigies daily happening as they were motives of encoragements unto the Britain's: So were they ominous signs to the Romans, of either part framed in their own imaginations, and construed according to their hoped or feared events.  
(13) The Confederates in this business were not to seek their Leader: their Queen's dishonours so apparently known, (and for matter of government they made no difference of Sex) her birth extracted from their Royal blood, her heart's affection approved to her Country, her indignities received of the proud 
Queen Boudic●… chosen Leader.  oppressors, and her haughty spirit threatening revenge; assured them of her uttermost endeavours: which accordingly she effected to her dying day, and to her never dying fame.  
(14) The Romans likewise provided themselves, and in the absence of Suetonius, craved aid of Catus Dicianus the Procurator; who sent them not above two hundred men, and those but badly armed. These joining with the rest made no great power, all of them relying more to the franchise of the place, then securing themselves with Trench or Bulwark: And given over to pleasure, and play, as in the time of a public peace. Which advantages by the Enemy were wisely 
She surpriseth the Romans.  espied, and by boduo coming on as nobly pursued, when with sword and fire she wasted all in her way, the Temple only excepted, whereinto part of the Soldiers were fled, but after two days ●…iege it was battered and taken.  
(15) In this heat of fury, the Britain's proceed, and meeting Petilius Cerealis Lieutenant of the ninth 
She putteth Petilius Cerealis to flight.  Legion, on a hasty March to rescue that which was already lost, they encounter his forces, and slew all his footmen, himself with his troup of Horse hardly escaping to his Camp, where in great fear he entrenched, not daring to attempt any further matter. At notice of these mishaps, Catus like a tall man, took to 
She forceth Catus to fly into Gallia.  his heels, and sailed into Gallia: by whose cruelty and covetousness the Britain's were thus enraged to take Arms and revolt, and their entrance thus fortunately proceeding, gave heart and hope to further success.  
(16) For in this heat of blood and fury they set 
She sack●…th Verolanium.  upon, and sacked the freetowne Verolanium, both strong for garrison, and rich in Inhabitants: which City (as also Camulodunum had) felt the rage of their merciless hands, from whence great booties were carried, and no less than seventy thousand Citizens and 
seventy thousand slain by her Army. 〈◊〉. in vit. Nero. sect. 39  Confederates slain. This commotion in Britain by Suetonius Tranquillus is accounted one of the most infortunate losses to the Empire happening under Nero, and the more ignominious to the Romans (as Dion observeth) 
Di●…. C●…ss. lib. 6●….  in that is was performed under the command of a woman, neither experienced in the feats of war, nor using the victory according to the Law of Arms: for not any prisoner taken in regard of ransom was saved, nor intercourse of exchange admitted, but kill, hang, burn, and crucify, as though the measure of their revenge could never be sufficiently heaped, or the wrath of their Gods satisfied with the blood of their Enemies.  
(17) By this time Suetonius the Lieutenant was returned, and taking muster of his forces in London (a 
London long since renowned.  City even t●…n famous for concourse of Merchants, and of great renown for provision of all things nesary) stood yet doubtful whether he should choose that place for the Seat of war, or no. But better advising, dislodged his Host, and with the fourteenth Legion, the Standard-bearers of the twelfth, and other aids from places adjoining, encamped upon a plain, enclosed with woods, having a narrow entrance, and free from Ambush or enemy at his back.  
(18) The Britaines likewise, inferior neither in number nor courage, triumphed abroad by such troops and multitudes, as the like had not been seen, yea and so fierce of courage, and with such assurance of hope, that they brought their wives to the place to be witnesses of their valours. Boduo in her Chariot doing the parts of a most noble General, 
Boudicea suruei●… her troops.  drove from troup to troup to see and commend their forwardness; and dismounting attended with her two daughters, and two hundred and thirty thousand resolute Britain's, got her to a seat made of marishturfes, after the manner of the Romans, appareled in a loose gown of changeable colours, wearing a kirtle thereunder 
Her attire.  very thick pleited, the tresses of her yellow hair hanging down to the skirts. About her neck she had a chain of gold, and in her hand held a light spear, being of parsonage tall, and of a comely, cheerful, and modest countenance, and so a while she stood pausing, in viewing her Army, and being regarded with a reverend silence, at length to this effect she spoke 
Her Oration to her Army.  unto them.  
(19) My Friends and Companions of equal fortunes, there needeth no excuse for this my present 
Tacit. Annal. li. 11.  authority or place, in regard of my Sex, seeing it is not unknown unto you all, that the wont manner of our Nation hath been to war under the 
The custom of this and other Monarchies to be governed by women.  conduct of a woman; and not only ours, but also of the greatest Monarchies swayed upon this universal Globe: for the Empire of the Assyrians (the first and most famous that ever was) under the command 
justin. lib. 1.  of Semiramis triumphed over the fierce Aethiopians; 
Semiramis.  and the gold-veined India; Babylon for strength and beauty was both defensed and enriched by Nitocris 
Nitocris.  her sole Empress. The Scythians under Tomyris 
Tomyris.  overcame, and slew the great Conqueror Cyrus. 
justin. lib. 1.  Egypt governed by Cleopatra: yea and Rome's monarch 
Cleopatra.  themselves ruled, if not overruled, by Messalina and Agrippina the monsters of our Sex. My 
Messalina and Agrippina.  blood and birth might challenge some pre-eminence, as sprung from the roots of most royal descents: but my breath received from the same air, my body sustained by the same soil, and my glory clouded with imposed ignominies. I disclaim all 
She disclaimeth all superiority.  superiority, and as a fellow in bondage bear the yoke of oppressions, with as heavy weight and pressure, if not more. Had I with Caesar's mother been suspected of Treason, or with false Cartismandua defiled my Bed, to the disturbance of their peace, my goods might have gone under the title of Confiscation, 
Rejoiceth in her innocency.  and these prints of the whip under pretext of justice. But why name I justice in these grand Catalogues of oppressions, whose Actors respect neither person, age, sex, nor cause? For what abuse can be so vile, that we have not suffered; or indignity so contemptible, that we have not borne? My stripes, yet felt and seen against their own laws, and the violent rapes of these my harmless daughters, 
The indignities offered by the Romans.  against the Laws of God and Man, do witness well what government they intent: and your wealths consumed by their wasteful wantonness, your painful travels upholding their idleness, do seal the issues of our succeeding miseries, if not timely prevented by one joint endeavour. You that have known the freedom of life, will with me confess (I am sure) that liberty (though in a poor estate) is better than bondage with fetters of gold: and yet this comparison hath no correspondency in us: for we now enjoy no estate at all, nothing now being ours but what they will leave us; and nothing left us, that they can take away, having not so much as our very heads toll-free. Other subdued Nations 
Dion Cass. lib. 62.  by death are quit from bondage; but we after death must live 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our 〈◊〉. Have the 〈◊〉 ma●… us the ends of the 〈◊〉, and have not assigned the end of our wrongs? Or hath Nature among all her free works created us Britain's only for bondage? Why, what are the Romans? Are they more than men, or immortal? Their slain carcases sacrificed by us, and th●…●…trisied blood corrupting our Air, doth ●…ll us they are no Gods. Our personages are more tall, our bodies more strong, and our ●…oints 〈◊〉 ●…t: and (to say as it is) every part of us ●…amed more fit for the spear then for the seade. But you will ●…ay they are 
Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 11.  our Conquerors. Indeed overcome we are, but by ourselves, our own factions still giving way to their intrusions: for had not the ●…ator a Mandubrace? Caligula an Adminius? Claudius' a Bericus, and Cogidunus? 
Caesar. Com. lib. 5.  Nero (that strumpet, and our still-living shame) Cartismandua? Rome's instruments, and Britain's 
Britannith vipers.  vipers? without which, you shall see Caesar in single fight, lose his sword, and after fly the Country (a dishonour ind●…lible) Tiberius forego his Tribute, though extremely covetous, Claudius' glad to make peace, and be quiet. and Nero might still have followed his fiddling trade at home, if our discords had not made up his Music here abroad. Our dissensions 
Tacitus in vita Agric. Domestic conspirators most dangerous.  therefore have been their only rising, and our designs still weakened by homebred conspirators. Neither hath our noble resistance ever been without desert and note of honour: their public triumphs being made more admirable by one Britain's Conquest, then usually hath been solemnised over whole Kingdoms. Caligula for beholding our cliffs only would have diaine honours: and forgetful Claudius remembered unto posterities (in his Britannicus) a glorious surname from us. Our strengths have been acknowledged the main support of other States, and shall it not be supplied to maintain our own? We have as much to keep as Birthright hath given us, that is, our Island possessed by our Ancestors from all antiquity: Ours 
Caesar. Com. li. 2.  by inheritance, theirs by intrusions, claims so different in the scale of justice, that the Gods themselves 
Motives inciting to pursue the Romans.  must needs redress, and set the balance in their equal poise. We have seen their propitious beginnings, in making us instruments over seventy thousand of our enemies; and yet in this revenge our forces not diminished, but much increased in number and power: which thing, as it serves to our encouragements; so is it to their fear. For Catus hath set the Seas (a sure defence) betwixt him and us; yet not a Britain pursuing: for surely if any had, he would have hid himself in the waves. Petilius the fieldmouse doth keep his hole, and with the Mole works the earth for his safest refuge: And Posthumus their Campe-master is too wise to venture all at a cast. Only Plautius fleshed by his late victory over a company of unarmed Priests, whose resistance consisted only in prayers, and a few weak women, whose weapons were only firebrands, builds the hopes of his aspiring mind, as Caligula did his Trophy of Cockleshells. For see we not him encamped rather to defend his own, then to offend others? His Army crouched together, as fowls flocked against a storm, or rather like to fearful Hares squatted in their bushes, who no sooner shall hear the cry of their pursuit, but their Muise or fortress will be left: and for their last refuge, as Hares, trust to the swiftness of their speedy feet. Suddenly, as she was thus speaking, she let slip a Hare which she had 
Her device at concluding her speech.  secretly couched in her lap, which with a great shout escaped thorough the Camp, and gave occasion to the Army (who little suspected it was done by her of purpose) to construe it as an ominous and lucky sign of victory.  
(20) And thereupon with great force they assail their enemies, whiles Suetonius was likewise encouraging his Soldiers to the like resolution. The fourteenth Legion by his direction kept the straight as a sure place of defence, till the Britain's in the fury of their first onset had spent all their darts, which with good success they had bestowed: but then failing and wearied in their first coming on too hotly, the Romans sallied out upon the plain, the Auxiliaries and Horsemen with long lances making their way, and beating down all that stood before them. The Britain's unable to endure or withstand such fierce assaults, were 
The Britain's vanquished.  forced to give back, and at length sought to save themselves by flight, but were hindered by their own Wagons placed in the rearward of the Army, which gave the more impediment to their retreat, in that they were then full of their women who in confidence of the victory came thither to behold the fight, which were among the rest all-slaine, without regard of sex or mercy. This day was famous and comparable in renown for victory to any other of former times, for therein were slain of the Britaines to the 
Eighty thousand Britain's slain.  number of eighty thousand men: And the Land brought under an unrecoverable subjection.  
(21) Boduo seeing the overthrow of her Army, 
Boudicea poisoneth herself.  was notwithstanding unvanquished in her own Noble spirit, and scorning to be a spectacle in their Triumphs, or a vassal to their wills, after the example of Cleopatra, 
Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 11.  she made an end of her miseries and life, by poison. And Paenius Posthumus, Campmaster of the second Legion, seeing the good success of the fourteenth and twentieth: for that disobeying the General (contrary to the discipline of war) he had defrauded himself and followers of their parts of glory in that service, 
Paenius slew himself. Tacitus hist. lib. 2. cap. 4.  for very grief slew himself: and for their good service there performed, Nero greatly honoured the eleventh, thirteenth and fourteenth Legions, reposing a most sure trust in their valour and fidelity, ever afterward.  
(22) Suetonius animated with this victory, gathered his Army, & encamped again, purposing to end the residue of the war, if any resisters should remain: And at that present were sent him out of Germany two thousand legionary Soldiers, eight Cohorts of Auxiliaries, and a thousand Horse, whereby his strength was augmented, and the ninth Legion which had been much weakened by the rashness of Petilius, fully supplied: 
The Britain's miseries.  So that bootless it was for the poor Britain's to make any further resistance, and such as did, or stood doubtfully affected, were daily put to the sword. But nothing distressed them so much, as did famine, and want of Corn, being a people in all ages more given to war then good husbandry, and rather relying upon the provisions of others, than by the plough to provide for themselves, fierce of nature, and slowly lending ear to peace, or their mind to such Arts as either nourish, or are nourished by peace. 
julius Classicianus a receiver.   
(23) In these stirs julius Classicianus, sent from Nero to succeed Catus in his office of receipts, an enemy, & at variance with Suetonius, the more to cloud his renown, gave it forth for certain, that a new Lieutenant was to be expected, who without either hostile rancour, or pride of a Conqueror, would entreat 
Promiseth Clemency.  the yeelders with all Clemency: And likewise by letters sent to Rome, he signified that no end of war was to be expected, so long as Suetonius remained General, attributing every adverse luck to his intolerable pride, and every prosperous success only to the good fortunes of Caesar and State of Rome. These Great men's dissensions awaked Nero, fearing left the Britain's, thereby would be more forward to advantage, with whom experience had showed there 
Tranquillus in vit. Nero. Sect. 40.  was no dallying, and his former losses among them being again recovered, he thought himself discharged and quit from all fatal Calamities, as Tranquillus doth 
Polycletus sent to reconcile Classicianus and Suetonius.  affirm. Therefore he sent Polycletus, one of his freed servitors, with Commission to examine the differences, and to interpose his authority to work a reconciliation: at whose greatness it was also thought that the Britain's would have quaked, and come in under fear. Which thing fell out otherwise: for howsoever the Captain and Soldiers regarded him for his place, unto whom he showed himself both arrogant and terrible, yet the Britain's made him but their laughing stock, as being themselves borne free, and knew not 
Liberti or Freemen, were such, as being first bond slaves, by their service obtained freedom, and many of them about the Emperor came to be of great sway. Suetonius delivereth up his charge. Petronius his disposition.  what the power of freedmen was, much admired that such Commanders and Armies which had achieved so great exploits, could be brought to obey, and yield account of their actions to so base a bondslave, as they termed him.  
(24) But Suetonius grown great by his fortunes in these wars, and as it should seem both suspected and feared of Nero, was by him commanded (the wars yet continuing) to deliver up his Army to Petronius Turpilianus, who had lately given over his Consulship in Rome, a man of a softer, and more intreatable condition; and as a stranger to the faults committed before, readier to receive to favour and forgive: who having composed the former troubles, not daring any further, neither egged, nor provoked the Enemy, but gave himself to a quiet, or rather idle life, which he thought might pass under the title of an honourable 
Petronius Turpilianus giveth up his charge to Treble. Max.  peace. In which estate he gave up his charge to Trebellius Maximus, and was after slain by Galba, nothing objected against him, but his faithfulness to Nero, in that he would not betray him, as the rest had done. 
Petronius Turpilianus slain, because true to Nero. julius Vindex opposeth Nero. Tacit. histor. in vit. Nero.  For Nero now grown Odious to God and Man, Conspiracies were continually attempted, though not in act effected, until that julius Vindex Lieutenant of Gallia opposed his proceeding, being the first stirrer, and the rolling stone that (as Tacitus terms it) tumbled Nero out of his Seat.  
(25) For having proclaimed Galba Emperor, an 
Proclaimeth Galba Emperor.  old and weak man, at that time Governor of Arragon, neither privy to the conspiracy, nor assenting to the title, he set up daily many bitter and biting Edicts against Nero, whereby he was roused from his lascivious rest, and began to fear the fatal end, whereunto his impious life and bloody reign had now lastly brought him; who destitute of all power of resistance, did now set his whole hope and refuge, upon that means, to which the compass of his time had ever pointed; for relying only upon his skill in Music, he intended 
Nero seeketh to fly into Eegypt.  his flight into Egypt, there to teach the instructions of that Art: into such sudden baseness was his mind dejected, that formerly had lashed out beyond all measure in luxury, pride, and prodigality. Unto this conspiracy joined Virginius Rufus Lieutenant of high Germany, with Nymphidius, Sabinus, and Sophonius Tigellinus, Captain of the Guard, who after Vindex his death, (which happened upon an accident even in his entrance to Arms) maintained the election of Galba: 
The Senate send to apprehend him.  and the Senate as forward to Nero's destruction, proclaimed him Enemy to the State, and pronounced his punishment more maiorum, sending out each way to apprehend him alive.  
(26) In this fear Nero attended with four servants 
Nero hid●…th himself.  only, had hid himself in a Country Cottage, not passing four miles from Rome; whence hearing his decreed judgement, and demanding what was meant by that sentence, it was answered, that his neck should be locked in the fork of a tree, and his body 
He killeth himself.  all naked, whipped to death; whereupon lamenting that so good a Minstrel should be made away, he ran himself through on his sword, and so rid the world of a Monster. 
His lineaments. Suet. in vita Nero.   
(27) Of stature he was indifferent, his body full of freckles, his hair somewhat yellow, his countenance rather fair then lovely, his eyes grey and dim, his neck fat, his belly bearing out, and his legs slender and small; A most skilful physician he was, and in 
His qualities.  that Art sought to excel others, and to equalize Apollo himself, as also in his Chariot-riding to imitate the swiftness of the Sun. So prodigal in apparel, that he never wore one Garment twice, & so sumptuous 
joseph. Bell. jud. lib. 5. cap. 6. Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 5.  in buildings, as is uncredible. He reigned thirteen years and eight days, and died the eight of june, in the one and thirtieth of his age, and after the birth of 
His reign and age.  our Saviour Christ the threescore and tenth: as Eusebius doth account.   

GALBA. CHAPTER VIII.  
WIth the death of this Tyrant, ended the progeny 
Nero the last of the Caesars.  of the Caesars, and the emperors succeeding were afterwards 
Suet. in vit. Galb. Sect. 1.  elected, either for the opinion of their own worths, or else, (and that oftener) by the faction and voice of the Soldiers, 
The manner of choosing the succeeding Emperors.  whose violence the Senate ever feared to contradict, and whose Colonies in every Province sought to raise their own General to that high estate. In which time of Combustion, though little be recorded of the British affairs, yet because the Monarchy of this Island was then and long after invested in the Imperial dignity, we may not omit to speak somewhat of the ensuing Emperors, as the chief Governors of this kingdom. Upon Nero's declining, divers there were (as Vindex and Virginius, Nymphidius and Sophonius) set up against him, but Galba for his reputed integrity got the Garland from them all: who little dreaming of the Imperial Diadem, fortune set it upon his head before his hand had 
Galba got the Empire ere he looked for it.  touched the same: for Vindex in Gallia having proclaimed him Emperor, and himself in Arragon not free from Nero's hatred, he sought rather to hazard his life with the Glory of a Crown, then depend upon his mercy, who had sent secretly the sentence of his death. And therefore mounting the Tribunal, the more to impress a fresh remembrance of former cruelties, he placed before his throne, the Images of 
Galba his policy to make Nero odious.  certain Nobles executed by Nero, with some personages sent for out of exile, whose presence might provoke a deeper edge of hatred; and his Army about him ready for mutation, these, or the like words he spoke.  
(2) My fellow Soldiers and friends, we at this time are assembled, to bestow that upon others, 
His Oration to his soldiers.  which we ourselves have smally enjoyed, I mean, liberty from bondage, and freedom from fears of a Tyrant. The life that I have hitherto lead, will sufficiently discharge me from any aspiring conceit, and my own Conscience doth witness that I speak not upon malice or private respects: It grieveth me to say, but it boots not to hide, that, which every man seeth. Hath ever Bondman under a cruel master passed a year of harder service, than we have done fourteen under Nero? what kind of exaction hath he not proved to supply with extortion, that which with shame he hath spent? what kind of cruelty hath he not practised? If we would conceal or seek to suppress it, these dumb stones would declare them: For behold, he poisoned his Father and brother, abused and slew his own mother, murdered his wife, his Tutor, and what else so ever valiant or virtuous in Senate, in City, in Province, without any difference of Sex or Age. I need not to speak of the sorrowful sighs, and bitter tears of so many young gentlemen bereft of their fathers, so many wives robbed of their husbands, so many great men deprived of their Country, all which cry vengeance upon such a Prince: a Prince? nay an Incendiary, a Singer, a Fiddler, a Stage-player, a Cart-driver, a Crier; no Prince, nay no man; that hath a man to his husband, and a man 
Nero described.  to his wife, but a monster of mankind: And in truth 
Nero solemnly married one of his youths called Doriphorus, and kept him as his wife: so likewise did he with Sporus, whom he endeavoured to transform into a woman.  a subject, upon whom, vice hath made her full experience, and raised her triumphs from the base of Caesar's throne. Against whom, what Vindex in France hath already intended, I am sure you do know, and I, for my part, an most sorry to hear. The whole course of my former life hath been hitherto removed from Ambition in Court, or from aiming too high abroad, and this little that remains of my days, I could heartily wish were to be spent in more ease: But sith I know not by what my misfortune, some have imposed upon me a Part which I never meant to sustain, and least of all at this age, I will not refuse, if you will also approve it, to sacrifice this old Carcase of mine for the wealth of my Country, not as Emperor or Augustus (which sacred names I adore afar off, not daring to approach them) but as— And no further heard, was with great acclamations saluted Emperor.  
(3) But such is the height of glory, which is raised by the blasts of the multitude, that it falls again as the 
Glory like a Bubble.  bubble burst in the swelling, which leaves neither circle nor sign of his former pride. And so is the state of Galba with one breath applauded, and placed upon the Imperial Throne; and that scarce cold, ere they dislike of their own hasty election: for news being brought that the State stood firm for Nero, and for certain that Vindex in his quarrel was slain, even in his first enterprise of revolt; that Virginius was sided by his German Legions, and his name inscribed in their banners; that Nymphidius was the man whose deserts could not be sufficiently honoured with less recompense than the princely Diadem: These distractions so much overswaied his aged and passionate heart, that he retired to Clunia in great dejection, repenting himself of that which he had done, and wished again his private estate.  
(4) But the death of Nero commonly divulged, and Virginius his refusals of the Imperial Title, gave strength and life to his former election, now further ratified by the full resolutions of the Army: who the more to seem both strong and valorous, though indeed a weak, sickly, and silly old man, soldier-like in his coat of Arms showed himself, and in that array passed the vast mountains for Rome. With whose entrance, entered the dislike of his person, as one unfit to support the state of others, that by age and imbeciliitie was not able to sustain his own: to which were added the imperfections of his government, carried every way far under expectation. And long he sat not before he saw his own defects: to redress which he elected Piso Licinianus, Caesar, joining 
Galba chooseth Piso Licinianus for his Caesar.  him in power with himself, and declaring him his Successor, in a short and blunt Oration, in presence both of the Senate and Soldiers.  
(5) Whereat howsoever others stood affected, yet Martus 
* Saluius. Saluius Otho conspireth Galba's death.  Saluius Otho (one, who for commerce in 
Tacit. hist. 1.  lewdness was very dear to Nero, and whose hope depended upon the common disturbance, for that his excess in riot had now brought him to the brink of beggary) much envied thereat; the rather because himself had entertained a hope that Galba would have adopted him, and therefore as his concurrent set his own aspiring mind for the Crown. And even now this time best fitted his attempts, as being the wane of Galba's authority, and before the full of Piso's power; his Astrologers and starre-gazers forwarding him with 
Astrologers and Starre-gazers.  their vain predictions, a kind of people ever to Princes unfaithful, to hopers deceitful, and in a commonwealth always forbidden, yet always retained. The soldiers likewise ever disliking the present, and affecting the new, fell without respect to Othoes' side: amongst whom Sulpitius Florus, one of the British Cohorts, slew Piso the elected Caesar; Galba himself being 
Piso slain. Galba murdered.  murdered and mangled by the Soldiers and band of Horsemen.  
(6) He was of a good stature; his head bald, his 
His description.  eyes grey, and his nose hooked, his hands and feet crooked by reason of the gout, and a bunch of flesh or wen upon his right side. A great feeder and Sodomite 
His vices.  he was, severe in justice, and overruled by his servants. He died aged seventy three years, having 
His age.  outlived five Princes. In prosperity happier under the Empire of others, then in his own; for he sat only seven months, and them with small contents. 
And reign.  In his flourishing age with great renown he had served in Germany: Africa he ruled as Proconsul, and the nearer Spain uprightly and well; seeming more than a private man whilst he was private, and held capable of the Empire, had he never been Emperor.   

THE FIRST PLANTING OF RELIGION IN BRITAIN. CHAPTER IX.  
THis short time of Galba's government, with the conspiracies against his Predccessour, admitteth small remembrances of our British affairs: which Province (saith Tacitus) 
Britain in quiet repose. Tacit. hist. 1. ca 3.  among all other stirs against both Nero and Galba, held amity, and stood in quiet; whether it was the far distance of place, severed by Sea from the seditions of the Revolters; or that by continual service against the Enemy the malice of their humours were spent, it is uncertain. Therefore a while to digress from the Succession of our British monarch, and to fill up the emptiness of those Times with matters incident to ourselves, let it not seem either tedious or superfluous, to speak of the planting of his Kingdom in this Island, whose Rule in short time extended to the Ends of the Earth; and whose Ambassadors (as some have written) about 
Christianity supposed to be brought into 〈◊〉 in Ne●… time. Ex Antiq. Manuscript. Frec●…lphus 〈◊〉, Tom. 2. lib. 2. cap. 4. William o●… Malmesburie.  the midst of Nero's Reign, and in the year of Christ's Incarnation sixty three approached for the Inhabitants salvation, arviragus then swaying the Sceptre of this Kingdom.  
(2) At which time (say they) were sent certain Disciples out of France into Britain by Philip the Apostle, whereof joseph of Arimathea, that buried the body of Christ, was chief; who first laid the foundation of our faith in the West parts of this Island, at the place then called Aualon, (afterwards Inis Witrin, 
Bale Centur. lib. 1. Harding saith fourteen, cap. 47 joseph of Arimathea buried at Glastenbury. Gildas in vit. A●…rel. Ambrosijs.  now Glastenburie) where he with twelve Disciples his Assistants preached the Gospel of life unto the Islanders, and there left their bodies to remain for a joyful Resurrection. This doth Gildas affirm, and Malmesburie in his Book of the Antiquity of Glastenburie written to Henry de Bloys, brother to King Stephen, 
Malmesburie.  and Abbot of the same place, report, and is consented unto (for the matter, though all agree not touching the time) by the learned Antiquaries of later 
Cambden. in Brit. Bale, Cent. 1. Matth. Park. Antiq. Eccl. Brit. Polydor. Virg. & aly.  times, grounded on the Testimonies of the best approved Ancient writers: who account the most happy influence of Christianity, to have been by those glorious conduits conveyed into these remote parts of the world: that so (according to the promise of God by Esaiah) The Isles a far off which had not heard of his fame, should be converted, and have his glory to them declared 
Esay 66. 19  among the Gentiles.  
(3) And if the credit of Dorotheus Bishop of tire, 
Dorotheus in the lives of Saints.  (who lived to see the Apostasy of julian) weigh any thing with us, in his tract of the lives and Deaths of 
Luk. 6. 15.  the Prophets, Apostles, and Disciples, he bringeth Simon Zelot●… (an Apostle of jesus Christ) to preach the word, 
Simon Zelotes martyred in Britain. Nicephor. lib. 2. cap. 40. john Capgrave.  and to suffer Martyrdom on the Cross here in Britain: with whom Nicephorus, and after him john Capgrave (in his Catalogue of English Saints) agree, saying that the same Simon spread the Gospel to the west Ocean, and brought the word of life into the Isles of Britain: and, in the conversion of Countries wrought by the Apostles, the same Nicephorus, with 
Nicephor. lib. 3. cap. 1.  Egypt and Lybia assigneth Britain also to be one. And the foresaid Dorotheus, as also Mirmanus, nameth Aristobulus one of the seventy Disciples (the same whom Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Romans among 
Rom. 16. 10.  others saluteth) to have taught the doctrine of Salvation, and to have executed the office of a Bishop here in Britain.  
(4) To these first Planters and Sowers of this heavenly 
Baronius in histor. Eccles. Marry Magdalen, Lazarus, and Martha in England.  Seed, Caesar Baronius, that voluminous Historian, joineth Mary Magdalen, Lazarus, and Martha, who (by his relation) being banished jerusalem, in a masterless ship without tackling arrived in Gallia, and with them joseph of Arimathea, who afterward landed in Britain (ut tradunt, as he saith, out of an old Manuscript which he saw in the Vatican Library:) yea and with them also Eurgain the sister of joseph, who 
Eurgain the sister of joseph married Siarklos a Britain. Georg. Owen in his Pettigrees.  afterwards married a Britain named Siarklos, if the authority whereon George Owen-Harry doth ground that report, be of any credit.  
(5) But yet there are others, who upon a very good ground from the words of Gildas (the most ancient 
Gildas de Conquest. Brit.  of our British Historians) will have the Sun of the Gospel long before to have risen in this our West, and this Island of Britain to have enjoyed the very morning of his Ascent, the brightness thereof piercing thorough the misty clouds of error, and shining here in Britain even in the days of Tiberius, towards whose end Christ suffered his death, and by whose indulgence towards Christians, their profession was propagated far and near. Which assertion the said Gildas doth not deliver coldly or doubtingly, but with great confidence, & relying upon good grounds, as it appeareth when he saith, Scimus, etc. We know for certainty, that this was in the latter times of Tiberius. Which was immediately after our blessed saviours Passion.  
To which uncontroleable testimony some others have added (though not perhaps on so undoubted warrant) that S. Peter the Apostle preached the word of 
S. Peter the Apostle supposed to have preached in Britain. Act. 15. 7.  life in this Island, as to other Gentiles he did, for whom God had chosen him, that from his mouth they might hear the Gospel and believe, (as himself allegeth) and that he here founded Churches, and ordained Priests and Deacons, which is reported by Simon Metaphrastes out of the Greek Antiquities, and Guilielmus 
Metaphrastes.  Eisingrenius in the first of his century, who saith that Peter was here in Nero's time; whereas Baronius 
Centur. 1. part. 7. dist. 8.  thinketh it was in the reign of Claudius, when the jews were banished Rome, and that therefore Paul in his Epistle to the Romans mentioneth him not. Indeed Baronius and some others plead very hotly for S. Peter's preaching here: but I see not well how it can 
Baronius.  stand either with Eusebius his account, which keeps him so long at Rome after he was Bishop there, or with 
Eusebius.  Onuphrius, who denieth that he went westward (being 
Onuphrius.  expulsed by Claudius) but to jerusalem, and thence to Antioch, where he lived till the death of Claudius: whence it must follow, that if Peter were here at all, it was before ever he went to Rome, and that the Gospel was preached here before it was in Rome, if Peter were the first (as some hold) that preached there: both which may be the more probable, if we consider the huge multitudes of Christians (fifteen thousand, saith Baronius) which dispersed themselves into all parts of the world upon the martyring of S. Steven at jerusalem, (which was presently upon the death of Christ) and that joseph of Arimathea was one of that number, Baronius doth confess. I am here contented to step over that Monkish tale reported by Aluredus Rivallensis (the writer of King Edward the Confessors 
A Monkish tale of S. Peter.  life) that a holy man (forsooth) studious and careful for a Governor to succeed, was in his sleep told by S. Peter that the Kingdom of England was his, wherein himself had first preached, and would also provide him Successors. For s●…eing it was a dream, for a dream we leave it, and Peter among the other Elders to attend his Throne, that now sitteth 
Apoc. 4.  in glorious Majesty, and who in this life minded no such earthly pre-eminence, no not to divide betwixt 
Luk. 12. 13.  brethren, though the Kingdom and rule of all things was his alone.  
(6) Certes Peter was principally the Apostle of the Circumc●…, and therefore more likely to have spent his endeavours on them: but for Paul (the Doctor of the Gentiles) his arrival here may seem more warrantable, 
S. Paul preached in Britain.  who doubtless (after his first releasement from Rome) confirmed the doctrine of Christ to these Western parts of the world, and among them, as may appear, to this Island of Britain, as both Sophronius 
Sophr. in his Sermon of the nativity of the Apostles. Theodoret. de curandis Graec●… affectionib●…, li. 9  Patriarch of jerusalem, and Theodoret an ancient Doctor of the Church, do affirm and approve, saying that Fishers, Publicans, and the Tentmaker (meaning S. Paul) which brought the evangelical light unto all Nations, revealed the same unto the Britain's. That Paul came into Illyricum, Gallia, and Spain, and filled all those parts with his doctrine, both Eusebius, Dorotheus, 
Euseb. lib. 3. ca 1. Doroth. lives of Saints. Epiphan. lib. 1. Tom. 2. Rom. 10. 18.  and Epiphanius do testify: and of this general embassage the Apostle himself saith, that the sound of the Gospel went thorough the earth, and was heard unto the ends of the world: which his sayings cannot more fitly be applied to any other Nation then unto us of Britain, whose Land by the Almighty is so placed in the terrestrial globe, that thereby it is termed of the ancient, The Ends of the Earth, and deemed to be situated 
〈◊〉. lib. 27. c. 7. joseph. bell. juda. lib. 2. cap. 16. Tacit. in vit. Agr. Solinus.  in another world; for so in an Oration that Agrippa made to the jews, and Agricola to his Romans, it is called: which made Solinus write, that the coast of France had been the End of the Earth, had it not been for Britain, which was as another world. And in Dion 
Dion Cass. lib. 60.  we read, that the old Soldiers of Gallia, whom Claudius commanded for Britain, complained that they must be enforced to make war out of the world. And of this Land and latter Apostle (if credit may be given to a Poet) Venantius Fortunatus thus recordeth: 
Transijt Oceanum, & quà facit Insula Porrum,  
Quasque Britannus habet terras, quasque ultima Thule.  
He crossed the seas unto the land, and utmost coasts of Thule,  
Arriving at the Ports and Isles where Britain's bare the rule.   
(7) Thus for Paul: well known in Rome by his long imprisonments, and (at that time) in reverend regard for his doctrine with many there: among whom also there were some Britain's that embraced the faith, whereof Claudia Rufina (remembered by Martial another Poet) was one, whom he thus extols: 
Claudia caeruleis cum sit Rufina Britannis 
Martial. lib. 〈…〉 54.   
Edita, cur Latiae pectora plebis habet?  
Quale decus formae? Romanam credere matres  
Italides possunt, Atthides esse suam.  
How hath Dame Claudia, borne of Britain's blue,  
Won fame for wisdom with our sages grave?  
Her comely form and learning, as their due,  
Rome claims for hers, and hers would Athens have.   
This Claudia is by the learned commended to have 
Matt●…. Par●…. Ar●…. in A●…iq. Eccl. Brit●…. 〈◊〉, etc.  been most skilful in the Greek and Latin tongues; of whom hear them (not me) speak. At the commandment of the Tyrant Nero (say they from Tacitus) many Noble Britain's were brought to Rome, who remaining there their Confederates; they held it an honour to have their children named after the nobility of the Romans: and from Claudius Caesar was this Lady Claudia named, who according to her worth was matched in marriage to Rufus a gentleman of Rome, than a Colonel, after a Senator, a man of a mild disposition, naturally modest, a great Philosopher in the Sect of the Stoics, for his sweetness of behaviour called Pudens, who by his grave persuasions caused Martial (the witty but wanton Poet) to reform many things in his writings, and by him is commended for his humanity, piety, learning, and eloquence: as also his wife Claudia the Britain, for her beauty, faith, fruitfulness, learning, and languages. In proof whereof, Bale hath mentioned three several 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ed writings. D●…. of the 〈◊〉 of the D●…ciples. V●… lib. 1●…. 2. Tim. 4. ●…1.  treatises, besides others by her compiled, both in the Greek and Latin tongues. Dorotheus nameth P●…dens to be one of the seventy two, and Volater●… affirmeth them both Paul's disciples, from whom he sendeth greeting to Ti●…theus in these words: 〈◊〉 and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren salute thee. But some may object, that Marshal's Claudia could not be that Lady, who living in Nero's time gave hospitality unto Peter and Paul at their being in 
The same Claudia that Paul and Martial speaketh of.  Rome, for that she could not retain such beauty and perfection as the Poet to her doth ascribe in the reign of Domitian, the seventh in succession from Nero, the time being too long (saith Ado, Bishop of trevers, Vsuardus and others) for beauty to be so freshly preserved. Now these account her age then to be sixty; but if we reckon according to Eusebius, we shall see that he sets the last of Claudius in the year of grace fifty six, and the first of Domitian in eighty three, betwixt which, are but twenty seven years, and yet Paul came not to Rome till the tenth of Nero, and in his thirteenth year, from the prison wrote his Epistle to Timothy, as the same Eusebius declareth: so that from 
Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 2. cap. 22.  hence unto Domitian, is left but fourteen years, a time no whit unpossible to retain Beauty, though twenty years and many more of her age had been formerly spent; seeing that in those times Plutarch praiseth Alcibiades to be passingly fair when he was 
Alcibiades his beauty in old age.  threescore years of age.  
This Claudia then with Paul's spiritual Manna, is said to send likewise the choicest and chastest of the 
Claudia sends both Paul's and Marshal's writings into Britain.  Poesies of Martial (whose verses generally are no lessons befitting Ladies) for newyears gifts unto her friends in Britain, both for to feed their Souls with the bread of life, and to instruct their minds with lessons best fitting unto civil behaviour; which thing moved the Poet himself with no small selfe-glorie in his verse thus to write: 
Dicitur & nostros cantare Britannia versus. 
Martial. lib. 7. Epig. 10.   
And Britain now (they say) our verses learns to sing.   
(8) It hath also passed with allowance among the learned Senate of our Antiquaries, that when Claudius & Nero began to banish and persecute the Christians 
Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 10.  in Rome, (whose superstitions, as Tacitus pleaseth to term them, from judea had infected the City itself) many Romans and Britaines being converted to the Faith, fled thence unto these remote parts of the earth, where they might and did more freely enjoy the liberty of their Professions, until the search of Tyrants by the flame-light of Persecutions, had found out all secret places for the safeties and assemblies of God's Saints: as after in the days of Dioclesian we shall find. And from this Sanctuary of Salvation the sad lamenting Lady * Pomponia Graecina, the wife of Aulus Plautius (the first Lord Lieutenant of Britain) brought 
Aulus Plautius his wife became a Christian in Britain.  that Religion, whereof she was accused and stood indicted upon life and death, which was none other, than the Christian Profession, seeing the same both by Tacitus and Suetonius, is every where termed the 
Tacit. Annal. l. 13. 7. & lib. 15. 10. Suetonius in vita Nero. Sect. 16.  strange superstitions and new kind of Sect that the Christians embraced, and for which they were accounted unworthy to live.  
(9) And much about these times (as Beatus Rhenanus in his History of Germany, Pantaleon and others 
B. Rhenan. in his Hist. of Germany. Pantaleon.  do report) one Suetonius a Noble man's son in Britain converted to the Faith by the first Planters of the Gospel in this Island, and after his Baptism called Beatus, was sent by the Brethren from hence unto Rome, to be better instructed, and further directed by Saint Peter himself; and returning thorough Switzerland, found such willingness and flocking of the people to hear and receive the Doctrine of Christ, that he there stayed and built an Oratory not far from the lake Thun, and near the Town called Vnderfewen, wherein preaching and prayers he employed his time to the day of his death, which happened in the year of grace 110.  
And that there were Christians in Britain at these times I make no question, though some exceptions may 
Holinshed descript. Brit. cap. 9  be taken against the Monk of Burton the reporter thereof, who saith in the 141 year and reign of Hadrian, nine masters of Grantcester were baptised themselves & preached to others the Gospel in Britain; howsoever he faileth in the emperors name, which year was the second of Antonins Pius his successor, and ascribeth to these men Schoole-degrees, altogether unknown for nine hundred years after, yet these do not hinder the truth of the thing, though that Monk was none of the best Historians. It is reported also that Patrick the Irish Apostle, and Canonised Saint, long before the 
Patrick the Irish Apostle preached in Wales.  Reign of King Lucius preached the Gospel in many places of Wales; As also that Ninianus Bernicius of the race of the British Princes converted the Picts to the Religion of Christ. Unto these aforesaid authorities and testimonies howsoever we stand affected: yet it is certain by Chemnitius citing Sabellicus, that the Britaines were with the first Converts: And Tertullian, 
Chemnitius (in examine. Co●…il. Triden.) ex Sabellic●….  who lived within two hundred years of Christ's Nativity, showeth no less: Who the more to provoke the jews against whom he wrote, calleth to witness the fruitful increase of the Gospel of Salvation, through many Countries and Nations, and among them nameth the Britain's to have received the Word of life, 
Tertullian. cont. Iud●…s cap. 7.  the power whereof (saith he) hath pierced into those parts whither the Romans could not come. Whence Petrus Cluniacensis supposeth the Scotish men the more ancient Christians, as not being in the like subjection to 
Petrus Cluni. ad Bernard.  the Romans, as other than were.  
(10) Origen, who flourished not much above two hundred years after Christ, in his Homilies upon Ezechiel showeth, that the first fruits of God's harvest was 
Origen. in Eze. ●…mil. 4.  gathered in the Island of Britain: who consented to the Christian faith by the doctrine of their Druids: that taught one only God: with whom Hector Boetius agreeth, saying, that some of these Druids condemned 
Hector Boet. Chro. Scot lib. 2. The Druids allowed not Images nor any visible form of the Godhead.  the worship of God in Images, and allowed not the application of the Godhead unto any visible form: which might be the cause why Claudius the Emperor forbade their Religion, as savouring in these things too much of Christianity, whom likewise he banished Rome, as some from Suetonius conjecture. Of these 
Suetonius in vita Claud. Sect. 25.  Druids we showed before, that their offices were most employed about holy things, and that their doctrine chiefly consisted in teaching the immortality of the 
Tacit. Annal. l. 14. cap. 10. Caesar. Com. lib. 〈◊〉.  soul, the motions of the heavens, the nature of things, and the power of the Gods: yea and Postellus from others will enforce, that they prophesied likewise of a virgin's 
Postellus.  conception. These were the helps, saith Tertullian, that caused the Britain's so soon to embrace the Doctrine of Christ, and thereupon immediately after his death doth Gyldas fasten our conversion, where he writeth, That the Glorious Gospel of jesus Christ, which first appeared to the world in the later time of Tiberius Caesar, did 
Gyldas de Excidi●… Brit.  even then spread his bright beams upon this frozen Island of Britain.  
(11) Whereby we see the waters of life, flowing from jerusalem's Temple, into these far set Countries and uttermost Seas, to be made both fruitful & 
Ezech. 47. 8.  wholesome, according to the sayings of the Prophet, that in that day the waters of life should issue from jerusalem, half of them toward the East Sea, and half of them towards the uttermost Sea, and shall remain fruitful 
Zachar. 14. 8.  both in Summer and winter: and even in the infancy of Christianity, both the Apostles themselves, and also the Proselytes their Disciples to become fishers therein for the Souls of Men, as Christ in choosing of them said they should be; whereby his Kingdom 
Matt. 4. 19  was soon enlarged unto these Ends of the Earth, and 
Psal. 2. 8.  his Throne established among those Heathen, whom God his Father had given to be his. So fruitful and famous was this spreading of the Gospel, that Baptista Mantuan, a Christian Poet, compares the increase thereof with that of Noah, thus alluding unto it: 
Sicut aquis quondam Noah sua misit in orbem  
Pignora sedatis, ut Gens humana per omnes 
Baptist. Mant.   
Debita Coelituum Patri daret orgia terras;  
Sic sua cum vellet Deus alta in regna renerti,  
Discipulos quosdam transmisit ad Vltima Mundi  
Littora, doct●…ros Gentes quo numina ritu  
Sint oranda, quibus Coel●… placabile Sacris.   
In English thus:  

As Noah sent from the Ark his sons, to teach  
The Laws of God unto the World a right;  
So Christ his Servants sent abroad to preach  
The Word of Life, and Gospel to each Wight:  
No place lay shadowed from that glorious Light:  
The farthest Isles, and Earth's remotest bounds,  
Embraced their Faith, and joyed at their sweet sounds.   
(12) To which effect also the sayings of S. john Chrysostome, Bishop of Constantinople, enforce, who 
Chrysost. in Serm. de Pe●…cost.  showing the increase of Christianity, and the success of the Gospel preached, showeth the power thereof to have extended, not only to the Country's far jacent in the Continent, but also to the islands situated in the Ocean itself, and amongst them expressly nameth this our Britain; whose Inhabitants (saith he) have also consented to the word which is planted in every heart, in honour whereof they have erected their Temples and Altars. And again: Those Britain's (saith he) which had formerly fed upon human flesh, making no difference betwixt the blood of man and beast, now through the power of the word by them embraced, have learned the law of true piety, and give themselves to a religious abstinence, and holy fasts. Of which Barbarism S. Jerome also complained, that some of those 
Adverse. Ioui●…. li. 2  Nations used to eat the buttocks of boys, and Paps of Virgins, which in their Feasts were served for the daintiest dishes. But elsewhere speaking of the Britain's conversion, he saith, that they had turned themselves 
Epitaph. Marcellae Viduae.  from their western Paganism, and now had di●…ected their faces towards jerusalem in the East, whose beauty shined in the word of God.  
(13) And thus we see by the planting of the Gospel in this Island, the saying of the Psalmist accomplished, that God would give his son Christ the Heathen 
Psal. 2. 8.  for his inheritance, and the Ends of the Earth (the proper attribute of this our Britain) to be his possession. And the success in History most apparently showeth these parts (by an especial prerogative) to be Christ's Kingdom. For albeit that jerusalem and Antioch may rightly 
Act. 11. 26.  claim the precedency of all other places, the one being as it were the chamber where Christians were first borne, and the other the font where they were first Christened with that most sacred name: yet britain in some other graces hath outstripped them all, having the glory to be graced with the first Christian King that 
Britain had the first Christian King. Ex Archi●…. Civit. London.  ever reigned in the world, which was our renowned Lucius, the first fruits of all the Kings that ever laid their Crowns at the foot of our saviours Cross: as also for producing the first Christian Emperor that 
Britain had the first Christian Emperor.  ever by public authority established the Gospel thorough the world, which was Constantine the Great, borne and brought up here in Britain by Queen Helena, a most virtuous and religious British Lady: 
Helena mother of Constantine a Britain.  unto whose days the succession of Christianity did here continue, as by the martyrdoms of many Saints under Dioclesian is apparent. Herein also reigned the King that first uncrowned the head of the usurping 
King Henry the Eighth the first that quailed the Pope. Apoc. 9 2. King. 18. 4. Gen. 26. 18.  Beast, and triple-headed Cerberus, and freed the Land from his devouring Locusts: putting down Idolatry with Hezekiah that broke the Brazen Serpent: and with Isaac new digged the Wells that those Philistines had stopped. And lastly hath this Island produced that most royal and Christian Monarch, whose learned pen hath first depainted Antichrist, and pierced the heart 
King james.  of all Papal Supremacy, as the sword of Gedeon did Zalmunna (
* For so the word Zalmunna signifieth, judg. 7. 20.  the Image of trouble) King of Madia●…. And as a Lion hath he met that crooked 
a Isa. 27. 1.  Serpent in the way of his usurped authority; whereby in short time undoubtedly the 
b Hos. 13. 8.  Kall of his heart will be broken, if other Potentates likewise by his most godly example, cast off the yoke of vassalage, and in their several Dominions govern (as free Princes ought) the people that GOD hath committed to their charge. So that in those and many other the like Princes of this happy Island, most properly is performed that prophetical promise made unto the Church of Christ: that Kings should become her nursing Fathers, and Queens should be her nursing Mothers: Of both which may be 
Isa. 49. 23.  truly said to Britain, in imitation of that of Solomon; Many kingdoms have done gloriously, but thou hast surmounted them all. 
Pro. 31. 29.   
(14) And of such power hath Christ been in these His Possessions, that even the Hostile Kings and Conquerors thereof, were they never so savage and Idolatrous 
Britain conu●…ted her Conq●…rors to the faith of Christ.  at their first entrance, yet when they here had seated for a time they became mild and religious, and gladly submitted their hearts to the Religion of those, whose necks themselves held under the yoke of subjection.  
(15) Such were the Romans in this Island, whose 
Ho●… 〈◊〉. c. 9  Deputies at the dayspring almost of Christianity were converted; as Trebellius, Pertinax, and others, which submitted themselves to that profession, and were motives to King Lucius more publicly to maintain the same: as also Constantius the father of great Constantine, that here in Britain permitted the profession of the Gospel, with the erections of Churches for the true service of God, and prohibited the superstitious worships of the Gentiles.  
(16) The Saxons after them (in time, but not in Idolatry) had never tasted the living waters of Siloh, till they were here seated in Christ's Possession, where they changed their affections as far from their wont manners, as did the Messengers to jehu, which turned after his Chariot to destroy the Altars of Baal: or 
2. King. 9 18.  as Saul and his servants, who no sooner had entered Naioth in Ramah, but that their spirits were joined to the Prophets, and the heat of their fury, with their 
1. Sam. 19 20.  garments, cast down at samuel's feet.  
(17) The Danes likewise, their Conquerors, and Successors in this Royal Throne, ever until then were both bloody and barbarous, and therefore of all our Writers commonly called the Pagan Danes; whose many desolations and ruins remain as records of their cruelties in many places even unto this day: yet being a while in this Land, King Guthurn, with thirty of his chief Princes and people, were drawn by the valour 
Or 〈◊〉  and virtue of King Alured to receive the Christian Faith, by whose bounty thereupon they enjoyed the possession of a fair portion of this Kingdom. And afterward Canutus, their greatest King, no sooner almost had this Imperial Diadem set upon his head, but that he held it his chief Majesty to be the vassal of Christ, confessing him only to be King of Kings: and with such religious devotion as then was taught, crowned the Crucifix at Winchester with the Crown 
C●… crow●…d the Crucifix with the Crown he wore. H●…. 〈◊〉. lib. 〈◊〉. P●…chr. li. 〈◊〉. c. 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. li. 1. Acts and Mo●…. lib. 3. p. 〈◊〉.  he wore: and never after, thorough all his reign, by any means would wear the same: and the Danes his Soldiers remaining in England, began by little and little to embrace Christianity, and in short time were all converted to the Faith. Thus then we see the happy increase of these holy seeds springing from the furrows of this blessed ground: and the Tents of Se●… to be spread upon the Mountains of Britain, wherein God (according to his promise) persuaded us who 
Gen. 〈◊〉. 27. Orig●… upon 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  are of japheth, to dwell.  
(18) As hitherto we have searched the first foundation of our Faith, so neither want we testimonies concerning the continuance of the same in this Land unto following Posterities; although the injury of Time and War have consumed many Records. For the Britain's that were daily strengthened in their received faith, by the Doctrine of many learned and godly men, left not their first love with the Church 
Apoc. 2. 4.  of Ephesus, but rather took hold of their skirts, as the Prophet speaketh, until the tortures of Martyrdom 
Zecha. 8. 23.  cut them off by death: And those Fathers even from the Disciples themselves, held a succession in Doctrine, (notwithstanding some repugnancy was made by 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  the Pagans) and preached the Gospel with good success, 
〈◊〉.  even till the same at length went forth with a b●…lder countenance, by the favourable Edicts of Adrian, 
●…useb. 〈◊〉. 4 c. 〈◊〉. etc. 13. & lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 5.  Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius Emperors of Rome (as Eusebius hath noted:) and in Britain was established by the authority of Lucius their King: whereby this was the first of all the Provinces (saith 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. lib. 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  Marcus Sabellicus) that received the Faith by public ordinance: Of the te●…chers of those times Bale from some other hath these verses. 
Sicut erat celebris cultu numeroque Deorum  
Cum iovis imperium staret, Britannica tellus:  
Sic ubi terrestres caelo descendit ad or as  
Expectata salus, patribus fuit inclyta sanctis.  
Qui Neptunicolûm campos, & Cambrica rura,  
Coryneasque casas, locadesolata, colebant.  
As were the Britain's famous for their zeal  
To Gentle Gods, whiles such they did adore▪  
So, when the Heavens to Earth did Truth reveal,  
Blessed was that Land with Truth and Learning's store:  
Whence British Plains, and Cambri as desert ground,  
And Cornewalls Crags, with glorious Saints abound.   
In which number were Eluanus & Meduinus, those 
Floren. Wigorn. Two learned Divines sent to the Bishop of Rome.  two learned Divines, which were sent by King Lucius unto Eleutherius Bishop of Rome, with whom returned two other famous Clerks, whose names were Faganus and Damianus; these together, both preached 
Alij Fagatius vel Fagatius & Divines.  and baptised amongst the Britain's, whereby many daily were drawn to the Faith: And, as a worthy and ancient 
* Dicetus Deane of London: a Manuscript in the King's Libratie, ad ●…n. 178.  Historian saith: The Temples which had been founded to the Honour of their many Gods, were then dedicated to the one and only true God: For there were in Britain eight and twenty Flamens, and three Archflamins, in stead of which, so many Bishops and Archbishops were appointed: under the Archbishop of London were the Provinces of Loegria and Cornubia: under York, Deira, and Albania: under Vrbs Legionum, Cambria: By which means, this happy Kingdom under 
Saint David's in Wales.  that godly King, was nobly beautified with so many Cathedral Churches, and Christian Bishops Sees, before any other kingdom of the world.  
That this Lucius should be the Apostle to the Bavarians, or that his sister Emerita was crowned with the 
King Lutius the Apostle to the Banarians. Aegidius Scudus de Prisca Rhaetia. Hermanus Schedelius, cap. 3.  flames of Martyrdom fifteen years after his death, I leave to the credit of Aegidius Scudus, and Hermanus Schedelius the reporters, and to the best liking of the readers. But most certain it is, that the Christian faith was still professed in this Island, sound and undefiled, as Beda witnesseth; notwithstanding the cruel persecutions 
Beda. Hist. ●…nglic lib. 1. cap. 4.  of the bloody Emperors.  
19 For, all this time (saith the said Dicetus) Christian Religion flourished quietly in Britanny, till in Dioclesian's 
Dicetus ad annum 287.  time, their Churches were demolished, their holy Bible's castinto Bonfires, the Priests with their faithful flock bloodily murdered. In which number, about the year two hundred ninety three, as we read (in Beda, Malmesburie, Randulphus, and others) Alban with his teacher Amphibalus were both of them martyred for the profession of the Gospel at the old 
Malmesburie. Randulphus.  Town Verolanium: as also in Leicester, those two Noble Citizens, Aaron, and julius, with multitudes both of men and women in sundry places (saith Beda) as shortly after no less than a Thousand Saints suffered 
Beda lib. 1. ca 7. At Lichfield 1000 Saints suffered death. Matth. 27. Liechfields' Arms.  death at Lichfield, whereupon the place was called another Golgotha, or field of blood: In memory whereof, the City beareth for Arms to this day, in an Eschucheon of Landscape, sundry persons diversly Martyred. And yet after these times also the Britain's continued constant in Christianity, and the censures of their Bishops (for the great estimation of their Constancy, piety, and learning) required, and approved in great points of Doctrine among the assemblies of some General Counsels; as that of Sardis and Nice, in the time of great Constantine (the first Christian Emperor, and this our Country man, whose blessed days gave free way to that Profession, to the Counsels Authority, and to the whole world Peace) had we our Bishop's present; whose forwardness against the Arrian Heresy, afterwards Athanasius advanceth in his Apology 
The Bishops of Britain withstood the Arrian Heresy.  unto jovinian the Emperor, among three hundred Bishops assembled at the Council of Sardice, in Anno three hundred and fifty: whose words (as Nicephorus reports them) are these. Know most Christian Emperor 
Nicephorus Ecclesiast. Hist. Athanasius Apolo. 2.  (saith he) that this faith hath been always preached and professed, and that all Churches of Spain, Britain, France and Germany at this day with one voice do approve the same. As also at that of Ariminum, in the year three hundred fifty nine, and in the reign of Constantius, who caused four hundred western Bishops to be there summoned in favour of the Arrians, whereof three were out of Britain, (as Sulpitius Severus the good Bishop of Burges hath reported) that 
Sulpitius Severus, lib. 2.  gave their suffrages against that Heresy. These doth Hilary term the Bishops of the Provinces of Britain, 
Hilary in an Epist. to the Bishops.  by whom they were somewhat derided, because being far from their own Country they lived upon the emperors charge. And Beda testifieth, that from Dioclesian's time they both re-edified their former Temples, and founded new also in memory of 
Bed. lib. 1. cap. 8.  their then fresh-bleeding Martyrs, and enjoyed a general and joyful peace in their religious profession, till that Arrian Heresic having first filled the Continent, sought and found passage over the Seas into our Island.  
Gennadius in his Catalogues Illustrium Divorum 
Gennadius in Catal. ilus. Diu.  tells us of an other learned Bishop of Britain, Fastidius; who in the time of Cestius Bishop of Rome, wrote unto one Fatalis a book devita Christians, and another de viduitate servanda; of much divine learning and comfort. Chrysanthus likewise is recorded by Nicephorus, to be son of Bishop Martian, who having 
Nicephorus in Eccles. Hist.  been a Consular Deputy in Italy under Theodosius, and made Lieutenant of Britain, where with great praise he managed the common wealth, was against his will afterward made Bishop at Constantinople of the Novatians, that called themselves Cathari, that is, pure, making a schism in the Church by their denial of Salvation, to such as fell into relapse of sin after Baptism once received. This is that Bishop of whom we read, that of all his Ecclesiastical revenues he reserved only for himself two loaves of bread upon the Lord's 
Tripart. Histor.  day. And in the first Tome of Counsels is mention of Restitutus Bishop of London, whom (because that, as is most probable, Christian Religion had in those primitive times taken more firm footing in Britain then in France) the French Bishops called to their national Council, the second at Arles, in Anno three hundred thirty five, that he might with his Suffrage approve their Decrees. About the year four hundred seventy, was a Provincial Council held in Britain for the reforming of Religion, and repairing of the ruined Churches, which the Pagan marriage of Vortiger had decayed, to the great grief and discontent of the people, a pregnant sign of the continuing zeal, which unto those days had left a glorious memory.  
(20) And the Ensign of Arthur, wherein the 
Arthur's Ensign. Vincentius in his specul●… Historiali.  Virgin with her son in her arms (as is noted by Vincentius) was portrayed, so often displayed for Christ, and his Country's liberty, against the Pagan Saxons, is as a seal to confirm us of their Profession, and doth show the badge of that age's Christianity. But the famous Monastery of Banchor, as a College of divine Philosophers, and by Clarivallensis truly acknowledged to be the Mother of all other in the world, and her Monks 
Clarivallensis. Bangor in Wales the first Monastery in the world. Bed. Hist. Eccles. l. 2. 6. 2.  distributed into seven several parts, every part numbering three hundred souls, and earning their bread by their daily labours, doth notably witness to all succeeding ages, that Christian Religion was then both planted and preached in this Island. And in the Synod held at Augustine's Oak were seven old Britain Bishops, besides other Doctors, who met with that Roman Legate, and not in points of doctrine, but rather in their several rites and ceremonies did vary, by any thing that in that Assembly appeared. For as it is most undoubted, that (if we speak properly) jerusalem is the Mother of us all, and of all Churches; and our 
Beda lib. 2. cap. 2.  former allegations do evince, that the first Plantation of the British Faith was altogether by jews and others of the Eastern Church: so the very rites of this Religious College of Banchor do evidently prove, that their first institution in Religion came from the East, Beda showing that in all of them they dissented from the Roman Church; yea, and that they never did, nor then would acknowledge any authority of the Bishop of Rome over them in matters of the Church and service of God. All which acordeth right well with that before cited out of Zachary, that the waters of life should issue from jerusalem. And S. Hierome, who spoke most properly, in saying, the Britain's leaving Paganism, had turned their faces to jerusalem in the East.  
The foundation of the said College is ascribed to King Lucius, from whose time unto the entrance of this Austin the Monk, four hundred thirty eight years were expired: in all which space we have seen that the Christian Faith was both taught and embraced in this Island, notwithstanding the continual persecutions of the Romans, Huns, Picts, and Saxons: which last made such desolations in the outward face of the Church, that they drove the Christian Bishops into the 
The Bishops of York and London driven into the Deserts. Acts and Monuments, lib. 2. Heb. 11. 25.  deserts of Cornwall and Wales. In which number were Theomis and Thadioceus Bishops of London and York, choosing rather to suffer adversity with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. By whose labours the Gospel was plentifully propagated among those vast mountains, and those parts especially above all other made very glorious, by the multitudes of their holy Saints and learned Teachers.  
(21) Last, (for the close of all) that these testimonies are sincerely by us produced, for the first preaching and planting of the Gospel, and by such means and men as we have declared, and particularly by joseph of Arimathca and his associates, the consent of all Writers, both foreign and homebred, doth sufficiently approve: and the reverend regard had of the place, with the many Charters thereof to this day remaining, are strong inducements for those our first Apostles Residencies and Burials: whereof one, exemplified under the Seal of King Edward the third, is to be seen at this day, reciting that the Abbey of Glastenburie being burned in the time of King Henry 
Glastenbury Abbey burnt.  the second while it was in his hands, at the request of the Patriarch of jerusalem (then present in England) instigated further both by the Bishops and Nobilitic, he did re-edify the same, causing diligent search to be 
Glastenburie Abbey new built by Henry the second  made for the ancient Charters of that foundation, and among many recited in that exemplification, in one of them it is called, Origo Religionis in Anglia: in another, Tumulum Sanctorum, ab ipsis discipulis Domini aedificatum, fuisse venerabilem. Also in the same Charter amongst many other Kings, there is mention made of King Arthur, to be a great Benefactor unto that Abbey; 
King Arthur a great benefactor to Glastenburie Abbey. The Arms of King Arthur at Glastenburie.  whose Arms upon the stone walls, both in the Chapel (called S. joseph) and in divers other places of the Abbey, are cut: which is an Eschucheon, whereon a Cross with the Virgin Mary in the first quarter is set, and is yet to this day remaining over the Gate of entrance, and is held to be also the Arms of that Abbey. This place is said to have been given to joseph and 
Glastenburie Abbey given to joseph by 〈◊〉 Two divines ●…ent by 〈◊〉 to Rome from Glastenburie. W●…lles called Belga.  his brethren, by arviragus then King of Britain: and from hence were those two divine Doctors sent to Elutherius by King Lucius, as by their Epithets doth appear: the one of them called Eluanus Aualonius, or of Glastenburie; and the other, Medwinus of Belga, that is, Welles, near unto this place. And to these persons and place, Polydore Virgil, that dwelled among us, 
Angl. hist. lib. 2.  and had perused most of our Antiquities, ascribeth the original and precedency of our Christian Faith, in these words: Haec omnia Christianae pietatis in Britannia extitêre primordia, quam deinde Lucius Rex accendit & adauxit, etc. And our other latter Writers likewise with him agree of this place, further affirming, that at first but poor, and without all pomp, it was their Oratory, built only of writhe wands, as both 
a In his catalogue of Saints.  Capgrave, 
b V●…ta. lib. 1.  Bale, 
c In his preface.  Maior, 
d De Antiq. ●…ar. cap. 7.  Scroop, 
e Chap. 47.  Harding, 
f thorn.  thorn, and others affirm: Afterwards by divers Princes raised unto greater glory, with many large privileges & Charters granted; to wi●…, of 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 
Many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Conqueror, Rufus, and others: all which were diligently perused by King Henry the second, as we have said, & that rectory in these Charters continually termed The Grave of Saints: The mother Church: ●…he Disciples foundation, and dedicated unto Christ, as the first place in this Land wherein hi●… Gospel was fi●…st preached and embraced.  
(22) To conclude this digresson, grown much greater than was intended, we see it is most apparent, that the Britaines had a settled opinion in 〈◊〉, 
〈◊〉 processed Christianity ●…ore it came 〈◊〉 Ro●…. Esay 49. 22. Dan. 11. 31. Micah 4. 8. Esay 2.  before the sound thereof was heard from ●…me; and that the Lord had here set up his Standard, whereunto these Islanders resorted as to the Tower of their strength, and was the first Kingdom of the Gentiles, that are said to bring their sons thus in their arms, and their daughters thus upon their shoulders, unto the Lord's Sanctuary: whose knowledge continually increasing, hath hitherto, to England's great joy and fame, been still continued, though the spiritual sparks thereof for a season have sometimes been covered in the cinders of the Pagan's desolations, or with the superstitious worships of man's inventions; both which now dispersed as clouds before the Sun, the light appeareth in his full strength, and the most pure waters of the word run untroubled. This Island then, in this thing made happy before the most, the Inhabitants became instructors of others, and in their earthly vessels bore this heavenly liquor, which thorough their golden Conduits ran into many other Countries, and filled their Cisterns with this water of life. For from hence was netherlands converted to Christianity, as testifieth the story of Swithbertus: Burgundy by 
Swithbertus.  our Columbanus, saith Sigebert: Scotland by Brandanus, 
Sig●…bert.  as Bernard the French Monk affirmeth: Swedia by 
Bernard. Petrus de Natalibus. Matthew of Westminster. The Britain's con●…erted many Countries.  Gallus, as saith Petrus de Natalibus: and Frisia by Wilfred, as is recorded by Beda and Matthew of Westminster: the Franconians, Hessians, and Thuringians, by Winifred our Devonshire man: the Norwegians by Nicolas Brekspere of Middlesex: and the Lithuanians by Thomas Walden of Essex. Again, if we shall cast our eye on all the Reformed Churches in Christendom, and with them on Luther, Husse, and Prage, they will all confess, they first derived their light from the learned Wickleffe of Oxford; the Lamp of whose sacred knowledge hath illumined not only all the corners of this Kingdom, but also all those foreign States, whom it hath pleased God to deliver from the thraldom and vengeance of Babylon: so that with the Germane Poet, to God's glory, and Britain's praise, the English thus may sing: 
Quin se Relligio multùm debere Britannis  
Seruata, & latè circùm dispersa, fatetur.  
Religion doth confess, to Britain deep she stands  
In debt, by whom preserved, she now fills foreign Lands.   
In which regard, Polydore Virgil doth rightly call 
Polydor. Virgil.  England the Parent or Mother-Monasterie of all Europe. As likewise Peter Ramus termeth Britain to be 
Peter 〈◊〉.  twice Schoolmistress unto the Kingdom of France. 
Annals of Flanders.  And the Annals of Flanders testify, that no Nation had so many Divine Nobles (they might likewise have said, so many Noble Divines) as England hath had; neither any more bountiful to God's Saints. Our Kings for sanctity ranked before all other Potentates of the earth, as Vincentius recordeth: Our Nobles truly honourable, 
〈◊〉.  and the sons of Princes: Our Divines and 
Eccles. 10. 17. jer. Lam. 4. 7.  renowned Nurseries of learning and Religion, shining like the two greater lights in our British firmament. And all of us claiming our spiritual lots of I●…ritance 
Ezech. 47. 22.  in the midst of the Tribes of Israel.   

OTHO. CHAPTER X.  
But leaving Christ's proceedings 
Ann. Do. 70.  to the dispose of himself, let us return to the subject from whence we have wandered, and continue the successions of Great Britain's Monarches, unto them that have held it, whether by chance of war, or voice of Election: In which sort (as is said) Galba got it, and but short time kept it: And from him Otho took it, and a shorter time enjoyed it.  
(2) Whose Original (saith Tacitus) was from 
Otho his original. Tacit. Hist. 2. cap. 17.  Ferrentium, his Father a Consul, his mother's blood somewhat disparaged, but yet not base; his youth run over with voluptuous wantonness and prodigal expenses, more ready for disturbances, then depending upon preferment or dignity of State; and having gone through all his wealth, retained only the hearty affections of the Soldiers, which Galba had utterly alienated. Neither did Otho himself bandy against Galba, but Vitellius in Germany was favoured against 
Vitellius much favoured.  both; Two persons so vile and ambitious, as was much feared, would prove the scourge of the Empire, and the ruin of Rome.  
(3) Unto Vitellius sided the Britain's, under the Conduct of Tribellius Maximus, (remembered before) a man unfit for war, and unexperienced of service, compounded altogether of covetousness, and for his niggardly sparings, and unmerciful pollings, exceedingly hated of his Army: which was further aggravated by Roscius Calius, Lieutenant of the twentieth 
In chap. 7. sect. 24.  Legion, his ancient Enemy, betwixt whom the sparks of envy shortly burst forth into flames of reciprocal accusations. Trebellius being charged of insufficiency for command, with the beggaring of the Province, 
Roscius Calius & Trebellius accuse each other.  and Legions; and he again accusing Calius of factious behaviours, & dissolving of discipline: through which dissensions a negligent regard was held of the Soldiers, who carried themselves arrogantly, even against both; and as men that had rather be doing ill, 
The Soldiers thereby disordered.  then doing nothing, grew daily into mutinies. In these stirs Maximus finding himself unable to withstand Roscius, (the common affection swaying on his side) with his friends and followers entered Germany in the quarrel of Vitellius, and joined those British forces to maintain his cause, who now presuming upon his own strength, and others his Confederates, ambitiously played the Prince, grown to that height even of nothing.  
(4) Otho his Concurrent (in this thing only commendable) sought by all means to stay the effusion of more civil blood, and that already spent, so possessed his thoughts, that his mind was still distracted and nightly affrighted with the seeming appearance 
Otho affrighted in the night.  of Galba's ghost: for which causes he sent conditions of peace to Vitellius, offering him an equal part 
Sueton. in vita Otho. sect. 7. His offer to Vitellius.  in the Empire, and to give him also his daughter in marriage. But Vitellius disdaining any competition, refuseth all Capitulations, and prepares himself for the war. Otho thus constrained, sets forth his forces, and in three several skirmishes had the victory, 
Hath the victory in three skirmishes. Lost the day in the fourth.  but in the fourth at Brixellum lost the day; yet not so much weakened or unrecoverable, (his Army in number and courage surmounting the other) as himself was unwilling to try the chance of war any more; for being importuned by his Captains and Leaders, to reinforce the Battle, with 
Importuned by his Soldiers to renew the battle, is unwilling.  many reasons, and probabilities of an assured victory, in a thankful and short Oration, answered thus their Petitions.  
(5) To hazard your virtues and valours for one Man's estate, I hold dangerous, and needless it is, 
His Oration to his Soldiers.  that my life should be prized at so dear a rate; already fortune and I have had sufficient experience each of others, and not the least in this my short time of glory, wherein I have learned, it is harder to moderate affections in the excess of felicity, than either industry or hazard for attaining the same. These civil wars Vitellius began; which I for my part purpose not to continue; and hereby let Posterity esteem of Otho, that others have kept the Empire longer, but never any that left it more valiantly. Let this mind therefore accompany me to the Grave, that you for your parts would have died for my sake, and I to save your lives die voluntary and unuanquished. I blame not the Gods, nor envy your Emperors rising glory: It is sufficient that my house hath touched the highest strain of Honour, and myself to be left in records, The sovereign Monarch of the World.  
(6) And thereupon solemnly taking his leave of 
He killeth himself.  the whole Army, went to his Tent, and with his dagger wounded himself under the left pap, whereof immediately he died, in the year of his age thirty seven, and days of his reign ninety five. He was of 
His age and reign.  stature but low, feeble in his feet, and unto so great a mind, his body not any ways proportionable; his 
His lineaments and habit.  face without hair and womanlike, his attire nice and delicate, and his life and death nothing at all consonant or agreeable.   

VITELLIUS. CHAPTER XI.  
WHen certain news of Othoes death was brought 
Ann. Do. 70.  Vitellius, he presently assumed the name of Caesar, and administered the affairs of the Empire, with no less authority than the absolute Commander of the World. And of such acceptance was the accident, that he dedicated the dagger wherewith it was done, 
Vitellius glad of Othoes' death.  unto Mars in his Temple at Colleyn, as the lucky instrument of his advanced Estate.  
(2) Naturally ambitious he was, and now the 
Sueton. in vit. Vit●…ll. cap. 10. joseph. bell. jud. lib. 5. cap. 8.  same the more enhanced by his strengths of the Germane Soldiers, and the flatteries of the Senate, which ever bare sail with the fairest wind. His entrance into Rome was above measure magnifical, having the 
Ot●…o magnifical above measure.  naked sword of julius Caesar borne before him, with sound of Trumpets, Ensigns, Standards, Banners, and Flags, accompanied with an Army worthy of a better Prince than Vitellius was.  
(3) His original is diversly reported: either framed 
His descent diversly reported.  according to the affections of his flatterers, or blasted with the tongues of depraving backe-biters; & both in extremes, extremely disagreeing. For Q. Eulogius, as Suetonius writeth, deduceth his descent from 
Cap. 1.  Faunus' King of Aborigines, and Lady Vitellia his wife, worshipped in many places for a Goddess. But Cassius Severus affirmeth him to be sprung from no better root than a Cobbler, and a common naughty-pack 
Tacit. hist. c. 13.  the daughter of a Baker. Howsoever, true it is, that Lucius his father bore thrice the Consulship in Rome, was Provost of Syria, and in such credit with the Emperor Claudius, that in his absence and expedition into Britain, he had the whole charge of the Empire committed unto him: himself in special favour with Tiberius, and in use for his strumpets: with Caius, for 
Vitellius in favour with divers former Emperors.  his Chariot-running: with Claudius, for his dice-plaiing: and with Nero, for his flattery: unto whose Ghost in public show he sacrificed, and disposed the Imperial affairs at the discretion of base Stageplayers.  
(4) His unmeasurable gluttony was such, that the 
His excessive gluttony. Sueton. in vit. Vitell. cap. 13.  whole employments of his Captains were to provide him Cates, and that in such excess, that two thousand dishes of fish, and seven thousand of fowl, were served to his Table at one supper; and yet was he not ashamed to commend his own Temperance, in a set Oration before the Senate and People, who well knew him to be guiltless of that virtue: insomuch that Tacitus reporteth, in those few months wherein he reigned, he had wasted nine hundred millions of sesterces, which 
Tacit. hist. 2. c. 27. His huge expense of treasure. joseph. bell. jud. lib. 5. c. 13.  amounteth to seven millions, thirty one thousand, two hundred fifty pounds sterling. And josephus thinketh if he had lived longer, the whole revenues of the Empire had not been sufficient to maintain his Gluttony. A Prince otherwise no way memorable, as being indeed without skill in profession of Arms, without counsel in matters of the greatest importance, commonly drowned in surfeit, and far unmeet to wield weighty affairs.  
(2) These defects found ready vent to his Opposites, and gave liberty of speech in the Assemblies of 
Vespasian his Abettors for the Empire.  their Estates: amongst whom Vespasian was held the only morning-star, worthy to ascend on the setting of this darkend Sun; unto whom Licinius Mutianus, Governor of Syria, was no averse, Marcus Clunius Rufus of Spain stood very well affected, and Tiberius Alexander of Egypt for him the foremost. Also with him sided the Kings Sohemus, Antiochus, and Agrippa, with the beautiful Queen Berenice: unto whom Vespasian and his son Titus were well known, Governors 
Tacit. hist. 〈◊〉. c. ●…3.  together in the Provinces of Syria and judea.  
(6) The first that did revolt were the Illyrian 
The first revolters from Vitellius.  Bands: to suppress which, Vitellius sent unto Vectius Bolanus Lieutenant of Britain, for aid of that Province, having had good experience of their service in his wars before. As when Hordeonius Flaccus brought 
Tacit. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. c. ●…0.  eight thousand Britain's to his quarrel against Otho. As also when Trebellius Maximus (formerly mentioned) joined them to the Germane forces. Which last 
Tacit. i●… 〈◊〉. Agric.  man had now again resumed his former place in Britanny, without either Majesty or Authority; but rather ruled by way of entreaty, and at the discretion of the Soldiers.  
(7) Unto whom, this Vectius Bolanus succeeded for Deputy: a man of no great parts in war, but more temperate, and not odious for any crime. His answer unto Vitellius was, that the Country of Britain stood not so quiet, that he might spare any number thence, the Soldiers and Confederates having their hands full, to hold all upright. Neither (in truth) were they fast to his side, but rather affected Vespasian, 
Hist. 3. cap. 9  whose reputation in warlike affairs was first gotten amongst them in Britain, in the reign of Claudius: though we find in Tacitus, that the Vexillaries of three 
Hist. 〈◊〉. c. ●…9. Hist. 3. cap. 〈◊〉.  British Legions followed Vitellius in his expedition against the Illyrian Army, wherein the flower and strength of all the Britain's are reported to have been, and that their fourteenth Legion came to his aid, in whom notwithstanding he had no good confidence: but hearing the daily revolts of the Provinces, and the approach of Vespasian, was minded to resign his dignity unto him, had not the outcries of the people been against it.  
(8) Finally, when he had reigned only eight months, 
Hi●… 〈◊〉.  and five days, as josephus accounteth, he was slain in most ignominious manner: for his hands 
His de●…. joseph. bell. I●…. cap. ●…3.  were bound behind his back, a halter fast about his neck, his clothes rend and torn, a sword point set under his chin, and head held backward by a bush of hair, as condemned malefactors were used, to the end, that he might see and be seen of all, to satisfy their malice and augment his miseries. He died aged fifty seven; and as he is set in the Table 
His age.  after Malmesburie, Huntingdon, and others our English writers, the ninth Calends of januarie: But yet it should seem by his edicts set out against Astrologers, that commanded all of that profession to depart out of Rome and Italy before the first day of October, that much about that time he should die: for Suetonius recordeth, that the said Astrologers set another against him in the words as follow. WE GIVE WARNING 
Suee. in vita Vitel. Sect. 14.  BY THESE PRESENTS UNTO VITELLIUS GERMANICUS, THAT BY THE CALENDS OF THE SAID OCTOBER HE be NOT SEEN IN ANY PLACE WHERESOEVER.  
(9) Of stature he was exceedingly tall, his face red, and a fat paunch, and somewhat limping upon one leg, by a hurt formerly received.   

FLAVIUS VESPASIAN. CHAPTER XII.  
SO acceptable was the fall of this Prince, and such 
Ann. Do. 72.  hopes revived at the entrance of his Successor, as that all men's minds were raised to an expectation, that the glory of the Empire, so much Eclipsed through the civil broils of Galba, Otho, and this last Vitellius, should now shine again in the beauty of her former liberty, by the desired government of aged 
Vespasians worth and estimation.  Vespasian; whose integrity, valour, and service, had been sufficiently approved by his many Expeditions in all the Provinces wherein he had to do.  
(2) His descent was from the Flavian family, and 
His original. Sueton. in vit. Vespas. sect. 1.  that but base and obscure: his Father called Titus Flavius, his Mother Polla Vespasia, his Wife Domilia, and his Sons Titus, and Domitian, both emperors succeeding after him.  
(3) In his young years, he served as a Military 
His employments in former ti●…es. Tacit. in vita Agric. 〈◊〉. 189.  Tribune in the Country of Thracia, and as Questor in the Provinces of Crete, and Cyrene: Under Claudius the Emperor, he went forth into Germany, as Lieutenant of a Band, and from thence was sent into Britanny, to be Leader of the second Legion, where the foundation of that greatness whereunto after he attained, was first laid: for as Suetonius hath written, therein with victory he fought thirty set Battles, and was also Conqueror of the I'll of Wight: whereby two mighty Nations were subdued to the Romans, and twenty Towns won from the Britain's: for which exploits he had Triumphal ornaments, worthily assigned him by Claudius, whose own Triumph, (as josephus saith) was gotten without his pains, but by the only prowess of Vespasian. After this, he governed 
josephus ●…el. I●…d. lib. 3. cap. 1.  Africa with singular integrity and much honour, and was lastly sent by Nero for his Viceroy into Syria upon this occasion.  
(4) There had been spread thorough all the East-parts, 
Sueton. in vit. Vespasi. Sect. 4.  an old Prophecy and settled opinion constantly believed, that it was appointed by the Destinies, there should come out of jury him that should be Lord of the whole world: which how it served for the jews to revolt, or for the Romans to apply only unto Vespasian, 
An ancient prophecy in all the East parts.  the event showeth, which cannot agree to any other, then to the person and power of Christ jesus, there borne, and throughout the whole world still reigning: Yet upon the confidence of such an accomplishment, the jews revolted from the Romans obedience, and 
The cause of the jews revolt.  slew their Precedent Sabinus by name, putting to flight Gallus, Lieutenant General of Syria, that came to his aid, and got from him the main Standard, or Ensign of the Eagle. This Nation was so populous and strong, that none was thought fitter to stay their attempts, than was Vespasian, who with great honour and approbation, reduced that Province unto their former subjection, and there remained the short time of Galba, Otho, and Vitellius their Reigns; of whose 
joseph. de Ballo jud.  proceedings there josephus writeth at large, unto whom I must refer the unsatisfied Reader.  
(5) All which times, the civil stirs amongst the Romans, gave the Provinces occasion to attempt their former liberties; as did the Batavians, Germans and French, with whom the Britain's also took hart 
Taci●…. Hist. 3. cap. 9  to revolt: But the first that sided with Vespasian, were two thousand expert Soldiers, drawn out of the Mesian Legions, and sent to aid Otho against Vitellius; who marching as far as Aquileia, they heard there of the certain death of Otho, and thereupon taking the advantage of the offered opportunity, with an uncontrolled liberty, committed many robberies and outrageous villainies: In so much, that fearing condign punishment, they held it their best policy, to combine some special man by their favours unto them, whereby their facts might be either quite smothered, or lightly reprehended; neither in their opinions was any so gracious for desert or power, as was Vespasian, and therefore with one assent they proclaimed him Emperor, and wrote his name in their 
Vespasian chosen Emperor by the Mesian Soldiers.  Banners, thinking themselves as worthy to make an Emperor, as were the Legions either of Spain, or Germany.  
(6) Of the like mind were his own Legions in Syria and jury, grown now so famous by the prosecution of those wars, that they highly conceited his valour, and their own sufficiency to be inferior to none: And therefore all on the sudden at Caesarca, both Captain and Soldier salute him Emperor; which 
By his own. joseph. bell. jud. lib. 5. cap. 10.  title when he resolutely gainsaid and refused, with drawn swords they threatened his death. Thus then being brought into danger every way, he sent his letters unto Tiberius Alexander, Lieutenant of Egypt, who likewise at Alexandria, presently proclaimed him Emperor.  
(7) At this time Vectius Bolanus sent by Vitellius, 
Tacit. in vit. Agric. fol. 187.  was Lieutenant of Britain, there ruling in a gentler and milder manner than was fit for so fierce a Nation: for the Soldiers having gotten head, by the remiss Government of Trebellius Maximus, continued the same looseness in discipline still: and Bolanus in stead of awe and Obedience, retained only their affections and good wills. But most especially the short Reigns of these last Emperors (whose beginnings were altogether employed to satisfy their licentious pleasures, and latter times spent for the defence of their Lives from violent Deaths) gave way to many imperfections of the Governors, and misdemeanours of the common Soldiers.  
(8) But when Vespasian had assumed the Empire, 
Petilius Cerealis Deputy in Britain.  great Captains and good Soldiers were sent into the Provinces, and into Britain, Petilius Cerealis, that had formerly there made proof of his service under Nero, in the wars against Boduo, and afterwards in other parts, as against the Gauls and Batavians, with prosperous victories. The fame of this man struck 
Yorkshire, Lancashire, Westmoreland, and the Bishop. rick of Durha●….  great terror into the hearts of the wavering Britain's, and amongst them of the * brigants, the most populous State of the whole Province: against whom at his first approach he warred, and in many battles, and some of them bloody, the greatest part of these people were wasted, and their Country came into the Romish subjection.  
(9) Whereby the glory of Cerealis might well have dimmed the fame of his Successor, had not julius Frontinus a great Soldier also, sustained the charge 
julius Frontinus subdueth the Britain's.  with reputation and credit, in subduing the strong and Warlike nation the 
* South-Wales.  Silureses: where he had, beside the force of the enemy to struggle with, the straits, and difficult places of rocks and mountains, for access.  
(10) After whose government (no further Acts being mentioned) julius Agricola, who in Rome had 
julius Agricola Lieutenant in Britain.  been Questor, Tribune, and Praetor, and Lieutenant in Aquitania, was sent General into Britain by Vespasian the Emperor, the year before his death. This man formerly had there served under the command of Petilius Cerealis, whereby he had gained experience both of the People and Province; and at his first approach gathered the Ensigns of the Legions, and other aids of the Auxiliaries, (who for that year attended an end of their travels, because the Summer was almost spent) lest by protracting time, the violence of the Ordovices should further burst forth, who a little before his entrance, had utterly almost cut off a wing which lay on their Borders, the rest of the Country, as men desirous of War, allowing their example.  
Against these Agricola addressed, who kept themselves in places of advantage, and durst not descend into indifferent ground. He therefore being himself foremost, lead up his Army to their encounter, and seconded with the courage of his trained Soldiers, put them all to sword and flight, whereby the 
He overcometh the Ordovices.  whole Nation was almost quite destroyed.  
(11) And now that his fame began to ascend, he knew well that with instance it must be followed, and as the first affairs had issue, the rest would succeed; he therefore deliberated to conquer the Island Mona, from the possession whereof Paulinus Suetonius was revoked, by the general Rebellion under Boduo. But in a purpose not purposed before, and ships wanting, the policy of the Captain devised a passage; for he commanded the most choice of the Aids, to whom the shallows were well known (and without whom the Romans did almost attempt nothing) to put over at once, and suddenly to invade them. These Britain's, after the use of their Country manner, were most skilful swimmers, and in swimming armed, able to govern themselves and horses. The Monaans' thinking themselves secure, for that no Ships were seen in their River, now thus suddenly surprised, as men amazed, firmly thought that nothing could be invincible to them, who came with such resolutions to War, and therefore they humbly desired Peace, and yielded the Island unto Agricolaes' devotion. 
He winneth the Island o●… Mon●….   
(12) Who now in these prosperous proceedings of his fortunes, sought not with any glorious relations or letters of advertisements, to improve and augment the greatness of his honour; but rather in seeking to suppress his fame, made it shine more bright; and addressing himself for civil government, reform many abuses in his House, his Camp, and in the whole Province, and those especially that most touched the poorer sort, as by moderating the 
Agricola good to the poor.  increase of Tribute and Corn, wherewith the Britain's were daily burdened: by the suppressing of which enormities (and the like) an honourable opinion of him was every where entertained, and a general inclination unto Peace, which partly by the negligence, partly by the avarice of former Governors, had been no less feared than War itself.  
(13) And whereas the Britain's hitherto still harried with Oppressions and Wars, had little leisure or will to apply themselves to things which accompany Peace, and are the ornaments of Civil and settled Societies, and therefore were prone upon every occasion to revolt and stir: to induce them by pleasures to quietness and rest, he exhorted them in private, and helped them in public, to build Temples, Houses, and Places of Assemblies, and common resort; and likewise provided that the sons of their Nobles should be instructed 
His good course in winning the people from wildness.  in the liberal Arts and Sciences, commending the industry, and preferring the wits of the Britaines before the Students of France, as being now grown curious to attain the Eloquence of the Roman 
The Britain's ciuili●…ed.  Gentry, (yea even the Gown, the habit of peace and peaceable Arts) and to delight in gorgeous Buildings, Banquets, and Baths.  
(14) And thus far had Agricola proceeded before the death of Vespasian, whose managing of the Imperial dignity was every way answerable to so high a place, and whose death was as much lamented, as his Virtues did surmount his Predecessors. But as touching 
Agricola cureth the blind and the lame, and that miraculously.  his miraculous cures of the Blind and the Lame, as they serve not either to be urged or inserted in this our present History; so yet may they convince the indurate Atheist, whose conscience is seared with the sin of incredulity of the Miracles wrought by our blessed Saviour jesus Christ. For if the wisest Historians 
Suet. in vit. Vespas. sect. 7.  of those times have believed themselves, and left Records upon their credit to following posterities, that by his touch only he cured a Lame-man, and with his 
Tacit. hist. 4. c. 35.  spittle opened the eyes of the Blind, being a mortalland sinful man; shall it then be doubted, that he 
Agricol●…es miracles convince Atheists that d●…ny our S●…uiours miracles.  which knew no sin, neither received the gift by measure, either in power could not, or in act did not work such Miracles as were the witnesses of his Godhead, and for such are recorded to confirm our faith? But to our purpose.  
(15) When Vespasian had lived threescore and nine years, seven months, and seven days, and had 
Vespas●… dieth peaceably. Eus●…b. Eccles. Hist. lib. 3. ca 12. & 13.  reigned ten years, as Eusebius saith, he died peaceably in his Bed; which no Emperor since Augustus ever did, having been a great Scourge and Instrument of God against the miserable jews; whose kingly race from David's line he sought by all means to extirpate, that 
A great scourge of God against the jews.  so all their hopes and expectations might for ever be cut off.  
(16) He was of a middle stature, well set, and strongly compact: his countenance not altogether 
His endow●…nts of body. 〈◊〉 in ●…it. V●…●…●…t. 23. H●… ver●…s.  amiable, neither any ways deformed: a great favourer of Learning, very Liberal, a Just, Wise, and Most Valiant Prince.   

TITUS FLAVIUS VESPASIAN. CHAPTER XIII.  
PResently upon the death of this Emperor, Titus 
Ann. Do. 81.  his eldest son, surnamed Flavius Vespasian, without all contradiction was received and obeyed for his 
Titus' made Emperor without all contradiction.  rightful successor: aswell for that his Father in his lifetime had made him his Partner in the Empire, and at his death by Testament declared him his Heir; as also for the general opinion conceived of him, for his inbred goodness and noble conditions; called & esteemed the lovely darling and delight of mankind. Indeed 
Called the delight of mankind.  of a most comely presence he was, & fitted thereunto with all heroical virtues, a great Soldier, learned in the Arts, a good Orator, a skilful physician, 
Sueton in vit. Tit. Sect. 1. Fitted with all heroical Virtues. His employment in former times.  and could by artificial characters write both very fast and very fair.  
(2) His youth he spent in Military qualities, and served in Germany and Britain with exceeding commendations, and in jury warred with the like glory, which is nothing impaired by the learned style of his Recorder josephus, unto whom again for these affairs I must refer the curious Reader.  
(3) jerusalem, with the slaughter of eleven thousand 
joseph bell. jud. lib. 6. & 7. He won jerusalem in the lifetime of his father.  jews, even on the birth day of his daughter, with such honour he won, that thereupon presently he was saluted Emperor, even in the life time of Vespasian his Father: and from that day carried himself as his Associate in the Empire; for with him he Triumphed, and with him he jointly administered the Censorship, his Colleague he was in the Tribunes authority; and his Companion also in seven Consulships: In all which, though the Edicts went forth in his father's name, yet were they penned by himself. Of this his victory over the jews, he left the remembrance to posterity by stamping upon the reverse of his coins IVD. CAP. with pictures expressing his Triumph and the jews overthrow, which in the front of this Chapter we have also placed.  
(4) Somewhat he was blemished with the love of 
His faults.  Berenice, the beautiful Queen of jewrie, and much more with the murder of Aulus Cinna, only through jealousy conceived of her: and whether that was the sin whereof at his death he repented, is uncertain, when lifting up his eyes to Heaven, he complained 
His repentance at his death.  why his Life should be taken from him, that excepting one offence deserved not to die. As himself in glory wielded the Imperial Sceptre, so did his Substitutes govern the Provinces; at which time in Britain, Agricola was Precedent, and therein had spent almost two years under the reign of Vespasian, in such manner as we have declared.  
(5) In his third year, he discovered new Countries, and parts of this Island, yet untouched, or at leastwise not thoroughly subdued, as altogether unsatiate 
Tacit. in vit. Agric. Agricola enlargeth the Empire.  of that which was gotten, & sought to draw the confines of the Empire with a larger compass: therefore marching Northward to the Frith of * Taus, wasted 
TWEED, as is thought.  all as he went, and without any resistance fortified the places with Castles and Bulwarks, which he stored with sufficient provision; where every Garrison wintering, guarded itself, and with the Summer's service, ever repaired the Winter's events, whereby evermore the Enemy went to the worse, and his designs prospered as himself wished.  
(6) The fourth Summer was spent in perusing and ordering that which he had overrun. And if the glory of the Roman name could have permitted, or so been satisfied, it needed not to have sought other limits of Britain: for 
a The frith of Dunbret●…on.  Glota and 
b Edenb●…rough frith.  Bodotria, two arms of two opposite Seas, shooting far into the Land, and only divided asunder by a narrow partition of ground, the same was both guarded and fortified with Castles and Garrisons: so that the Romans were absolute Lords of all the Southside, and had cast the Enemy as it were into another Island.  
(7) In this state stood this Province of Britain at the death of Titus, whose short reign hath left no long matters of discourse, and his Acts greater under other Emperors, then when he was Emperor himself; yet that little time wherein he governed, was with justice, Liberality and Love of all. A great Enemy he was to Promoters, Pettifoggers, and Extortours of penal laws, 
Titus' governed with love of all.  which Cancer-worms of Commonwealths, and Caterpillars to Courts of justice, he caused to be whipped and banished out of Rome. Loving and familiar he was to all his Subjects, and so desirous to give them satisfaction, that his usual saying was, No man ought to go sad from the speech of a Prince. Merciful he was to the poor, and so ready to do them good, that one day being spent by him without any notable action, in sorrow he said: I have quite lost a day. He died the 
His propensiti●… to do good. Euseb. li. 3. ca 15. His age & reign.  thirteenth of September, the year from Christ's Nativity eighty three, when he had reigned two years and two months, and in the two and fortieth year of his age, being poisoned by Domitian his Brother 
●…uagrius l. 3. c. 41.  and Successor.   

FLAVIUS DOMITIAN. CHAPTER XIV.  
DOmitian attaining the Empire 
Ann. Do. 83.  by the death of Titus, (wrought by himself) as far differed from him in virtuous conditions, as he was linked near him in consanguinity of blood: His youth not spent in 
Sueton. in vit. Domitia. sect. 1.  Arms, with his Father and Brother, but inertiously consumed in lasciviousness and penury.  
(2) At Rome he was in the Vitellian troubles, where, with Sabinus his Uncle, he had been murdered, 
His escaping kill.  had not the Sexton of the Capitol hid him in his house, and in the habit of a Minister unknown, thence escaped: which place afterwards, when he 
Tacit. hist. 3. c. 13. He dedicateth a Temple to jupiter.  came to be Emperor, he gorgeously built for a Temple to jupiter his supposed Preserver, and consecrated himself in the lap of that heathenish Idol. He very speedily apprehended the hope of an Empire, for no sooner was his Father made Emperor, but that he assumed the name of Caesar, and in Rome carried himself with such prodigality, and so liberally made promises of the Imperial Offices, that his father hearing thereof, said, he marveled why his son sent not one to succeed him in his place. But to dissemble and cloak his idle conceits, he gave himself to the study of Poesy, (although with little affection, as the end proved) for which notwithstanding both Pliny and Martial 
Pliny in his poem of natural history. Martial in his Epigram. Ro. Emp. fol. 134. Sueton. in vit. Domitia. sect. 4.  do highly commend him, as it is the manner of men to admire the very shadow of a good quality in Princes and great ones: and so doth Juvenal and Suetonius praise his brave mind, for his shows in the Amphitheatre, wherein not only men, but women also were brought, and forced to fight for their lives with wild beasts: a cruel spectacle nevertheless, and unbeseeming to humanity.  
(3) His first entrance into state and dignity was neither greatly applauded nor gainsaid, he seeming to carry an equal mixture, and his virtues to hold level with his vice. But Ambition now supported with Sovereignty, did quickly set the scale only for the worse side. The affairs of the Empire he altogether neglected; and impatient of labour, or affection to Arms, daily retired into a private chamber or Gallery, wherein he usually applied himself only to 
His vain misspending the time.  catch Flies, and with the point of a bodkin to prick them thorough: whereupon one being asked what company was with the Emperor, replied, Not so much as a fly. In which princely exercise let us a while leave him, and return to his better employed Lieutenant Agricola.  
(4) Who now in the fifth year of his government 
Tacit. in vit. Agric.  took the seas, and with many prosperous conflicts subdued some adjacent places and people, before that time unknown, and furnished with forces those parts of Britain, which lay coasted against Ireland: to which Country also he had a mind, and 
Agricola his opinion of Ireland.  would often say, that if the Romans were therein planted, the Liberty of the Britain's would soon be banished quite out of sight, and out of hope.  
(5) Now in the sixth year of his Prefecture, because a general rising of all the farther Nations beyond Bodotria was feared, and passages were all beset with power of the Enemies, he manned a Fleet to search the creeks and harboroughs of the ample Region beyond it, and with his Army marched further 
He searcheth the creeks and harboroughs.  North. The Britain's hereat, especially at sight of their ships, much amazed and troubled, knowing now that the secrets of their Seas were all discovered, and no refuge left if they were overcome, armed themselves with great preparation; and the Caledonians (a most puissant and strong Nation in those parts) 
Caledonians most puissant.  the foremost; who, as challengers, braved the Romans so boldly, and in such manner, that some counseled the General to retire his forces on this side Bodotria, and rather of his own accord to depart, then to be repelled with shame.  
(6) Agricola, whose courage could not be clouded with any dastardly fear, held on his intents; and hearing by prisoners taken, the manner of his Enemies proceedings, ordereth his host accordingly, dividing his army into three battles, and so lay entrenched; the weakest whereof, containing the Ninth Legion, the Britain's by Night assailed, and having slain the Watch, broke into their Camp with a furious noise: to whose rescue, Agricola sent his Light horsemen, and a Band of foot, whose Ensigns and Armour glittering in the appearance of day, so rebated the edge and further purposes of the Britain's, that they gave back to the gates of the Trench, where, in the straits the conflict was sharp and cruel, till in the end they were forced to quit the field. Upon this battle so manfully fought, and so famously won, the Romans presuming that to their prowess all things were now easy and open, cried to lead into Caledonia, and to find out the limits of Britain, with a course of 
Agricola searcheth out the limits of Britain.  continued Conquests: and those which erewhile were so wary and wise, waxed forward and bold after the event, and grew to speak bigly▪ such being the hard condition of Wars, that if ought fall out well, all challenge a part, misfortunes are only imputed to one. chose, the Britain's presupposing that not valour, but skill in the General by using the occasion, had carried it away, abated no whit their wont courage, but armed their youth, transported their Children and Wives into places of safety, and sought by Assemblies & Religious rites to establish an Association of the Cities together. And so for that year both parties did depart, incensed to further preparations.  
(7) In the beginning of the next, Agricola sending his Navy before, which by unexpected spoiling in several places, should induce a greater and more uncertain terror, followed himself with his Army by Land: having drawn to his party some of the valiantest Britaines, whom by long experience in Peace, he had found most faithful for his Wars: and so arrived at the Mount 
* Grantzbaine.  Grampius, where the Britain's had lodged themselves before, and as men nothing dejected by the unfortunate chance of the former battle, had now prepared themselves attending only for Revenge or Servitude. And being taught, that common danger must be repelled with mutual Concord, by Leagues and Embassages they assembled the 
The Britain's gather a great power.  power of all their Cities together, above thirty thousand armed men, as by view was taken, besides an endless number of youth which daily flocked unto them, and many lusty Old men renowned in the former wars, and bearing the Badges due to their honour; at what time, Galgacus, for virtue and birth, of all the Leaders the Principal man, seeing the multitude 
Galgacus their General.  hotly demand the Battle, is said to have used this, or the like speech.  
(8) When I behold this present Assembly, and consider the cause of this instant necessity, I have 
His Oration to the Britain's. Tacit. in vit. Agric.  reason to presume, that this day, and this our agreement in consent, will give a happy beginning to our freedom, and an end of troubles unto our Island. 
The cause of a flourishing estate. The necessity of resolution.  For, we which inhabit these furthest Promontories, know no Land beyond us whereunto we may fly, nor no Seas left us now for safety, the Roman Navy thus (as you see) surveying our Coasts: So that combat and arms, which men of valour desire for honour, the very dastard of force must now use for his security. We that are the 
A dishonour for the chief of a Nation to be dastards.  flower of the British Nobility, and are seated here in the uttermost part of the I'll, saw never yet the borders of those Countries which served in slavery, our eyes being unpolluted and free from all contagion of Tyranny. Our former Battles fought with the Romans had their events, yet so, that refuge 
Former battles not unfortunate.  and hope rested still in our hands; we have hitherto lived in liberty, whereas none beside us are free; us hitherto this Corner and secret recess hath defended, now the Uttermost point of our Land is laid open: and things the less they have been within knowledge, the greater the glory is to achieve them. But what Nation is there now beyond us? what else see we but Water and Rocks, and the Romans within, Landlords of all, nay rather Robbers of all, both in Land and Sea? whose 
Subjection will not avail.  intolerable pride by humble subjection in vain shall we seek to avoid. If the Country be rich, they seek to win wealth; if poor, to gain glory: but neither East nor west, can satisfy their greedy affection, much less this cold North can set an end to their desires. To kill, to spoil, and take away 
The Romans government and peace.  by force, that falsely they term Empire and Government: and when all is made a waste wilderness, that they call Peace. Most dear unto man are his Children and blood; but those are pressed for their wars, and serve as their slaves, we know not where; our Goods are their tributes, our Corn their provision; our Wives, Sisters and Daughters, in War violently forced, in Peace under title of friends and guests, shamefully abused, and our own Bodies worn & consumed in paving of Bogs and other servile drudgeries, with thousands of stripes, and many indignities more. Slaves which are borne to bondage are sold but once, and after are fed at their Owners expenses; but Brittany daily buyeth, daily feedeth, and is at charges with her own Bondage. We are the last to be conquered, 
The last to be conquered aught most to resist.  and therefore is our destruction most sought, as being the most vile in account: No Fields we have to manure, no Mines to be digged, no Ports to trade in, and to what purpose then should they reserve us alive? Besides, the Manhood and fierce courage of the subject, pleaseth not much the jealous 
Manhood and fitness of place more suspected of a jealous Sovereign.  Sovereign: and this Corner being so secret, and out of the way, the more security it yieldeth us, in them it works the greater suspicion. Then, seeing all hope of savour is past, let us take courage to defend and maintain our own safety as well as our honour. The Icenians led by a Woman, fired the Colony, forced the Castles; and if that lucky beginning had not been ended in a careless security, the Southern Britain's might with ease have shaken 
women's valour ought to shame men's coward. 〈◊〉.  off the yoke. We as yet never touched, never subdued and borne to be free, not slaves to the Romans; we (I say) now are to make proof of our 
This time the fittest to prove our valour.  valour, and to show in this encounter, what men Caledonia hath reserved for herself. And do you think, that the Romans are as valiant in War as they are wanton in Peace? I assure you, nothing 
The Romans wanton in peace.  less: for not by their Virtues, but by our jarrings, they are grown into fame: and of the enemy's faults they make use to the glory of their own Army, composed (we know) most of divers Nations; and therefore as in prosperity they hold not alalwaies 
Their Army composed of divers nations.  together, so doubtless, if fortune turn aside, their services will appear: unless you suppose the Gauls and Germans, and (to our shame be it spoken) many of our own Nation, (which now lend their lives to establish a foreign Usurper) be lead with heart's affection; whereas chose it is apparent, that Terror and Distrust, (weak workers to conserve love) are the only cause; which once removed, than those that have made an end to fear, will soon begin to hate. All things that may incite unto victory are for us: the Romans have no Wives to hearten them on, if they faint; no Parents to upbraid them, if they fly; most of them 
They are destitute of many encouragements.  have no Country at all, or if they have, it is by intrusion taken from others: A few fearful persons stand here before us, trembling and gazing at the strangeness of the heaven itself, at the Sea, and at the Woods, whom the Gods have delivered, mewed up and fettered into our hands. Let not their brave shows of glistering Gold or Silver, any way dismay you, which of themselves neither offend nor defend. And be you well assured, amongst our enemies we shall find many on our side; The Britain's will agnize their own Cause; The Gauls will remember their wont liberty and former estate; And the rest of the Germans will leave and forsake them, as of late the Vsipians did. What then shall we fear? The Castles are empty; the Colonies peopled with aged and impotent persons; the free City's discontent, and in factions, whilst those 
Many Cities in factions.  which are under, obey with ill will, and they which do govern, rule against right. Here you see before us is the General and the Army, on each side Tributes, Servitudes and other miseries inseparable; which whether we shall continue for ever, or cast off subjection as freeborn Britain's, it lieth this day in this Field and your approved manhoods Wherefore I beseech you in joining Battle, bear in your Minds your worthy Ancestors, yourselves, and following Posterities, which if you fail, shall for ever live in subjection and slavery.  
(9) This speech was so vehemently delivered, and so cheerfully of them all received, that with songs and confused acclamations (after their accustomed fashion) they clustered together on heaps, and some of the boldest advanced forward, whilst Agricola likewise was encouraging his men, who straightways ran to their weapons, and rushed on furiously toward the Enemy.  
(10) The Britain's were marshelled in the higher ground, fitly both to the show, and to terrify: the first Battalion standing on the plain, the rest on the ascent of the hill, knit and rising as it were one over another; the middle of the field was filled with clattering and running of Chariots and horsemen. Agricocola seeing their number to exceed his, drew his battle 
The number of Britain's exceed the Romans.  in length, and leaving his horse, advanced himself before the Ensigns on foot.  
(11) In the first assault before the joining, both sides encountered with discharge of their darts, wherein 
The first encounter.  the Britain's, employing both art and valour, with their great swords and little Targets, avoided the volue of the Romans, showering down withal great store of theirs upon them, wherewith they were both galled and sore wounded. Agricola seeing his men thus stoutly resisted, took another course: for, spying the advantage, he commanded three 
a Hollanders.  Batavian Coherts, and two of the 
b Liege in the Low Countries.  Tungrians, to press forward, and bring the matter to handy strokes and dint of sword, a thing which (in respect of their long service) they were very expert in; but chose to the Britain's very prejudicial, by reason of their little Bucklers, and huge swords, being blunt pointed, and no ways fit for the close in fight. This command advantaged the Romans much; for these with the pikes of their Bucklers, when they came to deal blows; so mangled the faces of the Britain's, that they were not able to stand before them; and the rest, gathering courage upon emulation of these, ascended the hill, bearing down all that was in their way, so that many half dead, and some wholly untouched, were over-passed, and left for haste of winning the field. In the mean while the Chariots mingled themselves with the battle 
The Britain's Chariots disorder the horsemen.  of footmen, and the troops of horsemen began for to fly: who albeit they had lately terrified others, were now distressed themselves, by the unevenness of the ground, and thick ranks of the enemy, and were forced to fight standing still, and by the main weight of horses to bear down one another. The wandering Wagons also, and masterless horses, as chance or fear did guide them, over-bare many times their friends, and thwarted their way that met them.  
(12) The other Britain's that kept the hill, and had leisure to behold the manner of fight, began to come down by little and little, and sought to compass the back of the enemy; which intent Agricola soon prevented, by sending four wings of Horsemen, retained purposely about him for sudden dispatches and chances of war. These so fiercely assailed them, 
The fight fierce on both sides.  that a most sharp and bloody battle ensued, wherein the Britaines on each side were beaten down and slain, notwithstanding many of them showed both valour and revenge even to the end: the rest disbanded, turned their backs, and fled towards the desert; whose pursuit was followed until Night, and fullness 
The Britain's discomfited.  of blood made an end of the chase.  
(13) Of the Romans side were slain (if we must credit their own friends) only three hundred and forty persons, and of them, one of extraordinary note 
The Romans loss.  and account, Aulus 
a Articus perchance.  Articus, Captain of a Cohort, who upon a youthful heat, and fierceness of his horse, was carried amidst his enemies. Of the Britain's fell ten thousand, and their designs so defeated and 
The Britain's that died.  broken, that as desperate men, they forsake their houses, and in despite set fire on them themselves: the hurt persons they carry and draw with them, and call them that are unhurt, hoping to be relieved by them. One while they choose out holes to lurk in, for their lives safety; eftsoons in great haste forsake them, as doubting therein their own security. Dispersed asunder, they lament, and attend death: assembled together, expostulate of their means and life: one while conceiving a glimmering of some small hope, another while dejected with utter despair: Sometimes at the sight of their dearest beloved, moved to pity; but much oftener stirred to rage, for revenge; and many of them, even by way of compassion; slew their dearest Wives and Children, to rid them from their future miseries.  
(14) Agricola having made every where a desolation and silence, withdrew his Army towards the 
* Anguse in Scotland.  Horrestians, where taking hostages for their fidelity, sent the Admiral of his Navy to sail about the North Cóasts of Britain, who with strength and store took 
Agricola sendeth to discover the North coasts.  the Seas, their terror gone already before, himself with easy and gentle journeys disposed his foot and horsemen in their wintering places, and planted Garrisons upon the Borders between Glota and Bodotria. And his Navy with prosperous wind and success arrived at the Port 
* 〈◊〉.  Trutulensis.  
(15) Thus, after many conflicts, about the space of one hundred thirty six years from julius Caesar's 
Histor. m●…gn. Brit. Lib. 2. cap. 17.  first entrance, the utmost limits of Britanny, and the Isles of the Orcadeses lying on the North side of it, were by the valour and industry of julius Agricola first discovered, 
Britanny w●…olly discovered by Agricola.  and made known unto the Romans: and the South part of the I'll, in the fourth year of the reign of Domitian, (being the year of our Saviour eighty 
Ann. Dom. 86.  six) reduced into a full Province, the government whereof was ever annexed and appropriate to the 
Dio lib. 55.  Roman Emperors themselves, and not at the disposition of the Senate, as other Provinces were.  
(16) This state of affairs in Britanny, Agricola 
Agricola writeth to Domitian.  signified by letter, without any amplifying terms to Domitian the Emperor, who (after his manner) with a cheerful countenance and grieved heart, received the News; being inwardly pricked with fear and disdain, that his late counterfeit Triumph of Germany (wherein certain slaves bought for money, were attired, and their hair dressed as Captives of that Country) was had in derision, and justly scorned abroad; whereas now a true and imperial victory of so many thousand enemies subdued and slain, was currant and famous in every man's mouth: as being indeed a thing dangerous, that a private man's name should be exalted above his Prince. In vain then had he suppressed the study of Oratory, and other worthy politic Arts, thereby to keep down other men's reputation, if he should in Military glory be disseised by another. And to be a good Commander of an Army, was to be above private estate, that being a Virtue peculiar for a Prince, and therefore not lightly to be passed over. With these and the like incentives his mind was tormented; yet thought he it best to dissemble his malice; until the heat of his glory, and love of his soldiers were somewhat abated. And forthwith he commanded for Agricola, Triumphal 
Agricola receiveth Triumphal ornaments.  ornaments, statue, honours, and what else usually conferred in am of Triumph; he yet remaining in charge, from whence, with the like policy also, he was shortly displaced. For Syria, by the death of Atilius Rufus, lay destitute of a Lieutenant; and that place reserved for Men of great quality, Domitian gave forth was purposed for Agricola, and sent him both his Patent and Successor into Britain; who thereupon delivered up the Province in a peaceable estate unto Salustius Lucullus, and returned to Rome.  
(17) Where the life of Domitian was now grown unmeasurable vain. The surname Germanicus he assumed to himself, for some small service therein 
Suetoni●… in vita Domitiani. Domitian his vice●….  done. The Months September and October he changed into the names of Germanicus and Domitianus, because that in the one he entered his Empire, and in the other was borne. He caused his Statue to be made in gold, and commanded, himself to be called GOD. His cruelty every way matchable to his pride. The Senators and Nobles upon small surmises he murdered: many new tortures he invented: Confiscations and Banishments, were favours, not punishments. Amongst all which, the Christians bore a part, whose Second Persecution this Tyrant raised and began. The great Evangelist john he banished into the I'll of Patmos, 
He banished S. I●…su. Euseb. Eccl. hist. lib. 3. cap. 15. Apocal. 1. 9 Daniel 10.  where he received his Revelations from jesus Christ, appearing unto him in no less Majesty than Daniel before time had seen him in his Visions, and both (after a sort) in one and the same manner: their Visions alike, and almost to the like end: For as Daniel saw a Lion, Bear, Leopard, and Monster with Ten horns, persecute the jews God's people, and to fall before the Stone cut without hands, which broke into powder the Image of their Tyrannical Government, to give place to the peaceable Birth and Kingdom of Christ; so john saw one Beast compacted of these four, mouthed 
Apocal. 13. 2.  like a Lion, footed like a Bear, spotted as the Leopard, and horned for number and power with the Monster, retaining their Tyranny in raising Persecutions in the Church of Christ, and clouding with Idolatry the brightness of his Word: which shall be cast into the Lake of fire and brimstone, when Christ shall bind up Satan, and by his appearance abolish the 
2. Thess. 2. 8.  Man of Sinne.  
(18) Among many others slain by Domitian, Salustius Lucullus whom he had made Lieutenant General 
Salustius Lucullus put to death. Sueton. in vit. Domitia. sect. 10. His offence.  of Brittany was one, and the only cause is reported to be, that he had devised and made certain Spears or Lances for service, which he caused to be called Lucullians after his own name; which was a matter held very suspicious by Domitian, who thought every memorable act done by another, did pluck a feather from his plume. And in these courses continued so long, that lastly he grew odious to all, even to his nearest friends and followers which himself had raised, who, together with his Wife, conspired his death.  
(19) The chiefest in the Action was Stephen, a Procurator and Steward to Domicilla his Empress, who feigning himself lame of the left arm, in delivering him a scroll containing the names of the conspirators, 
The actors of his death, and the●… treache●…e  struck him into the belly with his sword, & the rest coming in, with seven wounds made an end of his life; whose death was so acceptable to the Senate, that they disgracefully abused his carcase, cast 
The Senate glad.  down his scutcheons and Images, and forbade all manner remembrance of him; albeit some of the Soldiers 
The Soldiers enraged.  as much stormed, seeking to revenge his death, and canonised him for a God.  
(20) Of stature he was tall, his complexion fair, 
His parsonage.  his countenance modest, his head very bald, his eyes red, full, great and dim, of a comely form, only his belly bearing out, his legs small, and his foot somewhat short. He died the eighteenth day of September, 
His death, age & reign. Euseb. Eccles. li. 3. cap. ●…8.  aged forty five, when he had reigned fifteen years, the year of our Lord's incarnation ninety eight, with whom both Tacitus and Suetonius end their History.  
The Resisters of the Romans proceedings in this our Island of Britain, in the days of this Emperor Domitian, for these Southern parts, was arviragus, as from Juvenal we have said; and in the Northern Caledonia, was Galgacus their Captain; whose Coins, as Remains and Monuments of their never-dying fame, we have here again inserted.   

NERVA. CHAPTER XV.  
Nerua Emp. HItherto have we pursued 
Ann. Do. 98.  the successions in the British monarchy, together with the Invasions, attempts, and success of affairs, for the Conquest of this Island, under the first twelve Emperors of Rome: And that from such writers, who though they were the most favourable Registers of things done by the Romans, yet had they best means to know, and publish their Histories with warrantise of truth. But after the death of Domitian died many Records, and 
Domitian being dead, soon after many Records were lost.  the Provinces proceedings (especially those that most concern Britain) left uncertain; and therefore are neither with the like largeness prosecuted, nor with the like authority avouched. And were it not that these Roman Emperors succeeding, did only continue the succession of our British Monarches, many of them might be quite omitted, as neither themselves, nor deputies, allies, or enemies once spoken of concerning our affairs, and the Government of this Province, during those times so maimed and defective (in respect of any warrantable relations) that hardly a method can be observed to the fitting of a continual History. Yet as we find it, let us have liberty 
Hist. magn. 〈◊〉. lib. 3. cap. 1.  to deliver it, and rather to expose Truth in the mean attire that Time hath left her, then by disguising her 
Plutarch in the life of Pericles.  in richer robes to abuse the World, and make her seem nought else but a counterfeit, as Plutarch in the life of Pericles hath complained.  
(2) Domitian therefore thus made away, Cocceius 
Cocceius Nerua aged & prudent.  Nerua, a prudent, honourable, and aged person was elected Emperor by the Senate, assisted by Petronius Secundus, Captain of the Praetorian Army, and Parthenius chief Chamberlain, and one of the Murderers of Domitian. His birth was noble, and of Italy in the City Narnia, and of the Province Vmbria: ruling so well as he may be esteemed too good a Prince, long to continue in so bad an age.  
(3) What Lieutenants under him were in Britain's 
Gau●…r. Monmouthensis.  o●… under his Successor trajan, I find not in Record: but our English Writers from the Archdeacon of Monmouth, bring a succession of British Kings, and amongst them Marius, who conquered Rodorick, King 
Flores Historiar. W. l. of Malm. ascribeth this memorial to be erected for Marius a Consul of Rome. Polycbr. lib. 4. c. 12  of the Picts accompanied with the Scots, whose Trophy erected near unto Carleill, remained a long time after, bearing the inscription of his victory: and after him his son Coilus brought up in Rome all the time of his youth, retained their favours, and paid them tribute without constraint. Albeit by Juvenal, it seemeth that arviragus the father of Marius, a great resister 
arviragus the father of Marius. Chap. 6. sect. 12.  of the Romans, lived in the reign of Domitian, as hath been touched, unless you will say, that Meurigus and arviragus was the same Marius, as a worthy Antiquary affirmeth. But through these uncertainties and disagreements occasioned by the silence of better Authors, our Histories rest doubtful, and so must we leave them, returning to finish 
Humphrey Lhuyd in the Breu●…ary of Brit.  up briefly the Reign and Life of this good Emperor Nerua.  
(4) Who having reform many enormities, and 
Also in an old Manuscript is called We●…met. cap. 43. Cocceius Nerua recalled from banishment the Christians. Dion Cass. lib. 68 john the Evangelist returned from Pathmos. Euseb. lib. 3. c. 1. 18. Eutropius.  remitted many grievous Tributes and exactions, as that of Carriages mentioned on the reverse of the prefixed Coin, minted by authority of the Senate, in eternal memory of his goodness; recalled from banishment the Christians severally dispersed, and suffered them to enjoy the freedom of their profession. At which time john the Evangelist returned from Pathmos, (wherein he had been confined) unto Ephesus, a City in ●…sia the less. And Nerua reigning only one year, four mone●…s and nine days died (of a passionate anger conceived against a Senator) in the year 
Dion Cassius.  of Christ his incarnation ninety nine, the twenty seventh day of january, & seventy sixth of his own age.   

trajan. CHAPTER XVI.  
Traian Emp. Unto Nerua succeeded Vulpius trajan in the Roman Empire; borne near unto Seville in the Territories of Spain: of a noble family, 
Ann. Do. 99  but was much more ennobled in himself for his princely endowments, which moved Nerua in his life time to adopt him into 
Se●…tus Aurelius.  so high a calling, and the whole Senate after his death joyfully to confirm his Election, and so often to honour him with the title of the Most Excellent Prince, in public dedications, as on the Coin above. 
trajan raised the Romans to the highest glory.   
(2) He raised the Roman Empire unto the very highest pitch of glory, and spread the power of their Command into the largest circuit that ever before or since hath been possessed. For the Kingdom of Dacia he subdued; Armenia, Parthia, and Mesopotamia 
Dio. Cass. lib. 68  made subject; Assyria, Persia, and Babylon conquered; passed Tigris, and stretched the confines of the Roman Empire unto the remotest dominions of the Indies, which never before that time had heard of the Roman 
Indians never heard of the Romans till Traian's time.  Name. And indeed, if we look upon his politic managing of the government, he may seem (in comparison of others) a right worthy, memorable and 
Traian's affability and moderation towards his subjects. Eutropius.  lovely Prince, of much affability, and familiarity even with his inferiors, and of such carriage towards his Subjects, as he himself would wish his Prince (he said) to use towards him, if he were a Subject. A great observer also of justice, insomuch that when he invested any Praetor, in giving him the Sword, he commanded him to use the same even against his own person, if he violated Law or Equity. But yet against the good Christians he used neither of both: nay he stirred up their Third Persecution, wherein Ignatius and many 
The third persecution of the Christians. Euseb. Eccl. hist. lib. 3. cap. 30.  other worthy Saints of God, received the Crown of Martyrdom, in such cruel manner, as that his other virtues are much clouded by that taxation: for mollification whereof, he was compassionately entreated by Plinius Secundus his Tutor; whose Epistles to that purpose are yet extant.  
(3) The jews in his time rose up in arms against the Gentiles, and in Cyrene, Egypt, and Cyprus, slew 
Iewes made ●…at against the Gentiles.  a great number: against whom trajan sent his Captains with forces sufficient, and in divers parts of the Empire put the jews to death, in such infinite numbers, as that Massacre is accounted the greatest Execution 
trajan his slaughter upon the jews the greatest th●… ever was.  that ever had been in the world, God suffering this their punishment to light upon them for their infidelity and obstinacy against his Christ.  
(4) Finally, after his Conquests in the East, returning towards Rome, at Seleucia in Asia the less himself 
Dion Cassius. Polycbr. lib. 4. cap. 13.  was conquered by the stroke of death, by a flux the seventh day of August, after he had reigned nineteen years, six months, and fifteen days, the year of our Redemption one hundred and eighteen, and of his age sixty four: whose ashes brought to Rome, were enclosed within the Crown of a goodly Pillar, wrought of one entire stone, containing one hundred forty foot in height.  
(5) Of stature he was big, of complexion swarthy, thin of hair both head and beard, a hooked 
Traian's portraiture.  nose, broad shoulders, long hands, and a pleasant eye; whose lively Image was borne in Triumph after his death, and that in most glorious and pompous manner, in celebration of his great renown and fame attained in his life.  
(6) How silent soever writers have been for this emperors affairs in this our Island, yet it is to be thought that unto this, as well as unto other Provinces, both Propretors, Lieutenants, Precedents, Praetors, and Proconsul's were sent, and every City to have their municipal Magistrates. The Praetor that yearly proclaimed solemn Sessions, wherein himself sat aloft upon 
Ro●…erdus in Protribunal.  a high tribunal seat, and guarded with his lictors about him in great estate, did execute his authority throughout his own jurisdiction, and determined all causes brought before him, where rods and axes were prepared for the common people, that were enforced to receive a new Ruler every year. And surely as this yoke of bondage was grievously borne of every Province, upon whose neck, it was imposed & laid: So the Britain's underwent the weight of that subjection with such unwillingness, that in the time of this trajan, they revolted and rebelled, though presently suppressed, as it is evident out of Spartianus.  
(7) The care that this good Emperor had for the weal of his Subjects is projected by his providence in making ways passageable from place to place, whereof remain many testimonies by those his Causeys drawn with wonderful diligence, even thorough the whole Island, which now, though dismembered and cut in pieces by the Country people, wherethorow they passed, yet do many remnants thereof remain, especially in pastures, or by-grounds out of the road way, with banks so high, that evidently they show themselves. Of these Causeys Galen writeth as followeth: The ways (saith he) trajan repaired, by paving with stone, or raising with banks cast up such pieces 
Galen lib. 9 cap. 8▪ Met●….  of them as were moist and miry: by stocking up and ridding such as were rough and overgrown with bushes and briars: by making bridges over Rivers that could not be waded thorough: where the way seemed longer than needed, by cutting out another shorter: if any where by reason of some steep hill, the passage were hard and uneasy, by turning it aside thorough easier places: now in case it was haunted with wild beasts; or lie waste and desert, by drawing it thence thorough places inhabited, and withal laying level all uneven and rugged grounds.  
Along these Causeys the Emperor caused to be set little pillars or Columns, with numeral Characters cut in them, to signify how many miles was from place to place. Of these Sidonius Apollinaris writeth thus: 
Antiquus tibi nec teratur agger;  
Cuius per spatium satis vetustis  
Nomen Caesareum viret columnis.  
Break not the ancient Causeys strong,  
Whereon the Columns stand along,  
Nor names of Caesar's do not wrong.    

HADRIAN. CHAPTER XVII.  
AFter the decease of trajan, his Nephew Aelius 
An. Do. 119.  Hadrianus, by the consent of the Army, who swore to him obedience, was proclaimed Emperor, the 
Polych. lib. 4. c. 14.  Senate likewise confirming their choice, as being a man endued with gifts both of Art and Nature, answerable to the fortunes of his Estate.  
His birth was of Spain, in the City Italica, near unto Cicill, where trajan was born, his Father Noble, and his Mother in Cales descended of an honourable stock.  
(2) A great Mathematician he was, skilful in Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, and judicious Astrology; learned in the Greek, and Latin Tongues; in which languages he wrote both Poesy and Prose: well seen in Physic, and knew the Virtues of Herbs, Roots, and Stones: A singular physician both for Theory and Practice; and could both limb & carve with approbation of the skilful: but above all, is 
Spartian●…. Hadrianu●… of an admirable memory.  the admirable report of his Memory, who never forgot any thing that he either read or heard.  
(3) His first business for the Empire, was rather a care to hold securely what was gotten, then by 
Hadri●… policy.  enlarging the bounds to endanger the Best: and therefore lessening the Compass, and bettering the strength, he planted his forces along the River Euphrates, and assigned that for the Eastern limits, leaving out India, Armenia, Media, Assyria, Persia, and Mesopotamia, as Countries too remote for the Romans to hold to their profit. By which his doings other Provinces took occasion to revolt, thirsting after Liberty, 
Britain's attempt alteration.  and among others the Britaines (as ever most impatient of Servitude) attempted alterations, whose Lieutenant Cneus Tribellius (Successor to julius Agricola) could not so govern his Soldiers which were 
Ho●…ingshed lib. 4. cap. 20. Cneus Trebellius Lieutenant of the Britain's.  grown out of discipline, and by long rest far out of Order, but that they fell at variance among themselves, and disquieted the most peaceable of the Britaines by their licentious manners.  
(4) The Northern Inhabitants, that were more at liberty, and emboldened by their Bogs and Rocks unaccessable, set themselves to withstand their wrongs, to whom also many others joined their affections and forces, whereupon some bickering ensued with loss and blood; to repress which julius Severus was 
julius Se●… sent to suppress the Commotions of the Britain's.  sent by Hadrian: but ere he could settle the Commotion, was again recalled and employed in Syria, to suppress the jewish rebellion.  
(5) These stirs here still continuing, the Emperor took it to be of such importance, that he resolved 
Hadrian hims●… came into Britain to suppress rebellion.  in Person to address for Britanny, which he performed in his third Consulship, the year of Christ One hundred twenty four, attended on by three Legions: of which, his Army for this exploit was then composed, as appeareth by his money in the entrance of his life, fixed in memory of this undertaking: With these he encountered the Northern Riders; recovered such holds as they had taken, and forced them into the Woods and Mountains, whither the Roman Horsemen without danger could not pursue them. But perceiving the Air too sharp for the Romans constitution, and the Soil rough and of less profit than the rest, he made a Fortification or strong Wall of Earth, which (as Lampridius 
Adrians' wall. A●…li. Lamprid us.  saith) did continue on the West from Ituna, (that is, the River Eden in Cumberland near Carlisle) unto the River Tina, or Tine at Newcastle in Northumberland in the East, and was no less than Eighty miles in length. This Wall (saith he) was made of stakes driven deep into the ground, and bound together in the manner of an hedge, and with Turf and Earth intermured as a Rampire or Bulwark to defend the Incursions of the wilder Britain's and ill Neighbours that daily molested the peace of the Romans. Hadrian his work finished, and the Province reduced to the obedience of the fatal Governess Rome, at whose feet he had laid again the name of Britain, as appeareth in the first Reverse of his Coin, placed in the fronture of this Chapter) triumphantly returned to Rome, and for his honourable adventure and Expedition had his name inscribed upon his Coin with this addition: THE RESTORER OF BRITANNY. 
Adrians' Coins.   
(6) Neither after this seemed the Southern Britain's greatly to contend, but patiently bore the yoke of subjection, which Time and Custom had made less painful, the rather, for that they saw themselves to stand in need of the Romans help against the inroads of their own Countrymen, whose cruelty was now as much feared, as in former times the Invasion of Strangers: whereupon they conformed themselves more willingly to the Roman Laws, both in martial and Civil affairs: which were then principally directed by Licinius Priscus, who had been not long 
Licinius Priscus Lieutenant of Britain. Hist. magn. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 1.  before employed by Hadrian in the service of jewrie, and was at this present Lieutenant of Britanny.  
(7) This jewish war happened in the eighteenth year of the Reign of Hadrian, who suddenly 
Dion Cass.  assailed and slew where they came, both romans & Christians: for revenge whereof, besides an infinite number of them slain and tortured, their City jerusalem was also razed even to the ground, and another 
jerusalem razed to the ground.  built, but not altogether in the same place, and the name thereof changed to AELIA: the jews utterly banished thence, and (as Aristion Pellaus writeth) not 
Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 6. jews not permitted to look to jerusalem.  lawful for them to look towards that City nor Soil, no not through the Chink or Crevice of a door: And upon the Gate that leadeth towards bethlehem, he caused a Swine to be engraven, a Beast by the Law accounted 
A swine set on the Gate of jerusalem.  most unclean, and by them abominable.  
(8) But as this Emperor was exasperated against the jews, so was he gracious and favourable to the 
Adrian favourable to the christians.  Christians, and the rather at the request of Quatratus, a Disciple (as is supposed) of the Apostles; who wrote unto him concerning them; and of Aristides a learned Philosopher of Athens, who made an Apology for their defence; so that the Persecution then in practice was forbidden by Hadrian in a public Edict; who (as Lampridius writeth) was minded to have built a 
Lampridius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Se●…eri.  Temple to the service of Christ, had not some dissuaded him therefrom. In extremity of sickness he designed Caesar, Lucius Aelius, whose Coin we have hereunder expressed. A man dear to this Emperor, if we consider at how great a rate he bought for him the acceptation of the Commons and Military men: And how short a time the blaze of that Honour continued: for he died so soon, that Hadrian himself had wont to say, 
Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata, nec ultra  
Esse sinent.—   
(9) When he had reigned in great honour and love the space of one and twenty years, five months, and fifteen days, he died, the eighth or 
Spartianus. Dion Cassius. Polycbr.  tenth of julie, of a dropsy: which malady so tormented him, that willingly he refused all sustenance, and languished away through faintness. He was of parsonage tall, and very strong, of a good complexion and amiable countenance, wearing the hair of his head and beard long, and died aged sixty two, the year of our Lord God, One hundred thirty nine.  
Under this Emperor M. F. CL. PRISCUS LICINIUS, was the Propraetor of Britanny, and employed in the journey of jury with Hadrian; as appeareth by this antic Inscription in a broken Marble.  
M. F. CL. PRISCO. ICINIO. ITALICO. LEGATO. AUGUSTORUM PR.. PR.. PROV. CAPPADOCIAE PR.. PR.. PROV. BRITANNIAE LEG. AUG.— 
 — 
 — 
 LEG. FOUR GALLICIAE. PRAEF. COH. FOUR LINGONUM. VEXILLO. MIL. ORNATO. A. DIVO. HADRIANO. IN EXPEDITIONE JUDAIC. Q. CASSIUS. DOMITIUS. PALUMBUS.   

ANTONINUS PIUS. CHAPTER XVIII.  
NExt unto whom succeeded Antoninus, (for his 
An. Do. 139.  many virtues) surnamed the Pious: and by the Senate, Father of his Country. This man did not only equal his Adopter and Predecessors, in wisdom and other princely qualities, but was also compared, for his peace and policy, unto Numa Pompilius the second King of Rome, who for his renowned government, is so famously in their Histories recorded. His birth was in Lombardy, the son of Aurelius Fuluius, and Nephew to Titus Aurelius Fuluius, that had been Consul, and held other Offices of dignity and State. The whole time of whose Reign was so spent in peace, that small remembrances remain of any martial affairs: yet such as we find in Britanny we will deliver.  
(2) At his first entrance into the Empire, about the year of Christ, One hundred thirty nine (as appeareth by the money minted in memory of the 
Antoninus' reigned in peace.  reduction of Britain) the Northern Britain's in that part of this I'll began to stir, and made inroads into the Province, notwithstanding the Rampire or Wall 
The Northern Britain's rebel in the beginning of Antoninus' reign.  that Adrian had made. Against whom Lollius Vrbicus Lieutenant here under Antoninus, brought his power, and with some skirmishes put them back: taking from the brigants part of their Land, as a Mulct, for the waste they had done to the Genounians, a Province adjoining unto the brigants, whose people had put themselves under the emperors protection. Which done, he repaired the Wall with stronger Fortifications; 
Adrians' Wall fortified.  or (which is more probable) raised up another not far from the same, to double the defence: for (saith julius Capitolinus) Lollius the Legate to Antoninus overcoming 
julius Capitolinus.  the Britain's, built another turf Wall to divide the Province, and to impeach the incursions of the barbarous. Notwithstanding the honour of this service (as is testified by the ancient panegyric) was (by one 
M●…mertinus in a panegyric Oration, in praise of Maximian.  Fronto) attributed wholly to Antoninus the Emperor himself: who, although absent and in his Palace at Rome, yet sitting as it were at the Helm of a Ship, did command and direct the enterprise, and therefore had right to the glory thereof. This Wall also (as M. Clarenceaux conjectureth, having seen it so tracted in an 
Cambden Brit.  ancient chorographical Chart) was drawn from the River Tine unto Carleill: but Time and War have worn it now away.  
(3) In the mean while a new insurrection was kindled among the 
a Yorkshire, Lancashore, Westmoreland, Northumberland. Hist. magn. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 11. Seires Saturnius Admiral of the British Fleet.  brigants, that annoyed some of the Roman Confederates. But by the discretion of the General, it was quenched before it came to flame: for upon the first rumour of the Revolt, Lollius marched thither with part of his Army, commanding Seius Saturnius, Admiral of the British Fleet, to waff upon the North of the Island both to defend the Coast from danger, and also upon occasions to further the land-service, if need were: by which means, the brigants were easily reduced to obedience, even by the presence only of the Lieutenant, who for his good service done in Britain, during the short time of his employment there, obtained the surname Britannicus. This may by the first figure in the face of this Chapter (being in the third Consulship of this Emperor) be conjectured to have happened in the year of Christ one hundred forty one; and by inscription of the last Coin in that rank it is manifest that there was some other expedition against Britain the year following.  
(4) I cannot omit, though not directly pertinent to our purpose, the care that this good Emperor generally 
Antoninus Pi●… a great defender of the Christia●….  had for the distressed and persecuted Christians (who no doubt by his bounty enjoyed much tranquility here in Britain also) in whose defence he wrote to his Deputies in Asia, and published an Edict against their Accusers, the effect whereof (from Eusebius) 
〈◊〉. Eccles. Hist. lib. 4. cap. 13.  is this:  
(5) The Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus 
The Edict of Antoninus for protection of the Christians.  Augustus, Armenicus, Pontifex Maximus, fifteen times Tribune, thrice Consul, unto the Commons of Asia sendeth greeting. I doubt not but the Gods themselves have a care that wicked persons shall be brought to light: for it much more doth appertain unto them, than it doth unto you, to punish such as refuse to yield them worship. But this course which you take doth confirm them whom you persecute, in this their opinion of you, that you are impious men, and mere Atheists; whereby it cometh to pass, that they desire in the quarrel of their God rather to die, then to yield to the wills of such as you are, and to embrace your form of Religion. Let it not seem unseasonable to call to your remembrance the Earthquakes, which lately happened, and which yet are to your great terror and grief; because I understand that in such like accidents you cast the envy of such common misfortunes upon their shoulders, whereby their confidence and trust in their God is much the more increased: whereas you being still ignorant of the true causes of such things, do both neglect the worship of the other Gods, and also banish and persecute the service of the Immortal God, whom the Christians do worship, and you persecute to the death all the embracers of that Profession. In the behalf of these men many of the Provincial Precedents have written before unto our Father of famous memory: to whom he answered, that they should not be molested, unless they were proved to have practised Treason against the Imperial State: and touching the same matter some have given notice unto me; to whom I have answered with like moderation as my Father did before me. And by this our Edict do we ordain, that if any hereafter be found thus busy in molesting these kind of men without any their offence, we command that he 
julius Capitol.  that is accused upon this point, be absolved, albeit he be proved to be such a man as he is charged to 
Antoninus' person and virtues.  be, that is, a Christian: and he that is his Accuser shall suffer the same punishment, which he sought to procure upon the other.  
This Edict was promulged at Ephesus in the General Council of all Asia: so favourable was this good Emperor to the true Professors, and (indeed) to all sorts of men, having that apothegm of Scipio Africanus rife in his mouth: That he had rather save one subjects life, then kill a thousand Enemies.  
(6) He was of Stature tall, of a seemly presence, in countenance Majestical, in manners mild, of a singular wit, very learned and eloquent, a great lover of Husbandry, peaceable, merciful and bounteous; in the last of which virtues, he so much exceeded; that thereby he set going wholly his own private estate & domains, whereat when his Empress much repined, he told her, that when he undertook the Title and State of an Emperor, he then did forego the interest and proprieties of a private Person: meaning that a Prince is not much to respect his private wealth, so as the public wealth and welfare of the State may be advanced. In fine, this large Euloge and praise is fastened on him, that neither in his youth he did any thing rashly, nor in his age any thing negligently: In which honourable course, having reigned twenty and two years, (some say twenty three) seven months, and twenty six days, he died of a fever at Lorium the seventh of March, the year of his life seventy five, and of Christ one hundred sixty two.   

MARCUS AURELIUS. CHAPTER XIX.  
FRom the virtuous examples 
An. Do. 162.  of the good Emperor Pius; proceeded a branch of no less towardliness and fruitfulness, Marcus Aurelius, Antoninus, Verus, Philosophus (for by so many honourable names is he remembered:) and although he sprung not from Pius, as from his native root, yet was he his adopted Son, and graffed into his Stock and alliance by the Marriage of his daughter Faustina: He was the Son of Elius Verus who died Praetor, and whose Pedigree is brought from Numa Pompilius, the 
julius Capitol. Lucius Verus chosen. Caesar.  second King of Rome; and his Mother was Domitia Camilla, daughter of Claudius Tullus.  
(3) Aurelius the Emperor following the wars against those, who there revolted, was enclosed about with his Enemies, called the Quadi, and suffered great mortality both by Pestilence, and much more by want of Water, whereby himself and Host were almost consumed: At which time many Christian Soldiers being in his Camp, and commanded (as jonas was) to call upon their God, they fell prostrate on the ground in prayers, and obtained of him so plenteous a shower of rain, as therewith after five days extremest drought and thirst, the whole Army was refreshed, and the Quadi chose by Thunder 
Aureli●… obtaineth t●…ne by the Christians prayer. Eutropius. Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 5. Acts and Monuments.  & Lightning were quite dispersed and overthrown.  
(4) This wonder (saith Eusebius) is reported even by those Historians, who favoured not Christianity: and the prudent Epistle of the Emperor himself, (which he wrote to the Senate for confirmation of this miracle, yet extant) doth warrant the same: whereupon he both mitigated the rage against Christ's Professors, and (by testimony of Apollinaris) named that 
〈◊〉. P. Oro●…. Tertulli●…n.  Legion of the Christians, for an everlasting remembrance, The lightning Legion.  
DEAE SURIAE SUB CALPURNIO AGRICOLA LEG. AUG. PR.. PR.. A. LICINIUS. CLEMENS. PRAEF. C. oH. 1. HAMMIo R. ✚  
So also Lutius Verus, (whom this excellent Emperor had in the year 162. as appeareth by his Coin of Concord, set in the entrance of his life, elected his College in the Empire) to supply the defect of merit in himself, took from the Conquest of Auidius Cassius, and other his Captains in Armenia, Parthia and Media, the Trophies of their victories, with which he filled up his Title, and adorned his Money, expressed in the beginning of this Chapter.  
(6) About these times, albeit other things went not so happily with Britain as might have been wished, yet one felicity than befell her, which did both countervail her own calamities, and overpoize the good fortunes of all other Nations: and that was the blessed rest of the Gospel of peace in this warring and unpeaceable Kingdom, a great part thereof being governed at that time by King Lucius, 
N●…ius. Lucius and Lever-maur do both signify Great Brightness. Tacitus in vita Agricola.  surnamed Lever-maur. For that was the policy and ancient custom of the Romans (as Tacitus saith) to use even Kings themselves for their instruments, to bring the people into bondage. And Antoninus Pius ending war, permitted Kingdoms to be governed by their own Kings, and Provinces by their own Comites (as saith Capitolinus.) This King disliking the 
Capitolinus.  Paganism and Idolatry of his people, (though, as we have showed, among many of them the truth of Christ's Doctrine was both taught and embraced, even from the first planting thereof) and being incited both by the exemplary life and piety of the Christians, 
〈◊〉. Hare●… Marty●…log. Sanctorum.  and also by the manifest miracles wrought amongst them, and encouraged moreover by the favourable Edicts of the Emperors in their behalf, and by the good affections and forwardness of their Deputies here, Trebellius and Pertinax; he gave leave to their Religion by public warrant, and was the first Christian King in the world, and Britain the first Province 
Lucius the first Christian King.  that embraced the Gospel by public authority, as Sabellicus saith.  
(7) This Lucius (as before we have touched) to 
〈◊〉. 7. lib. 5.  be better furnished with Christian Laws for himself and Subjects, missa legatione ab Imperatore Romanorum, & à Papa Romano Eleutherio, (as Nennius saith) for in 
Nennius.  this purerage the Church was so humble, to vail (as far as might be) her actions in the Imperial licence, sent two learned Clerks, whose names were Eluanus 
Liber La●…nsis Eccles. Florentius Vig●…rn. Beda lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 4. Flores●…●…riarum.  and Medwinus, skilful in the Scriptures, to Eleutherius Bishop of Rome: whose Reply to his most godly Demand (because the favourers of the Papal Authority either do doubt it, or altogether deny it) I have thought good here verbatim to insert, as I myself 
This Record is now in the hands of the right worthy Antiquary, Sir Robert Cotton Knight.  have found it, in a most ancient Manuscript, amongst the authentic Records and Constitutions of the City of LONDON.  
The original Epistle of Eleutherius Bishop of ROME unto Lucius the first Christian King of BRITAIN.  

  

(8) SCripsit Dominus Eleutherius Papa Lucio Regi Britanniae ad correctionem Regis & Procerum Regni Britanniae. Petistis à nobis Leges Romanas, & Caesaris vobis transmitti, quibus in Regno Britanniae uti voluistis. Leges Romanas & Caesaris semper reprobare possumus, Legem Dei nequaquam. Suscepistis enim nuper (miseratione divina) in Regno Britanniae, Legem & Fidem Christi. Habetis penes vos in Regno utramque Pagi●…am: ex illis (Dei gratia) per Consilium Regni vestri sume Legem, & per illam, 
* Lege Dei patientia.  de patientia vestrum rege Britanniae Regnum. Vicarius verò Dei estis in Regno, juxta Prophetam Regem; Domini est terra, & plenitudo eius; orbis terrarum, & universi qui habitant in eo. Et rursum, juxta Prophetam Regem: Dilexisti justitiam, & 
* Odisti iniquitat●…, prop●… unxit 〈◊〉 Deus Deus tuus 〈◊〉 l●…titia pr●… consorti●… 〈◊〉.  o. in. ꝓp̄. 〈◊〉. te Deus Deus tuus o. l. p. con. cae. Et rursum, juxta Prophetam Regem: Deus judicium tuum, etc. Non enim dixit judicium, neque justitiam Caesaris. filii enim Regis, gentes Christianae & populi Regni sunt, qui sub vestra protectione & pace in Regno degunt & consistunt, juxta evangelium: Quemadmodum gallina congregat pullos sub alis. Gentes verò Regni Britanniae & populi vestri sunt; quos divisos, debetis in unum, ad concordiam, & pacem, & ad fidem, & legem Christi, ad sanctam Ecclesiam congregare, revocare, fovere, manutenere, protegere, regere, & ab iniuriosis & malitiosis, & ab inimicis semper defendere. Vae Regno cuius Rex puer est, & cuius Principes manè comedunt: non voco Regem propter paruam & nimiam aetatem, 
〈◊〉 propter paruam nimiam aetatem.  sed propter stultitiam, & iniquitatem, & insanitatem: juxta Prophetam Regem: Viri sanguinum & dolosi non dimidiabunt dies suos, etc. Per comestionem, intelligimus gulam: per gulam, luxuriam: per luxuriam, omnia turpia & perversa, & mala: juxta Salomonem Regem: In malevolam animam non introibit sapientia, nec habitabit in corpore subdito peccatis. Rex dicitur à regendo, non à regno: Rex eris dum bene regis: quod nisi feceris, nomen Regis non in te constabit, & nomen Regis perdes, quod absit. Det vobis Omnipotens Deus, Regnum Britanniae sic regere, ut possitis cum eo regnare in aeternum, cuius Vicarius est is in Regno praedicto. Cui cum Patre, etc.   

The same in English:  
POpe Eleutherius thus wrote to Lucius King of Britanny, for the reformation of the King and the Nobility of the Kingdom of Britain: You desired us to send unto you the Roman and Imperial Laws, which you would use in your Kingdom of Britanny. The Roman Laws and the Emperors we may at all times mislike, but the Law of God by no means. By the Divine Clemency you have of late received in your Kingdom of Britanny the Law and Faith of Christ: You have with you in your Kingdom beth the Old and New Testament: out of them (in God's name) by the Counsel of your State, take you a Law, and therewith by God's permission, govern your kingdom of Britanny: For you are God's Vicar in your Kingdom, as the kingly Prophet saith, The earth is the Lords and the plenty thereof, the whole world and they that dwell therein. And again in the same Prophetical 
Psal. 89. 11.  King; Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity, wherefore, God, even thy God, hath 
Psal. 45. 7.  anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And again: Lord give thy judgements unto the king, and thy justice unto the King's son. He saith not, The judgement or justice of the Emperor. And 
Psal. 72. 1.  the King's sons are the Christian Nations, and People of the kingdom, such as live and abide together in your Kingdom, under your Protection and peace; according to that in the Gospel: As the Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings. The Nations of the Kingdom of Britanny are your People, who being now severed, you 
Matth. 23. 37.  ought to gather them unto Unity, Concord and Peace, and reclaim them to the Faith and Law of Christ, and to the holy Church, to foster them, cherish them, protect, and rule them, and always to defend them from all injurious, malicious, and hostile attempts. For, Woe be to the kingdom, whose King is a child; and whose Princes rise early to banqueting: Neither do I call a King a child, for the tenderness of his Age, but for the folly and wickedness and madness of his disposition: As that royal Prophet saith: Wicked and bloodthirsty attain not to half their Age. And by banqueting I mean gluttony; by 
Psal. 55. 23.  gluttony, luxury; by luxury all filthiness, perversity, and lewdness: according to that of King Solomon: Wisdom shall not enter into the wicked soul, nor shall it dwell in a Body enthralled to Sinne. A King hath his name from Ruling, and not from his Kingdom: and so long shall you be indeed a King, while you rule well; which if you do not, the name of a King will not continue with you, but you shall lose that royal title; which God forbid. Almighty God grant you so to rule your Kingdom of Britanny, that with him, whose Vicar you are in your said Kingdom, you may reign eternally. To whom with the Father, etc.   
(9) The date of this Epistle (as by some other Copies it appeareth) being the year of the second 
Cambden.  Consulship of Commodus and Vespronius, may give great light and satisfaction to such as are curious to know the truth, and to reconcile the differences of our Historians, touching the time: That Consulship being about the year of Christ one hundred and eighty: which was at the beginning (if not a little before) of Commodus his reign; and therefore whereas some refer it to the one hundred sixty ninth year after Christ's Passion, it is apparent to be the only error of transcribers, who so writ in stead of one hundred seventy nine after his birth; which was, anno current, the very time of Commodus being Consul the second time: and on this year agree; both foreign and domestic 
Sabellic. jewel. Fox.  writers of this matter. And albeit the very texture of this Epistle, carrieth with it the true Character of Antiquity, yet because our worthy writers, mentioning 
Parsons 3. Conversions. Part. 1. c. 4.  this Epistle, are charged of flat forgery (by such who challenge to be Masters in all ancient knowledge) we will add somewhat, to wash off those false aspersions, both from the Record, and from the mentioners thereof.  
Their first exception is; that the Latin Copy would doubtless have been produced by them, if it had not been 
Ibidem.  counterfeit. Whereto what need we answer, sith now we have produced it, and can produce as many, as there are Copies of King William the Conqueror's Laws, wherein it is expressly repeated? The next is, that the English translations of it differ each from other. A reason more childish than the former, sith every man hath a several conceit of that he translateth, and sometimes the very Originals, (by transcribers ignorance or omission) cause variety of translation, as may appear in the variae lectiones of this Copy prefixed. The last, but most saucy and ignorant exception is, that the places of Scriptures mentioned in the letter, are so 
Parson●… ibid.  sottishly and senselessly applied, as is unworthy to be fathered on the learned Eleutherius. Let us therefore in a word, bring the divinity of this Grand-censurer to the touchstone: For Eleutherius proveth, first, that Kings are Gods Vicars in their kingdom, because the whole Earth is properly Gods, and therefore Kings have it not as their own, but as his Lieutenants: Next, that as David typically, and Christ impliedly, was by God anointed King, for the execution of Righteousness and justice, so every godly King ought to make that the only end of his high honour, that being by God advanced, he might likewise advance Righteousness, justice, and the service of God, whose vassal he is: and that therefore Gods judgements and Laws, are to be preferred by them, before all human Laws: with which they should rule and cherish their godly subjects as their children: and protect them and gather them under one faith as Christ (their master) doth, who therefore compareth himself, to a Hen gathering her Chickens under her wings.  
The defects of which Princely duties, Eleutherius most lively expresseth afterward, in so proper applications, as if the learnedst fathers on these places be duly examined, they will be found no whit to exceed the apprehensions of this Godly Bishop. But if Robert Cowback, would have cast his eye on the modern Popes, and their Cardinal's applications of Scriptures, what would he then say? God made a greater light and a less: therefore the Pope is as much greater than the Emperor, as the Sun is bigger than the Moon. Christ said to Peter, Kill and eat: therefore the Pope may excommunicate and depose Kings (yea and kill them too for a need.) Peter said, Behold two swords; therefore the Pope hath both Temporal and Spiritual jurisdiction over the world. So God said to jeremy, he should plant and transplant: therefore the Pope may dispose and transpose all Kingdoms at his pleasure. Christ to Peter, 
Cephas is a stone but all serves their turn.  thou art Cephas, and Cephas is a head; therefore the Pope is head of the Church. Domini sunt Cardines Terra. The earth is the Lords: therefore the Cardinals are the Lords of the Earth. On such pillars and applications of Scriptures, is the whole Papal greatness founded, and yet these late Scribes can scoffingly cavil at the godly applications of ancient Eleutherius. But to our purpose.  
(10.) This Epistle with two other Preachers, 
Capgrave. Marianus.  Faganus and Daminius, sent unto King Lucius, did not a little encourage him in his godly purpose, in somuch that receiving Baptism, the Temples of the 
Lucius his reformation of matters upon the Bishop's letter. Records of Saint Asaphs Church. Chester as saith an old Manuscript. chap. 34. S. Peter's Church in Cornhill builded by Lucius.  Heathenish Flamens and Arch-flamens even thirty one in number, were converted into so many Christian Bishops Sees, whereof London, York and Carlein, now Saint David's; were made the Metropolitants of the Province.  
(11.) A table remaining in the Parish Church of Saint Peter in Cornhill London, recordeth that the foundation thereof was by this King Lucius, and that Church to have been the Cathedral to that Archbishops See. There be that ascribe the foundation of 
Poll. Virg●…l. Wil Harrison. W. Lamb. Pera●….  Saint Peter's Church at Westminster unto him; unless the places are mistaken. Others affirm that this King Lucius likewise built a Church within Dover-castle, to the service of Christ, endowing it with the Tell or customs of that Haven. Differences there are about the time of his Reign, but none at all for his conversion and establishing of the Christian Faith. As for 
Fabi●….  those who would have this Lutius after his Baptism to sail into Gallia and other foreign parts, where subduing many Pagans, he became the Apostle to the Banarians, and that his sister Emerita fifteen years after 
Emerita a Martyr in the City Augusta.  was martyred in the City Augusta: I find thereof no warrant in any sufficient writer; but in this all others agree, that he reigned twelve years, and lieth buried in Gloucester.  
(12) This good Emperor possessed the Seat of Majesty, nineteen years and eleven days; wherein he always approved himself, in wit excellent, in life virtuous, very learned and eloquent, full of Clemency, Instite, and Temperance, nothing inferior to most of the worthiest Emperors before him, nor matchable in qualities by many of the Monarch's that 
Tertull. by Onuphr. Dion. Cassius.  followed him: He died the seventeenth day of April the year of our Saviour one hundred eighty one, and of his own age fifty nine: leaving to the world a miss for the present, and to posterities a perpetual memory of his virtues; and happy had he been, saith Capitolinus, had he not left behind him a Son. 
Valerianus lib. 2.    

LIVIUS AELIUS AURELIUS COMMODUS ANTONINUS. CHAPTER XX.  
THE prudent life, and love conceived of so good a Father, 
Ann. Dom. 181.  gave hopeful signs and joyful entrance unto 
Eutropius.  the Reign of young Commodus, his soon degenerating Son; who had nothing from him but Nature, and that also much suspected: The known Adulteries of Faustina, his Mother strongly confirming the opinion of Bastardy.  
(2) At nineteen years of age, he was invested Emperor, his reign not long, but life as lose and impious 
Commodus his qualities.  as the worst: in sottish pride equalizing Caligula, for intemperancy another Vitellius, and in cruelties a second Domitian. Three hundred Concubines continually he kept, and upon one of them, named Martia, so doted, that he wore her painted Picture upon the outside of his Garment; and instiling his money Herculi Commodiano or Romano, which was stamped about the year 193. Sometimes (Hercules-like) would show himself roabed in a Lion's skin, bearing a Club in 
Cassiodor.  his hand in stead of a Sceptre. Other whiles wanton clad in the habit of an Amazon woman; always costly, but seldom civil.  
(3) The Month August, he named Commodus, September, Herculeus, and December, Amazonius, according 
Commodus altered the Months.  to his own or his Concubine's names. Commendable in nothing but for his skill in darting, and for some small breathing of the persecuted Christians; which came not of himself, but (as Xiphilinus writeth) by the mediation of Martia his beloved Concubine, 
Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 19  who was found very favourable to their doctrine: But the outrageous wickedness of his life made him so hateful to all, as that his death was often 
Acts and Monuments.  plotted; and once by some of the Noblest, with whom Lucilla his own Sister conspired; for which fact he put her, with the rest of the conspirators, to death. The Empire and all things else he wielded at the discretion of others, attending only his voluptuous pleasures, howsoever the State or Provinces fared under him.  
(4) In Britanny the Northern Borderers broke thorough the Wall, and finding the Frontiers but weakly guarded entered the Province, where suddenly they surprised the Roman General; and killing many of the Soldiers, ranged the Country, wasting (without resistance) all where they went. Commodus at Rome, hearing these stirs in Britain roused up his spirits, and sent one Vlpius Marcellus to stay their fury; who with great difficulty forced them back beyond the Wall: 
Vlpius Marcellus sent Lieutenant into Britain.  and seeing the careless service of the Soldiers, revived again the ancient discipline of War, that by long ease had been left off by the Romans. The repressing of this incursion, as it seemeth by some revolt of the province, was about the year of Christ one hundred eighty six, as appeareth by the moneys of this Emperor set in the entrance of his life, at which time in memory of some worthy expedition and victory against the Britain's he stamped them.  
(5) This Lieutenant Marcellus is reported to be 
Dion. Cas. lib. 72. Vlpius Marcellus a man of great virtues.  of a marvelous great temperance and strange diet; for all the time of his abode here he would eat no Bread, but such as was baked in Rome, neither slept he more than would maintain nature, whereby both his private businesses and projects for public services were commonly dispatched by night. Severe he was in the execution of his place, not led by favour of the person, nor stayed from justice by corrupted Bribes; esteeming Money only for necessity, and riches no further then made for public good: But those his virtues though now with us they get him honour, yet then did purchase him Envy with the Emperor. Who lived (saith Lampridius) for his subjects mischief and his own shame: For Commodus hearing Marcellus daily 
Lampred.  commended, construed his Praise to be his own Reproach; and doubting lest he should grow too high, thought good to crop him off betimes, and so sent him Letters of discharge.  
(6) The Army then feeling the rains lose that ere-whiles had been borne with a stiffer hand, fell strait to a disordered mutiny, and therein proceeded with such boldness as they openly refused any longer to acknowledge Commodus for their Sovereign: At which time Perennius was a chief Agent and so ruled all in Rome for the Emperor, as that he entertained a hope to be himself (in time) an absolute 
Perennius the greatest substitute under Commodus.  and sole-ruling Emperor, and having now fit occasion offered to spread his power further; he took upon him to redress these disorders (whilst Commodus wallowed in his lascivious idleness) and displacing some worthy Captains at his own pleasure, sent other persons of mean respect or parts, to command those Legions in Britain, that formerly had been led by Noble Senators and men of Consular dignity, whereby greater mischief began to accrue and civil dissensions daily to burst forth, the Army scorning their upstarst Commanders, and the Captains insulting over the Soldiers, (of all sides) the Aides so disquieted, that had the Britain's followed the advantage, the whole Province at that time had been in hazard to be lost: upon which distractions no less than fifteen hundred Soldiers at once went out of the Land to Rome to complain their wrongs unto Commodus: where charging Perennius to be the stirrer of these troubles, with an intent thereby to raise himself or his son to the Imperial Majesty (a string that cannot be touched without sound in a Sovereign's ear) they were so far heard and believed that Perennius was to them delivered to be put to death, which accordingly 
Perennius delivered to the British Soldiers to be put to death.  they accomplished with all extremity.  
(7) Then was sent for Lieutenant into Britain Heluius Pertinax, a man of low birth, but high Fortunes, being risen from the state of a common Soldier, 
Lamprid. Heluius Pertinax sent Lieutenant into Britain.  to the dignity of a Consul, and had been Commander before that time over many Provinces. Him had Perennius discharged from Britain, and with disgracesent and confined into Liguria where he was borne, whose credit Commodus again with such favours repaired, that he gave him the Surname Britannicus, which glorious title also himself had taken about the year 184. At his first entrance and arivage, he assayed 
Out of a coin of this Emperors instiling him Brit. in the 8. year of his Tribuneiship and 4. of his Consulship.  by rough hand to suppress the rebellions of the Army, and adventured his person so far in some tumults that he was stricken down and left for dead: but afterwards proceeding with better advice he composed those troubles with most severe punishments of the principal offenders: whereby notwithstanding he presently grew odious to all, and thereupon so far feared his own safety, that he made suit 
Heluius Pertinax made suit to be discharged of his office.  to the Emperor to be discharged of his Lieutenantship.  
(8) Unto him succeeded Clodius Albinus in the Government of Britain, a man of great birth, forward 
Histor magna. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 7. Clodius Albinus sent Lieutenant into Britain.  enough, and fortunate, for which the Emperor Commodus either upon favour or fear, did honour him with the title of Caesar, though Albinus seemed unwilling to accept of the same, and afterwards discovered his disposition more openly in approving the Ancient and free state of the Romans. For upon a false report of the death of Commodus, he made an Oration to the Legions in Britanny in favour of the Senate, whole kind of 
Clodius Albinus more affecting Senators than Emperors.  Government he much commended and preferred before the rule of the Emperors: Of which his affection when Commodus understood, he sent julius Severus in all haste, to take charge of the Army: and Albinus 
julius Severus Deputy.  retired himself from all public affairs, until the death of Commodus, which not long after followed, and was wrought upon this occasion: He having assigned many to die, and to that end had enrolled their names in a scroll, it chanced Martia his Concubine to light on the same, wherein she saw herself allotted 
Commodus purpose discovered by his Concubine.  for one: And revealing this his purpose to others, that stood in the same list, and in the like danger; they together thought best to secure their own lives by his death: and with poison, stabs and strangling made him away, when he had lived one and thirty years, 
Eutrop. Lamprid. Maximus.  four months, and viciously reigned thirteen years eight months and fifteen days, the year of Christ's nativity one hundred ninety and three: the night before the Kalends of januarie.  
(9) Of stature he was indifferently tall, of a fine constitution of Body, very fair of complexion, with 
Commodus his portraiture.  clear eyes and golden locks, neither in person nor in Princely parts resembling his Father: How joyful the death of this Tyrant was both to People and Senate, their execrations pronounced against him, and their assemblies in the Temples to give thanks for their deliverance, do manifest, as is at large reported by Lampridius, who wrote his life, and styled by all, Host is humani 
Lampridius. Maximus.  Generis, The enemy of Mankind: The very name of the devil.   

PUBLIUS HELVIUS PERTINAX. CHAPTER. XXI.  
UPON the person of this Heluius Pertinax (of whom we are now to speak) Fortune 
An. Do. 194.  (as it seemeth) meant to make the full experience of her power, and from a very slender foundation to raise the building of her own Pride: His birth was but poor, and parents as mean, whose Father from a servile condition got to be free, and traded in Mercery wares for his living: himself educated according to his 
Dion. Cassi. lib. 73.  birth rose by degrees to mount the Chair of all worldly glory, and to be the Monarch of the whole world.  
(2) At first a Schoolmaster, and taught the Grammar; next a Civil-lawyer, and pleaded causes in Courts; and lastly, a Martial-man, and served in Camp: where Fortune attended him with such favourable success, that within five days, out of the rank of a common Soldier he was preferred to be Captain of a Cohort, in the Syrian wars against the Parthians, which ended, he was employed into Britanny, Missia, and Germany, and also had charge in chief of a Fleet upon the Flemish Seas: he served likewise in Dacia, with such honourable proof of his valour, as that wise Emperor Marcus Aurelius held him in high esteem, and afterward made him Senator of Rome. Then was he assigned Governor of all Syria and Asia, the greatest place of Credit and reputation that might be; and from thence sent again in-into Britain, chosen out as the principal man, of note for to stay the Commotions there raised against Commodus, where in the Field he was left for dead: but thence also returning after he had governed four several Consular Provinces, was created Preconsull of Africa, and immediately after Praefect of Rome. Neither yet made he his stand there, (though the greatest of any subiective degree) till he had mounted the Throne of Majesty, and had obtained the command over All: which fell to his lot by the death of Commodus; and by the means of Martia, Aelius Laetus, and other Conspirers of his end.  
(3) For the Murder being done in the dead of the night, Laetus in great haste repaired to Pertinax his lodging; at whose sight the Old man in bed, expected nothing but Death, as supposing him sent from Commodus to no other end. But Laetus salutes him by the unexpected name of Emperor, carrying him with acclamations unto the Army, and in the morning to the Senate, where, of them all with great joy, he was confirmed Augustus. 
Heluius Pertinax made Emperor.   
(4) His first business was to bridle the Licentious lives of the Praetorian Cohorts & injuries done by them unto the Roman Citizens, which gained him such hatred, 
Heluius Pertinax envied by the Praetorian Cohorts.  that it was cause of his death: For these men grown disordered and lawless in the reign of Commodus, held themselves wronged; to be nowlocked under the constraint of Laws civil Government: and these only envied the peace & prosperity of Pertinax, 
Sabellicus.  whereas all the Provinces abroad at the very hearing of his Election, and fame of his Imperial virtues, laid a side their weapons; and disired to embrace peace with a Prince so nobly qualified.  
(5) The first that conspired against his life, was one Falco; whom notwithstanding he freely forgave, yet punished certain Soldiers thereto accessary: whereupon, the rest assembling themselves in tumultuous and furious manner, with their drawn swords invaded 
Heluius Pertinax asslaulted by his Soldiers.  his Palace. He seeing their purposes sought no escapes, but descending the Palace, met them in the base Court: At whose presence and Majesty they were much amazed, and a while made a stand: unto whom with great gravity, and without show of any fear, he thus spoke unto them. 
Heluius Pertinax his speech to his Soldiers.   
(6) soldiers and Companions, if you come to kill me, (as I think you do) you shall therein perform an act neither valorous, nor otherwise very commendable for you, no, nor any way grievous unto myself, for every man's life hath his limit, and to mine, by Nature's course, the last period cannot be far: Or think you that I fear death, who now am so ripened for it, and have already gotten the very height of all renown unto my Name? Surely you are deceived: but at this I grieve, that my life and short time of Government, which I had devoted to the good of all, should seem so disgustful unto any; as to deserve a violent and hastened death, especially by you, who are by office, the Guarders of my Person: you (I say) whose charge and Oath is, to secure your Sovereign from peril, and now seek to sheathe your Swords in his breast, shall either leave a Testimony of my bad life deserving it, or brand your places with such stains of Treason, as Time shall never wear away. And what I pray is mine offence? for maintaining your Laws? why, it was the charge yourselves imposed upon me. Are Laws too straight? surely, not to the virtuous, who are even a Law unto themselves: are they needless? why then were they made? and being made, why should they not be executed? If the death of Commodus grieve you, was I the cause? If he were made away by Treason, yourselves are conscious of my innocency. And this I assure you, in the word of a Prince, that his death shall deprive you of nothing, which you require, if you require nothing but that which is honest and just. My life, whilst I was a Subject, was spent with you in War, now (being your Sovereign) is consumed with cares for your Peace: which if you free me of, by taking it away, my troubles shall thereby end, but your conscience shall begin to groan under the guilt of blood and perchance be touched with too late Repentance.  
(7) His words were spoken with such a moving gravity, and unmoved resolution, that the foremost in the attempt gave back, and were ashamed of their audacious enterprise, but the rest furiously driving forward, 
Pertinax killed by his Soldiers.  one Trusius with a Lance ran him into the Breast, whereupon Pertinax covering his Head with his rob, quietly yielded his body to the traitorous strokes of them all, and so died that poor, old, and innocent Emperor. The years of his life, saith julius Capitolinus, were sixty, seven months, and twenty five days: But Dio, Spartianus and Herodian accounteth them to extend 
Pertinax his reign.  to sixty eight: Eusebius to above seventy: The like disagreement there is for the short time of his Government: 
Euseb. li. 5. c. 24. Eutrop. l. 8.  for Eusebius saith that he reigned not fully six Months: Eutropius saith but three: julius Capitolinus and Aurelius Victor, eighty five days: Dio, Herodian, and Spartianus, two Months and twenty eight days: how long so ever, thus he lived, and thus he died, the fifth Calends of April.  
(8) He was of an honourable and Majestical presence, strong of body, large and full breasted, long bearded, curle-headed, smooth of Speech, and indifferently eloquent.   

DIDIUS JULIANUS. CHAPTER XXII.  
THE state of man continually attended with uncertain 
An. Do. 194.  chance, apparently doth show, the weak condition that nature enjoyeth, and with what unsurenesse the seat of majesty is possessed, as is seen by the precedent Emperor, who sitting at peace in his Palace at Rome, renowned, beloved, and guarded with the strengths of Europe, Asia, Africa, Egypt, and Greece, was notwithstanding surprised and slain at noon day, by a Band of Soldiers, not much exceeding the number of three hundred, and all escaping unpunished, the deed was so sudden and men's minds so distracted, that it could not be fully believed, though witnessed by sight.  
(2) The Senators mistrusting each others, abandoned the City, and the Citizens in secret secured themselves, all in an uproar, but none for revenge of the treason: The murderers, in as great fear as any, fortified their Camp, and with weapons in hand stood upon their guard: But seeing all in a maze, and nothing against them attempted, a further boldness (the like before never heard of) ensued: for by a Common Crier they made Proclamation for the sale of the 
Ae●… Spartianus Proclamation for the sale of the Empire. Didius julianus bu●…h the Empire of the Roman Soldiers.  Empire, to any man that would give them most: which offer was readily accepted by Didius julianus (a man of much more wealth than honesty of life, and a Lawyer, saith Eusebius) who with larger promises than ever were performed, obtained the Imperial Diadem.  
(3) His birth was in Millen, the son of Petronius Didius Severus, his mother Clara Emilia, and himself brought up in service under Domitia Lucilla, the mother of Marcus Aurelius, by whose favours, he was first made Questor, next Aedile, & then Praetor in Rome. In Germany as a Captain he served under Aureliu, then was he appointed Governor of Dalmatia, ●…thinia, 
Didius julianus his employments in State before he was Emperor.  and of the Lower Germany, and was Consul with Pertinax, and afterwards Proconsul in Africa. These were his risings and means to that Majesty, which not long he kept: for hated in Rome and not approved abroad, Syria chose for Emperor their own General, Pescenius Niger, Germany, Septimius Severus. By whose consent Clodius Albinus leader of the Britain 
Syria chooseth their General. Germany chooseth theirs.  Army was first elected Caesar, and then his fellow in the Empire, whereby the Eagle, the fairest of Birds became monstrous, and in one Body bore three Heads.  
(4) For Albinus at that time having gotten again the government of Britain, where erecting his 
Albinus Governor of Britain. a Competitor for the Empire.  own Statues and stamping his picture in his Coins, gave great suspicion that he intended to be a Competitor, and with his Army a foot meant to have gained the Imperial seat itself, by advantage of Septimius forces, absent in suppressing of Pescenius; which to divert enforced Severus until better opportunity, to declare Albinus his companion, for he much more feared him then either of the former: Because Didius in Rome, and Pescenius in Antioch consumed their times in banqueting, and unmartial disports, whiles Albinus managed his office most soldierlike, and was highly esteemed and honoured of them.  
(5) Severus hasting towards Rome, was met in Italy by Ambassadors from Didius, with fair offers of 
Severus wageth war for the Empire. Re●…useth composition. He is proclaimed Emperor.  peace, and possession of half the Empire: but refusing composition and making still forward, the Senate that so lately declared him a traitor, now proclaimed him an Emperor: And the soldiers unsatisfied of the covenanted promises, and in hope to purchase favour with Severus, slew their Chapman Didius in his Palace, the Calends of julie, being but five days after he had done himself as much for Pertinax, when he 
julianus slain. His reigns continuance. Eutropius. Spartianus. Dio.  had reigned, as Eutropius saith, seven months: Spartianus saith but two, and Dio sixty six days: the year of his age fifty seven, and of our saviours appearing in our flesh, one hundred ninety and four.   

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS CHAPTER. XXIII.  
This old man in the year of Christ one hundred ninety four, was elected Emperor by Acclamation of the Syrian Army, of which (though begun but by a handful in respect of all the other Imperial forces) he had good hope, since to the honour of that Goddess he dedicated the first mark of his Sovereignty, the minting of his money.  
A person he was of seemly stature, lovely feature and fair skin, except his Neck, which differing so far from the rest gave him the surname of Niger: his complexion was ruddy, his Body fat, his voice so piercing, that it would be heard a mile off: and his hair for more ornament long he wore in reflected curls upon his shoulders. A commendable soldier and well bearing himself in the military offices he underwent. In his Lieutenancy abroad he was severe, and at home he so well acted his part when he was Consul, as in his Clemency and justice he seemed emulous of Pertinax. Thus all his life he enjoyed the goodness of his merit and fortune, and had not his ambition begun, where his years were ending, had so parted: For no sooner had he put on the rob Imperial, but Severus defeated his Army at Cizicum, pursued him to Antioch, and took him at Euphrates, sending to Bizanti●… his head a Trophy of the Conquest, and to his wife, children, and followers (unto whom at first this Victor granted banishment) in the end denied life.  
(1) Now as soon as Severus made his appróch near Rome, he gave command that the Praetorian Cohorts should attend him disarmed, which done, he vehemently checked them for their proditorious treachery against Pertinax, and pronouncing sentence, deprived them both of name, honour, and arms of Soldiers, and banished them from Rome, and the circuit thereof for one hundred miles distance: which act of his won him such reputation, that in Rome the whole Story of Pertinax his ruin, and Severus his aspiring to his Throne, was at large portraited in an excellent piece of work, of solid molten brass, as Herodian relateth, though he ascribeth the occasion of it, to a dream of Severus.  
(2) Those two objects Didius and Niger, who gave some hindrance to Severus his beginning, being thus defeated of their high hopes; the third, which was Albinus, seemed now a more dangerous cloud, which would altogether overcast his brightness & glory, if it were not dispersed or blown back in time: and therefore to make fair weather with him, he created him Caesar and his Successor in the Empire, but afterwards his good fortunes thus swelling in the 
Albinus made Successor in the Empire.  East, and himself still courted by Ambassadors from all parts, with their tender of subjection, he began to grow proud, and to disdain any Copartner in State: 
His death practised.  and thereupon first secretly sought the destruction of his Caesar; which failing, he then proclaimed him Traitor and Enemy to Rome. 
Proclaimed Traitor. He wageth w●…te against Severus.   
(3) Clodius Albinus brought into these unexpected dangers, prepared his strengths, and with the choice of all Britain entered France, and near unto Lions took the field against the Emperor; but with no better success, than Pescennius had done in Asia the less, in the same place (as Herodian, Eutropius and Spartianus affirm) where Darius was first overthrown by Alexander. The Armies joining, a bloody Battle was fought, which through the great prowess of the Britain's went at first so sore against Severus, that being beaten off his Horse, despairing of Victory, and almost of Life, cast off his Imperial rob, and flying, ignobly hid himself. Laetus one of Severus his Captains, kept aloof all this while, of purpose as was thought, to bring the Emperor to ruin, and now upon report that he was slain, came on most furiously with his forces, in hope of winning both the day, and the Empire to himself: 
Albinus vanquished by Severus.  whereupon the Emperor drawn again into the field, the day was his by the means, but not the meaning, of Laetus: whom on attainder of his Treason he afterward put to the sword. That day a great part of the flower of Britain was slain, together with their valiant Leader Albinus, a Captain of exemplary Severity and Martial discipline, a great admirer of Hannibal and Marius; for the Scipio's he thought them rather fortunate then valiant, and in the time of his service in this Island, there was no toil which he commanded his soldiers, but himself would bear therein a part, even in carrying of burdens on his Back: and yet so far from vaunting of his valour, as that when an Historian would have recorded his noble Acts, he willed him to write of theirs who were already dead, whom he need not to flatter; holding it a foppery to write of those, of whose favour or wrath the Inditers stood in hope or fear: Being such a one, no marvel if Severus so feared him, as he did, which he showed even after he was slain, by putting incredible numbers of great Personages both in the City and Provinces to death, with this one Pretence, for all, that they wished well to Albinus.  
After this overthrow Severus forthwith sent Heraclianus hither, to keep the rest of the Britaines in quiet, and to be Lieutenant in Albinus his room, as Spartianus writeth: Of whose affairs therein little remembrance 
Spartianus.  is left, only it seemeth by a Coin of Severus minted in his second Consulship, which fell in the year of our Saviour one hundred ninety eight, and about the period of this his last Competitor, that the Britaines gave not at first their service and servitude to this man, until he had made the purchase of it by his sword; the brand of which he hath left to posterity in figuring the Goddess Victory seated upon spoils, and writing in a shield, Victoria Britan.  
IN. SEVERUS. AUG. ET ANTONINUS CAES. DESTINATUS RESTITVERUNT CURANTE VIRIO LUPO. * LE G. EORUM PR.. * PR.  
DEAEFORTUNAE VIRIUS LUPUS LEG. AUG. PR.. PR.. BALINEUM. VI IGNIS. EXUST. VM. COH. I. THR ACUM. REST. ITVIT. CURANTE VAL. FRON. TONE PRAEF EQ. ALAEVETTO  
He warred against the Maatae and North Britain's with such bad success, that he was forced to redeem his peace with money, and was so much weakened by loss of his men, that he sent to Rome for present supply, with relation of his great danger, and the Enemy's 
〈◊〉 why brought into Britain.  strength: which news touched Severus to the quick; and notwithstanding his years (sixty at the least) and gout wherewith he was continually grieved, yet would he undergo that journey in person himself, aswell to satisfy his own vain glorious humours, as to train his Son Bassianus from his licentious life, wherein he wallowed idly in Rome, who together with his brother Geta, accompanied their Father into Britain. 
Aemilius Papinianus a famous Lawyer.   
(5) The Britaines then hearing of the Emperor's approach, sent him their Embassage for entreaty of peace, whereby the Island might have been settled and secured without blood, but the old man (saith Sabellicus) had so unsatiable a desire to bear the glorious Surname of Britannicus, that he preferred war, and accepted not their proffered subjection.  
(6) Severus thus entered, Geta was appointed to remain in the South of the Province, and to govern those parts that stood in quiet, assisted by Aemilius Papinianus the famous Lawyer, whose Tribunal seat was held in York; himself and Bassianus marching further 
Fifty thousand of Severus army dead through toilsome labour and sickness.  into the North against the Maatae and Caledonians their neighbours, both which bore themselves boldly upon the advantage of their Countries, their waters brackish, and unwholesome drink for their Enemies, the air sharp and contagious to their constitutions, and the soil itself so pestered with Loughs, Bogs, Meres, and Mountains, that the Romans were forced to make way by continual Labour, in cutting down Woods, in building of Bridges, and in draining of Meres, so that by distemperature of diet, continual 
Sabellicus.  labour, contagiousness of Air, and afflictions by sickness, fifty thousand of them perished, and that without Battle, saith Dio: many Soldiers also, 
Herodian.  whose spirits were spent, and through feebleness could not keep rank in their March, were for mere 
Caledoniane desire peace.  pity slain by their fellows, lest they should fall into the hands of their Enemies.  
(7) These miseries, notwithstanding old Severus endured and fought many Battles, but (as Sabellicus confesseth) ever with more difficulties to the Romans then to the Britain's, and yet in some small skirmishes he went away Victor, and continued his courses with such resolution, that lastly the Caledonians thought good to entreat their peace; which upon these conditions was granted: first, that they should forthwith lay aside all hostile Arms, without any further resistance: next, that they should deliver into the Romans Possession, those Countries that were next abutting on their Province: and lastly, that thenceforth they should live in quiet, attempting nothing against the public Peace.  
(8) The State thus settled, Severus bethought himself of some further means to secure the Province, by building many Inland strengths anew, and repairing those with Stone and Cement which formerly were but of Turf and earth, as appeareth by this Inscription found in the Ruins of one of his works near unto the River VRE, in the County of Richmond erected.  
IMP CAES. L. SEPTIMIO PIO PERTINACI AUGV.— IMP CAESARI. M. AURELIO APIO FELICI AUGUSTO—— 
 — 
 BRACCHIO CAEMEN— TICIUM VI NE'ER ƲIO— RUM SUB CURALA SENECINON AMPLISSIMIO PERIL. VISPIUS— PRAELEGIO—  
And neglecting the uttermost and vast Northern parts of this Island, drew a Wall or Fortification, which might serve as a Rampire and division betwixt the savage and more civil people, stretching itself thorough the whole Island, even from Sea to Sea; that is, from the Bay of Itun (otherwise Solweyfrith) in Scotland, to the door of Tine or Tinmouth, containing in length One hundred thirty and two Miles, as Sextus Aurelius Victor, Eutropius, and others account them, and by some 
Severus surnamed Britannicus Maximus.  more. This Wall he built of Turfs and Timber strongly fenced with Bulwarks and Turrets, near unto (if not upon) the foundation of Adrians' Wall, the tract whereof thorough the Countries of Westmoreland and Northumberland, is more pleasing to be seen, then easy in word to be expressed. For which his Acts thus here achieved about the year of grace two hundred and eleven, he assumed to himself his much desired Surname Britannicus Maximus, causing in his own and his sons Coins that inscription to be stamped.  
(9) And recording to posterity the glory of his first achievement here, upon the reverse of those his monies, whereon he sometimes form a Trophy erected upon spoils with two Captives, undersetting the word VICT. BRIT. sometimes a winged victory: graving a Shield, hung on that tree which is the meed of conquerors, VICTORIAE BRITANNICAE: and sometimes in such a form and 
〈◊〉 disloyalty.  phrase as is expressed in the entrance of this his life. And now retired to York, he left his eldest son to finish this work of war by him begun, as being rather allayed then altogether ended.  
(10) Bassianus thus set in the one part of the Island, as Geta was in the other, sought rather to gain the affections 
Caledonians rebel.  of his Army, by a loose liberty to do what they list, then to manage the trust reposed on him, by the restraint of Martial Discipline, and exaction of Military duties: hoping by such his plausibility and indulgence, to purchase to himself their best concurrence for the obtaining of the Empire, which he so thirsted after, as that he often tampered with them to raise him, by the fall of his father. 
A general Massacre of them by Severus.   
(11) The Caledonians understanding the dissoluteness of his Camp, and the want of a better Captain, suddenly assailed the Romans, putting many to the sword, and taking great booties, (which they dispersed amongst their neighbours) without any regard of the obligation of their former Covenants: whereat the testy old man was so much disquieted, and so far enraged to revenge, that he gave an express charge to make a general Massacre, without exception of any; using in his speech to his Soldiers, these verses borrowed out of Homer: 
Nemo manus fugiat vestras, cademque cruentam:  
Non foetus, gravidâ Mater quem gestat in aluo,  
Horrendam effugiat cadem.—  
Let none escape your bloody rage; with terror let all die:  
Spare not the mother, nor the child that in her womb doth lie.   
(12) This (which seemeth to have been the work of Severus second year in Britanny, Anno two hundred and twelve for so it is expressed upon the moneys of himself and sons) may (and with a fit and easy inference from the same authority) seem to have been here the fortune and effect of two encounters and Conquests that same year: for whether we observe the two several coins of victory then minted, on one of which is the Statue of that armed and winged Goddess, at whose feet are two Captives prostrate bound; or the other bearing on it a double figure of that Lady, graving the sculpture of the former, VICT. BRIT. upon a Shield, it can conclude no less in probability.  
(13) Severus remaining in York, where the Sixth Legion called Victrix kept, (which place afterwards grew to be one of the chiefest for account among the brigants, as commonly the Sta●… of the R●…dus 
The seed-plots of our Cities and T●….  Colonies were the seed-plots of all our Cities, and principal Towns) grew feeble and sick, being weakened with age, and wearied with travel, his malady more increasing by the disturbances of the Enemy, and the 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉  daily disloyalty of Bassianus his son, insomuch that despairing of life, he called his Counsel and Captains before him, and underlaid with pillows, he thus addressed his speech.  
(14) Eighteen years almost have I wielded the affairs of the Empire, and borne on my shoulders 
S●…erus his speech to his Counsel and Captains.  the burden of her encumbered estate, both at home and abroad; at my first entrance, troubled every where, now at length quiet, even here in Britain, the most unquiet and molestious Province of all: The profit of which travels I must now leave for others to enjoy, and with ease in peace to keep that which I with care and war have gotten. If therefore amity and mutual concord, be embraced (the only sinews of a Commonwealth) the glory of the Empire shall yet shine more bright, sith by concord we see that small things grow to greatness, whereas chose, discord is the ruin of all. I die and must leave the success of all to my Successors and Sons by Nature, though the Elder unnatural: I mean Bassianus new made Antoninus and your Emperor, who often ere this hath sought to gain that title by his sword and my death; but knoweth not the dangers that attend a Diadem, neither remembreth that high places are continually guarded with Envy and Fears. But so blind is Ambition, as it seeth not that a Sovereign's greatness is such unto others, but least in himself, and that the things possessed are not the very things they seemed: It is not these Titles therefore can make man happy, the line of his life being drawn forth with so many uncertainties, and the height of his power laid upon so weak foundations. Myself 
Spartianus.  at this instant may serve for example, of whom this may be said, I was all things, yet nothing, seeing I ay must pay my debt to Nature, and leave my exploits in East and West to be registered (either at your disposal) for matters of moment, and good of the Empire, or blotted to the reproach of my government, with the shadowing pencil of Oblivion. That therefore my care for the welfare of this State may survive myself, and bring forth the happy fruits thereof when I am withered, this shall be my last and only request, that you will ever assist my sons both with your counsel and aid, whereby they may rule according to Law, and you obey according to Right, that so in you both, the good of the Empire be above all things respected. With which words he ended both his speech and his life.  
(15) This Emperor by Historians is ranked with the best, both for his wars, wherein he was very fortunate, and for his wisdom in governing the Empire: and yet is he taxed very sharply both by Sabellicus for sundry vices, and by Eusebius for stirring up the fifth Persecution of the Christians in the tenth year of his Reign. In which Ireneus the learned writer, among many others, suffered Martyrdom: howbeit, towards his end, he became more mild to them, as saith Saint Jerome: as also that he was a diligent reader of the excellent works of Tertullian, whom usually he termed his Master.  
(16) This Emperor was by birth an African, to which Country his affection & graces were so much, that the illustrious City of those parts, recorded upon their coin his many favours by this Inscription, INDULGENTIA AUG. IN CARTH. and enshrined 
Bed●….  him amongst the Gods of that Nation. He was the son of Geta, his mother Pia Fulvia: himself rough, cruel, covetous, and ambitious, and his nature, relishing too much of the Punic craft and simulation: otherwise a most expert Soldier, and a worthy Prince, more battles he fought, and more victories obtained, than any other that ever had ruled before him the Roman Empire. In a word, of virtues and vices so equally composed, that lastly this grew into a customed speech: It had been good that this Emperor had never been borne, or being Emperor, that he had never died.  
(17) Of stature he was tall, and of a comely parsonage, 
Severus his description.  his countenance severe and representing Majesty, his beard white and long, and the hair of his head he wore usually curled. He was very learned in the Mathematics, a good Philosopher, an eloquent Orator, and of a deep sounding voice. He reigned eighteen years (saith Eusebius) by Dion Cassius, Herodian, 
Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 6. ca 7.  and Eutropius, seventeen years, eight months, and odd days. He died in York, the fourth day of April, 
Severus dieth at York. The first Ides of january, saith Savils Table.  in the year of Christ two hundred and twelve, not so much of sickness, as of discontent and grief, or (if our British writers may be credited) of a deadly wound given by Fulgence, Captain of the Picts, who as the Monk of Chester saith, was brother to Martia, the first wife of Severus and mother of Bassianus. His 
Polychr. l. 4. 〈◊〉. 19  second wife was julia Domna the mother of Geta, (though some think that she was mother to both) a woman of a surpassing beauty, and an earnest instigator of the two Brothers reconciliation, had she not been blemished with other vices, as after we shall here.   

M AURE. BAS. CARA. ANTO. BRIT. Brethren. P. SEPT. ANTONI. GETA BRIT. CHAPTER XXIIII.  
BAssianus Caracalla, and his Brother Septimius Geta, together 
An. Do. 212.  were declared Emperors by old Severus in his life time, and both of them by their father surnamed Antoninus, a name very gracious in the esteem of the Romans, the elder so styled about the year of Salvation two hundred and five, and the younger four years after, (as it appeareth by the mintage of their moneys;) were approved and applauded by people and Senate, and of all men saluted and acknowledged for Emperors. Bassianus the Elder, styling himself Britannicus Maximus, as it should seem, was admitted his Father's fellow Emperor at York at his residing there, to quiet the Northern Britain's; wherein 
god. 3. Tit. de rei vi●…dicatione lege. 1.  also he gave him the name Antoninus; for so implieth that famous Law, bearing jointly the names of Severus and Antoninus, enacted by them at York, touching the interest and right that masters have to the goods and possessions of their servants. His mother, the first wife of Severus, was Martia a British Lady (say our British Historians, though Sabellicus doth judge her 
G●…ss Monmouth. Sabellicus.  to be an African) and himself better beloved of the Britaines for her sake, then for his own.  
Geta was the son of the Empress julia, a second wife, a woman of passing beauty and surpassing lust, who being persuaded (by some Oracle or dream) that her husband's successor should be an Antoninus, 
Some s●…y it was 〈◊〉 his ●…ame. Sabellicus.  lost her Son should lose his hope of the Empire, she importuned Severus to bestow the name of Antoninus also on Geta; who with it gave him likewise the title of Caesar, about the year two hundred and two. And to unite the affections of his two sons, aswell as to eternise their memories, he minted their features upon one Medal, inscribing the one side ANTONINUS PIUS AUG. PON. TR. P. FOUR the other, 
Herodian. Sabellicus.  P. SEPT. GETA. CAES. PONT. having the year before matched them together upon the reverse of his own money, and incirculing their heads with this word, AETERNITAS IMPERI. as if the separation of their affections were the dissolution of his and the world's Empire.  
(2) Upon Severus his death, Antoninus Caracalla, hastening for Rome, proffered good conditions of peace to the Britain's, who long tired with wars accepted thereof, and hostages were given for conserving the same. Whereupon the Empress julia accompanied with both the Caesars, departed hence, carrying with them the funeral ashes of the deceased Emperor in a golden Vrna to Rome, where they solemnly consecrated him a God: the ceremony whereof (because it concerneth so great an Emperor and Monarch of this kingdom) is not unworthy the inserting.  
In the Porch of his Palace was a bedstead all of ivory, dressed with richest bedding and furniture of gold, wherein was laid his image protraited to the life, but yet in manner of a sick man. On the left side sat all the Senators and Princes in black mourning weeds; on the right, all the great Ladies, clad in white (which then was the mourning colour of that Sex.) The Physicians diligently coming to visit him, and feeling his pulse, as if he were alive, do signify that his disease did still increase upon him. This they all did seven days together: at last, as if then he were 
Forum was the ch●… place of public me ung●… and plead.  dead, all the prime of the Nobility carry him in his ivory Bed to the * Forum, where all the Patrician youth, & Noble Virgins, encompassed him with most doleful Hymns and rueful ditties. Thence again he was removed to Mars his field, where was erected a foursquare frame of Timber, of a huge height and compass, the stories still mounting to the top with sundry ascents, and richly beautified with strange varieties of gold and purple ornaments, and images of great Art and price: On the second of which ascents, was placed the Emperors said Bed and Statue, with infinite store of sweetest odours, brought thither from all parts of the City: which done, the young Nobleses bravely mounted on Horseback, rid round about in a kind of dance or measure, and another sort likewise (who represented great Princes) in their Coaches, whereupon his successor in the Empire, first setting fire to the frame, forthwith all the people did the like on all sides: and when the whole began to be on flame, an Eagle secretly enclosed within, was let fly out of the top; which soaring a great height, and out of sight, the people followed it with shouts and prayers, supposing that therewith the emperors soul was carried up to heaven. And thus Severus, which was before a man of Gods making, was now become a God of man's making: and the more to preserve the memory of his father's glory, Caracalla erected a magnificent Edifice, which he instiled Severus his Porch, wherein with most exquisite Art, and admired workmanship, were portraited all his Father's wars and triumphs, achieved here in Britain or elsewhere. 
Sabellicus.   
(3) But presently after, these two ungodly sons of this new supposed God, so much emulated each others glory, that the deadly sparks of envy, blown a long time with the bellows of their ambitious desires, broke out into the flames of murder and blood, being brethren by one Father, but not by the same mother (as it is said) & in this only like, that they were both stark nought, though both in contrary kinds of Vices. And albeit the Empress julia had sought by all means to make peace betwixt them, both formerly, here in Britain, and now, after their return to Rome: yet the desire of a sole Sovereignty, had been a long time so rooted in Bassianus his heart (for which he had twice attempted his Father's life, and so much hasted his death, that he slew his Physicians, because they had dispatched him no sooner) could not endure an equal (much less a confronter) in authority, and therefore in the Court and in the arms of the Empress, he slew her son Geta, in a time least suspected, 
Geta slain in his mother's arms.  when he had sat with him in state and disdain, the term of one year and twenty two days. 
Herodian.   
(4) And to cloak this fratricide with show of constraint, first to the Soldiers, and then in the Senate, he accuseth his Brother to have sought his death, and that in defence of his own life, he was forced to slay the other, and flying to the Praetorian Cohorts for the safety of his life, as though further conspiracies had been intended against him in the City, & at his return commanded Papinianus the famous Civilian, to excuse 
Dio Spartianus.  the murder in his Pleas at the Bar: which when he refused, he caused him to be slain, as also all those, 
Papinianus slain for refusing to descend a murder.  that had been acquainted with Geta; whereby so many of the Nobility perished, that he was thereby accounted another Nero in Rome: and by his favourites the name of Geta was razed out of all monuments & imperial inscriptions, as we have seen some of them defaced upon some Altar stones found here in Brit.  
(5) Of nature he was subtle, and could well dissemble with them whom he feared, and make show of love where he deadly hated; always fitting himself to the humours of flatteries: Among the Germans, counterfeiting their gate and garments; In Greece, be like Alexander, bearing his neck somewhat awry; In Troy, would resemble Achilles; always so Chameleon-like, as the Romans (his followers) were therewith ashamed. In a word, Caracalla (saith Dio) never thought of doing good, because (as himself confessed) he never 
Dio.  knew any goodness.  
(6) And to fill up the measure of all iniquity, as one regardless of humanity or shame, he married julia his mother in law, late wife to his own Father (a sin (saith S. Paul) not to be named among the Gentiles) 
1. Cor. 5. 1.  and by Sext. Aur. Eutrop. and Spar. reported upon this occasion. It fortuned that julia in presence of Caracalla, either by chance, or of purpose rather, let fall the vail which she wore, discovering thereby her 
Sextus Aurelius. Eutropius. Spartianus. Sabellicus.  naked breasts and beauty, which was great; whereat the Emperor casting his lascivious eye and bewraying his affection, presently said, Were it not unlawful, I should not be unwilling: to whom she replied (without 
julia her wicked speech.  respect of modesty) that all things were lawful to him that made laws for others, but was subject himself to none: forgetting at once both the murder committed upon Geta her son, and the scandals that accompanied so foul a sin, the pleasure whereof they did not long enjoy, both their deaths (by God's vengeance) soon after ensuing.  
(7) For Caracalla remaining in Mesopotamia, and carrying (as it seemeth) a guilty conscience, and suspicion of his life, sent to Maternus, whom he had left 
Antoninus seeketh to sorcerers.  Governor of Rome, to assemble all the Astrologers & Mathematicians (unto which learned impostors he always gave especial credit) and of them to inquire how long he should live, and by what death he should die. Maternus having so done, wrote for answer, that Macrinus his Perfect of the Praetorium (then with him in his expeditions) went about to murder him. Which is thought rather in envy of Macrinus to have been feigned, then by any Astrological directions so given forth. This letter and others coming to Caracalla his hand, at such time as he was busy about his disport, he delivered them to Macrinus to read, and give him the report at his return. In perusal whereof finding himself to be accused of Treason, and fearing lest by the sequel he might be brought into greater danger, he incensed one Martial a Centurion (whose brother the Emperor had lately slain) to 
Sabellicus.  murder him; which was soon performed, and occasion in the fields offered: for Caracalla stepping aside from his train to ease nature, Martial, as though he had been called, ran hastily in without hindrance or 
Antoninus Caracalla killed.  suspect, and with his dagger stabbed him to death; but being too late perceived, was yet so hastily pursued, that he was hewed to pieces before his tongue could reveal the principal Traitor. julia his incestuous wife hearing of his death, with poison slew herself at Antioch, leaving her shame to survive her life.  
(8) Antoninus Caracalla, saith Eusebius, reigned Emperor 
Antoninus Caracalla his reign. Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 6. ca 20.  seven years and six months, but Herodian, Spartianus, and Dio allot him six years and two months: he died the eight of April, and year of Christ two hundred eighteen. The testimonies of these many writers notwithstanding, together with the place and circumstances of his death, and the person by whom it was committed, the British Historians do contradict, reporting him to be slain in Britain in Battle against the Picts, by one Carauceus a man of a low and obscure birth. But by this it may seem 
Old Ma●…scr. cap. 136.  some wounds received by him in those British wars, gave occasion to that error. He left a son not by his incestuous mother, nor by Glantilla his wife, whom he exiled into Sicily; but by a mistress, whose name was julia Simiamira his cozen German, and indeed no better 
Eusebius calls her Sa●…iam, alij Sarius, and her moneys julia 〈◊〉, that she was his whore, not his wife. Sabellicus.  than a common strumpets which corrupt roots brought forth as bitter fruits, even Heliogabalus, of whom hereafter we shall have occasion to write.   

OPILIUS MACRINUS. CHAPTER XXV.  
IN prosecuting our intended 
An. Do. 218.  course, for setting down the Acts and lives of sundry Emperors, hereafter succeeding, I know I shall hardly satisfy my Readers, being no way able to give content to myself, in that, on the one side, finding very few remembrances concerning the state of this our Island, till the reign of Dioclesian, the History of that Interim may seem impertinent to our purpose; and yet on the other side, considering how unfit it is, that the Succession of all our British monarchs should be interrupted (that Royal Title being likewise annexed to those other Emperors) I suppose it will be expected, that somewhat also be said of them, though managing their affairs in places far remote. It seemeth that the continual striving for the Imperial Diadem, and their nearer hazards at home, made them contented to give Britain some peaceable breathing, and so deprive us of the Roman Records of those times: which want if I should supply out of our homebred British Writers, I might be thought, not so much to repair the ruins of our Monuments, as to heap more rubbish upon them. And therefore (necessity so enforcing) I must crave patience, if I proceed to the rest of our Country's monarch, though I cannot to the residue of our Country's Exploits and Affairs in those days.  
(2) Opilius Macrinus from obscure and base parentage, 
An. Do. 218.  by favours of the Emperor, without any notable desert in himself, first aspired to the Office of a Perfect, and at last by the election of the Soldiers, to the Dignity imperial. So far from suspicion of Caracallaes' death, by the outward appearance of a seeming sorrow, that he was held of all most free from the Treason, and the second person worthy of their voice. For first, the Title was conferred upon aged Audentius, a man of good sort, much experience, and an excellent Captain; whose wisdom could not be 
Audentius refuseth the Empire.  drawn to adventure his life under the weight of so uneasy and dangerous a Crown, but excusing himself by the privilege of his age, as far unfit to wield the troubles (much less to increase the glory) of the Empire, refused their offers, but with return of as many thanks as they had given him hands or voices. Whereupon they again consulted and determined for Macrinus, which as willingly received, as Audentius refused: unto whom they swore fealty, but not long after failed in performance.  
(3) He made for his Caesar, Diadumenus his son, 
Diadumenus appointed for Caesar. Called Antoninus  changing his name (a usual custom at their election) into Antoninus, because that name was gracious among the Romans. The Senate at home confirmed all that the Army had done abroad; unto whom it seemed their right, as it were by prescription, to have the election of the Emperors.  
(4) His first expedition was against Artabanus King of the Parthians, that hasted against the Romans, for wrongs received by Caracalla deceased: but after three great and dangerous Battles, came to an atonement, and a peace betwixt them concluded. After this, as free from further troubles, he returned to Antioch in Syria, and there spent his time in Banquets, and other sensual pleasures, being drenched so far therein, that the Army began to dislike his Government, and to favour young Bassianus the son of Caracalla, 
Antoninus' son of Caracalla.  then present at E●…esa a City in Phoenicia, with Moesa his Grandmother by his Mother's side, who there had built a Temple consecrated to the Sun, and therein ordained him a Priest; for which cause he 
Antoninus' called Heliogabalus, that is, A Priest of the Sun.  was called Heliogabalus, that is to say in the Phoenician Language, The Priest of the Sun.  
(5) To this Temple in their vain devotions resorted many of the Roman Soldiers; and seeing the beauty of the youth, alured Moesa to bring him to their Camp: where known to be the son of Caracalla, the Soldiers proclaimed him Emperor, and 
Herodian.  maintained his right against Macrinus; who after this revolt, met young Heliogabalus in the Confines betwixt Phoenicia and Syria, where was fought a bloody Battle, and Macrinus forsaken of all, and driven 
〈◊〉 Capital.  to fly; who with his son hasting thorough Asia and Bithynia, came lastly to Chalcedon, where he fell sick, and was there, together with Diadumenus, put to 
Mar●… and Diad●… put to death. 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 reign.  death the seventh day of june, the year of Christ's Incarnation two hundred and nineteen, when he had reigned one year, one month, & twenty eight days.   

ANTONINUS HELIOGABALUS. CHAPTER XXVI.  
Antoninus Heliogabalus Emp. YOung Bissianus, surnamed Heliogabalus, the son of 
An. Do. 219.  Caracalla before mentioned, thus elected, and prospering at his entrance, gave hopes to his raisers, of many princely parts, and signs of those things that in sequel by better proof appeared to be only signs indeed: for nature had plentifully adorned him with the compliments of her gifts, had his mind been answerably furnished with virtue. But as the one was over-prodigall and lavish in his outward form, so was the other as sparing and defective in bestowing of her inward gifts. insomuch that both in mind and garment, he seemed to be that which in truth he was not. This Emperor, as appeareth by the reverse of his money, took it no mean addition of honour to his Imperial Dignity, to be styled, The Priest of the Sun; which in the Assyrian Tongue is called El, from whom he took the surname Elagabal.  
(2) Assoon as he had settled the Empire firm upon himself by the death of Macrinus, he began to discover his own dispositions, and in wantonness, apparel, lightness, and diet, to exceed any that had 
Heliogabalus exceedeth in wickedness all others before him  gone before him in Rome; and so far differed from the manners of men, that modesty will not suffer us to record his greatest vices.  
(3) His apparel was rich, and most extreme costly, and yet would he never wear one garment twice: his Shoes embellished with Pearls and Diamonds; his Seats strewed with Musk and Amber; his Bed covered with Gold and Purple, and beset with most costly jewels; his Way strewed with the Powder of Gold and Silver; his Vessels (even of basest use) all Gold; his Lamps burning with no other Oil than the Balms of India and Arabia; his Fishponds filled with no other water then of distilled Roses; his Ships (in his Naumachies' or Ship-fights) floated in a River of Wine; his Baths most stately built, and again after they were once used, presently plucked down; his Plate of finest Gold, but never served twice to his Table; his Rings and jewels most rich, yet never worn twice; his Concubines many and chargeable, but not one lain with twice; his Diet so profuse, that at every supper in his Court, was usually spent a Thousand Pound Sterling: inviting the chief Citizens to a Feast, he strewed all the Rooms with Saffron, as it were with Rushes, saying, That such Cattle were worthy of such costly Litter. near the Sea, with him no Fish was eaten: in the Land, no Flesh: whole Meals made of the Tongues of singing Birds and Peacocks, or of the Brains of most costly creatures, always saying, That meat was not savoury, whose sauce was not costly. And indeed so costly it was, that the revenues of Germany, France, Britain, Spain, Italy, Sicilia, Graecia, Asia, Syria, Egypt, Arabia, and all the islands, were not suffcient to defray the charges.  
(4) In his Progress, six hundred Chariots followed him, laden with Strumpets, Boys, and Bawds, for whom he built a Stews in his Court, wherein himself in the attire of an Harlot, made to them solemn and 
A●…lius Lamprid.  set Orations, terming them therein his Fellow-soldiers, 
Herodian.  and Companions in Arms, with Instructions for them how to practise with most variety their filthy Luxuries. In regard of which kind of actions, one doth make this doubt, whether were greater his boundless Prodigality, his stupendious Lechery, or his foppish Foolery: the last of which his Imperial Virtues, he gave proof of, when he gathered in the City ten thousand weight of Spiders, professing that thereby he understood how great a City Rome was: at another time, ten thousand Mice, and a thousand Wizels, which he brought forth in a public show to the people, for some wise State-purpose, like the former.  
(5) In Rome he built a Temple consecrated to the Sun, (like to that in Phoenicia, whereof himself was Priest) commanding the Christians therein to worship: as also a Chatterhouse for women to meet and determine of their Attires; and brought into the Senate-house his mother Semiamira, allowing her a Voice among the Senatòrs. In modesty I forbear to write the particulars of his unmanly libidinous filthiness, adding only that which a judicious Author speaks of him: Kings (saith he) as they have greater power to sin then other men, so have they lesser safety in sinning then any man; for being set above others in the eye of the World, they are as Marks that are aimed at, and lie open to the shoot of Revenge. And so was the state of this Superlative Monster, whose own Conscience still stung him, even in the midst of his sweetest sins, and therefore ever expecting some violent end, he prepared Silken Halters richly wrought to hang himself, if need were; and Golden Knives to stab himself, or cut his throat; and built a goodly Tower of exceeding height, adorned with Gems and Gold of invaluable cost, that thence he might cast himself headlong, having these words oft in his mouth, That however he died, his death should be precious in the eyes of all men. But he failed of his hope, though not of his desert; for against him the Praetorian Soldiers suddenlic arose, no wrong offered them, more than unto others, but out of a justice in God, who repaieth sin with sin, and suffereth not such outrageous wicked ones to escape unrevenged.  
(6) These breaking into his Palace, found him not in estate answerable to his calling, but hid (for fear) in a homely place suitable with his dirty conditions: 
A Privy. Sabellicus.  from whence with Acclamations thorough the streets of Rome, more like a Dog then a Man, they dragged him with his mother, saying, The Bitch and her whelp must go together: and after their fury spent, threw their bodies into the Common Sink of the City, and thence into Tiber, sinking them down with great stones, lest the carcases cast up with the waves, should either find burial, or infect the air. The Senate approving all that was done, decreed that his name should be obliterated out of all monuments in Rome, and never any Antoninus (a name before very gracious) should rule again their Empire: so odious was the remembrance of this Image of Ignominy.  
(7) He was aged but fourteen years when he became Emperor; by Herodians computation, he reigned six years, and died at twenty: By Aurelius Victors he died at seventeen, & reigned not fully three years: Eusebius saith, that he reigned fully four: Onuphrius 
Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 20.  would have him to live eighteen years, & to die the 8 day of March, Anno two hundred twenty three.   

ALEXANDER SEVERUS. CHAPTER XXVII.  
Alexander severus Emp. BEfore the death of Heliogabalus, his Cousin German 
An. Do. 223.  Alexianus, by the working of his mother Mammea, was made his Caesar, whose virtues daily increasing, with his age, gave hopes to the better sort of some happier times by his means: but so far incensed Heliogabalus (who hated nothing more than virtue), and so dimmed his fame, that he often assayed to take away his life by treachery: But surviving him, whom no man wished to live, he was with public blessings, and unspeakable joy elected Emperor; * his name they changed from Alexianus to Alexander, 
Lampridius saith, he was borne on the day that Alexander the great died, and had therefore his name.  and his surname given of old Severus.  
(2) He was the son of one Varius, a Syrian borne, and of Mammea, sister to Simia●…ira, though there are who say that both the sisters attending on their Aunt julia the Empress, were gotten with child by young Caracalla, and so he father of Alexianus: howsoever, 
Sabellicus. Lampridius.  he was brought up in learning from his childhood, having a natural propension to all human virtues, and divine pieties: He was very skilful in the Mathematics, Geometry, Music, Carving, and 
Herodian.  Painting, & composed some Books also of Poetry; so great a lover of the liberal Arts, that he allowed the 
Sabellicus.  professors thereof annual stipends for their further encouragement: and that which most is, he much favoured the Christians, from whom he took to himself examples of life, and urged their Precepts unto others, and this one especially 
* Lampridi●… the truest relator of this emperors acts: (for Herodian speaks on spleen) saith, he caused this Christian poesy to be written all about his Palace, and sometimes commanded by voice of a public Crier. Lamprid●…. Sabellicus.  NOT TO DO TO OTHERS WHAT WE WOULD NOT HAVE DONE TO US. Their Christ he honoured (though as a Heathen man) and would have had him consecrated among the Roman Gods: unto whom he also was minded to have built a Temple, had not his Idol-Priests hindered the same, but a place of their holy assemblies he allowed them by his Imperial warrant: for when certain Vintner's or Victuallers laid claim to the place whereunto the Christians resorted to pray, he thus decided it, That it was much fitter that God therein should be worshipped, than belly-gods should be pampered to surfeit there. (A good document of a Heathen for some Christians, who turn places consecrate to God's divine service into Sheep-Coates, or to the like profane uses) This good inclination 
Alexander Severus incited to Christianity by his mother Mammea Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 20. Jerome.  of Alexander the son, was undoubtedly stirred up by the instigations of Mammea his mother, who, as Eusebius witnesseth, had sent for Origen (the Christian Doctor) from Alexandria to Antioch: by whom she was so well instructed, that Jerome gives her the honourable Title of a most holy Woman.  
(3) Himself, though young, ruled the Empire with great Wisdom and justice: admitting only such for his Counsellors, as were men uncorrupt, sage and learned, skilful in the Civil Law, and experienced 
Sabellic●….  in Antiquities of elder times, and preferring none to any office or charge by suit, but only by the commendation of each man's worth and fitness for the place: In regard whereof, he caused Turinus (one of his Courtiers who took money of divers, with promise to procure the emperors favour in their suits) to be put to death by smoke, the Crier proclaiming, That he had sold smoke, and therefore with smoke he should die. And likewise to cut off, in Lawyers their continual selling of justice (the bane of all Common wealths) for a fee, he granted a public & set reward to such as should plead gratis. By which courses, his civil affairs were nobly managed, and his wars likewise proved as prosperous: for he triumphed with great glory over the Parthians: The Germans also, who in furious manner had passed the Rivers Danuby, and the Rhine, in many skirmishes he put back, and forced them to their former obedience.  
Bountiful and liberal he was both to the people & soldiers, as by the reverse of his Coin above prefixed is seen, wherein is expressed the fourth Donatinum and Congiarium, bestowed by the bounty of this Emperor upon the Soldiers and common people, of which Lampridius maketh mention in his life.  
(4) But as Envy ever attends persons of Estate, and a desire of change, breeds a dislike of the present, so the Roman Legions grown far out of order by the prodigious Government of the last Emperor, proved now unnatural to their dread Sovereign: whose wars drawing him into Germany, and thence hither into Britain, he found some of his Soldiers 
Sabellic●… and others.  here so tumultuous, that he thought fit to use exemplary severity towards them, whereupon they, being secretly backed, (as is supposed) by Maximinus (a potent man in the Army, raised only by the emperors favour) they traitorously assailed him, and together with his mother Mammea, murdered him in a village 
Severus and his mother murdered.  then called Sicila, though others say he was slain in Germany, in the City Mogunce, and some in France, no other cause moving them, but only his virtue, the eight day of March, when he had reigned (by Lampridius) thirteen years and nine days, aged by Herodian, and julius Capitolinus, twenty nine years, 
Severus the time of his reign.  three months and seven days, the year of our Saviour, two hundred thirty six.   

CAIUS. JULIUS. VER US. MAXI. EMP. CHAPTER XXVIII.  
CAIUS. JULIUS. VER US. MAXI. CAES. 
Maximinus Emp.  
Maximus Caesar.   
Maximinus', a man barbarous by birth and disposition, (himself a Thracian, his father named Nicaea, borne in Gotland, very obscure, his mother Ababa of 
An. Do. 236.  little better rank) spent his youth in keeping of cattle, the poverty of his parents admitting no better maintenance: yet afterwards his fortunes brought him unto great advancement, and that by working upon the outward object of his person, being for shape and strength (if the reporter deserve credit) rather to be thought a vast Giant, then described for a goodly man: For julius Capitolinus, affirms 
juli. Capitol. Maximinus of a huge stature.  his height to be eight foot and an half by Geometrical measure, and his Body answerable in every proportion, insomuch, as he did wear as a Ring on his thumb, the * Bracelet which his wife used to wear on 
Capitolinus calls it Dextr●…cherium, being a broad plate of gold, set with rich jewels, an ornament in use amongst the Roman Ladies.  her arm, a stature thought uncredible; and yet josephus, an Author of great credit, doth confidently record, that one Eleazar a jew accompanied Darius the King's son of Persia unto Rome, (sent by Vitellius to Tiberius for an hostage) whose height, as he saith, was fully seven cubits, a measure surmounting this.  
(2) This Maximinus increasing strength with 
joseph. Antiq. l. 18 cap. 6.  growth, left his trade of Cattle-keeping, and resorted to the Roman Camp then in Syria, where for his admirable 
Maximinus' his means of rising to preferment.  height, he was admitted by Septimus Severus into the rank of a common Soldier, and shortly after, preferred to be one of his Guard. Bassianus made him a Colonel, and Heliogabalus gave him the leading of certain foot: but the last Emperor Alexander, advanced him to be a Captain of the fourth Legion, whose death notwithstanding he disloiallie practised (of such force is the desire of Sovereignty, which makes men forget all bonds of gratitude and 
Herodian and Aurelius Victor ●…y that this was done, Alexander yet living.  loyal trust) and was thereupon by the soldiers elected Emperor, with fealty sworn unto him.  
(3) The ignoble Upstart thus borne from the 
Maximinus of a naughty disposition.  dunghill, upon the wings of Fortune, unto the seat of Majesty, thought the increase of his pride was an increase of State; and knowing he had nothing for which he might deserve to be loved, he studied in the whole managing of his estate, how by all means he might be feared. He therefore displaced Senators, Captains, Soldiers, and whom not? with murders, banishments, and confiscations of their goods: all such especially he did cut off, whom he supposed to have knowledge of his base beginnings. The Christians 
Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 27. Maximinus persecuteth the Christians. His death attempted.  likewise under him were martyred, (whereof Origen wrote a Book, not now extant) and he is by Writers accounted the sixth Persecutor of God's Saints: so that, whereas his flatterers at first called him Milo, Antaeus, and Hercules, for his strength; now they all termed him, Busiris, Phalaris, and Cyclops, for his savage cruelty.  
(4) But his life being odious to God and Man, 
Herodian.  was often attempted to be taken away; first, by Maximus, a man of a Consular dignity; then by Quarcinus (whom Capitolinus calleth Ticus) set on by the old Soldiers of Septimus Severus, that had been disgraced by Maximinus; and lastly by the Army in Africa, who elected Gordianus (their Proconsul, a very 
Gordianus elected Emperor, and his son●…e elected his Caesar.  worthy and learned man of fourscore years old) Emperor, and his son (of the same name and Princely qualities) his Caesar: the Senate likewise confirming all that they had done. He took to himself the surname Africanus either in respect of his Pro-Consulship which he exercised in that Province, or else as descended from Scipio his family who bore that surname: His son Gordianus likewise was styled Augustus, as appeareth by his Coins, whereon he writeth himself AUG. and upon the Reverse, Liberalitas AUG. I. two Emperors sitting.  
Maximinus then in Hungary, and hearing thereof, rather like a mad man raged at his misfortunes, then either by courage or wise forecast endeavoured to redeem them.  
(5) In the mean while, aged Gordianus with the 
An. Do. 238.  Ensigns and glory of an Emperor, entered Carthage, with blessings and acclamations of joy: whereat his old enemy Capeltanus, Governor of Numidia and Mauritania (Provinces in Africa) much envied; and gathering forces in Maximinus his name, made head against him, and shortly gave him Battle, wherein Gordianus the younger was slain before the walls of 
Gordianus the younger slain.  the City. The father seeing his Caesar's disaster, and himself an Emperor only nominal, and his new risen Sun to have passed the circle of his height, and now to approach to the setting and fall, wished again his private estate; and in despair, grief, and disdain of his enemy's success, with the Girdle which he wore, strangled himself to death, when he had 
Gardianus the father strangled.  been styled Emperor only twenty six days: whereat Maximinus was not a little joyful, and the Senate no less perplexed, seeing themselves deprived of their hopes, and now laid open to the Tyrants will, who like a Lion came raging on, threatening revenge in all their bloods.  
(6) The State thus standing, all the Peers and Princes thereof assembled themselves together at Rome: and in the Temple of jupiter, after long debating of their present dangers, concluded, that Maximus Pupienus and Clodius Balbinus together should be Emperors; men of great account and favour with the people. These taking Oath and Imperial Robes, levied forces to maintain their cause: and Balbinus taking charge of the City, Pupienus marched to meet Maximinus, who in great pride had passed the Alps, entered Italy, and now laid siege against Aquieliea; in which this was very memorable, that The Citizen's wives cut off the hair of their heads, to make bowstrings for resistance of so hateful a Tyrant: where after long assault prevailing little, his discontented Soldiers fell to mutiny: and entering his Pavilion, at noon day without resistance slew both him and his son, bearing the same name whom he had created his Caesar, 
Maximinus and his son slain,  and whose moneys, as he minted them, we have inserted at the entrance of his Empire. Their heads for a Trophy they sent before them to Rome, where with such acceptations they were received, as that the Senate acknowledged themselves to be rid of a Monster.  
(7) He was, as is said, exceedingly tall, his body great, and joints proportionable, fair of face, full eyes, and of such strength as is uncredible: and according to his limbs, so was his diet; for he daily devoured 
Maximinus' his intemperance in di●…t. jul. Capitol. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 27.  forty pound weight of flesh, and thereto drank six Gallons of wine. He died aged sixty years and odd, when he had reigned three years, in the year of our Lord two hundred thirty and eight.   

PUPIENUS MAXIMUS Emperors. CLODIUS BALBINUS CHAPTER XXIX.  
PVpienus Maximus and Clodius Balbinus thus elected together for Emperors, the 
An. Do. 238.  one in action, and the other resident, a great sedition chanced betwixt the Senate and Soldiers, which grew to a bloody issue among the Citizens, and Rome itself was set on fire in sundry places; the emperors presence and authority little prevailing: which struck such fear into their hearts, that they accounted these times most unfortunate, and themselves and present estate to be most desperate. But the death of Maximinus (and his head happily brought them at the instant) gave present life to their dying hearts. And Pupienus coming to Aquieliea as much quieted the Army, sent back the Lieutenants to their places of charge, and with great pomp and praise returned to his Fellow-Emperour.  
(2) The parentage of Balbinus is reported to be both noble and ancient, made Citizens of Rome by great Pompey, and himself borne at Cales in Spain. Pupienus Ancestors were much latter, yet had he borne many Offices of Magistracy, and ever discharged them with wisdom and valour: both of them highly accounted of in Rome.  
(3) Peace thus established beyond all expectation, with shouts and applauses the Emperors enter the Senate-house, where (according to the custom and their deserts) they were styled, The Fathers of the Senate, 
I●…l. Capitol.  with thanks as to the only preservers of their lives and estates: and some extolling the Senate highly for their provident foresight, in clecting such sapient and worthy Emperors, contrary to the rash and undiscreet practice of such as choose their Governors to fit their own fancies, rather than the charge to which they advance them; and whose bad lives brought commonly their untimely, but deserved deaths. The Praetorian Soldiers took themselves to be taxed with those aspersions, and the rather, because the Germane Strangers were brought in to be of the Guard, as if themselves were not to be trusted: so turning their spleen against the present Emperors, sought to set up a new, which shortly after they found opportunity to effect.  
(4) For these Emperors, though aged and wise, 
The Emperors envy one another.  were not so linked together in affection, as they were near joined in authority: and therefore the wind of emulation had the easier passage betwixt the chinks of their own conceits; the one prising his wisdom and government to be more judicious; the other, his birth and Nobility to be more honourable: and each of them having his own Guard, stood upon his own Guard, though one Palace contained them both: and both their endeavours ever well consorting for the businesses of the Empire.  
(5) At this time the Provinces of Parthia and Germany grew unquiet, and by civil discords, endangered their subjections: to repress which, the Emperors agreed to go in person, the one into the East, the other into Germany. Now whilst these great preparations were in making, the Capitoline-Games were celebrated in Rome, whereunto all (almost) resorted, but especially the newcome Guards of the Emperors. The Pretorians finding the advantageous time, which they had long waited for, suddenly in armour assailed the Court; which Pupienus perceiving, sent in all haste for Balbinus, and both their Guards for defence. But his Fellow-Emperour, upon a vain suspicion detracted time himself, and hindered the forwardness of the Guards, so that these Traitors had easy access into both the emperors Chambers, where in their rage they despoiled them of their Imperial Robes, and haled these poor aged and innocent Emperors, like two thieves thorough the midst of the City: Lastly, they slew them, and left their bodies to despiteful ignominy.  
(6) These Emperors reigned together one year, and somewhat more, and died the year of Christ two hundred thirty nine: in which year happened so great an Eclipse of the Sun, that the noonday thereby became as dark as the midnight.   

M. ANTONINUS GORDIANUS. CHAPTER XXX.  
GOrdianus (for Antoninus he 
An. Do. 239.  might not be called, a law formerly acted inhibiting the same) was the son of a daughter to old Gordianus (that had made away himself in Carthage, as is declared) at the age of eleven years was created Caesar by the Senate, with Pupienus and Balbinus; and at their deaths by the Praetorian Soldiers, elected Emperor, not yet fully fourteen years of age. Greatly was he strengthened by the Alliance and Counsel of one Misitheus, his Perfect and Instructor, whom for his great learning he so honoured and loved, that he took his daughter for his wife; and by whose only direction, he prosperously administered his State affairs.  
(2) Touching the affairs of our Provinces proceedings, or what Lieutenants were employed in Britain since Virius Lupus there placed by Severus (since whose death our Story hath spent twenty seven years) we find not recorded. Yet now in the reign of young Gordianus, some glimmering light for her Governor appeareth by an Altarstone found in Cumberland at a place then called 
* Old Carlisle.  Castra Exploratorum, with an inscription for the happy health of the Emperor Gordian the third, his wife Furia Sabina Tranquilla, and their whole Family: which votive Altar was erected by the Troop of Horsemen surnamed Augusta Gordiana, when Aemilius Chrispinus a native of Africa governed the same under Nonnius Philippus Lieutenant General of Britain, in the year of Christ, two hundred forty three, as appeareth by the Consuls therein specified: whose form and inscription we have followed by the Stone itself, now remaining at Connington among many others, in the custody of Sir Robert Cotton Knight.  
JOM. PRO SALVTE IMPERATORIS M. ANTONI GORDIANIS. P. F. INVICTI AUG. ET SABINIAE TUR JAETRANQVILECONIUGIEIUSTO TAQVE DOMV DIVIN. EORUMA LA AUG. GORDIA. OB VIRTUTEM APPELLATA POSVIT: CVI PRAEEST AEMILIUS CRISPINV. S PRAEF. EQQ. NATUS IN PRO AFRICA DE TVIDRO SUB CUR. NONNII PH LIPPI LEG. AUG. PROPRETO ... ATTICO ET PRETEXTA TO COSS.  
(3) In Rome the Temple of janus that long had stood shut, he caused to be opened, a sure token that 
●…tropius. Gor●…us openeth the Temple of Ia●….  wars were in hand: and departing the City, passed the Straits of Hellespont, and took his way thorough Mysia, to stay the Goths that were come down to inhabit Thracia. Thence marching to Antioch, recovered the City, forcing Sapor to forsake the Province, and to content himself with his own domains.  
(4) But long this Sun went not without a Cloud, nor his favourable fortunes without a check; 
H●…er. Ili●…des 4. Mi●…beus poisoned by Philip.  for Mi●…theus, his Nest●…r, paying Nature's debt before it was due (being poisoned by Philip, as Eutropius affirmeth) was wanting in counsel, & miss for trust: to supply which, Philip (an Arabian, and of ignoble parentage) was made his Perfect; wise (I must needs say) had he been moderate; and valiant in Arms, had he been true. But the glory of a Diadem beheld with the false light of ambition, so dimmed the eye of his dutiful affection, and blinded the senses of his aspiring mind, that he, who from nothing was risen to be something, thought that also nothing worth, whilst it was shadowed with the name of a subject. First therefore he sought to win credit with the Soldiers, to whom he was facible; to regard the poor, to whom he was liberal; and in all things to outstrip his Sovereign, to whom he was treacherous. Young Gordianus unable to endure his Prefectors designs, 
Philip his treachery.  or his own disgraces, and perceiving the mark whereat he aimed, complained his wrongs in open assemblies, and to the Soldiers after this tenor.  
(5) I got not this state from my Parents by 
Gordi●… his speech to the Soldiers.  birth, nor yet by any deserts (I must confess) in myself, being the least of many that did deserve it better: but it was you, my fellow Soldiers (upon what fate I know not) that have made me what I am. If then I have defrauded your hopes, by carrying myself under your expectations, I wish to be set in the place where I first was; or rather (if I so deserve) my life, and state, may at one instant be ended by your unerring hands: For Noble minds cannot brook to be kerbed with the bit of base indignities, nor suffer their vassals to be Corrivals of their Majesty. It is a jealous object (I must needs confess) and many times casts great suspicion when is small occasion, but I, for my part, have always thought of that humour, that men causelessly icalous, do most justly deserve what they unjustly fear; and both yourselves will be my witnesses, how far I am from the touch of that stain, and also the dailic occurrents of my Caesar, (if so low I may term him) doth make more than manifest. I am but young, yet elder by six years then I was; my body tender, yet exposed to the chance of war; my counsel raw, yet bettered by your wisdoms; and my conquests in myself nothing, but yet in your valours both glorious & famous. What then are mine errors, that I may amend them? or your discontents that I may redress? for by the powers of heaven I protest, it is your loves which I most esteem, and the good of the Empire, for which I only wish to live; the first is in your powers to bestow at your pleasure, but the other in me (if it be possible) shall live even after death.  
(6) These complaints notwithstanding, Philip so politicly, nay, rather traitorously brought his own projects to pass, as that the young innocent Emperor was displaced, and abandoned of all: in which distress he first sued to be made his Caesar, and that denied, to be his Praetorian Perfect: but neither would be had, yet at length the charge of an ordinary Captain, was with some difficulty granted him. But Philip bethinking himself of the greatness of Gordianus his blood, his love and esteem both in Rome and the Provinces, and his own virtues equalising any, he commanded him to be slain in the twenty two year of his age, and the sixth of his reign. The Senate hearing 
Gordia●…us slain.  thereof, elected M. Marcius, and after him again, L. Aurel. Severus, Ostulianus. But Philip through the giddy multitude, prevailed against both. This Emperor though young, so well demeaned himself, that the Senate by authority added to his titles TUTOR REIPUBLICAE, and PARENS PRINCIPUM POPULI ROMANI, and after his death even by his own murderers, his Monument of fair Stone was raised in the confines of Persia, and upon his sepulchre this inscription set  
DIVO GORDIANO VICTORI PERSARUM VICTORI GOTTHORVM VICTORI SARMATARUM DEPULSORI ROMANARUM SEDITIONUM VICTORI GERMANORUM. SED NON VICTORI PHILIPPORUM.  
To the Sacred Gordianus vanquisher of the Persians, Goths, and Sarmates, extinguisher of the Roman Civil discords, and subduer of the Germans, but not of the Philippians.  
(7) He was of condition most noble and lovely, 
Gordianus his virtues.  of behaviour gentle, very studious and given much to learning; having in his Library no less than threescore and two thousand Books, as is reported. The truth is, that wicked people were not worthy long to enjoy so virtuous, so clement, so peerless an Emperor. He died in the month of March, in the year of our Redeemer two hundred forty five.   

M. JULIUS PHILIPPUS EMP. CHAPTER XXXI.  
M. JULIUS PHILIPPUS CAES.  
WHat man is there, who considering those forepast 
An. Do. 245.  murders, of so many, and so mighty Monarches, would not, by the spectacle of others calamities, be induced to prefer the security of a moderate estate, before the desire of Sovereignty; whose glorious content is only in appearance, but the cares and hazards are both real and perpetual. But of so attractive virtue is the Loadstone of Majesty, through the imagined felicity thereof, that most men's desires are drawn to that one point of the Compass, and if a little fair wind of fortune shall blow on them; they will launch forth with their full sails into that Mare incognitum, a Sea of unknown calamities. And amongst others, such were the blind desires, and such the unhappy event of this julius Philippus the Arabic Bararian. Of parentage obscure and ignoble, as Victor and others affirm, who plucked off the imperial robes of his Liege-Lord, to invest himself.  
(2) Being now accepted as Emperor by the Soldiers 
An. Do. 245. Victor. Eutropius.  in Parthia, he wrote to the Senate of the death of Gordianus, as though it naturally had happened, and with fair pretensions of his good purposes, but more through the feareof his Parthian Soldiers, obtained their consents; whereupon shuffling up a most dishonourable peace in those parts, and declaring his son Philip for his Caesar, (whose Coins with his, we have set in the beginning of this Chap.) he made all speed towards Rome: where, the year 
Aurelius' Vi●…r.  ensuing, his shows and games were exceedingly magnificent, for the Celebration of the Birthday (as we we may term it) of Rome, that being, the thousand year from her foundation.  
(3) It pleased God at length to touch this emperors heart, both with such a sense of his own forepast 
Sabellic●…. Orosius. Eusebius.  sins, and also with the light of heavenly truth, that he hath the honour of being the first Emperor baptized into the faith of Christ, together with his son Philip, and his wife Severa: though the public authorizing of the same Profession was reserved for the blessed times of our British Constantine. The means of his conversion from Idolatry, were Fabianus and Origen, who by letters exhorted him thereunto: and for the same Profession, were both himself and son murdered by Decius his Captain, though others report, that Decius did rather hate Christianity for their sakes, then them for their Professions sake. And howsoever Pomponius Laetus accuseth him to be 
Pomp. Laetus.  a dissembling Prince, yet Eusebius declareth the effects of his Profession far otherwise: for Philip (saith he) seeking to communicate with the Saints, could not be admitted, till such time as he had made open confession of his 
Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 33.  Faith; at which time he joined himself with those, who for their sins were brought to examination, and was placed in the room of the Penitents, because that in many things he had been faulty: which willingly he obeyed, and declared by his works his sincere and religious mind towards God. Which may the rather appear by Sabellicus and Bergomensis, who show, that the hatred of Decius 
Sabellic. 〈◊〉. 7. lib. 7.  against Philip and his son was conceived, for that they had committed the custody of their Treasures unto Fabianus the Christian Bishop of Rome, who baptised them, as some write; though others say, Poncius the Martyr did it. 
Polychro●…. lib. 4. cap. 21. Goths infest Misia and Thracia.   
(4) The Goths again descending from Scythia, infested Misia and Thracia with a mighty Army, seeking their habitations in those Countries as formerly they had done: against whose eruptions, the Emperor sent one Marinus a most valiant Captain, who no sooner came into those parts, but drew the Soldiers into a Rebellion, and proclaimed himself Emperor, taking (as he said) his example from Philip, that had in like sort raised his title by his Sovereign's fall. But the Soldiers that had newly erected him, as suddenly again threw him down, and in their mutable affections slew him. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
(5) Into whose Charge was sent Decius, a man of great experience, who also no sooner was in the Army, but they forced the Imperial Ensigns upon him, 
Decius enforced to be Emperor.  and (as some report) against his will: he therefore sent secretly to Philip, declaring this attempt of the Soldiers, and how he meant to make escape from them with persisting in his dutiful allegiance. But the Emperor fearing this to be but policy in Decius, lest by delay he might give him more strength, omitted no time to uphold his own, and with a mighty Army undertook these affairs himself, not trusting any more to the disposal of his Captains. And immediately departing Rome, with a stern resolution, and overhard hand, held the rain of that begun Expedition, whereby he presently lost the love of the Army, and Decius was accounted the more worthy of rule, whom in Verona they forthwith proclaimed Emperor, and cut off Philip's head thorough the teeth, 
Philippus and his Caesar slain. E●…trop. Capitol.  before they had departed Italy. At news whereof, the Pretorians slew Philip his Caesar and son, a man of so observable composedness, as that he had been never seen to laugh in all his life. And thus the two Philip's ended their reigns.  
(6) julius Philippus (saith Eusebius) reigned seven 
Euseb. Eccles. ●…ist. lib. 6. cap. 38.  years: but Eutropius and Victor give him only five; whose death happened in the year of Christ jesus, two hundred and fifty.   

GN. MESSIUS, QVINCTUS, trajan, DECIUS. CHAPTER XXXII.  
Decius' elected Emperor by the Persian Legions, proclaimed 
An. Do. 250.  in Verona by the Roman Soldiers, and in Rome confirmed by the Voice of the Senate, was of them all with wont flatteries styled Augustus.  
(2) His Birth was noble, of the City Cabali in 
Decius his parentage.  the Lower Pannonia, now known by the name of Hungary: himself well experienced, wise, and valiant, and wielded the Empire as a worthy Prince, had he not blemished his reign with a stain of Tyranny, 
〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 scourge of the Chri●….  and persecuted Gods Saints with such a Heathenish rage, that he is rightly noted by learned Writers, to be the seventh Horn of the Persecuting-Imperiall-Beast, 
Apocal. 13.  whose savage cruelties towards the innocent Christians, is most lamentable to be heard, but more to their 
〈◊〉. Or●….  smart that suffered and felt it.  
(3) The gridiron he made the Altar, whereupon 
Ambr. l●…b. 2. de Virgin.  blessed Laurence offered his body in sacrifice; the Stews the Temple, wherein Theodora the unspotted Virgin worshipped her Christ; the comfortless Deserts, the refuge of aged Chaeremon, Bishop of Nilus; 
Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 41. Vincent. Niceph. lib. 5. cap. 27.  and the Cave, the Sanctuary of the seven Soldiers, fabuled by Nicephorus for seven Sleepers: and so barbarous was he that way, that he put to Martyrdom many children, as Vincentius, citing Hugo, affirmeth. 
Vinc. lib. 11. e. 52. Sabellicus.  Fabianus and Cornelius, both reverend Bishops of Rome, he slew; Alexander, Bishop of jerusalem, imprisoned 
Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 38.  to death; and Great Origen, after he had scourged him at an Iron-stake, his feet he locked in the Stocks four paces asunder, where he so continued certain days, inventing such tortures and strange temptations against the guiltless Christians, as are most admirable to hear. But long he raged not, ere God in his justice took revenge, and broke him to pieces as a Potter's 
Psal. 2. 9  Vessel.  
(4) For the Goths that had invaded Mysia and Thracia, continuing their Eruptions into the bordering Provinces, drew him into an Expedition for those parts, where being betrayed by Trebonianus Gallus 
Pomponius Letus. jornandes.  his own Captain, he saw his two sons, Decius and Hostilianus, (whom he had admitted in fellowship of Empire with him, and whose moneys we have with his expressed) slain before his face; and himself to 
Decius and his Caesar their deaths. Cassiodor.  entomb his body, as a last refuge, in a deep whirlpool; wherein it was so swallowed up, as it could never be after seen; having no other honour of Burial, nor place of remembrance where his bones should rest. And according to his Death, so was his Descent: for neither hath he Father, Mother, nor Wife mentioned (for aught I know) by any Writer, (for of Salustia Barbia Orbiana, it is doubtful whether to him or his son Hostilian she were wedded) nor his Acts so exactly registered, as were those of the preceding Emperors, his sins so deserving it, and God in his revenge so punishing it.  
(5) Aurelius Victor and Eutropius say, that he reigned two years and odd months: but Eusebius 
Decius his reign Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 7. cap. 1.  affirmeth his reign, not fully two years: most hold him to have died at the age of fifty, and in the year of Christ, two hundred fifty two.   

C. VIBIUS TREBONIANUS GALLUS, Emperors. C AIUS VIBIUS VOLUSIANUS, CHAPTER XXXIII.  
THis overthrow of the Romans, and death of Decius, 
An. Do. 252.  in outward semblance was so grievously taken by Trebonianus Gallus, that no man was so forward for revenge as he, and therefore the last in suspicion of Treason. The Army he strengthened, and daily encouraged, pretending great service against those barbarous Scythians, but all to gain credit and liking of the Soldiers, whereby he soon achieved his desire, and with their applauses was proclaimed Emperor. 
Gallus elected Emperor. His parentage.   
(2) By Birth, he was descended of an honourable Family in Rome: but true honour cannot harbour where dwelleth treachery and falsehood, as it was with him, when appointed by Decius to be Governor of Mysia, and to keep the passages from the invading Goths, the desire of Rule so corrupted his mind, that he plotted with them against the Army, and betrayed the trust and life of his Sovereign.  
(3) Neither is he stained with the blot of Treasons 
Pomp. Lat●…. Bloud●…. Sabellicus.  only, but also with a careless and cruel government; for with the Goths he made a dishonourable peace, whereby the Romans (who were Lords of the World) became Tributary by a yearly pay to those uncivil Scythians, who nevertheless in short time broke their Truce with him, sacking and spoiling the Provinces of Thracia, Mysia, Thessalia, and Mecedonia: the Persians then also by their example entering Mesopotamia and Syria, made spoil even thorough Armenia.  
(4) Gallus little regarding these troubles abroad, consumed his time idly in Rome, rather as a Bondman to his own voluptuous desires, than a Conquering Monarch; taking for his companion and Fellow-Emperour, his son Volusianus, as appeareth by inscription of Coin placed before, a very child, whose years did quit him of any Capital Crime. But himself not perceiving the infortunate success of Detius for persecuting the innocent Christians, stumbled (as 
Gallus persecuteth the Christians. Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 7. cap. 1. Universal Pestilence thorough all the world. Paul Orosius.  Eusebius saith) at the same stone, and banished them whose Prayers preserved his prosperous estate: at which time followed so universal a Pestilence, that no Province in the world was free from the same: and his wicked Life and most unfortunate Reign hastened now unto their period.  
(5) For the Goths continuing their furies begun, 
Aemilian. Maurus his victory.  his General Aemilian. Maurus overthrew them with a wonderful slanghter; whereby he grew so famous, and Gall●… so contemptible, that the Soldiers (ever affecting change) proclaimed him Emperor, the news whereof soon roused Gallus from the Bed of his lascivious pleasures, and with his son entered the quarrel against Aemilianus, whose fortune was to slay them both in fight, the year of Christ's Incarnation, 
Ga●… and his son 〈◊〉. B●…op 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hist. lib. 7. cap. 9  two hundred fifty three, after he had reigned not fully two years, and lived (as Victor testifieth) forty and seven: whereupon the Armies joining their forces together, conferred the Imperial title and Ensigns upon the Conqueror.   

C. JULIUS AEMILIANUS. CHAPTER XXXIV.  
Aemilianus Maurus Emp. AEmilianus succeeding Gallus by the only election of 
An. Do. 253.  the Mysian Army, was by birth an African in the Province Mauritania, of Parentage base and obscure; who being risen by the Wars from mean places of service, and no better than a Common Soldier, aspired to the charge and credit of a Captain General. 
Aemilian. Maurus his descent.   
(2) His Election at first was contradicted by the Italian Bands, in favour of Valerianus their own Leader, whom they sought to raise Emperor, the Senate also inclining thereto, the fame of the man among them was so renowned. The most voices therefore heard on his side. Some have rather accounted Aemilianus an Usurper, then ranked him in the catalogue of lawful Emperors.  
(3) But seeing Eutropius doth allow him the place, 
Entropi●…  we are not to dispute his title or claim: only his short time of government admitteth no matters of large discourse, being cut off in the bud, before the graft had time to spring. For his Army disliking what themselves had done, and hearing of the worths and election of Valerianus, laid down their weapons born in his defence, and tumultuously murdered him in the 
Aemilius. Maurus his end, and continuance of his reign.  heat of their bloods, after he had reigned in name, without action, the space almost of four months.  
(4) So unconstant is the state of worldly felicity, and may be compared to a mastless Ship, which without Tackle is left to the mercy of the raging Seas, that is one while carried with the fair winds of hope towards the haven of wished desires, but straightways overwhelmed with the waves of despair: and most especially him that is borne upon the opinions of the giddy multitude, now carried aloft upon the floods of their fawning favours, and anon left in the sands of their retiring ebbs, with a sudden shipwreck of all their foregone fortunes. And these adventures too soon Aemilianus felt, who the same year that he thus put forth to Sea, lost all his adventure, and therewith his life, Anno 253.   

P. LICINIUS VALERIANUS. CHAPTER XXXV.  
Valerianus Emp. IF ever the saying of the 
Anno Dom. 254.  wise Athenian Solon (spoken to Croesus the rich king of Lydia) was true, That no 
Herodot. in Clio.  man can be happy before the day of his death: then most truly may it be verified of this Valerianus the next succeeding Emperor: whose years were multiplied with increase of honour, until they came to seventy and seven, but then were clouded with such ignominious miseries, as the like had never happened to any Roman Emperor before him, and (I may well say) to no other Monarch in the world before living: Such is the Ordinance of our great God, sometimes from the Dunghill to raise men of low degree, and to place them with Princes in the Chair of Majesty; then again to bring down the Mighty from their Seat of Glory, & to leave them chained with the poorest Captives, & basest Vassals. For such was the State of that Great & Proud King of Babel, who from the height of Majesty fell into 
Dan. 4. 27.  the conditions of an unreasonable Beast. And so was it with Valerianus, though not utterly abandoned from the Society of men, as Babel's King was: yet was he carried Captive unto a Nation whose Society was scarce humane, and where his usage was more than barbarous.  
(2) This man was both nobly descended, and of 
Valerianus his descent.  so great esteem among the Romans, that being but a private, and then also absent, they chose him for their Censor, an Office of high dignity, conferred ever 
Treb. Pollio.  upon the Best, as Trebellius Pollio, who wrote the History of his Life, hath declared. Eusebius reporteth his beginning to have been gracious and mild towards the Christians, above any of his Ancestors whatsoever; yea even those who were themselves openly 
Valeria●… a protector of the Christians.  accounted Christians: insomuch, that his Clemency was their Protection, and his Court the Sanctuary of their safeties. But Satan (whose hatred sleepeth not) stirred up an Egyptian Sorcerer against them, who so 
Paul. Orosius. a Necromancer seduceth Valelerian.  enchanted the Emperor's heart, that with great cruelty he began the Eighth Persecution, & so raged, that some have appropriated the sayings of the Apocalyps in the thirteenth chapter unto him, as to whom power 
Apocal. c. 13.  was given for two and forty months over the Saints of God, and a mouth to utter great blasphemies: Of which 
Dionys●… in Epist. ad Hermam●… apud Eusebi●….  opinion is the ancient Dionysius Alexandrinus. Many indeed were the Martyrs that he caused with horrible tortures to die, and more had done, if the just revenging 
Sabellicu●… Volateranus.  hand of God had not cut him off.  
(3) For Sapores the savage King of Persia, making great spoil in Syria, Cilicia, and Cappadocia, drew Valerian 
Valerianus taken prisoner by Sapor  from Rome into Mesopotamia, to withstand his rage, where striking Battle with him was left (either by Treason or Chance) without sufficient Guard to secure his Person, and was there taken Prisoner by the Persians, having then reigned seven years (whereof two were spent in spilling of the blood of Saints) and thence forward, the rest of his life was enthralled to a most miserable and merciless servitude: For the Tyrannising Persian puffed up with this fortunate gale, 
Trebel. Pollio.  to an excessive swelling of pride; whensoever he was disposed to take Horse, made Valerianus his Footstool, causing this Greatest Monarch of the World to whom all Nations did homage, to bow down his neck and back for himself thereon to tread, and mount into his Saddle: In which unsufferable slavery, his old body endured without release, to the end of his most 
Pompon. L●…tus.  wretched life, which by some Authors account was full seven years more; the very time of the Babylonian 
Aureli●…s Victor.  Kings abasement.  
(4) But herein the misery of Valerianus is much greater than Nabuchadnezars' was, in that God both restored him to his former glory, and endued him with heavenly grace to confess his sins; whereas Valerianus perished in the desperate calamity whereinto he was fallen; as Eusebius showeth in these words: 
Eusebius in serm. ad Conuen●… Sanctorum.  And thou Valerian, forasmuch as thou hast exercised the same cruelty in murdering the subjects of God, therefore hast proved unto us the righteous judgement of God, in that thyself wast boundin Chains, and carried away for a Captive Slave with thy Glorious Purple and thy Imperial Attire, & at length also commanded by Sapours King of the Persians, to be slain, & powdered with salt, hast set up unto all men a perpetual Monument of thine own wretchedness.  
(5) How unspeakable the cruelties were which this wretched Emperor endured by that Tyrant, may hence appear; in that not only those which were Allies to the Roman Empire, but also the Barbarous Kings, and friends of Sapores were moved with commiseration, and distaste, as Treble. Pollio proveth by their own letters sent for his release, the copies whereof he there produceth. Other Princes also of the East, as of the Bactrians, Albanians, Ilberians, and Scythians, inhabiting Mount Taurus, had such sense of these ignominious usages, that they disdained to receive the letters from Sapor of his Victorious success, and sent their Ambassadors to Rome, profferring their assistance for the redemption of their Emperor; yet all availed not, and Sapor held still his Prisoner, abating nothing either of his own pride, or his Captives misery, 
Valeria●…s had his Eyes pulled out.  but in the end (so hellish a fiend is revenge) commanded his Eyes to be pulled out, and so for age and grief he died, as Eusebius saith: being, as Agathus (a writer of credit) reporteth, flaied alive by direction of this 
Flaied alive.  unhuman King. Thus did God punish one Tyrant by another, and thus himself felt those torments unpitied, which he had without pity inflicted on others. The race of whose Reign is accounted to be seven years before his Captivity, wherein he lived almost so long as Galienus his son sat Emperor, and died in the year two hundred sixty one.   

P. LICINIUS GALIENUS. CHAPTER XXXVI.  
VAlerian now Captain in Persia (while Odenatus grasping 
An. Do. 261.  the advantage, took upon him the Empire of the East; & the now guideless Army of Rome, occupied only in spoil and mutiny, their leaders in faction, and the whole State astonished in affrighted terror and amazement) Balista (a gallant gentleman) first of the Romans moved with the instant misery of the Commonwealth, resolved by electing 
Rome in disturbance for election of an Emperor.  anew an Emperor, to prevent the apparent ruin of his own Country: yet never in this his worthy resolution, once dreamt of Gallienus, (though before chosen Augustus in the full fortune of his father) but the affection of the Army forcibly settled the Garland upon Macrian and his two sons, as the most worthy; 
Marianus with his sons elected, subdued and slain.  who with his eldest not long after subdued by Aurcolus usurping Illyria (against Gallenus then received Sovereign by the Roman Senate) and his youngest betrayed to murder by plot of Odenatus, left the distracted Empire to those three, of which the last disdaining 
1. Aureolus in Illyris. 2. Gallienus in Rome. 3. Odenatus in the East. Odenatus overcometh the Persians.  much the indignity offered to the State of Rome, by that base captivity of Valerian, whose calamity nothing touched the sense of his unnatural son, entered a war against the Persians, and took from them their Cities Nisabis and Carras. But such was the moderation of this man, that although he had power of an independent Sovereignty, yet he held still a good correspondency and intelligence in all his actions of Government, with Gallienus, to whom he sent (as monument of Victory and Revenge) such of the Persian Nobility as became his Prisoners: and thus Odenatus did conquer, and Gallenus triumph. But such was the baseness of the other, that when he could not by any 
Galie●… seeketh Odenatus his death.  Princely virtue in himself, eclipse the true merit of Odenatus, he endeavoured to deface by treachery what he could not suppress by valour. But in this failing, he made him then (through fear) copartner of his Empire, styling him Augustus, and stamping his face and the Persian Triumph upon the public Coin of the State, by approbation of the Senate, leaving him alone to defend those Frontiers of the Empire, whilst himself, neither regarding his old father's miseries, (most miserable that he had so unnatural a son) the dishonour of the Roman State, nor the revolts of the Provinces, whereof news was daily brought him, spent his unprincely thoughts upon fruitless devices, as in reserving sundry Fruits and Flowers, that they might grow green and flourish all seasons of the year; and (which was worse) upon women and wanton dalliances. Yet had he a Lady of excellent beauty and allurements, Cornelia Salonina Pipara, to his wife, the daughter of the King of the Martomanni, whose feature we find often minted upon her moneys. His son by her Saloninus he adopted Caesar, of whom there is no more remembered in Story, then that he was borne noble, trained up princely, and perished through the errors of his father, and not his own. And to his brother Licinius Valerianus (to whom the father had given the title of Caesar) he added the honour of Augustus. And therefore we have not held it improper, to adjoin to his their moneys in the front of his life.  
(2) The calamities of this emperors time were so many, as almost exceed credit: and Signs showed both in the Heavens and the Earth, manifested his wrath, that sat upon the Throne of jasper, from whose presence issued thunderings, Lightnings, and Voices. For 
Apoc. 4. 3. Trebe●…. Pollio. Strange sigh●…s in the Heavens.  (by Writers of best credit) the Sun was clouded as under sackcloth, and not seen for many days together. Earthquakes great, and fearfully resounding, overthrew 
Great and mighty Earthquakes.  Cities and other edifices, shaking the ground so terribly, that vast Caves, and hideous gaping bowels of the earth were thereby laid open, and whereout (no less strangely) flowed great streams of salt waters. The Earth roared, and seemed to thunder, when there was no voice heard in the air. The Sea over-swelled her banks, and broke into many Continents, drowning Countries, Cities, and People: and (besides all these) so violent a Pestilence raged, that in Rome no less than 5. thousand persons died in a day.  
(3) These miseries somewhat moved this Heathenish Emperor to remorse: and thinking thereby to pacify the wrath of the Divine Powers, he stayed the 
Gali●… stayed the per●…cutions of th●… Christians Eus●…b. Eccles. ●…st. lib. 7. cap. 12. Apoc. 1. 16.  Persecutions of the Christians, sending out his Edicts in favour of them. For not only the Heavens, Earth, and Seas declared the anger of their God, out of whose mouth went a twoedged sword, but the Provinces also seemed to be removed out of their places. The Soldiers of all parts electing their own Generals, advanced no less than Thirty at once, who assumed the title of Emperors, 
Thirty Empero●… 〈◊〉 onc●….  but are recorded to Posterities by the name of Usurping Tyrants. And as they were all deadly opposite each to other, so were they jointly almost all bend against Galienus; whereby the Roman Empire was more oppressed with her own forces, than ever it had been by foreign Powers. And since six of them assumed the Purple rob in this Western Angle of the ●…mpire, it will not be impertinent to the course of Story, with a light touch to remember them, and to express their moneys, as we have done the rest of those that held the reins of government in these parts of the Roman World.  
M. Cassius Labienus Posthumus after the death of Saloninus (who was committed to his education by Gallienus) assumed the Empire, by aid and encouragement of those of Gallia, over whom he had born the office of liefetenancie by favour of Valerian the Emperor. And these again, as all Populars greedy of Innovation from him and junius Cassius Posthumus his son, took both honour and life, after ten years government. This opportunity either made by L. Aelianus, or fitly taken, mounted him up with ease into that Imperial throne, in which he sat not with like fortune of continuance, though of conclusion. To this man succeeded together, M. Aurelius Victorinus, and Lucius his son; both in a Tumult near Colayn by their soldiers murdered. And had not the inordinate lust of the elder, blemished his other virtues, he had to all the most excellent Emperors been nothing inferior, in the best of their other virtues.  
(7) The restless humour now of the giddy Commons, next settleth itself upon Aurelius Marius, a sovereign suitable in his mean condition to their base affections (for he was no better than a Blacksmith) yet to him a man of their own means & making, they were no less unconstant and cruel, then to the rest: after three days, setting an end of his government, with a sword of his own forging. And therefore Pivesius Tetricus, the father and son, though ascending the throne of Majesty, with the greatest applause of that people, and filling it up with much merit and happy success of their own, when they considered the insufferable insolences and desperate practices of that profane rank, chose rather to adorn Aurelians' Triumph, in a voluntary captivity, then to live and rule at the devotion of a lawless multitude. And these times seemed no less fatally bend to blood, disorder, and tyranny in other parts as well as these: For the Pannonians raised Ingenuus: The Myssians, A. Regillianus: The Egyptians, Aemilianus: In Africa Celsus was proclaimed: In Illyricum, Aureolus: and in the East, 
Pomp. Laetus.  Odenatus (a man the more famous for Zenobia, his glorious and magnanimous Wife; Whose valour was so feared of Galienus, that to make him his, he admitted him his Fellow-Emperor, with the Style of Augustus as we have remembered before.) The 
a Panlus Oros.  Germans invade Italy: The 
b Cassidor.  Goths waste Greece, Pontus and Asia; The Samartians seize 
c jornandes. Eusebius.  ostrich and Hungary: The Persians rob Syria: The Saxons break into Gallia: The Franks into Spain: In a word, all are in uproars, 
Apoc. 6. 4.  the second seal opened, and the Redhorse prepared for Battle, whose Rider had received a great and sharp Sword, with Commission given him to take Peace from the Earth: and these times of troubles are so famous in Story, and the revolutions of Acts so agreeable to the words of the Prophecy, that they may seem justly a most exact accomplishment of that sacred 
Galienus times prophesied of by the Evangelist S. john.  vision.  
(5) Finally, when Gallienus had reigned from his first Associating with his Father the term of fifteen years, Martian, Heraclianus, and Ceronius, three of his principal Captains, (compounding together that one of them should be Emperor) plotted his death, whiles he besieged the City Milan, where they traitorously murdered him, the year of our Lord 
Galienus his death and continuance of his reign.  two hundred sixty nine, after that he had suffered the Empire to be rend in pieces, and usurped by many Foreign and barbarous Nations.   

M. AURELIUS FLAVIUS CLAUDIUS. CHAPTER XXXVII.  
Fla. Claudius Emp. ROME'S glory thus declining, and the Imperial 
An. Do. 269.  Foundations thus undermined, the aspiring tops of all that beauteous frame began to shake, and to foreshow the signs of her approaching fall. And had not the Fates even at that instant raised a stay to underprop the Walls, those mounted Towers which so long had braved the Sky, had been laid level with the Ground, and made the ruins of All-consuming Time.  
(2) For whereas by the strange confusions under the late Emperor, the Eagles body was burdened with the weight of those thirty heads at once: of which number though many of them by their own mutual ravening were consumed before the death of Galienus, yet the mightiest, as Aurelius Governor of Dalmatia, Tetricus and Victorinus, who held Britain and Gallia; and Zenobia (the Heroic Queen and wife of Odenatus) all the East; to omit the Murderers of Galienus, that durst not make their claim, (their deed so ill digested) all these were still remaining and strong, at such time as Flavius Claudius by the Soldiers was elected before the Walls of Milan, and confirmed with much joy by the Senate in Rome.  
(3) This Flavius was descended of noble Parentage, 
His descent.  out of Dalmatia, by some; or as others say, of Dardania, and sprung from the Trojan Blood. But Aurelius Victor will have him the son of Gordianus the 
Aurel. Victor.  Emperor before spoken of. Howsoever, a most worthy man he was, an excellent Captain, of singular 
Flavius Claudius his virtues.  continence, a just judge, a lover of strangers, severe to the wicked, but most benign to the virtuous: so that we may well say, In Rome was a new world; or at least, In the World was a new Rome.  
(4) His first Expedition was against Aurelius, that held Milan, whom he there slew, and joined his Soldiers to his own strength. But preferring the general good before his particular quiet, he addressed his wars for the East, against the Goths, who (as jornandes their Storywriter reporteth) had infested those 
jornandes. Goths invade the Empire.  parts of the Empire (for fifteen years continuance) with continual eruptions, and had now lately entered friendship with many other like barbarous Nations, invading Thracia, and the Countries before them, even 
Paul Orosius.  unto Macedonia: and thence taking their way thorough Hungary, came down the River Danubie, with two thousand Sail of Ships, fraught with Munition 
Two thousand sail of Goths.  and Men. To meet these, Claudius prepared: but before his Encounter, he wrote thus to the Senate:  
(5) Renowned Fathers and Reverend Lords, understand 
Claudius' Letter to the Senate.  ye for certain, that three hundred and twenty thousand men of war are entered our Confines, whose weight doth seem to burden the Earth itself, and whose warlike preparations make these parts of the Empire to tremble and quake; with whom I am now to strike Battle: wherein if the Conquest be mine, the joy will be yours. But if I fall, yet I pray remember that I fight after Galienus hath reigned, and rend the strength of the Romans in these remote Provinces, and after the Rebellions of Lollianus, Posthumus, Eugenius, Regillianus, Celsus, and others, who have so weakened the sinews of our Arms, and broken the Swords and Lances of our defence, that I may well say, we want, if not strength, yet weapons wherewithal to fight. And to our shame be it spoken, Zenobia a Woman commands all our Crossbows, and bends them against our unarmed breasts. How small soever therefore our performance shall be in this service, repute it (I pray) for great, and wish our proceeding may sort to the weal of the Empire.  
(6) Which done, with no daunted spirit he entered 
Goths vanquished.  Battle, and with more than wont courage fought so valiantly, that he slew and took Prisoners, to the number of three hundred thousand fight men, with two thousand Ships laden with Munition, so that whole houses were filled to their tops with Targets, Shields, Swords, and Lances, and other habiliments for War, whereof he wrote again to Rome: and following the Enemy with success of Victory, in Thracia near Byzantium, in Macedonia near Thessalonica, drove the Goths out of those parts which they had so long infested, and restored the wont bounds of the Empire. Thence marching into Germany, near the Lake called Garda, gave that revolted Nation a great overthrow, where (as Eutropius and Victor do report) he vanquished two thousand of those strong Germans, and there established again their subjection to the Romans power. And now minding to go forward against Tetricus and the puissant Zenobia, a Fever did first cut off his purpose, and shortly after his life: a thing very strange and rare in that 
Flavius Claudius died a natural death.  age, as by the course of their reigns we have hitherto seen; not that so great a Monarch should die, (they being all of the same earthly mould that meanest men are) but that in those days a Roman Emperor should die in his bed, as other men do, of a natural death.  
(7) He was of parsonage tall, his body well 
His parsonage and qualities.  composed and strong, bright and clear eyes, his face great and full; and of life most temperate and chaste. He reigned one year, ten months, and fifteen days, and died the fourth of February, in the year of Christ, two hundred seventy one. His Statue of Gold was set up in the Capitol, and his Target of the same metal hung up in the Senate-house, himself (in honour of his admired worth) placed among the Roman Emperors that were deified for Gods: such an estimation and love did his virtuous life procure unto him even after his death.   

M. AURELIUS QVINTILIUS. CHAPTER XXXVIII.  
QVintilius, the Brother of Claudius, and Viceroy in 
An. Do. 271.  his absence for the Guard of Italy, was by the Army whereof he had command, proclaimed Emperor 
Eutropius.  immediately upon the News of Claudius his death: The Senate as joyfully confirming his Election, as they were sorrowful for their loss of his most worthy Brother. Brethren indeed they were by 
Quintili●… brother to the last Emperor.  nature, and in conditions not much unlike; so that what seemed to be passed in the one, was in the other supplied and still remaining: For this M. Aurelius Quintilius, was both wise for Civil Government, and experienced for Wars, wanting no compliments of an absolute Prince.  
(2) But long his glass stood not without a turn, nor his Fortune's fawning without a frown▪ For the victorious Soldiers which in his expeditions had followed Claudius, and thought themselves worthy of the first voice in Election, proclaimed Aurelianus for Emperor, a most valiant Captain; and of whose prowess there had been so sufficient experience, as that Quintilius knew he could not stand against him.  
And therefore mistrusting the strength of his Title, and affections of his Soldiers, reputed it ignominious for a noble mind, to die with less honour than he attained unto, and enjoyed by his life: and therefore resolving to die an Emperor, chose rather by a voluntary cutting of his own veins, to power out his life 
Quintilius cut his own veins, and so bled to death.  with his blood, then to hazard the chance of uncertain wars, or to return to his private estate.  
And thus no longer reigning then seventeen days, 
He reigned but seventeen days.  (which short time could minister little matter of larger discourse) he died with his brother the same month of February the twentieth day, and year of Christ his incarnation, two hundred seventy one.   

L. DOMITIUS AURELIUS VALERIA. AURELIANUS. CHAPTER XXXIX.  
SO short was the Reign of 
An. Do. 271.  the last Emperor Quintilius, that Aurelianus who followed him▪ may be said to be the Successor of Claudius, and not of him: being elected by his Legions in the East, as soon as the other had been in Italy (though confirmed before him of the Senate in Rome) continued still his rival for Majesty, and attained the top of that high set Goal, whereof Quintilius failed, before his foot had well mounted the first step. 
Aurelianus his descent.   
(2) This Valerius Aurelianus was of parentage neither honourable nor rich, and yet his fortunes carried him to the height of both. Some recount his birth was of Dacia; others of Mysia; both so doubtful that Flavius Vopiscus, (the copious Writer of his Life) leaves it undecided, and to the censure of his Readers. 
Fla. V●…p.  His risings were by the Wars; whereunto from his childhood he had a natural inclination: and for continual carrying of his weapons, was commonly called Aurelianus the Sword-bearer.  
(3) His service was sufficiently known to the Generals of divers Provinces, who had forty sundry times employed him in the charge of a Lieutenant: and under Claudius in Persia he was the Colonel of the Horse. In the wars of Sarmatia he is reported to have slain forty Enemies with his own hands in one day; and at other several times, to the number of nine hundred men, as both Vopiscus and Theoclius have affirmed. And generally so famous were his deeds, both before he was Caesar, and after, as that he is by some compared 
Aurelianus comparable with Caesar and Alexander.  with julius and Alexander.  
(4) Upon the ratifying of his election by the Senate at Rome, he hasted not thither to be saluted and installed Emperor, but forthwith marched against the Suevians and Sarmates, who sore infested the Empire with wars: and having soon subdued them, and quieted those parts, in great haste he came into Italy against the Germans, who with Fire and Sword had gone as far as Milan: and them likewise with great valour he forced thence. Then entering Rome with great pomp, caused the Walls to be repaired and enlarged, which was not lawful but only for Victorious 
Aurelianus enlarged the walls of Rome.  Emperors. But long he stayed not, ere he returned into Syria, against the stout Queen Zenobia, whose brave resolutions, and warlike power for fight, her Letter in answer unto him (when being sorely tired, he proffered her wealth, life, and liberty to yield) 
Chap. 37. Sabellicus saith she both tired him, and put him to flight also.  doth manifestly declare: the tenor thereof being as followeth.  
(5) Zenobia, the most mighty Eastern Queen, to Aurelianus, Rome's Augustus, sendeth greeting. 
Zenobia her Letter to Aurelianus.  Never Captain to this day, in using Pen in stead of Spear, or filled Words for Weapons points, hath more sufficiently discharged the parts of War, than thou to me in Writ hast done: wherein I well perceive thy drift, and blame thee not, that seest me but a Woman: which Sex you men make subjects only by your smoothing tongues. But know, Augustus, thou dealest not with a Roman Dame, nor with her who upon base conditions will subscribe her honour; but with Zenobia, the 
* The great City Palmyra (saith josephus) was built by King Solomon; whence their Nation took the name. It bordered upon the Parthians Kingdom in the middle betwixt it and the Roman Empire.  Palmyrean Queen, in whose womanly breast the manly heart of great Odenatus doth still-live and lie. These courting terms do ill beseem a Camp, and worse him who would be styled a Mars. But yet thy Golden Shower hath reigned beside our Lap; nor we a 
ovid. Metam. li. 6.  Venus to meet thee for thy sport, but with our Lance in hand to try our lawful right, and with our Swords to answer thy demands in blood. I am a Woman; so was 
* Tomyris was a valiant Scythian Queen, who slew King Cyrus, and all his Host: and filling a vessel with their blood, did cast in Cyrus' head, saying, Blood hast thou thirsted, now drink thereof thy fill. To this doth Zenobia allude.  Tomyris; thou knowest the rest: in Arms against Augustus; so was Cleopatra, who rather chose to sting herself to death, then live a subject (though a Prince) under great Octanian. Art thou his better? thou art deceived: or I her worse? nothing less: who from her person do derive my Pedigree, and from her courage will maintain my cause. I am a Queen, and reign beloved, was Rome's Empress, obeyed and honoured; and the wife of Odenatus, whom all you Romans greatly feared. Are my powers weak? The Persians (whose strength you well have tried) will supply. Are my Soldiers few? The Saracens have more that will assist: and the Armenians are wholly at my command. If then thieves and Robbers in Syria were sufficient to overthrow thine Army, what hope is left thee to escape our hands, when all these our strengths shall be thus conjoined in one? Therefore the same offers that to me thou hast sent, the same to thee I here return, and will perform, if thou in time embrace this truce.  
(6) This haughty answer of that undaunted Queen, put more fire to the fury of Aurelianus, who took the Letter in such scorn, that he threatened death to the Inditer, (whom he supposed to be Longinus the Philosopher, who was always with her, and her Instructor) which afterwards he did accomplish: for destroying her several Aids before they could meet together, and besieging Palmyra her strong City, he brought the same to such distress, that in the end he took her Captive; and glad of such a prey, carried 
Zenobia vanquished.  her himself to Rome, where following his Chariot of Triumph, attired in Tissues and richest Robes of price, she was lead his Prisoner in Chains of Gold: upon whose presence the Spectators with admirations so much gazed, that somewhat it dimmed the Majesty 
Zenobia her beauty.  of Aurelianus: for she is said to be exceedingly fair, though not very white, but somewhat brown: her eyes black and bright, her teeth shining like pearls, her body tall, and of most stately proportion, her 
Flau. Vopisc.  countenance modest, mild, and pleasing, her voice sweet, her conversation honest, her mind chaste, and body continent, wise, temperate, and learned in the Greek, Latin, and Egyptian tongues. Yea the atchivement of this Conquest was held so notable, that he reputed himself the Restorer of the East, as it appeareth by the reverse of his money here prefixed in the entrance of his reign.  
(7) These Acts of Aurelianus made him so famous abroad, and feared at home, that Tetricus which had held out against Galienus, came in under his protection, holding it more safe to be a Subject in quiet, than a Commander against an Opposite of so invincible a mind: by whom thereupon he was made Governor of Campania, and of other Provinces in Italy.  
(8) Hitherto this emperors successes were very prosperous (we may well suppose) for his indulgence to the Christians, whose assemblies he permitted, and whose Bishops he so favoured, that at their request he banished Paulus Samosatenus the Heretic out of their Counsels, and published an Edict in the behalf of their Synods. But afterward Satan minding to sift the Wheat, 
Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 7 cap. 39 Paul. Orosius. Aurelianus at first a favourer, now a persecutor of the Christians. Aurelianus scared with a Thunderbolt from heaven Psal. 2. 10.  that the Chaff might be his, stirred up this Emperor to raise the Ninth Persecution, and to send forth his Edicts for the destruction of God's Saints: which whilst he was in perusing, and about to set his hand and seal, a Thunderbolt from Heaven struck into his presence, and so near unto his person, that all accounted him to be therewith slain, God warning him by this his Messenger to be wise, lest he perished in his own ways; as shortly after he did, being slain by his Servants, 
Aurelianus slain.  through the Treason of Mnestheus his Secretary, the nine and twentieth day of February following, near unto the City Byzantium, when he had sat Emperor 
Entropius. Aurelianus.  four years, eleven months, and seven days, the year of our happiness, two hundred seventy six.  
(9) He was of stature tall, of body well shaped, a pleasing countenance, and of a seemly presence, a 
His feature of body and mind.  great feeder, and very severe, whereby he was as much feared as beloved, and therefore reported to be a good Physician, but that he ministered too bitter P●…tions; and was Canonised after his death among the holy Emperors: in the second year of whose reign, the Great 
〈◊〉.  Constantine of Helena in Britain was borne.   

M. CLAUDIUS TACITUS. CHAPTER XL.  
Claudius Tacitus Emp. THe former seditions ended 
An. Do. 276.  by Aurelianus, and the state of the Empire remaining 
Aurelianus being dead no man sought to be Emperor.  now in quiet, no man appeared to sue, much less tumultuously to strive for that Royal Diadem; but all the great Commanders (as though they made courtesy in giving way each unto others) stood at the foot of Majesty; no man attempting higher to mount. The soldiers 
Senate and Soldiers strain courtesy who shall choose the Emperor.  sent to the Senate, to design the man whom they best liked; the Senate requested the soldiers to elect him whom they held worthiest; in which respective compliments, and most kind correspondency of all parts, eight months passed with a peaceable Interregnum, as writers report.  
(2) It seemeth, the fresh sense and fearful experiences 
Eusebius Vopiscus. Orosius Oneuphrius.  of the former heady proceedings, made men more wise, then to seek their own deaths, and especially the Generals to be better advised, then to run desperately upon their own destructions. A change uncredible, that Thirty ere whiles would needs be styled Emperors, among the tumultuous Soldiers (though they were sure to buy the use of that name with their dearest blood) and not one now in peace could be found, either hasty to seek it, or very willing to accept it.  
(3) At last both Senate and Soldiers, having in their eye M. Claudius Tacitus, a man very Noble 
Claudius' Tacitus elected Emperor  and of Consular degree, of great age, singular learning, & long experience in Magistracy; him by a joint and conspiring suffrage, they all elected to their Empire: but he having before hand some inkling of this their purpose, got him out of the way, living very secretly two months at his Rural Manor, flying (saith Vopiscus) that high dignity which he foresaw would prove his overthrow. And when they did by Embassages often solicit him to accept of their Election; sending him the Ensigns and Style of Augustus: he again returned them, though with hearty thanks, yet absolute denial, alleging by reason of his age and infirmity, that he was every way unable to discharge their so great expectations.  
(4) But after much intercourse, and many entreaties passed, at length (the necessity of the State so requiring) he accepted their offer, though not with much contentment to himself, who knew the weight of so great titles would prove heavy & always dangerous for him to bear; but with unspeakable joy, was received by the whole State, which promised all blessed hopes to the state under so worthy, so wise, so virtuous, learned, and so just an Emperor.  
(5) For as before his advancement, he was of Exemplary composedness and virtuous disposition, so in 
Claudius' Tacitus his virtues.  this high Estate, his life was temperate, and without all pride, & so desirous to be a Preceder of moderation, & singularity unto others, as that he would not permit his Empress to wear any jewels of high price, nor to use other customable superfluity, or excess in his own house. For learning and learned men, whom he ever embraced in his private Estate, he now by all means endeavoured to honour and advance, and publicly professed that what Imperial virtues he had, he was to ascribe them to his study of good letters: For which cause, he was wont to call Cornelius Tacitus (that worthiest Historian of the Romans State) his Father, and commanded his works to be carefully preserved in every Library throughout the Empire; and ten times every year to be transcribed on 
Claudius' Tacitus his care to preserve the works of Cornelius Tacitus.  public cost. All which notwithstanding, many of that worthy Authors Books have since miscarried.  
(6) But his virtues were too great for the world long to enjoy: and sith his Reign was but short; it is bootless to lengthen it with long discourses: For his Peace continued without any memory of Wars; and his short time (wherein he did nothing without consent of the Senate) was spent rather reforming other men's vices; and abuses of the Laws and State, then in displaying his own virtues; which doubtless (if their fair stream had not been untimely stopped) would have proved incomparable to any his fore-goers; and unmatchable by any his followers. What death he died is left uncertain; Eutropius 
Eutrop. l. 9  thinketh him slain, by his rebellious soldiers in Asia, upon his voyage against the Persians: but Victor reporteth 
Aurel. Victor.  that he died a natural death, and that of a burning-fever, in the city of Tharsus: And Flavius Vopiscus, (who wrote his life) ●…ith his death came upon a surcharge of grief, by reason of factions; whereby 
Vopiscus.  (the infirmity of his age thereto helping) his understanding was crazed, and his heart broken, whereof he died, when he had reigned six months, and twenty 
Claudius' Tacitus his Reign.  days, the year of Christ jesus, one hundred seventy six.   

M. ANNIUS FLORIANUS. CHAPTER XLI.  
NO sooner was the death of Tacitus divulged, but his 
An. Do. 277.  brother Florianus (much unlike him in that point) took upon him the Name and Authority Imperial, 
Florianus made himself Emperor.  without expecting any election either of Senate or Soldiers, and therefore not likely long to stand sure. And although in all other princely parts he was not much unlike his brother, yet having so great an Opposite as Probus was, on whom the Eastern Army had conferred the same Title, the blossoms of his conceited hope withered even in the bud, and perished before they had any time of growth.  
(2) For no sooner came to his ears the news of Probus his election, but he found that heady and precipitate attempts were pleasing in their Beginnings, but full of difficulties in their Proceedings, and most disastrous in their Success: and therefore despairing both of Men and Means to raise the Building, whose 
Florianus his death.  foundation he had so hastily (but too weakly) laid, he caused his own veins to be cut, as Quintilius before 
Chap. 38.  him in like case had done, whereby he boldly bled to death, after he had enjoyed a Titular Sovereignty only eighty days, saith Eutropius: but Vopiscus saith, 
Eutrop. lib. 9 Vopiscus. Florianus his reign.  not altogether two months, and thinks him killed by the Soldiers, in the City Tharsus likewise, in the year of Christ two hundred seventy and seven.   

M. AUREL. VALERIA. PROBUS. CHAPTER XLII.  
Val. Probus Emp. THE Eastern Army most potent and famous at the 
An. Do. 277.  death of Tacitus, from them was expected the new emperors election, which accordingly they did, but with much more wisdom and deliberate circumspection, than the Soldiers of those times were accustomed to do. For every Captain of the Army singled out his own Companies, and in several Assemblies exhorted, that all affections laid aside, they would apply their minds to think of the worthiest man, on whom they might confer their voices and favours. At which time, the opinion of Probus his worth had so generally possessed the hearts of▪ all men, that the shout and cry of all was uniform; Let us have Probus for our Emperor. This being signified to Rome, the Senate with applause and thanks approved and confirmed his Election, with additions to his Title, Augustus, The Father of his Country, and 
Probus called the father of his Country, and the highest Bishop.  the highest Bishop. For in those times, even amongst Heathens, the sacred Title of a Bishop was accounted an additament of honour even to an Emperor:  
(2) He was borne in Hungary in the City Sirmi●…, of honourable Parentage, especially by his mother's 
His desce●…  side. His father's name was Maximus, a man famous in Military Service, who died Tribune at the wars in Egypt: and himself very young, but very valorous, by the Emperor Valerianus (who so loved him for his virtues, that he used to say of him, that of all men he best deserved the name Probus, that is virtuous) was made a Tribune also. In which Office, with great praise he served 
Sabellicus.  under Galienus, Aurelianus, & Claudius the Emperors; under whom besides other exploits he fought several single-combats to the great honour of himself and Country, and received as marks of victories, many Civicall Crowns, Collars, Bracelets, Lances, Banners, and other Ensigns of Martial device and Privilege. Preferred to be General in Africa, he subdued the Marmarides: In Egypt the Palmerines; under Aurelianus the Sarmates and Germans; under Claudius the Goths; and in all places so famous 
Probus comparable with Hannibal and Caesar.  for his Acts, that he was compared with Hannibal and Caesar.  
(3) His first service after he became Emperor was in Gallia, against the Germans, that had made themselves 
Probus slayeth 400000. Germans.  Lords thereof, where in one Battle, continuing two days, he slew four hundred thousand of them, and 
Henr. Mutint.  recovered seventy Cities from the Enemy, as himself signified by his own Letters to the Senate. After this warring in Sclavonia, he quieted the Provinces of Muscovia, Russia, and Polonia: And entering Thracia, did no less in Greece, Syria, Arabia, Palestina, and judea; whence passing into Persia, he had honourable compositions of Narseus their mighty King. Whereupon issued so universal Peace, that there were no wars heard of in all the Provinces of the Empire; insomuch that it was a common Proverb, The very mice durst not gnaw for fear of Probus. But long this lasted not, ere he was disturbed: for the Egyptians erected one Saturninus, a Captain both wise and valiant, for Emperor, 
Saturninus chosen Emperor.  and that so sore against his will, as he was like to be slain by them for gainsaying their desires; and by a speech delivered to his Erectors, he made known to them his aduers●…es from so dangerous an ambition; to this effect.  
(4) fellows and Friends, by my whole endeavours I have always sought to prevent that, which 
His speech to his Electors.  now I see I cannot shun, I mean the Throne of Majesty; which howsoever to others, it may seem full of glory and security, yet to myself, I foresee it will prove, both base and dangerous. Base, for that I am no more the master of mine own affections; which hitherto in my private estate were bestowed freely, & where I thought best, but must henceforth be carried at other men's dispose, and cast upon those that deserve them least. That little time that I was wont to take, in retiring myself to myself, must now be straightened to serve others; and my thoughts wholly spent to prevent those weapons, which are borne (in show) for my defence, but are (in truth) the keys of mine Imprisonments. I cannot go without a Guard: I cannot sleep, without a watch; I cannot eat without a Taster; these are but bondages to a free condition, and never need in a private fortune. That it is dangerous, it is no less apparent: for besides the sharpe-pointed & weighty sword, hanging only by a twisted-thred over our heads, Probus is not a Galienus to compound for the Diadem, but to touch his sceptre, is to awake a sleeping Lion: What should move you then, to stir up his wrath, to seek my death, and your own destructions? For assure yourselves when I die, I shall not die alone: So all our fame purchased in so many years employments, shall be lost by this one days work: and my Conquests in Africa, of the Moors, and in Spain, branded lastly with the eternal scares and infamy of Rebellion.  
(5) These speeches (as Flavius Vopis. the Writer thereof received them from the report of his Grandfather, who was, there present and heard them) could nothing at all divert the resolution of the Soldiers, but that they persisted and maintained their Election against Probus: who upon notice thereof hastening toward them with a mighty power, offered them pardon, as one unwilling to shed Civill-bloud, or to lose so worthy a man as Saturninus was: but upon refusal of his proffered Clemency, he gave him a most sharp battle, wherein most of the Revoulters were overthrown, and Saturninus in the assault of a Castle 
Saturninus his death.  besieged, was slain, to the great grief of Probus, who sought to have saved his life.  
(6) But with his death ended not all Civil 
Vopiscut.  Broils: for Bonosus & Proculus two monsters of that 
Bonosus and Proculus rebel against Probus.  age (though of different kinds of vices) opposing themselves against him, and assuming the Title and Robes Imperial, usurped the Provinces of Britain, Spain and some part of Gallia, knowing that in these places Probus was not much beloved. Bonosus was borne in Britain, but brought up in Spain, without note of action, but only in his cups, for he was esteemed the greatest drinker of all men living: insomuch as Aurel. said of him, he was born, non ut viveret, 
Sabellicus.  sed ut biberet; not to draw breath, but to draw in liquor: & yet (as it seemeth) he was in good account under the said Aurelianus, having a charge of Ships upon the German Seas, which either by treachery or negligence were burned by the Enemy, in the mouth of Rhine, and (as Probus took it) not without the privity of Bonosus: who therefore not daring to stand to the trial, made all his powers against the Emperor, but was in Battle overcome, and despairing ever again to make head, put his own in a halter, whereupon it was said, that a Barrel was hanged, and not a 
Bonosus death.  man..  
(7) Proculus was a Lygurian borne, as unsatiate a vassal to Venus, as the other to Bacchus; and therewithal 
Sabellicus.  so impiously impudent, that as he had a heart to commit any filthiness, so a forehead to boast of it openly, as appeareth by his own Letters, wherein he vaunteth, how many scores of 
Sabellicus.  fair Virgins he deprived of that fair name in one fortnight; but this Graund-General of Venus' Camp was suddenly forsaken by his Soldiers, and came to his deserved end.  
(8) Some stirs there were at that present in Brittany, by the incitements of their Governor, whose name though Histories do not specify, yet he may seem to be that Cl. Corn. Lalianus, whose ancient Coins are found in this Island, and not elsewhere: and his means to the place, was Victorinus a Moor, in great 
Victorinus a Moor his Stratagem.  favour with Probus: who taking himself not clear from suspicion got leave of his Emperor to repair unto Britain, where giving it out that he was come thither for safety of his Life, was courteously received by the General. Whom secretly in the Night, he murdered, and then speedily returned to Rome; having by this Expedition, both appeased the tumults in the Province, and approved his fidelity to Probus. About this time (as is recorded) certain Vandals and Burgundians that had invaded Gallia, were sent 
Hist. Mag. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 10. Vandals and Burgundians sent to inhabit in Britain.  into Britain by the Emperor to inhabit, who though they had troubled the Romans peace in Gallia, yet did them good service in Britain to stay their subjection; and the Britain's themselves for some good services were now suffered by these Emperors, 
Vopiscus Sabellicus.  to plant Vines, and make Wines, with other matters aswell for pleasure as profit. 
Wine made in England.   
(9) At length the Empire in these West parts standing universally quiet, Probus determined a journey into the East, to end at once all foreign wars; saying, he would shortly bring it to pass, that the state should need no more Soldiers: (which speech they took very indignly) & having passed Illyricum in Sclavonia, was by some of his own Army (for curbing, as they conceived, with an overhard hand their dissolute & idle manners) conspired against & treacherously murdered, in November 
Probus his death.  the second, and year of Christ, two hundred eighty two, having reigned five years and four months: others say, six years: where notwithstanding they erected for him a most honourable Sepulchre, wherein was engraven this Epitaph: Here lieth the 
Vopiscus Entropius. Eusebius Eccl. hist. lib. 7. cap 29.  Emperor Probus, justly for his goodness called Probus, of all the Barbarous Nations and Tyrants a Conqueror.   

M. AURELIUS CARUS, WITH CARINUS AND NUMERIANUS HIS SONS. CHAPTER XLIII.  
PROBUS thus slain in the midst of his Army, without 
Anno 282.  any apparent cause ministered, the Soldiers were stricken into a great fear and mistrusted each other to be guilty of the Treason, no man therefore diligent to find out the beginner, nor hasty to punish the bloody executors; but holding the right of Election to remain in themselves, they presently chose Carus for their Emperor, who had been the Pratorian Prafect valiant, sufficient, of worth and esteem; whereunto the Senate likewise consented.  
(2) From whence or what parents we should derive his birth, is uncertain, and of divers writers diversly reported. For Flavius Caecilianus, who wrote the story of his time, as Vopiscus doth report, saith, that he 
Flavius. 〈◊〉. Vopiscus.  was borne in Sclavonia, or as we call it Moscovia. Onesimus an ancient writer affirmeth his birth was in Rome, and that his father was a Sclavonian indeed, but held for a citizen, as he citeth by letters from Vopiscus: Aurelius Victor, Eusebius, and Paulus Orosius will have him a French man, and borne at Narborne: but whence soever, 
Victor. 〈◊〉. Orosius.  his princely parts deserved these his princely preferments, and no ways for the short time of his reign, carried he himself under expectation. Two sons he had of unequal conditions, Carinus and Numerianus, these both he made his Caesars, with the 
Card●… and Numerianus Caesar's.  Name and Power of Augusti.  
(3) His first proceedings was to find out the murderers of Probus, whom he severely punished, which took away all suspicion of treason in himself. Then marching against the Sarmates, whose fury had pierced so far into Panonia, that they threatened Italy itself, he overthrew with the slaughter of sixteen thousand, and took twenty thousand of them prisoners. And leaving Carinus (his elder son) to govern Britain, Gallia, Illyricum, and Spain, himself with the younger, Numerianus, prepared for the East against the Persians, in which expedition he took in his way Mesopotamia, Seleucia, and certain cities whom the enemy had entered: and being surprised with sickness, and not able to travel, pitched his Pavilion upon the shore of Tigris, where in the midst of his army (about the year of our salvation 283.) guarded from all supposed 
Carinus' slain by a thunderbolt.  dangers and assaults of man, felt the unexpected stroke of death even from the hand of God himself: for in his bed by a thunderbolt falling from heaven, he was slain, with many others then present with him in his tent, and the same consum●… altogether with lightning fire.  
(4) The terror thereof so daunted the courage of his whole army, that no further they proceeded in their enterprise: and his death was so grievous unto Numerianus now elected Emperor, that with continual weeping (a fault in few Sons who are raised by their father's fall) his eyes were so weakened, that he could not endure any light. Upon which accident, Arrius Aper, (his wives father) took occasion to conspire his death, hoping thereby to attain the Empire himself. For having at all times free access to his presence, at length in his closet he secretly, murdered him; pretending to the army, that his infirmity only kept him from sight; and so leaving his body to putrify and corrupt, in short space by the very savour thereof the treason was descried, and the Traitor slain by the hands of Dioclesian, who was both his judge and executioner.  
(5) His Empire thus ended before it was well begun, the Army proclaimed Dioclesian, a Principal man in the Camp for Emperor: who to uphold his election, made all his power for Gallia, against his Concurrent Carinus, a man of profuse sensuality, who there had caused himself to be proclaimed, and in his father's absence had so ruled there and in Britain, that P●…phyrio living at the same time, gave out this testimony, 
Hierome.  that Britain was a fertile Province of tyrants. Betwixt these two Captains, many skirmishes were fought with variable success, till lastly in a set battle, Carinus was slain by a Tribune, whose Wife he had defiled; whereby the Imperial Title was jointly conferred upon Dioclesian.  
(6) The time that these three, the father and two sons reigned, is reported to be two years and somewhat more; and this last to die the year of Christ's nativity, two hundred eighty four.   

C. AURELIUS VALERIA. DIOCLESIANUS JOVIUS AND M. AURELIUS VALERIUS MAXIMIANUS. CHAPTER XLIIII.  
THe Empire thus devolved to Dioclesian, with approbation of the Senate, he every way studied to be accounted worthy of the same, as knowing well his birth was no way answerable to his present lot: and therefore chose for his Caesar, Maximianus, a man of better descent, very honourable, wise, and valiant, as was manifested in his first service against the Gauls, whom with an infinite number of peasants in that province, troubling the peace of the Romans, he with much slaughter overcame. For which exploit so fortunately accomplished, the Emperor made him his Consort in the Government.  
(2) Dioclesian's parentage is uncertainly reported by Writers, some making him the son of a Notary, 
Paulus Orosius. Eutropius.  and others of a mere Bondman; but all agreeing that his Country was Dalmatia, and his offspring very base. This man being but a Common Soldier, consulted with a Witch for his future success; who told him (if you please to believe the reporters) that he should become an Emperor after he had killed a Boar: to which he gave credit, and ever after was a great enemy to that beast, and in time grew under Probus to so great account for dexterity in expediting his affairs, that he was made Steward of his house, and now lastly elected to the Empire.  
(3) The very first thing that he attempted, was the punishment of his predecessors death: for which Arrius Aper being convicted before his tribunal seat, himself rising suddenly from the Throne, ran him thorough with his sword, in outward show for zeal of justice, as not able to endure so foul a fact: but in truth to fulfil the Prediction of his hostess, the Druid; for that Aper signifieth a Boar. After which act, he held 
Flavius Vopiscus.  his Empire fully established.  
(4) To let pass many employments and troubles of the State, these two Emperors chose to themselves two Caesars, whereby the One-bodied Eagle became again 
Eutrop. Signon●…. O●…pbet.  foure-headed, and each almost of an equal authority. Dioclesian chose Galerius Maximinus, and Maximianus, surnamed Herculius, chose Constantius Clorus a 
Pomp. Laetus. An. Do. 286. An. Do. 291.  Roman Senator, enforcing them to put away their former Wives, & to take their Daughters, for an assurance of love by the bonds of that Alliance; of whom the former was employed for defence of Illyricum, and the other afterwards into Britain against the Rebellions there raised by Carausius, whose coin is here set.  
(5) This Carausius by birth a Menapian, but of low Parentage, as Beda and Eutropius saith; who being 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6.  appointed Admiral by the Romans to guard the British Seas, from the Piracies of the Saxons and Lower Germans, who with continual robberies wasted the coasts, abused his authority both in suffering those Pirates to pass under Compositions, and in taking many Ships and much substance from the true Subject to his own use: whereby in short time he became very rich, and (like a cat set to keep mice from the larder) did more mischief than the Robbers themselves. Sabellicus reports, one very politic custom whereby he enriched himself; and that was by suffering the Pirates to take as much spoils as possibly they could before he would surprise them; whereby they were his instruments to rob others, and nothing to better themselves.  
(6) Maximianus then warring in Gallia, and fearing the greatness of his wealth and power, sent secretly to slay him by treachery; and in the mean while surprised many of his principal men at 
* Now called B●…leyn in Picardy.  Gessoriacum.  
(7) Carausius now rich & compassed with friends, seeing his destruction thus intended and sought, thought that death was but death as well to Prince as to Peazant: and therefore with a bold resolution, and aid of the Picts or Northern Britain's, (who had been always enemies to the Roman Subjection) put on the Purple rob, and usurped the Authority and Title of Emperor, which he most valiantly maintained in sundry Battles, and so kept it for the term of seven 
Carausius defendeth his usurpation seven years. Maximianus against Carausius.  years.  
(8) Against him Maximianus set forward with a puissant Army, and marched to the British Ocean: but there understanding the power of his Enemy, and finding himself in want of men for sea-service, he pitched down his Tents: and knowing Carausius a man meet to command the Islanders, and able to defend them against the other Warlike Nations, sent him offers of peace: the making of which is remembered unto us by the Coin of Carausius before expressed, whereon are stamped the Portraitures of two Emperors joining hands. So himself returning against the Batanians, left Carausius for Britain, who governed the Province with an upright and unstained reputation, and with exceeding peaceableness, notwithstanding the incursions of the Barbarous. He re-edified the wall (as Ninnius the disciple of Eluodugus writeth) between the months of Cluda and Carunus, fortifiing the same 
Ninius.  with seven Castles, and built a round house of polished stone upon the bank of the River Carun, which (some think) took name of him, erecting therewith a Triumphal Arch in remembrance of Victory. Howbeit, Buchanan thinks the same to be the Temple of Terminus, and not the foundation of Carausius.  
But the date of his noble Government was brought now to a period, by the Treason of alectus his Familiar friend, one whom he had employed in managing of the State, who thirsting after the Supreme 
A perfidious friend.  Authority, betrayed his trust, and treacherously murdered him by a wile, putting on himself the Purple-Robe, stamping this his Image upon the public Coin as an absolute Sovereign, and assuming the Title imperial, about the year of Christ 294.  
(9) Constantius who had levied an Army, and was come with great speed unto Boulogne in France, (a Town that Carausius had sometime fortified and kept) hearing now of his death, determined the recovery of Britain; and after great preparations, at length passing the Seas in a dark fog or mist, landed his men without impeachment: which done, he fired his own Ships, thereby to frustrate all hopes of escape. alectus, who had lain to intercept his coming, forsook also the Seas, and meeting at unawares with Asclepiodotus, great Seneschal of the Praetorium, as a desperate man, hasted upon his own death: for encountering with him, he neither ordered his Battle, nor marshaled his men, but fought at random very unfortunately: for having put off his Purple Garment, he was among many other slain, when he had held his estate the term of three years. 
alectus slain.   
The Frankners and others of the Barbarous Soldiers escaping the Battle, sought to sack London, and so to be gone: but as good hap was, the Soldiers of Constantius, which by reason of a misty and foggy air were severed from the rest, at unawares came to London, where they rescued their Allies, and making great slaughter of the Enemy, slew Gallus their Leader, casting his body into a Brook that the●… ran thorough the City, which thence after was called by the Britain's Nantgall, and by the English, Gallus his Brook, where now a fair Street is built, called (upon that 
Walbrooke in London of Gallus. 〈◊〉 T●…eb.  occasion) to this day Walbrooke.  
(10) The deaths of these two Usurpers, with the recovery of the Britaines unto their wont obedience, was accounted so great a benefit to the Romans, that it is most gloriously commended, and Rhetorically set down in a panegyric Oration ascribed to Mamertinus, in the praise of Dioclesian, Maximianus, and Constantius: 
Mamertinus Panegy●…. Orat.  where (after he had extolled the fertility of the British Soil, and the Riches that the Empire reaped thence) he set forth the strength of the Enemy, grown to so dangerous a head: and concluded with this Acclamation; O what a manifold Victory was this, worthy undoubtedly of innumerable Triumphs, by which Victory 
The Emperors extolled for recoucting Britain.  Britain is restored to the Empire, their Confederates brought to obedience, and the Seas secured to a perpetual quietness! Glory you therefore (invincible Emperor) for that you have as it were gotten another World, and in restoring to the Romans puissance the glory of the Conquest by 
Mamertinus Paneg. Grat.  Sea, have added to the Roman Empire an Element greater than all the compass of the Earth, that is, the mighty main Ocean itself: and afterwards now by your Victories (Invincible Constantius Caesar) whatsoever did lie vacant about Amiens, Beavois, Trois, and Langres, beginneth to flourish with Inhabitants of sundry Nations. Yea and moreover, that your most obedient City Autumn, for whose sake I have a peculiar cause to rejoice, by means of this Triumphant Victory in Britain, hath received many and sundry sorts of Artisans, of whom those Provinces 
Many Artificers in Britain.  were full. And now by their workmanship the same City riseth up, by repairing of Ancient Houses, and restoring of Public Buildings and Temples: so that now it accounteth that the old name of brotherly Incorporation to Rome is again restored, when she hath you eftsoones for her Founder.  
(11) But leaving Constantius to be further spoken of in his due place, let us pursue the Reigns of these two Tyrants, who new began the Persecutions of God's Saints in all the parts of the Empire, wherein the rage of Satan so prevailed, that seventeen thousand men and 
G●…. Damas●…. Sabellicus.  women were crowned with martyrdom, within the space of one month, besides infinite numbers of such as were otherwise punished.  
As in other Countries, so here in Britain the Christians Churches were demolished, their Bibles 
Eusebius. Beda. Rad. de Dicet●….  and other godly writings burned, and themselves tormented with a more cruel and longer continuance then formerly had been used: for this endured the term often whole years together, leaving no 
The Christians torments for ten years together.  time of intermission, nor place free from the stain of Martyr's Blood.  
And amongst others, it made Britain to be honoured with the glory of many holy Martyrs, which constantly stood and died in the Confession of the Faith; whereof the first is reported to be Alban of the City Verolanium, who was beheaded at Holmehurst 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 7.  (since called Derswold) where now the Town of S. Alban (bearing his name) is built, and in whose honour, Offa the great King of Mercia founded a most 
S. Alban put to death at Saint Alban.  magnificent Monastery. Of this Alban the ancient Fortunatus Priscus in his book of the Praise of Virginity, 
job. Capgrave.  maketh mention thus: 
Albanum egregium foecunda Britannia profert:  
Britain fertile of all good,  
Washed with glorious Alban blood.   
(12) His Instructor Amphibolus afterwards apprehended, was brought to the same place, and whipped 
Amphibole's a Britain put to death.  about a stake, whereat his entrails were tied: so winding his bowels out of his body, was lastly stoned to death. Sundry others also in other places laid down their lives for their Professions sake, as julius and Aaron 
julius and Aaron at Leicester.  at Leicester, saith Beda, or rather at Caer-leon in Monmouthshire, as our Grand-Antiquarie judgeth: and in 
At Lichfeild gr●… multitudes in Cambden. joh. 19 17. joh Ross●… W●…wicens. in lib. de 〈◊〉. ●…pis. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6.  Leichfeild so many, that the place became another Golgotha, A Field of dead Corpse. For which cause the City doth bear an Escocheon or Field charged with many Martyrs, for their Seal of Arms even unto this day.  
(13) This last rage is by Orosius and Beda accounted the Tenth Persecution from Nero; and by others, the Tenth Horn of the Imperial Beast, who had received his Power from the Dragon (the devil) and Form from those four Beasts deciphered by the Prophet 
Apoc. 13. Dan. 7.  Daniel, whose mouth was as the lions mouth of Asshur, his feet like the bears feet of Persia, his spots as the Leopards of Greece; and these ten horns taken from the Monster of the Grecians parted kingdom, the Seleucies' and the Ptolemies, called in Ezekiel, Gog and Magog, and here alluded unto by S. john, that 
Ezek. 38. 2.  thus made battle against the Saints. But as those four Beasts perished and were crushed by the fall of The stone cut without hands, Emmanuel borne in our flesh: so this Beast compounded of them Four, fell in the destructions of these most wicked Emperors, whereof all almost died so untimely and unusual deaths, as the like is not read of elsewhere.  
(14) For some slew themselves, as Nero and Otho did; some were smothered to death, as was Tiberius; some poisoned by their wives, as Claudius and Commodus; 
The violent deaths of many Emperors.  some tugged and torn in pieces by their own Subjects and Soldiers, as Vitellius, Heliogabalus, Pupienus, and Balbinus; some stabbed by them whom they most trusted, as Caligula, Domitian, Didius, Gallienus, and many others; some tumultuously murdered, as Pertinax Severus, Maximius, Aemilius, and Probus were; some slain in battle and defence of their titles, as Macrinus and Gallus; some hanged themselves, as Gordianus and Maximianus did; some drowned and swallowed up, as Decius and Maxentius were; some slain by a thunderbolt from heaven, as Carus was; some died in most miserable captivity, as Valerianus did, whose skin was flayed off, he yet alive; some cut their own veins and bled to death, as Quintilius and Florianus did; some dying mad, as did this our Dioclesian; some few, and them somewhat favouring Christians, died in their beds, a thing most strange to see in these times, wherein the Wrath of God thus fought against them in his justice, and the power of his Gospel preached by his Apostles and Disciples, that as a Conqueror crowned, and riding upon a White horse, bore a Bow in his hand, and shot the sharp Arrows of death into the hearts of these the King's enemies, as in the opening of the First Seal is 
Psal. 45. 5. The first Seal. Apoc. 6. The second Seal.  seen; and in the Second is described and made manifest by a Red Horse prepared for Battle, whose Rider bore a Bright sword, and had commission To take peace from the earth; which most effectually we have seen performed in most of these preceding Emperors. And as Famine in great Wars is not greatly strange; so Scarcity exceeding Plenty, was seen under the opening of the Third Seal; whence a Black horse sent from God, pased through the earth, whose Rider bore a Balance 
The third Seal.  to weigh Corn, as it were Spice, for dearth: and in the reign of this last Tyrant Dioclesian, they that had Eagles eyes might see the threefold judgements of God in the opening of the Fourth Seal, when Sword, Famine, & Death went all together as a pale-horse, sent 
The fourth Seal.  from the presence of the Lamb, whose rider was Death and Hell, following as his Page. These were the times of calamities, wheas the Souls of the righteous in the opening of the Fifth Seal, cried for vengeance for the blood of the Martyrs, whom these ten horns had gored 
The fifth Seal.  to death: and under the Sixth Seal, both then, and for ever the wicked are said to call for the Mountains 
The sixth Seal.  to fall upon them, and for the rocks to hide them from the presence of Him that sat upon the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, before whom none could stand.  
But why do I (weak man) thus open the Curtains of Gods most sacred Tabernacle, to behold the Mercy-seat of his divine Mysteries in the accomplishments of these holy Oracles, when as they who have worn the Ephod, and in whose hand Aaron's Rod hath 
Exod. ●…9. Numb 17.  Budded, with a religious reverence have feared to look into the same? Therefore with the charge of joshua I will not approach near the Ark, and with jobs hearers 
josh. 3. 4. job 29 9  will Lay my hand on my mouth, and return to the prosecution of my purpose.  
(15) It was the nineteenth year of his reign, in the month of March, when this Tyrant sent forth his 
Euseb. eccles. lib. 8. cap. 1. 2. 3.  wicked Edicts through all his Empire; That all churches should be utterly overthrown; that the Scriptures should be burnt; that all Christians for honour should be held infamous, and all Christian servants should be uncapable of freedom; that all Pastors should be enforced to offer to Idols, etc.  
(16) The fountain & chief cause of these miseries lighting on the Church of Christ, did arise from the Christians themselves, as Eusebius in these words declareth: After that our conversation through too much liberty and licentiousness was degenerated, and holy discipline 
Euseb. hist eccles. lib. 8. cap. 1.  corrupted, whiles every one of us did envy, bite, and backbite each other, waging intestine wars within ourselves, and piercing one another's hearts with the sharp spears of opprobriouswords; so that Bishops against Bishops, and people against people were at bitter contention. Lastly, whiles nothing but hypocrisy was in the face, deceit in the heart, and guile in the tongue, whereby mischief was even full at the brim, than began the heavy hand of God to visit us, etc. Where he proceedeth and showeth that the grievous sins of the Christians; was the cause of drawing down these judgements on their heads.  
(17) And so this wicked Tyrant accordingly was but as God's Instrument and Iron-threshing-flaile, to bruise the precious wheat and seed of the Gospel, and 
Amos 1. 3.  to crush that outward glory of the Christian profession, which then was flourishing in most parts of the world.  
(18) But long the Lord deferred not their release nor that Tyrant's end. For after the First year of their 
Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 8. cap. 2●….  persecutions, and twentieth of his Reign, the thirteenth day of April, in the year of Christ's Nativity three hundred and three, he with his Fellow Emperor (both of them by the revenging hand of God, stricken with a mad humour (saith Eusebius) renounced the Empire, and descending from the Tribunal put off their Purple and Imperial robes, whereby they again became Private men.  
(19) Dioclesian retired into Dalmatia, where in the City Salonia, he poisoned himself; as Aurelius Victor affirmeth: and Eusebius saith, that no small disease 
Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 8. cap. 14.  overtook him, for that he died mad. His consort Maximianus escaped not unpunished, but died for attempting the Murder of Constantius, and as Eusebius 
Fox Act. pag. 119. & 123. Euseb. eccles hist. lib. 8. cap. 19  avoucheth, he hanged himself in the city Marsillis: such ignominious deaths followed these two persecuting Tyrants, whereof Dioclesian had formerly made himself a God, and by an Edict commanded his Foot 
Dioclesian's practice. The Pope an imitator of him, and not of Christ.  to be kissed: a practice prettily since imitated by his Successors, who have revived the wounded Head of the Beast, and have trod his steps in wounding and persecuting the true members of Christ.   

FLAU. VALERIA. CONSTANTIUS CHLORUS, C. GALERIUS VALERIUS MAXIMIANUS. CHAPTER XLV.  
DIoclesian and Maximianus resigning up their Sovereignties 
Dioclesian and Maximianus resigned up the Empire the 9 Cal. of May, in the year of Christ 304.  (as is said) at the City Nicomedia in Bythinia, committed the charge thereof, and the defence of the Commonweal unto Gallerius and Constantius, who 
Galerius and Constantius Emperors.  had been their Caesars: upon which occasion, great peace followed in the Church of Christ, and most especially 
The Christians enjoy peace.  unto these Western Provinces. For those Emperors confirmed by the Senate, presently divided the Empire betwixt them, as two Several Estates, and not subject to one Government, as formerly had been exercised; which (as Eusebius hath noted) was the fatal end of the Imperial Glory.  
(2) Unto Gallerius fell the government of Sclavonia, Macedonia, Thracia, Egypt, and the Provinces in Asia, who took for case of that burden these two, whose Coins we have here expressed.  
(2) C. Galerius, Valer. Maximinus, and Aurel. Valer. Severus his sister's sons, whom in the year of Christ three hundred and six, he elected Caesar's, and after Augusti; which honours the last enjoyed not long, for he was slain at Rome by the treachery of Maxentius, after one year. And the other, when he had four years governed as Caesar, and three as Augustus in the East, died at Tharsis in Cilicia.  
(3) And to the lot of Constantius, who much at one time with his Copartner, elected his son Constantine, (so famous in christian history) Caesar, fell 
Constantine the Great elected Caesar.  Italy, France, Britanny, Spain, Germany, and most of the Provinces in Africa: which seeming to him (who rather chose to govern well then much) too spacious, gave up to Gallerius all that in Africa, as too remote from the Seat of his residence, and eye of his direction.  
(4) This good Emperor was for his Paleness surnamed Chlorus, by birth a Roman, his Father named Eutropius, his Mother Claudia, Niece to the Emperor Claudius. Himself had attained the dignity of a Senator, and was both Wise, Valiant, Noble, and Virtuous; whose parts Eusebius doth thus commend.  
Constantius was a man of singular clemency towards men, and piety towards God. He did not partake with him 
Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 16.  in cruelty, whose partaker he was in Sovereignty: neither staining his Reign with the blood of the Saints, nor destroying our Churches and places of Prayer, as Maximianus furiously did; but rather he reverenced and highly honoured those who truly honoured God. For which God so blessed him, that this godly Father left a more godly Son Constantine, the Heir of his well-gotten Empire.  
(5) To which his virtues, other Authors add, that he was of great affability, loving, and gentle, little 
Pomp. Lat●….  regarding his Private Profit, but altogether reigning to enrich his Subjects, and to that end would often say; That it was more be h●…full for the Weal public, that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the commons hands, then to lie locked up in Prince's coffers. In which kind, so averse he was from all superfluities, that he may be adjudged faulty the other way: for upon Feastinall days, and in his Entertainments of Strangers, he was feign to borrow Plate of his friends (for such many times are richer than their Sovereigns) to furnish his Table and Cupboards.  
(6) But above all other virtues, was his loving countenance and protection to the late persecuted Christians, making his Court their Sanctuary, and his Chapel their Oratory. And to winnow the Chaff from the Wheat, he used the like policy as jehu King of Israel 
2. Kin. 10. 20.  sometime had done against the Priests of Baal. For he commanded all his Officers to offer sacrifice to the 
Constantius policy to try who were true Christians.  Idoll-Gods, pretending to dis-court all such as refused: but chose those that obeyed he put from him, with this reproof, that he who is disloyal to his God, will never be true nor trusty to his Prince.  
(7) When he was first made Caesar, he was forced 
Constantius his wives.  to forsake his first wife Helena, by whom he had his virtuous son Constantine, and to take Theodora daughter in Law to Maximianus, for a further confirmation of friendship.  
(8) Helena by birth was a Britain, the daughter of 
Eutropius.  Coelus a British Prince, as saith Eutropius, though Nicephorus make her of Bythinia, and Beda terms her his Contubine, some an Inneholder, and others for her person 
Nicephor. lib. 7. cap. 18. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 8. Holinsh. Chron. lib. 4. cap 26. Cambd. Brit. pa. 74  and parentage stand very doubtful: to meet with whom, let us hear the censure of Times Chief Secretary, the learned Cambden in his Britannia: Constantius (saith he) what time he served in Britain under Aurelian, took to wife Helena daughter of Coelus or Coelius a British Prince, on whom he begat that noble Constantine the Great in Britain; for so (together with that great Historiographer Baronius) the common opinion of all other 
Baronius.  Writers with one consent bear witness, unless it be one or two petty Greek Authors of late time, and those dissenting one from the other; and a very learned man, grounding upon a corrupt place of jul. Firmicus. Howbeit, compelled he was by Maximianus to put her away; for to marry Theodora his daughter. This is that Helena which in antic Inscriptions is called VENERABILIS and PIISSIMA AUGUSTA, and for Christian Piety, for cleansing jerusalem of Idols, for building a goodly 
A Church builded by Helena in the place where our Saviour suffered.  Church in the place where our Lord suffered, and for finding the saving Cross, is so highly commended of Ecclesiastical Writers.  
And yet both jews and Gentiles termed her by way of ignominy and reproach, Stabularia, because she (a most godly Princess) sought out the Crib or Manger where Christ was borne: and in that place where 
Helena buildeth another Church where the Inn stood in which our Saviour was laid in a Cratch.  stood that Hostelry, founded a Church; for which cause she was by the Enemies of Christian Religion called an Hostess, and (because such are commonly kind to their Guests) a Concubine also. For whose defence, let the Funeral Oration of Ambrose, made upon the death of Theodosius, answer, wherein he doth rather commend her humility, then affirm any such base Offices in contempt of her person.  
They say that this Lady was at first an Inneholder or Hostess, etc. Well (saith he) this good Hostess Helena 
Ambrose his Oration upon Theodosius.  hasted to jerusalem, and sought out the place of our Lord's Passion, and made diligent search for the Lords Crib. This good Hostess was not ignorant of that Guest which cured the wayfaring man's hurts, that was wounded by thieves. This good Hostess chose to be reputed a Stable-sweeper, that she might thereby gain Christ.  
And verily she was the mover and only worker of her husband's conversion, who casting off all superstitious worships, willingly acknowledged the only all-ruling God, suffering the Christians that had been hid in Caves and Dens, now to exercise their Devotions publicly, and both to re-edify the old ruinated Churches, and to erect new.  
(9) Of the like Piety we read in a Queen of the like name, Helena, Queen of Adiabena (commended 
joseph. Antiq. lib. 20. cap. 2. Helena Queen of Ad ab●…na a virtuous woman also.  by josephus) that was a Convert to the jewish Religion, who coming to jerusalem to visit the Temple in time of a grievous Famine, which happened in the days of Claudius, sent to Alexandria for great quantity of Corn, and for Dried Figs from Cyprus, which she very charitably bestowed upon the poor. And about three stades or furlongs off from jerusalem, built a Sepulchre with three Pyramids, wherein herself and her two sons (both Kings) were afterwards interred. But to proceed.  
(10) Constantius being here in Britain, and lately returned from his Expedition made against the Caledonians and Picts, fell sick in the City of York, where the Imperial Throne of his residence was set. At which very time, Constantine his son escaping the hands of Gallerius, (with whom he had been left hostage) hasted 
Constantine escapeth Galerius.  from Rome, having belaid all the way with Post-horses for the purpose, and left them houghed for 
His preventing pursuit. He cometh safe to York to his father.  fear of pursuit, came with all speed to York, and to his father's presence; who so much ioied at his sight, that he sat himself upright upon his Bed, and in the presence of his Counsellors spoke as followeth:  
(11) It now sufficeth, and death is not fearful, seeing I shall leave my unaccomplished actions 
Constantius his speech to his son.  to be performed in thee my Son, in whose person I doubt not but that my Memorial shallbe retained, as in a Monument of succeeding fame. What I had intended, but by this my fatal period left undone, see thou perform: let those fruits be ripened in thee the Branch, that I thy Stock from a virtuous intent have had engraffed always in me: that is, govern thy Empire with an upright justice; protect the Innocent from the Tyranny of Oppressors; and wipe away all tears from the eyes of the Christians; for therein, above all other things, I have accounted myself the most happy. To thee therefore I leave my Diadem, and their Defense; taking my Faults with me to my Grave, there to be buried in everlasting oblivion.: but leaving my Virtues (if ever I had any) to revive and live in thee. With conclusion of which virtuous counsel, he took his last farewell of his son, his friends, and his life, after he had sat Caesar sixteen years, and Emperor two, as 
Constantius his reign & death. Pomp. Laetus. Socrates Eccl. lib. 1. cap. 2.  Eusebius accounteth, and died the five and twentieth day of july, the year of our Saviour three hundred and six, and of his own age fifty six.   

FLA. VALERIUS CONSTANTINUS MAXIMUS. CA VALERIUS LICINIUS LICINIANUS. CHAPTER XLVI.  
THE Father thus departing both gloriously and 
An. Do. 306.  peaceably, in the presence of his Son and sage counsellors, 
Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 8. cap. 14.  the grief in the loss of the Sire was no greater than was the joy conceived that they had gained the son for his Successor, all men rejoicing at the good fortune of that journey, wherein he came to close the eyes of his dying father, and to comfort the sorrow of his mournful Countrymen. For forthwith here in Britain by acclamation of the 
Socrat. Eccl. lib. 1. cap. 〈◊〉.  people, assistance of the Soldiers, and advice of Erocus King of the Almans (who by the way had accompanied him hither in his flight from Rome) they proclaimed him at all hands Emperor, and Successor to all that part of the world which his father held. This election was joyfully ratified by the Senate, and of all other Provinces so gladly accepted, that they accounted this Island most happy of all other, whose chance was first to see him their Caesar, as in these words of the Panegyrist is seen: O fortunate Britain, and more happy than all other Lands, that hast the first 
panegyric Oration unto Constantine the great. Eutropius. Constantine's descent.  sight of Constantine Caesar.  
(3) Maxentius the son of Maximianus Herculius, who at the death of Constantius was proclaimed Augustus by the tumultuous Praetorian Soldiers at Rome, and Romulus his son (whose face we have here with his fathers from both their moneys expressed) was created his Caesar (the way to that Seat of Majesty whereunto he had too hastily and most unduly climbed) for now this Usurper by his Necromancies, Adulteries, Persecutions, and Murders, was grown 
Sabel●…icus.  so untolerable and odious, that the Senate sent to Constantine, craving his aid and redress; who sore lamenting the sores of the Empire, and the case of the Christians, first wrote: but that taking no effect, prepared his forces against Maxentius.  
Maximianus the father, either in true zeal or feigned pretence, (which by the sequel is more probable) took great offence at his son Maxentius unsufferable outrageousness; and under colour of dislikes and redress, repaired to his son in Law Constantine, whose daughter Fausta he had married, and notwithstanding his fair pretences before the face of Constantine, yet secretly he tampered with Fausta to make away her husband. But the good Lady well knowing that the bond of a child is great, but greater the love of a wife, revealed his treachery to Constantine, who caused him thereupon to be put to death, a fit end for 
Maximianus put to death by Constantine.  so bloody a Tyrant. And ripe was the like destiny for his no-way-degenerating son, against whom he prepared his forces: and drawing Licinius Governor of Sclavonia, who was made Caesar, to his side, by giving him his sister Constantia to wife, (a man but of an ordinary descent, though Gallienus Maximinus had made him in Illyrica his Copartner in the East) hasted towards Rome with an Host of ninety thousand foot, and eight thousand horse; levied out of Britain, France, and Germany.  
(4) But knowing well that success in war dependeth more in divine assistance then human strength, yet doubtful what God h●… should in this blessed enterprise invocate for aid, (for as yet he was not fully settled in the Christian Faith, though the Gods of the Gentiles he observed altogether deceitful) cast up in this his holy meditation his eyes Eastward to heaven, and had by divine ordinance presented to 
Niceph. li. 7. c. 2●…. Eutropius lib. 11. Zoso●…. lib. 1. ca 5. Socrat. lib. 1. ca 2. V●…spurgens. Chron. Paul. Diac. li. 11.  him in object the sign of a Cross, wherein were Stars (as letters) so placed, that visibly might be read this sentence in Greek, IN HOC VINCE, as divers Author's report.  
(5) This miraculous sign promising Victory, and that (saith Eusebius) not in an Inscription only, but 
Euseb. ecles. hist. lib. 9 cap. 9 Sabellicus.  by voice of Angels, was so comfortable to Constantine, that with great courage he went forward, bearing before him and his victorious Army, in place of the Imperial Standard, the form of this vision embroidered with gold and stones of greatest price. And as one armed from heaven, proceeded against his hellish 
Constantine's repose.  adversary.  
Maxentius as much depending upon his Sorcerers, was no less assured of the victory. In furtherance 
Pomp. Laetus. Maxentius trusteth to Sorcerers. Sabellicus.  whereof, as a stratagem of war; he framed a deceitful Bridge over the river Tiber, near to Pons Miluius, to entrap Constantine: but joining battle, and over-laid with strokes, retired and fled, and (whether for haste, or through forgetfulness) took over the same Bridge, which suddenly failing under him, he was with many more drowned, and Constantine remained Victor. In memory whereof, he caused a triumphal Arch to be erected in the midst of Rome, wherein his Statue was embossed, holding in his Right hand a Cross; according to the fashion of that which he had seen in the heavens: and upon ancient inscription in memory of this Victory, this we find engraven: INSTINCTV DIVINITATIS, MENTIS MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITV SVO, 
An inscription made on memory of Maxentius overthrow.  TAM DE TYRANNO QVAM DE OMNI EIUS FACTIONE, uno TEMPORE JUSTIS REMP. VLTUS EST ARMIS. Thus: By instinct of the divine power, with great magnanimity and help of his army in a lawful war, he revenged the cause of the common wealth, as well on the Tyrant himself, as on his whole faction all at once. With the like success had he warred against the Frankners in Batavia, whose Victory was likewise stamped in gold, wherein is a Woman 
The memorial of his victory over the Frankners. Cambd. Brit.  sitting under a Trophy, and leaning her head upon a Crossbow, with this inscription, FRANCIA.  
(6) But as his fame increased in the minds of most, so was it as much maligned by Licinius his fellow Emperor and Brother in L●…; who in his heart never favoured the Christians, howsoever for a time outwardly he suffered their Religion: but at last, seeking occasions against Constantine, he raised a cruel Persecution in the East, where he reigned with Martinianus, whom at Byzantium, and julius Licinius Licinianus at Arlas, he had before made Caesar's: permitting them to stamp these moneys as marks of Sovereignty.  
(7) By this affliction of God's Church, he enforced this Champion of God for their defence to prepare his forces, with which he met Licinius in Hungary, where he gave him a great overthrow. But he 
Licinius put to death at Nicomedia, and his son after, Anno 326.  escaping to Byzantium in Asia, the less, joined again battle, and was there taken Prisoner: yet by the mediation of his wife Constantia, had his life spared, and was confined within the city Nicomedia; where for his treasons afterwards, he and his son Licinianus, that somewhat survived him, were put to death. And now the peace of God's Saints manifestly appeared, and the progress of the Gospel passed untroubled.  
(8) For now (saith our Gyldas) no sooner was the blasting tempest and storm of Persecution blown over, but the faithful Christians, who in time of trouble and danger, had hidden themselves in woods and deserts, and in secret caves, being come abroad to open sight, re-edified the Churches ruinated to the very ground. The Temples of holy Martyrs they founded, and erected (as it were) the Banners of victory in every place, celebrating festival holy days, and with pure hearts and mouths performing the sacred ceremonies: for the which blessedness, he ever after had the Attributes ascribed unto him of most blessed Emperor, most pious, happy Redeemer of Rome's City, Founder of Peace, Restorer of Rome, and of the whole World, most great, invincible Augustus, Sacred, Divine, and of sacred memory, etc. Howbeit, for admitting these praises, as it should seem, he is taxed by Eutropius and Victor of pride; as also cruelty for putting to death Crispus his son (by Mineruina his concubine, whom he had made Caesar, and permitted to stamp these moneys here under inserted) as likewise his wife Fausta, sister to Maxentius: but others affirm that the 
Sigonius.  causes of their deaths were just, though (as Paulus Orosius saith) the reason thereof was kept secret, and Zosimus doth therein excuse him as Cassiodore relateth, 
In hist. tripart.  and so doth Rufinus and Eusebius.  
(9) Touching Constantius affairs in this Island, it appeareth by the last Author, that after his Father's death, and his own departure out of this Country, some aspiring mind taking advantage of his absence, in other wars, persuaded the people here to withdraw their obedience. Whereupon once again he addressed himself with his Army to the re-establishing of the islands subjection: and passing (saith Eusebius) over into Britain, enclosed on every side within the banks of the Ocean, he conquered the same. The joyful memory of this expedition is registered to posterity upon his Coin set in the entrance of this Chapter, inscribed Aduentus Augusti, and by these Letters, P. L. N. the place of the Mint to be at London.  
(10) After this (saith the same Author) he began to 
Eusebius.  compass in his mind other parts of the World, to the end he might come in time to succour those that wanted help: and when he had furnished his Army with mild and modest instructions of Piety, he invaded Britain, that he might likewise instruct those that dwell environed round about with the waves of the Ocean: bounding the Suns setting as it were with those coasts. And of the Political government therein by him altered, let it not seem offensive that I, who know and profess mine own weak sight in most of these matters, do light my dim candle, at the Bright-shining Lamp of that 
Cambden in his Britannia.  Illustrious Antiquary, who saith:  
(11) About this time (saith he) as evidently appeareth by the Code of Theodosius, Pacatianus was the Vicegerent of Britain: for by this time the Province had no more Propretors, nor Lieutenants, but in stead thereof, was a Vicegerent substituted. And again, Seeing that Constantius altered the form of the Roman Government, it shall not be impertinent to note summarily in what sort Britain was ruled under him; and in the next succeeding ages.  
He ordained four prefects of the Praetorian, to wit, of the East, of Illyricum, of Italy, and of Gaul: two Leaders or Commandere of the forces, the one of footmen, the other of horsemen in the West, whom they termed Praesentales. For civil government there ruled Britain, the Praefect of the Praetorium or Grand Seneschal in Gaul, and under him the Vicar General of Britain, who was his Vicegerent, and honoured with the title, Spectabilis; that is, notable or remarkable: him obeyed respectively to the number of the Provinces two Consular deputies, and three Precedents; who had the hearing of civil and criminal causes.  
For military affairs, there ruled the Leader or Commander of the footmen in the West, at whose disposition were the Earls or Lieutenants of Britain, the Earl, Count, or Lieutenant of the Saxon coast along Britain; and he Duke of Britain, styled every one Spectabilis.  
The Earl Lieutenant of Britain seemeth to have ruled the Inland parts of the Island, who had with him seven companies of footmen, and nine coronets or troops of horse.  
The Earl Lieutenant of the Saxon coast, who defended the Maritime parts against the Saxons, and is named by Amianus Lieutenant of the Maritime tract, for defence of 
Amianus Marcill.  the Sea coast, had seven companies of footmen, two Guidons of horsemen, the second legion, and one cohert.  
The Duke or General of Britain, who defended the Marches against the Barbarians, had the command of thirty and eight garrison forts, wherein their Stations kept, consisting of fourteen thousand foot, & nine hundred horse.  
So that in those days (by Pancirolus account) Britain maintained nineteen thousand, two hundred sootmen, and 
Nineteen thousand foot and seventeen hundred horsemen maintained in ordinary in Britain.  seventeen hundred horsemen, or thereabout in ordinary.  
Besides all these, the receiver of the Emperor's Finances or public revenues: the Provost of the Emperor's Treasures in Britain, and the Procurator of the drapery in Britain; in the which the clothes of the Prince and Soldiers were Woven: and the Count also of private revenues had his Rational or Auditor of private State in Britain: to say nothing of the sword-fence-schoole Procurator in Britain (whereof an old inscription maketh mention) and of other officers of inferior degrees.  
(12) After the settling of these affairs, to the end that he might with the more facility bridle the untamed Persians that seldom were in quiet, he removed the Imperial seat of his Residence into the East, for now Gallerius and Licinius both dead, the rent and divided state of the Roman Empire was in him united: and purposing to build there a City, as an eternal Monument of his name, he chose the plot at Chalcedon in Asia: but whiles they were measuring out the circuit, an Eagle scouping at the Line, fled with it over the Sea towards Byzantium in Thracia, to which place (the thing seeming ominous) he transferred his new foundation, and there built a most Magnificent City, naming it New Rome) as appeareth by an inscription 
Sabellicus.  of his Statue). In imitation whereof, he circulated Seven hills with a Wall for Height, Thickness, and Beauty, 
A jewish Doctor thus described this City, in an epistle which himself delivered to our English Ambassador, remaining in Constantinople in Anno 1594.  the fairest in the world: and not only erected Temples, Towers, and most stately Palaces himself, but by his public Edicts, commanded all the Princes of the Empire to raise therein some Monuments & memorable Edifices, beseeming the Majesty of so glorious a foundation.  
(13) Hither also from Rome he caused to be brought many renowned Monuments of Antiquities, as the famous Goddess Pallas of old Troy, the Image of Apollo in brass of an unmeasurable bigness; the Statues of juno, Minerva, Venus, and the like: whereupon Hierome saith; That Constantine to enrich this one City, impoverished all others in the Empire: and other 
Hier. in his additions to Eusebius.  Writers which saw it in the perfection of beauty, report it to be rather an habitation for the Gods, than the dwelling place for Earthly men. Herein also (so studious was he of good Arts) was built the Proud Palace of that Public Library, wherein were contained one hundred twenty thousand of the chiefest Written Books, and in the midst thereof were the Guts of a Dragon, in length one hundred twenty Foot, on which was admirably written in Letters of Gold, the Iliads of Homer. The New Name of this new City lasted not long; for the affection of all men to the Founder, afforded it rather the name of Constantinople. As a trophy 
Constantinople built by Constantine.  then of this emperors renown, though now a brand of infamy to another of that name, who lost it in the year 1452. to Mahomet the Turk: and as New Rome was reared and ruined in one name, so had Old Rome in Augustus her pitch of height, and in Augustulus her period.  
(14) He drew likewise hither those Legions that lay for defence of the Provinces, as well in Germany and Gallia, as in Britain: from whence he brought (saith Malmesbury) a great power of British Soldiers, through whose industry and forward service, having obtained Triumphant 
Wil Malmsbury.  Victories to his hearts desire, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Empire: such of them as were past service and 〈◊〉 form the painful parts of Soldiers their fulltime, he planted in a certain part of Gaul Westward, upon the very 〈◊〉 of the Ocean: where at this day their posterity 〈◊〉, are wonderfully grown even to a mighty people; in manners & language somewhat degenerate from our 〈◊〉. In which his doings, he laid open the Provinces to the eruptions of their Enemies; and is therefore by Z●…imus hardly censured, as being the only man that by this means first subverted the flourishing estate of the Empire. And indeed, by withdrawing his Forces out of Britain, the Picts and other their wont Enemies had the bolder and easier entrance into the more civil parts of this Island; where by ere long, being altogether abandoned of the Romans, it became a prey of Conquest to the Saxons, as shall be showed in due place.  
(15) But howsoever his policy failed (carried (as it seemeth) by a Divine inspiration to leave Rome) yet is this good Emperor much commended by all Writers for his many virtues, especially for that he so laid the foundation of the Christians security, that the same hath stood under the protection 
Constantine the establisher of Christianity.  of Princes ever since, even unto this day. And albeit that many Caesars his successors, have often attempted to shake it by their authorities, and the sharp instruments 
Ambrose upon the death of Theo.  of heretics dangerously have undermined it, yet hath it borne out the Storms of all their boisterous assays, and stood in the strength that this Emperor first laid it.  
(16) And upon this foundation, that a glorious building might be raised, he congregated three hundred and eighteen Christian Bishops in the City Nice in Thracia, where himself was present, and also Precedent 
Ruf●…. Cassiod. Eusebius eccles. hist.  of the same Council (though now his Beadsmen (the Popes) put him & his Successors from that right) and as another Moses, he then pacified the contentions of the brethren, and re-established the authorities of the Bishops for the godly government of the Church in that Primitive age.  
(17) But as the clearest Sun hath his set, and the fairest day his night, so Constantine's glorious life drew to an end, though his living-glory shall be endless: for intending a voyage against the Persians, he fell grievously sick, and counseled by his Physicians to be carried 
Hierom●….  unto Nicomedia, a City in Bythinia, to the Hot Baths that naturally there sprang (which caused some erroneously to write that he became a Leper) he died on the way near to the place, and in great devotion commended his departing Soul to his Crucified Redeemer, Maij 22. the year of Christ jesus three hundred 
Eusebius. Sigonius. Constantine buried at Constantinople. Socrates, lib. 1. cap. 26.  thirty seven, and of his happy victorious reign thirty one, and of his age sixty five; whose body was interred at Constantinople, in the Church of the Apostles that himself had therein founded.  
(18) Eusebius writing this good Emperor's life, saith, that he deferred his Baptism until his old age, in desire 
Eusebius in vi●… Const. lib. 4.  that he might receive it in jordan, where our Saviour himself was baptized. Yet others think that he was baptized with his Son Crispus, what time he created him his Caesar: for the Celebration whereof, he caused a most sumptuous Font to be made in Rome; which Platina & Sabellicus affirm to have continued to their times. And the ingenuity of the same Sabellicus 
Sabellicus.  is much to be approved, in that speaking of Constantine's Donation, which some so much vaunt of (though the vanity of that forgery is now laid open to the view of all by sundry learned men) he acknowledgeth (himself being a Romanist) that he findeth no mention of any such matter, in any of the ancient Records which he followed, and so leaveth it to the Patronage of those Craftsmen, out of whose forges it first was form. He left to succeed him in the Empire as Augusti, (with distaste of the eldest) his three Sons, Constantine, Constantius, and Constance, whom before he had made Caesar's, & designed by Testament, 
Constantine's successors.  Delmatius, the son of Anniballinus, (his brother) Caesar: and therefore we have inserted his money in rank of those that succeeded this great & glorious Emperor.   

FLA. VAL. CONSTANTINUS JUNIOR, Emp. FLA. VAL. CONSTANS,— FLA. JULIUS CONSTANTIUS, FLA. DELMATIUS ANNIBALLIANUS, CHAPTER XLVII.  
FOR the Empire being divided among these Brethren, 
An. Do. 337.  Constantinus the eldest, whose portion was Britain, France, Spain, and part of Germany, took 
Constantinus his part of the Empire.  himself wronged in this partition; whereas Constans his second brother had Italy, Africa, Sclavonia, Dalmatia, and Greece; and Constantius the youngest 
Constans his part of the Empire. Constantius his part of the Empire.  possessed Thracia, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, Provinces much greater in his sight, than his own seemed to be; and therefore at last ambitiously he attempted to enlarge his upon the Frontiers of his brother Constans, at that time in Dacia, and in wars against the Goths, who there also invaded his territories, but was met with and slain by a Captain of his 
Constantinus slain. Socrates lib. 2. c. 3.  brothers, near to the City Aquileia in Italy, when he had held his signiories the term of three years.  
(2) Hereupon Constans grew exceedingly proud, and seizing his deceased brothers Provinces, joined them unto his own Possessions, and with his brother Constantius came into this Island. This Battle, and their arrival here, by the words of julius Firmius, 
Cassiod. trip. Hist.  chanced in the winter season: for (saith he, speaking to these Emperors) you have subdued under your Oars the swelling and raging waves of the British Ocean, even in the deep of Winter; a thing hitherto never seen before. And the Britaines were sore afraid to behold the unexpected face of their Emperor. This Constans was he that called a Council to Sardica against the Arrians, 
A Council against the Arrians called by Constans.  whither were assembled three hundred Bishops, and among them, some of the British, as formerly we have mentioned. But this Prince being youthful, cast away all care of the Empire; and drowned in his own pleasures, followed ill counsel, (the usual way to Prince's ruins.) Thus grown grievous to the Provinces, and nothing acceptable to the Soldiers, was by Magnentius a Captain of his own slain, as he was hunting near the Castle of S. Helen's, situate amongst 
Constans slain.  the Tapori, a Spanish people under the Pyren Mountains. And as hence this Murderer of his Sovereign Lord and Master, was branded with the name of Taporus, so in this Emperor there murdered was fulfilled a Prophecy that he should die in his Grandmothers 
Amianus. l. 20. c. 1●…  Lap.  
Olympias the Widow of this Constans was given to Arsaces' King of Armenia, by Constantius his brother, to be a bond and purchase of his surer friendship, of which his need was much, as the times required: for after the death of Constance, Vetranio was proclaimed Emperor by the Pannonian Army, though shortly disrobed, and sent to end his decrepit age in a private fortune. Nepohanus the nephew of Constans by his 
Fl. pop. Nepohanus p. F. Aug.  sister Eutropia, was at Rome by the abject Rout saluted Augustus, which he enjoyed not much above twenty days, being suppressed by Magnentius, who had now made the trunk of Majesty, his Sovereign's body, the Basse, whereby he meant with Decentius and Desiderius, his two brethren, to ascend the Throne.  
(3) Simon Dunelmensis saith, that Great Constantine 
Simon Dunelm. I. Stow.  at his departure from Britain, left one Octavius to govern the Land, who shortly rebelled, and after divers conflicts was slain by Traherne, Commander of a Roman Legion. Galfridus makes the said Octavian a 
Galfridus Monm.  Britain, and will have him to reign with great Victories over this Island the space of fifty four years, which (as Fabian hath accounted) doth extend to the 
Rob. Fabian.  time of Valentinians Rule in Rome: so far do our British Historians differ from the Romans. But from them most certain it is, that Magnentius before mentioned, a Britain by his father, though borne among the Laeti in France, invested himself into the Imperial Dignity, usurping France, Spain, and Britain, thus stamping the face of himself and his brother Decentius, by him made Caesar at Milan, upon the currant Monies of such revolted Provinces as he usurped.  
And did for three years bandy against Constantius, though with some unequal success: but lastly despairing to uphold his own greatness, murdered himself 
Magnentius murdereth himself.  at Lions in Gallia, as his brother upon news thereof, did with a halter in the same Country. For this event (no other occasion moving) Constantius both shut the Temple of janus in Rome, as a token of an 
Socra. li. 2. cap. 27.  Universal Peace; and gloriously triumphed with more than a usual aspect. 
Amian. li. 16. c. 5.   
(4) At this time the General of the Army in Britain was one Gracianus; the father of Valentinian the Emperor, by birth an Hungarian, and so strong of 
Gracianus of admirable strength.  limb, that no five men could pull a rope out of his hand with all their force; whereof he was surnamed Funarius, the Roper. This man giving entertainment to Magnentius, was condemned in confiscation of all his goods by Constantius that now ruled sole Emperor, unto whom also the Britain's submitted themselves, and whose Deputy after Gratianus was aged 
Martin Deputy in Britain.  Martin, a man (no doubt) virtuous and upright, as he witnessed by his death: for Constantius, whose base and distrustful heart feared the wagging of every leaf, by the slaughter of many guiltless, sought to make himself secure: and egged on by his Flatterers, (to serve their purposes) sent one Paulus a Notary 
Amianus Marcel. lib. 14. cap. 4.  into Britain, to apprehend them that had aided Magnentius.  
(5) The said Notary was a Spaniard of a pestilent 
Paulus a Spaniard his subtlety.  wit and subtlety, especially in finding out all quirks and devices to endanger men's estates: whose business being now to apprehend and bring away such Martial men as had entered action in the foresaid conspiracies, he under that pretence drew into danger many that were guiltless, and the emperors true Subjects: some of which he imprisoned, others he tormented, and many with Manacles and Chains 
Amianus lib. 25. cap. 2. Paulus called Catena for his cruelty.  so bruised, that therefore he was called Catena. Old Martin the Deputy, much lamenting their miseries, besought the Spaniard to surcease, and not with the Offenders thus to punish the Innocent; whereat the proud Catchpole so much disdained, that he threatened and sought to bring Martin before the Counsel, and that in bands in manner of a Traitor; which so much incensed the aged man, that with his dagger he assailed him; but perceiving the wound he gave was not deadly, he stabbed the same into his own side, and 
Martin killed.  thereof presently died: unfortunate in this fact, but otherwise a most righteous man (saith Amianus) that thus attempted to ease the wrongs of these oppressed Britain's.  
(6) But besides these their distresses, the outrodes 
Amianus Mar. li. 20. cap. 1.  of the Scots and Picts breaking into the Marches of the Britain's, sore molested their peace: for redress whereof, julian the Caesar wintering at Paris, and distracted into sundry thoughts, was afraid in person to pass those Seas himself, and to leave Gaul without a Ruler, especially at such a time, when the Almans had stirred up a most cruel war: wherefore he sent Lupicinus at that time Colonel of the Infantry, and Master 
Lupicinus sent Deputy into Britain.  of the armory, to withstand their fury; a warlike man certes, and skilful in feats of Arms, but withal proud of heart and countenance, looking high, and speaking big, and in gesture demeaning himself in his charge as an Actor upon a Stage, and otherwise so qualified, that men doubted a long time whether he were more Covetous or Cruel. He from 
* 〈◊〉.  Bononia embarked all his men, and with a good gale arrived in the Haven 
* Richburrow or Rip●…bester.  Rutupi, marching in all haste to 
* London.  Lundinium, that from thence, after advice taken, according to the quality of the business, he might make more haste to come into the field, and give battle. But with what success his affairs afterwards proceeded, I find not recorded: and therefore I return again to the Emperor Constantius.  
(7) Flavius Claudius Constantius Gallus his cosen-german 
Gallus choosed Caesar.  he elected Caesar, permitted him to stamp this money, and linked him in marriage with his sister Constantia. But he, designed to govern the East, and make good those Frontiers against the Persians, forgot the duty of his charge, and gave himself up at Antioch to all licentious lusts and cruelties: of which when Constantius (infected afore with some jealousy of his ambition) was informed, he so plotted, that this lost man, drowned in his own vicious security, was surprised, and with his hands bound backward (like a Fel●…n) given up to the common Headsman for execution. 
Gallus executed.  His brother julianus was then made Caesar, and this Emperors other sister Helena bestowed upon 
Iulian●… made Caesar.  him, whose Victories against the Germans and Gauls gained him such applause, that he was against his will 
juliani Epist●….  by the Soldiers elected Augustus, and made Consort with Constantius in Power Imperial.  
(8) Whose fortunes thus sticking in a tumultuous State (for, with others, Nigrinianus (whose consecrated memory is left to posterity upon this money) attempted the disquiet of this Emperor, by an ambitious affection of rule, that was both short and fatal to him) did plainly foreshow, that neither his Reign nor life would last long.  
For besides the affections of the time that then followed that new risen Star julian, his nightly visions and imagined apparitions did both terrify and appal his mind; for as he thought, his father's Ghost presented unto him, a Babe of an ingenious countenance, 
Constan●… apparition.  which struck the Ball (that the Romans call Tufa, a Globe borne only by a Monarch) out of his right hand, betokening nought else but a change of State. Which howsoever his diviners interpreted for pleasing things, yet himself thought his own Genius still followed him, in a forlorn, poor, and mournful habit.  
(9) These dumps notwithstanding, this new Election he meant to disavow: and julian for his part resolved in point of honour to maintain and uphold. 
He leadeth an Army against julianus, and dieth by the way. Socrates lib. 2. cap. 37.  Whereupon wars prepared, Constantius set forward to encounter him, and coming to Tharsus, from Antioch in Syria, fell there sick of a fever, which still increased as he further traveled, and in the borders of Cilicia, at the place called Mopsus Wells, situated at the 
Amianus Mar. lib 21. cap. 13.  foot of MountTaurus, died the third day of November, the year of Christ by Ieromes account, three hundred sixty four: by others, three hundred sixty one; when he had ruled twenty four years, and lived forty and a few months, as Amianus Marcellinus, and Pomp. Laetus affirm. But Socrates and Zosimus 
The time of his reigning.  say, that he lived forty five years, and reigned thirty eight, that is, thirteen a Caesar, in the life of his Father, seven a Competitor in the lives of his brethren, and seventeen years Emperor alone.  
He is neither accounted with the best, nor worst Emperors, his Virtues seeming to hold scoale with his 
Amianus lib. 26. cap. 9  Vices: temperate, courteous, liberal, and affable; not eloquent, yet desirous to speak well; blunt witted, yet 
Constantius perfections and defects. His wife was Faustina. Constantius a great exacter of tribute. Sulpitius Severus.  a great favourer of learning; a most skilful Archer, and apt to take pains; but withal very suspicious; led by Flatterers, and most cruel to the accused, and in exacting importable Tributes, drew more hatred upon his head then money into his coffers. But especially is he stained with the heresy of the Arrians, for whose sake he banished many of the Christians, and amongst them Athanasius, that excellent light of the Catholic 
A Council in favour of the Arrians assembled by Constantius.  Church. In favour of those Heretics, he caused to be summoned four hundred western Bishops unto the Council of Ariminum, whereof three are reported to come out of Britain. And he is by Amianus his Life-writer, 
Hilary calleth them the Bishops of the Provinces of Britain in an Epistle unto the Bishops.  condemned for mingling foolish doting superstitions, with the sincere doctrine of the Christian Religion, given rather to a more intricate search therein, then to settle his opinions upon gravity: and stirring up schisms and discords in maintaining of words and contentious disputations, which as they spread more and more, got wing even unto this Island of Britain, as by the words of our lamenting Historian Gyldas is seen. When (saith he) the sweet consent of Christ the head, and his members 
Gyldas.  the body, had continued until such time, as that deadly and perfidious arianism, like to a pestiferous Serpent from the other side of the Sea, casting up her venom upon us, caused brethren dwelling together, to be disjoined piteously one from another. And thus the way as it were being made over the Ocean, all other cruel and fell Beasts wheresoever, shaking out of their horrible mouths the deadly poison of every heresy, inflicted the deadly stings and wounds of their teeth upon this our Country, desirous evermore to hear some novelty.  
(11) For parsonage, this Emperor was indifferently 
Amianus Marc. lib. 11. cap. 15.  tall, his complexion brown, the cast of his eyes lofty, his sight quick, his hair soft, his cheeks always shaven; from the graffing of his neck to the groin very long, but from thence somewhat short and bow-legged withal. His body after death was embalmed, and in Constantinople interred near unto his Father, at 
Constantius his portraiture; Constantius buried at Constantinople.  the commandment of julian, whom by his testament (for all his former displeasure) he declared his Heir and Successor.   

FLAVIUS CLAUDIUS JULIANUS EMPEROR APOSTATA. CHAPTER XLVIII.  
IVlian succeeded, whose birth had as much of Nobility as either the greatness of place; (for it was 
julien his Parentage.  New Rome); or the high blood of parentage could 
Amian. Marcell. lib. 15. cap. 7.  add unto him; for his Father Constantius, was the brother of great Constantine, and not much his mother Basilina was lower in her birth, though most unfortunate in bearing him, her own destruction. An Orphan he was left together with Gallus his brother, long tossed between the surges of his own imperfect constitution, and the bloody jealousy of his ruling-kinsmen (not long before the fatal ruing of his Father) for being too near allied to their Crowns.  
Mean he was of stature, yet carrying from head to foot a just proportion and uniform knitting of 
His proportion and feature. Amian. Marcel. lib. 25.  his lineaments, whereby he had agility and strength: big and broad his shoulders, his neck fat, bearing his head forward; lovely and graceful was the cast of his quick and clear eye, strait his nose, and no feature of his face amiss, but the greatness of his mouth, and the parting of his neither lip; the soft hair of his head he wore in a decent length, and his rough beard he cut in a pointed fashion.  
(2) His education was under many masters, of which Mardonius a Scythian Eunuch was the first. 
His education. Misopo. jul. Imp.  From him he was sent to the public School at Constantinople, where of Nicocles of Lacedaemon, he learned his Grammar, and of Ecebolius the Sophister his Rhetoric; and of both of them (as of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia) the Christian Religion, in which his delight was such, that he betook him to the function of a Deacon, reading in public to the people the sacred Books; and aimed at no further mark of greatness than the reputation of a holy man: led on with 
Socrates lib. 3. cap. 1.  the love of knowledge, he went to the Schools of Nicomedia, where, of jamblicus, who succeeded Porphyry in the Chair; he learned the Philosophy of Aristotle and Plato. There bewitched at length with the fame of Libanius Eloquence, though detesting his religion; from reading in private study his profane labours, he grew a public hearer of his invective Lectures: and imitating at first in exercise of wit only this Rhetoricians form of declaiming, he grew in the end the profanest Railer, and deadliest Enemy of all other himself against the Church. And to fill up this vessel of iniquity, Maximus, the only Impostor and Magician then of the world, (worthily after for his impious doctrine put by Valentinian to the sword) must come to Nicomedia. From him did julian learn such Astrology as setteth Nativities, and such Magic as invoketh Spirits. And here was the school of this man's Error, and Mistress of his impiety. The seeds of whose Nature and Education having thus observed, let us search with an impartial Eye into his manners and condition, and see what virtue was in fruit.  
(3) His temperance is commended to us with admiration. He slept little, and could awake at pleasure: 
His temperance.  his bed was ever with the hardest, and his diet of the 
Marcel. lib. 16. In Misopo. julian. Imp.  meanest meat, and the moderatest measure, whereby he never but once, and that by accident, disburdened his stomach by vomit; and would often say, that it was the safety of his life, that he never had any war with his belly. Such was his chastity, that having lost 
Marcel. lib. 25. & 24.  at once in France, Helena his beloved wife, and her infant, his only Son, he never so much as in suspect, had an incontinent desire. And therefore of all the Persian beauties taken in those wars, as the richest spoils, Nec contrectare aliquam voluit nec videre: Neither suffer in his Army either Cooks or Barbers, as 
Marcel. l. 22.  being deliciarum atque intemperantia ministros.  
Arceo meipsum à Theatris: I force myself (saith he) from the view of stageplays, and never but once a 
In Mesopo. julian. Imp.  year permit my Eye that delight in Court; wherein the distaste of my mind is, tanquam pauper agricola tributum aliquod pendens iniquo Domino. And when the action was performing; similior sum detestanti eos ludos quam spectanti. Yet doth Marcellinus tax him of much verbosity and affectation of vain glory. And 
Marcellinus, l. 22.  Gregory Nazianzen charging him with intemperate 
Gregor. Nazianzen in lib. contra julianum.  passion as unconstability, saith; That by his ranging and furious aspect, his unsteady and halting pace, his fleering look, and immoderate laughter, Tale●… ante opera vidi qualem in operibus cognovi.  
(4) The love of justice in this Prince is remembered to us in his rules of DIRECTION: for he so 
His justice. Marcellinus, l. 22.  amended the Laws Ambagibus circumcisis, that the judges might clearly see, Quid iuberent fieri quid vetarent: and in his EXAMPLE for imitation. For when to an innocent denial before him, Delphidius the Orator inveighed saying; Nocens esse poterit usquam si negare suffecerit: himself replied, Et quis innocens esse poterit si accusâsse sufficit? and so discharged the party. As for his clemency and charity, which ought to attend the sword and Sceptre of a Sovereign, since the one is Magnum timor is remedium, and the other will be, post cineres tributum; Nebridius and Lucillianus are 
Mart. Epig.  Registers of the one, whom notwithstanding their conspiracies in favour of Constantius, he not only pardoned, but defended with peril of his own person from the furies of his own followers. And for the other, those his letters to Arsacius is a sure record. Let there be in the Cities of your charge, many Hospitals erected, that the want of the way faring may be relieved by 
Ex julian. Epist. ad Ar●…a. pont. Galatia.  our benignity: and not of them only of our Religion, but of all the rest: for it suits not well with the goodness of our Government, that when the jews permit none of theirs to beg, and the wicked Galileans relieve not only theirs, but ours, that ours should be disconsolate of other help.  
Some have blemished his bounty with the brand of vainglory: thus did the Antiochians for depressing 
In Misopogon, julian, Imp.  so much the reasonable price of Grain in their Markets, by a profuse expense of his own Treasure, gaining thereby at first only the applause of the light multitude, after which he hunted, and drawing on in the end a miserable dearth, through the licentious excess of their improvidence: which often happeneth.  
And as the banishment of Palladias' into Britain upon a weak suspicion, Taurus to Vircillum, in whom the eye of justice could find no scar; and to death Vrsulus, with Pigmeus (the first his Treasurer, that had spent with him and on him his own means, when being Caesar, he had little of his own: the other the guide of his youth, and to whom he truly ought the greatest part of his goodness) may justly stain him with lawless severity, and ungrateful cruelty; so may his malicious spirit against the Christians, howsoever masking in more Art than many that went before him, set him up in the rank and top of the greatest Persecutors. And although there be some passages in his Government more easy then in some others that may imply a gentle disposition toward them, (sometimes taking the Gods to witness, that the Galileans (for so he named the Christians) should not undergo the least of injury, neither be led to Pagan sacrifice, 
Ex Epist. julian. Imp. ad Artab●…. Ex Edicto julian. in Edissenet. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad Alexandrian.  or forced to any thing beyond the compass of their own contents: and that he not only revoked the Edict of Constantine the Arrian Emperor, whereby those holy men stood long exiled: but taking the advantage of an uproar begun by the Arrians, 
Ex Epist. julian, Imp.  (their Enemies) at Edissa seized upon their goods, swollen too great in number and fortune by the gracious aspect of his Predecessors, to whom he dissembled himself a Christian): yet did he whiles he had in his own hands the rain of Government, by all his actions and ends, declare himself an heavy opposite unto them. Sometimes by allurements to assay to corrupt them; sometimes by a subtle siding with 
Hieron Russi●….  one faction of the Church, as he did with the Catholic against the Arrians, to counterpoise their power, ut securius regnaret, that by such licence of sedition, Non timeret unanimantem plebem, he need not fear the power of their unity, as himself professed.  
From this unfortunate plot of earthly policy (but with worse success) he incited the jews to re-edify the Temple at jerusalem, and renew their Sacrifice, remitting to them their debt of Tribute, and vowing that at his return from Persia he would visit that holy City, and (as he saith to them) ut unà vobiscum in ea Deo optimo gratias agam; well believing that by raising such an opposite to the Christians, he should suppress their increase, and annihilate their Prophecy of jerusalem's desolation. To repair these cursed walls against the providence of Divine justice, Alipius of Antioch, that had been Governor of Britain, was sent: but his endeavour, and the work of all his Ministers, was interrupted by fearful flaming balls of fire, which issued from the Earth near unto those foundations, consuming very many of the jews and workmen; by reason whereof, this Element still giving fresh assault on them, the place became unaccessible, and the enterprise given over: so vain it is for Man to strive against the decreed purpose of God. And it is by others affirmed, that at the same time an Earthquake so shook those Foundations which were left by Titus untouched, that one stone thereby was not left standing 
Secr●…tes lib. 3. cap. 17.  upon another, but were all laid level with the ground: by which miraculous sights many jews were 
Sabelli●…  turned to the embracing of the Christian Faith, upon whose garments fell forms of Crosses, which shined as the beams of the Sun, neither could they by any means be washed or wiped away. Alipius that had been chief in this business, was afterward confined 
〈◊〉, lib. 2●…. cap 4.  into Banishment, with the loss of his goods, by Valens upon suspicion of Treason. And thus far of julians' veiled hatred: now of his open actions of despite against the Christians.  
Constantius no sooner dead (under whom as before is said he dissembled his Religion) but that he opened the Temples of the Pagan's Gods, repaired their Altars; declaring to future ages, the memory of this his detestable act, by minting a Bull prepared for sacrifice, upon the Currant money of the State, with this inscription; Securitas reipublicae; as if Rome's Empire should lose her security, and the fatal destiny of Command, when the Genius of that City and the Gods of her foundation should be forsaken. And where there remained any antic Monument of the Infant Christian Church, or any new erected badge of Religious devotion, those he caused to be defaced. Thus did he in Caesarea Philippi, with that Brazen figure of our Saviour arrayed in a short vesture, 
Eusebius, lib. 7. ca 17.  and the Woman cured of her bloody issue, kneeling and elevating her hands to him; and at whose feet in the said Pillar grew a certain Herb, in height unto the Hem of his Garment, which cured all kind of maladies; placing his own figure, to the intent that it should be worshipped: but suddenly it was with Lightning from Heaven destroyed, breaking with violent force the Breast thereof asunder, and striking the Head fast into the earth; whose Relics, as Zosimus saith, remained 
Zosimus Eccl. lib. 5. cap. 20. julianus picture destroyed by lightning.  there to be seen a long time after, a witness of man's presumptuous error and Gods just displeasure. Many laws he made against them, and many rights of Subjects he took from them. By Edict he forbade the Christians the public Schools & study 
Ex Edicto contra Christian.  of the Arts and Tongues; jesting away the reason of this injustice with scoffs, as he did the rest; saying, that Aristotle, Isocrates, and Plato, who must be their guides in such liberal learn, adoring Mercury and the other Gods, he held it absurd that they should read and learn of their Books, that loath and rail at their Religion.  
The equity of this extended power may appear by Marcellinus censure, a man of his own Religion, who of it saith, Inclemens obruendum perenni silentio; Let the Edict be damned to eternal silence. When he seized upon the goods of the Christians, which was often, and upon weak pretences, he used to invert the Letter of their own Doctrine, in warrant of his foul act, saying that he did it, ut facilius in Regnum Coelorum veniant. When he had disabled the Christians of all 
Ex Epist. julian. ad Ecebolum.  command, either in the Field or Commonwealth, (as he did jovinian, Valentinian & Valens, after Emperors) he would say, he did it because their Gospel taketh 
Hieron. Cassiodorus. Socrates.  from them Potestatem Gladij. And wheresoever any poor Christian implored the hand of justice against wrong and violence, they returned with no better redress, then that it was the rule of their Religion, perferre iniurias, it was the duty of their Profession to bear all injuries. And although most Authors agree that he stained not his government with the blood of any Catholics, well knowing that gore of Persecution is the seed of the Gospel; yet some affirm that when Apollo's Oracle, near Antioch, had lost his power of answer by the holy presence of Babillaes' body 
Sabellicus. Socrates. lib. 3. ca 11.  (there martyred and entombed) and that the Christians in removing it away, sung solemnly the Psalm, Let all them be confounded which worship graven Images: this Emperor (although the Act was his direction, though not the order) grew so enraged, that he put then many Christians to the sword.  
Of the prudence and learning of this man there be 
His prudence.  many notable monuments remaining: for in all the courses of his life he did rather labour to content the parts of his understanding, then of his sensuality, often being heard to say, Turpe esset sapienti, cum habeat animum, captare laudes ex corpore: and therefore writing to Ecdicius, Perfect of Egypt, to help him to the 
Epist. julian. ad Ecdicium praef. Egypt.  Books of George Bishop of Alexandria, he saith, Where others delighted in Horse and Hawks, I have been from my infancy inflamed with the love of Books. Many works there were of his own pen, though now raked up in the ruins of the time.  
As his Oration to jamblicus, and other Volumes of various learning, remembered by Suidas: yet is there 
Suidas.  extant that witty Satire of his, of all the Caesars.  
The Register of his Epistle, full of worthy observations. 
julian. Imp. Caesares.   
His discourse De Regno, wherein he deciphereth 
jul. Imp. Epist. Lib. jul. de praeclaris actionibus. Hymnus julian. in Solem.  much of his Persian Actions.  
His Hymn to the Sun, a song of a high strain, and of a matchless delicacy, if the subject had not been too profane.  
As for his Misopogon, (where playing with his own 
Misopogon vel Antiochensis.  person and beard, he sharply reprehendeth the Antiochians of their intemperance in frequenting stageplays; of their impiety, in changing jupiter and Apollo (Gods of their Forefathers) into the Christ of the Galileans; and of covetousness in their Magistrates, in selling justice) it is one of the wittiest invectives extant of those middle times.  
In the course of his Religion he is by the Writers 
His Religion.  of his own affection and time rather reported superstitious then devout; and his fancies therein rather to them accounted ridiculous then religious. Such was 
Marcel. lib. 25.  the excess and waste of Oxen in his sacrifices, that it is believed if his return had been from the Persicke Expedition, there would have been want of them to supply his Rites, and therefore they might happily say as the white Oxen did of the Emperor Marcus, Si tu viceris, nos perimus. Yet were his rules of order to the Priests of his superstitious zeal, such as may well become the most religious Churchman of our age to imitate: for he prohibited those Priests from gaze of stage-plays, frequenting Taverns, or exercising 
Ex julian Epist. ad Pon. Galatiae.  any foul or illiberal profession, persuading them to imitate the Christians, whose bounty to strangers in distress, charity in burying the dead, and whose humble manners and sanctity of life (though but dissembled) had so much increased their Profession.  
(6) His fortitude appeareth in the process of his 
His Fortitude.  Martial Actions. At three and twenty years he was made by Constantine his nephew Caesar, matched to 
Marcel. lib. 15.  his sister Helena, and sent in person to restrain those barbarous Nations that had forced in upon the Roman Limits. But whether this employment was grounded upon the Emperors own fear to adventure his person against these Savages, a desire to nurture this mere Scholar his brother in law in more princely manners, who then was rude; or to expose him (in respect of some jealousy in State) to an assured peril: it remaineth doubtful. Only himself saith, that he that bestowed his Title of Caesar, libenter dabat; & qui 
Ex Epist. julian Maximo Phylosopho.  accepit, omninò recusabat: for in it he gained nothing but ut occupatior interiret, taking this his Expedition against those Inroads, as a banishment into the Hercinian Desert, ut tanquam venator cum feris bellaret: and believing himself rather thereby called out to an expected death, than intended honour. But this man then neither of opinion or hope, and who should have seemed to have effected a point of excellent service, if he had no more but defended the frontiers, and repelled the Enemies, did by his valour perform no less than deeds of admiration.  
He recovered the revolted Cities of Gallia, overthrowing seven of the mightiest Germane Princes in one set Battle.  
He sent to Rome Chonodomarius and Badonearius, two of their greatest Kings, as spoils to adorn the 
Amian. lib. 16.  Trophy, and attend the triumph of Constantius. He forced on every side those to fear his power, that had so long been fearful to the Roman Empire. And had he returned home, borne up only with the merit of this his service, and opinion of the world, and not been blown beyond the bounds of his old moderation by a new desire, he had escaped the imputation of ambition and treachery, and been esteemed a just successor, against whom he is deemed now an unjust usurper. But it may be said that it was a divine power that inspired it, and a strong hand that enforced him to it: for from above the Porch of his entrance, into one of the regained Cities, the Wreath of Laurel (reserved an ornament of that place) fell in wonder upon his head. The Genius of Rome in many apparitions chiding & reprehending his slow desire to affect the Empire, and restore the State. As touching his election, he calleth the Gods to witness his unwillingness, and the public protestation he made against it at Paris, when he was there by the tumultuous Army saluted Augustus. And although by the great provision made by him of Corn from Britanny, to hold a foot the Army against the plots of Constantius (that grew now envious of his fortune, he may seem to have intended the ruin of his Sovereignty) yet doth he by the Gods of his greatest confidence, jupiter and the Sun, protest, Quod Constantium occidere nunquam optavit, imò ne id accideret exoptavit.  
(7) But Constantius ending this quarrel and competition by his death, julian, whom a Pithonist had deluded with the hope of Persia, telling him that his fortunes should be as his feature, like Great Alexander, bred in him a thirsty desire after the surname Persicus: whereupon he prepared an Army for this expedition, and seeking the favour of his Gods the Moon, Fortune, and Mars, imbrued their Altars with the 
Sabellicus lib. 22. cap. 2. julian his sacrifices.  Blood of an hundred Bulls at once; though many ominous signs, as they were interpreted by his Philosophers and Soothsayers, forbade the same. Such was the great Earthquake happening in Bithynie, that swallowed up the City of Nicomedia. rivers likewise are said 
An Earthquake.  to stand dry, even in the heart of winter; and Springs forgetting their usual boilings, yielded not forth their wont waters: yea and if we will believe the reporters; his success was foreshowed by the departure of an Angel, and by a Meteor gliding in the Air. All which he sought to prevent, by pacifying 
Sabell. lib. 25. ca 2.  his Heathenish Gods with multitudes of Sacrifices: and with an Army extended ten miles in length, entered 
An Army reaching ten mile.  Persia, cutting asunder the Bridges by which he passed over his men, to add to them more of resolution, as their means were less of return, refusing all humble submission and composition offered him by their King; and at the place then called Phrygia, joined Battle against Surena, a great Commander among the Persians, and Merenes, General of their Horse, accompanied with two of the King's sons, whose powers not able to resist the Romans, gave back and fled.  
julian either upon a vain confidence, or sudden Alarm, had forgot to arm himself with his corselet or Brigandine; and in following the disarraied flight of the Persians, lift up his hands in sign of victory: at which very instant a javelin struck thorough his left 
julian struck into the body with a Dart.  Arm into the short Ribs, and stuck in the neither lappet of his Liver; which whilst he endeavoured to pluck out, did cut the sinews of his fingers: whereat altogether distracted, he fell forwards upon his horses main, and thence was carried unto his Pa●…. From whose hand this jauclin came (faith Amianus) 
Amianus. lib. 25. 〈◊〉. 3.  God only knoweth. Some report the Caster to have been a fugitive Persian: others say that from the hand of one of his own Soldiers it proceeded: and Calistus one of his own Guard, that wrote this Battle in Heroical Verse, affirmeth, that by some wicked Fiend 
S●…es lib 3. cap 18.  or Devil, this javelin run him thorough. Howsoever, there are that report that in pulling out this Lance, 
〈◊〉 lib. 6. c. 〈◊〉. T●…d. lib. 3. c. 25. Sabell. ●…us.  and casting it into the air with his blood, he should utter this blasphemous speech, and say, Thou hast overcome me, O Galilean. At his setting forth he vowed to his Gods a Sacrifice of Christians blood, if he returned Conqueror, but he performed it with his own. His slain Corpses was carried to Tarsus a City in Cilicia, where with small pomp of Funeral Obsequies it was interred near to the City's side; which place himself to that purpose had formerly assigned: although Nazianzen affirmeth the earth to have opened, and in a flame of Sulphur to have sucked up his body into her Womb.  
(8) Thus ended this Emperor, the twenty sixth of june, in the two and thirtieth year of his age, and three hundred sixty and three of Christ's Nativity, when he had reigned Augustus near three, and Caesar full seven years. Whose wit and eloquence needs no further testimony than the Monuments of his own Pen; nor his religious zeal more than the Function his youth so worthily performed in the Christian Church. His Imperial Virtues we see match him in story with Titus, in moderation with Aurelius, and for success in war, with trajan; three of the most excellent Princes: and his fortune was to see bounded within his sole greatness, what the hand of right and sword of tyranny had so late dispersed. But now one Error, his Apostasy, disroabing him of all his Moral Virtues, leaves him an object naked to the vulgar eye, but as a Monster of men, and mark of infamy. I hold it therefore fitting no less the use, than the justice of a Story, to do him (as I have done) all his right: since in him we learn that all those admirable endowments of Nature, embellished with all the moral and internal graces that Art could add, are not the base of holiness, without divine grace; nor dalliance of Fortune, and fullness of Empire (that made this man wanton and forgetful) is the centre of security and happiness, without heavenly protection: since from the sense of Sacred Piety he fell to Pagan Superstition: for many are called, but few are chosen; 
Matth. 20. 16.  and in the seat of Presumptuous Majesty he felt the rod of Divine Revenge.  
Discite justitiam moniti, & non temnere Divos.   

FLAVIUS JOVIANUS. CHAPTER XLIX.  
Fla. Iouianus. Emp. THe minds of the whole Army being much distracted 
An. Do. 364.  by the death of julian; the next day, being june twenty seven, they met, and consulted upon a new Emperor: where for a while two factions were maintained, & with equal deserts argued, till lastly in one accord they both agree upon 
* Marcellinus, saith Eutrop.  Salustus, a man very honourable and wise, but withal aged and weak, and therefore he absolutely refused the election. jovianus by them then was nominated, in regard of his father's deserts indifferently commended, saith Amianus: but Rufinus, Theodoret, and Socrates attribute great worths unto himself, and confidently 
Rufi●… 〈◊〉. Hist. lib. 10.  affirm his unwillingness to accept of that dignity, for that the whole Army had yielded to julians' Idolatrous Edicts, openly professing himself to be a Christian, and withal protesting that he would not be a Sovereign over an Ethnic Empire, until by the instance of the Soldiers, which declared themselves likewise; to be Christians, he did accept of the same.  
(2) His Father was Varonianus, by birth an Hungarian, a Captain of good note, who not long before 
jovianus his Parentage.  had laid down his charge of war, and retired into his Country, to a more quiet course of life. Himself served julian the Apostata in his Camp; from whence he departed by virtue of his Edict, commanding all Christians out of his pay, among whom 
* jovianus, his piety.  iovinianus (as we have said) choose rather to cast from him his Sword and Girdle, (marks of honour to Military Professors) then to forsake the Ensign of his Heavenly Chieftain, and the Badge of his Christian Profession.  
(3) No sooner was he clad in the Purple rob, but one jovianus (a Roman ensign-baerer, lately at variance with this new Elected Emperor, than a private man) fearing the danger of so powerful an Enemy stepped now above the degree of the common sort, revolted to the Persians; and having good access, informed King Sapores of the death of julian, (to them till then unknown) and disabling jovianus for an Unskilful and Effeminate Captain, both encouraged the Enemy; and gave directions how to take the advantage. The Persian as ready to execute as joyous to hear, set forward his forces, his Elephants leading the way, whose terrible brayings and fearesull approach much affrighted the Roman Soldiers. A sore battle was fought, and fountains of blood drawn from the sides of both parts: wherein, with an infinite number of Persians, julianus, Macrobius, and Maximus, three Roman Tribunes, of those Legions that then were the Principal of the whole Army, were slain: in regard whereof, and especially for want of Victual, (whose scarcity then was such, that for one Peck of Meal, ten pieces of Gold were given) jovianus made Peace with the Persians for thirty years, giving them five Provinces beyond Tigris, some Cities and Forts in Mesopotamia, whereof Nisibis is named for one that 
Amian. Marcell. lib. 25. cap. 13. Cassiod. Tripar. hist. lib. 7.  had been the very sinews and strength of the Confines, ever since the Wars of Mithridates: for which his doings, he is taxed by Eutropius and Amianus (who both lived in his days) and of most the deed is held very dishonourable to the greatness of the Roman Empire: howbeit divers others excuse him very justly, considering the extreme misery and famine wherein 
Paulus Orosius. Sabellicus.  julianus left the Army, which was in apparent hazard to be given over for a pray to the Enemy, to the endangering of the whole Empire, had it not been thus prevented: and therefore they highly commend him herein, as the only Preserver of the Roman Army.  
(4) Howsoever, he is highly commended by Socrates, 
Socrates Scl●…. lib. 3. cap. 20.  (the continuer of Eusebius his History) who flourished above Twelve hundred years since; for his constant faith grounded upon the Nicen Creed, and for his Loving Reverence to the Christian Bishops, recalling 
Bishops recalled from banishment.  from banishment those that Constantius and julian had exiled; among whom, Athanasius of Alexandria was one: putting down the Idolatrous Temples of the Gentiles, and restoring to their Offices both in Court and Camp, those who for their Conscience had been expulsed.  
(5) At his departure from Persia, he visited the City Tarsus, where he caused the Sepulchre of julian 
jovianus adorneth julians' tomb.  (though otherwise he had found him averse both in Affection, and Religion, yet for that he was his preceding Emperor) to be richly adorned: and taking Antioch in his way for many days together was troubled with some accidents, which that age did take for Ominous signs. For the Statue of Maximianus Caesar, standing at the entrance into the King's Palace, let fall the Ball or Globe out of his hand, no force moving it: horrible sounds and noises were heard within the Consistory: and Blazing-starres appeared at Noonday. 
A Blazing star seen at Noonday.   
Thence therefore in great haste he marched, and at Ancyra, declared his son Varronianus his Caesar, a very Infant, whose Wrawling and unwillingness to ride in the Imperial Chariot, portended (saith Amianus) that which after happened. For hasting still towards Constantinople, he came to Dadastana, a place that divideth Bythinia and Galatia asunder, and there died suddenly of the obstructions and stopping of the Lungs, caused by the damp of a new mortered Chamber 
Sabellicus.  wherein he lay; or (as others write) by coals there set to dry the new ceiling, whose vapours having no issue, stifled him to death, the seventeenth day of February, 
jovianus death. His reign. Amianus Mare. lib. 25. cap. 14. Socrates' eccles. hist. lib. 3. cap. 22.  the year of the world's redemption, three hundred sixty four; after he had reigned seven months, and twenty two days, aged thirty three years.  
(6) For his parsonage, he was of goodly presence, 
jovianus shape and disposition.  both tall and big, his gesture grave, his eyes grey, and countenance pleasant: an affectionate lover & professor he was of the Christian religion, of indifferent learning himself, but a most honourable imbracer thereof in others; very precise and considerate in choosing of judges and Magistrates; facile and familiar to his servitors about him. His Blemishes were these, that he was a great feeder, and given to wine; and somewhat to that other Vice which usually accompanieth such intemperancies.   

FLAVIUS VALENTINIANUS, Emp. FLAVIUS VALENS,— CHAPTER L.  
PResently upon the death of jovianus, by a secret 
An. Do. 364  whispering and running rumour, Equitius, Tribune of the Scutarij was nominated 
Amianus Mar. lib. 26. cap. 5.  Emperor, a man naturally rigorous, and rude; and therefore disliked of the better advised, and no further followed. But from him, their voices turned to januarius, a kinsman to the last deceased jovianus, at that present Governor of Illyricum. But he also rejected, Valentinianus, then absent, was Elected at Nice, as a fit and meet person for the managing of their Wars, and good of the Weal-public. 
Socrates in eccles. hist. lib. 4. cap. 1.   
(2) His birth was of Pannonia, in the City Cibalas, of mean and poor parentage; the son of Gracian spoken of before, who by trade was a Rope-seller, but of great strength; and therefore by service preferred 
Chap. 47. sect. 4.  to places of account, and had been made Ruler of Britain. His own life likewise was spent in service of War, and was erewhile a Captain over the Targatiers: but julian requiring him either to Sacrifice to his Gods, or to leave his place; he chose rather to lay aside his Belt then his Faith and Christianity, as likewise jovianus 
Valentinianus a Christian.  had done; and so for neglecting a little honour then, he had now a far greater bestowed on him by the disposer of all Earthly Kingdoms. The Estate so urging it, he made Valens (his Brother) Partner in the Empire, the trumpets every where sounding Wars throughout the Roman World. For the Almans invaded Gaul and Rhaetia, the Sarmatians and Quadi made spoil of Pannonia: the Picts, Saxons, Scots, and Attacots infested the Britain's: the Austorians made roads into Africa: the Goths ransacked Thracia, and the Persians entered Armenia. For which cause, Valens remained to defend the East, and Valentinianus took his 
Theodoret.  progress into the West, where in three Battles under the conduct of jovinus, he discomfited the Almans: and Valens likewise overcame and beheaded Procopius; whose feature we have here expressed, a dangerous Usurper in the East.  
(3) But in Britain things prospered not so well: 
Amian. Marcel. l●…b. 17. cap. 7.  for by the general bandings of the foresaid Nations, their old Enemies, the Province was sore distressed and brought to extreme misery. For Nectaridius, Admiral of the British Fleet they slew, and Balchobaudes Lord Warden of the Marches, by a train of these barbarous 
Nectaridius slain.  people, was forelaid & assailed on every side. The intelligence of which occurrences, when it was brought to Rome with great horror, the Emperor first sent hither Severus, Steward of his House, if fortune would happily speed his hand, to redress whatsoever had happened amiss. But he in short time being called away, had not the hap to see the wished success. Then jovinus, famous for his Wars in Germany, came into the same parts; and seeing the puissance of the Enemy, meant to crave aid of the auxiliary Forces, the urgent necessity requiring so much: at last, in regard of many (and those fearful) accidents, which rumour continually reported, touching the state of this Island, hither was designed Theodosius, a man esteemed most happy, and approved for his Martial prowess, who with a bold resolution and select power both of Horse and Foot, set forward for Britain.  
(4) The Picts at that time were divided into two Nations, to wit, Deucalidones and 
* Western Picts.  Vesturiones. The Attacots likewise a warlike kind of people, and the 
Eastern Picts.  Scots ranging in divers parts, wasted all where they went. As for the Tracts of Gaul, the Frankners and Saxons their near confined neighbours, wheresoever they could break forth, and make Roads by Sea or Land, made havoc here by seizing of Booties, firing of Towns, in killing of men and women, and leading away Captives. To stay these woeful miseries, if the Heavens had been so benign, this valiant Captain intended a voyage to this 
* Britain so called.  our end of the World: and coming to 
* Bolog●….  Bononia, which lieth divided from the opposite tract of Land by a narrow Channel ebbing and flowing with terrible Tides, where the waters are seen sometimes to match the highest Mountain, and again to settle with the jevell of the Plains, without any harm of Sailors or Passage: this Sleve with a gentle course he crossed, and arrived at 
* Ribchester.  Rutupie, a quiet Roade and Harbour over against it: from whence after that the Bactavians, the Heruli, jovij, and Victores (Companies bold and confident in their strengths) were come, he marched towards Lundinium, an ancient City, which posterities afterwards named Augusta: 
London called Augusta.  and having severed his Troops into sundry parts, he charged upon those companies of roving and robbing enemies, even when they were heavy laden with Booties and spoils, and were driving away before them both Men and Women bound for their Captives, besides much Cattle, and a great Prey. These he soon discomfited, and restored to the poor distressed Tributaries their Liberties and Losses, bestowing some small parcels thereof among his weary and well-deserving Soldiers: and entered the City with exceeding 
Theodosius joyfully received into London.  great joy, in manner of a Petty-triumph, which erewhile was overwhelmed with Calamities, but now on the sudden refreshed and set in perfect safety.  
(5) Upon this prosperous success encouraged to greater attempts, he abode yet doubtful of the future, casting with himself many projects, which poised Fortunes Scales alike: but lastly by certain Captives and Fugitives he learned that those Companies of sundry fierce Nations, spread so far and diffusedly upon the face of the Province, could not be vanquished, unless it were by sleights and stratagems. By Edicts therefore he first proclaimed impunity to such as had forsaken their Colours, if they would return; whereby many which had run to the Enemy, or at their own pleasures had been dispersed into divers parts, came in, and by their countenance declared their resolutions in his behalf. Notwithstanding, mistrusting the event, and pensive still with cares, he thought good to call to his assistance Civilis, a man of great understanding, quick spirit, and withal an upright justicer, who was to rule Britain as Deputy, and likewise Dulcitius a Captain, renowned for his skill and deeds of Arms.  
(6) After Consultation with them, having gotten 
Amianus Marcel. lib. 28. cap. 7.  courage, and departing from Augusta with a power of Soldiers, which in his politic industry he had levied and trained to his hand, he brought exceeding great succour every where unto the troubled and confused state of the Britain's, gaining before hand such places in each part, as might give advantage to annoy the barbarous Enemy; and enjoined the Common Soldiers no service, whereof himself took not the Assay with a cheerful heart: in this sort performing as well the Offices of an Active and hardy Soldier, as the careful charge of a right-noble General, he discomfited & put to flight divers Nations, whom insolent Pride (fed with security) had incited and set on fire, to invade the Romans Territories; and so restored wholly unto their former state the Cities and Castles which had sustained many losses, and established a sure peace for a long time following.  
(7) Now there happened whiles he achieved these exploits, a dangerous matter likely to have broken out into great mischief, had it not been quenched in the very beginning of the enterprise: for one Valentinus of Valeria Pannonia, a man of a proud spirit, first Deputy lieutenant and after precedent, for some notable offence banished into Britain, as Frontinus immediately before had been, as one impatient of rest, like some noisome wild Beast, upon a certain swelling pride, rose up in commotion against Theodosius, whom he perceived to be the only man able to withstand his wicked designs. Howbeit, casting about many ways, both closely and apparently, as the gale of his unmeasurable desire rose higher, he solicited as well the banished persons as Soldiers, promising (as the time would afford) rewards to allure and draw them on to some actual attempt. Yet when the day came wherein it should have been effected, Theodosius having intelligence thereof, surprised Valentinus with some few of inward complices, and delivered them unto Dulcitius, to be put to death 
Valentinus a Rebel put to death.  accordingly. But in his military skill and policy, (wherein he was reputed to have exceeded all men living in those days) guessing at future dangers, he 
Theodosius an expert Warrior.  inhibited all Inquisitions to be made touching the rest of the Conspirators, lest so general a fear surprising at once, and spread abroad among many those tempestuous troubles of the Provinces, which were now well allayed, should revive again.  
(8) Therefore turning himself from this business to the reforming of such enormities as were of most consequence, now that all dangers were quite overblown, he re-edified the Cities, repaired the Garrison Castles, and fortified the Frontiers with standing Watches, and strong Fore-fenses. And thus having recovered the Province again which had yielded subjection to the Enemies, he reduced it unto the pristine Estate, so as by his means and motion it had again a lawful Governor appointed, and also named it VALENTIA, in honour of Valentinianus the Emperor. 
Britain called Valentia.   
(9) The Areans, a kind of men (as witnesseth Amianus) instituted by those of ancient times for politic 
Amian Marcel. lib. 28. cap. 7.  employments, who by little and little were fallen into disorders and vices, he removed from their 
Areans removed from their Stations.  Siations, as being manifestly convicted, for that (induced with the greatness of rewards received or promised) they had divers times discovered unto the Barbarous whatsoever was done or debated betwixt the Precedent and his Counsel: for indeed their charge was to run to and fro by long journeys, to intimate and make known unto the Romans Captains upon the Marches, what doings and stirs were among the Neighbour-Nations; whereby they had great opportunities both to know and reveal the secrets of the State.  
(10) And thus Theodosius having managed most excellently these affairs, was sent for to the emperors Court; who leaving the Province over-ioied for their Peace, was no less famous for his many important Victories, than was either Furius Camillus, or Papinius 
Theodosius comparable to Camillus.  Cursor. And being honourably accompanied and attended unto the Narrow Seas, with the hearty love and favour of all men, departed, and with a gentle gale of wind passed over, and came to the Prince's Camp, where (being received with joy and praise) he succeeded in the room of Valens jovinus, who had the conduct of the Horsemen. For these his Martial deeds so happily achieved, in honour of him there was a Statue erected, resembling a Man of Arms on Horseback, as by Symmachus may be understood, thus speaking to his son Theodosius: The Author of your 
Symmachus.  kindred and stock, Captain General both in Africa and Britain, was (among other ancient Titles) consecrated by the most honourable Order with Statues of Knighthood. And in his commendations, Claudian with full note thus poetically sang: 
Ille Caledonijs posuit qui Castra pruinis,  
Qui medios Libyae sub Casside pertulit aestus. 
Claudian in praise of Theodosius.   
Terribilis Mauro, debellatorque Britanni  
Littoris, ac pariter Boreae vastator & Austri.  
Quid rigor aeternus? Coeli quid sydera prosunt?  
Ignotumque fretum? Maduerunt Saxone fuso  
Orcades, incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule,  
Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Hiberne.  
In Caledonian frosts his Tents he pight,  
And Lybiaes' scorching heat endured in Field:  
The Coal-black Moors, and Britain's fair, in fight  
He quelled, and forced both South and North to yield.  
What then availd cold Clime, strange Seas, or Stars,  
When Orkney Isles he drenched with Saxons gore;  
When Thule did reak with Picts blood spilled in wars,  
And Ireland did huge heaps of Scots deplore?   
(11) Strange and dreadful were the signs that in the third year of this Emperor chanced; as Earthquakes, 
Dreadful sights, and fearful Earthquakes. Amian. Marcell. lib. 26. cap. 14.  Inundations, and the like; whereof Marcellinus thus reporteth: A little after the sun-rising (saith he) the weighty and steady mass of the whole Earthly Globe shook, flashes of lightning very thick and fierce going before: the Sea also driven aside, and the waves and billows so preposterously tumbling and retiring back, that the deep Gulfs being discovered and laid empty, a man might have seen sundry sorts of swimming creatures sticking in the 
Gulfs of the Sea laid bare, and many Cities drowned.  mud: Also the vast Valleys and Rocks, which Nature had set far away under the huge Waters, did now behold the Beams of the Sun; insomuch that many Ships were bedded fast in the dry ground, and flocks of people straggled at their pleasure in the small remains of water, to take up Fishes as the Sea-spoile; when on the sudden the waves disdaining to be thus dispossessed, returned with such violent beating upon the islands and Promontories, which lay far into the Sea, as that they overslowed, and laid level an infinite number of buildings and Cities. And therefore in this furious discord of the Elements, the surface of the world being covered, represented strange and wonderful sights. Among which S. Jerome reporteth, that there 
Paulus Orosius. S. Jerome. Wool reigned from Heaven.  reigned Wool from Heaven so perfect and good, that no better grew upon the Sheep, the natural Producer. But to return.  
(12) Fraomarius, whom Valentinianus had ordained to be King of the Bucinobantes in Germany, was 
Amian. Marcell. lib. 29. cap. 9 Fraomarius made King of the Bucinobantes.  made Tribune and Colonel over a Regiment of Almains in Britain, which for number and valour in those days were renowned; where (no doubt) matter enough was ministered for him to work upon, but the death of the Emperor presently following, admits no mention of further discourse: which happened in this manner: The Quadi after many molestations done to the Roman Legions and their Confederates, sent their Ambassadors unto him, desiring pardon for their former faults committed, and an abolishment of all remembrances thereof: 〈…〉 conference, suddenly the blood 〈…〉 
〈…〉  mouth; and being laid upon his 〈…〉 ●…ed of an Apoplexy, or rath●…r of the Plague, 〈…〉 Marks appearing upon his dead body gave ●…cture: November the seventh, of his age fifty five years, having reigned eleven years, eight months, and two days, in the year of our Christ three hundred seventy five.  
(13) For presence, he was Majestical, of body fat, his complexion fair, his eyes grey, and having 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉  therewith somewhat a scue cast, his hair shining bright, his joints strong and well knit: he was a Prince merciful and loving, and mitigated many Tributes formerly imposed on the Provinces: a wise Warrior, stern in countenance, hasty of speech, and chaste 〈…〉 body, a good justicer, and impatient of all delays. But these his Virtues with some Vices were accompanied: for he is taxed with envy and partiality, in punishing severely the poor Soldier for small offences, but remissive to the faults of their Captains and Leaders, and that was the cause (by Amianus his report) of the troubles in Britain, the losses in Africa, and the wasting in Illyricum.  
(14) His Arian brother Valens surviving him, 
Ualens' Emperor in the Last.  reigned Emperor in the East; by whose sufferance the Barbarous Goths entered Thracia, which presently proved to be the bane of the Roman World, for that these Goths (a strange and unknown People till then) being forced out of a secret Nook in Scythia, by the Hog-Backt Huns, rushing as an unresistible Whirlwind from those High Mountains, infested the Coasts 
Amian. Marcell. lib. 31. cap. 34.  about Danubius, and obtained licence from Valens to pass the River Donaw into Thracia, where long in quiet they stayed not, but like a violent Flood running with a full currant, they overwhelmed all before them, overcoming the Romans in many Battles, and 
Goths overcome the Romans. Ualens' slain.  in one slew the Emperor Valens, with most of his approved Captains, and twenty five Tribunes that had charge of Regiments, the third part of his Army hardly escaping unslain. Some report that Valens flying the Field, took into a house near Adrianople, whither being pursued by the Enemy, and his Hold fired upon his head, was therein burned to ashes, after he had sat Emperor fourteen years.   

FLAVIUS GRACIANUS— Emp. FLA. VALENTINIANUS JUNIOR, CHAPTER LI.  
GRacianus, the Eldest Son of Valentinianus, by his Empress Severa, was made 
An. Do. 376.  his father's Colleague in the Empire in the fourth year 
Amianus Mar. lib. 27. cap. 5. Gracian and Valentinian Emp.  of his Reign: notwithstanding six days after his death, his second Son Valentinian, a Child of Four years old, by the advice of the Counsel and general consent of the Camp, was also styled and proclaimed Emperor. These Brethren 
Lib. 30. cap. 13.  lived in much love, and ruled in the West, as their uncle Valens did in the East, of whom we last spoke. And albeit Gracian had cause of displeasure, that this his Younger Brother was thus advanced without his allowance; yet he as a Prince kind and natural, regarded his Brother exceedingly, and brought him up in 
Gracian loving to Valentinian.  all tender affection, forgetting the wrong offered unto himself and his own Mother for Valentinians mothers sake.  
(2) The Mother of this Valentinian was justina, a damsel of an admirable feature and exceeding beauty, 
justina mother of young Valentinian.  surpassing all other women so far, that the Empress herself fell in love with her, and usually conversed with her familiarly as her equal, imparting her most private secrets unto her as her trusty Counsellor, and often bathing together in the same Bath. Neither was her ardent affection contained within the measure of Womanish modesty, insomuch as she refrained 
Sorates eccles. hist. lib. 4. cap. 25.  not in the hearing of the Emperor (her Husband) to extol her incomparable▪ beauty, preferring her far above any creature in the World. Whereupon Valentinianus so far affected this Lady, as that 
Ualentinianus marrieth justina, by whom be had young Valentinian.  he took her to his Wife; by whom he had this young Valentinian, and also three Daughters, notwithstanding Severa was yet living.  
(3) The storms of the Goths as a violent tempest beating still against the Shores of the Roman Provinces, caused Gracian to bear Sail toward the safest Harbour, and to commit the guidance of his ship to the most assured Pilot: their forces being so great, and their outrages so terrible, that he thought it best not to adventure his own person, but to employ some other approved Captain. For which exploit, none was held more sufficient than Theodosius, the Son of that Theodosius who was so famous for his British Wars, and whose life was taken away by Valens the Eastern Emperor. Him he made first Captain General of the Roman Empire, and immediately upon his first service against the 
Theodosius, Captain general of the Roman Empire, and fellow Emperor.  Goths, his Fellow Emperor and Augustus, allotting him those parts in the East, that his uncle Valens lately had enjoyed.  
(4) In many Battles, fought to the last drop of blood, this worthy General overcame the Goths, so 
Theodosius overcometh the Goths.  that their King Athanarius was lastly enforced to sue for his Peace, which upon honourable compositions was granted, and himself in most princely manner entertained by Theodosius in the Imperial City Constantinople; where falling sick after three months, he 
Aurelius' Victor. Paul's Orosius.  died, and was both much lamented, and sumptuously buried by the Emperor. These reports caused Sapor, the most puissant King of Persia, to submit himself unto Theodosius, and by his Ambassadors, attending his 
Sapor King of Persia.  Court, obtained his Amity. Thus gloriously reigning and perfect peace established, he ordained his young son Arcadius his Fellow Emperor in the East.  
(5) But the affairs in the Western Empire proceeded nothing so fortunately: for Gracian a meek and soft spirited man, balanced with Theodosius, was held without regard; and Valentinian by his Perfect Probus, held both Rome and Italy at his devotion; only Gallia obeyed Gracian. For Clemens Maximus borne in Spain, but descended lineally from Constantine the 
Clemens Maximus rebelleth. Cambden.  Great, by his affability and liberal carriage, had won the affections of the Britaines to side with him; a man, no doubt, both Valiant and Wise, had he held his allegiance to his Sovereign Lord. But the time fitting his purposes, when the Scots and Picts with their wont 
Ann. Do. 381.  inroads, sore endamaged the Province, he set himself for their deliverance, and therein sped so well, that the Soldiers by constraint (as Oresius saith) forced him to assume the Imperial Style and Purple rob. And 
Zosimus. Paulus Orosius.  so hasting into Gallia, with all the flower and strength well near of the Britain's forces, arrived in the mouth 
Clemens Maximus ●…ssumeth the Imperial Style.  of Rhine, unto whom also the Germans Army joined, and now accounting himself an absolute Monarch, admitted Victor his son, than Caesar, to be partner of his Empire, whose Stamp therefore with his father we have here annexed.  
(6) Thus Maximus establishing his throne at Triers, Spread his wings (saith Gyldas) the one into Spain, the other into Italy, and with the terror of his Name, levied Tributes and Pensions for Soldiers pay, of the most fell and savage Germans.  
Against him Gracianus made his power, but after five days skirmishings was forsaken of his own Soldiers, and so put to flight. And now dejected and destitute of means to maintain his quarrel, he sent Ambrose (a great Doctor of the Church) his Ambassador unto Maximus, to entreat for Peace, which in outward show was granted, but was far otherwise intended, as the sequel proved. For seeking his death, he did shortly after effect it in this wise: He caused Letters, and reports to be given unto Gracian, that his 
Clemens Maximus, his stratagem against Gracian.  Empress was in journey to visit him, and withal sent forth a Carroche stuffed with Soldiers, and with them a desperate Captain named Andragathius. Gracian 
Andragathius a murderer.  greatly rejoicing for his Wife's approach, prepared himself to meet Her accordingly, and opening the Litter, thinking to embrace his Empress, was by these Ruffians treacherously murdered near unto Lions, 
Gracian, his death & reign.  when he had reigned fifteen years, and lived twenty nine. Valentinian with his Mother justina, fearing the like conspiracies, became supplicants unto Theodosius in the East against Maximus.  
(7) He therefore preparing his forces, marched as far as Aquileta in Lombardie, where Maximus remained both confident and secure. For having fortified the straits of the Mountains with sufficient Garrisons, and dammed the Havens with strength of Ships, himself and assisters with great boldness proceeded against Theodosius, and gave him a battle before the City Syscia in Pannonia, and again most valiantly received him in another, under the leading of his brother Marcellus; but in both of them was overcome. From this last, he secretly retired unto Aquileia, where of his own Soldiers he was betrayed, and delivered to Theodosius his pursuer; and by him to the Executioner to be beheaded: of which his unfortunate, but deserved end, the famous Bishop Martinus Turonensis 
 being in Britain, did foretell him long before. Andragathius also, the Murderer of Gracian, whose state was now desperate, cast himself headlong into the Sea, and made an end of his wicked life. Vector the son of Maximus, made his Caesar in France, as we have said, was defeated, taken Prisoner & slain. This Victory was held so worthy and memorable, that the Romans from thence forward solemnised that day every year as festival, saith Procopius.  
(8) But these Britain's that had assisted Maximus, as by Writers is recorded, did foribly invade Armorica, and there planted themselves: From whence saith Beda, the Britain's first arrived into this Island. But surely himself is either greatly mistaken, or else we mistake him altogether, and that rather, for that by Caesar those Coasts that lie upon the Sea shores, are called Armorica, and there the Celtes seated, being the Original of our Inhabitants, as is holden, and so from thence they might spread themselves further into these British islands, long before it received the name of Little Britain. The like troubles fell to other Provinces at the same time, by the intestine Wars of the Empire: for the Gauls were molested by the Frankes; Spain by the Suevians; and afric by the Vandals: the East parts by the Heruli, Ostroges, and Huns; Italy by the Lombard's, and shortly after by the Goths.  
(9) These troubles in the Provinces, caused the Emperors to call home their Armies, with Aides of their Allies, & all too little to support their own declining Estates, which now began to end of itself, and these Emperors reigns to be cut off by their untimely deaths.  
But to return into the path of our History, from whence (by the entangled occasions of these four Emperors reigning together) we have wandered; let us remember what occurrents happened upon the death of Maximus the Tyrant, and hasten to end the greatness of the Empire, which in most Provinces began to end of itself. For Valentinian being rid of his fears, unto which he had been subject; and Theodosius of his Colleague, unto whom he was enforced; great hope was conceived of a flourishing Estate, but it brought forth only the remains of their downfall: for the one returning to Constantinople in great Triumph, lived not long after; and the other left peaceably in the Western World, was (as you shall hear) soon made away by Conspiracy.  
(10) Valentinian remaining at Vienna in France, free from Hostile Enemies, retained in his Court those that sought his life, whereof Arbogastes, a Captain of a haughty stomach, politic, adventurous, and of 
Arbogastes a conspitator.  great power, but withal of a base Parentage, a stranger and an Infidel, was one; Eugenius a Grammarian, 
Eugenius a Grammarian, another.  but now bearing Arms, and of great account, was another. These corrupting his Chamberlains, compounded for his death, which they as wickedly performed, by strangling him in his bed, giving it forth 
Valentinian strangled.  that the Emperor had hanged himself; which was so confidently avouched, that Prosperus in his Addition to Eusebius writing his death, saith, that it was 
Prosper●….  acted by himself, after he had lived twenty six, and 
Valentinian his reign.  reigned sixteen years, being strangled in the year of Grace three hundred eighty four.   

FLAVIUS THEODOSIUS. CHAPTER LII.  
Flau. Theodosius Emp. WE have declared in the life of the last preceding Emperor, 
An. Do. 392.  the Birth and Fortunes, Wars and Victories of this most worthy Theodosius, until the death of Maximus the Britain, (for so most writers term him) and now only remain his latter Acts in War and Peace to be further related.  
(2) This Emperor returning from Aquileia in Lombardie unto Constantinople in the East, long time there stayed not, but was drawn again into the West both to revenge the death of Valentinian his Fellow-Emperour 
Theodosius goeth against Arbogastes and Eugenius.  so treacherously strangled, and also to oppose the proceedings of Eugenius, whose Coin we have here expressed, being one of the Murderers then usurping that portion of the Empire, sided by Arbogastes the other.  
(3) Theodosius marching with his forces towards the Confines of Italy found the passages stopped at the foot of the Alps, and his Enemy's powers far surmounting his: Therefore a while to deliberate on these businesses, he pitched his Tents, and there stayed. In the mean time Eugenius and Arbogastes his associate had forelaid the Country, and hemmed him about in such a straight, that no victuals could be brought unto his Campe.  
(4) No means being now left, but either to clear the passages, or be overthrown, he first became supplicant with Fast and Tears unto his God, whom he knew to be the God of Hosts, and whom 
Theodosius prayeth to God for victory.  ever he had served, and whose aid had hitherto never failed him: whereupon boldly encouraging his men, he accepted of the Field. But the Battle furiously begun, fell so sore against him, that ten thousand of his Soldiers were presently slain; and the rest despairing ready to fly, himself at that instant had been surprised, had not God turned the heart of Arbitio, a 
Sabellic. Ennead. 7 lib. 9  Captain of his Enemies, suddenly to come to his side, and to rescue him. Theodosius much daunted by these unfortunate beginnings, yet conceived better hopes of the following success, trusting to the uprightness of his Cause, and the help of his God, which still he implored, till the Heavens were propitious to his earnest desires.  
(5) For suddenly a violent tempest arose, and a raging wind rushed so extremely on the faces of his 
Theodosius obtaineth victory.  Enemies, that they were in no wise able to withstand it, the power thereof beating back again their darts into their own sides; whereas the arrows shot from the Emperor's part, were thereby forced with double strength to pierce through the Rebel's Iron plates, 
Secrat. Eccl. hist. lib. 5. cap. 24.  whereby a most glorious victory was obtained; and Eugenius taken, who lay grovelling at the Emperor's feet, deploring his estate, and craving his pardon; but even as he kneeled with cries and tears, the Soldiers standing by struck off his Head. And Arbogastes the Author of these evils by flight escaping, 
Eugenius beheaded.  two days after ran himself upon his Sword, and so revenged on himself his own wicked actions. This 
Arbogastes killeth himself.  victory was achieved the sixth of September, in the year of grace three hundred ninety six, by Socrates' account: and was so famous, that besides the Records of Christian Historians, Claudius a Heathen Poet thus eternizeth the same in his Heroic Poem. 
God's darling dear, the heavens thy soldiers were in arms,  
And winds conspired to aid and follow thy alarms.   
(6) Theodosius thus delivered, repaired unto Milan, 
Theodosius dieth.  where worn with years and travels, shortly after he sickened unto death. And sending for his Son 
Honorius and Arcadius made Emperors.  Honorius, made him Emperor of the West, and to Arcadius gave the East, wherein he had before made him his Caesar. The Province of Africa he assigned to 
Gildus' Governor of Africa.  the government by one Gyldus in his sons behalf, and in the Nonage of Arcadius appointed Rufinus for 
Rufinus Governor of Constantinople. Stilicho Governor of Italia.  Constantinople, and Stilicho Tutor to young Honorius in Italy, three most worthy men undoubtedly, had the greatness of their spirits been contained within the lists of their trust and places.  
(7) This last named Flavius Stilicho, famous for a long time, and an inward companion with Theodosius, had been employed in the Britain's wars against 
Stilicho sometimes employed in the British Wars.  the inroads of the Scots, Vandals, and Picts, and therein had borne himself with fortunate success, as the Poet Claudian implieth, where he bringeth in Britain thus speaking: 
Me quoque vicinis pereuntem Gentibus, inquit, 
Stilicho commended by Claudian for his service in Britain.   
Munivit Stilicho, totam quum Scotus Hibernem  
Movit, & infesto spumanit remige Thetis.  
Illius effectum curis, ne bella timerem  
Scotica, nec Pictum tremerem, ne littore toto  
Prospicerem dubijs venientem Saxona ventis.  
And I, saith she, that ready was  
by bordering foes to perish,  
When Scots did cause the Irish stirs,  
than Stilicho did me cherish.  
When Seas did foam with strokes of Oars,  
that beat the bellows back,  
His force effecting with his cares,  
prevented still my wrack:  
He bade me fear no foreign powers,  
that Scots or Picts could make,  
Nor of the Saxons that on Seas,  
uncertain courses take.   
So that being by him freed from those many dangers, and all her enemies overthrown, she singeth her security by the same Poet. 
— Domito quod Saxone Thetis  
Mitior aut fracto secura Britannia Picte.  
My Seas, though rough are calmed,  
sith Saxons conquered are,  
And I securely rest,  
now Picts are quelled in war.   
But this her joy through the Treasons of these three Governors, was soon turned into laments and tears, and the whole Empire's glory brought to a fatal period, as presently it will appear.  
(8) This Theodosius for his Princely parts by all writers is ranked among the very best of all the Emperors: 
Theodosius his virtues.  And as he is likened to trajan for his feature and parsonage, so may he be compared in wisdom to Marcus Aurelius: In temperance with Antoninus Pius: For his Christian profession and devotion, with Constantine the Great: and for his meekness, equal to any: Whereof among many other, we have one example very remarkable, upon an offence committed by the Inhabitants of Thessalonica, he commanded most severe punishment to be inflicted, which was so unadvisedly executed, that as well the innocent, as the offenders were involved therein. He then coming to Milan, would have entered the Church to have communicated with other Christians in their sacred devotions, which Ambrose, the great Doctor, and Bishop of that Sea (though otherwise a man of admirable mildness) resisted and forbade, in which estate the Emperor stood for eight months continuance: and then with great humility & 
Theodosius upon his submission, absolved by the Church.  submission, acknowledging his offence was absolved, and again received into the congregation: For preventing of the like rash offences by him committed, he then enacted a Law, that thirty days should pass betwixt the sentence of death, and the execution of the Malefactor: And to suppress his hasty choler (whereunto he was much subject) his usual 
Theodosius, his Art to suppress●… anger.  manner was to recite the Greek Alphabet, before he uttered any speech savouring of that humour.  
(9) He died january the seventeenth, the year 
Socrates' eccles. hist. lib. 5. cap. 25.  of the world's happiness three hundred ninety five: when he had reigned seventeen years, and lived sixty, 
Theodosius his death and progeny.  as Aurelius Victor writeth, with whom he ends his History. His first wife was Flacilia, a religious Lady, the Mother of Arcadius and Honorius, by his second wife he had a daughter named Placidia Galla, first married unto Athaulpus King of the Goths, and after his death unto Constantine, whom Honorius her brother made Augustus and his fellow Emperor.   

ARCADIUS Emperors. HONORIUS CHAPTER LIII.  
Fatal was the Act of Theodosius, in his Election of the three foresaid Protectors, 
Anno 395.  whose greatness carried with a glutted prosperity, grew to a surfeit after his death in their ambitious thoughts, and was the downfall of the now aged and drooping Empire: first Gildus in Africa, not contented with the title of Comes or Earl, cast off all subjection, and as an 
Gildus rebelleth.  absolute Lord, acknowledged neither Arcadius, nor 
Paulus Diaconus.  Honorius for his Sovereign.  
(2) Against these proceedings, his own brother Mastelzerius opposed himself, and both in words 
Mastelzerius over cometh his brother Gildus.  and acts assayed to set him in his wont place of obedience, which by no other means could be brought to pass, but by assistance sent him from Honorius, with which, though much too weak, he marched against the emperors Enemy, and as Paulus Orosius 
Paulus Orosius.  writeth more by force of prayers to God, than power of men, in his encounter prevailed, and beheaded 
Gild●…s beheaded.  Gildus for his Treason: But himself becoming mighty, and forgetting that which in others he remembered, himself usurped the command of Africa against Honorius, casting off all subiective obedience, and as a free Prince ruled the Province: The Soldiers that had lately assisted the emperors cause, now well perceiving his aim, leveled at the Crown, thought best to cut the string before he loosed the 
Mastelzerius beheaded.  shaft, and made him shorter by the head.  
(3) Ruffinus in Constantinople as boldly bore himself, 
Ruffi●… ambition.  thinking Arcadius both too weak and young to sound the depth of his designs, whose thoughts did also work upon conceited Sovereignty: he therefore secretly solicited the Goths to war upon the Empire, that so Arcadius might either be slain or entrapped, or else himself in those dangers, set up as the more sufficient. But these things thus dangerously complotted by Ruffinus, were as politically prevented by the Emperor, although a Child: for before the Seed of this Treason could bring forth either Bud or Blade it was discovered, and the Author slain by an Italian Band, his Head (which as some affirm, first 
Ruffinus slain.  took breath in Britain) was advanced over a Gate in Constantinople.  
(4) Thus Peace obtained by the Deaths of these two Traitors, the Third stood up with more danger in 
Stilicho set at hazard the whole Empire.  the West. For Stilicho, Tutor to young Honorius, thought it not sufficient honour for him to have his Daughter an Empress by the Marriage of his Ward; but set at hazard (for himself and son) his own Conscience, both their Lives, and the fatal ruin of the N●…w-declining Empire. For first, sowing seditions amongst the Lieutenants of the Provinces, picked also quarrels in the Emperor's Court, Casshiering with disgraces those Goths that had served with good proof of their fidelity above twenty years, since their entertainment by Theodosius. These to revenge their Wrongs, chose for their Cheiftaine a valiant Gothe named Alaricus, which shortly proved the Scourge of Rome: with whom joined 
Alaricus the scourge of Rome.  the Vandals, Alanes, and Suevians, who jointly with great fury began to war in Austria and Hungary, increasing their Powers with such Multitudes, that as Paulus Orosius, an Author of that time saith; 
Paulus Orosius.  The World was amazed and stood in fear. For unto these Colonies resorted two hundred thousand Goths, more, under the leading of Radagasius their King, who 
Radag●…sius with two hundred thousand Goths.  together with united forces, subdued all Thracia, Hungary, Ostrich, Sclavonia, and Dalmatia, and spoiled all in such manner, that it seemed Devils and not Men had passed that way, as Saint Jerome (who lived at that time) expresseth: These brute Beasts (saith he) suffered by the wrath of God in this war, have laid Cities waste, 
Hieron. in epist. ad Paul. 〈◊〉 Eust.  slain the People, and left the very Fields bare and desolate, whereof the Provinces of Thracia, and Sclavonia, with the Country wherein myself was borne, bear too true, but lamentable Records.  
(5) The Roman Empire thus daily declining, and these fierce Nations making havoc where they came, the Armies in Britain were put in great fear, lest the Flames of their Neighbour's fire might Flash out, and take hold of them also. Therefore providently to prevent that danger, they elected one Marcus their 
Marcus chosen Emperor. Marcus murdered. Sabellicus 〈◊〉. 7. lib. 9  Lieutenant for Emperor, yielding him their obedience some short time, and then finding his defects, immediately murdered him.  
In whose stead they Inthr●…ed one Gracian a Britain: whose carriage not answering their expectations, 
Gracian chosen Emperor. Gracian murdered.  they Murdered also, within Four Months after his Royal solemnity.  
The features and Imperial Titles stamped on the Romish Money of these two Usurpers, (according to the usual manner of the like in Estate) we find not, neither stands it with credit of our History to feign them at pleasure: therefore till time bring them forth, from the Caves of obscurity we have allowed them place only by these Circles inserted, that others may supply what presently we want, and accomplish by pencil what we cannot by Press.  
(6) Yet time to Constantine hath been more favourable in preserving his remembrance by his minted Moneys, 
Constantine of a common Soldier made Emperor. Ann. Do. 410.  which here with his Story we present to sight. At the fall of these former, no better at all then a Common Soldier, but upon confidence only conceived of his Name, was made Emperor, who with more respect of honour, and listing of his advancers, bore himself better than the others had done. For putting to Sea, and landing at B●…logne, he easily induced the Romans forces as far as the Alps to side with him: Valentia in France he manfully defended: the Rhine, which long had been neglected, he fortified with Garrisons: upon the Alps as well as upon the Maritime Coasts, where passages were frequented, he built Fortresses: Spain likewise he held under the hand of Constans his Son, whom of a Monk he had made 
Constans the 〈◊〉 of Constantine made Augustus. Sabellicus.  Augustus, & by whose valour subdued all from the Pyrènean Mountains to the Ocean. Whose Moneys wanting to express his Image and Style, we have also supplied with another Blank.  
(7) Constantine prospering as we have said, sent Letters of excuse unto Honorius, affirming constantly 
Honorius alloweth Constantine Emperor.  that he was compelled by the Soldiers to do what he did: whereby he so pleased the Emperor, that commending his Valour, & holding him fit, he sent him of free gift a Purple rob. Whereupon this new-growne blade began to 〈◊〉 ●…ire, and at Arles planted his Imperial Seat, Co●…ding the City to be called Constantina from him, and ordained that the Assemblies of the affairs of Seven Provinces should be therein held. But this his Sunshine of prosperity was soon overcast with the Clouds of adverse fortunes, and his Crown & Life laid together in the dust. For in Spain against him was arreared Maximus a Vassal, whose General Gerentius intercepting Constans, (his Son and Caesar) at Vienna in France slew him: and Constantine 
Constans slain.  himself within the Walls of Arles, besieged for Four Months, after the Reign of Four Years, laid aside his Purple rob, and entered the Church in Order of Priesthood; surrendering the City with his Style Imperial, was lastly led into Italy, and there beheaded. 
Constantine beheaded.   
(8) From that time Britain renewed her obedience to Honorius, and the Province a while was refreshed by the Wisdom and Prowess of Victorinus her 
Victorinus Lieutenant in Britain.  Lieutenant, who often repressed the incursions of the Scots and Picts: whereupon in his praise Rutillius Claudius thus wrote: 
Conscius Oceanus virtutum conscia Thule, 
Rutilius Claudius. Paul. Oros. lib. 7. August. de Civit. Dei. Hieron. in Epist. ad Princip.   
Et quaecunque ferox arua Britannus arat.  
The Ocean wide and Thule,  
his virtues witness will;  
And all the Champion Fields,  
which Britain's fierce do till.   
(9) But Rome at this time being sore afflicted, and by Alaricus with his Goths and Vandals presently 
jornandes in hist. Goth.  sacked, Honorius sent for Victorinus with his Army out of Britain, to the rescue of the City, as Claudian 
Victorinus leaveth Britain.  signifieth, when he reckoneth up among other Aides, the British Legion sent thither: whereof the Scots and Picts had soon notice, and (according to their wont manner) with fire and sword molested their neighbours.  
(10) The Britain's therefore resolutely engaging themselves into dangers, took Arms, and freed their Cities and States from those Barbarous People: by whose example, the rest of their Nation in Armorica, with the Provinces of Gaulois, delivered themselves also from their oppressions, and all of them cast out the Roman Precedents, settling a form of Commonwealth 
Zosimus.  to their own liking. But these our Britain's growing too weak to withstand the continual inroads of their Northern Enemies, humbly besought Honorius for succour; whose return of comforts consisted 
Britain's write to Honorius for succour.  only in words, exhorting them by Letters, to stand upon their own Guard. But they knowing it was not words which must help them, again deplored their miseries, & so obtained of him the assistance of one Legion, which in their aid drove back those Assailants into their own Marches, and fortified again the Wall betwixt the Frith of Edeburgh unto Clutd: so then departing, left the Britain's to defend themselves; who now, besides the Common Enemies so often mentioned, were much molested, and their Faith corrupted by one Pelagius, by birth a Britain, 
Pelagius an Heretic corrupteth the Britain's. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 10.  by profession a Monk, by lewd doctrine an Heretic, who was brought up in the famous Monastery of Bangor in Wales, had also traveled Italy, Sicilia, & Egypt, for the study of learning, and grew into great favour with Paulinus Bishop of Nola, and with S. Augustine 
Gennadius.  also, till his Heretical Assertions, which had been by him and his disciple Coelestius (a Scot secretly taught, and by Saint Jerome discovered) were afterwards condemned by Innocentive the first, Bishop of Rome. But 
Innocentive condemneth Pelagian Heresy.  the arch-heretic returning into Britain, began again obstinately to maintain the same, together with Agricola, one who spread the venom of that Heresy into Foreign parts: whose doctrines were, 1. That 
August. de Haeres. Pelagius his opinions.  Man, without the grace of God, was able to fulfil all the Commandments. 2. That Man in himself had free-will. 3. That the Grace of God was given unto us according to our merits. 4. That the Just have no sin. 5. That Children are free from Original sin. 6. That Adam should have died, though he had not sinned. And therein also one Timothy most impiously disputed against the Divine and human Natures 
Timothy his Heresy.  of Christ. Notwithstanding, at the same time flourished Fastidius, a most learned British Bishop, and Chrysanthus also the Deputy or Vicegerent of Britain, who with great honour governed the affairs of the Church and Commonwealth, and was afterwards (as elsewhere we have showed) made Bishop at Constantinople of the Novatians against his will. 
Lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 9   
(11) Thus were the affairs of this Land managed under these Brethren Emperors; the elder of which, 
Arcadius' his death and reign.  Arcadius, died in peace at Constantinople, leaving his son Theodosius, a child of eight years, to the succession of the Empire, and to the tuition of Hisdigerdus 
Theodosius his successor.  King of Persia; a matter which seemed at first very dangerous, but proved at the last very profitable. 
Hisdigerdus his Tutor.  He reigned thirteen years, and died the first of May, the one and thirtieth of his age, the year of Christ's birth four hundred and ten. At which time one jovinus, of an obscure beginning, had raised some Tumults in Gallia, styled himself Emperor, usurped the Purple rob, and stamped his Coins with the Title of Victory, as is seen in one which we here present.  
(12) Against him Honorius made his power, and with his little loss slew the Upstart in the Field: whereby his fame was more spread in the West, though not so fortunate as his brothers was in the East, after whom he lived fifteen years, and with whom he had reigned other thirteen; and he died, saith Paulus Diaconus, of an infirmity at Rome, in the year of grace 
Honorius his death and reign Paul. Diacon.  four hundred twenty four, leaving no issue of his body to succeed him in the Empire.   

THEODOSIUS 2. Emp. VALENTINIAN 3. CHAPTER liv.  
GReat have been the Wars and strange the Alterations 
An. Do. 408.  which both here at home, and through the World abroad have chanced unto States since the first attempts of julius Caesar unto these present 
Theodosius & Valentinian the last Roman monarchs in Britain's.  Emperors, Theodosius the second, and Valentinian the third, his Associate; whose Lives and Reigns did conclude the Successions of the Romish Monarches within this Island of Great Britain, and threw down their Triumphal Arches in many other Provinces, which for long time had been obsequious to Rome's Sovereign Command. So uncertain is the Glory of this World, and her Seeming Strength so liable to Mutability, that the Powers and Periods thereof held in His hand that holdeth the Universal Ball, are suddenly turned from their high-mounted site and beauty of the Sun unto the Downfall and dark side of the Globe; and either fall again into the small Circuit of their first compass, after they have expired their Number, Waeight, and Measure: or else with daniel's Image are utterly 
Dan. 2. 35.  extinct and blown away, as the chaff from the Summer flower.  
(2) The continuance of whose Estates, seem they never so Great and Durable in Power, Circuit, Defence, 
The Roman Monarchies condnuance.  and Multitude, hath seldom extended much the limit of Five hundred years, but that their high and mounted Flames, fall in the ashes of their own consuming decay, or else hath received some other alteration of Empire's increase, as many learned Writers have obsered in most Commonwealths. So was it in the State established by God himself among his Peculiar People. As from the Promise to Abraham, made of 
Abraham the time between the Promise made to him, and the giving of the Law. Cal. 3. 17.  Christ the Blessed Seed and Life of Man (where ceased the World's formerly-used computation from the Ages of Men) unto the Law delivered upon Mount Sinai, declaring condemnation and death, were four hundred thirty years: from Israel's departure out of Egypt, when their Commonwealth began to be ruled by judges, and God's service celebrated in the Tabernacle under Curtains unto the Building of their Glorious 
1. King. 6 1. Israel, the time between their departing out of Egypt, and the building of the Temple of Solomon. David, the time between his Anointing and the death of Zedechiah.  Temple erect by King Solomon, were years four hundred and eighty. From the Anointing of David, the first King, set upon judah's Throne, unto the death of Zedechiah the last King thereof, slain by Nebuchadnezer, and that Holy Temple consumed by fire, were years four hundred & seventy. And other Politic Estates have stood much upon the like Space of time. For the Kingdom of Athens set up by Cecrops the first King thereof, unto Codrus the last, when they changed their Monarchy to a Democracie, is said to have 
The time between Cecrops his setting up, and Codrus the last. Lycurgus, the time between him and Alexander the Great. Taerquinius, the time between him and julius Caesar. Caesar, the time between his invasion of Britain, and Valentinian the third. Saxons, the time between their intrusions and King Egbert. Egbert, the time between him and Edward Confessor. Normans, the time between their Conquest, and the entrance of our gracious Sovereign King james.  continued four hundred and ninety years. The Lacedæmonians State from Lycurgus their Lawgiver, unto Alexander the Great, that overthrew it, flourished the space of four hundred ninety one years. From the expulsion of Rome's Kings under Tarqvinius, unto the affected Empire in julius Caesar, were four hundred ninety and nine years. And omitting many others, to come to ourselves; from Caesar's first Invasion of Britain, unto the days of this Valentinian the third, wherein the Romans did quite abandon it, were five hundred years. From the Saxons intrusions and division of this Realm into an Heptarchy under their Government, until the united Monarchy made by King Egbert in the year eight hundred and nineteen, were years four hundred sixty nine. But from thence, until their issue failed in King Edward Confessor, were years only two hundred forty seven. And from the Normans Conquest, unto the death of that most sacred Sovereign of eternal memoric, Queen Elizabeth, when began again the name of GREAT BRITAIN, and the Union of the whole Island to be brought into one entire Monarchy, by the rightful Succession and thrice-happie entrance of our most gracious King JAMES, are years five hundred thirty six. But of these three last, we are to speak hereafter; and now return to finish up the falling Estate of the Romans Greatness.  
(3) Theodosius the son of Arcadius began his Empire in the year of the world's salvation four 
Theodosius 2. under the Persian King.  hundred and eight, and was governed with a special protection by the Persian King during his Minority, 
Antigonus his Tutor.  under the charge of Antigonus an excellent man. But now grown to years, and some variance happening betwixt him and his Tutor, he was left to the dispose of himself: and his uncle Honorius leaving at his death great troubles unquenched in the West, the mightiest Potentates assayed to make themselves Emperors over several Dominions, and from the richness 
The di●…ipation of the Roman Empire.  of the Imperial Diadem, each one sought to pluck a jewel to beautify his own Crown. So the Barbarous Nations out of this one Monarchy began the foundations of many succeeding Kingdoms. For in Spain the Vandals, 〈◊〉, and Alanes, not contented with their portion therein assigned, betook themselves to Arms. The Frankes and Burgundians, which had been driven out of France, resolved again to return. The Goths, that were Lords of Barcelona, Narbona, and Tolosa, did as the rest. The Huns entered Hungary. john the Tyrant held Rome: and in Africa, Boniface became a Neuter: These stirs moved Theodosius to nominate Valentinian his kinsman Emperor in the 
Valentinian elected Emperor in the West.  West; whose reign and affairs (so far as they touch Britain) we will follow, being the last of the Roman Emperors that held out the succession of our British monarch.  
(4) This Valentinian was the son of Constantine, 
His descent. In Chap. 52. sect. 8.  made Augustus, as is said, and of Placidia Galla daughter to the first Theodosius Emperor: which Lady in the sacking of Rome by Alaricus the Gothe, was taken Prisoner, and by him given in marriage to his near kinsman Athaulphus, who afterwards was King of that Nation; and by her sweet demeanour, and prudent means, a Peace was concluded betwixt her Husband and her Brother, but with such dislikes to the Goths, that they presently killed him, and raised one Wallia for their King; who likewise coming to composition with Honorius, delivered Placidia according to Covenants, whom the Emperor her Brother bestowed in Marriage upon Constantine his General, in regard of his good service and Victories by him achieved.  
(5) She, with young Valentinian Newmade Emperor, 
Placidia Galla her care of Valentinian her son. Aspar and Actius chosen by her.  being sent into Italy, selected the best approved Captains to secure her sons Estate; whereof Aspar was one, that in Rome slew john the Usurper, who had there made himself Emperor, stamping this his face and style upon the currant Money of the State, and by his Tyrannies held his fortunes for five years continuance.  
Iohn usurper. Aetius likewise, that had been Governor of Spain, was employed into Gallia; where the Frankes and Burgundians (under the conduct of Clodius their second King) sought to establish (as shortly they did) their Kingdom in that Country, giving it the name of France, according to their own, by which name they were never known to Caesar, Strabo, Pliny, Tacitus, 
France not known to Caesar by that name.  Mela, nor Ptolemie; whereby the great blast of their Antiquity is showed to be but a puff of wind.  
(6) At this time the Britain's were again sore oppressed 
Britain's sore oppressed with the Scots and Picts.  by the Scots and Picts, who having notice that the Aides sent by Honorius were returned, passed over the Water in their Boats at both the ends of the Wall, and invaded the Province with such force, that they bore down all before them. The Britaines in this lamentable plight, sent their Ambássadours to Rome, 
Britain's sorrowful embassage to Valentinian.  with their Garments rend, and dust upon their heads, unto Valentinian the Third, bewailing their most miserable Estates, and craving his help. The Emperor moved to remorse, sent a Regiment of Soldiers into 
Britain's obtain some small succour. Gallia sent to aid them.  Britain; under the Command of Gallio of Ravenna, a most valiant man, who having put back the Enemy with the assistance of the Islanders, gave some small comforts to the distressed Britain's. But the Burgundians passing the Rhine, and threatening to waste Italy, 
Burgundians threaten Italy. Gallio recalled, and the Britaines quite forsaken of the Romans.  Aetius was compelled to recall Gallio with his Legion, to secure the Country about Paris, whilst himself with his, followed the dangerous Enemy.  
(7) He now ready to depart for France, told the Britain's that it was not for the Romans to take so long and painful journeys, neither at that time especially when their own Empire was in danger to be overrun. Therefore he willed them thenceforth to stand upon their Guard, and to provide for their own safeties: and to that end, in regard of their good services done to the Romans, he taught them the use of their Armour 
The Romans kindness at their departing from Britain. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 12.  and Weapons, as also to strengthen their Fortification, and Wall of Turf, which now they began to build with firm Stone, laid eight foot in thickness, and 
Gildas.  twelve foot in height. This Wall (saith Gildas) they drew in a strait line (at the public charges of the State) from East to West, and from Sea to Sea, planting Bulwarks, and raising Turrets, with convenient spaces distant one from another; which gave a fair and far prospect into the Sea. And so the Romans gave a final Farewell, meaning never to return again; and burying part of their Treasures here in the Earth, whereof much hath 
The time of the Romans final forsaking of their temporal jurisdiction in Britain.  been found, and more is still sought, left Britain about the year of Christ five hundred, after the first invasion thereof made under the conduct of julius Caesar.  
(8) This unfortunate Emperor Valentinian lost 
Nicephorus.  not only Britain, but suffered also Africa, France, and Spain to be plucked from his Empire: and the weakness 
Prosperus Aquitanus.  of the Romans power (whose strength consisted most in Foreign Aides, (as Tacitus saith) was left unable 
Romans unable to descend their own Country.  to defend itself; when they had bereft this Province of all the Flower and Choice of Men, as Gildas in that age complained, saying, Britain is despoiled of all 
Gildas.  her armed men, with her military forces: her Rulers (cruel though they were) are wasted, her Garrisons withdrawn, and defence laid open, and an exceeding great number of her stout courageous Soldiers taken from her, to serve the Romans in their wars. With which his sayings the Roman Writers themselves agree, and record the Musters and great multitudes of Britain's that have been transported by them out of this Island: as when Trebellius Maximus with his British Forces made strong 
Tacit. hist. l. 1. 〈◊〉. 9  the Faction against Otho in Germany: and then also Honorius Flaccus brought thence eight thousand chosen Soldiers to uphold Vitellius in his cause.  
Clodius Albinus. Clodius Albinus banding against Severus the Emperor, assuming the Title, and stamping the moneys of the Imperial Estate (as by this here inserted is to be seen; which coming to our hands since his Story was written, we hold it more acceptable to set here, though out of place, then to give it no place at all in this Work, being so worthy an Antiquity, and so much concerning the Britain's) under whose Banner the Flower of their Chivalry perished in Battle, when in the Fields of France, and near unto Lions, they spent their blood in his cause; whereby the sinews of their own Country's defence was sore weakened, and laid open to Foreign I●…aders. Constantine the 
Constantine transported a great power of Britain's.  Great also (as Malmesbury noteth) carried hence a great power of British Soldiers with him in his wars, by whose puissance (as he saith) he obtained Triumphant Victories, and the Empire of the whole World: and after assigned them that part of Gallia to inhabit, which was called Armorica, lying westward upon the Sea 
Armorica a part of Gallia given to the British Soldiers.  Coasts, where they seating themselves, their posterity was increased, and continueth a Mighty People even unto this day.  
(9) This Country afterwards (being conquered by Maximus, and his reconciled Enemy Conan 
Armorica conquered.  Meriadoc, Lord of Denbigh-land, by the prowess of those British Soldiers whom hence he, carried in his quarrel against Valentinian the Emperor) was received in free gift of Conan, after the slaughter of jubates the King, and the name thereof changed to Little Britain, as being a Colony or Daughter of this our Island. 
Armorica changed to the name of Little Britain's.  The Pronince is large, pleasant, and fruitful, and containeth in her Circuit nine Bishops Seas, whereof three are called Cor●…aille unto this day, which are Le●…sss, S. Paul, and Treg●…rs: the other six are D●…le, Rhenet, S. Malo, Nanetensis, Vannes, and Brien, whose language differeth from their Neighbours the French, and retaineth 
It containeth nine Bishops Seas. Keepeth as yet the British Dialect. Great numbers of Britain's sent to Conan. A great multitude of Virgins sent out of Britain to Armorica.  as yet the British Dialect. I omit to speak of those other Numbers of men sent for out of this Kingdom by the said Conan, whereof our British Historians make mention; besides the sending of Ursula with Eleven thousand Virgins to be matched in marriage with these their Countrymen, all of them perishing by Sea or by Sword, but none of them returning hither again; whereby the bane of the Land presently followed, her hopes being cut off, and deprived of wont Posterities.  
(10) This Conquest and Plantation in Armorica, Matthew of Westminster accounteth to have happened 
Matthew Westm. Henry Hunt. Ninius.  in the year of Christ three hundred ninety two. And these Soldiers thus withdrawn, are so recorded by Henry of Huntingdon his ancient; and Ninius also 
Maximus gave many Countries to the Britaines his Soldiers.  long before both, reporteth that Maximus gave many Countries to these his Britain's, even from the Pool which is on the Top of jupiters' Hill, to a City called Cantguic, and unto the Western Mountains. These (sayeth he) are the Britaines in Armorica, who never returned to this day, in regard whereof Britain was Conquered by Strange Nations. With whom agreeth Geruasius a Monk of Canturburie, john Anglicus, Ranulphus 
Geruasius. job. Anglicus.  of Chester, and others. Thither also in the downfall and desperate Estate of the Britain's, many of them fled from the rage of their Enemies, as he that was borne in Armorica, and lived nearest to that age, even the Writer of the Life of S. Wingualof the Confessor, doth sufficiently prove. An offspring (saith he) of the Britaines embarked in Floats, arrived in this Land, on this 
Britain's fled into Armorica in the time of the Saxons.  side the British Sea: what time as the Barbarous Nation of the Saxons, fierce in Arms, and uncivil in manners, possessed their Native and Mother Soil, etc.  
(11) And last, in the cause of that other Constantine, who was elected only for his Name, most of the 
Constantine who was elected for his name, transporteth great multitudes of Britain's.  Flower and Strength of the Britaines were transported into Gallia and Spain, where in his variable fortunes many of them perished. And Malmesbury writing of these Times, saith, that the Romans had emptied Britain of all her Flower and Chivalry of War, leaving now in her Countries but Halfe-barbarous men, and in her Cities only Epicures, unfit for service. In confirmation whereof, the most learned Cambden out of Antic 
Cambden.  Inscriptions, and the Book named Notitia Provinciarum, hath observed, that these Companies under written served the Romans in their Wars, and were dispersed here and there in their Provinces, which also were from time to time evermore supplied out of Britain.  


Ala Britannica Milliaria.  
Ala FOUR Britonum in Aegypto.  
Cohors prima Aelia Britonum.  
Cohors III. Britonum.  
Cohors VII. Britonum.  
Cohors XXVI. Britonum in Armenia.  
Britanniciani sub Magistro Peditum.  


inter Auxilia Palatina.  
Inuicti juniores Britanniciani  
Exculcatores jun. Britan.    
Britoneses cum Magistro Equitum Galliarum.  
Inuicti juniores Britoneses inter Hispanias.  
Britoneses Seniores in Illyrico.    
(12) No marvel is it then if Britain lay weak, being thus continually exhausted of her strengths, which these approved Records made so apparent, as we need not allege the doubtful Story of Irpus of 
S. jobn Pays. Irpus of Norway transporteth an incredible number of Britain's.  Norway, for the depopulation of the Island, who is said by subtlety under pretence of Kindred, and Honour to be achieved, to have gotten an infinite number of Britain's to follow him in his enterprise, which never returned again: or the Book Triades mentioned by the Author of the Reformed History of Great Britain, that bringeth an Army hence, consisting in number of one and twenty thousand men, into Aquitaine 
Britain's one & twenty thousand transported into Aquitaine against Caesar.  and Gaul: which, as he saith, was the Aid mentioned by Caesar, that out of Britain assisted the Gauls against him. Which may partly seem to be gathered from Caesar himself, as hath been said: where he affirmeth, that the Britain's and Gauls were governed under the same King: and is further confirmed by the fashion and Inscriptions of antic Coins, which we have seen stamped in Gold, the Form round, and Shield-like: Embossed outward in the Face, and Hollow in the Reverse; a Form unfallible to be of the Britain's Coins, and yet the word Comes is inscribed upon the Embossed side, whom we imagine to be the same Governor 
Attrebatij in Gallia and Britain.  of Artoye in Gallia, whom Caesar mentioneth.  
(13) Thus then was Britain first made Weak by the Romans exhaustings, and then quite abandoned of their help, and left as a tree in the Wilderness, to lose her fair leaves by the continual blasts of these sharp Northern winds, whose beauty before had been as the Cedars of Libanon, or like unto those in the Garden of God. And whose Riches had drawn the World's then-monarches to such liking and love, that no means was omitted to attain the same, nor care neglected to keep it in their Subjection: which, while it stood a 
Britain accounted the fairest plume of the Roman Diadem.  Province in their obedience, was held and accounted to be the fairest flower in their Triumphant Garlands, and of some of their Emperors thought worthy the Residency of their Imperial Throne.    

THE ORIGINAL, INVASIONS, AND HEPTARCHY OF THE SAXONS; WITH A SUCCESSION OF THEIR MONARCHES IN THIS ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN, THEIR REIGNS, MARRIAGES, ACTS, AND ISSVES, UNTIL THEIR LAST SUBVERSION BY THE DANES AND NORMANS. But first of the Downfall of BRITAIN.  
BOOK VII.  

CHAPTER I.  
BRITAIN thus abandoned of all the Roman Garrisons, and emptied of 
Britain abandoned of the Roman Garrisons.  strengths that should have supported her now down-falling-estate, lay prostrate to confusion and miserable calamities; no less burdened with the tumultuous uproars of her own great men, who strove for the supreme Government, then of the Barbarous Nations which with continual incursions made spoil where they came. These times (saith Ninius) were full of fears, and were prolonged 
Ninius.  with forty years afflictions: wherein Vortigern then King was troubled with the violence of the Romans, 
Great troubles in the reign of Vortigern.  the dreads of the Picts and Scots, and the oppositions of Aurelius Ambrose, who surviving his slain Parents, that had worn the Imperial Purple rob, sought their revenge upon their wicked Murderer: besides the Intrusions of the German Saxons, called in for Friends, but proved indeed the greatest Enemies. During the conflict of these tempestuous storms, some small comforts were ministered unto the Britain's by Bishop German his presence, who from France assisted 
Bishop German an assister against the Pelagians.  them against the Pelagian Heresies, and the perilous assaults of the Scots and Picts, who in divers skirmishes overcame them.  
(2) These dolorous times of Britain's destruction, Gildas the mournful Historian, who lived not long after, 
Gildas.  doth declare. As soon as the Romans (saith he) had left Britain, and were returning unto their home, forthwith hideous multitudes of Scots and Picts came swarming out of their Carroghes, (wherewith they passed the 
* The Irish Sea.  Scitick Vale) like whole Armies of duskish vermin, which at high noon, when the Sun is in his greatest heat, began to crawl forth of their narrow holes an infinite number of hidcous Scots and Picts; which two kinds of People, though in conditions somewhat different, yet they consorted too well in greedy desire of bloodshed: and having intelligence, the associates of Britain were now returned with utter disclaim of further assistance, with more 
Scots and Picts (the Romans departed) seize all the Northern parts.  confident boldness then ever before, they seize all the Northern and uttermost part of the Island, as if it had been their own inheritance, even as far as to the Wall. Against these attempts there were ranged in the high Forts along the Wall, Garrisons of Soldiers, but such as were both slothful, and also unserviceable for Martial Affairs: which whitelivered Lozel's with quaking hearts sat still warding day and night, till their joints were as benumbed and stupid as the stones whereon they sat: insomuch as the naked Enemies did with long hooked Engines pluck from 
Scoti and Picts catch the Britain's with long hooks.  off the wall those miserable Warders, dashing their bodies against the ground. This good yet they got by this their untimely deaths, that being thus suddenly dispatched out of the world, they escaped the imminent lamentable calamities that their brethren and children shortly felt. To be short, having abandoned their Cities and this high defensive Wall, once more they betook themselves to flight, and were dispersed in a more desperate manner then ever before. For the enemy was more hot in pursuit, and more cruel in the slaughter, the woeful Inhabitants being by their Enemies massacred, and rend in pieces like Lambs in the hands of bloody Butchers, or in the jaws of cruel and savage Beasts. In these most miserable times, (necessity so compelling) the poor distressed people forbore not to rob each other of that sustenance, which could help them but for a very small season: and so their hostile oppressions were increased by their domestic vexations, for that the whole Country by these continual direptions, was utterly deprived of the staff of food, having nothing left to prolong their life, but that only what they get in hunting. Whereupon, about the thirty nine year of Theodosius, and of Christ four hundred forty six, the distressed remains of the downcast Britain's addressed their missive Letters to Actius, whom Gildas calleth Agitius, Precedent of Gallia, in 
Britain's send for help to Actius Precedent of Gallia.  most lamentable manner, and thus inscribed.  

To AETIUS Thrice Consul, the groans of the BRITAIN'S.  
The Barbariaus drive us back to the Sea; the Sea again 
Beda Hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 13.  putteth us back upon the Barbarians: thus between two kinds of deaths, we are either slaughtered or drewned. And the more to intimate their miseries, and to move his assistance, thus they further urge: We (say they) are the Remnant that survive of the Britain's, and are your Subjects, who besides the Enemy, are afflicted by famine and mortality, which at this present extremely rageth in our Land. And putting him in mind that it much importeth the Majesty of the Roman Empire to protect and succour their Province, seeing it had now stood upon the point of five hundred years under their obedience, whose strength of Soldiers taken from thence to serve their Emperors in their Wars elsewhere, was now decayed, and their wealths wasted by maintaining their many Legions in their own Land and abroad: All this notwithstanding the Romans either would not, or could not relieve, having enough to do to uphold their own; but returned them again with heavy hearts into the hands of their most cruel Enemies, who now knowing themselves free from the Romans interceptions, as a violent flood broke thorough the Province, and bore down all before them; the Inhabitants flying like chased Deer, some taking over Seas into Brittany in France; some to 
Britain's fly into France, South-wales, North-wales, Cornwall, Demonshire.  South-wales, North-wales, Cornwall, and parts of Devonshire, leaving the best of the Land to the will of their Persecutors, and much of their Treasures hid in the ground, which never after they enjoyed.  
(4) But the grievous Famine still increasing, 
A great Famine. Gildas, ibid.  though it had this woeful issue with some, that it made them yield themselves into the Enemies bloody hands (only in hope to gain a little sustenance of food for the present) and for many years after left lamentable tokens (saith Beda) of great desolations 
Beda, lib. 1. c. 14.  wrought by that dearth: yet with those other which were of more noble and resolute spirits it produced a better effect; insomuch as from out of the Mountains, Caves, and thick woods, they assailed their enemies, reposing their trust not in Man, but in God, whose help 
Britain's trusting in God, overcome their enemies.  is then most at hand, when man's help faileth. These in many skirmishes gave them the overthrow with much slaughter, and that for many years together, when they made their incursions for booties and spoil; which caused these Ravening Irish to return home; and the Picts a while rested from further molestation. Notwithstanding the Britain's returned not from their own wickedness, growing strong now daily in repressing the Enemy, but stronger in their own sins and civil dissensions. By means whereof, though a surcease of Hostile Wars was embraced, and the scars of famine clearly skinned up, yet another sore as dangerous as either, secretly bred, and shortly broke forth. For the Land being free from the Enemy's wastes, yielded such plenty and abundance of all things, as the like before no age had seen; and 
Beda hist. Aug. lib. 1. cap. 14.  therewithal such riot and excess, that the people's sins grew to a plentiful harvest, as by the words of Gyldas is apparent.  
(5) Certainly it is heard (saith he) that there is such 
Great sins among the Britain's.  fornication, as the like is not among the Gentiles. Truth with the maintainers thereof is hated: Lies with the Forgers thereof highly esteemed. Evil is entertained for good, lewdness respected more than uprightness, darkness desired before the bright Sun, and Satan accepted for an 
Gildas.  Angel of light: Kings than were anointed, not according to God's liking, but such as excelled others in cruelty; and as cruelly again by their anointers were they murdered, not for any demerit, but that they might advance others more savage than the former. If he were mild, or inclining to truth, the darts of hatred were on every side leveled against him, as the only Subuerter of the Britain's Estate. What was pleasing or displeasing to God, was all one with them, saving that the better things commonly wrought most discontent: so that rightly the saying of the Prophet, which was denounced unto the people in old time, might be applied to our Country: Ye lawless and corrupt children have forsaken 
Esay 1.  the Lord, and provoked unto wrath the holy one of Israel. Why should ye be smitten any more, still multiplying iniquity? Every head is sick, and every heart is heavy: from the sole of the foot unto the crown of the head, there is nothing sound therein. Thus did they all things that were contrary to their safety, as if that medicine which 
Britain's did all things contrary to their safety.  was bestowed by that truest Physician of all, was needless for the world. And not only the profaner sort did this, but also the selected flock of the Lord, and the Shepherds thereof, who ought to have given example to the whole people. To speak of drunkenness, numbers of them lay senseless and weltering in wine, swelling with pride, contention, and griping envy, putting no difference in judgement between good and evil: insomuch that it seemeth contempt was powered forth both upon Princes and people: and all of them seduced by vanities, wandered in errors and by-paths, 
Psal. 106. 40.  not lead in the right way. When God therefore was minded to purge his Family, and to recure them thus infected with the corruptions of sins, by hearsay only of Tribulation, the winged flight of an often-tried rumour pierced the attentive 
Britain's hear of an invasion, yet not reclaimed.  ears of all men, giving notice of their ancient Enemies, ready to arrive, and fully minded to destroy them utterly, and to inhabit (as erst they did) the whole Country from one end to another. Yet all this could not reclaim them, but like unto mad horses, which taking the bit fast betwixt their teeth, run away with their Riders, so these leaving the way which leadeth (narrow though it be) unto salvation, ran at random in the wide way of all wickedness, which leadeth directly to death. Whiles therefore (as Solomon saith) the stubborn servant will not be amended 
Prou. 29. 19  with words, he is scourged for a fool, and feeleth not the whip: for lo, a pestilent contagion fell heavily upon this foolish people, which (though the enemy's sword was gone) in short space destroyed such multitudes of them, that the living were not able to bury the dead. Neither yet also were they thereby bettered, that the saying of the Prophet Esay in them might be fulfilled: God called them to mourning, to baldness, and sackcloth: but behold, they fell to killing of 
Esay 22. 13.  calves, and to staying of Rams; lo, they went to eating and drinking, and said withal, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die. And indeed the time now drew near, wherein their iniquities (like as those in times passed of 
Britain's iniquity.  the Amorites) should come to the fullness. And even at that instant the like measure began to be heaped upon the Britain's.  
(6) For the common enemy now invading the 
The Enemy invadeth the Southern parts.  Southern parts, was entered as far as Stamford upon the River Welland; whom to resist, the Britain's assembled together, and having experience what civilliarres had formerly done, they jointly unite their means and powers, and with one consent elect a 
Britain's unite their powers.  King to manage these affairs, which was Vortigerne, by birth extracted from the British Line, nobly descended, 
Vortigern of the British line.  had not his many vices blemished the same. The British History saith, that he was Earl of Cornwall, and of great command in the days of Constantine 
Earl of Cornwall.  their King, whose simplicity he much abused, and whom lastly he caused to be murdered by the Guard 
The Scots and Picts set to murder Constantius.  of his Person, the Scots and Picts by him so placed, and to that end instigated: whom nevertheless with death he severely punished, to avoid further suspicion. In whose revenge, these fierce Nations so assaulted his Dominions with rape and spoil, that he was forced for further assistance to send for these Saxons 
Wil Malms. The Saxons 〈◊〉 for.  to his aid. Whether thus, or otherwise, most true it is, the Saxons were sent for, and of hoped Friends, became the tried Enemies to the Britain's and their Estates, as out of Gildas their Historian we shall anon declare.  
(7) The occasion and manner of this their inviting and coming, is set down by a Countryman of their own Witichindus, a Writer of good antiquity, who thus relateth the circumstance thereof. Britain (saith 
Witichindus.  he) by Vespasian the Emperor, long since being reduced among the Roman Provinces, and held in their subjection, stood them in no small stead: but their Legions abandoned, and destiny (as it seemeth) determining the downfall, became soon assaulted by their neighbour Nations the Northern Borderers. For the people of Rome after that the Emperor * Martial was slain by his Soldiers, being tired out 
Martian he meaneth.  with foreign wars, were not able to assist their friends with supply of accustomed aids. And yet had they built a mighty piece of work for the defence of the Country, reaching between 
The Romans work for the Britain's defence, razed by the Northern Borderers.  the confines from Sea to Sea, where it was thought that the Enemies would assail the Inhabitants left in the Land. But no difficulty it was for them so fiercely bend, and ever ready to make war (especially where they dealt with a Nation feebled and left unable to make resistance) to destroy the said work. Therefore hearing of the worthy and fortunate exploits achieved by the Saxons, they sent an humble Embassage to require their aid; and these having audience, 
Saxons great Warriors and fortunate.  spoke as followeth.  
Most noble Saxons, the poor and distressed 
* Britain's. The Britain's embassage and speech to the Saxons.  Brets', outworn and tired by the many incursions of their enemies, hearing the fame of those victories which you have most valiantly obtained, have sent us. Suppliants unto you, craving that you would not deny them your help and succour. ☉ A large and spacious Land they have, plentiful and abundant in all things, which we yield wholly to be at your devotion and command. Hitherto we have lived freely under the patronage and protection of the Romans, next unto whom we know not any more powerful than yourselves; and therefore we seek for refuge under the wings of your valour. So that we may by your puissance be superior of our enemies, whatsoever service you shall impose upon us, that will we willingly abide.  
To this petition the Peers and Nobles of the Saxons briefly made answer in this wise. 
The Saxons answer to the Petition of the Britain's.   
Know ye that the Saxons will be fast friends unto the Brets', and ready at all times both to assist them in their necessity, and also to procure their wealth: with joy therefore return ye Ambassadors, and with this wishedfor tidings make your Countrymen glad. Hereupon (according to promise) an Army sent into Britain, and joyfully received, 
Saxons good service at their first coming.  which in short time freed the Land from the spoiling enemies, & recovered the country unto the behoof of the Inhabitants.  
(8) But how true this last clause is, may appear out of the ancient Gildas, who thus recordeth it: To repress (saith he) many Invasions of those their ancient 
Gildas.  enemies, which with cruel slaughters and booties continually afflicted them, the Britain's fell to consult upon some convenient course therein to be taken. Lastly, all the Counsellors, together with the proud Tyrant, being blinded in judgement, devised such a protection, as in the end proved their Country's destruction; namely, that those ●…rce Saxons, a people savage and of hateful name, odious both to God and man, should be let into this Island, as it were wolves into sheepe-folds, to repulse (for sooth) the Northern Nations; than which project doubtless nothing was ever more pernicious and unhappy unto this Land. O senses senseless and plunged into deepest mists of error! O desperate dullness, and blind blockishness of mind! Those whom in absence were feared more than death, now of their own accord are invited by these Princes of Egypt (if I may so say, thus sottishly counseling their Pharaoh) to come and rest with them under one roof. Presently out of the Den of that barbarous Lioness rushed forth a kennel of her whelps, in three long Vessels, called in their Language * Cyula, carried under full sail, and with ominous presages 
Keels.  fore-prophecying that for 300. years they should possess that Land unto which they then directed their course, and 
Saxons prophecy to possess Britain for 300. years.  for half of that space, (viz. one hundred and fifty years) they should waste and depopulate the same. These being put on shore first in the East part of the Island, and that by 
The Saxons first arrival on the East part of this Island.  Commandment of this unfortunate Tyrant, there set fast their terrible paws, pretending to the Islanders, defence of their Country, but more truly intending the destruction of them. The foresaid Lioness finding that her first troop of whelps sped so well, sends again a greater Rabble of the same Litter, which here arrived in Fl●…es, bringing with them some other Associates of bastardly and unnoble brood. And these beginnings, the slips of iniquity, and the roots of bitterness, (an accursed plantation well befitting our demerits) have sprung up, and put forth in our soil their haughty boughs and spreading branches. This barbarous Nation thus admitted, professing themselves our Soldiers, and such as would endure all hazards (so they feigned) in defence for their good Hosts, first they craved supply of victuals only; which being given them, for some time stopped (as we may say) the Dog's mouth: howbeit, afterward they complain that their wages was not bountifully enough 
Saxons invent occasions of quarrel.  paid, devising of purpose colourable occasions of quarrel, and threatening that unless they might have more munificent entertainment, they would with the breach of covenant spoil and waste the whole Island. And without further delay, they second these threats with deeds (for our Sins, the cause of deserved revenge, were still nourished) and the fire kindled Eastward, was set a flaming by these sacrilegious men from Sea to Sea, ceasing not to consume all the Cities and Countries bordering there about, until such time as burning well-near all the Inland Soil of the Island, it licked (as it were) with the red tongue of the flame the very Western Ocean itself. In this violent invasion, comparable to that of the Assyrians against the Land of Israel in old 
Saxons spoils comparable to the Assyrians upon the Israelites. Psal. 74. 8.  times, is historically fulfilled also in us that which the Prophet by way of sorrowful lamentation uttereth: They have set fire upon thy holy places, and have burned the dwelling place of thy name, even unto the ground. And again: O God the Heathen are come into thine heritage, thy holy Temple 
Psal. 79. 1.  have they defiled: for all the Fortifications demolished with their Engines, and the Inhabitants together with the Bishops of the Church, and also the Priests and people, with glistering swords and crackling flames, were all at once laid along upon the ground, yea and (which was a most lamen-table spectacle) the stately Turrets, high mounted Walls, and the sacred Altars, lay all tumbling together (all purpled with the broken and bloody Quarters and gored Carcases mixed as in a horrible winepress. Neither were there any other sepulchres abroad, save the 〈◊〉 of buildings, and the bowels of wild beasts and birds.  
(9) During this most woeful, desperate, and tempestuous season (saith the mournful Historian) some 
Britain's 〈◊〉 in the Mountains.  poor remains of Britain's being found in the Mountains, were slain by whole heaps: others pined by famine, came and yielded themselves unto their enemies, upon composition to serve them as Bondslaves for ever, so they might not be slaughtered out of hand: which granted, was reputed a most high and especial grace. Others went over Seas into Strange Lands, singing under their spread Sails with a lamentable and mourning note, that of the Psalmist: Thou hast given us, O Lord, as Sheep to be devoured, and hast scattered us among the Heathen. Yet others remained still 
Psal. 44. 11.  in their own Country (albeit in fearful estate, and continually suspecting hazard) committing their lives and safety to the high steep Hills, to craggy Mountains naturally entrenched, to thick grown Woods and Forests, yea and to the Rocks of the Sea.  
(10) Thus was Britain brought to the period of her glory, and the people miserably subjecteth to a foreign Nation, about the year from Christ's Nativity 473. and after the Romans last farewell 28. In which time you see they were most cruelly pursued 
〈◊〉 pursued with all calamities of War.  with all calamities of war, and lastly betrayed by them in whom so much trust was reposed, as mournful Gildas hath ruefully declared.    

THE SAXONS ORIGINAL. CHAPTER II.  
AS times decayed Ruins have stopped the Passage of those small Springs issued from the first fountain of Nations beginnings, and have diverted their streams far from any sure Course, or certain known Heads; so the original parent, place, and name of our English-Saxons, have been written with a pen of slight touch upon the leaves of oblivion, or else recorded in those obscure Rolls, that as yet lie bound up in the Office of Time's forgetfulness: whereby it rests doubtful from what root these branches first sprang; some bringing them from Asia, some from Africa, 
Saxons, the uncertainty from whence they came.  some from Macedon, some from Denmark, and some without all likelihood from Britain itself.  
Occa Scarlensis a Frislander borne, affirmeth these Saxons to come of Saxon a Prince of India, who with 
Occa Scarlensis. Saxons from Saxon a Prince of India.  his two brethren were banished by lot to seek their destinies abroad, their own Countries being pestered with over many people at home. These (saith he) following Alexander the Great into Greece, became Progenitors to their Countries, that from them received their offsprings and names: as that from Friso the eldest, his Frislanders descended; from Saxon the second, the Saxons upon the River Albis; and from Bruno the youngest, the Inhabitants of the Dukedom of Brunswic. And of this opinion also Sufridus Petri seemeth to be. Crantzius doth derive them from the Cattis in 
Sufridus Petri Crantzius.  Germany, and the Phrygians a Region in Asia; to omit others, who would bring them from Saxo the brother 
Saxons of the Cattis in Germany.  of Vandale.  
(2) F. Albinus a learned Author, doth think the Saxons to be descended from Sacae, a people in Asia, 
Saxons from Sacae a people in Asia.  and that afterward in process of time they came to be called Saxons; as if it were written Sax-sones, as much to say as The sons of the Sacae. To this opinion 
F. Albinus in Progy●…. Mr. Henry Ferrer in his progeny of English Monarches.  Master Henry Ferrer, a Gentleman of ancient descent, great reading, and a judicious Antiquary agreeth; whose judgement for my particular, I have always honoured, and from the Progeny of his English Monarches have taken my principal proceeding in these Saxon Successors.  
(3) As touching the ancient place of their abode, Ptolemy the Alexandrian placeth the people Sasones in the Inner Scythia, betwixt the Mountains Alani & Tapurt; and Amianus Marcellinus siteth the Sacae (no doubt 
Ptolemy Geogra. in description of Asia. Amian. Marcel. li. 23. cap. 10.  the very same) a fierce and savage Nation, to inhabit overgrown places, commodious only for cattle, at the foot of the Mountains Ascanimia and Comedus, near unto which the City Alexandria, Tribatra and Drepsa were adjoining, and are so set by Ptolemie. Neither is it less probable that our Saxons descended from these Sacae in Asia, 
Michael Neander.  than the Germans from those Germans in Persia, of whom Herodotus writeth. And joseph Scaliger, a renowned 
Herodotus. joseph Scaliger.  Author, showeth, that these words father, mother, brader, toucher, band, and such like, are at this day 
Persian & Saxon tongue agree in many words.  found in the Persian tongue in the same sense, as we use Father, Mother, Brother, Daughter, and Bound, etc. a great inducement (as some think) for the Saxons original from those parts; though in my opinion the Latin, Pater, Mater, Frater, have no less affinity of sound, and in all likelihood were the Primitives to these of ours. Of these Sacae, Strabo writeth that they made invasions into Countries lying far off, as 
Strabo.  namely Armenia, where they left the memory of their success in a part of that Country, by calling it Sacacena, after their own name.  
(4) From these parts of Asia, as Seythia and the rest, one Band of them, consisting chiefly of their Youth, 
Saxons coming into Europe.  proceeded by degrees into Europe, and possessed the Nesse, or Forland, which the Romans called Cimbrica Chersonesus, being at this day the continent part of the kingdom of Denmark. In which place they were first known by the name of the Saxons. And here also they among themselves began first to be distinguished into other Tribes, as Holt-Saxons (for so Verstegan, out of their old Chronicle, saith they were called) 
Verstegan. cap. 1. Holt-Saxons. Saxons Angles & Saxons jutes.  for their keeping in the Woods: but more properly (we may say) into Saxons, Angles, and jutes. From hence afterwards they departed, and passing over the River Elbe, divided themselves into two Companies; whereof the one taking into the upper parts of Germany, by little and little intruded themselves into the ancient Seat of the Suevians, which now of them is called Westphalia and Saxome: and the 
Sebastian Munster. lib. 3.  other encroached upon Friesland and Holland (then called Batania) with the rest of those Countries that lie along the Germane Seas.  
(5) The time wherein these Saxons should thus infest Germany, by Occa Scarlensis verdict, is as ancient 
The time of the Saxons entrance into Germany.  as great Alexander: others account it long after, in the reign of Tiberius. But before Ptolemy we find them not mentioned by any Author, who flourished in the days of Antoninus Pius, about the year from Christ's Nativity 140. And most certain it is by Eutropius and Beda, that before the year three hundred, 
Eutropius. Beda. Saxons fearful to the Romans themselves.  when Dioclesian swayed the Roman Sceptre, the Saxons out of Cimbrica Chersonesus sore offended the coasts of Britain and France, with their many piracies, and were fearful even to the Romans themselves. These multiplying in number and strength, seated in the Maritime tract of jutland, Sleswick, Holsatia, Ditmarse, Breme, Oldenburgh, all Friesland and Holland: and indeed, according to the Testimony of Fabius Quaestor, Wholly all the Sea coasts from the river Rhine unto the City Donia, which now is commonly called the Denmarc; and with him Henry of Erfurd affirmeth Saxon-land to stretch from the River Albis untothe Rhine; the bounds of no one people of all the Germans extending any way so far, saith he.  
(6) But these spreading Boughs, are brought by others from a nearer Root, planted not in Asia or Scythia, but rather in Europe and in Germany itself; 
The names of these Saxons Tribes.  grounding their opinion from Cornelius Tacitus, who maketh them to be bred in the same Country, though distinguished by Name from the rest, as others more beside then were. Which Saxons (say they) though they were not mentioned by Tacitus in his Description 
Tacit. Descr. Germ. cap. 1.  of Germany, yet in Ptolemy, that wrote not much above forty years after him, they are named; as also the Gutae, and the Angli, Copartners of their Conquest, Tacitus placeth among these Germans that worshipped Herthum the Mother-earth for their Auowrie 
Tacit. Descr. Germ: cap. 6.  Goddess; at first but one People, but afterwards divided into three several Tribes; that is, the Saxons, Angles and jutes, who left the remembrance 
Saxons. Angles. jutes.  of their Names stamped (as it were) in the soil from whence they departed, and also coined new unto others, whereof they became possessors.  
(7) Ptolemy, among the Suevians in Germany placeth 
Ptolem. Geogr. in de●…r. Ger. The place of the Holt-Saxons inhabiting. Beda Hist. Angliae. lib. 1. cap. 15.  the Saxons, near to the mouth of the River Albis, in the continent of Cimbrica Chersonesus. And in this Island of Britain, Beda tells us, that the Kingdoms of the East and West Saxons were of them peopled: Whose original Name, besides the Indian Saxo or the Seythian Sacae, some will have Etymologed from Saxum a Stone, because forsooth these people were hard or Stonie-hearted; and some again from the Axones in Gallia, of whom Lucan maketh mention in this his verse: 
Longisque leaves Axones in armis,  
And nimble Axones in their Armour light.   
(8) justus Lipsius conjectureth, and Engelhusius 
justus Lipsius and Engelhusius derivation of the Name Saxon.  affirmeth (as Verstegan saith) that the name Saxon, took the appellation from the Fashion of the Weapon that usually they wore; which was a Crooked Bowing Sword, somewhat like unto a scythe, with the edge on the contrary side, called by the Netherlanders, a Saisen, and by themselves Seaxen, and the shorter of like 
Saxons weapons called Saisen, Seaxen and Seaxes.  fashion for handweapons, Seaxes; such as were those that were hid under their Garments in the Massacre of the British Nobility upon Salisbury Plain, when Hengist 
British Nobility massacred.  gave the watchword, Nem eour Seaxes, that is, Take you Swords: three of which Knives Argent, in a Field Gules, were borne by Erkenwyne King of the Eastsaxons, upon his shield of Arms, as some of our Heralds have imblazed. And that their Name was so given them from their Weapons, some allege their accustomed manner in wearing thereof, which usually was to truss the same overthwart their backs when they went forth to battle; whereby notice was taken, and that name attributed unto them, as the like hath been upon like occasion unto others: for so in Asia the Scythians were named for their skill in shooting; in France 
Scythians so named of Scyttan to shoot. Picards for their long Pikes. Galloglasses for their Pole-axe.  the Picards for their long Pikes used in fight; and in Ireland the Galloglasses, which bore the Pole-axe as their principal weapon: and of latter times, upon less occasions have Surnames grown both to particular men, as also to whole Societies; which may appear in such as having vowed their voyage and service for jerusalem, wore continually upon their backs a red 
Such as had vowed their voyage to jerusalem, named Crosse-backe. Crouchbacke.  Cross, whereby the name Crosse-backe, or in old English, Crouchbacke, was to them attributed: in which rank, Edmund Earl of Lancaster (second son to King Henry the third) was a principal, and thereby got that name, which he could not claw off from his back ever since. So likewise those men who entered that Religion of Monastical life, wore usually upon the outside of their Garments the sign of a Cross, whereby that Order was distinguished and noted from others by the name of Crouched or Crossed-Friers. But whence or howsoever the name arose, among all the Germans there were none in reputation for military 
Arianus. Zosimus.  deeds comparable unto these Saxons: neither had any adventured by Sea and Land so far to purchase 
Seneca in lib. de Ira.  renown and praise, or perhaps (and that more likely) to supply their own wants; ranging often 
Egin●…ardus.  from place to place, as men always ready to enter any action: and in Germany to this day a great Dukedom retaineth from them the name of Saxony.  
(9) The Gutae (no doubt the jutae) Ptolemy likewise 
The place of the jute Saxons inhabiting.  placeth in the Island Scandia, lying very near the Coasts of Germany, upon whose uttermost Promontory (as saith an ancient Manuscript) the jutes did for certain inhabit, which unto this day of the Danes is called jutland. These jutes, Gutes, Geteses, or Goths (or as 
jutes called Gutes, Goths, or Uues.  Beda calls them) Vites, gave names to those parts of Britain which they inhabited, as to this day the I'll of Wight beareth their impression. This variety of names 
I'll of Wight how so named.  we will no further enforce, then that these Goths were not the same that had passed Ister by Pontus Euxinus, and overranne Europe, who were also called the Getae 
john Maior. Verstegan Restit. cap. 5. Sebastian Munst. lib. 3.  by john Maior. Their name, as Verstegan will have it, was taken from their agility, or swiftness of foot: and some of them (as Sebastian Munster declareth) went and inhabited among the Mountains that divide Germany from Italy, whereupon their name grew to be called the Hill-Vites, which are now the Hel●…ans.  
(10) The Angles (by Fabius Quaestor Ethelwardus, an ancient Writer, and a Noble Person of the Saxons 
The Anglia Saxon-place o●…nha 〈◊〉. ●…uld-Anglis.  Royal Blood) are brought from Ould-Anglia, a Portion lying betwixt the Countries of the Saxons and the Giots, as he writeth them, whose chief Town was by them called Sleswic, and of the Danes, Haathby: but (more particularly) it lay betwixt the City Flemburge and the River Sly, which Country by Albertus Crantzius is called Anglia. From hence (saith He●…ricus 
Crantzius.  Rantzovius) the Saxons, who were also called the Angle-Saxons, 
Henr. Rantzovius.  went to aid the Britain's. And at this day there is a little Province in the Kingdom of Dania, named Angel, beneath the City Flemburge, which Lindebergus calleth Little Anglia. Their site notwithstanding 
Lindebergus.  is placed by most Authors in Westphalia, where the 
A Province in Dan●… cal●…ed little England.  City Engern standeth, and where Tacitus and Ptolemy rangeth them among the Sueutans; which in their times might very well be. Others would have them in Pomerania, where the Town Engloen doth somewhat sound their name: so do Engelheim, Engleburg, 
Words of affinity with the name Angles.  and Englerute, places in Germany, bear witness, and are prints of their footing among the Longobards and Suevians. But the most glorious remembrance of that their name hath been for these many ages in this Kingdom of England: though Saxon Grammaticus (as erst we touched, Lib. 5. Cap. 2) will needs have Anglia 
Saxon Grammaticus.  named from Angul the son of Humblus, and Giantlike brother of Danus the first King of Denmark. But Albertus Crantzius being offended at his folly, tells him that England had the name of Britain many hundred 
Albertus Crantzius.  years after that Angul was dead. Others there are that derive the name England from the manner of this 
Verstegan.  islands situation, being narrow in the West and North, for that Eng in the ancient Teutonik Tongue, as well as in the modern, doth signify Narrow, Straight, or a 
Eng signifieth narrow.  Nook; and to that purpose do produce this verse of a Portugals allusion: 
Anglia terra ferax et fertilis Angulus Orbis,  
Insula praedines, quae toto vix eget orb:  
A fruitful Angle, England thou, another world art said:  
An Island rich, and hast no need of other country's aid.   
(11) Callepine without proof deriveth the Name from Queen Angela: but on as weak a ground as those 
Callepine. Beda hist. Eccl. lib. 2. cap. 1.  who will fetch it from their Angellike faces, alluded unto by Pope Gregory the Great. Or that of Goropius, from the Angle or Fishing-hooke, because, saith he, 
Geropius Becca-Angles so called of a Fishing-hooke.  they hooked all things to themselves, and might very well therefore be called Good Anglers: a very mean conceit in sooth. But howsoever, most certain it is that these Angles stole the name of this blessed 
Angles stole their name. Gen. 27.  Island from their elder brethren the Saxons (as jacob did the birthright from Esau) and called it after their own; as we shall further show when our History hath gotten to the age of the Saxons Monarchy.  
(12) These all claim their descents from Prince 
Saxons both Angles and jutes descend from wooden.  wooden, called by the ancient Latins Othinus; and who is deduced by our Antiquaries, as hath been said, from the eldest Son of the Patriarch Noah, and is accounted the most noble of all the Progenitors of the Saxon Kings, insomuch as they, and especially the Angle-Saxons, our Ancestors, have (in their superstitious conceit of such wooden gods) imagined wooden to be their principal God of Battle; whose 
wooden esteemed a God. Frea the wife of wooden.  Wife named Frea, was by the like fancy held a Goddess, of whom more hereafter.  
(13) These had issue between them sundry Sons, 
Wodens' five sons their names and Seignioties.  and from five of them, all the Monarches of the Englishmen have claimed to have been descended. Wechta the first being reported to be the Progenitor to the Kings of the Kentishmen: Caser the second, to the Kings of the East-Angles: Wethelgeat the third, to the Kings of the Mercians: Wegdeg the fourth, to the Kings of the Dierians: and Beldeg the fifth, to the Kings of the Southsaxons, to the Kings of the Bernicians, afterwards Kings of Northumberland, and also the Kings of the Westsaxons: only the Kings of the Eastsaxons, claiming to descend of the same race, derive not their descents from any of the Sons of the same men. This may suffice for the Originals of these three people; who, as Cisner affirmeth, retained still the same manners after they were seated in Europe, as they had 
Cisner.  formerly done in Asia. And what those were, let us hear the reports of Tacitus, and other ancient Authors, who together with the Germans (among whom they dwelled) do thus describe them.   

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE ANCIENT SAXONS. CHAPTER III.  
THese Germans, and among them the Cattis and Suevians, (our Ancestors according to Albertus Crantzius) were a people (saith 
Crantzius.  Tacitus) well set, stern of 
Tacit. in descript. of Germany.  countenance, tall of stature, grey eyed, and of a fiery aspect, and their hair yellow. Unto whom, Witichindus the Monk addeth and saith, that They were fair of 
Witichindus, lib. 9 cap. 〈◊〉. Savous described.  complexion, cheerful of countenance, very comely of stature, and their limbs to their bodies well proportioned; bold of courage, hardy in fight, and very ambitious of glory: for which parts (saith he) the Franks had them in great admiration, and wondered at their new and strange attire, their armour and their bushy locks of hair, that from their heads overspread their shoulders, but above all, at their constant resolution and valiant courage. Their heads and beards they suffer (saith Tacitus) to grow at length, and never put off that vowed ornament and bond of valour, until 
Tacit. descript. of Germany.  they have slain an Enemy: but then upon blood and spoil, they uncover their forehead, and say they have paid back the price of their birth, and think themselves worthy of their Country and parents. Their curled locks (saith he) they bind up in knots, and standing on end, tie it in the crown only, that is the harmless care they have of beauty, to seem more terrible to the Enemy. And by Sidonius Apollinaris his testimony, they used to shave off the 
Sidonius Apollin.  hair of their heads, reserving only a tuft in the crown, about which they wore a hoop or plate of copper, which caused the hair to stand upright, as by these his verses appeareth. 
Istic Saxona carulum vide●…us,  
Adsuetum antè Salo, solum timere:  
Cuius verticis extimas per or as,  
Noncontenta suos tenere morsus,  
Altat lamina marginem comarum:  
Et sic crinibus ad cutem recisis  
Decrescit caput, additurque vultus.   
In English thus:  

There do we see the Saxosclad in blue,  
Bold on the Sea, but fearful now on land:  
Their heighted tops upon their crowns that show,  
Are not content to hold their wont band,  
But raised in tufts, where all the rest, doth stand  
Bare naked shaved, and hath no hair at all,  
Which makes full faced, but heads seem passing small.   
(2) And that they were indeed bold upon the Seas, Aegysippus witnesseth. The Saxons (saith he) a 
Aegysippus.  most valorous kind of men, excel all others in Piracies. In imitation of whom, Isidore affirmeth, that for their 
Isidore.  valour and nimbleness in service they had their name. A people (saith he) stout, hardy, and most valiant, and far outstripping all others in Piracies, seemed more fearful 
Saxons excelling all other in Piracies.  to live on Land then at Sea. Whose intrusions and sudden violence both France and Britain with great damages felt: for in Gallia they seized into their possession the Country of 
* Baie●…. Gregorius Turonensis.  Baiocasses, as is to be seen in Gregorius Turonensis, who thence termeth them saxons * Baiocassions: and in Britain an Office of Charge was instituted to defend the Coasts from their eruptions, the Captain whereof was commonly called the Count or Earl of the Saxon Shore: of whose Piracies and savage Cruelties, let us hear Sidonius in his Epistle to Numantius complain: So many Rowers as you see 
Sidonius, lib. 8.  (saith he) so many Arch-Pirates think you behold, they all of them together so command, obey, teach and learn, to rob and steal. There is no enemy so cruel as this, that setteth upon others at unawares, and as occasion serùes, as warily slips himself away. He setteth at nought such as encounter him: he bringeth to nought those that take no heed of him: whom he courseth, he surely overtaketh: when he flieth, he is sure to escape. To this service, Shipwrecks enure him, they terrify him not. Be there a Tempest up, the same serveth them, and to assail others. They never weigh Ancour upon the enemy's Coasts, but with a resolution again to return: and their manner is to kill every tenth Captive with a lingering and dolorous torment: for to such 
Saxons kill every tenth Captive.  Vows they bind themselves, and with such Sacrifices they discharge their Vows again, being indeed not so much purified by such Sacrifices, as polluted with Sacrilege: and the bloody and abominable Murderers think it a religious thing, rather to torment a Prisoner unto death, then to 
Saxons accept no ransom.  set him free for a Ransom.  
But when we shall hear these unhuman and barbarous reports either of the old Britain's or these savage Saxons our ancient progenitors, let us neither be offended at Gildas, or at the reports of these other foreign Writers, who spoke thus of them as they were then Heathens, and knew not God: the time of whose ignorance seeing God regarded not, as the Apostle teacheth, let us acknowledge with due thanks the goodness 
Act. 17. 30.  of a most gracious God, who hath brought us to 
An admonition to the Read●….  a holier conversation, and hath made us judges of those sins in them, that we might fly them in ourselves.  
(3) Their Apparel was much different from others, and seemed strange to the Gauls, as Witichindus 
Witichindus, lib. 9 cap. 2. Tacit. Descript. German. The Saxons vesture.  hath told us: and Tacitus declareth the manner thereof; which (saith he) was a kind of Cassock, called Sagum, clasped, or (for want of a clasp) fastened with a thorn, having otherwise no garments at all, but going stark naked. Nevertheless, the richer sort were distinguished from others, by their garments; which were neither large nor wide, as the Sarmates and Parthians use to wear them; but strait and showing the proportion of every part of their body: beside they wore Pelts made of beasts skins. The Man and Woman's attire differed in nothing, saith he, 
The homely fashion of the ancient Saxon women in their attire. Paul. Diacon.  saving that the women use linen Garments trimmed and interlaced with purple, and without sleeves, their arms bare, and bosoms naked and uncovered. Yet Paulus Diaconus speaking of the Longobards, comparing them to the Saxons, saith that their Cassocks were large and worn loose, most of linen, trimmed and set out with very broad Guards or welts purfleet, and embroidered with sundry colours, and the richer sort with Pearls: their hair bound up in a copper hoop, stood in tufts upon the crown, the rest curled and falling down upon their shoulders: their beards they kept still uncut, till they had killed an enemy; and for another note of ignominy, they wore an Iron Ring, as a sign of bondage, till they had cast it from them by the Conquest of a man.. Great Knives, or rather broad bending Swords, they trussed upon little Shields thwart their 
Witichindus.  backs, from which (as we showed) Engelhusius avoucheth 
Engelhusius.  they had their appellation. He that abandoned or lost this shield in battle (saith Tacitus) was debarred 
Tacit. in descript. Germ.  from their public Sacrifices and Assemblies, the greatest disgrace that could be; for very shame and grief whereof, many, many times hanged themselves. And upon these Shields their manner was to lift up their new elected General, and with acclamations so to carry him thorough 
Tacit. hist. 4. cap. 6.  their Campe.  
(4) For Wars, the Germans by Tacitus are reputed the best, who for two hundred and ten years held tack with the Romans. Not the Samnites (saith he) not the 
Tacit. descript. Germ. cap. 5.  Carthagenians, not the Spaniards, or the Gallois, no not the Parthians have so much troubled us: for what can the East object against us, saving the death of Crassus, when he had defeated Pacorus, before trodden down by Ventidius? But the Germans having either slain or taken Carbo, and Cassius, and Scaurus Aurelius, and Servilius Cepio, and M. Manlius, have defeated also five consulary Armies, and Varus with three Legions in Caesar's time. Neither have C. Marius in Italy, or julius in Gallia, Drusus or Nero, and Germanicus molested them at home in their Country, but to their more smart. And yet these Saxons among those valiant Germans were accounted 
Saxons of all the Germans the valiantest. Zosimu●….  the best for courage of mind, strength of body, and enduring of travel, as Zosimus saith. Terrible also they were, and full of agility, by the report of Orosius: and for their sudden invasions, most feared of the Romans, saith Marcellinus. 
Marcel. li. 28. c. 7.   
(5) Their fashion was to go forth singing to the Wars, (or rather they especially are said to march to battle, 
Tacitus. The Saxons go singing to the wars. The Saxons use first to try by single combat.  whereas others are said to go) carrying before them certain Images taken out of their consecrated Woods. Their manner was before they joined Battle, to try by single Combat (therein arming one of their own against some captived enemy) what success was to be expected: and this they kept as a Law unuiolate, that none might presume to bear Arms before he was solemnly admitted, 
The custom of admitting their soldiers.  where in a frequent Assembly a Shield was given him by his Parents or Kindred: and this was the pledge (as it were) of his first honour, he being till then reputed but a particular of a Family, but thenceforward a member of the Commonwealth. They are very sensible; wise; and considerate in their service, in preferring choice Captains, in 
The Saxons wisdom in war.  following their Leaders, in observing their ranks, in taking the advantage and benefit of the day, and entrenching in the night, holding Fortune ever doubtful, but valour always certain. Their weapons, as testifieth joannes Pomarius, 
joannes Pomarius. The Saxons weapons.  were long Spears, broad Swords, and the Crossbow: these they held in such esteem, that with a horse furnished, Shield, Sword, and Lance, their Virgins were received in marriage, accounting them for the greatest bonds, and the very Patron-Gods of Matrimony: which 
Their Ceremonies in marrying. Tacitus.  custom might well be taken from their neighbours the ancient Saracens, whose Maidens usually presented to their husbands a Tent and a Spear, in way of Dowry at the entrance of their Nuptials. And among these Germans those Martial habiliaments were in such use, that they did meet neither at Feasts nor in Council, but in their Armour.  
A People (saith Tacitus) whom thou canst not so easily 
Amian. Marcell. lib. 14. cap. 3.  persuade to manure the ground, as to provoke the Enemy, and adventure wounds; holding small esteem of that which is gotten by the sweat of their brows, when it might 〈◊〉 been obtained by the expense of their blood. A strange diversity (saith he) that the same men should so much love sloth, and hate quietness. It is with them a great shame for their Prince to be overcome in Valour; but for any one to return alive from that Battle wherein the Prince is slain, a perpetual infamy and reproach. And that their resolutions were ever noble, and their 
Saxons their resolute courage.  courage not daunted in distress or bondage, it well appeared by a whole band of them taken by Symachus, and designed for the Romans pastime of Swordplaiers, who the same morning that this spectacle was expected, strangled themselves rather then they would ineurre such infamy and baseness, as to make others pastime with the ignominious usage of their own persons.  
(6) Their Laws were severe, and vices not laughed at, and good Customs of greater authority among them, 
Tacit. descr. Germ.  than elsewhere were good Laws; no temporizing for favour, nor usury for gain; but bounteous in hospitality, and liberal in gifts, accounting both due to be given and received, yea and that without thanks: no Nation freer from adultery, or punishing that sin more severely. For the woman 
Saxons great punishers of adultery.  offending, having first her hair cut off, was turned stark naked out of her Husband's house, and that in presence of her own kindred; thence she was scourged with whips thorough the Town, without regard of birth, beauty, age or wealth, and never after could find another Husband. Those that were unnaturally lewd of their bodies, their manner was to drown them in filthy mud, and to cover them with hurdles. Yea and greater punishments than these the Pagan-Saxons executed upon such offenders, as by the Epistle of Boniface an Englishman, Archbishop of Magunce, which he wrote unto Ethelbald King of the 
Chron. of Holland.  Mercians, in reproving his adulterous life, is manifest. For (saith he) in the ancient Country of the Saxons (where there was no knowledge of God) if either a Maid in her father's house, or one having a husband, became a whore, she should be strangled with her own hands closed to her mouth, and the Corrupter should be hanged upon the Pit wherein she was buried. If she were not so used, than her Garments being cut away down from the Girdle-steed, the chaste Matrons did scourge and whip her, and did prick her with knives, and so was she sent from Town to Town, where other fresh and new scourges did meet and torment her unto death.  
And their severe Laws a long time remaining in the days of Christianity, do declare with what rigour (without regard of person) they both examined and punished this offence: whereof that of Queen Emma, 
Ran. Higd. in Polyer. l●…b. 6. cap. 23.  the mother of King Edward the Confessor, is a sufficient example, who being accused for incontinency of body with Alwyn Bishop of Winchester, was enjoined to pass over nine Ploughshare Irons glowing red hot, 
Queen Emma her punishment.  she being blindfold and barefooted; by which trial she is said to have acquitted herself, insomuch that having passed them all before she knew it, cried and said; O good Lord, when shall I come to the place of my purgation? This punishment beginning in these Pagans, and continuing unto the year 750. Stephen the Second, and most pontifical Pope of Rome, did utterly 
Stephen 2. Bishop of Rome.  abolish, as too severe and overrigorous for Christians to undergo.  
The Virgins of these Saxons were never to be 
The Saxons Virgins married b●… once.  married but once, that they might have no other thoughts, nor further desire but in case of matrimony: neither had the men plurality, excepting great Personages, and they sued unto in regard of procreation, for to be without Children, was to be without reputation. 
The Saxons did highly esteem of having children.  So that the testimony of Saluianus, which lived among them, fitteth well our purpose, saying; Though the Saxons are outrageous in cruelty, yet for chastity they are to be honoured. 
Saluia●….   
(7) But as in these virtues they outstripped most Pagans; so in the Zeal of their heathenish superstitions and Idolatrous service, they equalized any of them: for besides Herthus, the Mother-Earth, whom the Angli our ancestors accounted for a Goddess of Aid: they worshipped Mercury under the name of 
Tacit. descr. Ge●… cap. 6.  wooden for their principal God of Battle: after whose victories they usually sacrificed to him their Prisoners 
Mercury worshipped of the Saxons for wooden.  taken in wars, and of him named one of the week days 
* An old Manuscript. Wodensday dedicated to King wooden. Friday dedicated t●… Queen Frea▪ Isis a Goddess of the Saxons.  Wodensday, whereon he was chiefly worshipped: whose wife named Frea, was by the like foolery held to be Venus a Goddess, unto whom another of their week days was assigned for name and service; which of us is called friday.  
Isis likewise with them was a Goddess of great account, so was Eoster, unto whom they sacrificed in the month of April; whence it cometh (saith Beda) that they called April Eoster-Moneth: and we still name 
Eoster a Saxon Goddess. Beda de temporibus.  the feast of the Resurrection, Easter. The Images of all these they still bare before them in battle, reputing no small confidence in their aids: and yet (saith Tacitus) they thought it unbeseeming to paint their Gods in the shape of men; having even by Nature doubtless written in their hearts, a regard to that demand of the Lord: To whom will ye liken me that I should be like him, saith the holy one jehova? They gave great heed also 
Esay 40. 25.  to the neighing of their Horses, and to the flight and singing of Birds, as ominous foreshewers of future events.  
(8) These Superstitions, Ethelward even in his days complained of: That they had infected the Danes, Normans and Suevians, with the worship of this God wooden; unto whom those barbarous Nations offered sacrifices, that they might be victorious where they fought. And as Crantz. recordeth, Herald the first of that name, and Norway's King, was so far overgone, that he sacrificed 
Crantzius Nor. Hist li. 3. ca 3.  two of his Sons unto his Idols, that he might obtain a tempest to disperse, and put back the Armado, which 
Herald King of Norway his wicked sacrifice.  Herald King of Denmark had prepared against him.  
This general defection of God's true worship, Adam Bremensis maketh mention of in this manner: In a 
Adam Bremensis.  Temple, saith he, called in their vulgar and native speech Vbsola, which is made altogether of Gold, the people worship 
Vbsola a Temple of the Saxons all of gold.  the Statues of three Gods, in such manner, as that Thor the mightiest of them hath only a Throne or Bed: on either hand of him Woodan and Fresco hold their places. And thus 
The Saxone Gods in their Temple Ubsola, and their properties.  much they signify: 
* Hence Thursday seemeth to be named.  Thor, say they, beareth rule in the Air, and governeth the Thunder and Lightning, Winds, Showers, Fair weather, Corn, and Fruits of the Earth. The second, which is Woodan, that is, stronger, maketh Wars; and ministereth manly valour against Enemies. The third is Fresco, bestowing largely upon mortallmen, peace and pleasure, whose Image they devise and portray with a great virtle member. Woodan they engrave armed, like as we use to cut and express Mars.  
(9) Their controversies and doubtful matters were decided by drawing of Lots, which they ever made of some fruitbearing tree, and was performed after this manner: If there were public cause, the Priest; if private, the Goodman of the house, or worthtest in the 
Tacit. in descript, Germ.  company, took those slitted slips, distinguished with certain marks that had been scattered at hap hazard upon a white garment: and after prayers and invocation on their God, with eyes fixed upon heaven, and three times lifting the same lots aloft, gave their interpretations thereof according to the marks therein inscribed; which was received and believed for a most sure Oracle: as the like was observed upon other occasions, both by the inspections of Beasts entrails, and sing of Birds, after the accustomed manner of other Gentiles, that doted upon the auguration for things of future success.  
(10) For the general government of their Country 
The government of the Saxons.  they ordained twelve Noblemen chosen from among others, for their worthiness and sufficiency: These in the time of peace road their several circuits to see justice and good customs observed, and they often of course at appointed times met together, to 
joannes Pomarius.  consult and give order in public affairs: but ever in time of war one of these twelve was chosen to be King, and so to remain so long only as the wars 
Chron. Sax.  lasted: and that being ended, his name and dignity of King also ceased, becoming again as before. And this custom continued among them, until their wars with the Emperor Charles the Great: at which time Wittekind, one of the twelve aforesaid, a Nobleman of Angria in Westphalia, ●…bore over the rest the name and 
Verstegam Restit. cap. 3.  authority of King; and he being afterward, by means of the said Emperor, converted to the faith of Christ, had by him his mutable Title of King turned into the enduring style and honour of Duke: and the eleven others were in like manner by the said Emperor advanced to the honourable Titles of Earls and Lords, with establishment for the continual remaining of these Titles and Dignities unto them and their heirs. Of whose descents are since issued the greatest Princes at this present in Germany. But though they observed this said form of government elsewhere, yet here in Britain it was otherwise, as hereafter will appear.  
(11) And thus much out of my poor readings, I have observed of the original beginnings, the names, manners, and customs, of our ancient Progenitors, the worthy Saxons, without either amplifying or impairing their glory: who being of all the Germans so much deuouted to war, as that their only fame therein was many times sufficient to daunt the Enemy, were thought upon by the downcast Britain's as the fittest to support their ruived Estate, of whose Entrance Conquests, and Kingdoms, we are now next addressed to speak.   

THE SAXONS ARRIVAL INTO BRITAIN UNDER THE CONDUCT OF HENGIST AND HORSA. CHAPTER FOUR  
WHen the state of Britain was miserably torn by 
An. Do. 450.  the calamities of civil Dissensions, Famine, Death, and Robberies, the Romans returned, their own Strength decayed, and their Afflictions daily augmented by their wont Enemies the Scots and Picts, no hope was left to their despairing hearts, that of themselves they were able to defend themselves: and therefore (as we have showed) they called to their aid the Saxons, a Nation fierce and valorous, who to the number of nine thousand, under the Conduct of Hengist and Horsa, two brethren, entered Britain at 
The Saxons enter Britain under Hengist & Horsa. W. Malmesbury.  Ebsfleet in the I'll of Thanet, in the reign of Theodosius the second, and of Valentintan the third, Emperors of the East and West, about the year of Grace 450. Received they were with great joy as Angels from Heaven, 
Beda 1. 15.  and saluted with songs after the accustomed manner of the Britain's, who appointed them the Island Thanet for their habitation.  
(2) These Saxons in short time made proof of 
Saxons overcome the Enemy, and free the Britain's.  their Manhood. For overcoming the Enemy even in Scotland itself, seated themselves in some part thereof; so that their Conquest seemed absolute, and the Britaines freed from their former assaults. Peace thus settled, and the Inhabitants freed, a friendly Composition was made betwixt these Nations, wherein the 
A composition betwixt Saxon and Britain.  Saxons undertook to maintain the Field, and the Britain's to sustain the Charge. In which league they abode some certain time, faith Witichindus, making use in a civil sort of the 
* Britain's.  Brets' friendship: but so soon as they perceived the Country large, the soil fertile, and the hands of the Inhabitants slow to practise feats of Arms: and further considering with themselves, that themselves and the greatest part of the Saxons had no certain place of abode, they found fault with their pay and want of victuals, making that their quarrel, as both too mean, and too little for their high deserts, threatening withal, as unkind Guests, that shortly they would reckon without their Hosts: and 
Witichindas'.  thereupon sending over for more of their Nation, entered peace with the Scots & Picts, who all together rose against the poor Brets'.  
(3) And Hengist, that by the gift of Vortigern 
Hengist had the whole possession of Kent.  had got the whole possession of Kent, sent for more supply of Saxons unto his aid, pretending employments of their service in other parts, but indeed to make strong his own designs: and these swarming daily over into Britain got the strength of munition 
Fabian.  and command of military affairs without impeach: For the King holding himself now sure from all interceptions, gave his immoderate senses scope to nourish more freely their sensual pleasures, and committed more audaciously those vices, unto which his 
The King giveth himself to security.  own corrupt nature was naturally addicted. This Hengist soon perceived, and to add more matter fit for flame, fed still the humours of this vicious King, outwardly showing his care and readiness for the Lands defence, his counsel and love to the Nobles in estate, and his courteous carriage to the Commons in general; but to the King an overseeming diligence, and servile obedience: by all which, ere it was long, he gave fire to the train, that blew up the foundations of the British policy.  
(4) For feasting the King in the Castle of Tonnge, 
Io●… Stow. Hengist seasteth the King.  commanded his daughter, a Lady of passing beauty, to attend the banquet, whose excellent feature and seemly behaviour, blew the sparks of desire so right into Vortigerns' wanton eye, that they presently kindled a flame in his lascivious heart: for in the midst of his cups, Rowena (so was the damosel called) with a low reverence and pleasing grace, saluted the King 
The King in love with Rowena.  with a cup of gold full of sweet wine, incharming it with these words in her language; Waes' heal hla●…po Cyning, which is in our English, Be of health Lord King: he demanding the meaning, would be taught to answer to her own understanding, and said, D●…c heal, that is, Drink health; whereof when he had pledged her (as we speak) this bowl infected his senses with no less sottishness, then that of Belus is said to do Dido, 
In the Fictious of Virg. 〈◊〉. 1.  when Cupid played the child Ascanius betwixt Aeneas and her. And brought more bale to the Land, than afterwards did that which was presented to King john at Swinsted Abbey by Simon the poisoning Monk: for 
Caxton 〈◊〉.  notwithstanding that he had a Queen then living, (himself not young, having sons at man's estate, in profession a Christian, whose Religion alloweth neither polygamy nor adultery) did importunate Hengist that Rowena might be his wife: which at first with 
Mark. 10. Vortigern would needs have Rowena to wife. Will. Malmesb. de Regibus.  some show of excuse and unworthiness of person, was denied, but lastly consented unto, and the Nuptials performed. And now Fortune casting occasion daily into Hengists' lap, he gave his aspiring thoughts no rest, till he had got the Crown from Vortigerns' head, and seized all under the Saxons power.  
(5) Hengist and Horsa in their Language, as also 
Verstegan Restit. cap. 〈◊〉.  in the ancient Teutonic Tongue, do both of them signify a Horse, unto which beast the Saxons had great regard, and whose neighings (saith Tacitus) were their 
Tacit. destri. Cer. cap. 2.  presages, and being white, were employed in their sacrilegious ceremonies. Virgil also maketh the Horse to be a lucky Osse or foretokened success in Battle, as in this his verse he doth intimate and write:  
Bello armantur equi, bella has armenta minantur.  
And Crantzius tells us, that it was a usual thing with 
Crantzius.  the Pagan Germans, especially of their Noblemen, to take the names of Beasts, some from the Lion, some 
Pagan Germans account of tyranno●…s beasta.  from the Bear, some from the Wolf, and some from the Horse, as here Hengist and Horsa are said to signify.  
(6) Which beast they bore in their shields of Arms at their entrance of Britain, and was blazed, saith 
Hengist and Horse their At●….  Verstegan, in this manner: A Horse Argent Rampant, in a Field Gules: which was the ancient Arms, as he affirmeth, of the Princes and Dukes of Saxony. And albeit those Dukes have of latter years changed that Coat, yet doth Henry julius, now Duke of Brunswick, a most ancient Saxon Prince, who sometimes bore the White Horse in a Red Field, bear the White Horse for his 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ar●….  Crest, having for his chief Coat of Armies, the two Leopards, which by Richard Cordelion King of England was given unto his ancestor Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony, who had married Mathilda the said King's sister, and by the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa had been bereft of his Arms, and Titles of honour. Moreover, Charles Emmanuel the now Duke of Savoy, who is lineally descended from the ancient Princes of the chief 
The Duke of Savoy, his Arms.  house of Saxony, by Prince Beral, who came out of Saxony into Savoy in the year of our Lord 998. and was the third son of Hugh Duke of Saxony, which Hugh was brother unto the Emperor Otho the Third, doth yet bear for one of his Coats the said Leaping Horse.  
(7) This Hengist was doubtless a Prince of the chiefest blood and Nobility of the Saxons, and by 
Chron. Sax. Hengist, his Country and parentage.  birth, of Angria in Westphalia, wherein unto this day a place retaineth the name of Hengster-holt. He with his brother were the sons of one Wihtgisil, whose father 
Floren. Wigoru. Beda hist. Ang. li. 2. ca 15.  was Witta, and his father Vecta the eldest son of Voden, as Beda writes him, of whose issue many Kings of sundry Provinces (saith he) had their original.  
He grown now into high favour with the King, by the marriage of Rowena, and feared of the Nobility 
Hengist, his first rising.  for his strength and policy, bore himself great among all, and his supplies daily arriving, pestered (if it not plagued) most parts of this Island. For saith Ninius and Beda, the riches of Britain, and the fertility of 
Ninius.  the soil, were such motives to their covetous and aspiring minds, that where they got footing, there they kept standing, and picked occasions where they were too strong. Among then that were sent for, by the advice of Hengist, two principal Captains, Octa and Ebissa were chief, 
Octa and Ebissa a tetter to the Britain's.  who being embarked in forty Pinnaces, sailed about the Picts Coasts, wasting the Isles that were called the Orcadeses, and got many Countries from them beyond the Frith, whereby a further terror was stricken into the Britain's hearts.  
(8) The Nobility perceiving what was in working, and the mark whereat Hengist set his eye to aim, 
The Nobilities complaint.  complained to the King of their dangerous estate, showing themselves aggrieved to be dispossessed of Offices and Charge, (as Guorong the Earl or Lieutenant of Kent, by Hengist had been) the Land pestered with strangers, that sought their subversion; reproving him much for his match with that Infidel Kowena, his own careless government and adulterous life, and in such manner, that Vodine Archbishop of London, a man of great sanctity, feared not to tell him that thereby he had endangered both his soul and Crown; 
Vortigern reproved by the Bishop of London.  which words by Vortigern were so digested, that shortly it cost the good Archbishop his life. But he still continuing in his lascivious and careless idleness, was lastly taught by woeful experience, what misery wilful rashness and neglected government do bring: 
He continueth in his folly.  for the Britaines his subjects no longer would be thus abused, to see themselves woven into greater danger by show of defence, than they formerly had been by the hostility of the enemy; but forthwith disclaimed 
His subjects disclaim their obedience.  their obedience to the King, when he had reigned the space of six years, and chose for their Governor his 
They choose Vortimer.  son young Vortimer.  
(9) His Son he was indeed by nature, but not his in conditions, who (besides the quarrel of his Queen mother for Rowenas' sake rejected) bore an inward love to his native Country, and an outward hate to the strangers that daily sought the subversion thereof, and presently encountered with them in a pitched Battle near unto Ailsford in Kent, wherein Catigern and Horsa, brethren to Vortimer and Hengist, in single fight hand to hand slew each other. 
Catigern and Horsa their single fight.   
In which place Catigern was buried, and a Monument in memory of him erected: the stones whereof to this day appear, and stand upon a great plain 
john Stowe, Cits-Cotihouse, Catigern his Monument.  in the Parish of Ailsford, and from Catigern as yet is corruptly called Cits-Cotihouse. The like Monument the Saxons built for Horsa, which time hath now defaced, and whereof Beda maketh mention, who saith, that a tomb bearing his name was in his days to be seen in the East part of Kent. The credit whereof is continued 
Beda hist. Aug. lib 1 cap. 15.  to this day, where the Village Horsted is reported 
Horsted the place of Horsa his Monument.  to have received that name from him, which standeth in the very same place where that Battle was fought, as the Inhabitants report.  
(10) Three other Battles after this with variable success were fought betwixt the Britain's and the Saxons, 
The Battles between Britain's and Saxons.  one at Craford, another at Weppeds-fleet, and the third upon Colmore; in which last the Britain's bare themselves so valiantly, that the Saxons were driven into the Isle of Tanet (if not over the seas) so that small 
The Saxons driven over Seas.  hope rested for them so long as this valiant Vortimer lived, who had dispossessed them of all their footing in the Continent, and often assailed them in Tanet, as Fabian saith. After this Victory long he lived not, but was made away by poison through the means of 
Vortimer poisoned by Rowena.  Rowena the mother of all this mischief, when he had sat King the space of four years; and the father again re-established.  
(11) Vortigern now was no sooner restored, but that Hengist had notice thereof, who was then in building 
Leiden Castle in Holland, begun by Hengist.  a Castle at Leiden in Holland, as their Annals do witness, and john Dousa in his verses specify: where leaving all (as it were) at random, returned to follow 
john Dousa.  his fortunes further in Britain, and with a mighty 
Hengists' landing resisted by the Britain's.  Army of his Saxons thought to land without impeachment: but the Britain's grown bold by their former victories, and their blood not cooled since it was heat in fight, admonished their re-established King, 
Matth. Westm.  who with them went to withstand his arivage. When Hengist therefore perceived their courage, and knew their hatreds to him and his Saxons, he sought by smooth words to gain the shore; and by some stratagem, 
Hengist useth treachery.  his wished desire: therefore pretending only to visit his daughter, yea and to rid the Land of her, if so he might have leave of the King and them; and therefore desired a conference in friendly manner: after which, his Saxons should depart the Land, and rest the like friends to the Britaines as they were when first they came in.  
(12) This motion seemed reasonable to the Nobility, 
At Salisbury-Plain the Britain's and Saxons treat of agreement. Will. Malmesb. de regibus.  and the place and time appointed, which was the first of May, and upon the Plain of Ambrij, now called Salisbury: whither upon equal terms (as was thought) each party repaired, and a while conferred with friendly semblances; but in the end the Saxons urging their wrongs, fell from words unto blows, the watchword first given by Hengist their Leader. The Britain's meant simply, and ware no weapons, according 
The Saxons suddenly murder the Britain's.  to covenants: but the Saxons under their long Cassocks had short Skeines hid, with which, no sooner the words, Nem eowr Seaxes, were pronounced, but that each slew him with whom he conferred, by which treason the Britain's lost three hundred of their disarmed Nobility, only Eldol Duke of Gloucester, as Randulph Higden declareth, with a Stake gotten from the 
Randulp. Higden. Polychr. li. 5. cap. 1.  hedge, slew seventeen Saxons. The King they took prisoner; for whose ransom, the Countries of Kent, Sussex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, were delivered unto these Infidels, who shortly defiled the beauty of Christianity 
divers countries delivered to the Infidels.  with their Paganism and heathenish cruelties. Then (saith Beda) the fire of God's vengeance was kindled by these wicked Conquerors, and raged first upon those 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 15.  Country's next adjoining, and afterwards from the East Sea unto the West, without resistance made to quench the 
Great spoil and desolation over all the Land.  same, public and private houses were overthrown and laid level with the ground, Priests were slain standing at the Altars, and Bishops with their flocks were murdered; neither was there any to bury the dead. And these are the times whereof wespake, and wherein the miserable Britain's abandoned the Land or hid themselves in caves, where in they either perished for hunger, or redeemed 
The Britain's abandoned the Land.  their lives with perpetual slavery.  
(13) Neither were their calamities greater in outward afflictions than their souls, polluted with the 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 17. Pelagianisme brought into Britain by Agricola.  heresy of the Pelagians, brought by Agricola, the Son of Severianus a Pelagian Bishop, that did foully corrupt the faith of the Britain's: to redress which, Germanus Altifiodorensis, and Lupus Bishop of Trecassa in France, were by the brethren desired, and sent unto their thus troubled and declining estate. These pillars of God's truth, after they had powered forth prayers, and convicted the Heretics, lead an Army of 
The Heretics convicted.  Britain's against the Picts and Saxons, and gained the victory; after which (like unto people that drew on God's vengeance and their own destructions) they fell to robberies and rapine, one City banding against another, and all laid waste by the Saxons and themselves. These miseries doth Gildas impute to have happened to his Britain's, because they took no care to preach the Gospel of Christ unto those Infidels the English-Saxons, 
The principal cause of the Britain's miseries.  that in their heathenish cruelties sought the Lands destruction.  
(14) Vortigern thus dispossessed, for his further 
Vortigern flieth into Wales.  security betook himself into Wales, where among those vast Mountains he built a strong Castle; of whose foundation, Merlin the Welsh Wizard, with the 
Merlin the Welsh Wizard. He builded a Castle there.  future success that should afterward follow the Britain's, have by way of prophecy vainly spoken. This Castle most of our Writers have said to be in South-Wales, upon a rocky and solitary mountain called 
The differing opinions where this Castle was built.  Breigh, or after others Cloarie, in the West of that Province, not far from Radnor, and near unto the River Gnava: but the inhabitants of North-Wales report (by the reports of their ancestors) that in old Bethkelert was that Castle, which Vortigern built, and is yet called Embris, from Merlin Embris, as they affirm. And surely (besides the craggy and solitariness of the place, which seemed to me rather an entrance into the shadow of death, then to be the Palace or Court of a King) the River Llynterrenny moveth much, by which Faustus his son, begotten of his own daughter Rowena, is said to spend his life in continual 
Faustus' spent his life in continual prayer.  prayers.  
(15) But whilst Vortigern was busied in building this Castle, and the Saxons making spoils wheresoever they came, the Britain's under the conduct of Aurelius Ambrose, began to receive some breath of hopes, and to show themselves out of their Caves. 
Aurelius Ambrose Captain of the Britain's. Beda hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 1. ca 16.  This Ambrose (saith Beda) was a gentle natured man, which only of all the blood of the Romans remained then alive, his parents being slain, which had borne the name of the King of the Country. He with his brother Uter, commonly called Pendragon, returning out of Britain 
Aurelius Ambrose and Uter Pendragon return out of Britain Armorica.  Armorica, where they had remained from the Tyranny of Vortigerne, landed at Totnesse in the West of this Island; unto whom resorted great Troops of Britain's.  
His first Expedition was against Vortigern the scourge of his Country, and murderer of his King: whose Castle straightways he besieged, and by the just revenging hand of God, with wild fire consumed, wherein those adulterous and incestuous persons were burned to ashes.  
(16) Next, following the common Enemy, he gave battle to the Saxons on the North of Humber, at a place called Maesbell, wherein Hengist was discomfited, 
A Battle at Maesbell. Hengist discomfited. Geoffrey ap Arthur. Matth. Westminst.  and in flight taken by Earl Edol of Gloucester, and beheaded at Conningsborrow, saith he of Monmouth. Howbeit, Matthew of Westminster maketh him fight another battle upon the River Dun, in Anno 489. wherein, saith he, Hengist was taken. And Polydore 
Polydore.  saith, that in the same battle Hengist at the first onset was slain, with many of his Germans: the fame of whose victory (saith he) is had in memory with the Inhabitants of those parts even unto this day. Yet Gildas, Beda, and Ethelward, Writers of those ancient times, and two of them Saxons, mention not the death of Hengist, neither this great victory of the Britain's. And Marianus the Scotish Monk seemeth to affirm the contrary, where he saith, that Hengist reigned thirty four years in 
Hengist reign.  great glory, and died peaceably, leaving his son Eske to succeed him in the Kingdom of Kent. With whom also Florentius the Monk of Worcester agreeth. Howsoever, sure it is, had not the divine power of God otherwise determined, the waning estate of Britain doubtless had recovered her former strength, both by the prayers of Bishop German, the prowess of this last spoken of Ambrose, the valorous attempts of Uter Pendragon, and the worthy industries of the Christian King Arthur. The famous resistances of this last mentioned Arthur, the Monk of Monmouth 
Geoffrey ap Arthur, Arthur's acts augmented with fables.  with such fables hath augmented, that his Acts and Travels may be compared to those of Hercules, or with the Conquests of Caesar himself; insomuch that he hath been accounted and ranged in the Catalogue of the world's nine Worthies. And surely (by the testimony of Malmesbury) he was a Prince of great worth, and did often adventure with his small power to meet the Saxons in the face and in Field.  
But the Britain's strength daily decreasing, and new supplies of these Saxons daily arriving, brought the one in despair to enjoy their own right, and the other to triumph in their intrusions of wrongs. For continually encroaching forward, and enlarging their limits wheresoever they came, drove the inhabitauts before them from their wont possessions, & seated themselves in the southern and best part of the Land, laying the stones (as it were) of those foundations, whereupon in short time they raised their most glorious buildings.  
(17) For every several Captain or Commander accounting that part his own, wherein he first entered or made conquest of, with full resolution determined to keep what he had got, and (as an absolute King) commanded his Province, whereby the Land became burdened with seven of them at the first: as Hengist of Kent; Ella, of those parts now called Sussex and Surrey; Cherdik, of the West; Erchenwin, of the East; Ida of the North; Crida, of the Middleland; Vffa, the parts now Middlesex and Essex: which Kingdoms thus begun and erected, stood not long unshaken by civil 
The Saxons often at dissension among themselves.  dissensions among themselves, each King envying his equals greatness, and seeking to enlarge his own Dominions upon the next. In which combustions, few or none of them came to the grave in due time, but were either slain in wars, or treacherously murdered in peace, or else enforced to shear himself a Monk, and resign his Crown to another. To speak of all these together, I hold would bring too great a confusion to our History, and a needless surcharge to the Readers memory: To avoid which, I will briefly set down the Conquests, Circuits, Acts, and Descents, that in every several Kingdom happened while they stood in their Heptarchy, before they were united to an absolute Monarchy; and then (according to my prefixed purpose) continue the succession of GREAT BRITAIN'S Monarches.  
(18) For albeit the Land was divided into 7. several Kingdoms, and each of them carrying a sovereign command within his own limits, yet one of them ever seemed to be supreme of the rest; and that Prince who had the greatest power or success in his wars, was ever accounted and called The King of the Englishmen, 
The mightiest of the Saxon Kings always King of the Englishmen.  as Venerable Beda in the fifth Chapter of his second Book, and History of England, ever termeth them.  
(19) Such therefore as held the rest under, either by Arms or alliance, in amity or subjection, swayed the whole Monarchy, and were acknowledged as Supremes in power over the rest, which succeeded not ever in the same Family, neither continued in one and the same Kingdom without reversement, but were carried upon the Floods and Ebbs of variable success, or as destiny pleased to alter the chance: whereof each of them (saving the Eastsaxons only) did attain to 
Only the Eastsaxons intruded not on their neighbour's dominions.  the height of that government, as to the haven of their wished desires. See therefore (if you please) a general view of the whole, and afterwards the several Histories of every Kingdom apart, before we enter into the Succession of the English-Saxons Monarches.  
Heptarchy. Kingdoms. Counties. King's Successions. kingdoms Continuance. King's first Christians. The Saxons Heptarchy. The Kingdom of Kent contained Counties, Kent. King's reigning, 

1. Hengist, 31.  
2. Eske, 24.  
3. Octa, 20.  
4. Ymerick, 29.  
5. Ethelbert, 56.  
6. Eabald, 24.  
7. Ercombert, 24.  
8. Egbert, 9  
9 Loather, 11.  
10. Edrik, 6.  
11. Withered, 33.  
12. Edbert, 23.  
13. Edelbert, 11.  
14. Alrik, 34.  
15. Ethilbert, 3.  
16. Cuthred, 8.  
17. Baldred, 18.   

Began in An. 455.  
Continued years 372.  
Ended in Anno 827.   Ethelbert. The Kingdom of Souh-Saxons contained Counties, 

Sussex.  
Surrey.   King's reigning, 

1. Ella, 32.  
2. Cissa, 75.  
3. Edilwach, alias Ethelwolf 25.  
4. Berthum.  
5. Authum.   

Began in An. 488.  
Continued years 113.  
Ended in Anno 601.   Ethelwolse. The Kingdom of Westsaxons contained Counties, 

Cornwall.  
Devon-shire.  
Dorsetshire.  
Somersetsh.  
Wilt-shire.  
Hantshire.  
Bark-shire.   King's reigning, 

1. Cherdik, 33.  
2. Kenrike, 26.  
3. Cheulin, 33.  
4. Ceaclik, 5.  
5. Chelwold, 12.  


6. Kingils, 32.  
Quithelin, 1.    
7. Kenwald, 30.  
8. Eskwyn, 2.  
9 Kentwin, 9  
10. Ceadwald, 7.  
11. Inas, 37.  
12. Ethellard, 14.  
13. Cuthred, 16.  
14. Sigebert, 2.  
15. Kenwolfe, 29.  
16. Brightrik, 16.  
17. Egbert, 19   

Began in An. 519.  
Continued years 561.  
Ended in An. 1066.   Kingils. The Kingdom of Eastsaxons contained Counties, 

Essex.  
Middlesex.   King's reigning, 

1. Erchenwin, 34.  
2. Sledda, 10.  
3. Sebert, 21.  
4. Sexred, Seward, Sigbert, 7.  
5. Sigebert, 23.  
6. Sigibert, 13.  
7. Swithelme, 14.  
8. Sighere.  
9 Sebba, 30.  
10. Sigherd, 8.  
11. Seofrid,  
12. Offa, 4.  
13. Selred, 30.  
14. Suthred, 38.   

Began in An. 527.  
Continued years 281.  
Ended in Anno 827.   Sebert. The Kingdom of Northumberland contained Counties, 

Yorkshire.  
Durham.  
Lanca-shire.  
Westmoreland.  
Cumberland.  
Northumber.   King's reigning, 

1. Ella, Ida,  
2. Adda, 7. Elappea, 5.  
3. Theodwald, 1.  
4. Frethulfe, 7.  
5. Theodrik, 7.  
6. Ethelrik, 5.  
7. Ethelfrid, 23.  
8. Edwine, 17.  
9 Oswald, 9  
10. Oswy, 28.  
11. Egfrid, 15.  
12. Alkfryd, 20.  
13. Osred, 11.  
14. Kenred, 2.  
15. Oswike, 11.  
16. Ceolnuphe, 8.  
17. Egbert, 20.  
18. Oswulph, 1.  
19 Edilwald, 11.  
20. Alured.  
21. Ethelred, 5/7.  
22. Alfwald, 11.  
23. Osred, 1.   

Began in An. 547.  
Continuedyeers' 379.  
Ended in Anno 926.   Edwin. The Kingdom of Mercia contained Counties, 

Huntingdon.  
Rutland.  
Lincoln.  
Northampton.  
Leicester.  
Derbyshire.  
Nottingham.  
Oxford-shire.  
Chesse-shire.  
Shrop-shire.  
Gloucestershire.  
Worcester-shire.  
Stafford-shire.  
Warwickshire.  
Buckingham-sh.  
Bedford-shire.  
Hartford-shire.   King's reigning, 

1. Creda, 6.  
2. Wibba, 3.  
3. Cheorl, 34.  
4. Penda, 30.  
5. Peada, 4.  
6. Wolfere, 17.  
7. Ethelred, 30.  
8. Kenred, 4.  
9 Chelred, 7.  
10. Ethelbald, 42.  
11. Offa, 40.  
12. Egfrid 4 monet.  
13. Kenwolfe, 22.  
14. Kenelm, 5. mon.  
15. Chelwolfe, 1.  
16. Bernulfe, 3.  
17. Ludecan, 2.  
18. Whitlafe, 13.  
19 Bertwolfe, 13.  
20. Burdred, 22.   

Began in An. 582.  
Continued years 202.  
Ended in Anno 886.   Peada. The Kingdom of East-Angles contained Counties, 

Suffolk.  
Norfolk.  
Cambridge-sh.  
Ely-Iland.   King's reigning, 

1. Vffa, 7.  
2. Titullus, 10.  
3, Redwald, 44.  
4. Erpenwald, 12.  
5. Sigebert,  
6. Egrik,  
7. Anna, 13.  
8. Ethelbert,  
9 Ethwald, 9  
10. Aldwolfe, 19  
11. Afwald, 7.  
12. Beorn, 24.  
13. Ethelred, 52.  
14. Ethelbert, 5.  
15. Edmund, 16.   

Began in An. 575.  
Continued years 353.  
Ended in Anno 914.   Redwald.   

THE KINGDOM OF KENT BEGUN BY HENGIST THE SAXON, WITH THE SUCCESSION OF THEIR KINGS, THEIR ISSVES AND REIGNS. CHAPTER V.  
KEnt, the first Dominion of the Saxons Heptarchy, was formerly in the days 
1. An. Do. 455.  of julius Caesar, the Seat of four several petty Kings, yet never called a Kingdom, 
Kent in the days of julius Caesar the Seat of four Kings.  before that Hengist, the first Saxon Captain, in favour of his Daughter Rowena, got it by the gift of King Vortigern, about the year of Grace 455. and in the seventh year after his first arrivage, here he first laid the foundation of those fortunes which the Saxons his Nation in this Land afterwards attained unto: for having possessed the same with Victory and Wealth the space of thirty one 
Hengist his reign and death.  years, (some add three more) he left it in peace to his son Eske; and the rest of the Island so weakened by his means, that others of his Nation were shortly planted in other parts thereof. It contained the Continent that lieth betwixt our East-Ocean and the River 
Of Hengist see more in the succession of the English Monarchy, cap. 12.  Thames, being bounded upon the West with Sussex and Surrey.  
ESke, the second King of Kent, is reported to be the second son of King Hengist, who accompanying 
2. An. Do. 488. Petrus Albinus. Eske the second King of Kent. Retained prisoner in York.  his father into this Island, made proof of his great valour in all his Battles fought against the Britain's, and in one of them (as Geffrey of Monmouth rereporteth) being taken prisoner, was for a time retained in York, but thence escaping, he aided his father in the Battle of Crekynford; and after his decease, succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent, from whom 
His reign and death. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 5.  those Inhabitants (saith Beda) were called Eskings, amongst whom he peaceably reigned about twenty years, and died in the year of our Lord 512.  
OCta the son of Eske began his reign over his Father's Dominions, the year of Christ's Incarnation 
3. An. Do. 512. Octa his reign.  512. and reigned twenty two years, without mention of any memorable Act.  
IMerik, the son of Eske, and the fourth King of Kent, reigned twenty five years, saith Stowe; twenty 
4. An. Do. 532.  nine, saith Savil in his Table collected from our English Writers. He had issue, Ethelbert the first Christian 
Florent Wig●…. I●…erik the son of Eske. I●…erik his children.  King of Kent, and a daughter named Rikell, married to Shedda the second King of the Eastsaxons, the mother of Sebert and Segebald.  
EThelbert, the son of Imerik, in the year of grace 561. succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent, 
5. An. Do. 561. Ethelbert the son of I●…erik.  who by reason of his young years, was sore molested by his neighbour Princes, that sought to enlarge their Provinces upon his: for now the Saxons having made full Conquest of the Britain's, fell at variance among themselves, taking all occasions to supplane each other, as Conquerors commonly can endure no equals, and prosperity ever is looked at with an envious eye; whereupon Cheulin King of the Westsaxons, proud of his victorious successes over the Britain's, began to 
Cheulin in●…adeth his Territors,  disdain all amity with his own neighbour Saxons, invaded the Territories of this young Prince, and in a set Battle slew Oslave and Cnebban, two of his Dukes, discomfited the King, and won the day. This field was fought at Wiphandun, in the year of our Redemption 567. and is noted to be the first Battle betwixt the Saxons themselves since their first entrance into Britain.  
But young Ethelbert grown unto years, repaired his losses with the enlargement of his Kingdom to the banks of Humber, and was the fifth Monarch of 
Ethelbert the fifth Monarch of the Englishmen. His first wife, and children by her. In the life of Saint We●…rg His second wife.  the Englishmen, as after we shall hear. His first Wife was Berta, the daughter of Chilperik, King of France, by whom he had Edbald, Ethelburg, and Edburg: a second Wife he had unworthy of name, for her incestuous and abominable act, in matching herself in marriage with her Husband's Son, A sin (saith the Apostle) not to be named among the Gentiles. Of this King, as also of all the rest that attained unto the glory, 
1. Cor. 5. 1.  to be enstiled (per excellentiam) the Sovereign Kings of the Englishmen, I purpose to be sparing in their particular Kingdoms, and to reserve the larger relation of their Acts, Matches, Issues, and continuance, to the times of their several Monarchies, whereby a more historical course may be carried, through the successions of the English-Saxon monarchs, and a needless repetition of the same things avoided, which otherwise of necessity would follow. He 
Repetition avoided in this History.  reigned in great glory fifty six yee●…s, and was the First Saxon King that received and established the Gospel. He died the four and twentieth day of February, the year of Christ 616. after he had reigned 56. 
Beda Hist. Eccles Angl. lib 2. cap. 5. He●…r. 〈◊〉.  years, and was buried at Canterbury, with this inscription upon his Tomb: 
Rex Ethelbertus hîc clanditur in Poliandro,  
Fana pians Christo, ad Christum meat absque Meandro.  EDbald, the son of King Ethelbert, in the year of Christ 617. assumed the Government of Kent, 
6. An. Do. 617.  who no sooner, saith Beda, had gotten from under the awe of his father, but he refused to entertain the Doctrine 
Beda hist. ●…ccles. Aug. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 5. Edbald, his s●…. there dead, refused the doctrine of Christ. He married his Mother in Law.  of Christ, and so polluted himself with the foul sin of fornication, as that he married his Mother in Law, the late Wife to his own Father: which two heinous faults gave his subjects both occasion and impunity to return to their former idolatry, who under his Father, for favour, or for fear, had yielded to the Laws of the Christian Faith. But the scourge of God & vengeance from Heaven wanted not to the punishment of this unfaithful King: for he was plagued for a season with often frenzy of 
Edbald often plagued.  mind, and raging fury of an unclean Spirit; but by Laurence Archbishop of Canturbury, he was at length 
Reclaimed from Idolatry by the Archbishop.  converted from his Idolatry and incestuous Matrimony, and being baptised, endeavoured to maintain the state of the Gospel. He married Emme, the daughter 
His Wife.  of Theodebert, King of Austrasie, now Lorraine, by whom he had issue a Daughter named Enswith, who died a Virgin at Fulkestone, a Religious House in Kent 
His Daughter.  of her Father's foundation; and two Sons, whereof Ermenred the elder died before his Father, and left issue Dompnena, who was married to a Mercian Prince; 
His Sons, and their issue.  Ermenberg that died a veiled Virgin, Ermengith a mention; Ethelred and Ethelbert, both murdered by their Cousin-german, King Egbert. His younger Son was Ercombert that succeeded him in the Kingdom. This 
Edbald, his liberality to the Church. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6. His reign and burial.  Edbald built a Chapel within the Monastery of Saint Peter and Paul at Canturbury, in honour of Mary the blessed Mother of God, endowing that Church with sufficient maintenance; wherein, after the continuance of twentyfoure years reign, he was buried near to King Ethelbert his Father, Anno 640.  
ERrcombert, the Son of Edbald by Emme his Wife, 
7. An. Do. 641.  succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Kent, in the year of grace 641. He was a virtuous, religious, and Christian King: for the Temples of the Heathen 
His care of God's worship. Beda hist. lib. 2. c. 〈◊〉 His Wife and issue.  Idols he suppressed, and commanded the fast of Lent to be observed. His Wife was Sexburg, the daughter of Anna King of the East-Angles, by whom he had issue Egbert and Lothair, both Kings of Kent after him; Ermenhild, Wife to Wolfere King of Mercia, and Erkengode a professed Nun in the Monastery of Saint Brigets in France; where she died, and was interred in the Church of Saint Stephen. In his days the state of the Church growing to a well settled form of government, the Province of Kent was divided into Parishes by Honorius the Archbishop, as testify the 
Kent divided into Parishes.  Records of Christ-Church in Canturbury. This King having reigned twenty four years and odd months, 
His reign and death.  died in the year of our Lord 664.  
EEgbert, the elder Son of King Ercombert, in the nonage of his young Nephews, Ethelred and Ethelbert, 
8. An. Do. 665.  (the sons of his Uncle Ermenred) obtained the Rule of Kent, and had not their murder much blemished 
Egbert his murder.  his peaceable Government, he might well have held place with the worthiest of those Kings: but thirsting after an absolute sovereignty, and fearing lest his own power should diminish by their growths and rightful successions, he set his mind on that bloody, traitorous, and unnatural attempt, and with the assistance of one Thurne, found fit place and opportunity to work that devilish design, casting their bodies into a River, that so their Murders 
The fact revealed. Wil Malmesbury de gesti●… rerum Anglorum.  might not be known. But God (saith Malmesbury) that searcheth the heart, revealed the act, by casting up their bodies on the shore, and to the open view of the next Inhabitants, who with great reverence there buried them, and built a small Chapel over their Monument, whose bones afterwards were removed, and new interred in the Abbey of Ramsey in Hantshire. The Lady Dompnena their Sister, and next Heir to the 
Their bodies solemnly buried. Dopnena their sister.  Crown, that was married to Merwald, a Prince of West-Mercia, and borne him four Children, founded the Abbey of Minster in Kent: Wherein, saith Stowe, she became the first Abbess herself, and Mildrith 
Her religiousness.  her daughter succeeded her therein, saith Capgrave. This King in great quietness reigned nine years, and died in the year of grace 673. in the month of 
Egbert his reign and death. Beda hist. eccles. Ang. lib. 4. cap. 5.  july: leaving issue Edrik and Wigtred, both Kings of Kent, succeeding after Lothaire.  
LOthaire the brother of Egbert, by strong handobtained the government of Kent. For notwithstanding 
9 An. Do. 673. Lothaire intrudeth into the Kingdom.  Egbert left issue Edrik and Wigtred, (as is said) yet Lothaire taking the advantage of their minorities, and the example of his brother's intrusions, made himself King against his, as he had done against the Sons of Ermenred, but did not enjoy the same with the like peace as he had done. For not only Ethelred the Mercian warred strongly against him, but also Edrik, by the assistance of the Southsaxons continually sought to recover his right, whereby the peace of the 
Matt. Westminst.  Kentish was much molested: and lastly, in a bloody battle was Lothaire shot thorough with a dart, whereof he died under his Surgeons hand, the sixth day of 
Lothaire slain.  February, in the year of Christ 685. after he had 
Beda hist. Eccles. Angl lib. 4. ca 5. & 26. His reign.  reigned eleven years and seven months. The punishment of the Murder committed by his brother Egbert, was on him repaid, saith Malmsbury, who derided and made jests at the laments for young Ethelred 
Lothaire maketh but a ●…est of murder.  and Ethelbert, that were by the people held and accounted Martyrs. His body was buried with his Predecessors, Kings of Kent, in the Monastery of S. Peter and Paul in Canturbury, Anno 685. 
His burial.   
EDrik, the Son of King Egbert, having slain his 
10. An. Do. 686. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4 cap. 26. Edrik his reign. His death.  Uncle Lothaire in battle, succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent, wherein he sat only two years, and those in continual wars with his subjects; in which civil broils lastly he was slain, leaving the Kentish Kingdom so torn with dissensions, that it became a prey to many Usurpers, and gave occasion to Ceadwalla the West-Saxon, to seek the annexion thereof to his own Kingdom; who with his brother 
Ceadwalla and Mollo invade Kent.  Mollo entered Kent, and with fire and sword made waste where they came. To meet these, the Kentish assembled, and getting the advantage, burned Mollo to death: in whose revenge Ceadwalla persisted, and wasted 
Mollo burned to death.  the most part of that Province before he departed: so that after for six years continuance no King reigned in Kent, but the Country lay exposed to the tyrannies of oppressors.  
WIgtred or Withered, seven years after the death 
11. An Do. 693. Wigtred his means of attaining the Kingdom.  of his Brother, took upon him the government of Kent, which he purchased with the good opinion that his subjects conceived, and with a great sum of money paid to King Inas for his peace. He entered his Kingdom the year of Man's Redemption 693. the eleventh of November, and two hundred and five years, after the death of Hengist the first Saxon. With him reigned one Swebharde, as Beda declareth: but without mention from whom, or upon what occasion. He founded the Priory of S. Martin at Dover, and behaved himself worthily both in War 
His bounty to the Church. Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 4. c. 26. & lib. 5. cap. 9 His reign and death.  and Peace: his reign was thirty years; thirty three, saith Beda; and death in Anno 725. leaving issue Edbert, Ethelbert, and Alrick, all three succeeding successively in the Kingdom.  
EGbert, the first Son of Withered, succeeded his Father in his Kingdom, virtues, & valours, whereby 
12. An. Do. 726.  a peaceable government is allotted him by all Writers of these affairs, for the continuance of twenty 
Edbert a virtuous prince. His reign.  three years, without relation of any notable accident peculiar to himself and Kingdom: besides the appearances of two fearful Comets, in Anno 729. 
Two blazing Stars.  and fourth of his reign; the one arising immediately before the Sun in the morning, and the other showing his fiery beams presently upon the Suns set, both of them striking their gleams into the North, and by West, foreshowing (it may be) the scourge and desolation that the Pagans intended, who were at that instant entered into France and Spain. 
His Burial.   
EThelbert, the second Son of King Withered, and Brother to the last King Edbert, began his Reign 
13. An. Do. 749. Ethelbert his reign.  over the Kingdom of Kent, the year of Man's Salvation 749. and reigned without any memorable act either of his, or of his kingdoms affairs, the space of eleven years, leaving this life in Anno 759. and 
His death.  was buried, say some, in the Monastery of Peter and Paul in Canturbury, without issue of his body to succeed 
His burial.  him: howbeit the Annals of Canturbury affirms him to be buried at Reculuers, in the I'll of Tanet, whose Monument is showed at the upper end of the South I'll in the Church, and is mounted with two Spires, if there be not a mistaking of him for Ethilbert his Successor.  
ALrick, the third Son of King Withered, by the 
14.  death of his brother Ethelbert, obtained the kingdom of Kent, the year of Christ's Incarnation 760. no other 
Alrik the last of lincall succession.  glory attending his affairs (saith Malmesbury) besides his unfortunate fight at Otteford against Offa King of the Mercians, wherein it seemed some honour (though with his overthrow) to withstand so puissant and impugnable an enemy. He is the last King of Kent that held the sceptre in a lineal succession: the 
All the Kings of Kent after Alrik usurpers.  rest that followed, both got and enjoyed it by tyranny and usurpation. This King is said to reign thirty four years, and to die in the year of grace, seven hundred ninety three.  
EThilbert, surnamed Prens; usurped the Title and Authority over the Kentish Dominions, when that 
15. An. Do. 794.  Province was sore oppressed with the invasion of the Mercian Kenulfe, whose wars against Kent, by succession from Offa, were continued with such rigour and valour, that the Country lay desolate where he had been, and the people distressed whither he came. This Prens, Kenulse took prisoner, and lead away with 
His imprisonment.  him into Mercia: but at the dedication of a Church that he had then founded at Winchcomb, in presence of ten Dukes and thirteen Bishops, he released him at the High Altar, without either entreaty or ransom of redemption. The King returning again into Kent, 
His releasement.  could not there be received, his place either being supplied by another, or himself so disliked, as not worthy any longer to reign: and having had experience of the world's mutabilities, is left again to his private fortunes, from whence he had stepped, having held his estate but for three years continuance. 
His reign.   
CVthred, saith Malmesbury, was made King of Kent by Kenulfe King of Mercia, when he had overcome 
16. An. Do. 797.  and captivated Ethelbert: notwithstanding he is accounted for an Usurper, and bore the title of King 
His reign.  the term of eight years, without any other act worthy of remembrance, inheriting his predecessors evil hap and calamity, through factions and civil discords.  
BAldred, after the death of this Cuthred, took upon him the princely dignity of Kent, about the 
17. An. Do. 805. Baldred took upon him the kingdom of Kent.  year of Christ's Nativity 805. But now the heavenly providence determining to bring again together that which the Saxons had divided, raised from exile little Egbert, to make him the Great Monarch of the Englishmen. His first wars were against Bernulfe King 
Egbert, Monarch of the Englishmen.  of Mercia, and his second against this Baldred, King of Kent, whom in Battle he vanquished, and forced him out of his Kingdom, after he had sat on that princely Throne the space of eighteen years. This Baldred is said to have fled over Thames, and to leave Kent to the will of his Conqueror, whither again he never returned, neither yet was heard of after his 
This kingdoms beginning, continuance, and end.  overthrow. This Kingdom then that was erected by Hengist, the year of man's happiness 455. continued her government 372. and ended her glory in the year 827. being made a Province unto the Westsaxons.   

SOUTH SAXONS KINGDOM, THE CIRCVIT AND CONTINVANCE, THEIR KINGS, SUCCESSIONS, ISSVES AND REIGNS. CHAPTER VI.  
THE Kingdom of the Southsaxons, containing the Countries of Sussex 
The limits of this kingdom.  and Surrey, had on the East side Kent; on the South, the Sea and I'll of Wight; upon the West, Hantshire, and the North ●…de inverged with the river Thames. This Kingdom was erected by Ella a Saxon-Captaine, that in the second year of Hengists' entrance, as some say, brought a supply of his Saxons into Britain, with whom came 
An. D. 488.  his three sons, Kymen, Plenching, and Cissa, these landing at a place which from Kymen was afterwards called Kymenishore, and discomfiting the Inhabitants, 
The Inhabitants chased into a wood.  that made resistance, became himself King of those Southern parts. But doubtless there are many opinions of this man's first entrance and new erected estate: for some (as M. Savile in his Table) set it in the 
The divers opinions of Ellas first entrance.  second year of Hengists first arrival, Anno 452. Others in the second of Aurelius, and no less than thirty years after that, Anno 482. Harrison will have it forty three years after the Saxons first entrance, and fourth year after King Hengist his death, Anno 492. And M. Ferrer in his Succession of the English monarch, placeth it in the three and twentieth year of King Hengists' Kingdom, and in the fifth after his own arrival, the year of our Redemption 488. Of such uncertainty is the beginning of this Southsaxons Kingdom, whose Continuance and Successions are nothing clearer; insomuch that Malmesburie making several Chapters upon the other six, omitteth 
Ma●… omitteth this Kingdom.  only this of the Southsaxons: and therefore as we find them, let us have leave to relate them, and for the present to leave Ella as he was King; till we come to a fit place where more shall be spoken of him as he was Monarch; whose reign is set by Stow to be 
Ella his reign and death.  thirty six years; by Sir Henry Savile, twenty four; and by M. Henry Ferrer, thirty two, and to hau●…ed in the year 514.  
CIssa the third and youngest son of King Ella, 
2.  then only living at his father's death, succeeded him 
An. Do. 514. Cissa Succeeded.  in the kingdoome of the Southsaxons, (leaving the Monarchy to Cherdike king of the Westsaxons, who had planted his kingdom between him and the Britain's, having taken the charge of war against them, for maintenance whereof, Cissa yielded him a yearly contribution) and living himself in long rest and peace, founded Chichester and Chisbury, the one a 
Chichester and Chisburis founded by Cissa.  City for resort of his people, the other a place of repose for himself; which last he fortified about with a strong Trench, for a further defence against all dangers. Of any other his actions, little is recorded by Writers: only in this they concur, that he was a 
Stow.  man of great age and small acts, some affirming that he reigned the space of seventy six years. 
Cissaes' Reign.   
EDilwach (by some called Ethelwolf and Athelwold) succeeded King Cissa in the kingdom of the 
3.  Southsaxons, and was the first Christian of that Nation, converted by Bishop Wilfride, as some conceive out of Beda: yet Beda saith expressly, that the King was baptised before Wilfrides' coming. And the History of S. Swithune saith, it was done by S. Berinus, Bishop of 
Liber Historialis S. Swithune W●…ion.  Dorchester, who usually preaching the Gospel in the kingdom of the Mercians, in the City of Oxenford, and presence of Wulpherus King of Mercia, it happened that King Athelwold, than a Pagan, was present, who by the endeavour of Vulpherus, and instruction of Berinus, received the 
Beda. lib. 4. ca 13.  laver of Baptism, whom also Wulpherus received at the Font for his Godson, and in sign of that adoption gave 
〈◊〉 Edilb●…es Godfather.  unto him two Provinces, to be annexed to his former kingdom, that is to say, the I'll of Wight, and the Province of Manures in the West of England; at which time also Berinus by King Athelwolds permission, baptised the chief Dukes and Nobles of that Province. His Queen Ebba 
Ebba the wife of Wolfere.  was baptised in her own I'll, the Province of the Viecians, being the daughter of Eanfride, who was brother to Eanheres, and both of them Christians. But it is generally held, that King Edilwach gave unto Wilfride the Peninsula (as the Latins speak) of Seoleseu, 
Beda lo●…o ci●…ato. Selsee in Sussex.  now Selsee in the West, with the demaynes of eighty seven Tenements, wherein he built the Monastery that bore the same name, and was his own Episcopal Sea. Against this Edilwach, Ceadwald a valiant young Prince, of the Blood-royal of the Westsaxons, being 
Cap. 15.  banished his Country, making head with the assistance of friends and followers, entered his Territories with an impetuous incursion, and slew the King as he made resistance, when he had reigned twenty five 
His reign and death.  years: in whose reign and Country raged such an extreme Famine, that both men and women in great 
Beda hist. l. 4. c. 13.  flocks and companies cast themselves from the Rocks into the Sea.  
(4) Berthun and Authun, two Dukes of the Southsaxons, maintained the Wars and defence of their Country against Ceadwald, and by manly valour forced him to retire. These Captains betwixt them 
Ceadwald driven back.  held the dominion of that Province, until such time as Ceadwald had gotten the Kingdom of the Westsaxons; who bearing in mind the remembrance of his former proceedings, and thinking to enlarge his own Kingdom with the subjection of the Southsaxons, entered again that Province, and in Battle slew 
Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 15.  Duke Berthun, harrying the Country miserably before him. Which State, unable to withstand the Westsaxons puissance, was by Iue, the next King succeeding, made a subjecteth Province, their Government thence forward resting under his Successors, after it had stood one hundred and thirteen years: and ended 
The continuance and end of this Kingdom.  in the year of Christ 601. by ordinary computation. But whosoever shall compare the times of the foresaid Kings, Wulpherus and Athelwold together, will easily find, that it is not easy to find the certain concurrence of times, in affairs so clouded in obscurity, and so far remote from our preseut times.   

THE KINGDOM OF THE WESTSAXONS, THE CIRCVIT THEREOF, AND SUCCESSION OF THEIR KINGS UNTO EGBERT; WITH THEIR ISSVES AND REIGNS. CHAPTER VII.  
THe Kingdom of the Westsaxons, though in time later 
The West Saxons the first that brought the Heptarchy to a Monarchy.  than the two former, yet in circuit and fame surmounted them both; whose Monarch was the Maull that first broke the Sceptres of the other six Kingdoms in sunder, and made one Crown of these their several Diadems, more glorious than they all, and that first worn upon Egbert the Westsaxons heads, and the Sceptre swayed in his Imperial hand; until whose time and person we will continue the succession of their Kings, beginning with Cherdik that first made it a Kingdom, and briefly show their Acts, 
Florent. W●….  whilst it so stood in the Saxons Heptarchy.  
THis Cherdik is said to have brought a second supply 
2. An. Do. 495. The time when Cherdik entered into Britain.  of Sax●…s forces into Britain, in the year of our Lord 495. and fifth of the Monarchy of King Ella: his landing being at a place on that occasion called Chederik-shore, who with his son Kenrik, was encountered by the Britain's, under the conduct of Natanleod a British Prince, whose Country was then called 
An. Do. 508.  after his name; whom he slew in Battle, with five thousand more of his Britain's: the fortune of which field gave resolutions and hopes of better success; it was fought near unto a Brook upon that event called Cherdiksford, now by contraction Chardford. Hereupon establishing his new erected Kingdom, (which contained Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Somersetshire, 
The circuit of this kingdom.  Wiltshire, Hantshire, and Berkshire,) he enlarged the same with the conquest of the I'll of Wight, the government whereof was by him given to Stuffe and Withgar his Nephews, which later slew the Britain's there inhabiting, and named the place of his victory Withgarbirg, assuming the name of King, and was buried at his City Withgar, in the same I'll. About seven years after Cherdiks' entrance, Porth a Saxon, with his two Sons, Megla and Beda, landed in the West, at the place from him called Portesmouth, whose aid with Kent and Sussex, assisted Cherdik in his Conquests. His reign is set to be thirty three years; and 
The first King's reign, issue, and death.  his death in the year of grace five hundred thirty five: having had two sons, Kenrik and Chelwolf, the one of which died before his Father; and the other succeeded him in his Kingdom. Chelwolf had issue Cuthgils, whose son was Kenfridd, and his son Kensy, the Father of King Eskwin, who was the Successor of King Kenwalk, and predecessor of King Kentwin, in the Kingdom of the Westsaxons.  
KEnrik, the eldest Son of King Cherdik, having formerly made proof of his prowess in the assistance 
3. An. Do. 535. Kenrik his battles.  of his Father, was after his death also very fortunate in obtaining two victories over the Britain's; the one at Searesberige, and the other at Beranbrig; whose reign beginning Anno 534. continued 
●…anbery in Oxsordshire.  twenty six years; ending in the year of our Redemption, five hundred sixty. He had issue three Sons, of 
His issue, Cheaulin, Cuthwolfe, and Cu●….  which Cheaulin the eldest succeeded him in his kingdom; Cuthwolfe the second assisted his Brother in his Wars, and was partaker with him of his victories, who died Anno 672. leaving issue one only Son, named Chell, or Cearlike, who proved nothing so virtuous and dutiful a subject as his Father had been: for he rose in rebellion against his Uncle, and by 
Cearlike the son of Cuthwolfe, rebelleth against his uncle.  strong hand expelled him his kingdom.  
The third Son of King Kenrik was Cuth, famous in his issue, though mentionlesse for action in himself: for he had three sons, of which Chelwolf the eldest, was King of the West Saxons (as shallbe declared) Chell the second, was father to Kingils the sixth (and first Christian) King of the West Saxons, and Grandfather to Kenwall and Kenwin the seventh and ninth Kings of that Kingdom: and Ched the youngest, was father of Kenbert, Grandfather to Chedwall the most renowned King of the West Saxons; of whom we are presently 
Chedwall, the most renowned King of the Westsaxons.  to speak, and of them all in the succession of th●… English Saxons Monarches: and now to return again to the issue of King Kenrik.  
CHeaulin his first son, entered upon the government over the Westsaxons Anno 561. and even 
4. An. Do. 561. Cheaulin the time when he began to reign. An unquiet and ambitious neighbour.  at the first began to disturb the quiet peace of his neighbour Provinces, taking advantage at the young years of Ethelbert, who was made King of Kent in the same year that Cheaulin was, whom he discomfited, and slew his two Captains, Duke Oslave and Duke Cnebba, at * Wibbandune, as we have said. Other 
Wimbledon. cap. 5. Sect. 5.  Victories he obtained over the Britain's, both at Bedford, Deorham, Gloucester, Cirencester, and Bathancester. 
Stowe.  But the fortunes of wars being always variable, at length his success altered, and at Wannes ditch in 
Overthrown by Cealrik.  Wiltshire he was overthrown, and dispossessed of his kingdom by Cealrik his brother Cuthwolfs' son, when he had reigned thirty three years. He had issue, 
His reign. His issue, Cuth and Cuthwin. Cuth a va●…nt warrior.  Cuth and Cuthwin: the former served valiantly in the wars under his father at Wimbledon in Surrey, where King Ethelbert of Kent was chased, and his soldiers slain: and with the like valour and victory he fought at Fethanleygh against the Britain's, notwithstanding that therein he lost his life, the year of our 
Slain 〈◊〉 Fethanleygh.  Lord 585. and the five and twentieth of his father's reign. Cuthwin his younger brother survived his father, but succeeded not in his Kingdom, being then (by reason of his young years) unable to recover his right. He had two sons, Kenbald and Cuth, the latter of which was father to Chelwald, whose son Kenred had issue, Ine the eleventh King of the Westsaxons, and Ingils his brother, whose son was Eoppa the father of Easa, whose son was Alkenmud, the father of Egbert the eighteenth King of the Westsaxons, who reduced the Saxons divided Heptarchy into an absolute Monarchy.  
CEarlik the son of Cuthwolfe, who was brother to 
5. An. Do. 592. Cearlik the 〈◊〉 King of the Westsaxons.  this last King, succeeded in the kingdom by the ejection of his Uncle, and was the fourth King of the Westsaxons. He began his reign in the year of our Redemption 592. and continued it the term of six years, without any memorable act by him achieved 
His reigns continuance.  besides his Treason spoken of before.  
CHelwolfe the son of Cuth, the son of Kenrik, 
6 Chelwolfe when he began to reign.  and Cosen-german to Cearlik the preceding King, began his reign over the Westsaxons, the year 598. on whose first entrance, this province of the Westsaxons was invaded both by the Britain's, and also by 
Westsaxons inusded by three sundry Enemies. Hen Huntingd. His death.  the Scots and Picts: and the East-Angles likewise molested his peace, under the conduct of Redwald at that time Monarch of the Englishmen. But he wading thorough these troubles, harried the Province of the Southsaxons with invasions and calamities, in the prosecution whereof he died, leaving the pursuit of his wars and possession of his kingdom to Kingils his Nephew, that immediately succeeded him, after he had reigned the space of fourteen years.  
Kingils' the Son of Chel, who was Brother to King Chelwolfe, succeeding his Uncle in the kingdom 
7. An. Do. 611. Kingils' his coming to the Kingdom. Quinchelinus his associate. Wil Malmsbury. Marianus. Florent. Wigorn. Their victory over the Britain's.  of the Westsaxons, in the year six hundred and twelve, in his third year associated unto him in his Government Quinchelme his Son, who jointly managed the Westsaxons affairs both of war and peace. And fight with victory against the Britain's at Beandune, they there slew of them one thousand forty six persons, and after that against Penda King of Mercia, near unto Cirencester, about the fifth year of his reign, where lastly they came to a conclusion of peace. This King at the preaching of Berinus (an Italian Divine, afterward reputed for a Saint) 
Kingils' converted to Christianity, the first of all the Westsaxons Kings. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3 cap. 7. Oswald a witness at his baptizing. His gift to Kingils.  and by the persuasions of Oswald the most Christian King of Northumberland, (who was a suitor to become his Son in Law, by the marriage of Kineburg his daughter, and was made his Godfather by receiving him at the Font) received the Word of Life, and became the first Christian King of all the Westsaxons; in witness whereof, he gave the City Dorchester, near unto Oxford, to his Converter, who therein erected his Episcopal Sea. He reigned the space of thirty one years, some say but seven and twenty, and had issue (besides Quinchelinus, who reigned with him, and died before him) Kenwin and Kenwald, that succeeded him; and Kineburg his Daughter married to Oswald, as is said. Quinchelinus had a Son named Cuthred, that was baptised with his Father at Dorchester, and is said by Stowe, to have reigned after the death of Kingils: but I take it rather to be Kenwen, whom some suppose to be his Father's Associate the term of four years, but never sole King himself.  
KEnwald, whom Beda calleth Senwalch, succeeded his 
8. An. Do. 643. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 7. Kenwald re●…th the Christian faith.  Father Kingils in the kingdom of the Westsaxons. His beginnings by Matthew of Westminster are compared to be with the worst, and his end with the best of those Kings. At his first entrance he fought with victory against the Britain's at 〈◊〉, whereof he became most insolent, and refused not only to receive the Christian Faith, but also put from him his lawful wife Sexburg, the sister of Penda King of Mercia, whereby he became hateful to his own Subjects, and sore assaulted by the Mercian King, who followed the revenge so far, that he forced Kenwald 
He 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of his Kingdom.  out of his kingdom, who being driven to extremity, sought succour at the mercy of Anna the Christian King of the East-Angles, where he was both courteously entertained, and at last (won to the Christian 
Ro●… ald won to the faith of Ch●…ist.  Faith) was baptised by Bishop Foelix, whereupon he did recall his wife, according to prescript of Christianity, and recovered again his former Majesty, which he much advanced by his pious works. He founded 
His works of devotion. 〈◊〉. Malmsbury. His reign and death. Vita Alel. His Wife governeth the kingdom.  the Cathedral of Winchester, and the Abbey of Malmesburie, and when he had reigned thirty one years, gave place unto nature in the year 673. leaving no issue of his body to succeed him: whereupon Segburg his wife took upon her the government of the Westsaxons, the same year that Lothair was made King of Kent, she being a woman of great spirit and understanding, 
An. Do. 674.  and sufficiently worthy to have managed the Kingdom, had she not been prevented by death, or rather (as some write) by a religious devotion, that the affairs of this present life might not hinder her zealous meditations of the future, in desire whereof, she abandoned her Regency, and built a house of devotion in the I'll of Shepey, wherein herself became 
She becomes a Nun, and is elected Abbess of Ely.  a Vowesse, and afterward was elected the Abbess of Elie.  
ESkwin after the departure of Queen Segburg, succeeded in the kingdom of the Westsaxons. He 
8. An. Do. 675.  was the son of Kensy, the son of Kenfrid, the son of Cuthgils, the son of Chelwolfe, the son of Cherdik, the first King of that Province: his reign lasted 
Eskwin his reign not long. Hear. Huntingdon. His battle with Wulfere.  but two years, in which time he fought a great Battle with Wulfere King of the Mercians, at the place then called Bidanheaford, and wherein many of the Saxons on both sides perished, leaving neither issue to 
He died without issue.  succeed him, nor other matters to be spoken of him, though (as it seemeth) he had dispossessed Kenwin, who had more right to the Crown then himself; or (as Beda and Malmesbury aver) he reigned with him the space of two years, and Kenwin alone for seven years more.  
KEnwin the brother of Kenwald, and son to King Kingils, in the year 677. became the ninth King 
9 An. Do. 677. Kenwin, when he began to reign.  of the Westsaxons, and reigned the space of nine years. He was a great scourge unto the weak and over-borne Britain's, making Conquests of their possessions, and forcing them even to the Sea-shoare, being 
A great scourge to the overborne Britain  a people allotted unto misery, and by these strangers pursued so vehemently, that lastly they were driven into the West-Angle of this Island, and their lives defended and maintained among those waste Mountains and hard Rocks, which therein were more propitious and gentle than the stony hearts of their Oppressors.  
CEadwalla a valiant young man, and of the blood-royal of the Genisses, saith Beda, being banished 
10. An. Do. 686. Beda hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 4. ca 15.  from his Country through the envy of others, who maligned him only for his virtues and worthiness, succeeded Kenwin his kinsman in the kingdom of the Westsaxons, and with greater glory reigned then any other in that Province before him had done. He 
Ceadwall reigned with greater glory than any other.  was the Son of Kenbert, whose Father was Ched, the second Son of Cuth; and Cuth was the third Son of Kenrik, who was the eldest Son of Cherdik, that laid the first stone of this kingdoms foundation. His first brunt of fury was against Edilwach, King of the 
His descent.  Southsaxons, whom in field he slew: and in another battle Berthun, that had made himself King of that 
His wars against the Southsaxons.  State. The I'll of Wight also he almost quite wasted: and though he were unbaptized, yet did he bind himself by vow to give the fourth part of the spoil unto God's use, and performed it accordingly unto Bishop 
His vow to God.  Wilfrid, who with Bernewine and Hildila converted the people from their Idolatrous superstition, unto 
The last of the Saxons that were converted to Christ.  the true service of Christ, it being the last part of the Saxons possessions that was turned from their Pagan manners. Of which his specious devotion, Malmesburie giveth this censure: although we praise his affection, (saith he) yet allow we not the example; for it is written, that who so offereth unto God the goods of the 
An unpleasing ●…fice to God.  poor, doth as it were sacrifice the son in the sight of the Father. Kent also with grievous wars he twice afflicted, and therein spilled so much Christian blood, that 
His great bloudthen in Kent.  nature herself was therein offended, and he at last as much lamented: in repentance whereof, after he 
His repentance.  had reigned in great stoutness the space of two years, in a zealous devotion went to Rome, where of Pope Sergius he was baptised upon Easter Even (saith Beda, 
His baptizing.  the year of our Redemption 689.) by the name of Peter, and wearing as yet the white Robes of innocency, put (as the rite than was) upon him at his laver of Baptism, fell sick, and the twentieth day of 
His death.  April following died, having had neither wife nor child that we read of. He was buried in Saint Peter's Church in Rome, under a fair Monument, with this 
His burial.  inscription thereon engraven: here Cedwall, otherwise 
Beda hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 5. ca 7.  named Peter, King of the Westsaxons, is buried, who died the twentieth of April, in the second Indiction, and lived thirty years or thereabouts, when that noble and mighty Prince justinian was Emperor of Rome, and had reigned four years in the Empire, and Sergius a true pattern of the Apostles, had sat two years in Peter Seat. What hath been written of this Ceadwall, King of the Westsaxons, by Beda the Saxon and his followers, 
The history of Ceadwall attributed to Cadwellader by Geffrey.  hath been attributed to Cadwallader King of the Britain's, by Geffrey of Monmouth the Britain, john Castor, and More, affirming him to be the same man, and that upon the admonition of an Angel he went to Rome, took penance of Pope Sergius, there died in the twelfth Kalends of May, and was there buried with 
Book of S. Alban, part. 5. cap. 61. D. Powel History Ca●…b. pag. 9  the same Epitaph, and after the same manner. But the Writer of the History of Cambria, of Cadwaladers going to Rome, and the other appendances, seemeth to be doubtful, and saith that it differed from the assertion of Bernardus Guidonius, the nearness of the names being the very cause of the like relations, and confidently affirmeth that it was Edwall the son of Cadwallader, who in such devotion went to Rome, and there made such a religious end, about the year of our Lord 720.  
In, whom Beda calls Hun, others Ina (the son of Kenred, the son of Cuth, the son of Cuthwin, the 
11. An. Do. 688. Floren. UU●…gorn. j●…e his descent.  son of Chelwin the third King of the Westsaxons, the son of Kenrik the second, and he the son of Cherdik the first King in that Province) after Ceadwals' departure to Rome, took upon him the government of that Kingdom, which he managed with continual Victories the term of thirty eight years. His first attempts were against the Kentish-Saxons, in revenge of his cozen Molloes' death, whose wrath Withered 
Ine his first ●…ts.  pacified by the payment of thirty thousand Marks, saith William of Malmesbury. In the year of Grace seven hundred and eight, and twenty one of 
Wil Malmsbury.  his own reign (as Matthew of Westminster hath observed) he fought with the Britaines under their Captain 
Matth. Westminst. His battle with the Britain's.  Gerent, whom he victoriously subdued: and in his twenty sixth year, against Cheolred King of Mercia, with doubtful victory, at the place then called Wodenesbury: and in his thirty sixth, invaded the Southsaxons with such success, that he reduced the same 
His conquest of the Southsaxons.  Kingdom into a Province, and annexed it in subjection to the Westsaxons: and manifesting his good desires both to the administration of justice, and the advancement of Divine Piety, he ordained many good Laws 
His love of justice.  for the amendment of manners in his people, which are yet extant written in the Saxon Tongue, and translated into Latin by the learned M. William Lambert.  
He built at Wells a College dedicated unto God, and 
His zeal to piety.  bearing the name of S. Andrew's: which afterwards Kenulph, King of the Westsaxons made an Episcopal Sea. The renowned Abbey of Glastenburie most stately he built to the honour of Christ, Peter and Paul (whereof Malmesburie maketh mention in his book of Glastenburies' Antiquities) in a fenny place sequestered from the road way, where formerly had stood the old Cell of joseph of Aremathea, and that being decayed Devy Bishop of S. David's had thereon erected a new; which time also having ruinated, twelve men well affected in the North parts of Britain had repaired, but now by this Ina was quite pulled down, and after a most sumptuous manner new built; the Chapel whereof he garnished with gold and silver, and gave rich ornaments thereto; as Altar, Chalice, Censor, Candlesticks, Basin and holy water, Bucket, Images, and Pale for the Altar, of an incredible value: for the gold thereupon bestowed, amounted to three hundred thirty three pound weight, and the silver to two-thousand eight hundred thirty five pound, beside precious Gems, embrouched in the Celebrating Vestures. He instituted also a certain yearly payment to the See of Rome, enjoining every one of his subjects that possessed in his house of one kind of goods to the value of twenty pence, that he should pay a penny to the Pope yearly upon Lammas day: which at first was contributed under the name of The King's Alms, but afterwards was called and challenged by the name of Peter-pences. At length, by the instigation and earnest persuasion of Ethelburga his Queen, he renounced the glittering glory of his present and princely estate, wherein he had in great prosperity reigned 
His last estate wherein he died.  thirty seven years and odd months; and professing a voluntary poverty, (so great was the zeal, and so little the knowledge of that age) went to Rome, where in the habit of a Religious Man he ended his life in poor estate; and Ethelburga his wife became a veiled Nun, and was made Abbess of Barking near London, wherein she ended her life. The brethren of this Inas, were Kenten, whose son was Aldelme Abbot of Malmesbury and Bishop of Sherborne, and Ingils that was the progenitor of Egbert the first Saxon Monarch of the whole Island: and his sister Cuthburga, married into Northumberland, sued a divorce against Osrick her King and husband, and in the habit of a Nun ended 
His Wife.  her days at Winburne in the County of Dorset. 
12. An. Do. 726. Matt. Westminst. Ethelard terrified by the appearing of two blazing stars. The continuance of his reign.   
EThelard the kinsman of King Ina (whom he ordained his successor at his departure to Rome) was the son of Oswald, and he of Ethelbald the son of Kenbald, the brother of Cuth, and both of them the sons of Cuthwin, the son of Cheaulin, the son of King Kenrik, the son of Cherdik, the first West-Saxon King. He began his reign the same year that King Edbert did his over the Kingdom of Kent, and with him was terrified by the dreadful appearance of two Blazing Stars: of whose Acts, no other mention is recorded, saving that at his entrance into regal estate, Oswald a Norman of the Westsaxons blood, emulated his glory, and troubled the quiet peace of his prosperous beginning: but not able to win fortune to favour his proceedings, he quite abandoned his native Country, and so left Ethelard to rule the Kingdom in peace, who therein quietly reigned the space of fourteen years, without any mention of wife or issue.  
CVthred, cozen to King Ethelard, succeeded him in his Dominions, and was much disquieted by Edilbald 
13. An. Do. 740. Hen. Hunting.  King of Mercia, both by open war and privy practices: but these two Kings coming to a conclusion of peace, joined both their Powers against the over-borne Britain's, and in a bloody battle gave them a great overthrow. In this time, saith Beda, the bodies of the dead were permitted to be buried within the walls of their Cities, which thing before was not lawful, but their corpse were interred without in the Fields; many of whose Tombs as yet are witnesses to us, that daily find them in the digging of the grounds adjoining, and reserve them for sight, or other necessary use.  
The peace of this King was molested by his own subject, an Earl named Adelme, who boldly encountered his Sovereign in Battle, and fought it out even 
Adelme a rebel.  to the point of victory; but failing thereof, and forced to fly, his life was pardoned. And he made General 
Vanquished by Cuthred.  against the Mercian Edilbald, Cuthreds ancient foe, wherein by his valiant prowess, with the flight and discomfiture of the Enemy, he made a worthy amends for guerdon of his life, and was ever after held 
Restored again to favour.  in great favour and honour. This King reigned in great fame and victories the space of fourteen years, 
Cuthred his reign & death.  and died in the year of our Lord's Passion 753. He had issue one only son, whose name was Kenrik, a valiant 
Matt. West. Kent ik his son.  young Prince, who in the ninth year of his Father's reign was seditiously slain in his Army, for bearing himself (as it may seem) overrigorous towards the Soldiers.  
SIgebert obtaining the Principality of the Westsaxons, reigned therein no long time, and that without 
14. An. Do. 754. Sigebert, his reign without honour. Wil Malmsbury. Given to viciousness.  all honour or fame. His parentage is obscure and unknown, but his vices are made apparent and manifest; for he wallowing in all sensual pleasures, added exactions and cruelties upon his Subjects, setting aside all laws and rules of true piety: from which vicious life, when he was lovingly admonished by his most faithful Counsellor a worthy Earl called Cumbra, so far was his mind from abandoning his impious courses, as that he caused this Noble parsonage to be cruelly slain; whereupon the rest of the Peers seeing their State and lives were every day in danger, and the common subjects, whose Laws were thus violated, being incensed into fury, they rebelliously 
His subjects rise against him.  rose up in Arms against him, and would acknowledge him no longer their Sovereign. Sigebert, by nature as fearful as he was audacious unto vice, fled into the woods as his only safeguard, where like a forlorn person he wandered in the day, and in caves and dens lodged in the night, till lastly he was met with by a Swineherd that was servant to Cumbra, and of him known to be Sigebert, was presently slain in revenge of his master's death, in the wood that was then 
His death.  called Andreads Walled, when he had reigned not fully two years. 
His reign.   
KEnwulfe, sprung from the blood-royal of the West Saxons, after the death of wicked Sigebert was 
15. An. Do. 755. Kenwulfe his descent. Hen. Hunting. His victories against the Britain's.  made King of that Province; and appeasing some tumults that were stirred for Sigebert, obtained many victories against the overmastred Britain's: but had not the like success against Offa King of the Mercians, who at Bensington gave him a great overthrow. He founded the Cathedral Church of S. Andrew's at Wells, which afterwards was an Episcopal See, and 
He founded a Cathedral Church.  in great honour reigned for the space of twenty four years; but then Fourtune turning her face away from him, the rest of his reign did not suit to that which was spent: for he giving himself to pleasure and security, banished Kineard, the brother of his Predecessor Sigebert; who dissembling his wrong, gave place unto time, and occasion being offered, made his use thereof. For Kenwulfe coming to Merton, to visit his Paramour, was there set upon and slain; and his body 
He is slain. Buried at Winchester. Simon Dan.  conveyed and buried at Winchester, after he had reigned twenty nine years, leaving no memorial either of Wife or Children. 
61 An. Do. 784. Hen. Hunting. Matth. West. Simon D●…. Ran. C●…st. lib. 5. cap. 25.   
BRithie, lineally descended from Cherdik the first King of the Westsaxons, a man of a soft and quiet disposition, succeeded Kenwulfe in that Principality, in the year of Christ's Incarnation 784. He married Ethelburga, the daughter of great Offa the Mercian King, by whose power he expelled Egbert that ruled a Lordship in his Province under him, whose fame increasing through his feats of wars, drove many icalousies into King Brithries' head, and the more by the instigation of Ethelburga his Queen, who bearing herself great, because of her parentage, practised the downfall and destruction of them whom she hated, and by her suggestions this Egbert was banished on suspicion of conspiracy. It afterward chanced, that she preparing poison to make an end of one of the King's Minions, wrought thereby (though unwittingly) the King's death: for he by tasting the confection, ended his life, after he had reigned the space of sixteen 
His reign and death.  years. Wherein, she fearing the just revenge of his subjects, fled into France, & by Charles then King, was so courteously entertained, as that for her great beauty there was offered her the choice of him or his son. But she in her youthful and lustful humour, choosing the son, was debarred from both, and 
His Wife.  thrust into a Monastery, in the habit (not the affection of a Nun) where not long after she abused her body by committing of adultery, and was shortly expelled, 
Roger 〈◊〉.  and in beggarly misery ended her life, as by many that so saw her, we have heard it reported, saith Asserius mine Author. For this her most heinous crime, whereby was procured the murder of her Husband, the Westsaxons ordained a Law, to the great prejudice of all their Queen's succeeding; that none of them should have either title, majesty, or place of royalty; 
A Law against the Saxon Queens.  which was severely executed for many years after.  
In the days of this Brithrik, many prodigies appeared, and more perhaps then will be believed. For it 
Asser.  is reported, that in his third year a shower of blood 
Will. Malmesb. The prodigies that happened in this King's time.  reigned from heaven, and bloody crosses fell upon men's garments as they walked abroad. And in his tenth year were seen fiery Dragons flying in the air. Which wonders, some took to be presages of the miseries following, both by the Invasions of the 
Matth. Westm. H●…r. Hunt. The Pagan Danes invade this Island in this King's time.  Pagan Danes, that in these times were first seen to arrive in this Island, and the extreme Famine that afterwards happened: howsoever, sure it is that the Heptarchy now began to set in the West, and the rising Monarchy to appear in King Egbert, whose acts and issue shall be further rehearsed, when we shall come to the time of his succession among the English Monarches.   

THE EASTSAXONS KINGDOM, THE CIRCVIT, SUCCESSIONS OF THEIR KINGS, THEIR ISSVES, AND KINGDOMS CONTINVANCE. CHAPTER VIII.  
THe site of the Eastsaxons Kingdom, was the Country 
The site of this Kingdom.  of Essex, Middlesex, and part of Hartfordshire, and the Circuit so far as the Diocese of London now extendeth. It was bounded on the East with the Ocean; on the South with the Thames; on the West with the Colne; and on the North with the River Stowre. The Kings thereof claim their descent from 
The descent of these Kings.  Prince wooden, not as all the rest of the Saxon Kings, but only by a collateral line; and Erchenwine became the 
An. Do. 527.  first King, which nevertheless he held as feodary to the Kings of Kent. For which cause, it seemeth that Malmsbury mentioneth him not in the Catalogue of 
Malmesb. de Gest. Angl. cap. 6.  those Kings, but maketh his son Sledda the first, and tenth in descent from wooden.  
ERchenwine, is said to be the Son of Offa, the son of Bedca, the son of Sigefuget, the son of 
1. Erchenwine the first King of the Eastsaxons.  Sneppa, the son of Awpig, the son of Supig, the son of Seaxnod, from whom all these Kings fetch their original: His Kingdom began about the year 
His descent.  of grace 527. and in the fifteenth of Eske the second King of Kent; and his reign long, but yet without any memorable acts; dying in the year 586. and leaving his son to succeed in his place. 
His death.   
SLedda the son of Erchenwine, succeeding in the Eastsaxons Kingdom, reigned peaceably without 
2. An. Do. 587. Sledda the second King. His marriage.  mention of any wars; for having married Ricula the daughter of Imerik King of Kent, was thereby the more favoured of them, and feared of others; and nothing left (besides his quiet reign) to be recorded to posterities; neither are many years of successions numbered, but as they are gathered from the Computations of other princes, with whom they either lived, or were linked in action. This Sledda died about the year of our Redemption 596. and left issue by 
His death.  his wife Queen Ricula, Sebert, who succeeded him in the Kingdom, and Segebald his brother whose Sons 
His issue.  afterward were Kings of that Province.  
SEbert the son of Sledda and of Queen Ricula, began 
3. An. Do. 596. Sebert the time when he began to reign.  his Reign in the year of Christ's Incarnation 596. and in the thirty six year of the reign of King Ethelbert of Ke●…, his mother's brother, at that time Monarch of the Englishmen; who in Seberts' chief city London, a Princely Mart Town, (saith Beda) of many 
Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 3.  people arriving thither both by sea and land; new built a Church, making it the Cathedral of Bishop Miletus, and so wrought with King Sebert, that he converted him to Christianity; and assisted him in that Foundation, where formerly (say some) had stood the 
Sebert converted to Christianity by Ethelbert.  Temple of Diana. This Church these new Converts and Saxon Kings, either new reared or enlarged for the honour and service of God, and dedicated under the name of Saint Paul: which work Ethelbert further 
S. Paul's Church built.  confirmed with sufficient maintenance, as by this his Charter is seen, containing these words: Aethelbert Rex, Deo inspirant, pro animae suae remedio, dedit Episcop●… Mileto terram quae appellatur Tillingham, ad Monasterium sive Solatium scilicet S. Pauli. Et ego Rex Aethelbert ita firmiter concedo tibi Praesuli Mileto potestatem eius habendi & possidendi, ut in perpetuum in Monasterij utilitate permaneat, etc. And that this was the Temple of Diana, some have further confirmed unto us by the incredible number of Ox-heads there digged up in the days of King Edward the First, when the east-end 
S. Paul's Church aforetime the Temple of Diana. S. Peter's Church in Cornhill built: a fore time the Temple of Apollo. Sulcardus.  of that Church was enlarged; which were supposed to be of those Beasts that were there sacrificed to this Goddess Diana. These Kings likewise founded the Church of S. Peter in the West of London, at a place called Thornye, where sometimes stood the Temple of Apollo, as Sulcardus affirmeth; which being overthrown by an Earthquake, King Lucius new built for the celebration of God's service; and that again being decayed, those Kings restored it to a greater beauty, where Sebert, after thirteen years reign, (as some write) with Aethelgoda his Queen were buried: 
Stowe.  whose bodies in the days of Richard the Second (saith Walsingh.) were translated from the old Church 
The. Walsingham.  to the new, and there interred. He had issue by the said Queen, sere, Seward, and Sigebert, whose lives and deaths were as followeth.  
sere, Seward, and Sigbert, the sons of King Sebert, reigned as it seemeth, together in the Kingdom of 
4. Three Kings jointly sway the Kingdom. Enemies to Christianity. Beda hist. eccles. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 5. They are put from the Communion. Miletus fled into France.  the Eastsaxons; all three wicked irreligious men, and deadly enemies to the Christian Profession. These contumeliously presuming to the Lords Table, and holy Sacrament of his Body and Blood, were prohibited by Bishop Miletus, because they were Idolaters and unbaptized: which repulse they took so offensively, that they expulsed Miletus, who thereupon fled into France. But their impiety was not long unrewarded: for fight against Kingils, and Qinchelinus his son, (Kings of the Westsaxons) were by them overcome, and in 
Rand. Cest. The three Kings slain.  battle slain about the year of Grace 623. as by the learned Sir Henry Savile is calculated, whose account for these times I altogether follow.  
SIgebert the little, the son of Seward, the second 
5. An. Do. 623. Segebert the Little. Matth. Westminst. The time when he began to reign. His successor.  son of King Sebert, entered his reign over the kingdom of the Eastsaxons, the year of Christ 623. of whose affairs, little matter is left for us to relate, saving that he having both a Brother and a Son, yet his Kingdom was succeeded by neither, but by one Sigibert, his Cosen-German once removed.  
SIgibert, the son of Segebald, the brother of Sebert, 
6. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 22. Sigebert his descent. He restored the Christian faith.  the son of King Sledda, and of Ricula his Queen, succeeded his kinsman in the Kingdom of the Eastsaxons. This Sigibert reduced again his Province unto the embracing of the Christian Faith, being daily instigated thereunto by Oswie King of Northumberland, and received Baptism himself at the hands of Bishop Finnan, and at the place called The Wall, procured 
He was baptised by Bishop Finnan.  virtuous Cedda to be his assister for the plantation of the Gospel in his Kingdom. He was murdered by 
Rap●…o Cogshall. His death.  two of his kinsmen, who, as Beda saith, were Brethren, no other cause moving them, but his overmuch lenity and clemency. He reigned by the foresaid 
His reign.  account, sixteen years, leaving issue a young son named Selred, that succeeded Seofrid in that 
His issue.  Kingdom.  
SWithelme succeeded his brother in the Province of the Eastsaxons, nothing being mentioned of his 
7. An. Do. 661. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 22. Swithelme baptised.  life or reign, besides his Baptism by Bishop Cedda, and that his Godfather at the Font-stone was Edelwald King of the East-Angles.  
SIghere, the son of Sigebert the little, entered his 
8. An. Do. 664. When Sighere began to reign.  reign over the Kingdom of the Eastsaxons, the year of our Lord 664. and was the eighth King of that Province, in part whereof Sebba his nephew reigned, with better commendations than Sigehere at his beginning had done; for Beda reporteth, that upon a 
Beda hist. l. 3. c. 30  great mortality and plague, to appease the wrath of his Gods, Sighere became an Apostata, and forsook the faith of Christ, whereas SEbba continued constant with those in that Province under his jurisdiction: yet by the diligent care of Wulfere King of the Mercians, Sighere and his people were reclaimed, throwing down 
Reclaimed by the King of Mercia.  the Temples and Altars erected to Idolatry, and opening again the Christian Churches for the Saints assemblies, that so (saith he) they might rather die in hope of the Resurrection, then wallow in sin, and live in Idolatry. His wife was Oswith the daughter of Edelfrith, King of Northumberland, whom Capgrave 
His Wife.  maketh a Saint, and Abbess of Berking near London, even in the days of her husband.  
SEbba, the Brother of Segebert the Little, and Son of Seward, (as we have said) succeeded as sole King 
9 An. Do. 664. W●… Mal●…s.  in the Province of the Eastsaxons, and with much equity and administration of justice reigned therein thirty years: towards the end whereof, the better 
.  to prepare his mind for contemplation, he relinquished his Princely Robes, and put on the Habit of Religious Profession in the Monastery of S. 〈◊〉 in London; as Radulphus de Diceto, with others at tirme. 
Rad. de Diceto.  Wherein this penitent King living a while in fasting and prayers, died the year of Christ 693. whose body 
His latter end. His death.  was entombed in a Coffin of Grace Marble, the Cover copped, and as yet standing in the North wall of the 
Sebba his Coffi●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Chancel of the same Church.  
A miracle thereof Beda reporteth, needless either 
Beda bid. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 11. A miracle.  then to be wrought, or now of us repeated, were it not to point at the blindness wherein even good men were then led; and thus it is: They having prepared a tomb-stone, to lay his body in, found it too short by the quantity of an hands breadth, and hewing it longer, yet would not serve: therefore they minding to bow up the knees, laid the body therein, and suddenly it lengthened of itself with more than was sufficient. But surely howsoever this tomb was then set on this Monkish tenter, it is now since shrunk again in the standing, and exceeds not in measure five foot in length. His wife (but unnamed) he likewise 
His Wife.  instigated to leave the momentany pleasures of 
An. 1●…o. 694.  princely State, for that which is permanent: which thing with much ado he lastly obtained, leaving her to follow him in his virtuous devotions, and his two sons to succeed him in his kingdom.  
SIgherd, the Son of King Sebba, whom Beda maketh a Monk with his Father, followed him also in the succession of the Eastsaxons Kingdom; the time of whose entrance is set in the year of Christ's Incarnation 694. and his death in 701. no other mention being made either of Acts, Wife, or Issue.  
SEofrid, the Son of King Sebba, and Brother to King Sigheard, either jointly reigned with him, or 
11. Seof●…d the son of King Sebba.  successively after him, of whom I find nothing mentioned worthy inserting, having had neither Wife nor issue that are recorded.  
OFfa, the Son of Sighere, and of Queen Oswith 
12. An Do. 701. Rich Ci●…st. Beda hist. eccles. Angl. lib. 〈◊〉. c. 20. His latter end. His Wife.  his Wife, a man noted for his comely feature and sweet countenance, succeeded King Seofrid in the Kingdom of the Eastsaxons, the year of grace 701. He both enlarged with buildings, and enriched with lands the goodly and beautiful Church of Westminster, but after he had ruled eight years, being moved with a supposed religious devotion, he abandoned Kineswith his wife (the daughter of Penda the Mercian King) his lands, kin, and Country, and with Kenred King of Mercia, and Edwine Bishop of Worcester, went to Rome, where he was shorn a Monk, and in that habit died, leaving his cozen Selred to succeed in his kingdom. His wife Kineswith after his departure, (with the like penancie) vowed herself a veiled Nun in the Abbey of Kineburg, whereof his sister was Abbess, who had been wife to Alfrith King of Northumberland.  
SElred, the Son of Sigebert the Good, who was murdered for his overmuch clemency, attained to the 
13. An. Do. 709. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Selred the son of Sigebert the Good.  Kingdom of the Eastsaxons, in the year of grace 709. His reign was long, though his acts are little spoken of, either that others worther affairs filled the pens of those Storywriters, or that his time was so peaceable and unactively spent, that it ministered not matter whereof to indite. He reigned 38. 
His reign and death. He●…. Hunting.  years, and died Anno 746. without relation either of Wife or Children.  
SVthred, after the slaughter of Selred, was made 
14. An. Do. 747. Suthred King of the Eastsaxons.  King of the Eastsaxons, which title he retained, until that Egbert King of the Westsaxons, taking Arms against him, expulsed him out of that Kingdom; as also the same year he did Baldred, King of Kent, which was in the year of Christ's Incarnation 827. and made it a Province annexed unto the Westsaxons, 
Westsaxons stood a Kingdom 281. years.  after it had stood in state of a Kingdom 281. years.   

THE KINGDOM OF NORTHUMBERLAND, CIRCVIT AND CONTINVANCE, WITH THE SUCCESSIONS AND ISSVES OF THOSE KINGS, UNTO THE LAST SUBVERSION THEREOF BY KING EGBERT. CHAPTER IX.  
THis Kingdom of Northumberland consisted at 
Northumberland how divided at first.  first of two distinct Provinces; whereof the one was called Deira, and the other Bernicia, and were governed sometimes by their Kings severally, and sometimes under one, as success of war, or other casualties incident did afford. The royal descents of whose Kings are brought by Florentius both from the Fourth and Fifth Sons of Prince wooden, after this manner. Ella, under whom the Kingdom of Deira 
Florent. Wig●…rn. The pedigree of these Kings.  began, was the son of Iffi, who was the son of Wuskfrea, the son of Wilgils, the son of Westorwalchna, the son of Seomel, the son of Suearta, the son of Saepugell, the son of Seabald, the son of Siggeot, the son of Suebdeg, the son of Siggar, the son of Weadeg, the fourth son of wooden. And the descent of Ida, the raiser of the Bernicians kingdom, is brought from Bealdeag the fifth son of wooden; for Bealdeag was father to Brand, whose sons were Beorn and Freodegar, the latter of which twain was the progenitor of Cherdik the first West-Saxon King: and his brother Beorn begat another Beorn also, and he Wegbrand the father of Ingebrand, whose son was Alusa, the father of Angengeal, and this man's son Ingengeat, the father of Aethelbright, whose son Oesa begat Eoppa the father of this Ida, the first King of Bernicia.  
These Saxon Captains Ella and Ida, about sixty years after the death of King Hengist, changed the 
The time when this Province became a Kingdom. W●…. Malmsb.  title of this Province from a Dukedom to a Kingdom. For Hengist having given the possession of those North parts unto Otho his Brother, and to Ebusain his son, their Successors held it, with many hostile eruptions the space of 99 years. But now the Britain's subjecteth, and no resistance made, those Captains divide the Province into two parts, intituling either by the name of a Kingdom; the first Deira, 
This Province divided into two Kingdoms.  was possessed by Ella, which stretched from Tyne, to the River Humber; and the second Bernicia, enjoyed by Ida, whose Continent lay betwixt the Tyne and 
Deira & Bernicia.  the Frith of Edinburgh. These together contained the Counties of Westmoreland, Cumberland, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lancaster, and Durham, and was bounded on the West with the Irish Seas, on the North with the Wall of Scuerus, on the East with the Germane Ocean, and on the South with the Rivers Mersey and Humber. Ida, saith Malmsbury, reigned fourteen years: and Ella by Matthew of Westminster, is said to succeed him for thirty years. The issue 
Ida his reign. Malmsbury. Ella his reign. Ida his issue legitimate and illegitimate.  of Ida legitimate, as Huntingdon recordeth, were Adda, Bealrik, Thedrik, Ethelrik, Osmer, and Thedred; illegitimate, Oga, Ecca, Oswald, Ailrik, Sogoe, and Sogother. These (saith Matthew of Westminster) arrived at Flemisburke with forty Ships, and assisted their Father in many 
They arrive at Flemisburke with forty ships. Ella his issue.  of his enterprises. The issue of Ella, by Florentius his record, were Acca, Wife of Ethelfrid, King of Bernicia, and mother to the most Christian Oswald, Monarch of the Englishmen, and Edwine the Monarch and first Christian King of Northumberland. Ida is said to begin his reign Anno 547. And Ella in the year 559. No other particulars ascribed unto either, besides 
Bamburge castle built by Ida and Ella.  the building of Bamburge castle.  
With Ella reigned the two sons of Ida, namely Adda and Thedrik, with three others, Elappea, Theodwald, and Frethulfe, sprung from Eoppae the father of Ida, all five his substitutes over the Bernicians: but because there is no other mention of them besides their names and reigns, I will leave as I find them, and proceed to the more worthy of recital.  
2. Adda reigned 7. years King of Bernicia. 3. Elappea reigned 5. years 4. Theodwald reigned 1. year 5. Frethulfe reigned 7. years 6. Theodrik reigned 7. years  
EThelrik the son of King Ida, having outrun his youth in pernicious obscurity, attained in his old 
6. An. Do. 589. Ethelriks' youth obscurely spent.  years to the government of both the Provinces, and whole Kingdom of Northumberland, wherein his time was so spent (saith Malmesbury) that had not his son in the glass of his own worths showed the face of his father's remembrance, his acts and reign might easily have been forgotten. His issue were Ethelfrid that succeeded him, and Theobald slain in Battle against 
Beda hist. l. 1. c. 33. His reign and death.  the Scots. He reigned five years, and died, An. 593.  
EThelfrid, a man very valiant, and thirsty for renown, succeeded his father in the Northumbrians Kingdom. Him Beda compares to King Saul in Israel, 
7. An. Do. 593. Beda hist. eccles. Angl. lib. 1 cap. 33. Ethelfrid very thirsty of fame.  excepting only in the knowledge of God's true Religion: to whom (saith he) might be applied the saying of jacob touching Benjamin, that like a ravening Wolf he devoured his prey in the morning, and divided the spoil thereof in the evening. For he made greater Conquests over. the daily afflicted Britain's, 
A greater Conqueror than all the rest.  than all the Kings of the Angles had done; and peopling their possessions with his Saxons, held the right owners under subjection and tribute. This his prosperity, 
Or, Ed●…. Marianus. Ed●…den envieth Ethelfrid.  Ed●…aden King of the Scots greatly envied, and attempting to crop it, and to plant himself upon the root of like honour, he assembled a great and strong Army against him, and at the place called Degsiston struck Battle with him, wherein notwithstanding 
Edanade●… overthrown.  he was overthrown, and his Scots discomfited, yet with such loss to King Ethelfrid, that Theobald his brother, with the part of the Army whereof he was 
Theobald slain.  General, were all vanquished and destroyed. This battle went so sore against the Scotish Britain's, that (saith Beda) no King of that Nation durst attempt to meet the English in the Field for a long time after. And the fortune of the day did so much augment both his fame, and also his haughty spirit, that presently he reenforced 
Ethelfred proud of his victory.  his power against the Britain's, that were at 
* West chester.  Cairlegion, where of them he made a most lamentable slaughter, and that not only of the Soldiers prepared for fight, but also of those religious and harmless Monks, there assembled for prayer.  
These Monks were of the Monastery of Bangor in North-wales, famous for antiquity, form of discipline 
The description of Bangor Monastery.  and spacious circuit. It was situated in the fruitful valley now called the English Mailor; and upon the Banks of the River Dee, where it extended itself as in the circuit of a walled City, containing within it the quantity of a mile and a half of ground: two of whose Gates may at this day easily be discerned, the one of them called Port Hogen, lying by North; and the other Port Clais, situate on the South; the River Dee having now changed his Channel, runneth thorough the midst betwixt both the Gates, which stand asunder five hundred paces. This Monastery, saith Clarivalentius, was the Mother of all others in the World; who in memory of the * Seven Churches 
Bernardus Clarivalentius. Bangor Monastery the first in the world. Beda hist. eccles. Angl. lib 2 cap. 2. Her Monks divided into seven portions. Lived by the labour of their hands. Their prayer and fasting. Ethelfrid inquireth the cause of their praying.  of Asia, did distribute into seven portions their Monks, every one numbering three hundred souls, and all of them (as Beda saith) living by the labour of their own hands. Many of these assembling at Cairlegion, to assist their Brethren Britain's with their supplications unto God against this Ethelfrid, surnamed the Wild, and his fierce Soldiers the Infidel Saxons; with three days fasts spent their time in continual prayers. But King Ethelfrid beholding their manner, demanded the cause; and understanding that they called for assistance of their God against him and his Army, set first upon their Guarder Brockmal, a man of Arms, who to save his own life, left all theirs to the sword, wherein perished one thousand and two hundred Christian 
He slayeth a great number.  Monks, besides the discomfiture of the Britain's Host. Many of these were interred in their own Monasteries, whose bodies, saith Leyland, have been found in the memory of man, in the rotten weeds wherein they were slain. But as his fame increased daily abroad, so were his fears augmented continually 
Ethelfrid in fear of Edwine.  at home. For Edwine the son of Ella, and third King of Deira, a gallant young Prince, and newly seated in his Father's Kingdom, wrought many suspicions in Ethelfrids' head; and though he was brother to his Wife Acca, yet the nearness of that alliance, no whit diminished his jealous conceits, whom therefore by privy conspiracies and apparent pursuits he so daily molested, that he was forced to save his life by avoiding the Country, and tossed in exile from place 
Edwine forced into exile.  to place, was lastly received and succoured by Redwald, King of the East-Angles, who in his quarrel forthwith 
Succoured by Redwald.  assembled his forces, and meeting Ethelfrid in the field, slew him near the River Idle, after he had reigned twenty three years, in the year of Christ 
Henry Hunt. Ethelfrid slain. His reign. Florentius. His issue. job. Capgrave.  his Incarnation 617. He had issue by his Wife Acca, (the daughter of Ella) Eanfrith King of Bernicia, Oslafe, and Oswald King of Northumberland, Oslake, and Offa, with two Daughters canonised for Saints, Oswith and Ebba the Nun; as also by his Concubine, Oswy, the tenth Monarch of the Englishmen.  
EDwine thus raised by the help of King Redwald, 
8. An Do. 617. Beda hist. Eccles. Ang. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 12. The story of Edwines' banishment.  returned to his Country, and was of the Inhabitants made King of Northumberland, and afterward Monarch of the Englishmen; as in their succession shall be declared. Beda (somewhat too much addicted to fabulous miracles) of him reporteth this story: That whilst he lay banished in King Redwalds' Court, Ethelfrid instigated his receiver, by promises to take away his life; or if he refused, threatened him wars: 
His life in danger.  for fear whereof, Redwald, partly inclining to this wicked purpose, revealed the same to the Queen his wife; which a friend of Edwins hearing, told him of his danger, and wished him to fly. Edwine thus perplexed, with troubled thoughts in the dead of the night, 
Edwine in doubt what to do.  sat solitary under a tree in dumps, musing what was best to be done; to suspect and fly from Redwald, that had honoured him so much, he held it a wrong; and to think himself safe in other Provinces against so powerful pursuers, he thought it was vain. Thus distracted in casting what way might be safest, suddenly 
One unknown came to him. demanding the cause of his sorrow.  approached a man unto him, utterly unknown, who after salutation, demanded the cause why he sat at so unseasonable a time, in so uncouth a place, and pensive manner? Edwine thinking him to be his 
Edwine his an●…rrer.  deathsman, resolutely answered; It nothing concerned him at all, either to ask, or to know his estate. Oh Edwine (said he) think not but that I know thy 
The man showeth him his grief untold him.  sorrow, and the cause of thy sitting thus upon that stone; thy death is pretended, and even at hand: but what wouldst thou give to rid thee of that danger, and to make King Redwald thy assured preserver? Any thing, quoth Edwine, which is in my power. But what shall be his reward (said the other) that shall set 
He demandeth what he would give to be eased.  thee upon the throne of thy Kingdom, and that with such glory, as none of thy Progenitors ever attained unto? I would be thankful to that man, said Edwine, in all things, and at all times, as reason required, 
Edwine his answer.  and of right I ought. But tell me Edwine, said he, what if the same man show thee a more safe way to 
He promiseth to show him how to save his soul.  preserve the life of thy soul, then either thou at this present knowest, or any of thy Parents ever heard of; wilt thou consent and embrace his counsel? Yea, said Edwine, God forbid that I should not be ruled by him, that thus should free me from this present danger, set me upon the throne of a Kingdom, and after these great favours, should also teach me the way to an eternal life. Upon this answer, laying his right hand on Edwines' head, he said unto him; When these things shall in order come to pass, then call to mind this time, and what thou hast promised, and so vanished 
He suddenly vanisheth away.  from his presence. The young Prince thus left betwixt hope and despair, his friend that had forewarned him of his death, came hastily to him with a 
Edwines' friend bringeth him good news.  more cheerful countenance, Come in Edwine (quoth he) and surcease thy cares, for the Queen hath not only changed Redwalds mind to save thy life, but he also hath granted to maintain thy right against Ethelfrid thine enemy. Which shortly he did, and slew him, as we have said.  
Edwine thus placed upon the Princely Throne, his first Wife Queenburg being dead in his exile, received 
His wife a chaste Christian Lady.  in marriage Ethelburga, surnamed Tace, (a fit name for a woman) the Daughter of King Ethelbert, and Sister to Edbald King of Kent, a most chaste and virtuous Christian Lady, whose teacher was Paulinus, and both of them God's instruments for the Conversion of the Northumbrians to the embracement of Christian Religion. But because we shall have occasion to speak of this Edwine as he was Monarch of the Englishmen, we will reserve his Acts, Issues, and Reign, to be further related in the course of his Succession. He was slain in battle against Cadwall King of the Britain's and Penda King of the Mercians, when he had prosperously 
His death.  reigned seventeen years, the twelfth of October, Anno 633. and was buried in Saint Peter's 
His reign.  Church at Streanshall, after called Whitby. Upon whose 
His place of burial.  death, the Kingdom of Northumberland was again divided.  
OSricke the Son of Alfrid (Edwines' Uncle) succeeding 
9 An. Do. 633. Osrike King of Deria.  in the Province of Deira, and Fanfrith the Son of Ethelfrid the Wild, in the Province of the Bernicians; these, with the rest of Ethelfrids' Children, for the continuance of Edwins' Reign, had 
Eanfrith King of the Bernicians.  in banishment been preserved among the Scots and Red-shanks, and there had received the Sacrament of Baptism: but after the death of their Enemy, these Princes returned to their own Country, and former superstitions, renouncing again the profession of 
They renounce the profession of Christ. Beda hist. ce●…les. Angl. lib 3 cap. 1. Cadwald God's instrument to punish them.  Christ. Yet this their Apostasy (saith Beda) remained not long unpunished: For Cadwallader King of the Britain's, with wicked force, but with worthy vengeance, slew them both the next Summer ensuing. Osrike unprepared, and his whole Army penned in the Suburbs of their own City, he miserably slew; and possessing the Province of the Northumbrians, not as a King or Conqueror, but rather like an outrageous Tyrant, destroyed and rend in tragical manner, all things before him. Eanfrith unadvisedly with twelve chosen persons coming to 
* Cadwall.  Cadwallader to entreat upon peace, were cruelly put to death. This year (saith he) continueth unhappy and hateful even unto this day, as well for the Apostasy of these English Kings, as also for the Britain Kings furious tyranny. Wherefore the Historiographers 
The British Kings tyranny.  of that time have thought it best, that the memory of these Apostate Kings being utterly forgotten, the selfsame year should be assigned to the Reign of the next following King, Oswald, a man dearly beloved of God.  
OSwald, the son of Wild Ethelfrid, and brother to King Eanfrith, began his reign over the Northumbrians 
9 An. Do. 634. Oswald.  Anno 634. having first embraced Christianity, and received; Baptism in Scotland, wherein he was secured all the reign of King Edwin, and had withal learned some experience in war. He coming unlooked for with a small Army, but fenced (saith Beda) with the Faith of Christ, obtained against Cedwald King of the Britaines a great victory: the 
His conquest of the Britain's.  manner whereof, with his other acts achieved, we will further declare in his succession among the monarch 
Oswald the ninth from Hengist.  of the Englishmen, whereof he was the ninth from Hengist.  
He sent for Aidan, a Scotish Divine, to teach his people the Doctrine of Christ, enlarged his Kingdom, 
Hector B●…t. His care of his people for religion. His death.  and reconciled the Deirians and Bernicians, who were at mortal enmity. He was slain, and cruelly rend in pieces by the unmerciful Pagan Penda the Mercian, at Oswaldstree in Shrop-shire, quinto Augusti, the year of our Lord 642. when he had reigned nine years, 
Reign.  and was buried at Bradney in Lincolne-shire. His wife 
Burial. Wife.  was Kineburg, the daughter of Kingils' King of the Westsaxons; and his son Ethelwald, young at his death, 
Issue.  and therefore defeated of his Kingdom by Oswy his Uncle, the Natural Son of King Ethelfrid the Wild. Notwithstanding when Oswin King of Deira was murdered by this Oswy of Bernitia, and he not passed sixteen years of age, entered by force upon Deira, and kept the same Province by strong hand so long as he lived; and dying, left it to his cozen Alkfrid, the Natural Son of the said King Oswy.  
OSwy the illegitimate son of Ethelfrid the Wild, at thirty years of age succeeded King Oswald his 
10. An. Do. 643. Oswy the illegitimate of Ethelfrid.  brother in the Kingdom of the Bernicians; at whose entrance, Oswyne the son of Osrik, that had denied the Faith, and was slain of King Cedwall, reigned in Deira. This oswin was slain by King Oswye: after 
Beda hist. lib. 3. cap. 1.  whose death, seizing all Northumberland, he spread his terror further into other parts, and was the tenth 
The tenth Monarch of the Englishmen.  Monarch of the Englishmen, as in his succession we will further speak: His wife was Eanfled, daughter to Edwine King of Northumberland, by whom he had many 
His wife. Issue. Death. Beda lib. 〈◊〉. ca 5.  children. His reign was 28. years, and death the fifteenth day of February, in the year of grace 670. and of his age 58.  
EGfrid, the eldest son of King Oswy by Queen Eanfled, had been Hostage in the Kingdom of 
11. An. Do. 671. Beda hist. lib. 3. cap 24. Egfrid.  Mercia, and after his father was made King of Northumberland, in the year of Christ 671. He warred, but with great loss, against Edilred King of Mercia, near unto the River of Trent, wherein his younger brother Elswyne was unfortunately slain, to the great grief of both the Kings, the one being his own brother, 
Beda hist. l. 4. c. 21.  and the other his brother in law by marriage: whereupon a peace and reconciliation was made. But Egfred being by nature of a disquiet disposition, invaded the Irish, and destroyed those harmless and silly people, which (as Beda saith) had been great friends to the English. Their resistance consisted chiefly in curses 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 26.  and imprecations for revenge, which though they could not open heaven, yet (saith he) it is to be believed, that for their cause he was cut off the next year ensuing by the Picts or Redshanks, against whom he prepared, contrary to the advice of his Counsel, and by them was slain among the straight and waste mountains, 20. Maij the year of man's felicity 685. and of his age forty, 
His death.  after he had reigned fifteen years. His wife was 
Reign.  Etheldred the daughter of Anna King of the East-Angles: 
Wife, who was both a Widow and a Virgin.  she was both Widow and Virgin; first married to Tonbert a Noble man that ruled the Giruij, a people inhabiting the Fenny Countries of Norfolk, Lincoln, 
Beda hist. l. 4. c. 19  Huntingdon, and Cambridge-shires; and after him also in virginity continued twelve years with her husband King Egfrid, contrary to his mind, and the Apostles precept, that forbiddeth such defrauding either in man or woman, except it be with consent for a time, and to 
1. Cor. 7. 5.  the preparation of prayer; affirming elsewhere, that Marriage is honourable, and the bed thereof undefiled, wherein 
Heb. 13. 4.  the woman doth redeem her transgression, through faith, love, holiness, and modesty, by beating of 
1. Tim. 2. 15.  children. This notwithstanding, she obtained licence to depart his Court, and got her to Coldingham Abbey, where she was professed a Nun under Ebba the daughter of King Ethelfrid. Then went she to Ely, and new built a Monastery, whereof she was made Abbess, and wherein with great reverence she was entombed: whose virtues and remembrance remained to posterities by the name of S. Andrie, she being canonised among the Catalogue of English Saints. 
Canonised for a Saint.   
ALkfryd, the illegitimate son of King Oswy, in the 
12. An. Do. 686. Alkfrid.  reign of his half-brother King Egfrid, whether willingly, or by violence constrained, lived like a banished man in Ireland, where applying himself to study, he became an excellent Philosopher, and (as 
Matth. Westminst. A great Philosopher.  Beda saith) was very conversant and learned in the Holy Scriptures, and therefore was made King over the Northumbrians: where with great wisdom, though 
Beda 4. 26.  not with so large bounds as others had enjoyed, he worthily did recover the decayed estate of that Province, ruling the same twenty years and odd months, and departed this life, Anno 705. His Wife 
His reign. Wife. Issue. Beda hist. l. 3. c. 21.  was Kenburg, the daughter of Penda King of the Mercians, and by her he had issue only one son, that succeeded him in his Kingdom.  
OSred, a child of eight years in age, for the hopes conceived from the virtues of his father, was 
13. An. Do. 705. Osred. Beda hist. l. 5. c. 19 Will. Malmes.  made King over the Northumbrians; whose steps he no ways trod in, but rather in filthy abuse of his person and place, wallowed in all voluptuous pleasures and sensual delight, violating the bodies of veiled Nuns, and other religious holy women: wherein 
His wickedness.  when he had spent eleven years more to his age, his kinsmen Kenred and Osrick conspired against him, and in battle by his slaughter made an end of his impious 
Reign.  life. His wife was Cuthburga, the sister of Inas King of the Westsaxons, as by the time may be gathered, 
Wife, who became a Nun.  from the computation of Marianus, and the Annals of the English-Saxons; who upon a loathing weariness 
Marianus scotus.  of wedlock, sued out a divorce from her husband, and built a Nunnery at Winburne in Dorsetshire, where in a religious habit she ended her life, and he by Kenred and Osric, leaving his Kingdom to them that wrought his death.  
KEnred, the son of Cuthwyne, whose father was Leolwald the son of Egwald, and his father 
14. An. Do. 716. Kenred.  Adelm, the son of Oga, the natural son of Ida, the first King of Deira, after the death of Osred reigned two years, no other remembrance left of him, besides 
His reign.  the murder of his Sovereign Lord and King.  
OSrick, after the death of Kenred, obtained the Kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned therein 
15. An. Do. 718. Osrick. His reign.  the space of eleven years, leaving to the world his name stained with blood in the murder of young Osred, no other mention of parentage, wife, or issue of him remaining; for want whereof, he adopted Ceolnulph, 
His adopted son. His death.  brother to his predecessor Kenred, and died unlamented the year of Grace seven hundred twenty nine.  
CEolnulph, the brother of Kenred, after the death of King Osrike, was made King of the Northumbrians; 
16. An. Do. 729. Ceolnulph.  which Province he governed with great peace and victory the space of eight years: but then forsaking the Royal Estate and Robes of Majesty, put on the 
His reign.  habit of a Monk in the I'll of Lindesferne or Holy Island. 
A Monk.  These were the days (saith Beda) wherein the acceptable time of peace and quietness was embraced among the 
Gladsome times.  Northumbrians, who now laid their armour aside, and applied themselves to the reading of holy Scriptures, more desirous to be professed in religious houses, then to exercise feats of war, or of Arms. For not only Priests and Lay men vowed and performed Pilgrimages to Rome, but Kings, Queens and Bishops also did the like: so great 
Matth. West.  (so blind I might say) a devotion was in their hearts, and so holy a reverence held they of the place. Unto this King Ceolnulph, the said Venerable Beda (a Priest in 
Bedaes' book to K. Ceolnulph.  the Monastery of Peter and Paul at Werimouth near unto Durham) a great Clerk, and Writer of the English History, dedicated the same his Work, which he continued till the year seven hundred thirty one, and from the first entrance of the Saxons, containing 285. years, according to his own account.  
EGbert, the son of Eata, who was brother to King Kenred, succeeded his uncle Ceolnulph in the Kingdom 
17. An. Do. 738. Egbert.  of Northumberland, and ruled the same with the like peace and piety, the time of twenty years; and then following his example, also forsook the world, 
His reign.  and shore himself a Monk, as divers other Kings in those days had done, whereof Simon Dunelmensis writeth, 
Simon Dunelm.  and noteth their number to be eight: as Inas King of the Westsaxons, Ethelred and Kenred Kings of 
divers Kings that became Monks.  Mercia, Sigebert King of the East-Angles, Sebbi and Off a Kings of the Eastsaxons, and Ceolnulph and this Egbert Kings of the Northumbrians. These forsaking the world (as they took it) left the Charge that God upon them had imposed, whose authority in earth they swayed, and wherein they might much more have advanced God's glory and Christ's Gospel, then for a more easy and private life, not warranted by his word, but rather disliked, and perhaps foreshowed 
Will. Malmes.  by those heavenly creatures the Sun and Moon, 
Eclipses of the Sun and Moon.  which in those days were fearfully darkened, and for a time seemed to have lost their light: for Anno 733. 18. Calend. Septemb. the Sun suffered so great an Eclipse, that the earth seemed to be over-shadowed as with sackcloth. And Anno 756. 8. Calend. Decemb. the Moon being in her full, appeared both dark and bloody; for a Star (though there be none lower than the Moon) seemed to follow her, and to deprive her of light: but passing before her, she again recovered her former brightness. This King Egbert had a brother that bore the same name, and was installed Archbishop of York, where he erected a beautiful Library (a work well befitting a Noble Prelate) and plentifully stored it with an infinite number of learned books. His son was Oswulph, that succeeded in the Kingdom. 
His issue.   
OSwulph, when his father Egbert had put off the Robes of Majesty, and clad himself with a 
18. An. Do. 758. Oswulph. Simon Dunelm. Hear. Hunt. His reign. Death.  Monks cowl, ascended the Throne of Northumberland, and sa●…e therein only one year: for before he had made attempt of any memorable act, he was traitorously murdered by his own servants at Mikilwongton, the ninth Kalends of August, leaving the Crown undisposed of until the Nones of the same month in the next year.  
EDitwald or Mollo was then made King of Northumberland, and with great valiancy defended his 
19 An. Do. 759. Editwald or Mollo. Wil Malmes. His reign. His death.  Subjects. Some say, that at the end of six years he resigned his government; yet others affirm his reign to be eleven years, and lastly that he was slain by Alured his Successor.  
ALured, the murderer of his Lord and Master, began his reign over the kingdom of Northumberland, 
20. An. Do. 765. Alured. Simon Duncl●….  the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred sixty five, and continued the same with such dislikes, that he lastly was expelled out of the Province by his own subjects, & enforced to abandon the same. He was the son of Ta●…win, the son of Bie●…hom, the son 
Flor. ●…igor.  of Bofae, the son of Ailrick, the natural son of Ida, the first King of Bernicia. And the sons of this Alured were Osred, afterwards King of Northumberland, and 
His issue.  Alhnud, slain by the Danes, and canonised a Saint.  
EThelred, the son of Mollo, was advanced to the 
21. An. Do. 774. Erhelred. Mat●…b. West.  Regiment of Northumberland, and in the fifth year of his reign, was driven out of the same by Edelbald and Herebert, two Dukes that warred against him; who having discomfited and slain his General and soldiers in a fierce battle, so weakened the hopes of King Ethelred, that he fled his Country, and left the Kingdom in a miserable estate, through the dissensions of those ambitious Princes.  
ALfwald the brother of the foresaid King Alered aspiring to the Sovereignty of the Northumbrians, 
22. An. Do. 778. Alfwald.  ruled the same in great justice, to his worthy commendations: notwithstanding the wickedness of his people was such, that without all guilt he was traitorously murdered by the conspiracy of Siga, 23. Sept. 
His death.  the year of Christ's Incarnation, seven hundred eighty eight, after he had reigned eleven years, and his 
His reign;  body buried at Hexhaem. His sons were Alfus and Alfwin, both slain by King Ethelred. 
His issue.   
OSred the son of King Alured, took upon him 
23. An. Do. 789. Osred. His reign.  the Rule of Northumberland, the year of grace seven hundred eighty nine, and the same year finished his government thereof, being expelled by his subjects, and deprived of all kingly authority.  
EThelred the son of Mollo, revoked from exile 
An. Do. 794. Ethelred.  wherein he had lived the space of twelve years, was again restored to the Crown; but he minding the injuries that his Lords had formerly done him, 
Will. Malmesb. Ma●…b. West●…. He●…y Hunt. Simon Dun.  sought the revenge by their deaths, as also to establish his Throne the surer, slew Alfus and Alfwin, the sons of Alfwald, as we have said, the right heirs to the Crown, and enticing Osred the former deposed King into his danger, commanded him to be put to death at Cu●…burge, the fourteenth of September, and year of Christ seven hundred ninety two. And to strengthen himself the more against all his opposites, the same year he married Lady Elfled, the second Daughter to great Off a King of Mercia, forsaking his former Wife 
Randul. Higden in Polyc●…re.  without any just cause given on her part.  
These things sat so near the hearts of his subjects, that after seven years from his second establishment, they rebelliously rose in Arms, and at Cobre miserably 
His reign.  slew him the eighteenth day of April, the year 
His death.  of Christ jesus 794.  
AFter whose death, the Northumbrians were sore molested with many intruders, or rather Tyrants, 
24.  that banded for the sovereignty the space of thirty years. The first whereof was Oswald, that held the title 
Oswald King 〈◊〉. days. The continuance of this kingdom.  of King only twenty eight days, & then was forced to save his life by flight unto the King of the Picts. Next, Ard●…lfe a Duke, revoked from exile: then Alfwold, E●…red, Ethelred, Readulph, Osbert, and Elle, slain by the Danes in York at a place, from Elle his slaughter called to this day Elle-Crofte, and the Kingdom yielded to the protection of Egbert King of the Westsaxons, who was now become England's first absolute Monarch, (as holding all the rest of the Kings no longer for his Associates, but his subjects) in the year nine hundred twenty six, after it had stood in form of a Kingdom three hundred seventy nine years, and was made a Province, and joined with the rest unto the English Monarchy.   

THE CIRCVIT AND SUCCESSORS OF THE MERCIAN KINGDOM, UNTIL IT WAS SUBJECTED TO THE WESTSAXONS. CHAPTER X.  
THis Kingdom of Mercia contained more Counties, 
Mercia.  and the skirts of that royal Tent were spread with a wider compass than any of the rest in the Saxons Heptarchy: for in the midst of the Island 
The limits of it.  this Kingdom was seated, and from the verge of Northumberland touched some part of Middlesex, which was the possession of the Eastsaxons: the North thereof was bounded with Humber and Mersey; the East was enclosed with the Germane Ocean; the West extended to Severne and Dee; and the South part nearly touched the River of Thames; containing the Counties now known by these names, of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Stafford, and Shrop-shire, Northampton, Leicester, Lincoln, Huntingdon, and Rutlandshires; Warwick, Worcester, Oxford, and Glocester-shires; Buckingham, Bedford, and part of Hertford-shire. The first raiser of that Title and name of a Kingdom, was Crida, the son of Kenwald, who was the son 
An. Do. 582. Crida.  of Cnebba, the son of Ichell, the son of Eomer, the son of Engengeate, the son of Offa, the son of Weremund, the son of Withleg, the son of Waga, 
Flor. Wigor.  the son of Wethelgeate, the third of the five sons of Prince wooden. This man, without more fame of his further acts, is said to have reigned the space of 
His reign.  ten years, and to have died Anno 594. His issue was Wibba that succeeded him in his Kingdom, and a 
His issue  daughter named Quenburge, matched in marriage with Edwin afterwards King of Northumberland, with whom she lived in the Court of King Redwald in the time of his troubles, and died before him in that his banishment. She bore him two sons, Osfrid and Edfride, as in the succession of Edwins' Monarchy shall be showed: notwithstanding Beda reporteth this Quenburge to be daughter of Ceorle the third King of Mercia, and grandchild to this first Crida.  
WIbba, the son of King Crida, not only held what his Father had gotten, but also enlarged 
2. An. Do. 593. Wibba. Mat●…b. West. His issue.  his dominions by intrusion upon the weak Britain's. His issue was Penda, Kenwalk, and Eoppa, all three Progenitors of Kings afterwards in that kingdom, with a daughter named Sexburg, married to Kenwald, King of the Westsaxons, whom he without just cause divorced from him; for which cause great troubles afterwards ensued, as in the reigns of those Kings we 
Cap. 9 Sect. 7.  have said. He in great honour reigned twenty years, and giving place unto nature, left his kingdom to be enjoyed by another. 
His reign. His death.   
CEorl, not the son, but the Nephew of King Wibba, succeeded in the dominions of the Mercians, about 
3. An. Do. 614. Ceorl.  the year of grace six hundredth and fourteenth. He was son to Kinemund, the brother of Wibba, the younger son of King Crida, who was the first King of that kingdom. His reign is set to be ten years, without mention either of Act or Issue. 
His reign.   
PEnda, the son of Wibba, began his reign over the Mercians the year of Christ's Incarnation six 
4. An. Do. 626. Penda. His reign.  hundred twenty six, & continued the same the space of thirty years. He was a man violent in action, and merciless in condition, cruel and unsatiate of blood: he shook the Cities, and disturbed the borders of the Saxon-Kings, more than any other in that Heptarchy before him had done. Against Kingils and Quincheline, 
He●…r. Hunt.  Kings together of the Westsaxons, he joined battle near unto the City Cirenchester, where both the 
Matth. West●….  parties fought it out to the utmost, with the effusion of much Saxons blood: but those coming to concord, he with Cadwallo King of the Britain's, slew in battle Edwine and O●…wald, Kings of Northumberland, Sigebert, Egfrid, and Anna, Kings of the East-Angles, and forced Kenwald King of the Westsaxons out of 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 18.  his Country, in quarrel of his Sister. Of these his prosperities he became so proud, that he thought nothing impossible for his achievement; and therefore threatening the destruction of the Northumber's, prepared his Army for that expedition. Oswy then reigning King of that Country, proffered great sums of money, and most precious jewels to purchase his peace: which being refused, and the battle joined, more by the hand of God, than power of man, this Tyrant was slain, and his whole Army discomfited. 
His death.  His Wife was Kinswith, and issue by her Peada, who after him was King: Vulfere and Ethelred, both Monarches 
Wife. Issue. Ingulphus.  of the English; Merkthel, a man famous for his great holiness, and Merwald that governed some part of Mercia, whose Wife was Edburga, the foundress of Minster in Tanet, and daughter to Egbert King of Kent; by whom he had issue Meresin, a man of noted devotion, Milbury, and Mildgith, both holy Virgins, and Mildrith also Abbess of Tanet, all four canonised for Saints. The daughters of King Penda, were Kineburg, the Wife of Alkfrid, King of Northumberland, afterward a Votaress in Kinesburg Abbey, and Kineswith, who married Offa King of the East-Angles, and became also a Nun with her sister Kineburgh.  
PEada, the son of King Penda, in the days of his 
5. An. Do. 656. Peada.  father, and with his permission, had governed the middle part of Mercia, and after his death, by the gift of Oswy of Northumberland, all the South of that kingdom from the River Trent, upon composition to marry his daughter, and to embrace Christianity; which thing this Peada performed, and was the first 
Beda hist. Angl. l. 3 c. 21.  Christian King of the Mercians. His Baptism received, to witness the first fruits of his profession, he laid the foundation of a fair Church at Medeshamsled, 
Hugo de Peterbor.  now called Peterborrow, but lived not to finish the same, for that he was slain by the treason of Alkfled 
His wife. His death.  his wife in the celebration of Easter, (as Beda saith) having had no issue by her. But Robert de Swapham (an 
Beda hist. Angl. l. 3. c. 24.  Author of good antiquity, who saw the stones of that foundation to be so huge, as that eight yoke of Oxen could hardly draw one of them) saith, that Peada was brought to his end by the practice of his Mother, and not of his Wife; as in these his words is manifest. Peada (saith he) laid the foundation of a Monastery at Medeshamsted, in the Giruians or Fen-Country, which he could not finish, for that by the wicked practice of his Mother, he was made away. Whereby this blot is taken from this Christian Lady, and brands the face of her that most deserveth it. This King reigning as substitute to King Oswy of Northumberland aforesaid, by some is not accounted for a Mercian King, his regiment resting under the command of another.  
Wlfhere, the Brother of murdered Peada, set up 
6. An. Do. 659. Vulfhere.  by the Mercians against King Oswy, proved a Prince most valiant and fortunate. For he expelled the Northumbrians Lieutenants forth of those dominions; fought victoriously against Kenwald King of the Westsaxons; conquered the I'll of Wight, and attained to be sole Monarch of the Englishmen: whereof more shall be said when we come to the times and successions of their reigns.  
This Vulfhere is said to reign in great honour for seventeen years, and his body to be buried in the 
His reign.  Monastery of Peterborow, which he had founded. His Queen Ermenheld after his death, became a Nun 
His wife.  at Ely, under her Mother Sexburg, and there died. His children were Kenred, Vulfald, and Rufin, with a daughter, 
His issue.  named Wereburg, a Nun in the Monastery of Ely.  
EThelred the third son of King Penda, in the nonage of young Kenred the son of Vulfhere, (who 
7. An. Do. 675. Ethelred. Simon Dunelm.  in his tender years rather desired a private life then any public authority in the Commonweal) succeeded his brother both in the Kingdom of Mercia, and Monarchy of the Englishmen. But when he had reigned thirty years, gave over the Crown to his Nephew the said Kenred, and became a Monk in 
His reign.  the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolne-shire, where he died Anno 716. His Wife was Osfryde, Daughter to Oswyn King of Northumberland: and issue, Chelred, that 
His wife, His issue.  succeeded Kenred in the Mercian kingdom.  
KEnred the son of Vulfhere, (his Uncle Ethelred changing his Princely Crown for a Monk's Cowl) 
8. An. Do. 704. Kenred.  began his Reign over the Mercians, and his Monarchy over the English, Anno 704. wherein he reigned the space of four years, and then with like devotion of those times, addicted to an easy and quiet 
His reign.  Religion, abandoned both Crown and Country, 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 5. ca 20.  and went to Rome, where of Pope Constantine he received the tonsure and habit of a Monk at the Apostles Tombs, and entering a Monastery, therein spent other four years of his life to the day of his death, 
His death.  which was Anno 708. having had neither wife nor issue to revive his name, or to rule his kingdom.  
CHelred receiving the resignation of Kenred his Cousin-german 
9 An. Do. 709. Chelred.  when he went to Rome, and of sufficient years and discretion to have succeeded Ethelred his Father, what time the said Kenred was ordained King, reigned with great valour over the Mercians, and was likewise Monarch over the Englishmen. His 
Monarch of the Englishmen.  peace was disquieted by Inas & his Westsaxons, who for seven years continuance invaded his kingdom. His Wife was Wereburge, saith Marianus and Florentius 
His wife.  the Monk, who ascribe to her a long life, and to die without Childten. This Chelred reigned the space of eight years, and died the year of grace seven hundred 
His reign.  and fifteenth: whose body was buried in the Cathedral Church of Lechfeild. 
Death.   
EThelbald, after the death of Chelred, was made King 
1●…. An. Do. ●…10. 〈◊〉.  of the Mercians, and Monarch of the English, the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred sixteen. He was a Prince given to peace, but withal a most lascivious Adulterer: insomuch that Boniface Archbishop of Mentz wrote his Epistle unto him in reprehension of the same; which took such effect, that in repentance of his foul facts, he founded the Monastery of Crowland, driving in mighty Piles of Oak into that moorish ground, whereon he laid a great and goodly building of stone. He was the son of A●…wr, the elder son of Eoppa, the second son of King Wibba, the brother of King Penda: and reigned forty 
His reign.  two years, in the end whereof he was slain in a battle fought against Cuthred King of the Westsaxons, at Secondone, three miles from Tamworth, the year of Christ, seven hundred fifty five, and was buried at Repton in Derbyshire, having had neither Wife nor Children.  
OFfa slaying Bernred the murderer of King Ethelbald, 
11. An. Do. 758. Offa.  entered upon the government of the Mercians, and the Monarchy of the Saxons, An. 758. He enlarged his dominion upon the Britain's, overcame the Kentish in a battle, put to flight the Northumbrians, and vanquished the Westsaxons: the East-Angles also he seized upon, after he had murdered Ethelbert their King. He reigned thirty nine years, and died at Ofley, the nine and twenty day of july, the year of our Lord 
His reign.  seven hundred ninety four, and was buried without the Town of Bedford, in a Chapel, now swallowed up by the River Owse. He was the son of Thingfryd, the son of Eanulfe, whose Father Osmund was the son of Eoppa, the brother of King Penda, and son of King 
Flor. Wigor.  Wibba, whose Father was Crida, the first King of the Mercians. His Wife was Quendred, and children many; of whom, and of them we will further speak when 
His wife. His issue.  we come to the time of his Monarchy.  
EGfryde, the son of great Offa, was by him made King at his return from Rome, being the only joy 
12. An. Do. 796. Egfryde. Flacc●… 〈◊〉.  of his parents, and heir apparent to the Saxons Monarchy, upon which he entered the day after his father's death, and lived himself but a hundred and forty days after, deceasing the seventeenth of December, in the year of our Lord God seven hundred ninety six, having had neither wife nor issue that we read of, and his body honourably interred in the Church of the Monastery of Saint Albans, founded by Offa.  
KEnwolfe, the cozen (a far off) to King Egfrid deceased, 
13. An. Do. 797. Kenwolfe.  and both of them removed in blood no less than six descents from Wibba the second Mercian King, was the son of Cuthbert, (as the Monk of Worcester derives him) the son of Bassa, the son of Kenrowe, the son of Kentwin, the son of Kenwalk, the son of Wibba aforesaid, and succeeded King Egfryd in his Dominions. But of this Mercian Monarch more shall be written in the succession and time of that his government. He reigned two and twenty 
His reign.  years, and deceased the year of our Lord eight hundred and nineteen, and his body interred in the Monastery of Winchcomb in the County of Gloucester, being of his own foundation. His wife was Queen Elfryde, 
His wife.  the daughter (as some suppose) of Offa, who had been betrothed to Ethelbert King of the East-Angles, slain by her father; by whom he had issue, Kenelm, Quendred, and Burgemhild, of whom more followeth. 
His issue.   
KEnelm, the son of King Kenwolfe, a child of seven 
14. An. Do. 819. Kenelm.  years old, succeeded in the Kingdom of Mercia, but not in the Monarchy, as his fathers had done, Egbert the West-Saxon at that time being grown great in his fortunes. This young King Kenelm reigned only five months, and then by the ambitious desire of 
His reign.  Quendrid his sister, who seeking the government by 
Roger Higden.  the shedding of his guiltless blood, instigated one Askbert his Instructor, by promises of great preferments and rich rewards, to make him away, who only stood (as she thought) in her way to the Crown. This 
His death.  wicked practice was forth with as impiously performed: for having him forth under pretence of hunting, he slew the innocent King, whose virtuous inclination promised great hopes, and whose harmless years had not attained to any worldly guile. His body he secretly buried under a bush, and (if we will believe the Golden Legend, where his life is described) 
Legend ... 〈◊〉. sol. 175.  was thus found out: A white Dove (which belike had seen the deed done) and had got it engrossed in a scroll of parchment, posted therewith to S. Peter in Rome, and upon the High Altar laid it to be read, where in the Saxon characters thus it was found: In Clenc kon ba●… Kenelm Kinba●…ne lie●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, At Clenc in a Cow pasture Kenelm the King's child lieth beheaded under a thorn. But most true it is, that an obscure sepulchre the body had at the first, and howsoever found out, was afterwards with great honour and ceremony translated to the Monastery of Winchcomb, which his father had founded. The murderess Quendrid, for grief and shame of so wicked an act, ended her life, without the attaining of her ambitious desire, and hath left her name indeleblie stained with his innocent blood.  
CEolwulfe, the brother of Kenwolfe, and uncle to this murdered young King, as his nearest in blood 
15. An. Do. 820. Ceolwulfe. Matth. Westminst.  was elected their Governor by the Mercians: but his glory was not great, nor his reign long, being still disquieted by Bernulfe, that sought his Crown; and after one years Regiment was expulsed by his people, 
His reign.  and left the same to his pursuer, abandoning the Country for the safety of his life. One daughter he had, named Elfled, who was the wife of Wigmund, the son of Withlafe, the substitute King of Mercia, and 
His issue.  himself the last that held the Mercian Kingdom in a lineal succession.  
BErnulfe obtaining what he so long desired, made 
16. An. Do. 821. Bernulfe. Simon Dunelm. Wil Malmes.  himself King when Ceolwulfe was gone, and was the more approved for his valour in Arms, and the less resisted for his ancient descent, being sprung from Osher, a man reputed to be of the Mercian royal blood. But Bernulfe perceiving the fortunes of Egbert, accounted those his happy successes to be his own shame, and by defiance challenged the Westsaxons to the field: which Egbert accepted, and upon Ellendon joined Battle with the Mercians, which was fought to the much loss of both their bloods. Notwithstanding at last the Westsaxons prevailed, Bernulfe being forced to fly with shame. The East-Angles that then had yielded to Egbert, and but lately before had felt the fury of Bernulfe, thought the time fit to repay him again, and therefore in warlike manner assaulted his Territories, where he, in defending his Country against 
His death. His reign. Henr. Hunt.  their attempts, was in a skirmish slain, after he had reigned not fully three years.  
LVdecan then was chosen King of the Mercians, whose blood was not down since their last loss, 
17. An. Do. 824. Ludecan.  neither revenge forgotten against the East-Angles; and therefore the year following made strength (sufficient to their seeming) to meet these their enemies. But the State of Heptarchy now drawn to the period, and the supporters thereof weakened by their own divisions, the Island declined to a present alteration, & gave place to a more absolute kind of Monarchy, that in Egbert the West-Saxon was now begun; who aiding the East-Angles against the Mercians, Ludecan their King fought with no better success than Bernulf before him had done; whose reign lasted not fully 2. 
His reign.  years, nor his memorial revived either in wife or issue.  
WIthlafe, the son of Oswald, the son of Osber, 
1●…. An. Do. ●…26. Withlafe.  of the Mercian blood-royal, intruding himself (as it seemeth) into the government of Mercia, was unexpectedly vanquished by Egbert the Monarch that had assumed from Bernulfe that Kingdom before: him he made his Substitute and Tributary, who so continued to Egbert and his son the time of thirteen years, leaving no other relation of his acts. His issue was Wigmund, the husband of Lady 
His issue. job. Capgrave.  Elfled, the daughter of Ceolwulfe King of Mercia, the parents of Wystan the Martyr, and of Lady Edburg, married to one Etheland an Earl in the Province of Lincoln.  
BErthulf upon the like composition of Tribute, 
19 An. Do. 839. Berthulf. Will. Malmesb. Berefred the causer of S. Wystans' martyrdom.  and in the like terms of subjection to the Westsaxons sovereignty, held the kingdom of Mercia as a Substitute, and without any notable reports of his Acts, so reigned the space of thirteen years. At this time the Sea-rovers out of Denmarkc, that had often infested this Island with their many Invasions, got the head so strong, and wing so far, even to the middle part thereof, (as this of Mercia was) that they filled with terror the hearts of the Inhabitants, and stained the soil with the blood of their sides, which in a most barbarous cruelty daily they shed; whose rage was so great, and minds so unsatiable, that Berthulf was enforced to forsake the Country, and in a more private estate to secure his own life. He had a son named Berefred, who was the causer of Saint Wystans' martyrdom.  
BVrdred, the last Mercian King, was thereunto deputed 
20. An. Do. 852. Matth. West. The Danes depart the Province. They return with 3. Kings.  by Ethelwolfe the West-Saxon Monarch, as a shield of defence against the raging Danes, that made desolations where they came. In continual employments against them he spent his time, and that with such noble resolutions and manhood, that Ethelwolfe held him worthy of his alliance, and made him his son in law, by giving him Lady Ethelswith his daughter to Wife, the marriage being solemnised at Chipnham in Wiltshire, with great estate. This Burdred with Ethelwolfe, warred against the Britain's with victory, and he with Alured compelled the Danes under the conduct of Hunger and Vbba, to ●…dislodge from Nottingham, and depart the Province. Yet lastly, after twenty two years reign, he was so overlaid with their daily supplies, that three of their Kings (as our Writers term them) whose names were Godrun, Esketell, and Ammond, wintered at 
* Repton.  Ripindon, and sore wasted his Kingdom.  
King Burdred at that time distressed, and himself 
Burdred and his wife fly the land.  not able to withstand their rage, with his wife Queen Ethelswith fled the Realm, and the same year in Rome ended his life, and was buried in the Church 
He buried at Rome.  of our Lady belonging to the English College there erected. His Queen in the habit of a Nun, fifteen years after his death, died at Padua in Italy, and was there honourably buried, the year of our Lord eight 
His wife at Padua.  hundred eighty nine. And now the fatal circle of this Kingdom drawn to the full compass, stayed the hand of all glorious motion from proceeding any further, and with the lot of the rest fell under the government of the Westsaxons, after one years usurpation 
The kingdom of Mercia brought in subjection to the Westsaxons.  of the Danes, when it had stood in state of a kingdom the space of two hundred and two years, and ended in title and regal authority, the year of Christ's Incarnation eight hundred eighty six.   

THE KINGDOM OF THE EASTANGLE, THE CIRCVIT OF THAT PROVINCE, WITH THE SUCCESSION AND ACTS OF THEIR KINGS, SO LONG AS IT STOOD IN THAT REGAL ESTATE, AND UNTIL IT WAS UNITED TO THE WESTSAXONS. CHAPTER XI.  
THe Counties (as we now call them) that were subject 
The circuit of this Province.  to this East-Angles Kingdom, were Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge-shire, and the I'll of Ely. The bounds whereof were limited in this manner: the East and North sides were confined by the Ocean; the West, with Saint Edmund's Ditch, and the South altogether with Essex, and some part of Hertfordshire.  
The first raiser of the title and State of this Kingdom, was a Saxon Captain named Vffa, about the 
1 An. Do. 575. The first King of the East-Angles. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. Cap. 15.  year of Christ's incarnation five hundred seventy five, whose renown was such, that he gave name not only to that his aspired Dominion, but also from him, the Subjects thereof were a long time after called Vffines: though lastly, it was reduced into the name and Kingdom of the East-Angles. This Vffa (as 
East. Angles called Vffines.  Florentius the Monk of Worcester hath laid down) was the son of Withelin, and he the son of Hrippus, 
Vffa his genealogy.  the son of Rothmund, the son of Trigils, the son of Titmon, the son of Caser, the second son of Prince wooden. His reign is accounted only seven years, without any mention of further matter, worthy the recording, and his death to have happened in the year five hundred eighty one.  
TItulus, the second King of the East-Angles, and only son of Vffa that is read of, began his reign 
2 An. Do. 383 The second King of the East-Angles. His reign.  the year of Christ's Incarnation, five hundred eighty three, & continued the same for the space of twenty years. And although the Writers of these times have made no further mention of his Acts, yet may we well suppose that his days were not altogether so quietly spent, both in the infancy of that newly erected kingdom, and when such wars were commenced for the obtaining the whole Island. His issue was Redwald, that immediately succeeded him, & from whom other Kings of that kingdom were lineally descended. 
Florent. Worcest.   
REdwald, the greatest of all the East-Angles Kings, succeeded his father Titulus in the Dominions of 
3. An. Do. 593. Beda hist. l. 2. ca 5. The third King of this Kingdom.  the East-Angles. and Ethelbert of Kent in the Monarchy of the Saxons. He received and succoured in his Court Edwyne with his wife in their Exiles, and assisted him against Ethelfrid King of Northumberland, that sought his life, as before we have showed, and 
Cap. 9 Sect. 7.  hereafter in the succession of his Monarchy we shall have further occasion. He reigned Monarch eight 
See more of him in Chap 18. His reign.  years, and King of the East-Angles thirty one (by the account and computation of the Table annexed to Malmesbury, and others of our English Writers) and died the year of our Salvation six hundred twentythree.  
ERpenwald, the younger son of King Redwald, (Reynhere his elder brother being slain in battle 
4 An. Do. 624 The fourth King of this Kingdom.  by Ethelfred, in the quarrel of distressed Edwine) succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, the year of our Lord God six hundred twenty four. He was the first King of that Province, that publicly 
The first of this Province that publicly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Matth West. Beda hist l. 2. c●… 15 The people reject Christ.  professed the Christian Faith, which he received at the friendly motion and zealous exhortation of King Edwine of Northumberland; but so much to the discontentment & grudge of the people, as thereupon they presently entered into conspiracy to practise his death, which a Pagan Ruffian named Richebert, not long after most traitorously executed. His reign is placed in the 
The King slain by a Traitor. His reign.  foresaid Table of our Writers, (as it is compared with the other Kings of those times) to extend twelve years; after whose death, those people returned to their wont Idolatry, and for three years continuance embraced their former Gentility, from which 
john S●….  they were reclaimed by Sigebert his brother in law, who succeeded him in his Throne, he having no 
The Subjects reclaimed by Sigebert.  issue, to whom it might be left.  
SIgebert, the son of the second wife to Redwald, and by her born to a former husband, whose name 
5 An. Do. 636 The fifth King.  is unknown, was greatly mistrusted by his Father in law, King Redwald, that he went about to aspire his Crown: the motives of which suspicion, notwithstanding all the endeavours of innocent Sigebert, were still followed with an envious eye, and his subiective 
Sigebert suspected of treason against Redwald.  semblances, as notes of popularity, were ever conceived to aim at the supreme authority: which blot of jealousy, when it could no otherwise be wiped out, he abandoned the Court of the King, and Country of his birth, and in France as an exile, all the time of Redwald 
He goeth into exile.  the Father, and likewise the reign of Erpenwald the son, spent his time in study of good Literature, & contemplative exercises, where learning the truth of Christ's Doctrine, and having received the laver of Baptism, after the death of this said Erpenwald his allied Brother, returned, and was made King of the East-Angles.  
This man (saith Beda) following the examples of 
Beda hist. Ang. l. 3. c. ●●.  France, brought the light of the Gospel into his Dominions, and by the assistance of Felix Bishop of Dunwich, 
Sigebert with the assistance of a Bishop doth promote religion and learning.  for a more firm plantation thereof, built a School for the education of children, appointing them Schoolmasters and Teachers after the manner of the Kentish-men; who are * supposed to have at 
Will. ●…mbert. in Peramb. of Kent.  that time the Liberal Sciences professed among them, in their Metropolitan City Canterbury, which was the pattern (saith that Country's Perambulator) that this Sigebert followed in the erection of his; but whether at Cambridge or elsewhere, he leaveth for Doctor Caius of Cambridge, and M. Key of Oxford, to 
Mr. Caius, and Mr. Key.  be disputed of. And indeed Beda assigneth not the place for this foundation, nor once nameth Cambridge, unless you will say, that out of the ruins of Grantcester, an ancient City decayed in his days, the same arose, and whereof he maketh mention in his fourth Book, upon this occasion as followeth.  
Queen Etheldred (saith he) that had been a Virgin, wife to Egfrid King of Northumberland the term of 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 19  twelve years, and Abbess of Ely for seven more, for her reputed holiness after her death and burial, was thought worthy by Queen Sexburg her sister (who had been wife to Ercombert King of Kent, and succeeded her Abbess in the same Monastery) to be removed out of her wooden Tomb & mean place of burial, into the Church and richer Monument: but for want of stone, which was scarce in those parts, certain brethren were sent to find out some for that use, who coming to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a little City lest desolate and uninhabited, found by the walls a 
Grantcester.  Tomb of white marble very fair, and covered with a like stone. This they thought to be found not without miracle, and therefore most fit to entomb her corpse, which accordingly they did. But that this had been the place of Sigeberts' School, he mentioneth not. But whether by him or no, we know it now the 
Beda maketh mention of Grantcester, but not of 〈◊〉 School there.  other University of England, a seedplot of all divine and human Literature, and one of those springs whence issue the wholesome waters that do bedew both the Church & Commonwealth, both, famous 
The Universities of England, above all other in Europe.  for the Arts, for Buildings, and Revenues, as their like is not to be found in Europe (saith Peter Martyr) and that most truly. But to return: Sigebert being wearied with the weighty affairs of this world, laid the burden thereof upon Egricke his kinsman, and shore himself 
Sigebert resigneth to Egricke, and liveth in a Monastery.  a Monk in the Abbey of Cumbreburge, which himself had built, & wherein he lived, until that wicked Penda, the Mercian King, with his heathenish cruelty molested the peace of the East-Angles; who after long resistance, finding themselves too weak, besought Sigebert, for the better encouragement of their soldiers, 
He is constrained to resume it again, and is slain in battle.  to show himself in field; which when he refused, by constraint (saith Beda) they drew him forth, where in the midst of them he was slain in battle, using no other weapon for defence, saving only a white wand; when he had reigned only three years, and left no 
His reign.  issue to survive him, that is any where recorded.  
EGricke, cousin to King Sigebert, and by him made King, as we have said, was sore molested by the 
6. An. Do. 638. The sixth King. Penda a cruel King of Mercia. Egrick and Sigebert both slain by Penda. His reign.  continual invasions of Penda, the cruel King of Mercia; who lastly in a set battle slew him with Sigebert, about the year of Christ his incarnation six hundred fifty two. And when himself had reigned 4. years, deceased, without mention either of wife or child, that is read of, further to revive his memory to posterities.  
ANna succeeded King Egricke in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, the yeer●… of grace six hundred 
7. An. D. 642. The seventh King. Beda hist. Angl. li. 3. cap. 18. Malmesb. de gest is Regum Angl.  forty two, as the next in blood to Erpinwald, being the son of Guido, saith Beda, the son of Any, saith Malmsbury, who was brother to great Redwald; and both of them the sons of Titulus, the second King of that Province. This King, as the other two former had done, felt the fury of raging Penda, with his merciless Mercians, that sore assaulted his Territories with rapine and spoil. To withstand whose further proceedings, King Anna drew the strength of his East-Angles against them, and encountered Penda in a great and mortal battle, wherein they were all discomfited and himself among them slain, when he had 
Anna slain in battle by Penda.  reigned in continual trouble the space of thirteen years. His issue were many, and those of great holiness 
Anna his issue. His reign. Firminus he●…e apparent.  or sanctity of life. Whereof Ferminus the eldest, and heir apparent, was slain by Penda in the same battle with his Father, and was with him buried in Blidribrugh, now Blibrugh, but afterwards removed to S. Edmondsbury. His other son was Erkenwald, Abbot of Chertside, and Bishop of London, that lieth buried in the South I'll, above the Choir in 
Erkenwald Abbot of Chertside, and Bishop of London.  S. Paul's Church, where to this day remaineth a memorial of him. His daughters were these; Etheldrid the eldest, was first married unto a Nobleman, whom 
Etheldrid Abbess of Ely.  Beda nameth Tonbert, Governor of the Fenny Countries of Nothfolke, Huntingdon, Lincoln, and Cambridge-shires: and after his death remaining a virgin, she was remarried to Egfrid King of Northumberland, with whom likewise she lived in perfect virginity the space of twelve years, notwithstanding his entreaty and allurements to the contrary. From whom, lastly, she was released, and had licence to depart his Court, unto the Abbey of Coldinghan, where first she was veiled a Nun under Abbess Ehba, and thence departing, she lived at Ely, and became herself Abbess thereof, wherein lastly she died, and was interred; remembered unto posterities by the name of S. Audrte. His second daughter was Sexburg, who married Ercombert, King of Kent, unto whom she bore two sons, and two daughters, as we in that kingdoms succession have showed: after whose death, she took the habit of a Nun, and succeeded her sister Etheldrid, 
Sexburge Abbess of Ely after her sister. Withgith a Menchion in Ely Abbey.  Abbess of Ely, wherein she died and was interred: and their youngest sister Withgith, was likewise a Menchion with them in the same Monastery, and all of them canonised for Saints. Ethilburge his third daughter was made Abbess of Berking, near London, built by her 
Ethilburge Abbess of Barking. Beda lib. 4. cap. 6.  brother Bishop Erkinwald, wherein she lived, and lastly died. A natural daughter likewise he had, whose name was Edelburg, that with Sedrido the daughter of 
Edelburge Abbess of S. Brigges in France. Beda lib. 3. Cap. 〈◊〉.  his wife, were both of them professed Nuns, and succeeded each other Abbesses in the Monastery of S. Brigges in France. Such a reputed holiness was it held in those days, not only to be separated from the accompanying with men, whereunto women by God were created, but also to abandon the Country of their nativity, and as strangers in foreign Lands, to spend the continuance of their lives.  
EThelherd, the brother of Anna, the year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred fifty four, was made 
8 An. Do. 654 Ethelherd the eighth King.  King of the East-Angles: the which it seemeth he had attempted in the reign of his brother, for that he had assisted Penda in his wars against him; and was the motive (saith Beda) of the wars against Oswin 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 24.  King of Northumberland, wherein siding with the heathen Penda, he was worthily slain, the fifteenth day of November, when he had reigned only two years, 
His reign.  leaving his name to the blot of infamy, and his Crown to be possessed by his younger brother. His wife was Hereswith sister of Hilda, the famous learned Abbess of Streanshale, and great grandchild to Edwyne 
Hereswith the wife of Ethelhert  King of Northumberland, who bore unto him Aldulfe, Elswoolfe, and Beorne, all three succeeding Edilwald 
Their children.  in the Kingdom of the East-Angles.  
EDelwald the brother of Ethelherd entered his government 
9 An. Do. 656.  of the East-Angles the year of our Lord six hundred fifty six, and continued the same the 
10 An Do. 664  space of nine years, without either mention of any other memorable act: from whom (as is supposed) issued Ethelred that succeeded King after Beorne.  
ALdulfe, the eldest son of Ethelherd and Queen Hereswith, after the death of his uncle King Edelwald, obtained the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and therein reigned without any honour or honourable action by him performed: only his name and time of his reign, which was nineteen years, is left of him by Writers: and affordeth no further relation of us here to be inserted, besides his Coin here set.  
ELswolf the son of King Ethelherd, and bother to this last mentioned Aldulfe, began his reign over 
11 An. Do. 683  the Kingdom of the East-Angles, the year of Christ his Incarnation, six hundred eighty three, and continued 
His reign.  in the same, the time of seven years, without record of any memorable Act, Wife, or Issue, to revive his name.  
BEorne, the youngest son of King Ethelherd, succeeded his brother King Elswolfe in the Kingdom 
12. An. Do. 714 Beorn the twelfth King.  of the East-Angles; no further mention being made of him, his wife, nor Issue, which are altogether perished, and laid long since in their graves of oblivion.  
EThelred, after the death of his cozen Beorne, succeeded 
13 An. D. 714. Ethelred the thirteenth King.  him in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, issuing (as is supposed) from King Ed●…lwald the brother of Ethelherd, and of Anna, both of them Kings in that Province. His reign by writers is said to be fifty two years, which notwithstanding was passed over 
He reigned two and fifty years.  without any memorable note: for albeit that his government was long, and the declining Heptarchy not unlikely to have ministered matters of remembrance to posterities, yet is the same passed over by the silence of our Wrirers, and no further mention made of him, besides the education of his younger son Ethelbert, who proved a most worthy King. His wife, and the mother of this virtuous son, was Leofrun, 
His son Ethelbert. His wife Leofrun. Flores Wigor. joba Capgrave.  saith the Writer of his life, without further mention of her parentage, or other issue. This King deceased the year after Christ's nativity, seven hundred forty eight, the same year that Ethelbert entered his Kingdom of Kent.  
EThelbert, the son of King Ethelred, after his Father's death was ordained King of the East-Angles, 
14. An. D. 749. Ethelbert the fourteenth King.  whose days of youth were spent in learning and deeds of charity, and the whole time of his government in continual tranquillity; for he is recorded to be a Prince religious and charitable, sober, profound and wise in counsel. This King being incited by Offa the Mercian (that still thirsted after greatness) to marry Elfryd his daughter, a Lady of great 
Giral. Cambrensis  beauty, came upon that purpose to Offa his Court, then seated at Sutton Wallis in the County of Hereford 
Ethelbert murdered by Offa King of Mercia.  and was by him there cruelly murdered at the instigation of Quendrid his unkind (intended) mother in law, no other occasion ministered, but the greatness of his Port, that much in her eyes over-heighted her husbands. His Bridebed the grave was first at Merden, 
Buried at Merden.  north from Sutton upon the River Lug. But afterwards upon repentance, Offa removed it unto Hereford; 
After at Hereford, over whom was built a fair Church. john Capgrave.  over whom, Milfrid an under King of the Mercians built a most fair Church in memorial of him, which yet bears his name, and is the Cathedral of that See. His Bride, Lady Elfrid, much lamenting 
Elfrid his espousal vowed chastity. Os●…rt de Cl●…e.  his contrived murder, withdrew herself to Crowland in the Fens, and there vowed chastity all the days of her life; notwithstanding some affirm that she was wife to King Kenwolfe, the successor of her brother Egfrid. This King reigned the space of forty five years, as is set in the Table of our English Writers, and died the year of Christ's incarnation seven hundred 
He reigned forty five years.  ninety three, the eighteenth day of May, and his Kingdom intruded upon by the Mercians, having had neither wife nor children, that Historians make mention of: after whose death the Kingdom of the East-Angles was brought to decay, both by the Mercians, Westsaxons, and them of Kent; so that by means of their violence, that Province was destitute of her own Governors, the space of seventy seven years, until lastly the assaults of the Danes, a newcome Guest and most dangerous Enemy, caused the other Kings to stand upon their Guards, and rather to defend what they already had gotten, then to seek enlargement, to the hazard of all: at which time, it is said one Offa, to whom the right of that Crown belonged, upon a religious devotion, took his pilgrimage to 
Offa heir to the Crown, adopteth Edmund the son of Alkmond.  the Sepulchre of Christ, and visiting in his way a kinsman of his, whose name was Alkmund, at the City Norhenberge in Saxony, there made his will, wherein he adopted young Edmund his heir, the son of Alkmond: and accomplishing his voyage, in his return died at the Port Saint George, from whence he sent young Edmund his Ring, and therewith ordained him King of the East-Angles. Alkmund a Prince of great power in those parts, maintained his sons rightful election, and with a sufficient power sent him to claim the kingdom. These landing in the East of England, at a place called Maydenboure, built a royal Tower, which he named, and to this day is called, Hunstantone, situated upon the Northwest point of Norfolk, that beareth likewise his own name.  
EDmund thus arrived, was as willingly received and 
15 An. Do. 870. Edmund the fif teenth King The Danes invasion. Polydor. Virg.  by the East-Angles made their king; in whose time Hunger and Hubba, two Danish Captains, with an innumerable multitude of Heathen Danes, entered the Land at the mouth of Humber, and from thence invaded Nottingham, York and Northumberland, where (without respect of age or sex) they laid all waist, and left the Land whence they departed like to a desolate Wilderness. From thence they came with the like fury into Edmund's territories, and sacked Thetford. a frequent City in those days: but he not able to withstand their violence, fled into his Castle at Framingham, 
Fabian.  wherein he was of them besieged; and lastly, taken (saith Abba Floriacens●…s) in a village than called Heglisd●…ne, of a wood bearing the same name, or rather yielded himself to their torments, to save more Christian blood; for it is recorded, that because of his 
Edmund taken of the Danes, and put to death for the faith of Christ.  most constant Faith and Profession, those Pagans first beat him with bats, then scourged him withwhips, he still calling upon the name of jesus; for rage whereof, they bound him to a stake, and with their arrows shot him to death; and cutting off his head, contemptuously threw it into a bush, after he had reigned over the East-Angles the space of sixteen years, having had neither wife nor issue that is read of. His body and head, after the Danes were departed, were buried 
Malmes. His reign.  at the same royal Town, as Abbo terms it, where Sigebert the East-Anglean King, and one of his predecessors, at his establishing of Christianity, built a Church, and where afterwards (in honour of him) was built another most spacious, and of a wonderful frame of Timber, and the name of the Town, upon the occasion of his burial, called unto this day, Saint Edmondsbury. 
〈◊〉 Church 〈◊〉 S. Edmondsbury builded in honour of Edmund. This Church razed to the ground by Suenus a Danish King.  This Church and place, Suenus the Pagan Danish King in impiety and fury burned to ashes. But when his son Canute had made conquest of this Land, and gotten possession of the English Crown, terrified and affrighted (as saith the Legend) with a vision of the seeming Saint Edmund, in a religious devotion to expiate his Father's sacrilege, built it anew most sumptuously, enriched this place with 
Re-edified and richly endowed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 son.  Charters & Gifts, and offered his own Crown upon the Martyr's Tomb. After the death of this Edmund the East-Angles Country was possessed by the Danes, & so continued about some fifty years, until that Edward surnamed the Elder, expulsed these Danes, and joined that kingdom a Province to the Westsaxons, 
The Danes expulsed hence by 〈◊〉.  after it had stood three hundred fifty three years.   

A catalogue OF SUCH BRITISH PRINCES AS WITHSTOOD THE SAXONS IN THEIR CONQVESTS FROM VORTIGER'NE THEIR FIRST MAINTAINER, UNTO CADWALLADER THEIR LAST RESISTER. CHAPTER XII.  
NOw as we have spoken of every several Saxon King, that attained unto, and 
Hither●… the Saxons Heptarchy.  held possession of any part in the East & South of this Island, until such time as their Crowns were worn by their Conquerors, and the sevenfold divided Heptarchy, united into an absolute Monarchy: so by order of History 
The British Opposers.  it is required, that their opposers (the Britain's) so long as they kept their ground, and stood in defence of their own rightful inheritance, should be showed: who with as great a disdain, and valorous resistance, underwent the yoke of the Saxons subjections, as their ancient Ancestors had endeavoured to clear themselves from the chains of the Romans captivity. And until God and destiny withdr●… from them the hand of defence, they mated the Saxons in all their designs. For albeit that the Romans had robbed the Land of her strength, and the aspired Vortigern, called in these Strangers for his defence: yet their purposes being wisely perceived, the execution thereof was as presently practised, and as eagerly pursued, whilst the pillars (that supported the frame of their government) stood upon their own Bases. But the groundwork failing, and those props not many, 
Resisters of the Saxons.  the weight of all, fell upon some few, whose acts and manly resistance (Christ assisting) shall further be related, as time shall bring them to the years of their adventures, and carry our History thorough the affairs of their times. Mean while, as we have recorded the names of their Ancestors, and worthy forerunners, the resisters of the Romans: so now if you please, behold the Catalogue of their Kings, from the foresaid Vortigern (the first subdued by these Saxons) 
Vortigern the first and Cadwallader the last resister of the Saxons.  unto Cadwallader the last of those British Princes; who left to them his Land, and went himself to Rome: whose times & stories, according to those Guides that lead us, we will declare, referring the credit thereof to our British Historians; against whom howsoever some exceptions are, and may be justly taken, yet are they not altogether to be cast off, in the affairs of these ensuing Princes, especially Gyldas and Ninius, who lived in, and presently after the times of those resisters. Neither is it to be doubted, but that many others there were of that Nation, no less careful for transferring the remembrance of their Ancestors actions to posterity, (no Nation living being more zealously devoted in that kind,) though their writings have in Times ruins been buried, and their remembrances preserved only by perpetuity of traditions. and although we have showed the ancient Coins of the Britain's, and observed a series thorough the Romans succession: yet be not offended, that I leave only Blanks for these latter Princes, as also the first Saxons, wanting the moneys of their own several Mints.  
Such therefore as I have found of any King's stamp, reigning whilst the Land was divided and enjoyed amongst 
A successive Series of Great Britain's Coins.  them, I have in the margin of their remembrances affixed, with the Arms attributed to every several kingdom: and hence will observe the same order, without any invention or feigned inscription: which howsoever we want to furnish their successions, yet this am I sure of, no Nation in Europe can show the like, or can come to so true a series of their Sovereign's Coins, as England is able at this day to do.  

VORTIGERN. 1.  
Vortigern among the many molestations of the Scots and Picts, was ordained the supreme Governor of these affairs; and to that end, with the Britain's full consent was elected their King. For as touching that Monkish Constantine, the son of Constantius, who is said to be the brother of Aldreonus, King of Little Britain in France, sent for and made King by these Britain's, whose simplicity this Vortigern is said to abuse, and lastly to cause his murder and death; I rather think the story to be the same that happened above forty years before, in the days of Honorius the Emperor; when Constantius among other Conspirators, was raised upon a hopeful expectation conceived in his name.  
This Constantius indeed had a son that bore his name, a man of a soft spirit, and no deep reach, and therefore in his youth was made a Monk. But his Father risen to his aspiring honour, created him first his Caesar, and next Augustus, till Fortune turned those smiles into frowns, and stained their purple robes in both their own bloods. For not only the same names induceth this doubt, but the place, which was Winchester, and Abbey Amphibilus, where this Imperial Monk was shorn, doth not a little confirm the same; the remains of which College, by that strong and thick wall standing to this day at the West gate of that Cathedral Church, doth not a little confirm. But wanting better directions to our proceedings, we must follow for these times men of latter years, and not without some suspect of uncertainty. The rather, for that the Saxons as then the chief Actors in this Land, have purposely concealed all 
Saxons have concealed all victories against themselves.  Victors and victories against themselves; neither but sparingly have recorded their own.  
This Vortigern, howsoever attaining the Crown, was overawed (saith Ninius) by the Picts & Scots, stood 
The causes of Vortigerns' fear, and his sending for the Saxons.  in fear of the Roman forces, and dread much the return of Aurelius Ambrose, with his brother Uter, surnamed Pendragon: and therefore wanting strength of his own to maintain his standing, sent for the Saxons, as we have said. He (saith the British Story) was Earl of Cornwall, of an honourable Family and noble descent, his 
Beda lib. 1. cap. 14.  Lady every way answerable to both; by whom he had three sons, Vortimer, Catigern, and 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 His second wife 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  His second wife, or rather Concubine, (having cast off this first) was Rowena, the daughter of Hengist, which Pagan marriage proved not only the bane of the Land, but so ruinated the Church of Christianity, that a Provincial Council of the 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 sembled in Ann. 470. to repair those things that this marriage had decayed.  
By this Heathen damosel he had a daughter, who (against the law of God and Nature) was his third wife, 
His third wife 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 daughter.  that Kings (as he pretended, to excuse his ●…est) might be descended from the right issue of Kings, upon whom he begot his sad lamenting son Fausius, a virtuous 
Fausius the son o●… 〈◊〉 by his third wife.  Imp of those impious parents, that spent his life in a solitary place near to the River Llynterrenny, as we have said; who abandoning the company of men, among those mountains served God in continual tears and prayers, for remission of the fault committed in his incestuous generation, for the recalling of his parents to a better life, and for the restitution of his Country to her former liberty.  
This Vortigern reigned first sixteen years, and 
Vortigern how long he reigned. Fabian. Chro. Vortigern deposed and imprisoned.  then deposed for his favours to the Saxons, was retained in durance all the reign of Vortimer his son, after whose death re-established, but oppressed by his Saxons, and pursued by Aurelius, he withdrew himself into Wales, and among those vast mountains built a 
He flieth into Wales.  Castle by Merlin's direction, whereof we have spoken, and more we would speak, were those fantastic fictions underset with any props of likelihood or truth, which Rand. of Chester in his days utterly rejected. 
Polychr. li. 5. ca 1.   
In this Castle, Vortigern with his incestuous wife, after he had secondly reigned the space of six years, 
Vortigern and his wife destroyed by fire from heaven. Henr. Hunt. Rand. Higd. 5. c. 1.  was consumed to ashes, by the just revenging hand of God, by fire from heaven, as some have written; or else kindled by Aurelius and Uter, as his Ministers to execute his wrath.   

VORTIMER. 2.  
VOrtimer, the eldest son of King Vortigern, through the abuse of his father's government, for which 
2. An. Do. 454. Vortimer the second resister of the Saxons.  he was deposed by his own subjects, was erected King of the Britaines the year from Christ's birth 454. a man of great valour, which altogether he employed for the redress of his Country, according to the testimony of William Malmesbury, whose words are these: Vortimer (saith he) thinking not good to dissemble the matter, for that he saw himself and Country daily surprised by the craft of the English, set his full purpose 
Vortimer how long he maintained war against the Saxons. Four chief battles, and the success of the first.  to drive them out, and from the seventh year after their first entrance, for twenty years continuance fought many Battles with them, and four of them with great puissance in open field; in the first whereof, they departed with like fortune, and loss of the General's brethren Horsa and Catigern: in the other three the Britaines went away with victory, and so long until Vortimer was taken away by fatal death.  
Huntingdon, Monmouth, Randulphus, and Fabian, name both the places and success of those Battles: The first was in Kent, and upon the Plain near unto 
The place of the first battle. Beda lib. 1. ca 15.  Ailsford, where the memorial of Catigern to this day remaineth; & Horsted doth as yet relish of Horsa there interred. The second Battle was fought likewise in Kent at Crocanford, now Craford, where many perished 
The place of the second battle.  as well Britain's as Saxons. The third was at Weppeds' Fleet, with great loss to the Britain's: and the 
The place of the third battle. The place of the fourth battle.  fourth upon Calmore, where many of the Saxons, after long and sore fight, were slain, and more drowned in flight, and lastly driven into the I'll of Thanet, their first assigned habitation, (if not over the Seas) so that small hope rested for them so long as this valiant Vortimer 
The Saxons quite dispossessed.  lived, who had now dispossessed them of all their footing in the Continent, and often assailed them in the I'll of Tannet likewise, as Fabian confidently affirmeth.  
But destiny going forward for the downfall of Britain, removed these rubs out of her way: for Rowena, the mother of the Britain's mischief, and the maintainer of the Saxons residence, found the means 
Vortimer made away by Rowena.  to make this worthy Vortimer away, and by poison caused the end of his life, after he had valiantly reigned the space of four years; all which time, by the 
Vortimer the continuance of his reign. Fabian. Chro. par. 5. cap. 89.  testimony of an old Chronicle that Fabian had seen, Vortigern the father remained in durance, and under assigned Keepers in the City Caerlegion, now Chester, and so demeaned himself towards his son (than his Sovereign) in dutiful obedience and faithful counsel, that he won again the hearts of the Britain's, and was again reestablished their 
Vortigern re-established King.  King.  
It is recorded by Ninius, that after his last victory over the Saxons, he caused his Monument to be erected 
Ninius.  at the entrance into Tanet, and in the same place of that great overthrow, which by the said Author 
Vortimer his monument the Stonar.  is called Lapis Tituli, of us the Stonar, where for certain it seems hath been an haven. In this Monument he commanded his body to be buried, to the further terror of the Saxons, that in beholding this his Trophy, their spirits might be daunted at the remembrance of their great overthrow. As Scipio Africanus conceited the like, who commanded his Sepulchre to be so set, that it might overlook Africa, supposing that his very Tomb would be a terror to the Carthaginians. But how that desire of Vortimer was performed, I find not, but rather the contrary: for an old Manuscript I have, that confidently affirmeth him to be buried in London: yet others from Ninius the 
Uortimer supposed to be buried in London.  disciple of Eluodugus, hold the place to be Lincoln. But howsover his grave is forgotten, yet let this be remembered, that Sigebertus hath written of him, that 
Sigebertus.  is, After he had vanquished the Saxons (saith he) whose drift was not only to overrun the Land with violence, but also to erect their own Laws without clemency, he restored the Christian Religion then sorely decayed, and new built the Churches that those enemies had destroyed.   

AURELIUS AMBROSE. 3.  
AVrelius Ambrose, verily descended of that Constantine who in the fourth Consulship of Theodosius 
3. An. Do. 466. The third resister of the Saxons.  the younger, was elected here in Britain, only in hope of his lucky name, succeeded Vortigern the Father in the Government of Britain, and Vortimer the son, in affection and defence of his Country. He with Uter (saith Geffrey Monmouth) when their brother Constantine was murdered by Vortigern, fled into 
Galfrid. M●….  France, where they remained the years of his first reign; whose return (as we have heard from Ninius) he greatly feared, and whose force at his last he felt to his smart. For having again resumed his Crown, he lived in his old sins, and suffered the Saxons to be Lords of his Land: to prevent which (saith Beda from Gyldas) the Britaines by little and little began to 
Beda hist. lib. 1. cap. 16.  take strength, and with some courage to come forth of their Caves, who with one uniform consent, called to God for his heavenly help. They had (saith he) for their Captain a Roman called Ambrose Aurelianus, a gentle natured man, which only of all the blood of the Romans remained then alive, his parents being slain, which bore the name of King of the Country. This man being their Leader, provoked the Victors to the fight, and through God's assistance achieved the victory. From that day forward now the Britain's, now the Saxons did prevail, until the year that bath was besieged, which was forty four years after their first coming into the Island.  
His first expedition (as our British Historians report) was against Vortigern, and his Castle in Wales, 
Geffrey Caxton, Polych.  wherein that incestuous King was consumed to ashes by lightning from heaven, as we have said: and then following the Saxons, made toward York, & at Maesbel beyond Humber, encountering Hengist, became his Victor: unto whose mercy (say they) his son Occa yielded himself, and obtained in free gift the Country in Gallaway in Scotland for him and his Saxons. But these his affairs thus prospering against the common Enemy, was envied at by Pascentius, the youngest son of King Vortigern, who not able either to mate the Saxons, or after his brethren's deaths to recover the Kingdom to himself, ambitiously sought to prefer his base humour before the recovery of his Country's liberty, which then lay gored in her own blood. For having gotten the aid of Gillamare King of Ireland, whether he had fled upon the death of his Father, and now returned into the west of Wales, first endamaged the City of S. David's, and thence proceeded with fire and sword. Aurelius then sick in the City of Winchester, sent his brother Uter to withstand his force, who slew both Pascentius and the Irish King his partaker, in a set & sore battle fought betwixt them. But before this battle, Pascentius had sent a Saxon, whose name was Eopa, in show a Britain, and in habit a Physician, to minister poison in stead of physic, which according was effected with Ambrose his 
Hector Boetius.  death.  
Unto this Aurelius Ambrose is ascribed the erection 
Aurelius Ambrose erected Stonhenge.  of that rare and admirable monument, now called Stonhenge, in the same place where the Britain's had been treacherously slaughtered and interred, whose manner and form in our draft of Wiltshire we have inserted. The matter being Stones of a great and huge bigness, so that some of them contain twelve tun in weight, and twenty eight foot or 
The description of the Monument of Stonhenge.  more in length, their breadth seven, and compass sixteen. These are set in the ground of a good depth, and stand in a round circle by two and two, having a third stone somewhat of less quantity laid gate-wise overthwart on their tops, fastened with tenons and mortaises, the one into the other; which to some seem so dangerous, as they may not safely be passed under, the rather for that many of them are fallen down, and the rest suspected of no sure foundation: notwithstanding, at my being there, I neither saw cause of such fear, nor uncertainty in accounting of their numbers, as is said to be. The stones are grey, but not marbled, wherein great holes are beaten even by force of weather, that serve for Ravens and other birds to build in, and bring forth their young. The ground-plot containeth about three hundred foot in compass, in form almost round, or rather like unto a horse-shoe, with an entrance in upon the eastside. Three rows of stones seem formerly to have been pitched, the largest outwards, and the least inwards; many whereof are now fallen down: but those that stand, show so fair an aspect, and that so far off, that they seem to the beholders to be some Fortress or strong Castle. A Trench also is about them, which hath been much deeper; and upon the plains adjoining, many round copped hills, without any such trench, (as it were cast up out of the earth) stand like great haycocks in a plain meadow: In these, and thereabouts, by digging have been found pieces of 
Ancient fashioned Armour found at Stonhenge.  ancient fashioned armour, with the bones of men, whose bodies were thus covered with earth that was brought thither by their well-willers and friends, even in their head-pieces; a token of love that then was used, as some imagine.  
This Trophy, Aurelius Ambrose (in memorial of the Britain's massacre) erected, and is worthily accounted for one of the Wonders of this Island, and 〈◊〉 in the verses of Alexander 〈◊〉 called The Giant's Da●…nce, wherein this Ambrose was interred after h●…e had reigned thirty two years, and whereof the town Ambresbury bears the name. Others report, that the Britaines erected this most stately Sepulchre ●…uer the body of Ambrose there slain by the sword of his enemies, that his Country's love, in such a costly piece of work, might remain unto posterities in this, the Altar of his virtue and manhood: for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith, that this man, in succouring his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  took upon him the Imperial rob, and against the 〈◊〉 rage of those Germane enemies, oft times over 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 puissant armies, but was lastly slain by them upon the plains of Salesburie. I cannot with silence let pass the ridiculous reports of the bringing of the Stones out of Africa into Ireland, and from thence, under the conduct 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Do●….  of Uter the brother of Ambrose, unto this Plain, by the industrious means of Merlin, surnamed Ambrose, borne in the ancient City Merd●…n, and as Humphrey 
〈◊〉 of Bri●…e.  Lh●…d saith, of a noble virgin, whose father, for his skill in the Mathematics, and wonderful knowledge in all other kind of learning, was by the rude common people reputed to be the son of an Incubus, or a male Devil, which in the similitude and likeness of men do use carnally to company with women. But how this may agree with his divine mouth, that tells us the Spirits have neither 
Luke 24 39  flesh nor bones; and the whole Scriptures, that man is carnally begotten, conceived and born, I leave for others further to dispute. Only I know, that such beget as Merlin's is reported to be, without father, and Simon Magus also, that before him would needs be the son of a Virgin, do not a little contradict 
〈◊〉 in his 〈◊〉.  our Christian Profession, who acknowledge only the conception of Christ to be conceived without the seed of man, or of sin. But to our purpose: Ambrose Aurelius (by Panuinius accounted the last Emperor 
Aurelius Ambrose, the continuence of his 〈◊〉.  of the British blood) is said to reign in Britain thirty two years, and to die in that of Christ's Incarna●…on four hundred ninety seven.   

VTERPENDRAGON. 4.  
VTer, surna●… 〈◊〉, the brother of Ambrose, succeeded him both in valour, and in the Government 
An. Do. 498.  of Britain. His entrance was with troubles 
Mat. Westminster.  against the Saxons, who under the leading of Eske and O●…a, the sons of King Hengist, had passed with spoil to the City York, whither this newmade General presently rep●…d, and giving them battle, with the discom●… of the whole Army, took both the 〈◊〉 pri●…ers, and committed them to safe cu●…odie.  
But the Brita●…es (saith 〈◊〉) becoming disloyal to their Prince, seldom assisted him with preventing 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  counsel: and the Princ●… enamoured upon the Duke of Cornwall's Wife, consulted more with Merli●… to transform himself from himself, then to give direction against the common enemy. For coming to Tindagell Castle in Cornwall, possessed by Gorlois, 
A●…ex. 〈◊〉. Uter 〈◊〉 in love with La●… Igren.  Duke of that Province, beheld (in his eye) the Paragon of Nature, which was Lady Igren, his Duchess and wife. Uter, whose thoughts till then had been free, and from his childhood had ever followed Mars in the field, was now surprised so far with her love, that his Shield and Arms were both neglected and unworn, and all his thoughts set on work to purchase his most wis●…ed desire; which lastly, by Merline and Magic was effected, and that after this manner (if we 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  will believe him of Monmouth, who is the reporter.) His suits and hopes failing (saith he) to win her unto dishonour, Merline altogether new-moulded the shape of King Uter, and printed in his face the feature of Gorlois her own Lord, by which means, and without suspect the King dishonourably violated this Lady's chastity, in which Bed of deceit, the famous Arthur 
An ancient Manuscript.  was begot. The captive Captains Eske and Octa in these loose times of his love, got loose from their Keepers, and with their rattling armour roused Uter from this wanton Lullaby; who with troops of strength, and trumpets of defiance, met these Saxons face to face in the field, where betwixt them was fought a most bloody battle, and that even almost to the last stroke, and wherein, if fatal destiny had withdrawn her hand, the Island had been rid of these Intruders for ever. For therein (say our Authors) the Saxons perished by the Britain's swords; upon whose 
Geffrey, etc.  points also Eske and Octa paid their escapes with the loss of their lives. This field was at Verolam, whither Uter sick, and in his Horselitter, was borne among 
john Harding.  his Army, and after long and sore siege, won from them that City. Finally, when this King had reigned 
Pendragon the continuance of his reign.  the space of eighteen years, he died by poison put into a well, whereof usually he drank, and was buried at Stonhenge with his brother Ambrose.  
Of his surname Pendragon, these supposals are made: At his nativity (say some) appeared a fiery Comet, in some part resembling a Dragon's Head: whereupon that great reputed Prophet Merline, attributed this heavenly Meteor unto this Princely new-born Babe; and gave him the name of Uter-pendragon. Others for his serpentine wisdom, derive the surname of this Serpent's Head, who like unto that of Dan, bit 
Gen. 49. 17.  the Horse heels, so that the riders fell backward. For in all his wars against the Saxons, he was most fortunate and victorious, with their great overthrows. But others will have him so named from his Royal Banner, borne ever before him, wherein was portrayed a Dragon with a Golden Head; of which Standard since, neighbour Nations have had good experience, and in far Country it hath been displayed in the cause 
In gold and jewels, as Hardig saith.  of Christianity, to the terror of the Pagans, as in Syria by that invincible English King, Richard the first, surnamed Cur-de-lion; in Scotland and Wales by that conquering Prince Edward the first, and the same as yet is in field borne for an Imperial Standard in our English Camps.   

KING ARTHUR. 5.  
ARthur the son of Uter, begotten as is said of Lady Igren Duchess of Cornwall, was crowned 
5. An. Do. 516.  King at fifteen years of age, about the year of Christ five hundred and sixteen; or as Matthew of 
Matth. West●….  Westminster hath it, five hundred and eighteen. His prosperous entrance was envied at by Lotho King of the Picts, and by Couran King of the Scots, who had 
Scotia Chron.  married his own Aunts, Anna and Alda, the two sisters of Ambrose and Uter, each of them expecting the Crown before him, through the opinion and repute of his bastardy, especially Lotho, who had issue by Anna, Mordrad, and Gawan: the latter of which spent his life in the cause of that quarrel. His first proceedings were against the common enemy the Saxons, whose Captain Colgerne, he chased from Northumberland into York; which City likewise he girt with a straight siege, notwithstanding Colgerne thence escaped into Germany, and of King Cherdick got succour for his Saxons, who with seven hundred sail arrived in Scotland. Arthur advertised of his great 
Matth. West●….  power, raised his siege, and drew towards London, and thence sent for aid to his Nephew Howel, King of Little Britain in France, who came himself in person to join with his uncle.  
These from southhampton marched to Lincoln, which City Cherdick had strongly besieged, but was thence forced by Arthur's conquering sword. Twelve battles he fought against these Saxons (as Ninius recordeth) with great manhood and victory. The first was at the mouth of the River Gleyne: the second, third, fourth, and fifth, upon the Banks of Douglasse, in the County of Lineux: the sixth upon the River Bassus; the seventh in the wood Calydon; the eighth near to the Castle Guynien; the ninth in Wales, at the Town Cairelien; the tenth at Trachenrith, or Rithowode upon the Sea side: the eleventh upon a hill named Agned Cathergonien; and the twelfth at bath, or Bathen-hill, where the Britain's (as Beda saith) gave the 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 16.  Saxons a very great overthrow; which (by Gyldas' report) happened forty four years after the Saxons first arrivage into Britain, the year wherein himself was borne.  
Of Arthur's success both at home and abroad, his great magnificence in Court and Country, his Banners, and four Golden Swords borne before him, his Round Tables, and challenges of Martial Honour, let Monmouth 
Monmouth. Wil Ne●…. Leiland.  the Writer, Newberry the Resister, and Leiland the Maintainer, be heard for me. But certain it is (by the report of Malmesbury) that Arthur was a Prince 
Wil Malmes.  more worthy to be advanced by the truth of Records in warrantable credit, then by fables scandalised with poetical fictions and hyperbolical falsehoods. Whose Banner was so often spread for the cause of Christianity, and defence of his Country, being the only prop that upheld the same. And lamentable it is, that the fame of this puissant Prince had not been sounded by a more certain Trumpet: for to say the truth of his Writer even in a 
Of jeffrey Arthur, or Monk of Monmouth.  word, he was well skilled in Antiquities of tradition, but as it seemeth, not any of ancient credit, so many toys and tales he every where interlaceth out of his own brain, wherewith he was charged while himself lived, insomuch as he is now ranged among those Writers whom the Roman Church hath censured to be forbidden.  
This hurt therefore those overzealous Monks have done to the Subject whereof they wrote, that through an overmuch conceited opinion, with the virtue and fame of the person, they have mingled such matters as may justly be rejected, whereby their worths are not only deprived of their truly-deserued honours, but which more is, even their persons suspected to be nought else but fictions, as Hercules in Ovid, or Hector in Homer. And so hath Geffrey done by this most worthy Prince Arthur, whose wars against the Saxons for defence of this Island, he hath enlarged with the Conquests of other Kingdoms and Countries, wherein he never came: which hath made not only his Acts to be doubted of, but even his person to be called in question, whether any such Arthur ever ruled in Britain. Yet with better regard to the Recorders of his spreading fame, we grant both the man, and many honourable parts in him, though not in the like manner as they have laid them down. Neither are we strayed so far from the steps of credulity, that we can believe no more than we see, or that seeing, be forestalled with a prejudicate opinion: for though we consent not to the fables of Homer, neither to the inventions that Euripides and Sophocles made upon the 
Hom. Iliad. lib. 5. Euripides. Sophocles.  Battles of Troy, yet we deny not but that there were Wars and Battles at Troy, wherein many Martial acts undoubtedly were performed: neither doubt we of his person, as Seneca seemeth to do of jupiters', but 
Seneca in his Morals.  acknowledge it with reverence for truth, yet with this reservation, that all is not Gospel which is written in Greek. And had there not been a truth of things whereupon Poets made their fables, there had been at this day no fables of Poets in the world. And as Geffrey wondereth that neither Gyldas nor Beda do mention Arthur nor his great deeds, so saith Randulphus, may we at Geffrey, that hath augmented them above the pitch of credulity. But for the truth of this Prince, besides a Charter exemplified under the s●…ale of King Edward the Third, wherein mention is made of King Arthur, to have been a great Benefactor to the Abbey of Glastenbury, who as john Rouse reporteth, 
john Rouse.  had given Bren-march and other Demaines, to the value of five hundred Marks yearly, to the said Monastery. His Arms (being an Escocheon, whereon a Cross, 
The Arms of Arthur.  with the Virgin Mary bearing Christ in her arms) cut in stone, and standing over the first Gate of entrance as yet, is said to be the Arms of that Abbey. And joseph, the judicious Monk of Excester, who followed 
josephus Isc●….  King Richard the First in his war for the Conquest of the Holy Land, in his poetical verses extolleth Arthur with Alexander, Caesar, and Hercules; yea and Ninius, far his ancient, calleth Arthur an Iron Mall, that both bruised and broke the Lion's jaws asunder. 
Arthur an Iron Mall.   
Therefore of his person we make no doubt, though his acts have been written with too lavish a pen: neither consent we with those Historians that naturalise him for a Britain, seeing that Ninius, Beda, Malmesburie, and himself seem to speak the contrary: for Ambrose being the brother of Uter Pendragon, as we already from Beda have showed, was a Captain descended from the blood of the Romans, whose parents saith Ninius, had worn the Purple rob, and both of 
Ninius. Malmesb. de gest●… Reg. Angl.  them the sons of Constantine, whose father in Britain against Honorius the Emperor had put on the said rob. And by his natural descent from the Romans, Arthur not only denied them Tribute, but also threatened to have a Tribute from Rome: for in his Letters to that end sent unto the Senate, thus in an old Manuscript we find it indicted: Understand among you of Rome, that I am King Arthur of Britain, and freely 
A nameless old Manuscript, chap. 154.  it hold, and shall hold; and at Rome hastily will I be, not to give you tr●…age, but to have tr●…age of you: for Constantine that was Helenes son, and other of mi●… Ancestors conquered Rome, and thereof were Emperors, and that the●… had and held I shall have your●… Godd●…s grace. Whereby is manifest his blood was from the Romans. Let not therefore any of our Britain's take exceptions against me for this, neither that I enlarge not his fame, by the enlargement of his Empire in Russia, Lapland, and in making Norway his Chamber of Britain, as if that Kingdom and Title should be given him by the Pope, that indeed cuts large thongs out of other men's Leather: his Conquests of thirty Kingdoms, and killing of Denabus the huge Spanish Giant, & his combat with Frolo Governor of France, and with Lucius Hiberus the Roman Legate, whose slain body he sent to the Senate for the tribute of Britain by them demanded: seeing that others before me, far more rip●… Historians, have made both doubts and objections against them. And therefore I conclude with this Arthur, as Saint Augustine with the Athenians, whose men 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 10.  (saith he) were ever greater in fame then in deeds. And with Ninius will end with his saying; Arthurus pu●…a bat contra illos in diebus illis; & licet multi ipso no●…res essent, ipse tamen duodecies Dux belli fuit, Victorque bellorum: Arthur made war against them in those days; and though many were more noble than be, yet was he twelve times General in the Field, and returned Conqueror. But more constant is the memory of his death, and place of his burial, both which are reported upon warrantable credit: for Mordred the son of Lotho, whereof we have spoken, affecting the Crown, upon a pretence of right from King Uter, and supposed bastardise of Arthur, gave many attempts, through the aid of his Picts, and assistance of the Saxons, to dispossess him of that wherein he was seated: and lastly at 
* Camel●…ord.  Kamblan or Cambula in Cornwall (saith Leland) this British Hector encountering Mordred, slew him outright, and received of him his own death's wound. The witness of this Field as yet are those pieces of Armour, horseharnesse, and other habiliments of War, which are daily digged up in tillage of the ground; unless those relics of Battle be the seals of that fight which Marianus writeth to have 
Marianus Scotus.  been in this place betwixt the Britain's and Saxons, in the year of our Lord eight hundred and twenty.  
If then it be true that Arthur here died, this place we may say seemeth to be consecrated unto Mars: for Tindagell Castle, standing hard by, first brought into the world this glorious Prince, for one of her nine Worthies, and Cambula again received his last blood. But from this place he was carried unto Glastenburie in Somerset-shire, where he died the one and twentieth of May, in the year of our Salvation five hundred 
Wal. sonne●… Antiq. Glasten. Arthur the continuance of his reign.  forty and two, after he had most victoriously reigned twenty six years. His body was there buried, and six hundred years after was taken up, and found upon this occasion: When Henry the second, and first Plantagenet, had swayed the English Sceptre to the last of his reign, it chanced him at Pembroke to hear sung to the Harp certain Ditties of the worthy exploits and acts of this Arthur, (by a Welsh Bard, as they were termed, whose custom was to record and sing at their Feasts the noble deeds of their Ancestors) wherein mention was made of his death, and place of burial, designing it to be in the Churchyard of Glastenburie, and that betwixt two Pyramids therein standing: whereupon King Henry caused the ground to be digged, and at seven foot depth was found a huge broad stone, wherein a leadden Cross was fastened, and in that side that lay downward, in rude and barbarous letters (as rudely set and contrived) this inscription written upon that side of the Lead that was towards the stone: 
HIC JACET SEPVLTVS REX ARTURIUS IN INSULA AVALONIA.  
here lieth King Arthur buried in the I'll of Aualonia.   
And digging nine foot deeper, his body was found in the trunk of a Tree, the bones of great bigness, and in his skull perceived ten wounds, the last very great, and plainly seen. His Queen Guinever, that had been near kinswoman to Cador Duke of Cornwall, a Lady of passing beauty lay likewise by him, whose 
The 〈◊〉 tresses of hair my ●…e saw in a coffin digged up in an old house near Paul's in London, very beautiful in show, but being touched, was nothing but dust.  tresses of hair finely plaited, and in colour like the gold, seemed perfect and whole until it was touched, but then (bewraying what all beauties are) showed itself to be dust. Giraldus Cambrensis, a worthy Author and an eyewitness, is the reporter of this finding of Arthur's bones; and the Cross of Lead, with the Inscription, as it was found and taken off the stone, was kept in the Treasury or Revester of Glastenburie 
john Stow.  Church, saith Stowe, till the suppression thereof in the reign of King Henry the eight, whose form and rude letters we have here expressed to thy sight.  
The bones of King Arthur, and of Queen Guinevar 
Arthur's bones in ●…ombed.  his wife, by the direction of Henry de Bloys, Nephew to King Henry the second, and Abbot of Glastenbury, at that present were translated into the great new Church, and there in a fair Tomb of Marble, his body was laid and his Queens at his feet; which noble Monument among the fatal overthrows of infinite more, was altogether razed at the dispose of some then in Commission, whose too forward zeal, and over hasty actions in these behalfs, hath left unto us a want of many truths, and cause to wish that some of their employments had been better spent.   

CONSTANTINE. 6.  
Constantine the son of Cador Duke of Cornwall, and cozen to King Arthur by his alliance in marriage, 
An. D. 542.  at his death was appointed by him to succeed in his Dominions, and most joyfully received of the 
Brute book.  Commons, as the man, in the opinion of this worthy elector and themselves, accounted most fit to defend the Land from the many oppressions of the Saxons, who now began to spread the wing as far as to Tyne in the North, and to set down the limits of their several Kingdoms; which notwithstanding, these strangers daily enlarged upon the homebred Inhabitants, the civil wars of the Britaines giving way to the same, and that not only among themselves, but by the Picts also, in the behalf of the two sons of Mordred, that sought to dispossess him of the Crown. In which quarrel many battles were fought, but with such success to the attemptors, that these two Competitors were forced for refuge into London and Winchester, 
Gyldas. Ab●…r suc●….  whither Constantine pursued them, they taking Sanctuary in the Churches, and not far from the Altars he slew them: for which deed, the Priest Gyldas, that flourished in those days, in his invective reprehensions thus writeth: Britain hath Kings (saith he) but 
In his Book De excidio Britan. Hum. Lluyd. Bre. Brit.  they are Tyrants: judges it hath, but they are wicked, pilling and harming the innocent people; revenging and defending, but whom? Such as be guilty and robbers. They have many wives, yet break they wedlock; many times swearing, yet perjure themselves; vowing, but for the most part with dissembling lies; warring, but stillmaintaining unjust and civil broils; abroad pursuing thieves, and yet at home cherish them, even at their own Tables, and sometimes also reward them. They give large alms indeed, yet heap they up sins high as the Mountain. They sit in the Seat of sentence, yet seldom seek the rule of right judgement, despising the humble and innocent persons, and extolling up to Heaven proud and bloody Murderers, thieves, and Adulterers, yea and if he would permit them, the very enemies of God. Many they keep in prison, and load them with irons, more to serve their own purposes, then for any guilt in the person, taking solemn Oaths before & upon the Altars, and yet despise they the Altars, as altogether vile, and but filthy stones.  
Of this heinous and wicked offence, Constantine the tyrannical whelp of the Lioness of Devon-shire is not ignorant, who this year, after the receiving of his dreadful Oath, whereby he bound himself, that in no wise he should hurt his Subjects, (God first, and then his Oath, with the company of Saints, and his own mother being present ●…did notwithstanding in the reverend laps of both his Mothers, the Church, and her by nature, and that under the vesture of an holy Abbot, devour with sword and spear, instead of teeth, the tender sides and the entrails of two children of noble and Kingly race, and likewise of their two Governors, yea and that (as I said) before the sacred Altars; the Arms of which Persons so slain, not stretched forth to defend themselves with weapons (which few in those days handled more valiantly than they) but stretched forth to God, and to his Altar, in the day of judgement shall set up the reverend ensigns of their patience and faith at the Gates of the City of Christ, which so have covered the seat of the Celestall Sacrifice, as it were with the red Mantle of their cluttered blood.  
These things he did not after any good deeds done by him deserving praise: for many years before overcome with the often and changeable filths of adultery, and forsaking his lawful wife (contrary to the law of God) being not loosed from the snares of his former sins, he increaseth the new with the old. Thus far Gyldas, for this time, and for the reign of Constantine; whose life being no 
Constantine's reigns continuance.  better, was cut off in battle by Aurelius Conanus, when he had reigned fully three years, and without issue was buried at Stonhenge.   

AURELIUS CONANUS. 7.  
AVrelius Conanus, the Nephew of King Arthur, after 
7. An. D. 545. Mat. Westminster.  he had slain his cozen Constantine in battle, was made King over the Britain's in the year after Christ's Nativity five hundred forty five. He was of disposition free and liberal, but therewithal of a light credit, and very suspicious, cherishing them that accused others, without respect of right or wrong, putting some to death, and retaining others in perpetual prison, among whom his own Uncle was one, whose two sons he caused to be slain, no causes objected, but that these three were in truth betwixt him & the Crown: for which, and other the like impious parts, the said Gyldas continueth the tenor of his vehement reprehension in this manner. And thou Lion's whelp (as speaks the Prophet) Aurelius Conanus, what dost thou? 
Gyldas.  art thou not swallowed up in the ●…thy mire of murdering thy Kinsmen, of committing fornications and adulteries, like to the others before mentioned, if not more deadly, as it were with the waves and surges of the drenching Seas, overwhelming thee with her unmerciful rage? dost thou not in hating the peace of thy Country, as a deadly Serpent, and thirsting after civil wars and spoils (often times unjustly gotten) shut up against thy soul the Gates of celestial peace? Thou being left alone, as a withering tree in the middle of a field, call to remembrance (I pray thee) the vain youthful fantasy, and over timely deaths of thy Fathers and thy Brethren: shalt thou being set apart, and chosen forth of all thy lineage for thy godly deserts, be reserved to live an hundred years, or remain on earth till thou be as old as Meth●…shela? nothing less. And thus with exhortations for his amendment, turneth his speech to his Successor.  
The reign of this King, among the uncertainties of other proceedings, is ranged by our own Historians, as uncertainly. For some hold him to rule only two years, and no more, being then cut off 
〈◊〉.  by the just revenging hand of God for his sins: others 
〈◊〉.  allow three years for his reign, wherein, as they say, most viciously he lived: and yet Matthew of Westminster will have him continue in government no less than thirty years; and john 
〈◊〉 the contin●… of his reign.  Stow addeth three more: such extremes are weedriven unto, that have our relations only from them.   

VORTIPORUS. 8.  
VOrtiporus, after the death of Aurelius, succeeded him in the Kingdom of the Britain's, which 
8. An. Do. 578.  then was much scantled by the intrusions of the Saxons whom in many battles (as saith the British Historians) he vanquished, and valiantly defended his Land and Subjects, from the danger of them and of their Allies: notwithstanding these reported actions thus honourably achieved, yea and his Parentage with succession of government, may be both suspected and justly called in question, as by the words of Gyldas is manifest; who suffered not this King also to pass untouched in his invective and lamentable passions. And thou (saith he) Vortiporus the Tyrant of South-wales, like to the Panther in manners and wickedness, diversly spotted, as it were with many colours, with thy hoary head in 
Gyldas.  the Throne full of deceits, crafts, and wiles, and defiled even from the lowest part of thy body to the Crown of thy head, with divers and sundry murders committed on thine own kin, and filthy adulteries, thus proving the unworthy son of a good King, as Manasses was to Ezechias; how chanceth 
2. King. 20. 21.  it that the violent streams of sins, which thou swallowest up like pleasant wine, or rather art swallowed up by them, (the end of thy life by little & little now drawing near) cannot yet satisfy thee? What meanest thou, that with fornication, of all evils as it were the full heap, thine own wife being put away, with her death, which thou wroughtest, dost oppress thy soul with a certain burden that cannot be avoided?  
By this testimony of Gyldas, this Vortiporus could not be the son of bad Conan, as Geffrey Monmouth and Matthew of Westminster affirm him: his Father being compared to godly Ezechias King of judah, and himself continuing his government, as is said the 
Uortiporus, the continuance of his reign.  space of four years, ended his life without issue to succeed him.   

MALGO CANONUS. 9  
MAlgo Canonus, the Nephew of Aurelius Conanus, as some write, succeeded Vortiporus in the Kingdom 
9 An. D. 581. Mat. Westminster.  of Britain, a man of a most seemly presence, but withal, charged with many unbeseeming and foul sins, by ancient Gyldas, the only recorder of the Actions in these times; who calleth him the Dragon of the Isles, greater in power then many, but exceeding all in mischief and malice; a large gi●…r, but more lavish and prodigal in all sins and licentiousness: in Arms and dominions more strong, and greater than any other British Potentate; but stronger in the destruction of his own soul, in committing the grand abhorred sin of Sodomy. In his youthful days, with sword and fire he brought to destruction his Uncle by the mother's side (being then king) together with many others, and after upon a shew-seeming remorse of Conscience, vowed the profession and life of a Monk; but returned shortly after to his own vomit, and became worse than he was before: for despising his first marriage, he became enamoured upon the wife of his brother's son, whiles he was living; and after that he had kept her a certain time, murdered them both. In these sins he 
Malgo Canonus, the continuance of his reign.  continued the term of five years, and dying without issue, left his Crown to another.  
By these reprehensions of Gyldas it should rather seem that these Princes lived all together at one and the same time, unto whom he spoke personally, and mouth to mouth, which could not be, if such successions and such years had been expired, as here is laid down. And therefore not without cause some have affirmed, that these captains usurped authority together in divers parts of the Island, and not successively one after another; neither indeed as Kings, but rather Tyrants, polluted with these grievous sins, as you have heard, and are so termed by their own Historian, that bringeth 
* If ●…erdix be not another whom beda calleth a 〈◊〉 King, lib. 4. cap. ●…3.  one more to tyrannize, whom neither Monmouth nor he of Westminster hath spoken of, which is Cuneglasus, whom he calleth, a Lion tawny Butcher, a Bear, a Contemner of Religion, an Oppressor of the Clergy, that fought against God with his many grievous sins, and warred upon man with his martial weapons. He (saith he) did put away his lawful wife, provoked the godly with many injuries, was proudly conceited of his own wisdom, and set his whole hope in uncertain riches. If then the head was so sick, could the body be sound, that (as Beda saith) were so set to break all orders of truth and justice, that scant any token or remembrance thereof remained? And for witness against 
Beda hist. Angl. 〈◊〉. 1. cap. 21.  them, calleth their own Historian Gyldas, that accused them of many impieties, and this not the least, that those Britain's neglected the preaching of the Gospel to the Saxons.  
For these sins assuredly, God gave their Land to another Nation, and themselves to exile, or to the swords of their enemies. Howsoever, some latter Britain hath rather excused their sins by the overrash zeal of Gyldas, whom he termeth a Pulpit-Priest 
Hum. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Brit.  (but no perfect Historian) that beat down sins with an oversharpe censure of the sinners, as the manner of many Preachers is at this day. But (saith he) let the true renown of the Britaines appear to the world: and surely so shall it do for me. And again I return to my intended purpose.   

CARETICUS. 10.  
 
CAreticus succeeded Malgo in the government of Britain, as destitute of virtue and fluent in vice, 
10. An. Do. 586.  as any of these his preceding Kings: for it is recorded that he was a nourisher of dissensions, and sowed civil wars among his subjects; a sin audible to God and Man, and unto the unconstant Britain's gave occasion of his hatred: which when the Saxons perceived, was further instigated, and with the assistance of Gurmund an Archpirate, and Captain of the Norwegians, followed against the King, who not able to resist them, fled into the Town of Chichester for safety, but by the device of his pursuers, certain sparrows being caught, and fire fastened to their feet, were let fly into the Town, where lighting upon straw and 
Sc●… Cr●….  other matter fit for flaming, burnt in short space the whole City, and Careticus flying beyond Severne, secured himself among the Mountains of Wales, wherein he died, after he had unprosperously reigned three years: and from that time forth (saith Randulphus) 
Careticus, the continuance of his reign. Polych. lib. 5. cap. 6.  the Britain's lost their whole Kingdom in the East part of the Island, and were confined in the West by the Rivers Severne and Dee.   

CADWAN. 11.  
CAdwan, after four and twenty years civil dissension maintained among the Britain's, ever since 
11. An. Do. 163.  they had foregone their Country, and betaken themselves to those vast, but securing Mountains; of a Ruler only of North-wales, was made Governor of all those parts, a man deserving well before he came 
Wil Malmesb.  to that estate, and being risen, maintained himself and subjects in great honour and peace. His first affairs against the Saxons, was to revenge the deaths of his Britain's, and harmless Monks of Bangor, slain (as we have said) by wild Ethelfrid, the mighty King of Northumberland, who in Field had assembled all their powers, wherein the fatal end either of the Britain's or Northumbrians must needs have ensued, had not the quarrel been stayed by the mediation of friends. These Kings, then, and there reconciled, embraced peace, with such true friendship, that they continued amity together so long as they lived.  
Harding saith, that this British King Cadwan, honourably received and worthily cherished Acca, whom 
Cadwan, the continuance of his reign. john Harding. Chro. cap. 90.  this King Ethelfrid had put from his bed, for the love he bore unto his Concubine, but is deceived in making her the mother of Edwin, that was his sister, and Cadwan to reign but thirteen years, whereas others 
Paulus Diaconus.  allot him two and twenty.   

CADWALLO. 12.  
CAdwallo or Cadwallin, the son of Cadwan, was made King over the Britain's, the year of Christ's 
12. An. Do. 635.  Incarnation six hundred thirty five. He warred most strongly against the Saxons, and either by Conquest or Alliance joined amity with Penda the cruel King of the Mercians, a Pagan Idolater, himself by the report of Beda, although a Christian in name and profession, 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 20.  yet in mind and manners so rude and outrageous, that he spared neither women's weakness nor children's innocency, but put all to death with grievous and bitter torments, to fulfil his cruel and unmerciful tyranny, wasting a long time, and raging over the Provinces, purposed to exterminate out of the borders of Britanny the whole Nation of the English, and to extinguish the very name of them. Neither did he ought esteem any reverence or honour to the Christian Religion, which those men embraced: so that ●…en to this day (saith he) the Britain's custom is to set light by the Faith or Religion of the Englishmen; neither will they communicate with them more than with Heathens or Pagans. These two cruel Kings slew the most Christian Edwin King of Northumberland, with his son Prince Osfride, in a great and bloody battle at Hethfild, the year of Christ's incarnation six hundred thirty three: and the year following, with wicked force (saith Beda) but with worthy vengeance, Cadwallo the Britain slew Osrike and Eanfrid, Kings of Deira and Bernicia, that 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 1.  were become Apostates from their Christian Faiths, and that with cruelty and loss of the Saxons, as their own Historians held it fit neither to mention their names in their monthly Calendar, nor register the year wherein they were slain, in account of their government, but assigned it unto the reign of their Successor King Oswald, which was so observed unto his days; so terrible was this worthy Cadwallo, and odious the remembrance of this unfortunate Battle. But this cursed Captain (saith he) enjoyed not this felicity long: for the said Oswald, to revenge his brother's death, came with a small power, but strongly fenced in the faith of Christ, and near to the River Device gave him battle, wherein himself and late-victorious Host were all slain and confounded.  
But we must rememher that Beda was a Saxon, in whose behalf his pen hath somewhat passed the bounds of equity (if not verity) in charging this most valiant Conqueror with tyranny, and his Martial Sword with cruelty, that was drawn and struck in defence of his native Country, wherein the Saxons claim stood only upon unjust intrusion. So likewise himself being a Monk and Priest, hath every where blamed the Britain's for dissenting from the Roman Church, in celebration of Easter and other Ceremonies; whereas in doctrine they were as sincere, which is the true substance of the Gospel. But the Britain's record that this valiant Cadwall●… died not in Hevenfeild, 
Geffrey Monm.  neither by the hand of King Ofwald, but that he reigned in great honour the space of eight and forty years, and in peace died 22. of November, in the year 
Cadwallo or Cadwan, the continuance of his reign.  of Christ jesus six hundred seventy seven. His body the Britaines buried in S. Martin's Church in London, near Ludgate; whose Image great and terrible, triumphantly riding on horseback, being artificially cast of Brass, they placed upon the same West gate, to the further fear and terror of the Saxons, as Vortimer before had commanded his at Stonar. But this relation, as also that he married the sister of King Penda, as my often named Manuscript reporteth, I leave to the best liking of my Reader.  
About this time the most blasphemous doctrine of Mahomet began to infect all the Eastern World. For although himself lived some nine years before the government of this Cadwallo, yet presently after his death his doctrine was more publicly embraced. He was borne in Arabia, of a poor and base stock, and being fatherless, was sold for a bondslave unto an Ismaelite, whose name was Abdemonaples, a man of exceeding great riches, and in great trade of merchandizing, and Mahomet for his subtlety in wit, was his fit instrument, and greatly in his favour. The Master dying, left Mahomet his chief Factor, who having great riches in his keeping, married his Mistress, and so became heir of all; with whom consorted one Sergius a Monk, which for heresy was fled into Arabia, who instructed Mahomet in the heresy of the Nestorians, and now for his wealth and Magical Arts, wherewith he bewitched the minds of the people, assumed to himself the name of the great Prophet of God, and began to be famously published for the doctrine which he taught: the which was none other but a confused Chaos of all the heresies that had been before him: for with the Sabellians he denied the Trinity; with the manichees, he affirmed but two persons to be in the Deity; with Eunomius, he denied the equality of the Father and the Son; and with Macedon, taught that the Holy Ghost was a creature. He borrowed of the jews Circumcision; of the Nicholaitans, pluralities of wives; and of the Gentiles, much Superstition; and more to cloak his devilish invented fantasies, somewhat he took from the verity of the Gospel. Of these compounded he devised a Law, and wrote this his Religion in the book called his 
An. Do. 625.  Koran; and those his Professors he named Saracens, from Sara the wife of Abraham.  
He died of the falling sickness, which long time he had dissembled, saying forsooth after his trances, that the Angel Gabriel had conference with him, the brightness of whose glory he could not behold.   

CADWALLADER. 13.  
CAdwallader, the son of Cadwallo, and last King of the Britain's, after the death of his Father, succeeded 
13. An. Do. 685.  him in his dominions, and with great valour fought against the Saxons, as he of Monmouth affirmeth, of whom hear him speak in his own words. Cadwallader (saith he) reigning victoriously the time of 
Geffrey Monm.  twelve years, fell lastly into a dangerous sickness, with despair of recovery, and unable to govern. Much debate and strife arose among his great Lords, and others of high estate, insomuch that they warred each against others, to the no small annoyance and detriment of the whole Country. At which very time likewise, so great a dearth of corn and victual reigned, that herbs and roots were the Commons chiefest sustenance: whose third calamity was mortality and pestilence, reigning so sore, and so suddenly, that in their eating, drinking, walking, and speaking, they were surprised with death, and in such number, that the living were scarce able to bury the dead; which miseries lasted no less than eleven years continuance, whereby the Land became desolate, and brought forth no fruit at all, insomuch that the King and many of his Nobles were driven to forsake their native Country, and to seek relief in foreign parts. Cadwallader repaired to the Court of Alan his cozen, the King of Little Britain in France, where he was honourably received and maintained.  
But now the Ange●… 〈◊〉 God sheathing his sword from slaughter, and 〈◊〉 earth answering man again with her former abundance, those Saxons that were escaped, sent for more of their Nation to their further supply, who replenished the Cities, and manured the Country, at this day called Lhoyger, containing all the Land that lay on the East of Severne and Dee, dispossessing the poor Britain's of their rightful inheritance, and dividing their Lands unto their own use. Cadwallader hearing of their daily arrivage, and their unjust intrusion upon his homebred subjects, minded their redress by his present return, and to that end had wrought King Alan, for his succour & assistance. But see how it chanced: He being now ready to embark his Host, and to hoist up his sails for Britain, and in the silent night much spent in prayer & supplication, that God would prosper with good success these his great affairs, behold an Angel appeared to him, or at leastwise to his seeming he heard a voice, that forbade him the enterprise, declaring that it was not God's will that he should undergo that Voyage, or that the Britain's should rule their Land any longer; but chose bade high him to Rome, and of Pope Sergius receive the habit of Religion, wherein he should die, and rest in peace.  
This dream (for I hold it no other) being told unto Alan, search was made into the Books of both 
D. Powel. Chron. of Wales.  the Merlin's, as also into the speech of the Eagle at Shaftesbury, pronounced eight hundred and eighty years before the birth of our Saviour Christ (if we do believe these to be true) wherein it was prophesied forsooth, that the Britain's should lose their Kingdom, and that the same should be possessed of others, until the time that the bones of Cadwallader should be brought from Rome. By such toys and illusions in those days of darkness, the ever-erring minds of men were content to be lead: for not only Cadwallader, a quiet and meeke-spirited man, was possessed with this conceit, that it came unto him by a divine providence, but also King Alan persuaded him to obey his Oracle; and thereupon preparing for his Pilgrimage, gave over his expedition for Britain, and left his distressed Subjects to be overrun by strangers, and the Land to be enjoyed by a foreign Nation: and receiving the habit of seeming Religion at the hands of Pope Sergius, died soon after in the year of our Lord six hundred eighty nine, and there was buried in S. Peter's Church, being the last King of the Britain's blood, after they had held possession thereof the space of one thousand one hundred thirty and seven years before the Nativity of Christ, and six hundred eighty eight years after his Birth, as the Chronicle of Wales, with other Britain Writers, have calculated, though (as is said) after the largest size. But howsoever this sudden alteration was wrought in Cadwallader, yet whiles he continued a King in health, he reigned (saith Geffrey) in great magnanimity, the term of three years, and fought many Battles against 
Cadwallader, the continuance of his reign.  the Saxons, whose sword was ever sheathed with victory; for Lothaire King of Kent he slew in the Field, and Edilwach also King of the Southsaxons, with the ruin of his Country, as the British Historians report, and would have it.  
But Beda, unto whom more credit is herein to be given, tells us, that Lothaire was slain by Edrik, his 
Beda histor. lib. 4. cap. 26.  Nephew and Successor, declaring the manner and day of his death; and that Ceadwall, a young man of 
Cap. 15.  the Westsaxons blood royal, being banished from among them, fell upon the Southsaxons, harrying the Country and kill their King. But afterwards lamenting the blood he had spilled, whereat even Nature herself seemed to be offended, in great repentance abandoned his Kingdom, and pilgrimlike went unto Rome, where of Pope Sergius he was baptised upon 
Beda hist. lib. 5. cap. 7.  Easter Even, the year from Christ's Nativity six hundred eighty nine. The times thus agreeing, their names so near, their devotions alike, Sergius the same ghostly father to both, their sepulchres in one and the same Church, do strongly confirm that they both were the same and one only man, as we formerly have said. But with this man Cadwallader, wheresoever he died, lay buried the last blood of their Kings, their government, and immediately the very Name of Britain, for many hundred years ensuing, as in the sequel of this History (Christ assisting) shall be showed.  
And now at last, according to my first intendment, I am come to speak of the succession of Great Britain's monarch, from which (upon the foreshowed occasions of the islands division, the Saxons possessions, and these Britain Resisters) I have been overlong stayed, and am forced to return again to King Hengist, the first of the Saxons, that I may show their succeeding succession in this English Monarchy: wherein of necessity I must desire the patience of my Reader, if some things be again touched that formerly have been spoken, the Matter of History so much requiring, and the Method that to my proceeding I have herein proposed, enforcing it.    

THE SAXONS SUCCESSIONS IN THE MONARCHY OF GREAT BRITAIN, 
Saxon Monarches.  WHEREOF HENGIST THE FIRST KING OF KENT BECAME THE FIRST MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XIII.  
HEngist, a Prince of the English-Saxons, having the 
An. Do. 450. Beda. Malmsb.  Command over certain forces planted in the Low-countries of Germany, in the year of Christ's Incarnation four hundred and fifty, transported them over into Britain, where the fifth year after his arrival, he began his Kingdom in Kent; & having surprised his son in law King Vortigern, slain his Britain's, and seized into his possession the best of the Island, he laid the foundation of a Monarchy, and deserveth to be reputed the first Monarch of the English Nation.  
(2) He (as all the Saxon Kings beside) doth claim his original from Prince wooden, and his wife Fria, by Wechta the eldest of their ●…uen sons, being the 
Floren. Wigorn.  fifth in issue from them; as thus: Himself was the son of Withtgils, who was the son of Witha, and he the son of Wechta, the eldest son of the Deified wooden.  
This Prince held the supreme Sceptre of this Island for thirty four years continuance, and therein died 
Hengist, how long he reigned.  honourably, saith Marianus Scotus. But Peter de Ikham, Polydore, and others say, that he was slain in battle, 
Maria. Scot Peter Ikham.  or else taken by Edol, Earl of Gloucester, and beheaded at Conesborow. He left issue behind him two sons and one daughter, whose names were Hatwaker, Eske, 
Geffrey Mon. Polydore Virgil.  and Rowena.  
(3) Hatwaker his eldest son, is reported by Petrus Albinus of Wittenberg, a great Genealogist and 
Petrus Albinus.  Hitoriographer also) to be Duke of the Saxons in Germany, and there left to govern the people at his Father's departure for Britain. And if Albinus authority be sufficient, he was the Father of Duke Hatwegat, and grandfather of ●…erik King of the Saxons, ancestor to the valiant Witikindus, the principal progenitor of the most noble Family of the Dukes of Saxony.  
(4) Eske, the second son of King Hengist, came over with his Father into Britain, and was his assistant in all his wars, wherein he gave worthy testimony of his valour: whose Kingdom of Kent after his death he enjoyed, and gave name to that Country's 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 5. Eske, how long he reigned.  Inhabitants, who were from him called Eskings, over whom he reigned peaceably twenty years.  
(5) Rowena, the daughter of King Hengist, was borne in Germany before her Father's departure, and afterwards sent for by him into Britain, to further his designs. At whose surpassing beauty and feature Vortigern so lawful and loving w●…, to Paganish bed, and to the and grief of the Nob●…, con wi●…e, and the struction. By her he had a all laws either of God wife; by whom he had i●…ue lie spent the days of his life, as he was got in that wicked bed.  
This Rowena, whom some call Ro●…a, by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  is accounted the Niece, and not the Daug●… 〈◊〉 ●…gist. But seeing his opinion is grounded upon 〈◊〉 youth of Hengist, as not sufficient in years to 〈◊〉 a daughter so marriageable, I rather think and hold this bare testimony unable to turn the great stream of other Writers out of their usual course and 〈◊〉 channel.   

ELLA THE FIRST KING OF THE SOUTHSAXONS, AND SECOND MONARCH 
E●…, Mo●…at.  OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XIV.  
ELla a noble Saxon, being sent for by King Hengist, 
An. D. 581. Beda. hist. lib. 2. cap. 5.  about the three and twentieth year of his reign, brought a fresh supply of those Germans to the relief of his Countrymen, who with his forces landed at the haven now called Shoreham in Sussex, where putting back the Inhabitants in many skirmishes, lastly chased them into a great wood then called 
Matt. Westminst.  Andredflege, whence often being assailed by the sudden assaults of the Britain's, wherein as may be thought, he lost the lives of his two elder sons, was so hardly beset, that he sent for more aid of his Saxons, who came to his supply.  
(2) His strength thus augmented, and ambition still increased, he fought three cruel and bloody battles, but the last of them most fatal against the Britain's, in the place then called Macrodes-burne, and besieging the ancient and famous City Anared-Chester 
Henry Huntingdon  situated in the said great forest, and chief defensible fortress in all those Southern parts, intercepted the Britain's that came to their relief, and entering the same by an assault, put to the sword all that were found within it. After which great loss, the Britain's sought rather to provide for their own safety by flying into desert places, then by making open resistance to procure their own too apparent destruction.  
(3) Ella in this state continued the time of five years before he assumed the name of King, o●… the limits 
An. Do. 488.  of that Province assigned under his government, but then without any show of resistance laid the foundation of this Kingdom, which was the second of the Saxons; and as Hengist held Kent, so he had Sussex and Surrey for his Possession, wherein for six years space 
E●…, how long h●… reigned.  with Hengist he lived, and that with such approbation of valour as that after his death he became the second Saxon Monarch of the Englishmen, in the year of grace 488.  
(4) He is said to be the elder son of Osa, whose genealogy Florentius of Worcester thus deriveth: Osa 
Florent. Wigorn.  (saith he) was the son of Ether●…ert, and he the son of Ingengeat, who was the son of 〈◊〉, whose father was Alusa, the son of Ingebrand, the son of Wegbrand, the son of Beorn, the son of Beornus, the elder son of Brand, the son of Bealdeag, the sixth son of prince wooden and of Lady Fria his wife.  
(5) His issue were Kymen, Plenching, and Cissa, three valiant sons, that came over with him, and assisted him in his enterprises for Britain. From Kymen, the port wherein they arrived, was called Kymenishore; by 
Wil Malmsb.  the Britain's, Cuneveshore, which time and seas hath both shortened, and altered: and now is it called Shoreham, a well known haven in Sussex. This Prince came to his grave before his Father, either by the stroke of wars, or by the course of nature, without further mention of his acts, and his succession, cut off by his death.  
(6) Plenching his second son, was borne unto him 
Florent. Wig.  in the Low countries of Germany, and with his brethren assisted his Father to the attaining of the Southsaxons Crown; but being cut off by untimely death, whether by the hand of the enemy, or by nature's appointment, is uncertain.  
(7) The youngest son of king Ella, was Cissa, whom death spared to live a long life; but fame as sparing to adorn it with memory of his acts: for nothing of him is left memorable, besides the building of Chichester. Fortune indeed set his father's Crown on his head, but kept the Imperial Diadem in her own hand, to adorn the head of a worthier bearer, which was Cherdik the West-Saxon, unto whom Cissa gave yearly contribution, to secure him from the Britain's, as before and after hath been, and shall be showed.  
(8) This Ella his entrance and erection of his Kingdom, for time is uncertain; but his reign therein, as also in his Monarchy, is more certainly known: for he was King of the Southsaxons the 
See Chap. 6.  space of thirty two years, and Monarch of the Englishmen six and twenty, dying in the year of Christ's Incarnation five hundred and fourteen, which was the thirty sixth after his first arrival into Britain.   

CHERDIK THE FIRST KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THIRD MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XV.  
THe Saxons Sun, thus risen and high ascended upon 
1. An. Do. 495.  the South of Britain, began now to spread his beams towards the West; for Kent being quietly possessed by King Eske, and South-Saxia, with all the subdued, at the dispose of great Ella, Cherdik a valiant Captain of the Low Country Germans, thought himself as sufficient in wars, and as able to reach at, to wear, and to wield a Crown of Estate, as either of them that had so done before him: and seeing that Britain was now the seede-plot for Diadems, set his affection and preparation that way.  
(2) He with his forces entered in the West of that Island, where he in his first battle so daunted the Inhabitants, 
M●…. 〈◊〉.  that apparent signs of approaching glory were added to his aspiring hopes: for therein he slew Natanleod, otherwise called Nazaleod, a mighty King of the Britain's, whereby an easy entrance was laid open 
Henr. Hunt.  to his desired Empire, and a more easy war left to his posterity. This battle chanced about the year of Christ jesus five hundred and eight, and was fought in the region of Natanleod, (which Country bore the name of the King) and near unto a brook of water in the West of Hampshire, which from Cherdik began to be called Cherdiksford, where now a Town of the same name standeth, but by contraction and shortness of speech is called Chardford.  
(3) Florentius of Worcester, the Saxons Genealogist 
Flor. Wigorn.  (as I may well term him) bringeth this Cherdik (as he doth the rest of the Saxon Kings) from the ancient Prince wooden, and that in this manner: Cherdik (saith he) was the son of Elisius, and he the son of Esla, the son of Gerisius, the son of Wigga, the son of Friairin, the son of Freodegar, the brother of Beorn, the progenitor of Ida the first King of Bernicia, and both of them the sons of Brand, the son of Bealdeag, the fifth son of the foresaid wooden.  
(4) In the seventh year of Ella his Monarchy, was his arrivage, and six years after he began his Kingdom of the Westsaxons, seating himself and foundation thereof betwixt the Britain's and the Southsaxons, for whose further security, Cissa King of that Province, gave him an yearly contribution towards the maintenance of his charge in war; wherein he got such reputation, that after the death of Ella, and the thirteenth of his own reign, he▪ assumed the Monarchy unto himself, and was both the first King of the Westsaxons, and the third Monarch of the Englishmen, wherein he continued the space of twenty 
cherdik, how long he reigned.  one years, and deceased in the year of our Lord five hundred thirty five, being the three and thirtieth of his Kingdom, and the fortieth after his first arrival.  
(5) His issue were two sons, Kenrik and Chelwolfe: the one immediately, and the issue of the other collaterally attained to the same possession and title that Cherdike here first laid.  
(6) Chelwolfe his second son (for of Kenrik the eldest we are hereafter to speak) hath little mention made among our writers: more than that he was the Ancestor of Eskwin the eight King of the Westsaxons, that is to say, the father to Kenfrid the father of Kensy; which Kensy had issue the said Eskwin, who was the Successor of king Kenwalk, and predecessor of King Kentwin in the kingdom of the West-Saxnos. 
See chap. 7.    

KENRIK THE SECOND KING OF 
Kenrik.  THE WESTSAXONS, AND FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XVI.  
KEnrik, the eldest son of King Cherdick (as is said) 
1. An. Do. 534.  being borne in Germany, and following his father into Britain, valiantly served under him, as well in the Battle fought against 
Mat. West●….  King Natanleod, the first day of his arrivage, as in other battles against the Britain's in other places; namely, at Cherdiksford, Cherdisley, and in the Conquest of the I'll of Wight. Immediately upon the death of his Father, he succeeded in his whole dominions, and was ordained the second King of the Westsaxons, and the fourth Monarch of the Englishmen, beginning his reign over both at one and the same time, the year of Christ his Nativity five hundred thirty four.  
(2) And enlarging his confines upon the Territories of the Britain's, gave them two great overthrows; the one at Searesbery in Wilt-shire, and the other at Banbury in Oxford-shire, which was fought the 
An. Do. 556.  two and twentieth of his reign, whereby his fame grew more renowned, and his Kingdom in more quiet after. He reigned the space of twenty six years, 
Kenrik, how long he reigned.  and left this life in the year of our Lord God five hundred sixty.  
(3) He had issue three sons, Chenl●…e, C●…thwolfe, and C●…th. Chelwin the first, succeeded his father in the Monarchy, and Westsaxons Kingdom.  
(4) C●…thwolfe, the second, assisted his brother in many victories, as presently in his reign shall follow. And C●…th, the third brother, famous in his issue, though mentionlesse for action in himself, whereof more largely hath been spoken in the reign of Kenrik, 
In Chap. 7. Soft. 2.  as he was King only of the Westsaxons.   

CHEULINE THE THIRD KING OF 
Cheuline.  THE WESTSAXONS, AND FIFTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XVII.  
CHeuline, the eldest son of King Kenrike, served 
An. D. 561.  with great commendations under his father, in all his wars against the Britain's, and is specially mentioned at the Battle of Banbury in Oxford-shire; and after his father's death 
Matt. Westm.  became the third King of the Westsaxons, and the fifth Monarch of the Englishmen. He much enlarged the bounds of his Kingdom, and increased the power and glory of the Westsaxons.  
(2) For continuing the wars where his Father left, did not only subdue the Britain's in many Battles, 
Henry Hunting.  but also set himself against his own Nation the Saxons, and sought to impose the scope of his power upon the South of the River Thames: for entering Kent (whose King was then a child, by name Ethelbert, the son of Imerik) at Wiphandun or 
* Wimbledon.  Wilbandun in Surrey, in a set and sore Battle, defeated all his forces, whence the young King was chased, and two of his greatest Captains, bearing the names of Dukes, were slain, as we have said.  
(3) Not long after this victory, he set his mind to enlarge his Westsaxons Dominions upon the possession of the declining Britain's, and to that end furnished forth a great Band of his Soldiers, whereof he made his brother Cuthwin chief General. These marching to Bedford, gave Battle to the Britain's, where they slew them downright, and surprised sour of their chiefest Towns, at that time called Liganburge, 
* Ail●….  Eglesbourgh, Bensington, and Eusham, which they fortified, to their own strength, and the Britain's great loss.  
(4) And following the Tract of his foregoing fortunes, about six years after sent forth again his Saxons, under 〈◊〉 conduct of the foresaid Cuthwin, who encountered the Britain's at Di●…th or Deorham, with such valour and success, that besides great slaughter of the British Soldiers, three of their Kings, whose names were, Coinmagill, Candidan, and Farimnagill, fell in the Field, with the surprisal of these three 
Matth. West.  Cities, Gloucester, bath, and Cirencester. Then (saith 
Gyldas.  Gyldas) evidently appeared the Lands destruction, the sins of the Britaines being the only cause, when neither Prince nor People, Priest nor Levite, regarded the Law of the Lord, but disobediently wandered in their own ways.  
(5) But no greater were the sins of the Britain's, than the unsatiable desires of the Saxons were to conquer: for Cheuline about the last of Malgoe his government, met the Britain's at Fethanleah, in the face of a 
Th●…. 〈◊〉.  Field, which was fought out, to the great slaughters of them both, and with the death of Prince Cuth, King Cheulins' son: notwithstanding the victory fell on his side with great spoils obtained, and possessions of many Provinces, which himself no long time enjoyed.  
(6) For grown proud through his many prosperous victories against his enemies, and tyrannising over his own Subjects, the Westsaxons, fell into such contempt, that they joined with the Britaines for his destruction. The greatest against him, was disloyal Chell, or Cealrik, his nephew, the son of Cuthwin his most loyal brother, whom both the Nations had elected for General. Under him they muster and march into Wilt-shire, and at Wodnesbeothe (now Wannes-ditch) pitch down their Standards. Cheuline that thought 
Leyland.  he lead fortune in a lease, with confident boldness built his present proceedings upon his former success, and in the face of his enemies displayed his colours. But the Battles joined, and the Field gored with blood, the day was lost upon the King's side, and he in distress saved himself by flight. here might you have seen the world, as it is, unconstant and variable; for he a Mars, that had over-borne the Britain's in so many Battles, and had raised his Saxons unto so great a height, is forced to flee before his conquered Captives, and to exile himself from the sight of his own Subjects, after he had gloriously reigned thirty one years, or (as some will) thirty three, and as a mean man, died in his banishment, the year of grace 
Cheuline, how long he reigned.  five hundred ninety two.  
(7) He had issue two sons, which were Cuth and Cuthwin, the elder whereof had valiantly served in his father's wars, namely at Wimbledone in Surry, against King Ethelbert and his power of Kentishmen, in the year of Christ five hundred sixty seven; and lastly in the Battle at Fethanleah, where the Britain's received a great overthrow. Notwithstanding, as he was valiantly fight among the thickest of his enemies, he was there slain, in the year of our Lord five hundred eighty four, being the five and twentieth year of his father's reign, and that without issue.  
(8) Cuthwin, the younger son of King Cheuline, survived his father, but succeeded him not, because of his young years; or else (and that rather) for the hatred that his father had purchased of his Subjects, which they repaid him in his own expulsion, and in this his sons deprivation. But although the wreath of the Westsaxons did not adorn this Cuthwines' head, yet shone it more bright, and stood with greater majesty upon the brows of Ina, the warlike and zealous King of Westsaxons, and of Egbert the victorious and first sole absolute Monarch of the English Empire: both of them in a right line issued from this Cuthwin, as in the seventh Chapter we have said.   

ETHELBERT THE FIFTH, AND FIRST CHRISTIAN KING OF KENT, AND THE six MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WIVES AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XVIII.  
THe flame of the Westsaxons for a time thus quenched, 
An. Do. 561.  the Lamp of Kent began again to shine, and to assume the Title of the Monarchy, after it had been suppressed in them through the reigns of 
Wil Malmes.  these four last Kings: for young Egberts' entrance, with the great loss of his Kentish, overthrown by King Cheuline, gave rather inducements to a tributary subjection, than any apparent hopes to purchase an Empire.  
(2) But such is the dispose of God in his hidden Counsel, that things of least appearance many times become the greatest in substance, as in this Prince it was evidently seen, who making use of his own youth and loss, got thereby experience, both to defence himself, and to provoke others, and with such victories abroad, repaired his losses at home, that as far as Humber he made all subject to Kent.  
(3) Thus grown to be the greatest of any Saxon before him, he sought to hold it up by foreign alliance, 
Beda histor. lib. 1. cap. 25.  and to that end became suitor for Berta a most virtuous Christian Lady, the daughter of Chilperik King of France; unto whom by her father she was lastly granted, but with these conditions, that she might reserve her Christian Profession, enjoy the presence and the instructions of Luidhard her learned Bishop, with the place of his Queen.  
(4) These covenants concluded, and many French Christians attending her in his Court, by their daily service of God, and continual practice of piety, drew many of the English to favour their Religion, yea and the King also to be inclined that way. And as these were working the salvation of Kent, behold God's proceedings for the conversion of the rest.  
(5) It chanced great Gregory (then but archdeacon of Rome) to see certain youths of this Island brought to that City, to be sold for slaves: His Christian heart pitying at such heathenish tyrannising, and beholding steadfastly their faces to be fair and Angellike, demanded of their Merchants, of what Nation they came; who made him answer, that they were Angles, and by that name were known unto other Nations. Indeed, said he, and not without cause, for their resemblance is Angelical, and fit it is that they be made inheritors with the Angels in Heaven. But of what Province are they? said Gregory. It was replied; Of Deira, a Country situated in the Continent of Britain. Now surely, saith he, it is great pity but these people should be taken from Dei ira, the ire of God. And farther ask what was the name of their King, it was answered, that he was called Ella; whereunto he alluding, said, that Alleluia, to the praise of God, in that Prince's Dominions should shortly be sung.  
(6) And to that purpose himself, being afterwards Pope, sent Austin a Monk, with forty others, 
Austin cometh into England.  for assistance, whereof Melitus, justus, and john were chief. These landing in Tanet, in the month of july, about five hundred ninety and six years after the Incarnation of Christ, and one hundred forty and seven after the first arrivage of these Angles into Britain, had immediately access unto the presence of King Ethelbert, but yet in the open Field, for he feared to confer with them in any house, lest by sorcery (as he fond surmised) he might be overcome.  
(7) These preaching unto him the word of life, his answer was, that presently he could not consent to their Doctrine, neither rashly forsake his ancient and accustomed Religion. But seeing (said he) you tell us strange things, and give us fair promises of after life, when this life shall be ended, we permit you to preach the same to our people, and to convert as many as you can; and we ourselves will minister all things behoveful for your livelihood. Which promise he instantly performed, and in Canterbury his 
Austin and his followers maintained in Canturbury.  head City, allowed them fit places for residence, and sufficient provision for their maintenance; wherein these religious men, following in some measure the examples of the Apostles, spent their times in preaching and prayers, watching for the people's conversions, and exercising the works of true piety, as examples and motives unto others, to embrace the Gospel 
Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. 26. Beda hist. lib. 1. cap. 26.  which they sought to plant.  
(8) near unto the East part of the City, stood an ancient Church, built by the Christian Romans, whiles they had dwelled in Britain, and by them dedicated to the honour of S. Martin, and is so yet called. To this Church the Christian Queen Berta, with her Communicants the French, daily resorted to pray, and unto these, and in this Church, Austin and his fellows began daily to preach: unto whose Sermons so many of the Kentish also resorted, that a plentiful harvest in short time appeared, upon the seede-plot of their tillage; for it is reported that ten thousand of the English people were baptised there in one day, insomuch 
Gregory lib. 7. cap. 26.  that the King himself forsook his Heathenish Idolatry, and likewise received the Sacrament of Baptism, unto his salvation in Christ: in witness whereof, he gave the Lordship and Royalty of his chief City Canterbury, unto Augustine, and resigned his princely 
Canturbury given to Austin.  Palace therein unto him, who in the East of this City laid the foundation of that great, and afterwards magnificent Church, dedicated to the service and name of Christ, which at this day is the Cathedral of that Metropolitan See: and Ethelbert to give him more room, withdrew himself unto Reculuer in Tanet, where he erected a Palace for himself and his successors, the 
Wil Lambert P●…mb. of Kent.  compass whereof may be traced by an old wall, whose ruins remain there yet to this day.  
(9) Austin thus seated, and in the well deserved favour of King Ethelbert, got one request more, which was this, that whereas by the Law of the Twelve Tables, it was forbidden to bury the dead within the walls of any City, (the practice whereof, we daily find by monuments taken up in the fields adjoining) it would please him to give to that use, an old Idoll-Temple standing without the East Wall of the City, 
The burial of the dead granted within the City.  wherein the King himself had wontedly worshipped his Idols. This obtained, and the Church purged from that profane exercise, to the service of God, being honoured with the name of S. Pancras, King Ethelbert added thereunto a most fair Monastery, built upon his own cost, and dedicated it unto the name of Peter and Paul the Apostles, appointing it to be the place for the Kentish Kings sepulchres, and Austin likewise meant it for the burials of his successors in that See. But first it became the Monument of his own name: for in regard of the Procurer, both Pancras, Peter, and Paul were soon swallowed up, and the whole called only by the name of S. Austin's. In this place, eight Kings of Kent had their bodies interred, and ten of their Archbishops therein laid, until 
S. Austin's Monastery.  that Cuthbert the eleventh in succession, in favour of S. john's, a new Church by him erected, procured of King Egbert the son of Ercombert, that the succecding Archbishops might be buried there. This Monastery, as all the rest did, came to her fatal period in the days of King Henry the Eighth; whose uncovered walls stood so long languishing in time and storms of weather, that daily increased the aspect of her ruins, till now lastly they are made subject to other public uses, and the whole tract of that most goodly foundation in the same place no where appearing. Only Ethelberts' Tower, in memory and honour of 
Ethelberts' Tower yet standing.  the man, as yet hath escaped the verdict and sentence of destruction; whose beauty, though much defaced and overworn, will witness to succeeding ages the magnificence of the whole, when all stood complete in their glory together.  
(10) These his happy beginnings, Austin signified by Letters to Rome, and withal demanded directions, how he might further proceed: which questions, were they not written by the Venerable Beda, 
Beda hist. lib. 1. cap. 27.  we could hardly believe that such idle conceits should have place in the mind of a man so well and fruitfully busied: as, Whether a woman with child might 
Austin's questions to the Pope.  receive the Sacrament of Baptism, or in her monthly disease, the holy Communion, or enter the Church: how long after her deliverance, the husband ought to refrain her Bed: How the Gifts that were offered on the Altar, aught to be distributed: and unto what degree of consanguinity Christians might marry: and many others such like, as though himself had never read either Moses or Paul. But of the thing then more needful, for that at that time it stirred most contention, it seemeth he was sufficiently instructed; neither among his other questions is it once named: and that was, the due time for the celebration of Easter: the difference whereof, betwixt the Britain's and the Romans was such, that it caused Lordlike Austen to prophecy (if not to seek) their destructions; and they in their opinions, to hold him no better than the Man of Sin: for thus the Story is reported.  
(11) Austin, by the assistance and authority of King Ethelbert, called an Assembly of the British Bishops 
Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. 2. Rand. Cest. Sigebertus. Galfr●…d. lib. 8. cap. cap. 4.  and Doctors, that had retained the doctrine of the Gospel amongst them, even from the first plantation thereof by the Apostles themselves, to be holden in the Borders of the Victians and Westsaxons, and at the place upon that occasion called 
* About Southh●…oton as is thought.  Augustine's Oak: thither resorted seven British Bishops, and many other well-learned men (saith Beda) out of their greatest Monastery at Bangor, where at that time Dinoth was Abbot. These men now ready to go to the foresaid Synod, came first to a certain holy and wise man, which lived thereabout an Anchorets' life, to ask his counsel, whether they ought at Augustine's preaching and exhortation, leave their Traditions or no: The Anchoret replied, If he be a man of God, follow him. But how shall we prove (said they) that he is a man of God? The Anchoret answered, Our Lord saith, Takeyee on you my Yoke, and learn ye of me, for I am mild and humble of heart. If therefore this Austin be mild and humble of heart, it is like that himself beareth the Yoke of Christ, and will offer you the same to bear. But if he be cursed and proud, it is certain that he is not of God, neither must we much esteem his words. Then they inquired, how they might know whether this Austin were proud or no: Provide (quoth he) that he, and his company may come first 
The Ancho●…es counsel.  to the place of the Synod or Council-house: and if it be so that when you approach near him, he arise courteously, and salute you, thei●… think him to be the servant of Christ, and so hear him, and obey him: but if when you approach, he despise you, and will not vouchsafe to rise at your presence, which are the greater number, let him likewise be despised of you. And truly (saith he) as this Anchoret bade them, so did they: for it happened, that when they came thither, S. Austin was already set in his chair, and stirred not: which when they saw, forthwith waxing wroth, they noted him of pride, and therefore endeavoured to overthwart and gainsay whatsoever he proposed. And so the Synod broke up without any thing done.  
Thus than we see, that the substance of doctrine was embraced in Britain, before the sending of Austin from Rome: only in ceremonies they dissented, as the most of Christian Churches, without derogation to the Gospel, at this day do. And this for the celebration of Easter, a matter of no great moment (if we consider our Christian liberty, and the Apostles fear, 
Galla. 4. 9  that the observations of days, months, times, and years, turn the hearts after beggarly rudiments, bring again into bondage, and make his labours for Christ in vain) yet for the different observation only of this Feast from the Romans, how oft are the Britaines termed by Beda, a wicked people, a cursed nation, and well deserving those calamities which the Lord did afflict upon them? This controversy for Easters celebration, thus begun, continued no less than ninety years after, and was lastly concluded in manner as followeth.  
(12) This variance (saith Beda) made not only 
Beda hist. lib. 3. cap. 25.  the people to doubt and fear, lest bearing the name of Christians, they did and had run in vain, as the Apostle speaketh, but also good Oswy King of Northumberland, and learned Prince Alkfryd, with Queen Eanfled, were much distracted and perplexed: for by this variance (saith he) it often times happened, that in one year two Easters were kept; for the King breaking up his Fast, and solemnising of the Feast, the Queen with Prince Alkfrid, continued their Fast, and kept that day their Palme-Sunday. To conclude which contrariety, a Synod purposely was called, and the Question disputed by their best Divines. The place was Stranshalch or Whitby, whereof Hilda was Abbess. 
Stranshalch Synod.  The chief parties for, and against the accustomed time of keeping that feast, were King Oswy and Prince Alkfrid his son. The Disputers for Oswy and the established orders, were Colman Archbishop of York, with his Scotish Clergy, and Hilda the virtuous and learned Lady Abbess of the place. For Alkfrid and the attempted alteration, were Agilbert Bishop of the Westsaxons, Wilfrid Abbot of Rippon, with james and Romanus, two learned men, and the reverend Cedda newly consecrated Bishop, appointed Prolocutor of the Assembly.  
The Convocation set, King Oswy made a solemn 
King Oswy persuadeth to union.  Oration, wherein he urged a necessity, that those people which served one God, aught to celebrate his heavenly Sacraments alike, and should keep one order and rule in the same: the truth of which service, and surcease of that long unchristian variance, for the Christian celebration and time of Easter, was then presently by those learned men to be handled, and by best approovements to be determined; whereunto he requested their uttermost endeavours, and to that purpose commanded his Archbishop Colman first to speak: whereupon Colman with reverence stood up and said: The Easter which I observe, I received 
Colmans' speech to the Synod.  of my Forefathers, of whom I was consecrated, and sent hither for your Bishop. They all (you know) were godly men, and observed the Feast as we do now; neither think you they kept this tradition without sure warrant from greater than themselves, which was S●…lut john the Evangelist, and the Disciple whom jesus especially loved, who in the Churches which himself pl●…ted, celebrated the Feast of Easter, as we do now. Therefore knowing the man so worthy, and the manner so ancient, I hope you will all confess, it is not safe for us now to reject.  
Wilfride the declaimer, appointed to answer, stood up and said: The Easter which we observe, we ourselves 
Wilfrides' answer.  have seen observed in Rome, where the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul lived, preached, suffered, and are buried: and in our travels thorough France and Italy, either for study or upon pilgrimage, we have seen the same order kept: and we know by relation, that in Africa, Asia, Egypt and Greece, nay throughout all nations and tongues in the world where Christ hath his Church, that this our time and order is observed. Shall then these obstinate Picts (I mean the Britain's) and these remote islands in the Ocean Sea, and yet not all of them neither, fond contend in t●…is point against the whole world?  
But here Colman interrupted him, and said, I much marvel, brother, that you term our doings a fond contention, 
Colmans' 〈◊〉.  seeing we have for our warrant so worthy an Apostle as john was, who only leaned upon our Lord's breast, and whose life and behaviour all the world acknowledgeth to be most wise and discreet.  
Godforbid (said Wilfrid) that I should accuse john: but 
Wilfrids' moderation.  yet we know that he kept the decrees of Moses literally, and according to the jewish Laws; and so the rest of the Apostles were constrained in some things to do, for the weakness of them who accounted it a great sin to abrogate these rites that God himself had instituted; and for that cause S. Paul did circumcise Timothy, offered bloudsacrifices in the Temple, shaved his head at Corinth with Aq●…a and Priscilla: upon which consideration also spoke james unto Paul, You see brother how many thousand of the jews have received the faith, and all of these are yet zealous followers 
Act. 21. 20.  of the Law. But the light of the Gospel now shining thorough the world, it is not lawful for any Christian to be circumcised, or to offer up bloody sacrifices of Beasts. Saint john therefore, according to the custom of the Law, in the fourteenth day of the first month, at even began the celebration of Easters festivity, regardless whether it fell upon the Sabbath day, or any other of the week. But S. Peter preaching the Gospel in Rome, remembering that our Lord arose from his grave the first day after the Sabbath, giving thereby unto us certain assurance of our resurrection, observed the Feast of Easter according to the Commandment of that Law he looked for, even as S. john did, that is to say, the first Sabbath after the full Moon of the first month. Neither doth this new observation of the Gospel, and Apostles practise, break the old Law, but rather fulfilleth it; for the Law commandeth the Feast of Passeover to be kept from the fourteenth day of that month, to the twenty and one 
Exod. 12.  of the same. And this hath the Nicene Council not newly decreed, but rather confirmed (as the Ecclesiastical History 
Ruff●… lib. 10. cap. 6.  witnesseth) that this is the true observation of Easter, and of all Christians after this account is to be celebrated: and thereupon charged Bishop Colman, that he neither observed it according to john nor Peter.  
To this the Bishop replied, that A●…tholius for his holiness much commended by the said Ecclesiastical History, 
Colman.  and Columba a Father of like sanctity, by whom miracles were wrought, kept the Feast according as he then did, from whose imitation he durst not digress.  
Your Fathers, which you pretend to follow, how holy soever 
Wilfrid.  they be (said Wilfrid) and what miracles soever they have wrought, yet this I answer, that in the day of judgement many shall say unto Christ, that they have prophesied, 
Matth. 7.  cast out Devils, and wrought miracles in his name, to whom our Lord will answer, I know you not. And if your Father Columba (yea and our Father, if he be the true servant of Christ) were holy and mighty in miracles, yet can he by no means be preferred to the most blessed Prince of the Apostles, unto whom our Lord said, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall 
Matth. 16.  not prevail against it, and to thee will I give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus said, the King asked Colman, whether our Lord indeed spoke thus unto Peter, who answered, He did. But can you (said he) give evidence of so special authority granted to your Father Columba? The Bishop said, No. Then (quoth the King) do you both agree confidently, that thesewords were principally spoken unto Peter, and that unto him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven were given? They all answered, It is most certain. Whereupon the King concluded this great controversy, and said, Then will not I gain say 
The Synod mild. lie dismissed by King Oswy.  such a P●…rter as this is, but as far as I know, and am able, I will covet in all points to obey his ordinante, lest perhaps when I come to the Doors of Heaven, I find none to open unto me, having his displeasure, which is so clearly proved to bear the keys thereof.  
And with this so simple a collection of King Oswy, concluded this long and great contention for the celebration of Easter; which here, as borne before the time, I have inserted, to continue the narration thereof together, & to avoid repetition of the same things, which I seek purposely to shun; and so return again to King Ethelbert.  
(13) Who now became an instrument himself for the conversions of his Nation the Saxons. The first fruits of his intendments were wrought upon Sebert King of the East-Angles, his own sister's son, whom not only he converted to Christianity, but therein assisted him in the building of the Cathedral Church of S. Paul for Miletus his Bishop; as also the Church of S. Peter's on the West of London, then called Thorny, with the assistance of a London Citizen, as 
Holinsh. hist. Ang lib 5 cap. 21. Beda ●…or. lib. 2. cap. 3.  some have said; and himself at Rochester, built the Cathedral Church there, which he dedicated to the Apostle S. Andrew.  
(14) This noble King having a care for them that should come after, brought the Laws of his Country into their own mother tongue, and left nothing 
Wil Malmes. Wil Thorn. Register Cant.  unattempted, that might advance the glorious Gospel of Christ, or with honour adorn his own temporal reign; and is worthily an example to all succeeding Princes, in all true piety, and heroical parts of a true Christian King. He died the four and twentieth 
Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. 5. Ethelbert, how long he reigned.  day of February, in the year of our Lord God six hundred and sixteen, being the one and twentieth of his Christianity, the three and twentieth of his Monarchy, and the fifty sixth of his Kingdom of Kent, and was buried at Canterbury in the Church of S. Peter and Paul, afterwards called S. Augustine's, in the Chapel of S. Martin's.  
(15) His first wife was Berta, the daughter of Chilperik King of France, as we have said, who was the son of King Clotayre, the son of Clodove, the first Christian King of that Country. She deceased before the King her husband, and was buried in the Church of S. Peter & Paul at Canterbury, within the Chapel of S. Martin's there.  
(16) He had a second wife, whose name is not recorded by any Writer, being, as is thought, unworthy of remembrance, because of the unnatural contract and marriage of Edbald her husband's son; a sin that both Law and Religion do condemn: and lastly by her converted husband was forsaken, without either note of her issue or death.  
(17) The issue of King Ethelbert by Queen Berta were Edbald that succeeded him in the Kentish Kingdom, Ethelburg, and Edburge two daughters.  
(18) Ethelburg, the elder, was a Lady of passing beauty and piety, and surnamed Tace, who greatly desired and intended a Virgin's life, had not her mind been averted by the entreaty of her brother, the persuasions of Bishop Paulinus, and the earnest suit of Edwine King of Northumberland; unto which Edwine last she yielded to be his wife, in hope of his conversion, and unto whom for that purpose Pope Boniface directed his Epistle from Rome, earnestly exhorting 
Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. 11.  her that she should be diligent for the King's salvation: which she soon after effected, to the great joy of both the Kings, and to the comfort and increase of the Christian Faith throughout England.  
(19) Edburg, another daughter of King Ethelbert, is warranted only by the testimony of john Capgrave, 
Capgrave.  a great traveler in Antiquities, and should be most skilful in his own Country of Kent: notwithstanding he is to be suspected in this, that he reporteth her to have been a Nun in the Monastery of Minster in the I'll of Thanet, under the Foundress Domnewe, being the daughter of her nephew Ermenred, and that she succeeded in the government of that house, Mildred the daughter of the same Domnewe. He reporteth also, that she died and was buried in the same place, and that her body was from thence removed by the Archbishop Lankfrank, to his Church of S. Gregory in Canterbury.   

REDWALD THE THIRD KING OF 
Monarch 7.  
Redwald.  THE EAST-ANGLES, AND SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XIX.  
REdwald, the son of Titulus, and the third King of 
An. D. 616.  the East-Angles, had been a substitute under Ethelbert King of Kent, and served a long time as his Viceroy over all his dominions, whereby he gained such reputation to himself, that either for his own valour, or Edbalds' vices, (contemned of the people for his Apostasy, frenzy, and incestuous bed) became the seventh Monarch of the Englishmen, about the year of Christ his Incarnation six hundred and sixteen; and the twentieth and fourth of his reign over the East-Angles.  
(2) This Redwald (saith Beda) had received Baptism in Kent, but in vain, and without zeal, as it afterwards 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. ●…5.  appeared. For returning to his Country, through the persuasion of his wife, returned again to his superstitious worships; and in one and the same Temple, after the manner of the old Samaritans, he erected an Altar for the service of Christ, and another little Altar for burnt sacrifices to his Idols, which stood unto the days of Beda himself. But as she was an instigator to the Eastsaxons idolatry, so was she an instrument to the further spreading of Christianity (though not by her so purposely meant) in saving the life of Edwine, who afterwards planted the Gospel in all the North parts of the Saxons government.  
(3) For Edwine flying the rage of wild Ethelfrid, was succoured and maintained in the Court of King Redwald, unto whom lastly, the Northumbrian sent both threats and rewards to have him delivered, or else put to death: and surely had not the Queen stood for his life, he had presently died. But she alleging the law of humanity, the trust of a friend, and the royalty of a Prince, prevailed so far, that Redwald did not only save his life, but assi●…ted him in battle, to the destruction of his enemy, and the gaining of Northumberlands Crown. For upon the return of Ethelfrids' Ambassadors, unto whom Redwald 
Beda hist. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 12.  had yielded to make Edwine away, he with his power of the East-Angles were at their backs, and as an enemy made towards Northumberland.  
(4) Ethelfrid, whose rage and revenge was ready enough upon lesser occasions, with such sudden preparation as he was able to make, met the East-Angles 
Henry Hunting.  almost at Nottingham, and that not far from the River Idle, where boldly encountering his unequal enemy, at the first brunt slew Reynhere the son of King Redwald, to the great grief of him and his whole host: whose revenge was so violently sought, that they slew King Ethelfrid in the field, and established Edwine to be his successor; which was the second year of Redwalds' 
Redwald, his reign.  Monarchy.  
(5) Wherein he reigned the space of eight years, and was King of the East-Angles thirty one, and deceased in the year of our Lord six hundred twenty four; the eighth of Edbalds' King of Kent; the thirteenth of Kingils' King of the Westsaxons, and the eighth of Edwins over the Northumbrians.  
(6) The Queen and wife of this King is not named by any of our Writers, but that she had been the widow of a Nobleman, descended of the blood-royal of that Nation, and was a Lady that had deserved great commendations for the many virtues by her possessed, had she been a Christian, or a favourer of the Christians, or had not been an utter enemy to their faith. Notwithstanding by her first husband she had a son named Sigebert, that proved a learned and most religious Prince, of whom we have spoken in Chapter eleventh.  
(7) His issue were Reynhere and Erpenwald. Reynhere the elder, and Prince of the East-Angles, was slain as you have heard, in the battle that his father fought against wild Ethelfrid, near unto the River Idle in Nottinghamshire.  
(8) Erpenwald the younger succeeded his father Redwald in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and was the fourth King of that Nation, whose life and reign we have declared in the succession of the East-Angles Kings: Chapter II.   

EDWINE THE GREAT KING OF 
Monarch. 8.  
Edwine.]  NORTHUMBERLAND, AND THE EIGHTH SOLE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XX.  
THe Monarch reverted from the East-Angles, was 
An. Do. 617.  next possessed by the Northumbrians, wherein it was held with greater glory and for longer time. For Edwine in King Redwalds' life grown very potent, after his death became his successor in the English Monarch, and most worthily did adorn the same by his civil justice and divine piety: his exile, visions, and obtaining of the Northumbrians Crown, we have already spoken of, and therefore without repetition will pass on to his end.  
(2) This Edwine, the son of great Ella, the first King of the Deirians, was the third King that possessed the same, the eighth of Bernicia, the second (and first Christian) King of all Northumberland, at the age 
An. Do. 624.  of twenty three, and in the year of Christ six hundred twenty four, succeeded Redwald in the Monarchy, and was the greatest King of all the Saxons. For (as Beda saith) he subdued all the coasts of Britanny 
Beda hist Angl. lib. 2. cap. 9  wheresoever any Provinces were inhabited, either of English or of Saxons, which thing no King of the English before him had done; and added the * Mevian Isles 
Hebrides.  unto his own Dominions. The first of them, and next the South, was large and fertile, gave room for nine hundred and sixty of his English Families, and the second, ground for above three hundred Tenements.  
(3) His first wife dead, he became suitor for Lady Ethelburg, daughter to Ethelbert King of Kent, deceased, and sister to King Eadbald then reigning: whose Ambassadors were answered, that it was not lawful for a Christian Virgin to be espoused to a Pagan, lest the faith and sacraments of the heavenly King should be profaned, by the matching with that earthly King, which knew not to worship God aright. But Edwine hearing of the Virgin's beauty, integrity, and 
Ethelburs good parts.  piety, was so far overgone and ravished therewith, that he condescended, she should with her place retain her own Christian Profession, and enjoy the Christian society both of her men, women, Priests, and servants, to be her attendants in his Court. These covenants thus confirmed, the Lady accompanied with Paulinus the reverend Bishop, and an honourable retinue, all of them Christian, came to King Edwins' Court, and with great joy she was espoused his Queen.  
(4) The greatness and prosperity of this Northumbrian King, was both feared by them a far, that reigned in no such power, and beheld by his nearer, with an envious eye: among whom, Quinchelme that reigned with his father king over the Westsaxons, sent a desperate Ruffian, whose name was Eumerus, to murder Edwin the next year of his marriage; who repairing to his Court, then resident near the river Deruent, at the place that is now called Aldeby in Yorkshire, 
A conspiracy.  with a double-edged short sword, the point thereof poisoned, and girt under his garment, upon Easter day entered his Palace, as an Ambassador, and with crafty speech retained the King's attention, where getting occasion, and stepping forward, drew his sword, which one Lilla the King's servant saw, and wanting wherewith to defend his person, put himself betwixt the King and the sword: and thorough his body so slain, the same was so far run, that it dangerously wounded the King with his point, and with the same sword, before he could be beaten down by the Guard, slew another servant, whose name was Fordhere.  
(5) It happened the same night, being holy Easter 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 9  Sunday, that Queen Ethelburg was brought to bed of a daughter: for joy whereof, and her safe deliverance, the King gave thanks to his Idols; which Bishop Paulinus, then in presence, greatly reproved, and bade Edwin to give thanks unto God, from whom only all goodness came; and spoke unto him of our new birth in Christ: at which conference the King much rejoiced, and promised that he would ever after renounce all his Idols, and worship that Christ whom he preached, if that God would grant him his 
Bishop Paulinus.  life, and give him victory against that King, who had sent this Manqueller to murder him; in pledge whereof, he assigned Paulinus to baptise his daughter, the which upon Whitsunday following was performed in her, by the name of Eanfled, and she the first of the Northumbrians which received that Sacrament. At which time also, Edwin being recovered of his wound so lately received, made an Army, and marched forth against the Westsaxons, and in battle either slew or took prisoners all them that had conspired his death, and as a victorious Conqueror, returned to his Country.  
(6) Where continuing in honour, and his affairs prospering to his own desires, he was yet in mind distracted, and his thoughts continually perplexed, what God he should worship. The sanctity of the Christians moved him much, and the ancient customs of his Ancestors sat near his heart, betwixt whom there seemed a combat in himself. And in these dumps sitting one day alone, it chanced Bishop Paulinus to have access to his presence, where laying 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 12.  his right hand upon the king's head, demanded of him whether he remembered that sign: whereat Edwine suddenly fell at the Bishop's feet, whom he in haste and reverence presently lifted up, and spoke unto him as followeth.  
Behold O Sovereign (said he) by the bountiful band and power of our God, you have escaped the hand and vengeance of your most hated and dreadful enemy. Behold also, by his most gracious goodness you have obtained the sovereignty of reign and rule of the Kingdom. Remember now therefore the third thing which you promised him, and defer no longer to accomplish the same by receiving his faith 
Edwine put in mind of covenants.  and keeping his Commandments, who hath delivered you from your temporal adversities, and exalted you to the honour and Majesty of a King; whose holy will if you hereafter obey, and do his precept which by me is preached, he will also deliver you from the perpetual torment of Hell, and make you partaker with him in his heavenly Kingdom and eternal bliss without end.  
(7) Whereupon conferring with his Counsel, whereof Bishop Coyfi was chief, for the establishing of the Gospel, and suppressing of Idolatry, it was then concluded, that the true God should be worshipped, and the Altars of their wont Idols overthrown: unto which action, Coyfi himself became the first man; for mounted on horseback in armour, 
Idolatry abolished.  with a girt sword and lance in his hand (all which was unlawful for those Idoll-Priests) he broke down their Altars, Grates, and Bars, and destroyed their Temples wheresoever he came. Some ruins thereof not far from York, and near unto the rising of the river Derwent, remained to be seen unto the days of Beda, and were then called Gotmund in Gaham. And king Edwine himself, with all his Nobility, and most 
Beda hist. Angl. cap. 13.  of the Commons, received the laver of Baptism, the eleventh year of his reign, and of Christ's Incarnation six hundred twenty and seven, one hundred and eighty years after the Saxons entrance into Britain. The king was baptised the twelfth of April, being Easter Sunday, at the City York, in the Church of S. Peter's, built then of wood, and was the king's Oratory, which he enclosed about with a deep foundation; and laying the walls with squared stones, made it the Cathedral Church, and his Converter Paulinus Archbishop of that See.  
(8) The Gospel thus established in these Northern parts, spread daily further into other Provinces, and with such fruit of peace, that in the reign of this Edwin, and throughout his Dominions, a weak woman with her new-born babe might have passed 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 16.  without damage or danger over all the Island, even from Sea to Sea. And so much did the King tender his Subjects, that his provident care was extended to the wayfaring passengers, for whose use he enclosed clear Springs by the ways, where he set great Basins of brass, both to wash and to bathe in; which either for love or displeasure of the king, no man defaced, or took away.  
And so great was the magnificence of this Monarch, that (according to Bede) he had not only in Battle the Ensigns proper to battle borne before him, but in his ordinary passages thorough the Cities and Towns of his kingdom, there always went an ensign-baerer before him. And (to use the words of the same venerable Author) he went not in any street, in which there was not borne before him that kind of Standard which the Romans called Tufa, and the English 
Tufa the Romans Ensign.  Thuuf. That the Romans had such an Ensign, as that which here is called Tufa, justus Lipsius in his Commentary 
justus Lipsius.  upon that place in Vegetius (lib. 3. cap. 5.) where the several Ensigns of the Romans are recited, doth declare, correcting that place of Vegetius (where Rufa was set for Tufa) by this place of Bede, and in the same showing, that Tufa signified a Ball, as the Ball (by the example of Augustus) was an Ensign of Monarchy, or absolute government.  
(9) But as the Sun hath his rising, his height and descent, and ever is moving in the circle of his celestial orb; so man hath his birth time, being, and death, and till then is never stayed in one certain point. King's therefore, as they be Kings, are the Suns of their own world, but as they are men, go to the shadow of death: neither can the strength of their power, wisdom, or policy, love or applause, stay the hand here that holds the fatal knife; for so in this King Edwin we see, raised above hope to attain the Diadem, and ruling in love and liking of the people, was notwithstanding cut off in the midst of his glory and greatness of strength.  
(10) For Penda the stout Mercian envying his peace, and Cadwallo the Britain seeking to receive his right, joined in friendship against this Monarch, and met him as his enemies in the face of a Field. The plain was large, and called Hethfeild, where after a long and most bloody fight, king Edwin was slain, with prince Offryd his son, his whole Host put to the sword, or most shameful flight: which chanced the fourth of October, the year of our Lord six hundred thirty three, the sixth of his Christianity, the seventh of his Monarchy, the seventeenth of his kingdom, and the forty seventh of his age. His body was lastly buried in S. Peter's Church at Strea●…shall, after called Whitby.  

His Wives.  
(11) Quenburg his first wife, was the daughter (as Beda reporteth) of Ceorle; but as all other Writers do witness, of Crida King of Mercia. She was married unto him in the beginning of his youth, (and when he was dispossessed of his inheritance by the Tyrant Etheifrid, as we have said) with him she lived a great part of his banishment, and in the Court of Redwald King of the East-Angles deceased, before her husband could recover his Kingdom.  
(12) Ethelburg, surnamed 
* I●…ce.  Tate, was the second wife of this King, who was the daughter of Ethelbert King of Kent, and of Queen Berta his first wife. She was married unto him in the year of grace six hundred twenty five, being the second of his Monarchy, and was his wife six years: but surviving him, and desirous to live a religious life, she returning into Kent, withdrew herself to a place not far from the Sea side, called Lymming, wherein she built a Monastery of Nuns, and among them spent the rest of her life, and therein died, and was there buried.   

His Issue.  
(13) Offride, the eldest son of King Edwine, and Quenberg his first wife, was borne in the time of his father's exile among the East-Angles. He was baptised in the faith of Christ by Paulinus the first Archbishop of York, and was slain the same day, and in the same battle that his father was. He had a son named Iffy, who was baptised also by Bishop Paulins; and after the death of his father and grandfather, for fear of King Oswald, was conveyed over the Seas into France, to be brought up in the Court of King Dagobert, where he died in his childhood, and was there honourably interred.  
(14) Edfrid, the second son of King Edwine and Lady Quenberg his first wife, was borne in the time of his father's exile, and baptised with his brother Offrid by Bishop Paulinus. After his father's death, for fear of King Oswald, he fled to Penda King of Mercia, who was his father's enemy, and his mother's kinsman; by whom he was most treacherously murdered. He left behind him a son named Hererik, who by his wife Bertswith had issue the virtuous & learned lady Hilda, Abbess of Streansbalch: & Queen Hereswith her sister, the wife of Ethelbere King of the East-Angles brother to King An●…a, by whom she had issue Ald wolf, Elswold, and Beorne, all three succeeding Kings of the East-Angles.  
(15) Ethelme, the third son of King Edwine, and the first of Queen Ethelburg his second wife, was baptised by Paulinus Archbishop of York, not long after his father and halfe-brethrens; but in short space after his baptism, he departed out of this world, even in the time that he wore the white attire, which in those days was used to be worn by such as were newly baptised for a certain space. His body was with all due funeral obsequies interred within the new Church of S. Peter in the City of York, which his father had newly founded.  
(16) Vskfrea, the fourth son of King Edwine, and the second of Queen Ethelburg his second wife, and the last and youngest of them both, bore the name of his father's great grandfather. He was baptised by the Archbishop Paulinus at one time with his brother Ethelme. After the decease of his father, his mother carried him with her out of Northumberland into Kent; and from thence conveyed him over into France with his Nephew Iffy, the son of his half-brother Offrid, where he continued in the custody of King Dagobert, being his mother's cosen-german, and there died, and was honourably buried in a Church with his Nephew Iffy.  
(17) Eanfled, the elder daughter of King Edwine and Queen Ethelberg his second wife, was borne the 
Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 15.  night following that her father was wounded and baptised, he being a Pagan. She was afterwards married to Oswy, the fourth King of Northumberland, and tenth Monarch of the Englishmen, as shall be said  
(18) Etheldrid the younger daughter, the fifth and last-borne child to King Edwine and of Queen Ethelburge, was baptised at the same time with Ethelwe and Vskfrea her brethren. She died an infant, the white clothing not yet put off, which in those days was usually worn at certain set times after their baptism, and was with like funeral obsequies buried by her brother Ethelwe in the Church of S. Peter's in York, which their father had founded.    

OSWALD KING OF NORTHUMBERLAND, 
Monarch 9  AND THE NINTH MONARCH 
Oswald.  OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXI.  
OSwald, the fifth King of Deira, the ninth of Bernicia, 
An. Do. 634.  the third of Northumberland, and the ninth Monarch of the Englishmen, began his reign the year of Christ's incarnation six hundred thirty four. He with Eanfrith and his brethren, the sons of wild Ethelfrid, and Osrik also the son of Alfrid King Edwins' Uncle had been secured in Scotland all his reign, and among the Red-shanks lived as banished men, where they learned the true religion of Christ, and had received the Laver of Baptism. But Edwines' death wrought and divulged, these Princes return again to their Country, and the Northumbrians Kingdom lately governed by one, was now again divided into two several parts, as formerly it had been.  
(2) Over the Deirans, Osrik was made king, and of Bernicia, Eanfrid assumed the reign; but God's justice over taking their Apostasy, neither their lives nor this division lasted long. For Cadwall the Christian, and Penda the Pagan were God's instruments, that with worthy vengeance in the first year of their government, cut the one off in battle, and the other 
Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 1.  by treachery; whose names and year of reign as unhappy and of hateful remembrance, the Historiographers of those times would have to be omitted.  
(3) But religious Oswald lamenting the effusion of his Country's blood, long slept not, their revenge. For assembling his power, which was not great, he suddenly and unlooked for came upon Cadw●…, and at Deniseburne pitched down his tents. The place (saith Beda) stood near the wall that Severus had made, where Oswald for the first day forbore to fight, and among his Soldiers for his Standard set up a Cross of wood; whereunto it seemeth those dawning days of Christianity were overmuch addicted. Here Oswald making first intercession to God, the only preserver of his people, in sore & long fight obtained great victory, with the slaughter of Cadwallo, and of all his British Army: which so accomplished, many have attributed the virtue of that Cross to be no small cause of that great overthrow. This Cross so set up, was the first we read of to have been erected in England, and the first Altar unto Christ among the Bernicians, whose pretended miraculous cures, not only in the wood itself, but in the moss and in the earth wherein it was set, let Beda report them, and Stapleton urge them, yet for my part, I hold them no Article of our canonical Creed.  
(4) But certain it is, that Oswald himself was a most religious and godly king, and took such care for the conversion and salvation of his subjects, that he sent into Scotland for Aidan a Christian Bishop, to instruct his Northumbrians in the Gospel of truth. And whereas the Bishops could not speak their language, 
Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 3.  the king himself was interpreter at his Sermons, and gave his words in the English, as he spoke and pronounced them in the Scotish, which language Oswald perfectly spoke, having been there the space of eighteen years. 
Ho●…. Boetius.   
Thus the godly proceedings of the king and Bishop, produced such increase of their heavenly seed, that it is reported in seven days space, fifteen thousand Christians received Baptism; and many of the●…forsaking the pleasures of the world, to have betake themselves to a religious and solitary life.  
(5) At this time the whole Island flourished both with peace and plenty, and acknowledged their subjection 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 6.  unto king Oswald. For, as Beda reporteth, all the Nations of Britanny which spoke four languages, that is to say, Britain's, Redshanks, Scots, and Englishmen, Became subject unto him. And yet being advanced to so royal Majesty, he was notwithstanding (which is maruell●… to be reported) lowly to all, gracious to the poor, and beautiful to strangers. The fruits whereof the same Author exemplifieth in his bounty and humility towards the poor; who upon a solemn feast day, seeing many such at his gates, sent them both the delicates for himself prepared, & commanded the charger of silver to be broken, and divided among them. The Bishop much rejoicing thereat, took the king by the right hand, and prayed that it might never consume; as after his death it did not, but was shrined in silver, and in S. Peter's Church at Bebba, now Bambrough, with worthy honour was worshipped for the many miracles in cures that it did, as likewise the earth wherein his blood was spilled: with such lavish enlargements have those writers interlined the deeds of God's Saints.  
(6) But as the Sun hath his shadow, and the highest tide her ebb, so Oswald, how holy soever, or government how good, had emulators that sought his life, and his Country's ruin: for wicked Penda the Pagan Mercian, envying the greatness that king Oswald bare, raised wars against him, and at a place then called Maserfeild in Shrop-shire, in a bloody and sore fought battle slew him; and not therewith satisfied, in barbarous and brutish immanity, did tear him in pieces, the first day of August, and year of Christ jesus six hundred forty two, being the ninth 
Beda hister. lib. 3. cap. 9  of his reign, and the thirty eighth of his age: whereupon the said place of his death is called to this day Oswaldstree, a fair Market Town in the same County.  
(7) The dismembered limbs of his body were first buried in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolnshire, shrined with his standard of Gold and Purple erected over his Tomb, at the industry and cost of his niece Offryd, Queen of Mercia, wife unto king Ethelred, and daughter to Oswyn that succeeded him. From hence his bones were afterwards removed to Gloucester, and there in the north side of the upper end of the Choir in the Cathedral Church, continueth a fair Monument of him, with a Chapel set betwixt two pillars in the same Church.  

His Wife.  
(8) Kineburg, a most virtuous Lady, and daughter to Kingils the sixth, and first Christian king of the Westsaxons, was the wife of king Oswald, who became both his father and son in the day of her marriage, by receiving him at the Font, and her of his gift. She was married unto him in the second year of his reign, which was the year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred thirty six: no other relation made of her besides the birth of his son.   

His Issue.  
(9) Ethelwald, the only child of king Oswald and Queen Kineburg his wife, was borne in the year of our Lord six hundred thirty seven, being the third year of his father's reign; and but an infant at his father's death, was disappointed of the Northumbrian Kingdom by the fraud of his uncle Oswyn. Notwithstanding at the death of Oswin king of Deira, and then not above sixteen years of age, he took the same kingdom, and by strong hand held it against his uncle so long as he lived, and at his death left it to his cozen Alkefryd, the natural son of king Osuyne, as in the ninth Chapter we have said.    

OSWY KING OF NORTHUMBERLAND, 
Monarch. 10.  AND THE TENTH MONARCH 
Oswy.  OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, WIFE, AND childs. CHAPTER XXII.  
OSwye, the illegitimate son of King Ethelfrid, 
An. Do. 643.  surnamed the Wild, at thirty years of age succeeded Oswald his half brother in his Dominions, being the fourth King of Northumberland, and the tenth Monarch 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 24.  of the Englishmen, entering his government the thirteenth day of October, and year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred forty three. His first beginnings were much disquieted by Penda the Heathen Mercian, by the rebellions of his base son Alkfrid, and by the oppositions of Ethelwold the son of King Oswald: but none sat more near his heart then Oswyn 
Oswyes envy.  king of the Deirians did, whose virtuous government did much darken (as he took it) his own, and the free love of those subjects, daily to lessen his among the Bernicians.  
(2) This Oswyn of Deira was the son of Osrike 
Oswyn King of the Deirians.  (who did apostate from his faith) and ruling his Province in plenty and peace the space of seven years, 
Oswyn King of the D●…tans.  was therefore greatly envied by Oswy of Bernicia, and lastly by him provoked into the field. Their hosts met at the place then called Wilfares Down, ten miles' West from the village Cataracton, and there attended 
Cataracton. Village.  to hazard the day. But Oswyn finding himself too weak for Oswy, and to save the effusion of Christian blood, forsook the field, accompanied only with one Soldier, and went to Earl Hunwald his friend as he thought, to secure his life. But contrary to trust, he delivered him unto King Oswy, who 
Oswyn betrayed into the hands of Oswy.  cruelly slew him the twentieth of August, and ninth of his reign, at the place called Ingethling; where afterwards for satisfaction of so heinous an offence, a Monastery was built, as upon like occasions, many the like foundations were laid; whose stones were thus joined with the mortar of blood.  
(3) Of this Oswine thus slain, Beda reporteth the 
Bedas his report of Oswyns virtue.  Story following: Among his other rare virtues and princely qualities, his humility (saith he) and passing lowliness excelled: whereof he thus exemplifieth: The reverend Christian Bishop Aidan using much travel to preach the Gospel throughout that Province, the King for his more ease, gave him a goodly Gelding with rich and costly trapping. 
His gift to the Bishop Aidan.  It chanced one day, as the Bishop road to minister the word of life, that a poor man demanded his alms: but he not having wherewith to relieve him, and pitying his distressed poor estate, presently alighted, and gave unto him 
The Bishop's Alms to a poor man.  his horse and rich furniture; whereof when the King heard, he blamed him, and said, What meant you (my Lord) to give to the beggar the horse that I gaveyou, with my saddle and trappings? Had we horses of no lower price to give away to the poor? To whom the Bishop replied, And is the brood of a beast dearer in your sight, than this poor man the child of God? The King 〈◊〉 reproved, turned himself towards the fire, and there ●…dly pausing upon this answer, presently gave from him his sword, and in haste fell at the Bishop's 
King Oswins' repentance.  feet, desiring forgiveness in that he had said. The Bishop much astonished, suddenly lift up the King, desiring him to sit to meat, and to be merry; which the King immediately did, but the Bishop chose began to be pensive and sad, and the tears to trickle down his cheeks: in which passion he burst out into these speeches, and said to his Chaplain in an unknown tongue, I never till this time have seen an 
Bishop' Aidans' testimony of King Oswyns pie●…e.  humble King; and surely his life cannot be long, for this people are not worthy to have such a Prince to govern them. But to return to King Oswy.  
(4) Who after many cruel invasions of the merciless Penda, was forced to sue unto him for peace, 
Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 24.  with proffers of infinite treasure and most precious jewels: all which rejected, and the Tyrant coming on, Oswy sought his help by supplication to God, and with such zeal as then was embraced, vowed his young daughter Elfled to be consecrated in perpetual virginity unto him, with twelve Farmers and their 
Elfled the daughter of King Oswy.  lands, to the erection and maintenance of a Monastery: and thereupon prepared himself for battle.  
(5) The Army of this enemy is reported to redouble thirty times his, all well appointed and old tried soldiers: against whom Oswy with his son Alkfryd boldly marched, Egfryd his other son then being 
Alkfrid.  an hostage with Cinwise an under Queen of the Mercians: Ethelwald the son of Oswald, took part with Penda, against his natural Uncle and native 
Ethelwald.  Country: so did Ethelherd the brother of Christian Anna, side with this heathenish and cruel Mercian.  
(6) The battle was fought near to the river junet, which at that time did overflow his banks, so that 
junet River.  the victory falling with Oswy, more were drowned in the water then slain with the sword. And herein proud Penda lost his life, with the discomfiture of all his Mercian power. Herein also died Ethelherd, the 
Penda slain.  East-Angles King, who was the only motive to these wars: and Ethelwald escaping, returned with dishonour unto Deira. The day was thus gotten the thirteenth 
Ethelwald his escape.  year of King Oswy his reign, the fifteenth day of November, and year of Christ his Incarnation six hundred fifty five.  
(7) After this victory, king Oswy reigned in great glory the space of three years, subduing the Mercians, the south parts of the English, and made the northern parts likewise subject unto him. He it was that decided the long controversy for Easters celebration, and founded the Cathedral Church in Lichfeild for a Bishops See: which City, with all South-Mercia, divided 
Liber Lichfeild. Tho. Rudburne.  from the north by the river Trent, he gave to Peada the son of king Penda, in marriage with his natural 
Oswy his gift to Penda.  daughter Alkfled, on condition that he should become a Christian: all which the said king not long enjoyed, but was murdered in his own Court. And the Mercians erecting Vulfhere his brother and their native countryman for king, rebelled against Oswy, and freed themselves from a foreign subjection.  
(8) Thus Oswy ending in troubles as he began in wars, reigned the space of twenty eight years, and 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 5. The time of King Oswy●… reign.  then falling sick, was so struck with remorse for the death of good Oswyn, and blood which he had spilled, that he vowed a pilgrimage to Rome, in which reputed holy place he purposed to have ended his life, and to have left his bones therein to rest: but his disease increasing, and that purpose failing, he left this life the fifteenth of February, and his body to remain in S. Peter's Church at Streanshach, the year after Christ's birth six hundred seventy, and of his own age fifty eight.  

His Wife.  
(9) Eanfled; the wife of this king, was the daughter 
Eanfled.  of Edwin and Ethelburg, king & Queen of Northumberland. She was the first Christian that was baptised in that Province, and after her father's death, was brought up in Kent under her mother, and thence married unto this Oswy, whom she survived, and spent the whole time of her widowhood in the Monastery of Steanshalch, where her daughter Elfred was Abbess, 
Steanshalch Monastery.  wherein she deceased and was interred in the Church of S. Peter, hard by her husband king Edwin.   

His Issue.  
(10) Egfryd, the eldest son of king Oswy and of 
Egfryd the eldest son.  Queen Eanfled, was borne in the third year of his father's reign, being the year of grace six hundred forty five. In the twenty fifth year of his age, and of our Lord God six hundred seventy one, he succeeded his father in Northumberland, but not in his Monarchy: of whose life and acts, we have further spoken in the seventh Chapter of this Book.  
(11) Elswine, the second son of king Oswy, and 
Elswyne the second son.  of Queen Eanfled, was borne in the year of our Lord six hundred sixty one, being the ninth of his father's reign; at whose death he was nine years old: 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 21.  and in the ninth year after, being the eighteenth of his age, was unfortunately slain in a battle, wherein he served his brother Egfrid, against Ethelred king of the Mercians, to the great grief of them both, the year of Christ's nativity six hundred seventy nine.  
(12) Elfled, the eldest daughter of king Oswy and queen Eanfled, was borne in the month of September, 
Elfled his eldest daughter.  the year of grace six hundred fifty four, being the twelfth of her father's reign; and when she was a year old, by him committed to the custody & bringing up of the renowned Lady Hilda, Abbess of Streanshall, wherein she lived under her a Nun, and after her 
Hilda Abbess of Streanshall.  death did succeed her Abbess of the place, and in great holiness and virtue, spent therein her life, unto the day of her death, which was the year of Christ jesus seven hundred fourteen, and of her own age sixty, being interred in S. Peter's Church within the same Monastery.  
(13) Offrid, the younger daughter of king Oswy and queen Eanfled, was borne about the fifteenth 
Offryd the younger daughter.  year of her father's reign, which was the year of our Lord six hundred sixty seven: and when she was fully twenty, was married unto Ethelred king of Mercia, the twelfth Monarch of the Englishmen, in the third year of his reign, and of Christ six hundred seventy seven.  
(14) Alkfrid, the natural son of king Oswy, did first succeed his cozen Ethelwald, son of king Oswald 
Alkfryd a ●…rall son.  his Uncle in part of Northumberland, and held the same by force against his Father, which afterwards he peaceably enjoyed both with him and his half brother King Egfrid, whom lastly he succeeded in the whole kingdom of Northumberland, as more at large 
Chap. 7. sect. 1●….  in the same story we have declared.  
(15) Al●…fled, the natural daughter of king Oswy, borne before her father was king, in the year of 
Al●…fled a natural daughter.  Christ's incarnation six hundred fifty three, and the eleventh of her father's reign, was married to Pe●…d: the son of Penda, that by his permission had governed some part of Mercia, and by Oswy his gift with this Alfled, all the South of that Province. She was his wife three years, and is of most writers taxed to be the actor of his death, being wickedly murdered in the feast of Easter, the year of grace six hundred fifty six, and the fourteenth of her Father's reign.    

WLFHERE THE six KING OF 
Monarch II.  
Vulfhere.  THE MERCIANS, AND THE ELEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXIII.  
Wulfhere, after the murder 
An. Do. 659.  of his brother Peada, advanced against Oswy by the Nobles of Mercia, maintained his title and kingdom for twelve years continuance, in the life time of that Northumbrian Monarch, and after his death translated the Monarchy from those Kings, and Country, unto himself 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. ●…4.  and his successors the Mercians, who now wore the Imperial Diadem without reversement, until such time as great Egbert set it upon the Westsaxons head.  
He was the second son of Penda King of Mercia, and the sixth in succession of that kingdom, beginning 
Vulfheres parentage.  his reign the year of Christ his Incarnation, six hundred fifty nine, and twelve years after, Anno six hundred seventy one, entered his Monarchy over the Englishmen, and was in number accounted the eleventh Monarch of the Land.  
(2) His entrance was with trouble against the Northumbrians; for unto Egfrid their King he had lost the possession of the Island Linsey, and was expelled 
Linsey Island lost to the Northumbrians.  the Country: yet three years after he fought against the Westsaxons with better success, whose Country with conquest he passed thorough, and wan from Redwald their King the I'll of Wight? which Island he gave 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 12.  to Edilwach the Southsaxons King, whom he received his Godson at the font-stone: notwithstanding himself had lately been a profane Idolater, and most cruel Heathen, as by the Liger book of the Monastery of Peterborow appeareth, whose story is 
Lib. peter●….  this:  
(3) King Vulfhere of Mercia remaining at his Castle in Vlferchester in Stafford-shire, and understanding 
Vulferchester castle.  that Vulfald and Rufin his two sons, under pretence and colour of hunting, usually resorted to reverend Chad, to be instructed in the fruitful faith of Christ jesus, and had at his hands received the Sacrament of Baptism, at the persuasion of one Werebod, suddenly followed, and finding them in the Oratory of that holy man, in devout contemplations, slew 
Vulfhere slayeth his two sons.  them there with his own hands. Whose martyred bodies Queen Ermenehild their mother caused to be buried in a Sepulchre of stone, and thereupon a fair Church to be erected, which by reason of the many stones thither brought for that foundation, was ever 
john capgran●….  after called Stones, and now is a Market Town in the same County. But King Vulfhere repenting this his 
Vulfheres repentance.  most unhuman murder, became himself a Christian, and destroyed all those Temples wherein his heathen Gods had been worshipped, converting them all into Christian Churches, and religious Monasteries: and to redeem so heinous an offence, underwent the finishing of 
* Now 〈◊〉.  Medis●…am, his brother's foundation, enriching it largely with lands and possessions: notwithstanding he is taxed by William of Malmesbury with the foul sin of Simony, for selling 
W. l. Mal●…sbury.  unto Wyna the Bishopric of London.  
(4) He reigned King over the Mercians the space of seventeen years, and Monarch of the English fully four, leaving his life in the year of our Lord six 
The time of his reign.  hundred seventy four, and his body to be buried in the Monastery of Peterborow, which was of his brothers and his own foundation.  

His Wife.  
(5) Ermenhild, the Wife of King Vulfhere, was the daughter of Ercombert, the seventh King of Kent, and 
Ermenhilds' parentage.  sister to Egbert and Lothair, both Kings of that County. Her mother was Sexburg, daughter to Anna, the seventh King of the East-Angles, whose sisters were many and most of them Saints. She was married unto him in the third year of his reign, and was his wife fourteen years. After his decease, she went to her mother Queen Sexburg, being then Abbess of Ely, 
Queen Sexburg Abbess of 〈◊〉.  where she continued all the rest of her life, and therein deceased and was buried.   

His Issue.  
(6) Kenred the son of King Vulfhere and of Queen Ermenhild, being the heir apparent of his father's 
Kenred the first son.  possessions, was under age at his father's decease; and by reason of his minority, was withheld from the government, which Ethelred his Uncle entered into, without any contradiction of this Kenred, who held himself contented to live a private life: notwithstanding Ethelred taking the habit of a Monk, left the Crown to him who was the right heir.  
(7) Vulfald a young Gentleman converted to the Christian faith by Bishop Chad, and martyred for profession of the same by King Vulfhere, is reported 
Uulfald a supposed son. Water Wittlesey.  by Water of Wittlesey, a Monk of Peterborow, in a Register which he wrote of that Monastery, to be the supposed son of King Vulfhere himself, and to have been slain by him in his extreme fury before he was a Christian, or could endure to hear of the Christian faith. He was buried in Stone, as we have said, where his father built a College of Canons regular, which was afterwards called S. Vulfaldes. 
S. Vulfaldes College.   
(8) Rufine the fellow martyr of Vulfald, is by the same Writer reported to be his brother, and the supposed 
Rufine another supposed son.  son also of Vulfhere the King. Their murders, as he saith, was committed the ninth Calends of August, which is with us the four and twenty of july, upon which day there was yearly celebrated a solemn memorial of their martyrdoms in the same place, where they both suffered, and where their Monument was then remaining.  
(9) Wereburg, the daughter of King Vulfhere and 
Wereburg, the daughter of Vulfhere.  Queen Ermenhild, was in her childhood committed to the bringing up of Queen Etheldrid her mother's Aunt, in the Monastery of Ely, by whose persuasion she professed virginity, and returning to her Country in the reign of King Ethelred her Uncle, was by him made overseer of all the Monasteries within his dominions. She deceased at Trickingham (now called Trentham) in Stafford-shire, and was buried at Hanbery. 
Buried at Hanbery.  Her body was afterwards removed to Westchester, where Leafrik the Earl built in honour of her 
S. Wereburgs' Church.  a goodly Church called S. Wereburgs, which to this day is the Cathedral Church of that City.    

ETHELRED THE SEVENTH KING 
Monarch 12.  OF MERCIA, AND TWELFTH MONARCH 
Ethelred.  OF THE ENGLISH: HIS ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXIIII.  
EThelred, the third son of 
An. Do. 675.  King Penda, and brother to the last declared Vulfhere, in the year of Christ jesus six hundred seventy five, began his reign in the kingdom of Mercia, and at the same time in the Monarchy of the Englishmen, 
Circumstances belonging to the beginning of his reign.  being the seventh King among them that ware their Diadem, and the twelfth person that bore the Imperial title of the whole: his claim was not immediately nor next in succession, young Kenred his Nephew standing betwixt him and the Crown. But himself a child in years, and in them also addicted unto a private life, he gave his Uncle way to undergo so public a charge, which without contradiction was likewise accepted of the subjects.  
(2) His entrance was with war against the Kentish Lothaire, whose Country he destroyed, sparing neither 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Churches nor religious Abbeys, the King not daring to appear in field. The City Rochester felt also his fury, whose Citizens were ransacked, their buildings ruinated, and their Bishop Putta driven to such 
Putta Bishop of Rochester.  distress, that he became a Teacher of good Arts and Music in Mercia, to maintain his aged years from the necessity of perishing want. These stirs (saith Beda) happened in the year of grace six hundred seventy 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 12.  seven; and the next following, so fearful a Blazing star, as was wonderful to behold, first discovered 
A blazing star.  in the month of August, and for three months together continued rising in the morning, and giving forth a blazing pile very high, and of a glittering flame.  
(3) The remorse of conscience for the blood he had spilled, and the places of Oratories by him destroyed, (besides his intrusions into another man's right) struck so deep a wound into King Ethelreds' breast, that ever he bethought him what recompense to make. First therefore building a goodly Monastery at Bradney, and that most fruitfully seated in the 
The occasion of founding Bradney Monastery.  County of Lincolus, thought that not sufficient to wash away the scars of his foul offence, but determined in himself to forsake the world, for that was the term attributed to the monastical life: wherein notwithstanding, in less cares they lived, and their persons more safe from all dangers attempted, then when they publicly administered their laws to their people, the just executions whereof, many times breed the overthrow of their Princes, and their Persons never secure amidst their own guards.  
(4) But such was the religion then taught, and the godly zeal of the good Princes then reigning, whose works have manifested their virtues to posterities, and faith in Christ the salvation of their souls, in whose Paradise we leave them, and Ethelred to his devout intent: who to reconcile himself first unto Kenred, bequeathed the Crown solely to him, although 
Ethelred res●…gneth his Crown.  he had a son capable thereof: then putting on the habit of religion, became himself a Monk, in his own Monastery of Bradney, where he lived a regular life the term of twelve years, and therein lastly died Abbot of the place, when he had reigned thirty years, the year of Christ's nativity, seven hundred 
The continuance of his reign.  sixteen.  

His Wife.  
(5) Offryd, the wife of King Ethelred, was the daughter of Oswy, and of Lady Eanfled, King and Queen of 
Off●…yd. Be●…a hist. Angl. lib 3. cap. 11.  Northumberland. She was married unto him in the year of our Lord six hundred seventy seven, being the third of his reign, and the twentieth of her age. She was his wife twenty years: and passing thorough the North parts of Mercia, she was set upon and slain by the people of that Country, in revenge of 
Beda in E●…t. Off●…yd slain.  the death of Peada their King, who had long before been murdered by Alkefled his wife, and her half sister, as we have said. And thus strangely came she to her untimely end, the year of our Lord six hundred ninety seven, the twenty three year of her husband's reign and the fortieth of her own age.   

His Issue.  
(6) Chelred the son of King Ethelred, and of 
Chelred the first son.  Queen Offryd his wife, was the heir apparent of his father's kingdom, and of sufficient years to have succeeded him, when he entered into religion; but that it was his father's will to make amends to his Nephew Kenred, son to his elder brother King Vulfhere, that now he might reign before his son, who should have reigned before himself.    

KENRED THE EIGHTH KING OF MERCIA, AND THE THIRTEENTH 
Kenred.  MONARCH OF THE 
Monarch 13.  ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XXV.  
KEnred the son of Vulfhere, because of his minority 
An. Do. 704.  at his Father's death, was defeated of his dominions by his Uncle Ethelred, and until it pleased him to resign his Crown, lived a private life, whereunto by nature he was most inclined. But King Ethelred for the wrongs to him committed, and to redeem the time that in war and wealth he had prodigally 
The 〈◊〉 pertaining to his ●…trance into 〈◊〉.  spent, yielded the Sceptre unto his hand, and set his seeming over-heavy Crown upon his Nephew Kenreds' head: who began his reign at one and the same time, both over the Mercians and Monarchy of the English●…, which was the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred and four.  
(2) He is in account the eighth King of that Province, and the thirteenth Monarch since Hengist the Saxon. He reigned in peace the space of four years; then weary of government, and desirous of contemplation, 
The 〈◊〉 of his reign.  after the example of his Uncle, sought a more private and religious life: and thereupon appointing Chelred his cozen german to rule in his place, in the 
Beda hist. Angl. lib. 5. cap. 20.  fifth year of his reign, abandoned his kingdom and Country, and departed for Rome, accompanied with Offa King of the Eastsaxons, and with Edwine Bishop of Worcester; where both these Kings were made Monks in the time of Pope Constantine the first, justinian the younger than wearing the Imperial Crown: and in a Monastery at that city, both these penitent Converts in the Cowls and Orders of Monks, spent the rest of their lives, and therein died 
Kenred and Offa turn Monks.  and were interred; this Mercian King Kenred having had neither wife nor child, that I can read of.  
(3) It is not greatly to be wondered at, in that these times to much overshadowed with superstitious zeal, the holy acts of men, which no doubt were many, & the habit of Monks, the accounted holy garments of humility, were so meritoriously respected and reputed in the devout hearts of the religious, when by the Clergy (that are accounted the light of the world) in a Council at Rome held under Pope Constantine the 
Bale.  first, it was decreed and commanded, that carved Images, which neither had action, nor life, nor could save themselves from the stroke of destruction, should be made to the memorial of Saints, and should be set up in Churches, with respective adoration, contrary to Gods most express commandment, and condemned for idolatry by the warrant of 
Leuit. 2●….  sacred Scripture.   

CHELRED THE NINTH KING OF 
Monarch 14.  THE MERCIANS, AND THE FOURTEENTH 
Chelred.  MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN AND SUCCESSION. CHAPTER XXVI.  
CHelred, the son of King Ethelred, was of sufficient 
An. Do. 709.  years, and well able of rule, at such time as his father resigned his Sceptre unto his Nephew Kenred, had not the prick of that sin touched his conscience, 
The appendances of his ingress into government.  which made him to bestow the same as he did; notwithstanding the Crown being too weighty for Kenred to wear, he as freely again gave it the son, as he had received it of the father before, and relinquished his claim and title thereto.  
(2) Chelred thus advanced before he it expected, entered his government with great applause of the 
Chelred worthy of the Crown.  people, in whose opinions he was held the only man worthy of their Crown. Over the Mercians he reigned the ninth King, and of the English Monarches the fourteenth in number, beginning them both in the year of grace seven hundred & nine, and the fourth of justinian the younger, Empire.  
(3) His quietness was disturbed by Inas the West-Saxon, whose fame for his fortunes began then to 
Inas King of the Westsaxons.  grow great. For Kent he had forced to buy their peace with money: the Britain's subdued, and had enlarged his confines upon them. And now against Chelred this new rise Monarch, he meant to try chance, whose glory he looked at with an over envious eye.  
(4) His greatness likewise Chelred suspected, who either to himself or successors, (by the foundation 
Chelred prepareth against Inas.  which he laid) would divert the Monarchy from him and his Mercians, and entail it to himself or his Westsaxons. Hereupon great preparation was made, and each set forward with all the powers, the one to attain, and the other to keep, the glory and title that both of them so much thirsted after. At Wodnesbury 
Henry H●●ting.  they met, and with undaunted spirits so fought, that the victory was doubtful, for neither could say the battle was his, or that he departed with the lesser 
Mat. Westminster.  loss.  
(5) These emulations were followed betwixt these two Princes the space of seven years, and longer had done, if Chelred had lived, or Inas not been struck with remorse of conscience for his overmuch spilling of blood. Of this Chelred, some Authors have censured, that he was marvelous in prowess, and valiant of courage, but his Country miserable 
john 〈◊〉.  by his untimely death, whose reign lasted only seven years: and death in the year of our Lord seven 
The continuance of his reign.  hundred and sixteen: his body was buried in the Cathedral Church of Lichfield: and he died without any issue.  

His Wife.  
(6) Wereburg the wife of King Chelred, is mentioned 
Inas wife. M●…rian Scot  by Marianus the learned Scotish Historian, and by Florence of Worcester, who was the follower and continuer of his History, whom we may reasonably credit in this matter, being not incredible, although she must of necessity be thought to have been married very young, or to have died very old, because they record her decease to have been in the year of Christ seven hundred eighty one, which was almost sixty years after the death of her husband, 
She died sixty years after her husband.  and towards the end of the long reign of King Offa.    

ETHELBALD THE TENTH KING 
Monarch 15.  
Ethelbald.  OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE FIFTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN AND ACTS. CHAPTER XXVII.  
EThelbald, cozen german once removed unto King 
An. Do. 716.  Chelred, succeeded him in the kingdom of the Mercians, whereof he was the tenth in number, and of the Monarches over the Englishmen, the fifteenth in 
The precedents of his reigns initium.  account. He began his reign in the year of grace seven hundred sixteen, and with great honour reigned over all the Kings on the South side of Humber, whose time for the most part was spent in peace; yet some wars he had, and those with variable events.  
(2) For in the eighteenth year of his reign, he besieged Sommerton, and wan it; and invading 
●…and. cistern.  Northumberland, without proffer of resistance, returned with great riches by spoil. The Britain's also that were joined confederates with the Westsaxons, he molested and overcame, for whose revenge King Cuthred gave him battle near unto Burford, where he with his Mercians received the foil, and lost the Banner, 
Henry Hunting.  wherein was portracted a Golden Dragon, the thirty seventh year of his reign.  
(3) The sins of these times both in Prince and 
Chron. of Holl.  people, were many and great, as by the Epistles of Boniface an Englishman, and Archbishop of Mentz, is most manifest, wherein he reproved his adulterous life, who refraining to marry, wallowed in filthy lecheries; by whose example the Noblemen of Mercia did the like: and their women, as well Nuns as others, made away their chilaren borne out of wedlock, whereby 
Ro. ●…i.  the graves were filled with dead bodies, as hell itself with damned souls. And in another Epistle sent unto Cuthbert, Archbishop of Canterbury, he complaineth of the English Nuns, who wandering in pilgrimage under 
nuns infamy.  show of devotion, lived in pleasure and wanton fornications, through all the Cities of France and of Lombary.  
(4) This his Epistle took so good effect, that in repentance King Ethelbald released and privileged the Church from all tributes to himself, and built the Abbey of Crowland in Lincolnshire, for the pacifying 
Crowland Abbey buil●….  of God's wrath towards his sins; when also it was enacted by Cuthbert and his Clergy, in a Convocation held in his Province, that the sacred Scriptures should be read in their Monasteries, the Lords Prayer and Creed, taught in the English tongue: which accordingly was done. Which Council was held in the thirty year of this King's reign, and of Christ's incarnation seven hundred forty eight.  
(5) Finally, when he had ruled forty two years, fight against Cuthred the West-Saxon, in a war not 
The continuance of his reign.  prudently undertaken, he was traitorously slain by his own subjects, at the procurement of Bernred a Leader of them, who affecting the kingdom by this stratagem of Treason, sought to attain it, but was himself slain by Offa the Mercian, before that this ill sown seed could take any root. The place of this Great Ethelbalds' death, was Secondone, three miles from Ta●…worth, in the County of Warwick; and of 
Wil Mal●…bury.  his burial, Rept●…n in Derbyshire, where with honourable obsequies he was interred, the year of Christ's humanity seven hundred fifty eight, having had neithe Wife nor Children.   

OFFA THE ELEVENTH KING OF 
Monarch 16.  
Offa●…  THE MERCIANS, AND THE SIXTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXVIII.  
OFfa, the cozen of King Ethelbald, 
An. Do. 758.  after some time of interregnum, succeeded him in his dominions of Mercia; a man of so high stomach and stoutness of mind, that he thought nothing unpossible for him to attain: and for virtue and vice, so equally composed, that hardly could be judged to whither of them the scale of his carriage most inclined, although 
Wil Malmsbury.  the Monk of S. Alban, and writer of his life, doth blanche out his graces with superlative praises. 
Liber M. S.   
(2) His Parents he nameth Twin●…reth and Mercella, and himself he saith to have been first named 
The parents of Offa.  Pinered, borne both lame, deaf, and blind, wherein he so continued unto his man's estate. The rage of Bernred (saith the same Author) had forced all three into a solitary place, where suddenly by miracle Pinered was restored, and for that cause called another Offa; who presently assailed, and in a great battle manfully fought, slew the usurping Bernred. The Nobles 
Bernred slain.  of Mercia being rid of that Tyrant by the valour of Offa, gladly embraced & received him for their King; who began his reign with greater show of glory, than any Mercian before him had done, being in number the eleventh that had reigned in that Province, and is accounted the sixteenth Monarch of the Englishmen.  
(3) His neighbour Kings foreseeing whereat his eye glanced, solicited by Letters Charles the Great, 
King Charles' the Great.  than King of France, against him, who wrote unto Offa in their behalf, and in threatening wise commanded him to desist. But he was so far from fearing of his threats, that to his contempt he was the more eager.  
(4) The first that felt his fury, were the Kentishmen under Alrik their King, whose overthrow was the less dishonourable (saith Malmesbury) for that they 
Malmsbury.  were vanquished by so great a Monarch. The place was Otteford, unfortunate to them, where their King was slain by the hand of Offa himself, their forces quite discomfited by the loss of this field, and their Country trodden down under the feet of the Mercians.  
(5) From South to North King Offa then marched, and beyond Humber made havoc of all that stood against him; whence returning triumphant, he set upon the Westsaxons, that had formerly joined with his enemies: the place was Bensinton, which Castle King Offa took, with the discomfiture of King 
Bensinton castle taken by King Offa.  Kenwolfe, and all his Westsaxons; who sought their revenge by the aids of the Britaines in Wales. Their King (saith mine Author) was then Marmodius, 
Liber S. Alban, M. S. Marmodius a Welsh King.  betwixt whom some intercourse by letters passed, & great presents to King Offa sent, only to protract time, and to work upon advantage.  
(6) In this Interim of compliments, for a further security, Offa caused a great ditch to be drawn betwixt 
Offaes' ditch.  his and the Britain's borders, which work began at Basingwark in Flintshire, and North-wales; not far from the mouth of Dee, and ran along the mountains 
Chron. Wallis.  into the South, & ended near Bristol at the fall of Wye; the tract whereof in many places is yet seen, and is called to this day Clawdh Offa, or Offaes' ditch. Marmodius, who openly bore sail to this wind, and 
Marmodius treachery.  seemed to wink at Offaes' intent, secretly called a Counsel of State, wherein he declared how the Act thus in working, would soon prove the bane of liberty unto their country, and the mark of dishonour to themselves & posterity for ever; therefore his advice was, that by some stratagem it might be stayed by time.  
(7) To this his Britain's consented, the truce yet lasting, and the feast of Christ's Nativity even then at 
The Britain●… accessary to it.  hand; in the celebration whereof was held the greatest advantage with least suspect, to put themselves in action against it; and secretly working the assistance of their allies the Saxons; both of the South, the West, and the North, upon Saint Stephen's day at night, suddenly 
Saxons assistance.  broke down the bank of this fortification, filling up again a great part of the Ditch, and in the morning most furiously rushed into Offa his Court, putting a great number to the sword, who were more intentive and regard full to the Feast, then to any 
Offa●… ple 〈◊〉.  defence from their cruel and merciless swords.  
(8) These wrongs King Offa delayed not to requite, first making their hostages his vassals and slaves, and then with a great army entering Wales, in a bloody and sore-fought battle he overcame Marmodius and all his associates in the field. Thus 
Marmodius vanquished by Offa.  then as a Conqueror over all his enemies triumphantly after ten years wars abroad returned he to his own Kingdom, neither puffed with pride, nor suffering his title to be enlarged according to his conquests: yet he was not neglective of regal state, by the report of the Ligger book of S. Alban, which saith, that in regard of his great prerogative, and not of 
The Ligger of 〈◊〉. M. S.  any pride, he first instituted and commanded, that even in times of peace also, himself and his Successors in the Crown, should as he passed through any Cities, have Trumpeters going and sounding before them, to show that the person of the King should breed both fear, and honour in all which either see him or hear him.  
(9) Unto King Charles of France he wrote in excuse of his wars, and desire of his amity; whom 
King Charles congratulateth Offa.  Charles again congratulated with letters of gladness, both for his victories, and the Christian piety in his land embraced; desiring of Offa safe conduct for such his subjects, as came to his country in devotion to God, and withal sent to him, (for a present) a Book of the Decrees of the second Council of Nice. Which synodal Book (to use Roger Hovedens' own words) was sent unto King Charles from Constantinople, 
Ro. Houed. ●…nal. part 1. The second Council of Nice.  wherein (alas for pity) by the unanimous assertion of three hundred Bishops or more congregated in that Council, were decreed many things inconvenient, yea and quite contrary to the true faith; as is most especially the worshipping of Images, which the Church of God doth utterly detest. Against which Book 
* Alcuinm.  Albinus wrote an Epistle, admirably strengthened by the authority of the holy Scriptures, which together with the foresaid Book himself presented in the name of the Princes & Bishops of this land, unto the foresaid Charles King of France. Such intercourse both for State and Church had this great Offa with that great Charles.  
(10) His last wars (according to mine Author) were against the Danes, whom he forced to their ships 
Offa●… last wars.  with the loss as well of their booties, as of many of their lives; and then (saith he) with the spirit of humility, both to recall himself from the trace of blood, and to the better establishment of his kingdoms peace, he joined in affinity with his neighbour Princes, upon whom he bestowed his daughters in marriage.  
(11) And making Egfrid his son a King with himself, in great devotion went to Rome, where 
Offa went to Rome.  with the like zeal and example of Inas the West-Saxon, he made his Kingdom subject to a Tribute, then called Peter-pences, afterwards Rom-Scot; besides other rich gifts that he gave to Pope Hadrian for canonizing Alban a Saint: in honour of whom, and in repentance of his sins, at his return (over against Verolanium, in the place then called Holmehurst, where that Protomartyr of Britain, for the constant profession of Christ, lost his head) Offa built a magnific Monastery in Anno 795. indowing it with lands and rich revenues for the maintenance of an hundred Monks: upon the first gate of entrance in stone standeth cut a Salteir Argent in a field azure, & is assigned by the judicious in Heraldry to be the Arms that he bore.  
(12) Also in testimony of his repentance for the blood he had spilled, he gave the tenth part of all his 
His repentance.  goods unto the Churchmen, and unto the poor. At bath he also built another Monastery, and in Warwickshire a Church, where the adjoining town, from it and him, beareth the name Off-church.  
(13) Finally, when he had reigned thirty nine years, he died in peace at his town Off-ley the nine 
Off-ley Town.  and twentieth of july, the year of Christ jesus, seven hundred ninety four: and with great solemnity his body was buried without the town of Bedford in a Chapel standing upon the Bank of Owse, which long since was swallowed up by the same river: whose Tomb of lead (as it were some fantastical thing) appeareth often (saith Rouse) to them that seek it not, 
I 〈◊〉 S Al●…s M. S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  but to them that seek it, is altogether inunible.  

His wife.  
(14) Quendrid the wife of King Offa hath not her parentage set down by any of our Writers: notwithstanding, the recorder of this his life, saith that her 
In the life of S. Alban. prefixed before the Ledger book of that Abbey.  name was Drida, and that she was the kinswoman to Charles the Great King of France, and by him for some offence banished his Realm, who arriving upon the coasts of England in a ship without tackle, was taken thence, and relieved by Offa, being then a young Nobleman, where she changed her name 
Offa affectioned to Quend●…d.  unto Petronilla; with whom he fell so far in love that he made her his wife, contrary to the liking of his Parents. She was a woman of condition ambitious, covetous, and cruel, as appeared specially in the death of Ethelbert, King of the East Angles, that came to her husband's Court to marry their daughter; whose port she so much envied, that she procured him to be treacherously murdered: the 
Quend●…d her treachery.  manner the foresaid Author declared to be by his fall into a deep pit, purposely made in his bedchamber, and under his chair of estate. That his head was cut off, and found by a blindman, that the well which bears his name sprung up presently in the place where it lay, that the blood thereof gave the blind man his sight, and that Dryda died in the same pit which she had digged for Ethelbert, I leave to the credit of my author, and the liking of my Reader: but certain it is that God's vengeance followed this heinous fact within one year after the same was committed, by the death of herself, her husband, & 
Quendred rewarded with the like pains.  her Son, and the translation of that Kingdom from the Mercians to the Westsaxons.  
An ancient Saxon coin inscribed with her name, CENEDRED REGIN. we have found and here placed, which the judicious suppose to be hers, and that not unlikely, she being so powerful, proud and ambitious.   

His Issue.  
(15) Egfrid the only son; and heir apparent 
Egfrid the only son of Offa.  of King Offa and Queen Quendred, was the only joy and pride of his parents, who succeeded his Father in his dominions and title, and in the same year also in the shades of death.  
(16) Ethelburga, the eldest daughter of King Offa 
Ethelburga the first daughter.  and Queen Quendred was married to Brithrick the sixeteenth King of the Westsaxons: she was a Lady of passing beauty, but withal of an insolent disposition, hating all whom her husband loved, and practising the deaths of them that she hated. She departed into France after the poisoning of her husband, & for that her offence, a law was enacted to the great prejudice of the Westsaxons Queens, as in the reign of Brithrick we have declared. 
Cap. 7. Sect. 16.   
(17) Elfled, the second daughter of King Offa, & 
Polycbr. ●…sted the second daughter.  Queen Quendred, by the report of Randulph Higden the Monk of Chester, was the second wife to Ethelred King of Northumberland, who in regard of her had put from him his former wife, for which his subjects rose in Arms against him, and slew him in the last year of King Offa his reign.  
(18) Elfrid the third and youngest daughter of 
Elfrid the third daughter.  King Offa, and Queen Que●…dred, being promised in marriage, and assured unto Ethelbert King of the East Angles, after the murder of her hoped Bridegroom, with great lamentations, and prophesying threats of revenge, abandoned the society of men, and withdrew herself unto the monastery of Crowland in the Fens, where in contemplation and solitary sadness she spent the remainder of her life; and yet there are that suppose her to be the wife of King Kenwolfe, who was the founder of Winchcomb Monastery, & the successor of his brother Egfride.  
(19) Fremund by john Capgrave is supposed to be the son of King Offa, who, as he saith, was traitorously 
john Capgrave.  murdered by one Oswy that envied his victories which he got against the Danes: his body was buried at Offchurch in Warwickshire, and near unto the Palace of Offa; alleging for his Author one Burghard, who was at his death, and wrote his life; yet some there are that think him mistaken, for 
Burghard.  that he calleth him a young man, when as those wars happened an hundred years after King Offa his life.    

EGFRID THE TWELFTH KING 
Egfrid.  OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE SEVENTEENTH 
Monarch 17.  MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH. CHAPTER XXIX.  
EGfrid, the son of King Offa, succeeded his father 
An. Do. 794.  in the Mercians Kingdom, whereof he was the twelfth in number, and in the Monarchy of the Englishmen, ranked in account the seventeenth. He began his reign the thirteenth day of july, in the year of Christ his nativity, seven hundred ninety four. The first business that he undertook after he came to the Crown, was the restoration of ancient privileges to the Church, which his father had deprived them 
Egfrid restoreth antic priviledger.  of; and great hope was conceived of his further proceedings, had not God cut him off by untimely death. For having reigned only four months, he gave place unto nature, and to another successor, the sins of the people deserving no such Prince: for whose cause, and his father's great bloodshed, as Alcuine wrote to Osbertus, he was taken away so soon. 
Fl●… Albinus.   
(2) He deceased the seventh day of December, and in the first of his reign, having had neither Wife nor 
The continuance of his reign.  Issue that we read of. His body with all due obsequies was honourably buried in the Abbey Church of S. Alban, of his father's foundation.   

KENWOLFE THE THIRTEENTH 
Monarch 1●…  
Kenwolfe.  KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE EIGHTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XXX.  
KEnwolfe, not so near in blood to king Egfryd, as 
An. Do. 794.  he was like him in all virtuous conditions, by him was ordained to succeed in his Dominions, whereby he became the thirteenth King of the Mercians, and the eighteenth Monarch of the Englishmen, in the year of our Lord seven hundred ninety seven. At home he was an example of piety, peace, and religion, & set the scale of justice without respect 
Ke●…olfes praise.  to all alike; abroad temperate; humble; and courteous, without vain ostentation or ambitious conceits; in wars he was stout and victorious; in peace studious to enrich his subjects: briefly, at all times so carrying himself, that envy could not touch him with her tongue.  
(2) Whether upon a new quarrel begun, or the old retained, (as inheritable to the Mercians against those of Kent) I cannot say; but true it is, that in the entrance of his reign, he entered that Province with a great host of men, and in a fore fought field discomfited the Kentish, and carried away prisoner their King, whose surname was Pren. His kingdom he gave to Cuthred, and kept him captive in Mercia, to 
Wil Mal●…b.  his great grief, and his subjects dishonour.  
(3) But Kenwolfe in peace, & minding the works of true piety, gave himself to the building of a goodly 
Winchcomb Mon●…ry.  Church at Winchcomb in Glocestershire; where upon the day of dedication in the presence of Cuthred (assigned his Viceroy in Kent) thirteen Bishops, ten Dukes, many Nobles, and a great concourse of people, he led Prens this Kentish captive up to the high Altar, and there without either his entreaty, or ransom for Redemption, released and set him free; showing thereby his devotion to God, and the heroical parts of a magnanimous Prince.  
(4) His reign was twenty two years, and death in Anno eight hundred nineteen, being solemnly 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉  buried in the Church of the Monastery at Winchcomb aforesaid which himself had founded.  

His Wife.  
(5) Elfryd, the wife of King Kenwolfe, hath not her parentage certainly reported by any of our Historians; 
Elfrid●… 〈◊〉 vn●….  yet some later upon a likelihood of her name, the place and time agreeing; have thought her to be the daughter of Off●…, affianced to King Ethelbert, as hath been said: but in these obscurities▪ conjecture may wander astray.   

His Children.  
(6) Kenelm the son of King Kenwolfe, and of Queen Elfryde his wife, was very young at his father's death, and succeeded in the Mercians Kingdom, but not in the Monarchy of the English; King Egbert the West-Saxon King then grown too great. And in the same year that he began his reign, by the treason of his unnatural sister he was murdered, and first 
Ken●… d●…th.  obscurely buried, but afterwards solemnly removed and reposed near to his Father in the Monastery of Winchcomb, as in the Mercian Kings successions we 
Chap. 10. ●…ct. 14.  have said.  
(7) Quendred the eldest daughter of King Kenwolfe, and Lady Elfryd his Queen, after the decease 
Qu●…dred th●… eld●…st d●…ughter of K●…wolfe.  of her father▪ ambitiously aspiring to compass the sway of the Mercian Kingdom wholly to herself, wickedly conspired the death of her brother King Kenelm, which was traitorously acted by Askebert her instrument, who had the charge of him: but the same turning to her reproach; for very shame of so damnable a deed, she within short time after ended her life, but not her ignominy.  
(8) 〈◊〉, the younger daughter of King Kenwolfe, and of Queen Elfryd, hath not been so famous 
Burg●…ild 〈◊〉 younger daug●…ter.  to posterity as her sister Quendred was for her infamous Act; notwithstanding, she may reasonably be supposed to have lead a better life, and to have died a better death; especially of us, who find her no●… s●…ained with any aspersion of misdeseruing.    

EGBERT THE EIGHTEENTH KING 
Monarch 19  
Egbert.  OF THE WESTSAXONS, THE NINETEENTH, BUT FIRST SOLE AND ABSOLUTE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXI.  
THe Saxon Heptarchy drawing now to a period, the spring of an entire Monarchy 
An. Do. 800.  began to show itself, and the glory of the Englishmen more clearly to arise: for though they had weakened each other by their own wars, yet stood their power strong in the possession of the whole, and the overborne Britain's held still at the worst.  
(2) But such is the dispose of the sole disposer of Empires, that they have their risings, their fools, and their falls: never staying in one and the same point, neither entailed to one and the same Nation, how strong, politic or populous soever. The proof whereof is apparent in all the Kingdoms of the earth, and this of ours as mutable as any; whose change of State unto, and in, this sevenfold Government 
The seven fold government mutable.  hath hitherto been seen: the several Kings thereof long contending to branch their own fountains furthest and fairest, lastly let them fall into one stream, which so meeting, made a more famous confluence in this Monarchy, than the seven heads of Nilus in the Egyptian Sea.  
(3) Formerly, the Kentish, Southsaxons, East-Angles, Northumbrians, and the Mercians, through no less than eight descents had worn the Imperial Diadem, whose rays shone now so bright in the Westsaxons eyes, that they again sought to reestate 
westsaxons ambition.  themselves in so glorious a possession. For, whereas Brightrik was possessed and contented with the West-Saxon Crown, neither that worn without jealousy and fear; yet others of the blood royal from Cherdik raised the wings of their soaring thoughts much higher, among whom Egbert was one, neither the last nor the least in the opinion of the people, or suspect of his Prince.  
(4) This Egbert having command of some part of that Province, so carried himself, that his fame grew fearful to Brightrik the King, and hateful to the envious Ethelburg his most proud Queen, by 
Egberts' exigents and reliefs.  whom he was enforced first to secure himself with the Mercian Offa; and lastly constrained to fly into France: where under Charles the Great, he turned his adversity into an occasion of his valour, by serving in his wars, and learned by his politic government, how to rule a quiet or disturbed State.  
(5) But King Brightriks death acted, and his Queen the contriver banished, Egbert is solicited to the wearing of the West-Saxon crown, where he became the eighteenth King in number, and nineteen years after the nineteenth Monarch of the Englishmen; entering his reign the year of Christ jesus, eight hundredth, being the same year that Charles 
Simon D●…el. saith 80●…. Mat. Westminst●… saith 801.  was made Emperor of the West, and Conwall then ruling over the Scots.  
(6) His first wars were against the Cornish, and their associates the Welsh, both of them a remnant of the old Britain's, who had been oftentimes vanquished, but never would seem to be subdued, and for fourteen years continuance held side against Egbert; which their resistance so provoked his fury that he enacted a most severe law against them, commanding that no Britain should presume to pass over great Offaes' ditch, and present death to 
john B●….  them that durst set foot upon any English ground. Their great Caerlegion (now westchester) he took from them, and at London from their West-gate cast down the brazen Image of Cadwallo there set up by the Britaines for a terror to the Saxons, as we have said. 
Chap. 12.   
(7) His wars thus prospering, his puissance grew dreadful, and his glory much envied at by the other Princes, whereof Bernulfe of Mercia was the first attempter that sought to pluck the wing of this west-Saxon Eagle, but thereby wrought his own downfall; for Egbert joining battle with him at Ellenden overthrew his power, and in that quarrel 
Chap. 10. sect. 16.  Bernulfe was lastly slain.  
(8) Kent was the next, and fairest mark in Egberts' 〈◊〉, whose 〈◊〉 not gracious in his own subjects 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  ●…ight, was the 〈◊〉 to be subdued; him he chased over Thamisis, and added not only that County, but also Sussex and Surrey, for Provinces unto his own Kingdom: next were the Eastsaxons, the East-Angles, and in truth all, both upon the North, and the South of Humber gave him obedience; so that the bounds of his Dominion were greatly enlarged, and his royal authority by those several Kings acknowledged.  
(9) Then he to confirm his estate called an assembly unto the City Winchester, where causing himself to be solemnly crowned, became the first Saxons absolute Monarch of the whole Island, so reducing 
Egbert the first sole Monarch.  the monarchial title from the Mercians to the Westsaxons, in whose Progeny it continued without reversement until the Danes first got, and again lost it, and the Saxons issue failing, the same fell to the Normans Duke by Conquest, as in continuance of our history, Christ assisting, shall be seen.  
(10) His Coronation was at Winchester, and entrance in the year of Grace, eight hundred and nineteen, 
An. Do. 819.  at which time by his Edict in that City dated, he caused all the South of the Island to be called England, according to the Angles, of whom himself came, and promising great felicity to his State and Successors, was therein not so happy as in his affairs he had been fortunate.  
(11) For those Saxons that by war and blood, had made themselves Lords of other men's rights, and of one Kingdom no less than seven, are now endangered to be made servants unto subjection, and by war and blood their sevenfold Kingdom brought again unto one; neither yet freed from the revenge of bloody violence: for that a fierce and cruel nation (the Danes) ceased not continually to invade them, till they had subdued and set the crown thereof upon their own heads, who in King Brightrick days, and about the year seven 
Floren. ●…igorn.  hundred eighty seven, having with three vessels landed in the West of England, at three several times, in so many several places, sought the ruin of the land in the reign of this Egbert.  
(12) The first was in his thirty third year, when with thirty five ships they landed at Lindisferne upon 
Simon. D●…n. Henry Hunting. Mat. W●…st.  the North of England, where they were met and fought with at Carham, but with such loss to the English, that two chief Captains, Dudda and Osmond, two Bishops, Herefrid of Winchester, and Vigferd of Shirborne, with many Soldiers were therein slain, King Egbert himself hardly escaping by the covert of the night.  
(13) Their second attempt was in the second year following, when in West-Wales they landed, unto whom the Britain's there joined, and in the place called Hengistenton abode the King in field, where Egbert with prosperous fortune vanquished and slew both the Danes and the Welsh.  
(14) The third place of their arrivage was Sheepie in Kent, which Island they sacked, and with much a do were expelled in the last of King Egberts' reign, and but the new beginning of their savage cruelties.  
(15) This Egbert by Florentius of Worcester is said to be the son of Alkemund, who was the son of Eafa, and he the son of Eoppa, the son of Ingils, the brother of Ine, the eleventh King of the Westsaxons, and both of them the sons of Kenred, descended from Cherdik the first King of that Province: he was but ●…ow o●… 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 strong of ●…mme, very valiant, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 skilful soldier, and as great in 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in war; he reigned over the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  of thirty six years and seven 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the whole Island seventeen: his d●…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fourth day of February, and year of Chr●…s ●…nation eight hundred thirty six.  
(16) His body was with all 〈◊〉 solemnly buried at Winchester, and his bones sin●… taken up ●…maine with others in that City's Cathedral 〈◊〉, bestowed in Chests set upon the Wall of each 〈◊〉 the Quire, with these verses neither ancient, nor 〈◊〉, thereon inscribed: 
Hic Rex Egbertus pausat cum Rege Kenulpho,  
Nobis egregia munera uterque tulit.   

His wife.  
(17) Redburg, the wife of King Egbert, was the first of the Westsaxons, that by their new made law 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉  was deprived of title, authority, or place of a Queen; notwithstanding it seemeth she bore a great stroke with her husband, in that john B●…uer the Monk of Westminster reporteth, that she procured a law to be made against the Britain's, the penalty whereof was present death for any of them to set footing within the realm of England, or to pass the Ditch that King Offa had made.   

His Issue.  
(18) Ethelwolfe, the eldest son of King Egbert; 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 son●…e.  and Lady Redburg his wife, was in his childhood committed to the charge of Helmestan 〈◊〉 of Winchester, under whom he was carefully trained up in learning and virtue, who coming to man's estate proved also a perfect Soldier, and had 〈◊〉 leading of his father's power against Baldred King 〈◊〉 Kent, whom he forced to fly over the Thamisis, and to abandon his Kingdom, which he subdued to the subjection of his father, and afterwards succeeded him in the Monarchy of the Englishmen.  
(19) Ethelstane, the younger son of King Egbert, 
E●…an younger son.  and of the Lady Redburg his wife, was by his father deputed King over the Kentishmen, the Southsaxons, and the Eastsaxons after he had brought them unto his subjection; which people he most valiantly defended against the invasions of the Danes, defeating their forces both by sea and land, and at Sandwich gave them a most memorable overthrow, in the year of our Lord eight hundred fifty one, being the sixteenth of his brother King Ethelwolfes' reign; in whose time he deceased, and is reported to have left a son named Ostride, who by reason of his minority succeeded not in his father's dominions, which Ethelbert the second son of King Ethelwolfe entered upon, and being Monarch reunited these kingdoms inseparably unto the Monarchy.  
(20) Edgith, commonly called Saint Edith the 
〈◊〉 a daughter.  daughter of King Egbert, was in her childhood by her brother Ethelwolfe committed to the charge and bringing up of a Lady in Ireland, greatly renowned for her holiness of life, named Modewine, by whom she was afterwards recommended to a Disciplesse of the said Lady, named Athea, and made Governess of a Monastery of the Ladies, by her planted in a place which the King her brother had given her, called Pollesworth, situated in Arden in the north verge of the County of Warwick, wherein she lived, died, and was honourably buried, and the place in regard of her afterwards called Saint Ediths of Pollesworth.    

ETHELWOLFE THE nineteenth 
Monarch 20  
Ethelwolfe.  KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWENTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS WARS, ACTS, WIVES, AND childs. CHAPTER XXXII.  
EThelwolfe, the eldest son 
An. Do. 837.  of King Egbert, committed in his youth to the care of Helmestan Bishop of Winchester; and by him unto Swithun a famous learned Monk of that time, took such a liking unto the quiet and solitary life, (only enjoyed by men of Religion, all other degrees molested to withstand the intruding Danes) that he undertook the Monkish vow and profession, and was made Deacon; shortly after which degree taken, Helmestan died, in whose place Prince Ethelwolfe was consecrated, as Roger Hoveden affirmeth, or at least elected, (as 
Roger Hoveden. john Brampton.  john Brampton Abbot of jaruaux writeth) Bishop of Winchester. But the death of his Father King Egbert immediately following, by great entreaty of the 
Henry Hunting. Mat. Westminster.  Nobles, and partly by constraint of the Clergy, he was made King, and was by the authority of Pope Gregory the fourth, whose creature in both professions he was, absolved and discharged of his vows.  
(2) He entered his Monarchy the fourth day of February in the year of Christ's Incarnation, eight 
Wil Malmsb.  hundred thirty seven, and was the nineteenth King of the Westsaxons, and the twentieth Monarch of the Englishmen. His Bishopric he gave unto Swithun his Tutor, and according to his place, combined all his powers to withstand the dangerous Danes, that attempted the utter subversion of his fair land: whose fifth invasion in his first year happened; which drew the Saxons civil wars unto a constrained peace, having more than they could well do to defend their lives from their slaughtering swords, or to save their unjustly got land from the spoils of those common enemies; who, not like Conquerors, but destroying Caterpillars, left nothing undevoured wheresoever they came, and had now begun their merciless depopulations in divers places at once, so that the distracted English were to seek where was most need first to withstand.  
(3) At Hampton & Portesmouth many of these Norway 
Simon Dunelm. Henry Hunt.  Pirates had entered; at Hampton with their overthrow, at Portesmouth with victory; and the same time at Carrum, a Troop of these Danes discomfited King Ethelwolfes power. The next year at Merseware, Lindsey, in Eastangle, and Kent, they did 
An. Dom. 838.  much mischief, and harried all the Country before them: yet in his tenth year at Pedredesmouth, the Somerset and Dorsetshire men gave them a memorable overthrow, under the conduct of Earl Enwulfe, Bishop Adelstan, and Osred their captains.  
(4) But in the sixteenth year of this King, the great Planet Mars seemed to praedominate continually, and Fortune to cast the chance of victory ever on his side: for two hundred and fifty ships, (some reckon a hundred more) entered into Thamesis mouth 
Henry 〈◊〉. Ar●…●…iual.  and set on shore an infinite number of these destroying Danes. London and Canterbury they had sacked and left waist, had pierced into Mercia, and chased Berthulfe their King out of his Country, and now in Southery had pitched their battle, as able and resolute to abide all the power of the English, whither King Ethelwolfe with his son prince Ethelbald repaired, and took the field at the place called Ocley; wherein after a long and sore fight, the victory fell to the English, with such slaughter of these Norway invaders, as is incredible to report, and the same held as great and famous, as ever had happened in the land before.  
(5) With the like success his Brother Athelstan King of Kent, fought with the Danes at Sandwich, where chase them to sea, took nine of their ships; and in Devonshire, Earl Ceorle at Winleshore so overthrew their whole power, that in despair they withdrew themselves into the I'll of Thanet, where they made their abode all the winter season; and if destiny had not withstood the English, the Danes had been expulsed for ever. But the Saxons seeming cleared of this common enemy, fell to their wont quarrels with the ever depressed Britain's, against whom Burthred the M●…rcian obtained the assistance of King Ethelwolfe in his eighteenth year, 
Si●…on Dun.  whose daughter Ethelswith he had obtained in marriage; whereby for a while was increased the fame and power of that valiant, but unfortunate King.  
(6) In this State the affairs of the land stood unto 
See Chap. 10. Sect. 20.  the nineteenth year of King Ethelwolfes' reign, who now remembering his former Ecclesiastic profession, ordained that Tithes and Lands due to holy Church should be free from all Tributes or Regal services; and in great devotion went himself to Rome, where he was both honourably received, and entertained the space of a whole year; in which time he new built the English School, that Offa the Mercian before had there founded, and lately was fired, bearing the name of Thomas the Holy; confirming also his Grant of Peter pence, and further covenanting in am of his kind entertainment to pay yearly three hundred marks to Rome, thus to be employed; one hundred to Saint Peter's Church, an 
Wil Mal●…sbury. Simon. Dun.  other hundred to Saint Paul's Light, and the third to the Pope: the Bride that evermore must be kissed and largely paid.  
(7) His return from Rome was through France, and being a Widower, he there married judith the most beautiful daughter of Charles the Bald than Emperor; in honour of whom in his own Court, he ever placed her in a Chair of Estate, with all other majestical compliments of a Queen, contrary to the law of the Westsaxons for Ethelburgaes' offence, formerly made. Which his doing so disliked the Nobles, that Prince Ethelbald his eldest Son, Adelstan Bishop of Shirborne, and Enwulfe Earl of Somerset, rose up rebelliously in Arms and sought to depose him; yet by mediation of friends, the matter came to a compromise, and the land to be divided betwixt 
Wil Mal●…s.  the Father and Son, but with such partiality that the better part westward was allotted to Ethelbald: which unequality gave great suspicion, that this revolt was rather grounded upon ambition, than any inclination they had for the defence of their laws, which commonly is the pretence and vail for all disloyal attempts of seditious subjects against their sovereign Lords.  
(8) Howsoever it was, long after this he lived not, but left his Monarchy unto his eldest son Ethelbald: and by will appointed. Ethelbert his second, to be King of Kent and Essex, which countries he had conquered. He reigned twenty years, one month, and nine days, and deceased at a place called 
Ethelwolfes' time of reigning.  Stamrige, the thirteenth day of january, in the year of our Lord, eight hundred fifty seven, being the twenty one of his Reign. His body was first buried at the place of his decease, and afterwards removed into the Cathedral Church at Winchester.  

His wives.  
(9) Osburg, the first wife of King Ethelwolfe, was 
Osburgs' parents.  the daughter of a Nobleman named Oslake, who had the office of Great Butler of England, and was descended of the stock of Stuffe and Withgar two brethren, being noblemen of the people called jutes, who were the first Princes of the I'll of Wight, and Nephews to Cherdik, and cozen germane to Kenrik the first and second Kings of the Westsaxons, and the third and fourth Monarches of the Englishmen. She was the second King's wife that was debarred of the title and place of Queen. She deceased three years before the King her husband, in the nineteenth year of his reign, being the year of Christ's Nativity eight hundred fifty five.  
(10) judith his second wife, was the daughter of Charles the Emperor, and King of Fra●…e, as we 
judith a second wife.  have said: her Mother was Queen 〈◊〉, the daughter of Vodon Earl of Orl●…ance. She was a Lady of passing beauty, and married to this King in France; and when she came into England was received with the title and place of a Queen, in abolishment of the perverse law of the Westsaxons, made against the King's wives, as before was touched. She was his wife three years, and survived him without any issue.   

His Issue.  
(11) Ethelbald, the eldest son of King Ethelwolfe, and of Lady Osburg his first wife, was brought up in 
〈◊〉 the first Son.  his youth in the exercise of war, and served under his Father in the great victory obtained against the Danes at Ocley in Surrey, in the year eight hundred fifty one: afterwards he turned his force against his Father; and at his return from Rome, practised to defeat him of his Kingdom, and was ready to have given him battle, had not his Father parted with him his Dominion.  
(12) Ethelbert, the second son of King Ethelwolfe 
Ethelbert the second son.  and Lady Osburg his first wife, was in the life time of his Father, after the decease of his uncle Ethelstan, appointed and placed his Successor in his Kingdom over the Southsaxons, the Kentish, and the Eastsaxons, without any mention or meaning (as it seemeth,) that he should intermeddle further with any other part of England. Notwithstanding after the death of his brother Ethelbald, it was generally holden of all men for law, equity, and reason, that he should succeed him in the Monarchy: and so he did, with the consent of his Brethren, and without resistance, or contradiction of any other.  
(13) Ethelred the third son of King Ethelwolfe, 
Ethelred a third son.  and Lady Osburg his first wife, had by the disposition of his Father in his last will, the one half of his Father's proper inheritance; which was all such land as King Egbert his Grandfather had before he was King, and was no part of the Demaines of the Kingdom, and this was divided betwixt him and his brother Elfred, as the kingdom was between their elder Brethren Ethelbald and Ethelbert: with an intent that this Ethelred should succeed his brother Ethelbald in the kingdom of the Westsaxons; notwithstanding, his brother Ethelbert, after the decease of King Ethelbald, entered into the other part, adjoining it to his former kingdom, and was king of the whole, and after left it entire to this Ethelred, who succeeded him in the Monarchy.  
(14) Elfred, the fourth son of King Ethelwolfe and of Lady Osburg his first wife, was borne at Wantage 
Elfred a fourth son.  in Berkshire, in the year of our Lord God, eight hundred forty nine; and the thirteenth of his father's reign. Being a child of five years old, he was sent very honourably attended to the City of Rome, where Leo the fourth then Bishop confirmed him, was his Godfather at the confirmation, and anointed him to the expectation of a kingdom: grown in years, he grew so in discretion, magnanimity and favour of all men, that in the successive reigns of his three elder Brethren, he ruled as a Viceroy or secondary king under every of them, and after them at the last succeeded in the English Monarchy.  
(15) Ethelfwith, the daughter of King Ethelwolfe 
〈◊〉 a daughter.  and Lady Osburg, was married to Burthred the twentieth King of Mercia, which marriage was solemnised at the town of Chippinham in Wiltshire, in the month of April, and year of Christ's Nativity eight hundred thirty five, and the fifteenth of her father's reign: but within twenty two years after, they were both forced by the Danes to abandon their kingdom, and departed into Italy, where the King died the same year in the English College at Rome: she lived after him fifteen years in the habit of a N●…ne, at the City of Pad●…a, and there died, and was honourably buried in the year of our Lord God eight hundred eighty nine, which was the eighteenth year of her brother King Elfreds' reign.  
(16) Ne●…te, supposed by john Capgra●…e the Legend writer, to be the son of King Ethelwolfe, was in his 
Ne●… a suppos●…d 〈◊〉.  youth brought up at Glastenbery under Dunstan, who was afterward Arthbishop of Ca●…terbury. He proved a man of great learning, and was one of the first Readers of Divinity in the University of Oxford, at the foundation, or as some will have it, the restoration thereof by King Elfred; he planted a Monastery in Cornwall, whereunto he used for devotion and studious meditations often to withdraw himself, which of his abode there, was afterward called Neotestoke, and when he was dead, his body was with great honour interred in the County of Huntingdon, at a place then called Anulfesbery, and afterward in regard of his interment, Saint Neotes, and now 
S. Need●…s Town.  Saint Needs.    

ETHELBALD THE TWENTIETH 
Monarch 21.  
Ethelbald.  KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWENTY ONE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS AND REIGN. CHAPTER XXXIII.  
EThelbald, the eldest son of king Ethelwolfe, having had 
An. Do. 857. Floro●…. Wigo●….  part of the kingdom in the life time of his Father, after his death entered upon the whole, and was the twentieth King of the West Saxons, and the twenty one Monarch of the Englishmen, beginning his reign in the year of Christ's incarnation eight hundred fifty seven.  
(2) His youth he had spent in the exercise of war, 
His wars against the Danes.  having made proof of valour in his service against the Danes in many battles; and likewise attempted (though not in so good a cause) to have fought against his own father. Which his assays, as they seemed violent and unnatural, yet being in the quarrel of the Westsaxons law, enacted in prejudice of their Queens, he was both sided and approved, as hath been said.  
(3) But howsoever unwilling he was this fair Queen should sit in state by his father's side, yet contrary to all laws either of God or man, he laid her 
●…l. 〈◊〉.  by his own, and by nuptial rites, brought her to his sinful and incestuous bed. Which act, though foul enough, some have made worse, in reporting his Wife to be his own Mother, whom King Ethelwolfe kept for his Concubine. And surely this his sin was not long unpunished by the shortness of his reign and life, leaving no other memory of his acts, besides this foul blot to his fair name. 
The time of his reigning.   
(4) His reign was only two years and an half, and death chanced upon the twentieth day of December, the year of Christ's assuming our flesh, eight hundred sixty. His body was first buried at Sh●…rburne in the County of Dorset, where at that time was the Cathedral Church and Episcopal See; but afterwards was removed and interred at Salesbury, in the County of Wiltshire.  

His Wife.  
(5) judith, the Wife of King Ethelbald, was the widow of his own Father, a most unlawful matrimony contracted against all law of God or of nature; 
1. Cor. 5. 1.  which being both dissolved and punished by the hasty death of the King, and she returning towards her father and Country in Flanders, was ravished by Baldwin the Forester of Arden in France, and by him forcibly kept until she consented to become his wife, who in regard of that marriage, when he was reconciled to the Emperor Charles her Father, was by him created the first Earl of Flanders, by whom she had issue Baldwin the second, who espoused Lady Elfrid, the youngest daughter of Elfred King of England, from whom, through five descents lineally, Ma●…d Queen of England, Wife to William the Conqueror descended, and from her, all our Norman English Kings unto this day.    

ETHELBERT THE TWENTIETH 
Monarch 22  
Ethelbert.  ONE KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWO AND TWENTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN AND ISSVES. CHAPTER XXXIIII.  
EThelbert, the second son of King Ethelwolfe, who had succeeded his Uncle 
An. Do. 860.  Ethelstan in the kingdom of the Southsaxons, Kentish, and Eastsaxons, and for five years continuance, ruled those Countries with great equity and valour, after the decease of his brother Ethelbald, succeeded him also both in the Westsaxons kingdom, and the whole Lands Monarchy: whereof he was the one and twentieth King, and the two and twentieth Monarch.  
(2) His reign began in the year after Christ's nativity, eight hundred and sixty, and was disquieted from first to last by the invasions of the bloody Danes. For presently after his coronation, these common enemies entered the Land, ruinating all before them unto the City Winchester, which they sacked, 
Hen. ●…unting.  and left it trodden under their destroying feet, even to the ground. But in their return were encountered by the Barkshire-men, under the leading of Osrick, Earl of Hampton, by whom they were vanquished, the prey recovered, and a great number of those Infidels slain.  
(3) In his first year also a navy of Danes and Normans entered into the Island Tanet, and began their wont spoils among those people: whereupon the Kentish compounded their peace for a great sum of 
The Kentishmen compound for their peace.  money given. Notwithstanding these miscreants, which knew not God, gave little regard to their promised covenants, and before the days of truce were expired, like a sudden flood over-bare all before them. These their eruptions to withstand, the Kentish then prepared, rather adventuring themselves upon the chance of battle, then to rest upon a seeming truce, wherein their destruction was too apparent, and forthwith assembling all the powers together, set upon those truce-breakers, and with much slaughter forced them at length out of their Country.  
(4) But the date of King Ethelberts' life being expired, he yielded his body to the course of nature, 
Ethelberts' ti●… of reigning.  and his Kingdoms to his next Brother, after he had reigned over the Kentish, South, and Eastsaxons, the term of ten years, and had sat Monarch of the whole only five. He died the year of grace eight hundred sixty six, and was honourably buried in the Cathedral Church of Shirburne in Dorsetshire, by his brother King Ethelbald.  

Hi●… supposed Issue.  
(5) Athelm, the brother's son of King Elfred, mentioned in the last will and testament of the same 
Athelm the eldest son.  King, seemeth by all likelihood to be the eldest son of this King Ethelbert, elder brother to the same King Elfred, although he succeeded not his father in his Kingdom. For in those days, if the King's son were under age, the succession went to the next brother; and if that brother left his son at full age, than it went unto him; otherwise it reverted to the elder brother's son.  
(6) Ethelwald, surnamed Clit●…, which is a word of addition given to all the Saxon Kings sons of England, 
Ethel●…ld the second son.  is mentioned in King Elfreds' will to be his brother's son, and is most likely to be the son of this King Ethelbert, he proved a most deadly enemy to his cozen King Edward, the son of King Elfrid his Uncle, destroying his towns in Dorsetshire, and being driven out of England, joined himself with the Danes, who made him their King in Northumberland, 
He●…y H●…ing.  and under his leading, grievously assailed the Countries of the Eastsaxons, East-Angles, and Mercians, wherein he was lastly slain, the year of our Lord nine hundred and five, being the fourth of King Edward his cosen-germanes reign.    

ETHELRED THE TWO AND 
Monarch 23.  
Ethelred.  TWENTIETH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWENTY THIRD MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXV.  
EThelred, the third son of King Ethelwolfe, after the 
An. Do. 866.  decease of his Brother succeeded him in his Dominions, and was in number the two and twentieth King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty third Monarch of the Englishmen; he began his reign in the year of our salvation eight hundred sixty and six, and for the time that he was King, reigned in continual wars against the Pagan Danes, whose numbers now were greater, and footing surer in this land then formerly had been.  
(2) In the first year of his reign, there arrived upon the English coasts a huge Army of these Danes, 
Hunger and Hubba.  whereof Hunger and Hubba, men of incredible strength and cruelty, were the Captains: These wintered in East Anglia, made truce with the inhabitants upon certain conditions, and forbore a time from their wont ravening.  
(3) But in the next year the King being busied to put back a fresh inroad of Danes in the South and West of the Island then entered; these devourers took advantage upon the civil broils commenced among the Northumbrians, who in these turmoiled times sought to withdraw their subjections from the West Saxons, and to set up Kings again of their own. The foresaid captains Hunger and Hubba, having 
The Danes march Northward.  in time of their truce strengthened themselves with new supplies of aid, marched further into the North, where finding the people unprovided of strength, and the two Kings Osbright and Ella of reconciled enemies to be made no sure friends, they harried the Country before them, and entering York slew the two Kings, with infinite number of the English; which City they consumed with fire, and burnt therein all those that had fled thither for succour.  
(4) The State thus standing, and their forces increasing every day, brought new fears upon the inhabitants, when every late victory with increase of Captives and rich spoils, ministered occasion & means of some other conquest to follow; which these Pagans so pursued, till lastly they set a substitute King to reign under them, over all the North Borders beyond the river Tyne; and so retiring themselves out of Northumberland into Mercia, came to Nottingham, which City they wan, and therein wintered the third of King Ethelreds' reign, who with the aid of Burthred the Mercian King, constrained 
Ing●…s.  the Danes to sue for peace, and a safe departure, yielding the City, and again retiring themselves over Tyne, remained in York all the next winter.  
(5) The Summer's opportunity approaching, 
An. Do. 870.  their wont desire for spoil was with it increased, and to cut off long travel these Danes by boats passed Humber, where Hunger and Hubba began with fire and sword to lay all waist before them, sparing neither Person, sex nor age. The places respected for public good, and sacred Temples consecrated only to God, which all other Tyrants have forborn, these savage men as the earth's destroyers cast down and trampled under their profane feet: among which for note were the goodly Monasteries of Bradney, Crowland, Peterborow, Ely, and Huntingdon, all laid in level with the ground, and their Votaries, aswell the Nuns as the Monks, murdered with their unhuman and merciless swords; to avoid whose barbarous pollutions, the chaste Nuns of Coldingham defo●…ed themselves to their lascivious eyes, by cutting off their upper lips and noses; but to everlasting remembrance they 
Fl●…es Histor.  remain most fair, and well beseeming faces of pure Virgins.  
(6) These Pagans piercing further into the land, came into the territories of the East-Angles, wherein holy Edmund reigned King, whose Martyrdom in most cruel manner they wrought, he constantly calling upon the name of Christ, whereof we have already spoken, and shall be occasioned hereafter to speak.  
(7) But in the last year of this King's reign, their raging power was most great: for with a new supply two Danish Kings Sreeg, and Halden, entered into West-Saxia, and at Reading the King's town entrenched themselves: these foraging the Country, were encountered with at Engl●…field by Ethelwolfe Earl of Berkshire, and his men, who in skirmish slew one of their leaders; and chased the rest back to their Trench.  
(8) These Danes fearing lest delays would prove dangerous, and knowing that the first success is commonly seconded with further courage of hope; four days after showed themselves in field ready to fight: their host they divided into two battalians; whereof the one was guided by two of their Kings and certain Earls were leaders of the other; which when the English perceived, they also 
Assendon battle.  divided theirs, whereof King Ethelred had the leading of the first, and Elfred his brother was General of the second; the place was Assendon, where their Tents were pitched, and the day approached for battle: King Ethelred in his Tent stayed so long in prayers that Elfred upon a forward courage hasted to encounter the enemy, and that with a most fierce and sharp fight, wherein having spent the most of their strengths; and ready to decline, and give back: Ethelred manfully entered the battle, and so seconded his brother, and overtyred Soldiers, that he 
Scala Chronicon.  made way by dint of his sword through the thickest of their almost-conquering enemies, and with such loss of the Danish blood, drawn from the sides of one of their Kings, five Earls, and an infinite number of the common Soldiers, that the streams thereof seemed as an overswelling tide, altogether to cover the face of the field, and is accounted for the noblest victory that the English till then had gotten of the Danes.  
(9) Yet were not these Pagans therewith discouraged, but gathering more strengths and supplies from other parts; fourteen days after, made head again against the English, and pitching down 
Basin battle.  their standards at Basin, abode the coming of Ethelred and trial of battle, wherein success was altogether altered; for herein the King's part was discomfited, and the Danes the winners of the day.  
(10) Thus both sides borne upon rage & hope, in their heat of blood prepare for new fight. The Danes power was augmented with a further supply sent from beyond Seas, and the English confirmed with hope of success: These meeting at Merton (two months after the battle of Basin) encountered each others both boldly and bloodily; wherein at first the English prevailed, and the Danes were chased; but their numbers the greater, and fresh supply maintaining their 〈◊〉, they r●…uered themselves, and won the day; wherein King Ethelred received his death's wound, with such slaughter of his people, that little wanted the end of all encounters, to have been afterwards attempted 
〈◊〉  any more by the English.  
(11) Great was the valour and resistance of this King; for in his short time of Reign, as Writers 
〈◊〉  record, no less than nine set battales against the Danes he fought in one year, to the great effusion of Christian blood, and to no little loss of the Danish power; for in his reign fell of them one King, nine Earls, and of the common sort without number.  
(12) He died at Wittingham of his wound received the three and twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord God eight hundred seventy two, and was buried in the Collegiate Church of Winburne in Dorcetshire, where remains his Tomb and his Arms unto this day, with this Inscription: 
In hoc loco quiescit corpus Sancti Ethelredi Regis West-Saxonum 
Scala Chr●…n. Marian. Scot  Martyris, qui Anno Domini 872. 23. die Aprilis, per manus Dacorum Paganorum occubuit.   

His Issue.  
Elfred, the eldest son of King Ethelred seemeth to be Grandfather to the noble and learned Ethelward, 
Elfred the eldest son.  who being Kinsman, Counsellor and Treasurer to King Edgar; wrote an history of his Country, beginning at the first arrival of the Saxons into England, and continuing unto his own time: which history he dedicated to his kinswoman, and cozen german the Lady mand Abbess of Quedlingburg in Saxony, being the daughter of the Emperor 
The Abbess of Quedlingburg.  Otho, by Edgith his wife, daughter of King Edward the elder, and sister of Ethelstane, and Edmund Kings of England.  
Oswald, a young son of King Ethelred, is mentioned 
Oswald a younger son.  in a Charter of his Fathers, by which he gave lands to the Monastery of Abingdon near Oxford; and to which this son of his hath his name set down for a witness; which Charter is yet extant, recorded in a great Legiet-booke, and Register of the Evidences of the lands, sometime belonging to the said Monastery.  
There, the daughter of King Ethelred, is reported 
There a daughter  by the histories of Ireland to be married to 〈◊〉 King of the Danes, and to have had issue King Harald, which Harald, by Queen Go●…hild his wife, had issue, Sweyn king of Denmark, Iringe king of Northumberland, and Gonhild Queen of North-Wales. King Sweyn by Queen Sigred his wife, had issue C●…te King of England and Denmark, Ostryde wife of Duke Wolf, and mother of King Sweyn the younger, and There the first wife of Earl Goodwin of Kent.    

ELFRED THE TWENTY THIRD 
Monarch 24.  
Elfred.  KING OF THE WEST SAXONS, AND TWENTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXVI.  
ELfred, or Alfred, the fourth son of King Ethelwolfe, 
An. Do. 872.  though he had been anointed King at Rome by 
Marianus. Florentius.  Pope Leo in his young years & Father's life time; yet reigned he in no part of his dominions, before the deaths of all his Brethren, under whom he served in most of their wars, assisting them likewise in all their counsels: the land now miserably torn by the cruel incursions of the bloody Danes, was left unto him, both to redeem, and to reign over, by the death and Testament of King Ethelred his last brother.  
(2) He began his reign in the year of his age twenty two, and of our Lord God eight hundred seventy two, being crowned in the City of Winchester, the twenty third King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty four Monarch of the Englishmen: but of some Historians he is famoused by the style of the first absolute Monarch.  
(3) His reign began with troubles and wars in defence of the land which the Pagan Danes intended 
Asser.  to destroy; and though his powers were small, yet was he forced into the field within one month after his Coronation; the place was Wilton in the County of Wiltstire, on the south-banke of the river Wily: 
Speculum hist. Ricardus Cirencestrencis.  where the Danes at first gave back and fled but seeing the fewnes of their pursuers, reenforced their battle, and got the field, with whom the Westsaxons entered league, and compounded for their departure from among them.  
(4) These Rovers then with their associates at Reading, got themselves into London, where they wintered; with whom the Mercians likewise compounded for their peace, which proved shortly to be the destruction of their princely blood; and lastly, the lands subversion to a foreign nation. For the 
Mat. West.  Danes having got footing in the North, the West, and the South of this land, (unto whose aid many newcome guests from their Eastern countries were arrived, under the leading of other three Kings, Gurthrun, Esketel, and Ammond) all together set their griping talents with such fast hold upon Mercia, that at Ripendon they constrained Burthred the King with his Queen Elswith out of the land, and in his stead placed a King of their own choice, upon 
Polychro. lib. 6. c. 〈◊〉  condition to deliver up the same again unto them when they would demand it.  
(5) In the fourth year of King Elfred their armies divided themselves into two parts, the one of 
An. Dom. 875.  them guided by King Halden, returned into Northumberland; where he bestowed that Country among his followers, and therein remained for two years continuance, doing much harms both to the English and Picts. The other part led by the last newcome King, came to Granabridge, whence they wintered and spoiled the Country, and there spreading themselves as Grasshoppers upon the face of the earth, eat up all where they came; so that King Elfred was enforced to compound for their departure 
Elfreds' composition.  out of his own kingdom in West-Saxia; to which covenants they promised and swore; yet contrary to both, took into Devonshire, and wintered at Excester, unto whom a further supply by sea sought to join themselves, but met with such boisterous blasts, that one hundred and twenty of their ships were cast away by tempest at Swanwicke upon our coasts, and their land-army marching towards Excester, were there welcomed with so sharp an encounter by King Elfred, that they gave him both pledges and oath to depart with all speed.  
(6) But Fortune ever dallying with them, whom she means to downcast, set the chance of loss presently upon the Saxons side: for now the three Kings Gurthrun, Esketel, and Ammond thought it not good to let Elfred thus rest, and thereupon drew their forces westwards towards him, where at Chipingham 
Three Kings against Elfred.  (a Manor of his) they wintered, and compelled th' Westsaxons there, either to yield, or to forsake the Country.  
(7) King Elfred therefore, with such strength as he had, hasted towards them, and seventeen miles 
An. Do. 876.  from Bristol pitched down his tents even in the face of the enemy; where betwixt these fierce nations a great battle was fought, to the infinite loss of blood on both sides, and that upon such equal departure, as neither could challenge to be masters of the field; yet the report went, that King Elfred was discomfited, which turned greatly to his advantage; for thereupon many of the English hasted to his succour, lest the overthrow of him should be the bane of them all; his strengths thus renewed with an unexpected supply, no time was detracted to stay the Danish rage, who were now returned further into the heart of the land, and at Abington by Oxford had pitched their standreds for fight. 
Abington.   
(8) Thither the English repaired, and the next morning he ordered his Army; neither were the enemies unprepared, but with braves stood ready to receive the encounter. The battle joined, continued with such loss of blood, that it is accounted one of the sorest that ever betwixt them before had been fought, and only parted by the approach of the night, neither party challenging the honour of the day, the loss being so great upon both sides.  
Seven of these battles are reported to be fought in that year, whereby both their strengths were much abated, and their spilled blood so cooled 
Seven battles in one year.  their livers; that lastly they concluded upon a peace; one article was this, that the Danes should admit no more of their nation to arrive in this Island: but how soon that was broken, the sequels did show.  
(9) For in the year eight hundred seventy six, (saith Simon Dunelmensis) Rollo a nobleman of Denmark with a great Army entered into England, with 
An. Do. 876. Simon Dunel.  no less spoil and destruction than other of those Danes before him had done, notwithstanding the truce: with whom King Elfred met, and gave him so hot welcome, that he liked not greatly his entertainment; and being warned (forsooth) in his sleep, that better fortune attended him in France, he left his countrymen to tug with the English.  
(10) The Danes then accounting the peace to be broken, like Bees from the Hive, infect all the 
Elfreds' exigents.  land, insomuch that this undaunted King Elfred was ofttimes brought to such extremities, that he hid himself out of sight, and in the Fens & Marsh grounds was forced with such small companies as he had, to live by fishing, fowling, and hunting of wild beasts for his food, having no more of his great Monarchy left him, but Somerset, Hamton, and Wiltshires' only, neither yet them free from the incursions of the Danes.  
(11) The solitary place of his most residency, was an Island enclosed with the two rivers Tho●…e and Parrot, at their meeting in the County of Somerset, 
Edelingsey Island.  commonly called Edelingsey, where he in very poor attire disguised, was entertained into a Cowherds house (if not into his service,) where on a time as he sat by the fire in trimming of his bow and 
Asser. S●…. Hist●…. Ric. Cir●….  shafts, a cake of dough baking upon the hearth before him, chanced to burn; the Cowheardesse coming in, and seeing him mind more his bow then his bread, in a great fury cast away both his bow and arrows, and checking him as her Groom, said, Thou fellow, dost thou see the bread burn before thy face, and wilt not turn it? and yet art thou glad to eat it before it be half baked? little suspecting him to be the man that had been served with more delicate cates.  
(12) But this Prince, the very mirror of Princes, more minding the wealth of his subjects, than 
Polydor. Virg.  the majesty of State, disguised himself in the habit of a common Minstrel, and in person repaired to the Danes Camp, who lay like sena●…, wallowing in wantonness, and secure in their own 
〈◊〉.  conceit from impeach of danger; which Elfred a most skilful physician, and an excellent Poet, did not a little egg on by his sweet music, and songs of their valour; so that he was suffered to pass uncontrolled into the company of their Princes, at banquets, or else where: whereby he both saw their negligent security, and by diligent observance learned the designs that in their counsels they intended.  
(13) Returning to his comfortless company, he told them the condition of the hostile Camp, and how easy it was to recover again their decayed estates: 
H●…y Hunt. An. Do. 878  whereupon showing himself to his subjects, unto whose sight nothing could be more joyous; on the sudden set upon the careless Camp of the Danes, and made thereof a very great slaughter, to the great terror of others in other parts, that had accounted him dead long since.  
(14) Hubba, that had harried the English, and now roused upon the news of King Elfreds' victory and life; with thirty three ships sailed from Wales, and arriving in the mouth of Tau, where it falleth into the Severne Sea, assayed to take there the then-strong Castle called Kinwith, unto whom the Devonshire men gave battle, and slew eight hundred and eighty persons of their retinue; where died the 
An. Do. 879:  Danish King Hubba, whose corpse being there interred under a great heap of copped stones; gave name to the place, and was called Hubblestone. There and 
Asser. 〈◊〉.  then was taken the Danish much esteemed Banner, called Reafan, wherein a Raven was purtraied wrought in needlework, (so Asserius Menevensis reporteth) by the three sisters of Hubba and Hungar the daughters of Lothbroke (that is Leather-breach) the Dane: In regard whereof, as also for the opinion of good luck, as they took it, it was ever born before them in their wars.  
(15) These adverse proceedings of the Danes designs, especially falling when the game was near won, made them suspect, how fair soever the ball lay to hand, yet fortune would serve it in the end to their loss: for Elfred now flocked unto upon every 
Danes send for peace.  side, began to build fortresses behind his back, and forward to march with his conquering sword: whereupon the Danes sent to him for Peace, and delivered him hostages, upon assurance that they meant as they spoke: The conditions were, that their King should receive Baptism, and the great Army of the Danes quietly to depart out of the land.  
(16) Whereupon Gurmound or Gurthrun the Danish King repaired to the new built Castle of Edelingsey unto King Elfred, and in the place then called Alre, was washed in the laver of Baptism, whom Elfred received for his Godson by the name of Athelstane, and gave him in free gift the Country of East-Angles. In the same fountain of Grace (saith Simond Dunelmensis) thirty of the chief Danish Nobility were initiated: 
Sl●… D●…lm.  upon whom the truly Christian King Elfred bestowed many rich gifts: And that the limits of the English might be free from their incursions, thus the confines of King Elfreds' kingdom were laid forth, as we find it in the end of those Laws that Elfred published, whose words are these: Let the bounds of our Deminio●… stretch from the river Thamesis, and from 
〈◊〉. Lambere in his book of the old English laws.  thence to the water of Lea, even unto the head of the same water, and so forth strait unto Bedford: and finally, going along by the river of Ouse, let them end at Watling street.  
(17) But so far were the Danes from performance of covenants, that in this eight year of King 
An. Do. 879  Elfreds' reign, and the eight hundred seventy nine after Christ, this Gurmund and his company wintered 
Mar●….  at Chipnam in Wiltshire, and a new supply of these Pagans (known by the name of the Wicci●…gi) wintered at Fulh●…m near London; yet after upon better advice, the one went into their assigned circuit, and the other departed to the realm of France; and so to his twelfth year the land took some rest, that had been kept long waking by the loud sound of war.  
(18) In the year of Grace eight hundred eighty five, these last retired Danes finding France not fitting their purpose, returned into Kent, and put into Medway, where on his East side they began a fierce siege unto the City Rochester, before whose gate they built a strong Castle: Thither King Elfred hasted, before whose power these Danes could not stand, but were forced to their ships, and back again into France,  
(19) Whereupon the King removed his siege unto London, whence all the Danes fled (as Wolves abide 
An. Do. 889.  not the presence of the Lion) the inhabitants 
Asserius. Flo. Wigorn.  rejoicing to see the face of their King: which City he restored to her former liberty and beauty, and committed the custody thereof unto Ethelred Duke of Mercia, that had married his daughter the Lady Ethelfred, 
Wil Malmsbury.  whose title the King had maintained against Colwolphus, made King thereof by the Danes. Whereupon both Kent, the Southsaxons, and Westsaxons came willingly, and submitted themselves to King Elfred. The East-Angles being governed, or rather spoiled by Athelstan the christened Dane, who after twelve years reign there died, and was buried at Hadley in Suffolk.  
(20) But in the one and twentieth of his reign, and of Christ's Incarnation eight hundred ninety 
An. Do. 892.  two: those roving Danes returned out of France, & again arrived in Kent in the mouth of the river Limen, with two hundred and fifty ships, which they drew four miles into the great wood, then called Andreads Weald, and there destroyed a Castle that stood for defence, building another more strong at Apulder, wherein they kept. At the same time likewise entered one Hastings, a Nobleman of Norway, 
Si●… Dun.  with eighty ships; but with a fairer show as he intended, for he sent his oath unto Elfred not to annoy any part of his dominions, and withal his two sons to be baptised: which King Elfred accepted, himself becoming the Godfather of the one, and Duke Ethelred of the other; and both they, and his Ambassadors returned with rich gifts. Against these Kentish invaders, King Elfred fought a great battle at Fernham, near unto Aelesford, wherein he 
Fernham battle  wounded their King, and forced his Army to flee over Thamesis; in passing whereof, through overmuch hast, and great fear many of them were drowned, and they that escaped, fled to an Island called Breklesey enclosed about by the river Colne.  
(21) News then being brought into the East, that the Danes from Northumberland had infested the West, and with a strong siege begirt the City Excester. Elfred left for General his son in law Duke Ethelred; whilst he with a strong power went to suppress their rage: who hearing of his coming, broke up their siege, and were gone: upon the advantage of his absence, perlured Hastings then wrought, who out of his new built Castle at Beamfield, made spoil of the King's people, and foraged all the Country 
* Bea●…fles.  before him. Whereupon Duke Ethelred assembled a power, and first assailing his well stored Castle, took thence his wife and two sons, with exceeding spoils of gold, silver and garments; all which were presented unto King Elfred at his return to London: who out of his princely magnanimity, sent back to Hastings his wife and two sons; because (said he) 
Hastings wife and children set at liberty.  she was no warrior, and his two sons were his God-childrens: whereupon Hastings repaired his Castle, and joined with the other Danes that lay at Apulder.  
(22) Those then that had fled but lately from Excester, in their return met with other their consorts, 
Excester and Chester besieged.  and roving about the coast for their prey, fell lastly upon the ancient City Chester, which presently they began to sack and burn. But the country inhabitants coming to the rescue, begird them about with their host, and forestalled the passages of all supply of victuals; so that for want of food, the Danes were constrained to eat up their horses, and upon composition thence to depart.  
(23) Thence fetching a compass all along the coasts of Wales, in the same year they arrived in Essex, 
An. Do. 895. Flor●…. Wigorn. Marian. Scotus.  being the twenty four of King Elfreds' reign: and in the Winter following, drew their ships by the Thamesis into the river Lea, by which they passed in those light Pinnaces twenty miles Northward into the land, and built them a fortress at the place called 
* Ware.  Wear, thither forthwith the King repaired, and pitched his tets before his enemies in the same place; who seeing their strength, and the danger of long 
The river Lea divided and ●…ade unnavigable.  siege, did that by policy, which power could not so suddenly do: for he divided the river into sundry streams, whereby the Channel was made unnavigable, and the Ships bedded in the mud, lay rather to their annoyance then defence; the former 
Henry H●…ting.  experience of their hungerstarud besiege made them the more fearful to fall into the like; and therefore in great haste departed their fortress, leaving their wives and children to the mercy of the English. Neither stayed they till they came unto the borders of Wales, when at Cartbridge upon Severne they built another Castle, and lay there all the next winter.  
(24) Long there they stayed not, without dislike of their lodgings, and cold entertainments, but that 
An. Do. 897.  they returned to their wont spoils, and dividing themselves, some to Northumberland, and some into East-Anglia, like Locusts eat up all as they went: whose breath as it were, so infected the air, that for three years following a great mortality reigned both upon men and beasts, and ended not much before the death of this incomparable Prince: which happened to the great sorrow of his subjects upon wednesday the twenty eight of October, when he had reigned twenty nine years and six months, of his age fifty one, and year of Christ jesus nine hundredth and one.  
(25) The virtues of this Prince are matchable to any that ever reigned before him, and exceed the most that ever reigned after him, both in service of God, whose Substitutes they are, in defence of his Country, which charge they all bear, in providing 
Seal. Chr. Regist. Hyde. Tho. Rudburne. Reg. Hig.  good laws, the sinews of Kingdoms, and care of posterities, from which no man is exempted:  
The day and night containing twenty four hours, he designed equally to three especial uses, and them observed by the burning of a taper set in his Chapel or Oratory; eight hours he spent in contemplation, reading, and prayers; eight, in provision for himself, his repose and health; and the other eight in the affairs of his commonwealth and state. His Kingdom he likewise divided into Shires, Hundreds and Tithings, for the better ordering 
Asserim Men.  and administering of justice, and for the abandoning of thieves, which had formerly increased by the means of long wars; whereby, notwithstanding the multitude of soldiers continually employed, it is reported that a Virgin might travail alone in his days through all his dominions, without any violence offered; and that bracelets of gold were hanged in the high ways, and no man so hardy as to 
wil Malmsbury.  take them away.  
He was a most zealous, and studious protector and provider for the Clergy, Widows, and Orphans, liberal of his goods, wise, temperate and just, valiant, patient in adversities, and ever relgious in the service of God. A most learned Prince, a skilful Musician, and an excellent Poet: the best laws beefitting his Subjects he translated into the English tongue: as also the Pasterall of Gregory, the history of Beda, and Boetius his consolation of Philosophy, the Psalms of David (whose godly reign he proposed to 
Elfreds' good studies.  himself for imitation) he likewise began to translate, but died before he could finish the same. And so great a desire had he unto learning, that (as Alfredus Rivallensis witnesseth) he published this Act: We 
Alfred●… Ri●…essit 〈◊〉 in Apologia Oxen.  will and command, that all Freemen of our Kingdom, whosoever possessing two hides of land, shall bring up their sons in learning till they be fifteen years of age at least, that so they may be trained to know God, to be men of understanding, and to line happily: for, of a man that is borne free, and yet illiterate, we repute no otherwise then of a beast, or a brainless body, and a very sot. And for the furtherance of this his royal intent, consorted with Aserius Menevensis, Grimbald, john Scot and others, neither 
Aserius. Grimbald. john Scot  permitted he any in office in Court, or elsewhere, unless he were learned, which incited his Nobles to the earnest pursuit of learned Arts, and to train up their children in good letters: his buildings were many, both to God's service, and other public use, as at Edelingsey a Monastery, at Winchester a New-Minster; and at Shaftsbury a house of Nuns, wherein he made his daughter Ethelgeda the Abbess. But the 
Annals of Winton Monast.  foundation of the University of Oxford (which he began in the year of our Lord eight hundred ninety five, and whose lectures he honoured with his own presence) surmounteth all his others, to the continuance of posterities, a living spring and gracious fountain, whence issue the streams of all knowledge, that abundantly have watered both this and other kingdoms.  
(26) His body was first buried in the Cathedral Church of S. Peter's at Winchester, under a fair Monument 
Mal●…s. de Reg. l. 2. 〈◊〉. 4.  of most precious Purphory, afterwards because the lewd-religious Canons give it out (to work some feat of their usual imposture) that his Ghost did walk every night from house to house; both it and the Monument were taken up, and by his son the King's command (in detestation of those sorceries) removed into the Church of the new Monastery: and lastly, his body, Monument, Church and Monastery, were taken thence, and removed without the Northgate of the City, since called Hyde.  
(27) Some allege that the malice of those Canons against him, was for displeasure that he placed over them a rude Swineherd named Denewlphus, 
Wigornensis. Th. Rudburne.  whom he made their Bishop; but the ground of that assertion seemeth unwarrantable by the relation of Wigornensis, & also of Tho. Rudburne; the first of which saith, that Elfred caused him to be trained up in learning, and the later, that after long study, he attained to the degree of a Doctor of Di●…inity in the University of Oxford, and was afterward made Bishop of Winchester by the King. For doubtless at that time the Bishops of Rome had not devested our Kings of that prerogative-  

His Wife.  
(28) Elswith the wife of King Elfred was the daughter of Ethelred surnamed M●…hel, that is the 
Elswith.  Great, an Earl of the Mercians, who inhabited about Gainesborough in Lincolnshire: her mother was Edburg a Lady borne of the Bloud-roiall of Mercia. She was married unto this King in the twentieth year of his age, being the second of the reign of his brother King Ethelred, and was his wife twenty eight years, and living after him four; died in the year of grace nine hundred and four, and was buried in the Monastery of Nuns which she had founded at Winchester; out of which afterwards King Henry the first took to his wife Ma●…d the daughter of Malcolm King of Scots, by whom the royal blood of the ancient Kings of England became united to the Normans, whereby he wan much love of the English nation. 
Malcolm King of Scots.    

His Issue.  
Edward, the eldest son, and second child of King Elfred, and Queen Elsewith, was borne about the 
Edward the eldest son.  beginning of his Father's reign, in the year of our Lord eight hundred seventy one: he was brought up in his Father's Court, and carefully attended, and instructed by men of great virtue and knowledge, in learning, and in all other qualities, and exercises convenient for Princes. He was married, and had divers children: he was thirty years of age before his Father deceased, and then he succeeded him in his Kingdom and Monarchy.  
Ethelward; the second son, & fifth, and last child of King Elfred and Queen Elswith, was borne about 
Ethelward the second son.  the midst of his Father's reign, and about the year of our Lord eight hundred and eighty. He was in his youth by his Father's appointment, and for the example of other young Nobles brought up in the 
Rudburne annal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  study of good Arts, at the university of Oxford, where (saith Th. Rudburne, and the Annals of Winchester) he became a man very learned, and a great Philosopher: he had of his Father's gift by his last Will great livings in the Counties of Devon, Somerset, southhampton: ●…he proved a man of great judgement and wisdom, and living until he was above forty years old; he died the sixteenth day of October, in the two and twenty year of his brother King Edward's reign, Anno nine hundred twenty two, and was buried at Winchester.  
Elfleda, the eldest daughter and first child of King 
Elfleda the eldest daughter.  Elfred, and Queen Elswith his wife, was married to Ethelred Duke of Mercia, who in respect of this marriage was suffered to have all royal jurisdiction over that Country, in as ample manner as the Kings thereof had enjoyed; and after the decease of her husband, which happened in the year of our Lord nine hundred and twelve: she continued the government in the same sort eight years, with such resolution and valiant resistance of the common enemy (the Danes) that she stood her brother Edward in great stead, as in the relation of his life shall be further showed. She died the fifteenth of june nine hundred and nineteen, and was buried in S. Peter's Church at Gloucester, leaving issue, a daughter, named Elswin, whom King Edward her brother deprived of that Duchy, which her own mother enjoyed, and he his crown by her assistance.  
Ethelgeda, the second daughter and fourth child of King Elfred and Queen Elswith, was never married, 
Ethelgeda the second daughter.  but took upon her the profession and vow of Virginity, and was by her father's appointment made a Nun of Shaftsbury in the County of Dorset, in the Monastery there founded by him: who is also accounted the first of the Town itself. She was afterward Abbess of the house, and therein spent, and ended her life, and was there also buried.  
Elfride, the youngest daughter, and child of King 
Elfride the yo●…gest daughter.  Elfred (and Queen Elswith his wife, was married to Baldwin the second, surnamed the Bald, Earl of Flanders, son of Earl Baldwin the first, and Queen judith his wife, the widow of King Ethelwolfe her Grandfather. She was his wife thirty years and more; she survived him and was a widow eleven years, she died the seventh of june, in the year of our Lord nine hundred twenty nine, being the fifth of the reign of King Ethelstan her Nephew. She is buried by her husband in the Chapel of our Lady; within the Monastery of S. Peter, at the City of Gaunt. She had issue Arnulfe the third Earl of Flanders, progenitor of all the Earls of Flanders since his time, & Ad●…lfe Earl of Bol●…igne and Terwi●….    

EDWARD SURNAMED THE ELDER 
Edward  
Monarch 24.  THE TWENTY FOURTH KING OF THE WEST SAXONS, AND TWENTY fifth MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN; ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXVII.  
NO greater were the griefs conceived for the death of worthy Elfred, then were 
An. Do. 901.  the hopes of the people in his son Prince Edward, whose valour had been often approved against the raging Danes, & whose virtues were both many and princely; not so learned as his Father, neither so patient to undergo his chance; but as glorious in martial prowess, and as fortunate in all his fights, under whose hand the Danes every where fell, and under his Monarchy all the English did stoop excepting the Northumbrians.  
(2) He entered his reign the year of Christ's nativity, nine hundred and one, and at Kingston upon 
Speculum hist. 〈◊〉. Ciren.  Thames was crowned and anointed with holy oil. The Danish wars continuing in a successive manner, 
john Stow.  fell as it were hereditaryly from the Father unto the Son, and ripened daily towards their wished harvest. Besides Ethelwald the son of Ethelbert, the uncle to this King Edward, young at his father's decease, 
Ethealwld his minority.  and therefore perhaps held uncapable of government, showed now the blossoms of under-sucking plants, whose fruits are neither plenteous nor pleasant in taste; for his humours ever working upon discontents, drew his thought only how to make the possessor fall.  
(3) He then entering action of rebellion, took the town of Winborne near unto bath, and besides the 
Winborne taken by him.  allegiance due to his Prince, in sacrilegious manner broke the hests of holy Church, in deflowering and taking a Votarist to wife: Edward the elder so called, (it may be in regard of this his Opposite) with a selected Army repaired to bath, and thence prepared for the field: whose sight was so cockatrice-like to his cousin-germans eye, that in the night he bade his Nun and Winborne adieu, posting to Northumberland, and proffering his service to the Danes that lay for advantage of rapine and spoil. 
Henry 〈◊〉.   
(4) Him as a fit instrument they created their King, and forward in hope of some prosperous success, passed through the Eastsaxons, the East-Angles, and the Mercians Countries: and laden with robberies came to Crikelade in Wilt-shire, whence they departed over Thamesis to Basingstoke; and harrying the 
Ran. Higd.  land before them, with triumph returned unto East-Anglia. Edward thus endangered by these dreadful enemies, gave them no advantage by linger delays, but followed their tract unto Saint Edmund's 
S. Edmund's ditch.  Ditch, whence in his return, the Danes gave him battle, and obtained the victory, though bought with the lives of Ethelwald and Cochricus their Kings, and loss of many English, which made Edward the readier to enter a truce with them about the fifth of his reign.  
(5) That the English were most expert for war in these days, is witnessed by their resistance of those sturdy Danes, against whom the Commons many times with victory fought, without either King or Captain to guide them: and they were likewise famous in other lands: for about this time it was, that the Englishmen at the persuasion of the Goths, 
An. Do. 905.  besieged the great City Argilla in Barbary, which they wan with such slaughter of the enemy, and spoil of the town, that for thirty years after it lay desolate without inhabitants, whereby it was hoped that the Saracens would have departed Europe, as joannes Leo Afer hath told us, who according to the 
joannes Leo Aph●…r in Descrip●…. A●…ric. lib. 3.  Saracens doth refer this siege to the three hundred and fourteenth of Mahomet Hegira, which meeteth with the year of Christ's Nativity, nine hundred and five.  
(6) The truce yet lasting, the Danes in Northumberland were nothing quiet, to stay whose eruptions 
The Danes break truce with the English.  King Edward sent a great power, who harried the Country before them, and with much slaughter returned victorious. These dalliances of Fortune made the Danes very desperate, and therefore to stay the rolling ball before it should pass their goal, they gathered their powers & entered Mercia, where with victory and spoil they raged for a time. But Edward to aid Ethelred his brother in law, and Earl of that Province, mustered his men, and at Wodnesfield near Wolfrune-hampton in Stafford-shire gave them battle, wherein the English so behaved themselves that the two Pagan-Kings Cowilfu●… & Healidine, the 
An. Do. 910.  two Earls Uter and Scurfa, besides other Nobles & 
Simon Dunelm. Two Danish Kings slain.  Commons innumerable they slew: and now the clouds of these distemperatures being driven back, King Edward's Monarchy ascended the Horizon, and the Sun of his power began to shine very bright, therefore he seeking to hold what he had got, set his thoughts to secure his towns with Castles and walls of defence.  
(7) These his proceedings caused him to be both beloved and feared; but his mind still free from any ambitious pride, as may appear by the intercourse betwixt Leolin Prince of Wales and himself, whereof Wal. Mapaeus maketh mention as followeth. What 
Wal. Mapaeus.  time Edward the Elder (saith he) lay at Austeline, and Leolin Prince of Wales at Bethesley, intending a Parley, Leolin refused to come down, or to cross the Severne: Whereupon Edward took boat and entered the river towards 
Leolin his homage to King Edward.  him, which when Leolin saw, and knew who ●…hee was, he cast off his rich robe wherewith he was clad, and which he had prepared for that royal assembly, and entered the river breast-hie, where clasping the boat with an embrace, submissively said: Most wise and sage King, thy humility hath overcome my insolency, and thy wisdom 
His admiration of King, Edward's mildness.  triumphed over my folly; come, get upon my neck which I have (fool as I am) lifted up against thee, so shalt thou enter into that land which thy benign mildness hath made thine own this day: and after he had taken him upon his shoulders, he would needs have him sit down upon his royal robe, and so putting his hands jointly into his, did him homage.  
(8) In the twelfth year of his reign, as Henry Huntingdon hath it; Ethelred Earl of Mercia, who had 
Hen. Hunting. An. Do. 912.  married Elfleda King Edward's sister, departed this life, she having borne him one only daughter named Elfwen, whose travel in childbirth was so grievous, that ever after she forbore the nuptial embracements 
Elfleda dislike of wedlock.  of her husband, alleging that it was an over foolish pleasure, which brought with it so great pains; and thereupon changing the wont affection of her sex from the bed unto battle, governed Mercia eight years after her husband's decease, as another Zenobia, and did not a little assist her brother in his wars: for the Welsh she pursued as far at Breknoke, which she took with their Queen: from the Danes she won the Connty of Derby, and assaulting the town upon them, put herself in great danger; 
She winneth Brec●…k & Derby  for enterprising to enter the Gate, she was resisted by whole multitudes of Danes; notwithstanding, she persisted, & got entrance, in which encounter many died, and four of her chief men of war, being Warders of her person-even fast by her side were slain.  
The Danes in Yorkshire she constrained to be at her devotion, so that some of them became her subjects, some vowed to attend in her aid, and some promised to be priest at her dispose. Her policy in war proved ever the surest; her counsel of State was regarded with the wisest, and her providence in building, and repairing Cities for the weale-publick, or fortifying places for munition of war exceeded others: which she extended upon Chester, Tamworth, Lichfield, Stafford, Warwick, Shrewsbury, Weddesb●…ry, 
Many towns planted by her.  Eadsbury, Finborow, Rimcorne, Brimsbery-Bridge and others.  
This renowned Lady giving place unto Nature, left the wars to be continued by her brother; her daughter at the dispose of her uncle, and her body to be buried at Gloucester in the Monastery of S. Peter, which her husband and herself had formely built.  
(9) The last battle of this King against these unsatiate enemies, was in the Country of the East Angles, 
Polydor.  whereof Edrick the Dane was King; for he intending new wars with the English; sought to incite other Danes to his aid, whereof Edward having intelligence, prevented his purpose, by his sudden approach into those parts.  
Edrick therefore having all in a readiness, rashly 
Edrick his doings.  encountered with his enemy, and fought a fierce battle to the geeat loss of his Army, and damage of his life; for returning to his Court after so foul a discomfiture, became odious to his own subjects, who violently fell upon him and murdered him; and themselves brought low by civil dissension were shortly made subject to the English King Edward, and that Kingdom with Mercia, joined unto his Westsaxons. And now having reigned in great wars and honour the space of twenty four years deceased at 
The time of King Edward's reign.  Faringdon in Berkshire, the year of Christ's incarnation, 924. and was buried in the new-Monastery of 
His death and burial.  Winchester, which his Father begun, and himself wholly finished.  

His Wives.  
(10) Eguina the first wife of King Edward, was the 
Eguina.  daughter of a mean Gentleman named Bercher, whose eye-pleasing feature and alluring beauty made her to be educated above the degree of her birth, and was brought up by the nurse of King Edward in tender affection and great esteem. It chanced Prince Edward in kindness came to visit his nurse, where seeing the admirable beauty of the Maid, fell so far in 
Prince Edward marrieth Sg●…inae.  love, that he took her to his wife without the consent or knowledge of his father: In which regard she is reputed by some Writers rather his Concubine then his Queen, no other cause moving them but her mean parentage, and secret making and keeping of this marriage, although there be some good histories and many likelihoods to induce that she was his lawful Queen.  
(11) Elfleda the second wife of King Edward, was the daughter (as Matthew of Westminster reporteth) of 
Elfleda.  an Earl named Ethelhelme, and Asser the Bishop of Sherborne maketh mention of an Earl in Wiltshire among the Westsaxons of the same name, who was in great favour with King Elfred, the father of this King, by whom he was sent Ambassador to carry his Alms to Stephen the sixth, of that name Bishop of 
Stephen the sixth Bishop of Rome.  Rome, in the year of our Lord 887 and by all probable conference of name, time, and place, he seemeth to be the man that was father to this Queen. 
Edgina.   
(12) Edgina, the third wife of King Edward, was the daughter and heir of Earl Sigeline Lord of Meapham, Culings, and Leanham in Kent, who was there slain in battle against the Danes, Anno 927. She was married unto King Edward about the fourteenth year of his reign, being the year of Grace, 916. She was his wife ten years, and after his death she lived a widow all the times of the reigns of King Ethelstan her son in law, of King Edmund, and King Edred her own sons, of King Edwy her 
Two Kings her sons.  Grandchild, and was living in the Reign of King Edward another of her grandchildren, almost forty years after the death of her husband. It is writ of her that in the year of Grace, 959. She offered her lands and evidences to Christ upon his Altar at Canterbury. She deceased the twenty fifth of August in the fourth year of the said King Edgar, and of Christ, 963.   

His Children.  
(13) Ethelstan, the eldest son of King Edward, and the Lady Eguina, was borne and grown to good 
Ethelstan the first son.  years in the time of the reign of his Grandfather King Elfred, who with his own hands gave him the order of Knighthood, after a very honourable manner of creation, as William the Monk of Malmsbury, a great observer of such things, hath left in writing: 
Wil Malmsb.  who reporteth, that he put upon him a Purple rob, and girt him with a girdle wrought with pearl, and a Saxon sword in a scabbard of gold, hanging at the same. He was the Successor of his Father in the Westsaxons dominions, and the English Monarchy.  
(14) Elfred, the second son of King Edward and the Lady Eguina, is warranted by the testimony of 
Elfred the second son.  the story of Hyde, to have been loved of his Father above all his other children, that he caused him in his own life-time to be crowned King, and to sit with him in his Seat of Estate, as his Partner in the Kingdom, and that he enjoyed that great honour but for 
Crowned King in his father's time.  a small time, deceasing shortly after his creation, and long before his father's death; and was buried in the New Monastery at Winchester, which afterwards was removed to Hide.  
(15) Editha (whom the Scotish Writers call Beatrite) the daughter of King Edward and the Lady 
Editha the first daughter. Mat. Westminster. Po●…dor.  Eguma; with great honour was married to Sythrick, the Danish King of Northumberland, in the first year of the reign of her brother King Ethelstane, being the year of grace 915. Within one year after her marriage, her husband deceased, and his son Guthfrid succeeded him in his Kingdom. Wherefore she forsaking that Country, obtained of her brother's gift, the Castle of Tamworth, in the County of Warwick, 
Tamworth castle.  where she began a Monastery of Nuns, and therein lived, died, and was interred, and both the Monastery and Body afterwards was removed from thence unto Pollesworth.  
(16) Elsward, the third son of King Edward, & the first of Queen Elfleda his second wife, was born, as 
Elsward the third son.  it seemeth, about the beginning of his Father's reign. He was carefully brought up in the study of Liberal Arts, and in all other princely qualities; so that it was expected he should have succeeded his Father in the Kingdom: but presently upon his father's decease, he deceased himself in Oxford, and was buried at one time, and in one place with him in the New Monastery at Winchester, in the year of Christ jesus 924. 
Buried at Winchester.   
(17) Edwine, the fourth son of King Edward, and the second of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, 
Edwine the fourth son. Wil Malms.  was very young when his father was buried, and his brother Ethelstane crowned. Notwithstanding a deep jealousy possessing the King, that his title was too near the Crown, he caused him to be put into a little Pinnace, without either Tackle or Oars, one only page accompanying him, that his death might be imputed to the waves: whence the young Prince overcome with grief, and not able to master his own passions, cast himself headlong into the sea, and his dead body being driven upon the coasts of Flanders, was taken 
james Maier, in his Annals of Flanders.  up by Adulphe, Earl of Boloine, his cousin-german, and honourably buried in the Monastery of Saint Bertin, in the Town of S. Omers. Which fact was much lamented by King Ethelstan, who grievously punished the suggestions of his own jealousy, and the procurers of his brother's death; sending great thanks to the Earl that buried him, and rich presents to the Monastery which entombed him, and to appease the ghost of his innocent brother, built the Abbey of Mialeton in the County of Dorset.  
(18) Elfleda, the second daughter of King Edward, and the first of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, entered 
Elfleda the second daughter.  into the orders of Religion, and took upon her the profession and vow of Virginity, in the Monastery of Rumsey, situated upon the River Test, in the County of Southampton. In which Monastery, she was 
R●…msey Monastery.  first a Nun, and afterward Abbess during the whole time of her life, which was there spent and ended, and her body in the said Abbey buried.  
(19) Eguina, the third daughter of King Edward, and the second of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, 
Eguina the third daughter.  was the second Wife to Charles the third, surnamed the Simple, King of France, son to King Lews the brother of judith, Queen of England before mentioned. She had issue by him Lewis the third, surnamed Beyond-sea, because he was brought up here in England with his Uncle King Ethelstan; and Gillet Duchess of Normandy married to Rollo the Dane: who in regard of his marriage, was allowed to be the first Duke of that Country. This Queen survived King Charles her Husband; and afterwards was remarried to Herbert, the younger Earl of Vermandoys; which marriage 
Her marriage with Herbert disliked.  was taken for so great an indignity, because Earl Herbert the elder, father to this Earl, had caused the King her Husband to die in prison, that King Lewis her son presently pursued her, apprehended, and committed her to the straight custody of Queen Gerberge his wife: so as she had no recourse unto him, nor issue by him.  
(20) Ethelhild, the fourth daughter of King Edward, 
Ethelhild the fourth daughter.  and the third of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, followed the example of her elder sister Elfleda, and became a Nun in the Monastery of Wilton, which was sometime the head Town giving name to the whole County of Wiltshire, and anciently called Ellandon.  
(21) Edhild, the fifth daughter of King Edward, 
Edhild the fifth daughter.  and the fourth of Queen Elfleda, was married to Hugh surnamed the Great, Earl of Paris, Grand-master and Constable of France, in the year of our Lord 926. being the third of her brother King Ethelstanes reign. This Hugh was the son of Robert, brother to Ends King of France, and father of King Hugh Capet, progenitor of the Kings of France, eue●… sithence unto this day: but she died before him without any issue by him.  
(22) Edgith, the sixth daughter of King Edward 
Edgith the sixth daughter.  and the fifth of Queen Elfleda, was the first wife of Otho the first, surnamed the Great, Emperor of the West, son to the Emperor Henry, surnamed the Falconer. By him she had issue Ludolfe, Duke of Swabe, William Archbishop of Mentz, Ludgard married to Com●…d Duke of Lorrayn, and Mechthild Abbess of Quedlingburg in Saxony: in which City she deceased the seven and twenty of August, in the year of Christ's Nativity 947. the eleventh of her husband's Empire, and the first of her brother King Edreds' reign in England. She was buried at the East end of the North side of a Chapel which herself had founded in the same City.  
(23) Elgiva, the seventh daughter of King Edward, and the sixth of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, was 
Elgiva the seventh daughter.  by King Ethelstan her brother, with her sister Egith sent to the Court of the Emperor, Henry the first King of the Saxons in Germany, who honourably entertained her, brought her up with his own daughters; and after he had married her elder sister to his eldest son, he placed her also in marriage with a Duke of Italy obout the Alps, who is not named of our Writers, 
Married to a Duke of Italy.  but may easily be conjectured by the honourable disposition of the maker of the match, to have been a Prince of note and account, worthy of her estate and parentage.  
(24) Edmund, the fifth son of King Edward, and the first of Queen Edgiva his third and last Wife, was 
Edmund the fifth son.  borne in the twentieth year of his father's reign, being the year of the world's salvation 921. and at his father's death little more than three years of age, was notwithstanding by the careful provision of his mother, 
Three year old at his father's death.  brought up with all princely education convenient for his years and estate, insomuch as there was generally a great expectation amongst the people conceived of him in the life of his brother King Ethelstan, under whom he learned some experience of service in war, and after whom he succeeded in the Kingdom of England.  
(25) Edred, the sixth son of King Edward, and 
Edred the sixth son.  the second of Queen Edgiva his third Wife, and the youngest son of them both, was borne about the two and twentieth year of his father's reign, and year of grace 923. which was not long before the death of his father, who left him a little infant in the custody of his mother, by whom he was carefully brought up, and proved a Prince of so great virtue 
A good Prince.  and valour, as after the death of King Edmund his brother, in regard of the minority of his Nephews, he was with the general consent, and liking of the whole nation, chosen to be his brother's successor in the kingdom and government over them.  
(26) Edburg, the eight daughter of King Edward, and the first of Queen Edgiva, in her childhood had 
Edburg the eight daughter. Ran. Higd. polic. lib. 6. cap. 4.  her disposition tried, and her course of life disposed by her Father in this manner: he laid before her gorgeous apparel, and rich jewels, in one end of a chamber, and the new Testament and Books of princely instruction in the other; willing her to make her choice of which she liked best: she presently took up the books, and he her in his arms; and kissing her said, Go in God's name whither God hath called thee, and thereupon placed her in a Monastery at Winchester, wherein she did most virtuously spend 〈◊〉 whole life, and in that Abbey was bari●…d.  
(27) Edgiva, the ninth daughter of King Edward, and the second of his last Queen, whose 
〈◊〉 the ninth daughter.  name thee bare, is reported in the history of the Monastery of Hyde by Winchester, and other Writers of our Country, to have been married to Lewes Prince of Aquitane in France, which not long before had been a Kingdom of itself, sometime allotted to the portion of Lewes the third son of the Emperor Charles the Great; of which house it seemeth this Lewes was; afterward it became a Dukedom, and the possession of an other Family, by whom it came to be the inheritance after the Conquest to the Kings 
Aquitaine belonging to 〈◊〉.  of England, which were descended of the house of Angeow.    

ETHELSTAN THET WENTIE fifth 
Monarch 26  
Ethelstan.  KING OF THE WEST SAXONS, AND THE TWENTY sixth MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND SUPPOSED ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXVIII.  
EThelstan, the eldest son of King Edward (as hath been said) for the great hopes conceived of him, 
An. Do. 924.  was crowned with a greater solemnity than any of his ancestors ever before him. The place was Kingston upon Thamesis in the County of Surrey, the year 
Crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis.  of Christ jesus 924. where, in the midst of the town a high Scaffold was built, and thereon the coronation performed to the open view of all, by Athelmus Archbishop of Canterbury, with shouts of joy as that of Solomon.  
(2) His beginnings were with troubles, and that rather by reason of friends than force of foes: for it is recorded, that Elfred a nobleman, either in favour of 
Wil Malmsb.  King Edward's other sons, holding Ethelstan a Bastard, or else upon an ambitious hope blinded of himself, intended at Winchester to have plucked out the eyes of his Sovereign: but his treason being known, before the seed could show blade, he was apprehended & sent to Rome to purge himself by oath: where, before the Alta●… of S. Peter and Pope john the tenth, he there abjured the act, and thereupon fell suddenly down to the earth, so that his servants took and 
Pope john the tenth.  bore him into the English School, where, within three days after he died: the Pope denying him christian burial until he knew King Ethelstans' pleasure.  
(3) These storms overpast, as great a cloud seemed to arise unto Ethelstans' sight, whose eye of jealousy ever followed the ascent, and his ear ever opened unto the instillations of Parasites, amongst whom his Cupbearer was a chief; who brought daily more and more suspicion into the King's head, 
Parasites.  that lastly (as we have showed) he consented to young Edwins' death, though with too late a sorrow 
Edwins' death.  he repented the same: for besides his seven years penance voluntarily undergone, to pacify the ghost of his betrayed brother, he built the two Monasteries of Midleton and Michelnesse, as for the 
The occasion of the founding of Midleton and Michelnesse Monasteries.  most part such seed-plots were ever sown in the furrows of blood, which happened upon this occasion: It chanced his Cupbearer in his service upon a festival to stumble with the one foot, and recovering himself with the other, pleasantly to say, you see how one brother helpeth another; upon which speech the King with grief and touch of heart, called to mind the death of his innocent brother, and forthwith commanded execution to be done on him the procurer, to repay his fact with deserved death: & 
His Cupbearer put to death.  himself was ever after more tender and careful towards his other brethren, with a more respective regard, and bestowed his sister's most honourably in marriage, as hath been said.  
(4) At his entrance of government, to discharge the expectations of his subjects, he endeavoured both by wars and allianuces to make them strong and rich. First, therefore entering friendship with Sithricke the Danish King of Northumberland, upon whom with condition that he should receive Baptism, 
Sithrick. Wil Malmsbury.  he bestowed his sister Editha in marriage, he bent himself to ordain Laws for the weal-public, & those to bind aswell the Clergy as the Laity, out of which first sprang the attachment of Felons, to 
A law against Felons.  take hold of such as stole above twelve pence, & were above twelve years of age.  
(5) But Sithricke the Northumbrian dying the first year of his marriage, and his Queen returning 
Godfrey and Anlasse the sons of Sithrick.  to a religious life, his sons Godfrey and Anlafe, offended that their Pagan-Gods were neglected, and only by the means of this their father's last wife, stirred the Northumbrians to disquiet the English, which occasioned Ethelstan to invade their country, and forced Anlafe into Ireland, and Godfrey into Scotland, which last so wrought with Constantine their King, that he undertook to side in his quarrel, with whom joined 
* Ludwall saith Malmsbury.  Howel King of Wales. These in a fierce battle he overcame and constrained them to submit themselves to his will, who knowing the chance of war to be variable, and pitying the case of these downcast Princes, restored them presently to 
An. Do. 937.  their former estates, adding withal this princely saying, that it was more honour to make a King then to 
Mat. West. Rand. Higd.  be a King.  
(6) This notwithstanding, the case of Godfrey so moved the spirit of King Constantine, that he again assisted him in his inroads into the English part, 
King Constantine assisteth Godfrey.  which drew again King Ethelstan into the North: & coming to Yorkshire (as he was a man much devoted to godward) turned aside to visit the tomb of S. john of Beverley, where earnestly praying for 
Wil Malmsb. Simon. Dun. Ran. Higden.  his prosperous success, for want of richer jewels, there offered his knife, vowing that if he returned with conquest, he would redeem it with a worthy price, and thus armed with hope, proceeded forward pitching down his tents at Brimesburie, his navy waffing along those seas.  
(7) To the aid of Constantine came Anlafe, called by writer's King of the Irish, and of the Isles, who had 
Anlafe King of Ireland.  married his daughter, a man no doubt both hardy and desperate, as appeared by the Action he underwent; 
Hector Boetius.  for it is recorded, that as Elfred the English had attempted to know the State of the Danes: so this Dane at this place did to understand the English: for, disguising himself like a Harper, he went from Tent to Tent, and had access even into King Ethelstans' presence, until he had learned what he most 
Anlafe his policy  desired, and then returned again to his Camp, which part of his was no bolder, or more wisely performed, then was kept secret, and after revealed by a most faithful soldier: for Anlafe departed & free from pursuit, this Soldier made the act known to King Ethelstan: who being sore displeased with his enemies escape, imputed the fault unto him the revealer: but he replying, made him this answer: I once served Anlafe (said he) under his pay for a soldier, 
Anlafe his soldiers fidelity.  and gave him the same faith that I do now unto you; if then I should have betrayed his designs, what trust could your Grace repose in my truth: let him therefore die, but not through my treachery, and by his escape secure your royal self from danger; remove your Tent from the place where it stands, lest at unawares he happily assail you.  
(8) The King seeing the faith of his soldier, was therewith pacified, and forthwith commanded his Tent to be removed, where presently a Bishop new come to his Camp pitched up his own, and the night following both himself and retinue were slain by the same Anlafe that sought the King's life 
Wil Malmsbury.  in assaulting the place; and pressing forward came to his tent, who awaked with the sudden alarum, boldly rushed upon his enemies, & encouraging his 
Five Kings and twelve Dukes slain.  men, put them back with the death of five petty Kings, twelve Dukes, and well near of the whole Army, which Anlafe had brought.  
(9) The memory of this man is made the more lasting by a piece of ancient Saxon coin of silver, inscribed with his name, ANLAF CYNYNE, which for the antiquity of the thing, and honour of the man, we have here imprinted, & placed though in the texture of our English Saxon Kings.  
(10) To leave a memorial of King Ethelstans' great victory, give me leave to write what I find; namely, that near unto the Castle Dunbar in Scotland, he 
Polier. lib. 6. cap 〈◊〉. Dunba●… Castle.  praying that his right unto those parts might be confirmed unto posterities by a sign, at one blow with his sword struck an elle deep into a stone, which stood so cloven a long time after, and undoubtedly was the whetstone to the first Author's knife: but this is most certain, that he joined Northumberland to the rest of his Monarchy, and returning to 
Beverley.  Beverley redeemed his own knife.  
(11) From hence he turned his wars into Wales, 
The Princes of Wales tribute.  whose Rulers and Princes he brought to be his Tributaries, who at Hereford entered covenant to pay him yearly twenty pound weight of gold, three hundred of silver, and twenty five hundred head of cattle, with hawks and hounds to a certain number, towards which payment by the statutes of Howell Dha, the King of Aberfraw was charged at sixty 
Corn. Wal.  six pounds; the Prince Dineuwre, and the Prince of Powys were to pay the like sums.  
(12) The Britain's, which to his time with all equal right inhabited the City of Excester with the 
Wil Malmsbury.  Saxons, he expelled into the further promontory of Cornwall, and made Tamar the confines of his own Empire; so that his dominion was the largest that any Saxon before him had enjoyed, and his fame the 
Ran. Higd. in Polier. lib 6. cap. 6. The King of France his Presents to King El●…elstan.  greatest with all foreign Princes, who sought his friendship both with love and alliance, by matching with his sisters, and presenting him with rich and rare presents; for Hugh King of France besides other unestimable jewels; sent him the sword of Constantine the Great, in the hilt whereof (all covered with gold) was one of the nails that fastened Christ to his Cross: he sent likewise the spear of Charles 
Consta●… sword with 〈◊〉 nail of the Cross sent into England.  the Great, reputed to be the same that pierced Christ's side, as also part of the Cross whereon he suffered his passion, and a piece of the thorny Crown wherewith his blessed Temples were begoared, and with these came the Banner of S. Maurice so often spread by Charles the Great in his Christian wars against the Saracens: And from Otho the Emperor, who had married his sister, was sent a vessel of precious stones artificially made, wherein were seen Lanskips with vines, corn, and men, all of them seeming so naturally to move, as if they had grown and retained life: And the King of Norway sent him a goodly ship with a guilt stern, purple sails, and the deck garnished all with gold. 
Holinshed.   
(13) Of these accounted holy relics King Ethelstan gave part unto the Abbey of S. Swithen in Winchester, and the rest to the Monastery of Malmesbury, 
S. Swithens Abbey  whereof Adelme was the founder, and his Tutelar Saint, in honour of whom he bestowed great immunities upon the town, and large endowments upon the Abbey; he new built the monasteries of Wilton, Michelnesse, and Midleton, founded Saint 
King Athelstans' beneficence.  Germane in Cornwall, Saint Petrocus at Bodman, the Priory of Pilton, new walled and beautified the City of Exeter, and enriched every famous Abbey in the land, either with new buildings, jewels, Books, or Revenues.  
(14) As also he did certain Cities with the 
john Stow.  Mintage of his money, whereof in London were eight houses, at Winchester six, at Lewis two, at Hastings two, in Hampton two, in Warham two, in Chichester one, in Rochester three, two for the King, and one for the Bishop; at Canterbury seven; four for himself, two for the Archbishop, and one for the Abbot, although it appeareth the Archbishop had his before the reign of this King. For among these ancient 
Ceolnothus coin. An. ●…31.  Saxon-Coines, we find one of Ceolnothus, who sat there Archbishop in the year 831. which both for the antiquity & authority of truth we have here inserted.  
(15) This Prince King Ethelstan was of an indifferent 
〈◊〉 virtues.  stature, not much exceeding the common sort of men, cheerful in countenance, his hair very yellow, and somewhat stooped forward as he went, for valour invincible, in resolution constant, and for his courtesy beloved of all, he reigned in great honour 
The ti●… of his reign.  the space of fifteen years and odd months, and deceased in the City of Gloucester, upon wednesday the seventeenth of October, and was buried at Malmesbury the year of Christ's Nativity: 940. having never had wife mentioned in our histories.  

His supposed Issue.  
(16) Leoneat, the supposed daughter of King Ethelstan, is reported by john Rouse and Papulwick, writers 
john Rouse. Papulwick.  of the mistrusted story of Guy of Warwick to be married unto Reynburn Earl of Warwick, and son to the same Guy, whose remembrance and reputation is preserved & kept with no less renown among the common people, for the liberty of England saved by his victory in single combat against Colbrand the Dane, then was Horatius the Roman for the preseruatio of Rome, whose history I will leave for others to enlarge that have more leisure & bettet invention.    

EDMUND THE TWENTY six 
Monarch 27  
Edmund.  KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND TWENTY SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, ACTS, DEATH, WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXIX.  
EDmund the fifth son of King Edward, borne unto him by Queen Edgiva his 
An. Do. 940.  third and last wife, at the age of nineteen years succeeded his brother King Ethelstan in his kingdom, and Monarchy: he began his reign the year of the world's salvation 940. and with great solemnity was crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis, in the fifth year 
Si●… 〈◊〉,  of Otho the first Emperor of that name, and his brother in law; his valour had often been tried in the wars of King Ethelstan against those stout and sturdy enemies the Danes, Scotish, Irish, and Welshmen, that often had assayed to disturb his peace.  
(2) Athelstan deceased, and the crown scarce set 
Wil M●….  upon King Edmund's head, but that the Danes in Northumberland, disliking subjection, called again Anlafe out of Ireland to be their King; who now in the infancy of Edmund's estate, with great power of men purposed to subdue all before him; but Edmund as forward, with full resolution meant to keep what was got, and so gathering his power, proceeded towards the North, and at Leicester encountered with the Danes: howbeit, through the interceding of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Odo and Wolston, the matter was mitigated before it came to the uttermost.  
(3) The next year of his reign, the said Anlafe (whom some hold to have been the King of Norway) 
An. Do. 942.  being dead, an other Anlafe, son to King Sithrick, of whom we have spoken, intruded upon 
Mat. Westminster  the Kingdom of Northumberland. These heads, as Hydras, springing up each after others, drew King Edmund again into the North, who raging like a provoked Lion, subdued, as he went, those towns where the Danes kept, and got from them Lincoln, Leicester, Derby, Stafford, and Nottingham, compelling them to receive Baptism, and to become his Subjects; so that the Country was wholly his unto Humber. These his proceedings caused Anlafe 
Wil Malms.  and Reinold the sons of the Danish Gurmo, subduers of York, to yield themselves wholly to his devotion, offering him subjection, and withal to receive the Christian faith; for performance whereof, they likewise received Baptism, unto whom King Edmund was Godfather, to Reinold at his Confirmation, and to Anlafe at the Font: but how soon they fell from both, the sequel showed; for casting off the faith and fealty thus promised, they stirred the Northumbrians to another rebellion, yet with no better success 
An. Do. 944. Simon Dun.  than desert; for they were forced into a perpetual exile, and King Edmund adjoined that Country to his own government; without the admittance of any Secondary or Viceroy to rule there under him.  
(4) Cumberland also, which seldom was quiet, having been a Kingdom entire of itself, and now 
King Dunmaile.  aided by Leolin King of Southwales, he utterly wasted: and apprehending the two sons of Dunmaile King of that Province, commanded the eyes of those overbold Princes to be pulled out, and gave their inheritance to Malcolm King of Scots, to hold the same by fealty from him. Thus by power and policy clearing those coasts whence the sharpest storms had continually blown, he returned into the South, and there set himself to ordain laws for the good of his people, the which, left time the consumer of all things might chance to obliterate, were by the labours of the learned Lambert translated into Latin, and imprinted in the year 1568. next, to 
Wil Lambert.  show his love to God, and bounty to his Church, he gave the town of Saint Edmondsbury with the liberties thereof, wholly to that Martyr, and to the Monks that lived in serving at his Altars.  
(5) But as each thing hath his spring, growth, & decay; so all men their dates, howsoever eminent in degree, & the shank of their Compass so set in a centre that the Circle of their lines are oftentime abrupt, before it be drawn to the full round: for so with others, we may see in this Monarch, who being safely returned from many great dangers of war, at peace in his Palace, came to a lamentable & unexpected end: for at his Manor of Pucle-kerkes in the County of 
Marianus.  Gloucester, whiles he interposed himself between his Sewer and one Leove to part a fray, was, with a thrust through the body, wounded to death the twenty sixth of May, in the year of our salvation 946. when he had prosperously reigned the space of five 
Wil Malms.  years and seven months, and his body, with no less sorrow than solemnity, was buried at Glasenbury  

His Wife.  
(6) Elfgine, the only wife of King Edmund, hath not her parents declared (for aught I find) by any 
Elfgine.  of our Writers: but this is affirmed, that she was married unto him in the first year of his reign, which was the year of Grace, 940. and that she was his wife four years & upward, after whose slaughter she remained a mournful widow all the rest of her life, which she spent with so great virtue and opinion of the people, as by the writers of that age she is commended to posterity by the name of a Saint. 
His Issue.   
(7) Edwy, the eldest son of King Edmund, and Queen Elfgine his wife, was borne in the second 
Edw●….  year of his father's reign Anno 942. When his father died, he was but four years of age, and in respect of his minority was not permitted to succeed him in the Kingdom, but forced to give place to his uncle Edred, under whom he lived nine years; and in the tenth, his uncle being dead, and himself then grown to the age of thirteen, was admitted to the succession of the Monarchy.  
(8) Edgar the second son of King Edmund, and 
Edgar.  of Queen Elfgine, was borne in the third year of his father's reign, the year of Christ jesus 943, and was but three years old when his Father died; notwithstanding, he proved afterward a Prince of great expectation, and in the second year of King Edwy his brother's reign, being then but fourteen years of age, he was chosen King by the Mercians and Northumbrians, both which people he governed under the title of King of Mercia, for the space of two years before his brother's death, and then succeeded him in the whole Monarchy.    

EDRED THE TWENTY SEVENTH 
Edred.  
Monarch 28  KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND TWENTY EIGHTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XL.  
EDred, the sixth son of King Edward, borne unto him by Queen Edgiva 
An. Do. 946.  his third and last wife, at the age of twenty three years succeeded his brother King Edmund in the nonage of his children in all his dominions, and was the twenty seventh King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty eight Monarch of the Englishmen. He began his reign in the year of Man's salvation 946. and was anointed, and 
Polier. lib. 6. cap. 〈◊〉.  crowned at Kingston upon Thames in the County of Surrey upon Sunday the seventeenth day of August by the hands of Otho Archbishop of Canterbury.  
(2) His Coronation robes scarcely put off; news was brought him that the Northumbrians had revolted and stirred a dangerous insurrection; notwithstanding the Covenants that his brother Edmund had made with Malcolm King of the Scots to secure the same. Therefore lest delays might prove dangerous, with a great Army he entered into the verge of Scotland, without sight of enemy, or any resistance. But peace being concluded betwixt Edred, Malcolm and the Northumbrians; yea and the 
Edred. Malcolm.  same confirmed strongly by oath, yet was it little regarded of the last named lurers; for no sooner was Edred returned, but that they sent into Ireland for Anlafe, the son of Gurmo the Dane, who had been expelled the Country as we have said.  
(3) Anlafe gathering a fleet and forces accordingly, came into Northumberland, where he was with great joy received and made their King, which 
Anlafe cometh into Northumb.  title he maintained for four years continuance, banding against Edred, and still holding him play, till lastly the Northumbrians disloyal to both, took their feather out of Anlafe his plume, and sent him packing to the place, whence he came, electing one Hericus King in his stead. 
Wil Mal●….   
(4) Edred awaked with the wastes that they made, prepared a journey into those parts, where with fire and sword he bore down all before him; and albeit he was a man religiously bend, yet spared he not the Abbey of Rippon from flames, but laid all unto ashes as he went, the enemy not daring to show the face. In his return suspecting no peril, suddenly an host broke out of York, and fell upon the Rearward of his Army, marching but carelessly, 
R●…nd. Higd. S●… Dun.  and broken out of their array, whereby many perished before any complete order of resistance could be made. The King seeing this bold attempt of these Rebels, struck down his standard, turning his face again to the North, and threatened the revenge, with the Country's spoil and their lives.  
(5) In this plot of sedition Wolstan Archbishop of 
Wolstan.  York had sown some seed of treason, both in the assistance of action, and counsel for the enterprise, very ill beseeming a man of his rank: this Wolf therefore having thus awaked the Lion from rest, was the only man that fell in his paws; for the Northumbrians expulsing their stateless Hericus with submissive tears and golden showers, so pacified the King, that their offences were therewith clean washed away: but he good man (a Saint at the least) was mewed up in prison (against whom accusations daily came, and namely, that he had commanded sundry of the Burgesses of Thetford to be slain) where heeabode till he was by Edred upon a reverent regard of his calling, released from thence: for as this King is commended for his lenity towards the virtuous; so is he no less for his justice towards the vicious, and for the practice of his Religion, as 
Wil Malms.  forward as any, suffering not only his manners to be reproved and corrected, (a quality truly royal, and best beseeming Princes) but also (so much below the pitch of sovereign Majesty) his body to be chastised at the will and direction of Dunstan Abbot of Glasenbury; unto whose custody, he also committed the greatest part of his treasure and richest jewels to be locked in his chests, and under the keys of this Monastery.  
(6) The stately Abbey of Mich at Abington near Oxford built by King Inas, but destroyed by the Danes, he newly repaired, indowing it with lands & 
〈◊〉.  fair revenues, and confirmed the Charters with seals of gold: he also ordained Saint Germane in Cornwall to be a Bishops See, which there continued till by Canutus it was annexed to the Episcopal See of Kyrton in Devon, both which Sees were afterward by King Edward the Confessor translated to the City of Excester: but sith the brightest day hath his night, and the highest tide his present ebb, what marvel is it, if then Edred in the midst of his strength were seized upon by sickness and death, which surprised him after he had reigned in great honour nine years and odd months, to the great grief of his Subjects, who solemnly interred him in the old Minster within the City of Winchester, the year of Christ jesus 955. whose bones with other Kings, to this day are preserved in a guilt Coffer, fixed upon the wall in the south side of the Quire.  

His Issue.  
(7) Elfred, the son of King Edred, was borne before his Father was King; neither find I mention 
Elfred.  of his Mother, or any act by him done; only in the sixth year of King Edred his reign, which was the year of Grace, 952. he is mentioned for a witness to his Fathers grant of lands in Wittenham, to Ethelwolfe a Duke of England in those days, as appeareth by the Charter thereof, bearing date in the year aforesaid.  
(8) Bertfrid an other, and as it seemeth an elder son of King Edred, was borne before his father 
Bertfrid.  was King, without any mention also of his Mother, who living in the second year of his father's reign, namely Anno, 948. was written for a witness in the same year, to his grant of lands in Bedlaking, to Cuthred one of his Barons, the Charter whereof is extant to be seen unto this day.    

EDWY THE TWENTY EIGHTH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND 
Monarch 29.  
Edwy.  TWENTY NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XLI.  
EDwy, the eldest son of King Edmund, after the decease of his uncle Edred, 
An. Do. 955.  succeeded him in his dominions, and was the twenty eighth King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty ninth Monarch of the Englishmen: he began his reign in the year of the world's salvation, 955. and was anointed & crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis, by the hands of Otho the 22. Archbishop of Canterbury.  
(2) Young he was in years, and vicious of life, if the Monkish Storywriters of those times 
Edwyes 〈◊〉.  his deadly enemies may be credited, not past thirteen when he entered government, and that begun with a capital sin: for they report, that upon the solemn day of his Coronation, and insight of his Nobles, as they sat in Counsel, with shameless and unprincelike lust, he abused a Lady of great estate, & his near kinswoman, whose husband shortly after he slew, the more freely to possess his incestuous pleasure: and to fill the pens of his further infamy ready to their hands, that wrote his life, he was a great enemy unto the Monkish orders (a sore in those days very tender to be touched, and may well be thought the cause of many false aspersions on him,) whom from the Monastery of Malmsbury Glasenbury and others, he expelled, placing married Priests in their rooms: Dunstan likewise the 
M. Fox Acts and Monuments.  Abbot Saint of Glasenbury he banished the Realm, for his overbold reprehensions; if not rather for retaining the treasure delivered him by King Edred, and demanded again in his sickness; when by the voice (forsooth) of an Angel from heaven, his 
Wil Malmsb.  journey was stayed, and those rich jewels not delivered the King in his life; I will not say kept back, lest Dunstan with Balaam (whose stories are not much unlike) should be thought to follow (as he 
jud. 1. 11.  did) the wages of deceit.  
(3) Howsoever, the reverent opinion of the Monks single life, and the conceived holiness of Abbot Dunstan in those misty times, did daily counterpoise 
Abbot Dunstan.  young Edwy in esteem, which made his best acts construed, and recorded to the worst; insomuch that his subjects minds, ebbing as the Sea from the full, drew back the current of their subiective affections, and set the eye of obedience upon Prince Edgar his Brother: and albeit his young years may seem to clear him from the imputation of so lustful a fact, as he is charged with, at the day of his assuming the Crown; and the separation from his wife, (as too near in consanguinity) wrought grief enough in his distressed heart, yet pitiless of his estate, and careless of their own allegiance, the Mercians with the Northumbrians did utterly cast off obedience, and swear their fealty to Edgar, not fully fourteen years aged: Ed●… then reigning in a 〈◊〉 decaying estate, was he●…d of such his subjects, in no 
.  better esteem, than was jehoram of judah, who is said to have lived without being desired: for very grief whereof after four years reign he ended his life, the year of our Lord 959: whose body was buried in the Church of the new Abbey of Hide at Winchester, erected without the Wall in the North of that City.  

His Wife.  
(4) Elfgine, the wife of King Edwy, was a Lady of great beauty, and nobly descended, yea, and by some deemed somewhat too near in the blood royal, to be matched with him in spousal bed: her father's name is not recorded, but her mother was Etheigive, whom some scandalised to have been his Concubine, and the only causer of Dunstan's banishment. The subjects disliking of this unlawful marriage, & further instigated by the Monks, (whose humorous 
john 〈◊〉.  pleasures, or displeasures could very much sway the state in those days,) failed by degrees to perform their duties to their King, and her they likewise enforced to a separation, in the third year of his regardless government, and of Christ jesus, 958. without other mention of her life or death.    

EDGAR SURNAMED THE 
Monarch 3●…  
Edgar.  PEACEABLE THE THIRTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN; ACTS, WIVES AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XLII.  
EDgar, the second son of King Edmund having reigned 
An. Do. 959.  two years over the Mercians and Northumbrians, in the days of Edwy his Brother, to the great impairing of King Edwyes reputation and esteem; after his death at sixeteen years of age was chosen to succeed in all his dominions, and was the thirtieth Monarch of the Englishmen, or rather now of whole England, all other titles of Kingdoms falling under his sceptre, and becoming Provinces annexed unto his absolute Monarchy.  
(2) He began his reign in the year of Christ's Nativity, 959. and was crowned (as some write) the same year at Kingston, upon Thamesis, by Otho 
〈◊〉. Ran. Hig●…. W●… M●…. Saxon 〈◊〉.  Archbishop of Canterbury. But Randulphus Higden in his Polychronicon, referreth it to the twelfth year of his reign: William Monk of Malmesbury to the thirtieth year of his age, and the Sax Chronicle of Worcester Church, to the year of Christ, 972, and that in the City of Bath, he was anointed and consecrated with great solemnity by Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury.  
(3) The reign of this King is said to have been altogether in a calm tranquillity, and therefore he was surnamed the Peaceable; his virtues were many, 
Edgar the Peaceable.  and vices not a few, the one gloriously augmented, and the other fairly excused, by those Monkish writers, unto whose professions he was most favourable: his Guides were Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury, Ethelwold Abbot of Glasenbury, and Oswald Bishop of Worcester, three stout Champions against the married Clergy, (for women in those days were great bugs in their eyes,) therefore the married Priests he displaced, & brought in Monks of single life to possess their rooms, whose sins of incontinency grew after to be great, as the world did then witness, which caused Treu●…sa the translator of Higden, to blame King Edgar, charging him to be lewdly moved in following their counsel against married 
Pol●…er. lib. 6. cap. 9  Clerks.  
(4) So do Malmsbury and Higden tax him with too favourable affections towards the Danes, who 
Wil Malmsbury.  dwelled alike in every town with the English, though formerly they had sought the destruction of all, and still lay in wait attending for the spoil of his true subjects, who apt enough unto evil, learned the beastly sin of quaffing, and emptying of cups, which King Edgar was enforced to redress, by enacting a law against excessive drinking, ordaining a size by certain pings set in the pot, with penalties to any that should presume to drink deeper than the mark.  
(5) His policy was no less prudent (but much more successful) for the destruction of Wolves, that in his days did great annoyance to the land; for the tribute imposed upon the Princes of Wales by the English 
cap. 38. Sect. 〈◊〉.  King Ethelstan (as we have said) he wholly remitted, and in am thereof, appointed certain numbers 
Cron. Wald.  of Wolves yearly to be paid; and jevaf, or jage Prince of North-Wales, did for his part pay him yearly three hundred, which continued for three years space, but in the fourth was not a Wolf to be found, and so the tribute ceased.  
(6) His Navy royal, containing three thousand and six hundred ships, he divided into three parts, appointing every of them to a several quarter to waff the Seas, and secure the coasts from Pirates, and 
Marianus. Alred. 〈◊〉. Ran. 〈◊〉.  foreign enemies, wherein himself every summer would sail with those in the East parts, unto those in the West, and sending them back to their charge, would with the West sail into the North, and with the northern fleet compass again into the East, whereby the seas were scoured, and his Kingdom exceedingly strengthened.  
(7) The like custom used he in the winter season in his ieysts, and circuits throughout his Country, 
Edgar's honest vigilancy.  so to take account of the administration of his laws, and the demeanour of his great men, especially of his judges, whom severely he punished, so often as he found the execution of their places balanced either with bribery or partiality; so that there was never less robbery, deceit or oppressions, than in the reign of this worthy King.  
(8) His state thus flourishing in peace and prosperity, he caused divers Princes to bind themselves unto his allegiance, but perchanceit may justly be doubted, whether in such performance of homage and service, as Malmsbury, Florentius, Randulphus, Marianus, Hoveden, and other writers affirm to have 
Edgar's league with divers Kings.  been at the City Chester, where (they say) Kennadie King of Scots, Malcolm of Cumberland, Maxentius an Archpirate, with the petty King of Wales, Duffnall, Griffith, Hunal, jacob, and Indithil, did with oars row his Barge upon the river Dee, from his Palace to Saint john's Church, and thence again back to his Palace, himself the while steering the helm, and saying in his glory that then his successors might truly account themselves Sovereign Kings of England, when they enjoyed such a Prerogative of sublimity, and supreme honour: although (saith M. Fox) he might much better, and more Christianlike have said, God forbid that 
Gal. 6. 14.  I should rejoice, but in the Cross of our Lord jesus Christ.  
(9) Wars he had none in all his reign; only towards the end, the Welshmen moved some rebellion, which to prevent, he assembled a mighty Army, and therewith entered into the County of Glamorgan, sharply punishing the ringleaders thereof, 
Polychron.  but his soldiers doing great harms in the country, laden with spoils for the return, the King out of his bounty commanded all to be again restored, whereby he purchased singular love and honour of the inhabitants.  
(10) To his magnanimity was joined much devotion, 
Monastery bulk by King Edgar.  but most especially towards the Monks, for whom, and for Nuns he built and repaired forty seven Monasteries, intending to have continued their number unto fifty, as himself testifieth in these words of his Charter.  
The Monasteries, aswell of Monks as of Virgins have been destroyed, and quite neglected throughout England, 
Ex chart. Reg.  which I have now determined to repair to the glory of God for my soul's health, and so to multiply the number of God's servants and handmaids: and now already I have set up forty seven Monasteries with Monks and Nuns in them, and if Christ spare me life so long, I am determined in offering my devout munificence to God, to proceed to fifty, even to the just number of a jubilee.  
And by this his Charter did not only approve the enlargement of S. Mary's Monastery in Worcester, 
M Fox in his Acts and Monuments.  and the restoring of Votaries in stead of married Priests, but himself either new founded or repaired many others, as the house of Ely, Glasenbury, Abington, Burgh, Thorney, Ramsey, Wilton, Wenton, Winchorne and Thumstocke with great cost, and large endowments, having the Clergy in an high and reverent esteem, and most of all his Confessor Dunstan: but with this wheat, there were tars growing, though the late Monkish Writers bind them up for good corn: for some men tell (saith Randulphus Higden) that Edgar in his beginning was cruel to Citizens, 
R●…. Higden.  and lecherous to maidens, whereof these his actions ensuing bear sufficient witness.  
(11) The first was committed against the virgin Wolfhild, a sacred Nun as some affirm, though 
Wil Malmsbury. Matthew Paris. Mat. 〈◊〉  others somewhat mitigating that sacrilegious offence, have reported, that she to avoid his fleshly and lascivious lust, was forced to take the habit of a Menchion upon her, and in the same brought to his bed, wherein the chaste S. Edith was begot, and for whom, say they, he underwent his seven years penance 
Policr. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 9  without the wearing of his Crown.  
(12) A like offence he committed against the virgin Ethelfleda, the daughter of Ordmar a Duke among the East-Angles, who for her surpassing beauty was surnamed the White; on whom he begat his eldest son Edward; for which fact as M. Fox affirmeth, he did his seven years penance enjoined by Dunstan: and indeed by Osberne it appeareth, that Edward was not legitimate, where he writeth, that 
Osbern in vit●… Dunstan.  the child begotten of the harlot, he baptised in the holy fountain of regeneration, and so giving his name to be called Edward, did adopt him to be his son. With whom agree Nicholas Trinet in his English story, 
Nicholas Trinet. joan. Paris.  written in French, johannes Paris in his French story, written in Latin, both of them calling Edward a son illegitimate; as also doth Vincentius and Antoninus, howbeit William of Malmsbury, Matthew 
Vincen●…. Antonin.  Paris, Matthew of Westminster, Randulphus and others, will have her his first and lawful wife, and Edward in true matrimony to have descended from them.  
(13) An other instance of his lascivious life is produced by the forenamed Writers, and thus both occasioned and acted. It chanced Edgar to hear a Virgin and daughter to a Western Duke, exceedingly 
Edgar 〈◊〉 with a damsel.  praised for her incomparable beauty, the touch of which string from his care resounded to his heart, and as a bait it drew him presently into those parts; where coming to Andever, commanded the damsel to his bed: The mother tender of the Virgin's honour, brought in the dark her maid, but not her daughter, who, all as well pleased the King in his sinful dalliance: the day approaching, this late laid maid made haste to arise; but the King loath to part yet with his supposed fair Lady, demanded why she made such haste? who answered him, that her task was great, and hardly would her work be done, if day should prevent her ere she rose; but yet being stayed above her hour, upon her knees she made this humble request, that she might be freed from her shrewd dame, alleging, it was not fitting, that the woman who had tasted the pleasures of a King's embracements, should endure a servitude under the rule of any other. The King perceiving the deceit, and therewith moved to wrath, yet could not recall what he had done (or rather undone) and therefore turned his conceived wrongs unto a jest; but so, that he both sharply checked the deceiver, and kept this damsel, (whose nightwork and pleasance had fully won him) for his Concubine, whereby she ruled them that lately had the command of her: and to use the words of Malmsbury, he loved this Concubine most entirely, keeping true faith of his bed to her alone, until the time he married for his lawful wife Elfrida the daughter of Duke Ordgarus.  
(14) His last lascivious Act, was as David's joined with blood, and wrought in manner as followeth. 
Malms. de regibus.  Fame's lavish report of beauteous Elfrida (the paragon of her sex, and wonder of Nature) the only daughter of Ordgarus Duke of Devonshire, sounded so loud 
Duke Ordgarus.  in those Western parts, that the Echo thereof was heard into King Edgar's Court, and entered his ears, which ever lay open, to give his eyes the scope of desire, and his wanton thoughts the rains of will: to try the truth whereof, he secretly sent his minion or favourite Earl Ethelwold of East-Anglia, who well could judge of beauty, and knew the diet of the 
Ethelwold.  King; with Commission, that if the Pearl proved so orient, it should be seized for Edgar's own wearing, who meant to make her his Queen, and Ordgarus the Father of a King.  
Ethelwold a jolly young Gallant, posted into Devonshire, and guestwise visited Duke Ordgarus his Court, where seeing the Lady surpassing the report, blamed Fame's oversight for sounding her praise in so base and leaden a Trumpet; and wholly surprised with her love, himself began to woo the Virgin, yea, and with her Father's good liking, so as the King would give his assent. Earl Ethelwold returning, related that the maid indeed was fair; but yet her beauty much augmented by babbling reports, and neither her feature or parts any wise befitting a King. Edgar mistrusting no corrival in his love, nor dreaming false fellowship in wooing, did with a sleight thought pass over Elfrida, and pitched his affections the faster another way. Earl Ethelwold following the game now a foot, desired Edgar's assistance to bring it to a stand, pretending not so much for any liking to the Lady, as to raise his own fortunes to be her father's heir, to which the King yielded, and for his minion solicited Ordgarus, who glad to be 
Edgar a suitor for Ethelwold.  shrouded under the favours of such a favourite, willingly consented, and his daughter's destinies assured to Earl Ethelwold.  
The marriage solemnised, and the fruits thereof a short time enjoyed; the fame of her beauty began again to be spread, and that with a larger Epithet then formerly it had been: Whereupon Edgar much doubting of double dealing, laid his angle 
Edgar's plot to discover Ethelwold.  fair to take this great gull; and bearing no show of wrong or suspect, invited himself to ●…unt in hi●… Parks, and forthwith repairing into those parts 〈◊〉 not a little grace his old servant, to the great joy of Ordgarus the Duke: but Ethelwold mistrusting the cause of his coming, thought by one policy to disappoint another: and therefore revealing the truth to his wife, how in his proceedings he had wronged her beauty; and deceived his Sovereign, requested her loving assistance to save now his endangered life, which lay in her power, and of the means he thus advised:  
Like as (said he) the richest Diamond rough and uncut, yields neither sparkle nor esteem of great 
Ethelwolds speech to Elfrida  price, nor the gold unburnished gives better lustre than the base brass; so beauty and feature clad in mean array, is either slightly looked at with an unfixed eye, or is wholly unregarded, and held of no worth; for, according to the Proverb, cloth is the man, and man is the wretch: then to prevent the thing that I fear, and is likely to prove my present ruin, and thy last wrack, conceal thy great beauty from King Edgar's eye, and give him entertainment in the meanest attires: let them (I pray thee) for a time be the nightly curtains drawn about our new-Nuptiall bed, and the daily clouds to hide thy splendent Sun from his sharp, and too too piercing sight, whose vigour & rays will soon set his waxen wings on fire, that ready are to melt at a far softer heat. Pitch (thou seest) defileth the hand, and we are forbid to give occasion of evil: vail then thy fairness with the scarves of deformity, from his over-lavish and unmastered eye; for the fairest face draws ever the gaze, if not the attempts, and nature's endowments, are as the bush for the wine, which being immoderately taken doth surfeit the sense, and is again cast up with as loathing a taste. Of these dregs drunk Amnon after his fill of fair Thamar, Herod 
2 Sam. 13. 〈◊〉. Virgil Aened. Amnon and Thamar.  of Mirami, & Aeneas of Dido; yea, and not to seek examples far off, King Edgar's variation in his unsted fast motion doth easily bewray itself: for could either holy Wolfhild, beautiful Ethelfled, or the wanton Wench of Andever, keep the needle of his compass certain at one point? nothing less, but it was still led by the loadstone of his ever mutable and turning affections. But thou wilt say, he is religious, and by founding of Monasteries hath expiated those sins. Indeed many are built; for which time and posterities must thank holy Dunstan, from whose devotion those good deeds have sprung: but is thy person holier than sacred Wolfhilds; thy birth and beauty greater than Ethelfled the White, daughter also to a Duke? 
Wolfhilds' Ethelfled.  the former, of an holy Votary, he made the sink of his pollution; and the later is branded to all ages, by the hateful name of a Concubine, and her son among us esteemed for a Bastard. These should be motives to all beauteous and virtuous Ladies, not to sell their honours at so low and too-late repented a price. Neither think (sweet Countess) that thy husband is jealous, or suspects thy constancy, which I know is great, and thyself wholly complete with all honourable virtues: but yet consider I pray thee, that thou art but young, & mayst easily be caught, especially of him that is so old a Master of the game; neither persuade thyself of such strength, as is able to hold out so great an assault; for men are mighty, but a King is much more. I know thou art wise, and enough hath been said, only let me add this, that evil beginnings have never good ends: and so with a kind kiss; hoping he had won his Wife to his Will, prepared with the first to welcome King Edgar.  
Lady Elfrida thus left to herself, began seriously to think upon this Curtain Sermon, whose text she distasted, being taken out of an overworn and threadbare cloth proverb, as though her fortunes had been wholly residing, and altogether consisting in her parentage and apparel, but nothing at all in any parts of herself ●…  
Hath my beauty (thought she) been courted of 
Elfridaalone.  a King, famoused by report, compared with Helen's, and now must be hid? Must I falsify and belly Nature's bounties, mine own value, and all men's reports, only to save his credit, who hath impaired mine, and belied my worth? And must I needs defoul myself, to be his only fair foul, that hath kept me from the State and seat of a Queen? I know the name of a Countess is great, and the Wife of an Earl is honourable, yet no more than birth and endowments have assigned for me, had my beauty been far less than it is. He warns me of the end, when his own beginnings were with treachery; tells me the examples of others, but observes none himself: he is not jealous, forsooth, and yet I must not look out; I am his fair, but others pitch, fire, wine, bush, and what not? Not so holy as Wolfhild, nor so white as Ethelfled; and yet that must now be made far worse than it is. I would men knew the heat of that cheek wherein beauty is blazed, then would they with less suspect suffer our faces unmasked, to take air of their eyes, and we no whit condemnable for showing that which cannot be hid, neither in me shall, come of it what will.  
And thus resolving to be a right woman, desired nothing more than the thing forbidden, and made preparation to put it in practice. Her body she endulced with the sweetest balms, displayed her hair, and bespangled it with pearls, bestrewed her breasts 
Elfrid●… disloyalty.  and bosom with rubies and diamonds, rich jewels glittering like stars depended at her neck, and her other ornaments every way suitable. And thus, rather Angel, then Ladylike, she attended the approach and entrance of the King, whom with such fair obeisance and seemly grace she received, that Edgar's greedy eye presently collecting the rays of her shining beauty, became a burning glass to his heart, and the sparkle of her fair falling into the train of his love, set all his senses on fire: yet dissembling his passions, he passed on to his game, where having the false Ethelwold at advantage, he ran him through with a javeline, and took fair Elfrida to his wife. 
Ethelwold slain.   
(15) These were the virtues and vices of this King, little in parsonage, but great in spirit, and the first unresisted Monarch of the whole Land, whom all the other Saxons acknowledged their supreme, without division of Provinces or title. He reigned sixteen years and two months in great tranquillity and honour, and died upon tuesday the eighth of july, the thirty seventh of his age, and year of Christ 975. whose body with all funeral solemnity was buried 
The fifteenth, saith Higden.  in the Abbey of Glasenburie.  

His Wives.  
(16) Ethelfled, the first wife of King Edgar, was surnamed in the Saxon English En●…a, in Latin Candida, which with us is White, because of her exceeding great beauty. She was the daughter of a Duke amongst the East-Angles, named Ordmar, and was married 
Ethelfleds' parents.  unto him the second year of his reign, and the eighteenth of his age, being the year of Christ's Nativity 961. She was his wife not fully two years, and died the fourth of his reign, in Anno 962.  
(17) Elfrida, the second wife of King Edgar, was the widow of slaughtered Ethelwold, of whom we 
Elfridaes' second wife.  have said. She was daughter to Ordgarus, and sister to Ordulfe, both of them Dukes of Devonshire, and the Founders of Tavestoke Abbey in that County: a Lady of passing great beauty, and as ambitious as fair: for after the King's death, she procured the murder of King Edward her son in law, that her own son Ethelred might come to the Crown: and afterwards to pacify his and her first husband's ghost, and to stop 
Wil Malmsbury.  the people's speeches of so wicked a fact, she founded the Abbeys of Ambresbery & Whorwell, in the Counties of Wiltshire and southhampton.   

His Children.  
(18) Edward, the eldest son of King Edgar and Queen Ethelfled his first wife, was born in the fourth 
Edward the eldest son.  year of his father's reign, and a little before his mother's death, in the year of Christ jesus 962. He was a child disposed to all virtue, notwithstanding great means was made by his mother in law for the disinheriting of him, and the preferment of her own son to the succession of the Crown; yet by provident care taken in the life time of his father, he succeeded him after his death, as right heir both of his kingdom and conditions.  
(19) Edmund, the second son of King Edgar, and 
Edmund the second son.  the first of Queen Elfrida his second wife, was borne in the seventh year of his father's reign, being the year of grace 965. He lived but four years, and died in his infancy, in the twelfth year of his father's reign, and was honourably interred in the Monastery of Nuns, at Ramsey in Hampshire, which King Edgar had founded.  
(20) Ethelred, the third son of King Edgar, and 
Ethelred the third son.  the second of Queen Elfreda his second wife, and the last of them both, was borne in the eighth year of his father's reign, and year of salvation 966. He was virtuously inclined, beautiful in complexion, and comely of stature; at the death of his father being but seven years old, and at his brother's murder ten: which deed he sore lamented, to the great discontentment of his mother, who for his advancement had complotted the same, and wherein at th●…se years he unwillingly succeeded him.  
(21) Edgith, the natural daughter of King Edgar, 
Edgith.  had to her mother a Lady named Wolfhild, the daughter of Wolshelm, the son of Byrding, the son of Nesting, the two latter bearing in their names the memory of their fortunes: the last of them being found in an Eagles nest, by King Elfred as he was on hunting. This Edgith was a veiled Nun in the Monastery of Wilton, and according to some Authors, made Abbess thereof by her father at fifteen years of age, saith her Legend. She died the fifteenth day of September, the year of her age twenty three; the sixth of her brother King Ethelreds' reign, and of Christ jesus 984. By all which accounts it is manifest, that she was borne before Edward, and by Master Fox proved, that 
Acts and Monuments, in vita Edgar.  for him, and not for her, King Edgar did his seven years penance. She is greatly commended for her chastity and beauty, which later she somewhat augmented with more curious attire then to her profession was beseeming: for which Bishop Ethelwold 
Polychr. lib. 6. c. 9  sharply reproved her; who answered him roundly, that God regarded the heart more than the garment, and that sins might be covered as well under rags as robes.  
This Edgith, as john Capgrave reporteth, after the 
john Capgrave, in vita san●… Edi●….  slaughter of her brother Edward, the holy Archbishop Dunstan would have advanced to the Crown, & invested her against Ethelred the lawful heir, had she not by the late experience of Edward's fall, utterly refused that title, which neither belonged to her right, nor was safe for her person to undertake. Her body was buried at Wilton, in the Monastery and Church of Saint Denisse, which herself had caused to be built.    

EDWARD SURNAMED THE 
Monarch 31  MARTYR THE THIRTY ONE 
Edward.  MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XLIII.  
GReat were the troubles & sidings that presently ensued 
An. Do. 975. Simon Dunel. Roger H●…en.  the death of King Edgar, about the election of one of his sons to succeed; Queen Elfrida with Alferus Duke of Mercia, and many other Nobles combined for young Ethelred, disavowing Prince Edward as illegitimate, and therefore not reputable for succession: against them and Ethelred stood Dunstan and the Monks, holding their states dangerous, & their new-gotten footing unsure, if in the nonage of the King, these their opposites should rule all under him; whereas Edward was altogether wrought in their 
Edward the son of Ethelfleda.  mould; whose title they abetted, as being lawfully borne, and begot in the nuptial bed of Queen Ethelfleda. Their claims thus banded amongst these Statesmen, began to be diversly affected among the Commons, and had put the game to the hazard, if the wisdom of Dunstan had not seen to the chase; for a Council being assembled to argue their rights, the Archbishop came in with his banner and cross, and not staying for further debating de iure, did de facto, present Prince Edward for their lawful King; and the assembly consisting most of Clergymen, persuading peace, drew the approbation of the rest, and so was the Prince admitted and proclaimed their Sovereign.  
(2) He began his reign at twelve years of age, in the year of Salvation 975 and was soon after by 
An. Do. 975  Archbishop Dunstan crowned King at Kingston upon Thamesis: being the thirty one Monarch (since Hengist) of the Englishmen. His beginning was miserably afflicted with barrenness of the ground▪ 〈◊〉 mine amongst his people, morrai●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their further terror, a fearefull●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: 
A bla●…ng star.  which men thought to be signs from heaven, as sent from God, for the sins committed against the married Clergy, whose cause was much pitied, especially of the Nobles, & whose complaints of wrongs they instantly urged, that without deserts they were expulsed from their ancient possessions; a thing which neither God nor goodmen ever allowed, and was contrary to the prescript rule of Christ, that wils 
Wil Mal●…. Fox.  us to do, as we would be done unto: whereto the Monks answered, that Christ respected neither the person nor place, but only them that took up the Cross of Penance and followed him, as themselves in their single life pretended to do. But they good men little knew the encumbrances of wiving; for otherwise they would have felt, that the condition of the married, was more truly a suffering of the Cross, and enduring of Penance.  
(3) These Church men thus divided and rend, were diversly sided as affection did move, and that not only of the meaner sort, but even of the Nobles & great Ones; for the Mercian Duke Alferus favouring 
Wil Mal●…. Simon D●…. Ra●…. Higd. john Capgra●…. 〈◊〉 in vita Edgari.  the just cause of married Priests, destroyed the Monasteries in his Province, cast out the Monks, and restored again the ancient revenues to them & their wives: chose, in East-Anglia the Priests went to wrack, where the Monks were maintained by the authority of Edelwin their Duke, who in their quarrel, with the assistance of his brother Alfred, and of Brightuoth Earl of Essex, raised a mighty Army, and stood with that power for their defence.  
(4) The fire thus blown from a spark to a flame, was feared to mount higher, if not quenched in time, and therefore by mediation, arms laid aside, the cause was referred to be heard in Council, & at Winchester first the assembly was held, where after long disp●… 〈◊〉 ●…ch against the Monks it was greatly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ide had 〈◊〉 ●…own 〈◊〉 ●…at the mat●… upon the refectory Wall, where the Council sat. To this great Oracle S. Dunstan, desired them devoutly to pray, and to give diligent ear for an answer: who, with as great bounty, as they in devotion, made 
Dunstan's counsel.  it not squeamish to give them this advice; God forbid it should be so, God forbid it should be so (said he,) you judged well once, and to change that again is not good.  
This was authority sufficient to suppress the Priests, who now with their wives went down the wind; and indeed too blame they were to suspect this their judge, who never was heard to give wrong sentence before: but they unsatisfied men, thought once more to blow the coal, though therewith they were likely to burn their own lips; for persuading the people, that this was but a subtle practice of the Monks, in placing behind the wall a man of their own, who through a trunk uttered those 
The Priest's suspicion of the Monks.  words in the mouth of the Rood; it was therefore instantly desired, that the cause might once more come to scanning.  
(5) This lastly was granted, and a great assembly congregated at Cleve in Wiltshire, whither repaired 
An. Do. 977.  the Prelates with most of the States of the land, besides Gentlemen and Commons an innumerable sort.  
This Synod being set, and the controversy propounded, a hot and sharp disputation ensued, and a while was maintained with many bitter invectives, ill beseeming such persons: But whether through the weakness of the foundation, or the overpresse of weight, or both, the ioysts of this upper-loft, wherein the Council was held, suddenly 
A heavy mischance.  broke, and down fell the floor with all the people thereon, whereof many were hurt, and some slain outright, only Archbishop Dunstan then Precedent, and mouth for the Monks remained unhurt: for the Post whereon his chair was set (and not without miracle) stood wholly untouched. 
Polychr. lib. 6. c. 12   
Thus by this fall, fell the cause of the secular Priests; and the Monkish foundations underpropped with more surer pillars, Dunstan vuburdened of many imputations, the people's affections drawn to the Monks, and the Priests at liberty now to accompany their wives without any cure, though not without care; and all this was wrought by the providence 
Priests without cure, but not without care.  of Dunstan, and his strange preseruarion on the post; no less wonderful than that which with the like truth is related of him, how when a huge beam of a house was sunk out of the frame, and like to ruinate the whole building, with only making of the sign of the Cross thereon, with his fingers he made it return to his former place: so wonderfully potent was he in such wooden miracles. To which, why should we not give credit, since the very Harp which he had touched could work miracles? as when of itself it sounded melodiously that Hymn, Gaudent in coelis animae Sanctorum, 
Wil 〈◊〉.  etc. Yea sith the blessed virgin Mary herself, is said to have come to solace him with her songs, Cantemus Domino Sociae, etc. For, as for Angels 
Mal●…s. de gestis Ponti. ●…1.  singing familiarly unto him, and Divelsin shape of dogs, foxes and bears, whipped by him, that was but ordinary; as likewise his making the shee-divel to roar, when coming to tempt him to dalliance, 
〈◊〉.  in shape of a beautiful lass, he caught her by the nose with hot burning pincers, and so spoiled a good face. But to leave those figments wherewith our Monkish stories are stuffed to the deluding of their Readers, and dishonouring of those, whom thereby they think to magnify; let us look back to young Prince Edward.  
(6) Who in all princely parts was an imitator of his Father, and for his modest gentleness worthily favoured of all men: but as envy is always the attendant of virtue; so had he them that much maligned his life, namely, the favourites of Prince Ethelred, whereof Queen Elfrida his mother was chief, who lastly betrayed him, and that in this manner.  
(7) King Edward for his disport was hunting in 
Wil Mal●…. Polyd●…: Rand Chest 〈◊〉 P●….  a forest near unto the sea, upon the southeast shore of the County Dorset, and in the Island Purbeck; not far off, upon a small river, stood pleasantly seated a fair and strong Castle called Corfe, where his mother in law Queen Elfrida, with his brother Prince Ethelred, were then therein residing: Edward that ever 
Alfredus 〈◊〉. Flares Histor. Rich. Cirecest. Speculum hist.  had been loving to both, held it a kind office, now being so near to visit them with his presence, and thereupon either of purpose or chance singled from his attendants, he secretly stole from them all, and came alone to the castle gate.  
(8) The Queen who had long lain in wait for occasions, now took this as brought to her hand, 
Queen Elfrid●… perfidy.  and therefore with a face as meaning no guile, she humbly and cheerfully gave the King welcome, desiring him to grace her and her son with his presence for that night; but he with thanks refused the offer, as fearing lest his company would soon find him missing, and craved only of his mother a cup of wine, that in his saddle he might drink to her and his brother, and so be gone. The cup was no sooner at his mouth, than a knife in his back, which a servant appointed by this treacherous Queen stroke into him; who feeling himself hurt set spurs to his horse, thinking to escape to his more faithful company.  
(9) But the wound being mortal, and he fainting through loss of much blood, fell from his horse, and one foot entangled in the stirruppe, he 
Mat Westminster. Simon D●…l. Fabian.  was thereby ruefully dragged up and down through woods and lands; and lastly left dead at Corfes-gate: which happened the eighteenth day of May, after he had reigned three years and six (some say eight) months, the year of his age sixteen, and of Christ jesus 979. His body found, was first buried 
Polydor. Wil Mal●….  at Warham without all funeral pomp, but after three years by Duke Alferus removed, and with great celebrity interred in the Minster of Shaftesbury: and for this untimely death, he gained the surname of Martyr.  
(10) Queen Elfrida sore repenting her cruel and step-motherly fact, to expiate her guilt, and pacify 
Almesbury and Worwel Monasteries founding.  the crying blood of her slain son, built the two said Monasteries of Almesbury and Worwell in the Counties of Wilt-shire and Southampton, in which later she lived with great repentance and penance until the day of her death, and in the same lieth her body interred.  
These and other the like foundations built upon the occasion of rapine & blood, howsoever they may show the sorrowful repentance of their founders: yet their stones being laid with the simmond of murder, and the mortar tempered with blood, have felt the wrath of him, who by his Prophet hath pronounced, that from the wall the stone shall cry, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it; Woe unto him that buildeth a town with blood, and erecteth a City by iniquity. 
Habacuc 〈◊〉. 11.    

ETHELRED COMMONLY CALLED 
Ethelred.  
Monarch 32.  THE unready, THE TWO AND THIRTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WARS, REIGN, WIVES AND ISSVES. CHAPTER XLIIII.  
EThelred the son of King Edgar, & brother to King 
An. Do. 979.  Edward the Martyr, at the age of twelve years entered 
Wil Malmsbury. Spe●…l, Histor.  his government over the Englishmen, the year of man's salvation, 979, and was the two and thirtieth Monarch since King Hengist: he was crowned King at Kingston upon Thamesis the fourteenth of April, being Easter day, by the hands of Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury, who did it much against his will.  
(2) He was a man neither forward in action, nor fortunate in proceedings, and therefore commonly called the Unready: his youth was spent in idleness, feeding his senses with all voluptuous baits, his middle years with a careless government, maintaining 
〈◊〉 life, maliciously reported.  civil diss●…nsions, and his latter end deservingly in continual resistance of the bloodthirsty Danes. With these imputations by writers he is taxed, though we find no such just cause in recording his life; but to such extremes are even great monarchs themselves brought, that their breath and dignity once left and laid down, they are subject to the censures of every affectionate and malignant reporter. And that this King lay liable to such men's humours, the working of Dunstan ever against him, is a sufficient witness, who not only did refuse to act his Coronation, but would have preferred Lady Edgith a bastard before him to the Crown, as we have said. And besides the general 
〈◊〉.  quarrel of the Monks and married Priests, to which later himself and his Abetters were better inclined; his just indi●…nation conceived against the Bishop of Rochester, ●…d that not pacified without the Bishop's 
Bishop of R●…ester.  submission and payment of money, was cause enough for those Monkish Writers to brand the Lords Anointed with their marks of infamy, unto whom they impute the miseries of those times, and the destruction of the English by the intruding Danes.  
(3) These Danes had kept quiet ever since the disliked reign of King Edwy, without any notable attempts, for the space of twenty two years: but now perceiving the hearts of the subjects to be drawn from their Sovereign, they thought it a sufficient occasion to forward their intendments; and omitting no time, in the second of his reign with 
An. Do. 980.  seven ships they arrived upon the coast of Kent, spoiling the Country; but most especially the Island Th●…at, from whence they did great hurt likewise to the town of Southampton.  
The English led in dislike of young Ethelreds' government, were the rather drawn to impute these and other adversities to this unfortunate Prince, by reason of a prediction of Dunstan, who had prophesied, That they should not be free from blood and sword, 
●…lyer. lib. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 13  till there came a people of an unknown tongue, th●…t should bring them to thraldom: and that opinion was skrewed deeper into their fearful conceit, by a cloud appearing of blood and fire, immediately after his unaffected Coronation.  
(4) The next year, those ●…ouing Da●…es entered the British Seas, and coasting to Cornwall destroyed 
An. Do. 981.  there the Abbey of Saint Patrick, P●…land in De●…shire, 
Si●… D●….  and many other places upon those shores; the like was done unto Cheshire by the Norway-P●…rates, which broke into those parts in the same year. 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.   
(5) And these calamities were seconded with others as fe●…full; for in the year 982. the City London was mise●…bly destroyed and defaced by fire, 
An. Do. 982.  whose beauty then chiefly extended from Ludgate 
T●…. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  westward; for, that within the walls, and where the heart of the City is now, was then neither beautiful, nor orderly built; what time also raged a sickness till then unknown in England, which was a strong burning fever, and bloody flux, as also scarcity of victuals, and murrain among cattle. This hand of 
Polychron. lib. 6. cap. ●…3.  God thus correcting the sins of all, was received as sent for the offences of some few, and wholly imputed to the King and his Raiser's; Dunstan still prophesying further woes to the land, when himself should be dead.  
(6) The Danes hereupon more boldly assaulted each shore, and in so many placcs at once, that the 
Wil Malmsbury.  English were to seek, where first to withstand. In 
Mat. Westminster  the West they were encountered by Goda Earl of Devonshire, as saith Simon Dunelmensis, by whom they 
Simon Dun.  were overthrown, though with the loss of his life, 
An. Do. 989.  as also of Sternwold a man of great esteem and valour in those parts, who served there under him.  
(7) In the East their leaders justine and Guthmond warred with better success; for at Malden 
An. Do. 991.  in Essex they gave Brightnod the Earl, a great and bloody battle, wherein himself with most of his people were slain. The Danes thus prospering, more boldly went forward; and where they set their talons, there they held fast, and lay on the land like unto Grasshoppers. These evils King Ethelred could not redress, his strengths being small, and his subjects affections less; therefore calling to Counsel his Statesmen & Peers, demanded their advice what was best to be done. Some few of these proffered the King their assistance, but more of them persuaded unto a composition, whereof Siricius Archbishop of Caterbury was chief; and in fine, 
Malmsb. de gest. Pontif. l. 1. Polycr. lib. 6. 〈◊〉. 13.  ten thousand pounds paid to the Danes for their departure.  
(8) This golden Mine once entered, was more eagerly digged into, by these still-thirsting Danes, who finding the branch so beneficial at first, hoped the vein in following, would prove far more bountiful, and therefore regardless of promise, the next year prepared themselves again for England, and with a great fleet dispatched to sea: the news 
An. Do. 992.  whereof struck such terror into the English hearts, 
Wil Malmsbury.  that despairing of hope, they accounted themselves the bondslaves of misery: The King therefore with much ado prepared a Navy, whereof he made Elfrick Earl of Mercia Admiral; who setting from London unto the seas, had power sufficient to put 
Elfrick Earl of Mercia.  back the enemy: but he once a traitor could never prove true; for, having been banished, forgiven, and now taken into favour, found means to be false, and to betray his charge; and sending the enemy intelligence of his power and intents, gave the way to their escape; and another fleet of Danes encountering with the Kings, at first he feignedly and faintly fought against; and lastly, turned to their side; through which treason many Englishmen died, and the King's Fleet and power was greatly weakened; but he escaping due punishment himself, left his son to answer the fault, whose eyes King Ethelred caused to be put out.  
(9) About which time also another Danish Fleet entering Humber, wasted the countries of Yorkshire 
An. Do. 993.  and Lyndsey: against these King Ethelred sent his power, under the charge of three valiant but treacherous 
Simon Dun. Polydor. Mal. West.  Captains, namely, Frena, Godwin and Fredegist; for the battle but begun, these with their followers fled away, which was the occasion of a great overthrow of the English; notwithstanding the country people not able to digest their intolerable dealings, fell upon the Danes, slew some, and chased the rest. At what time also other of the Danes with ninety four ships sailed up the river Thamesis, and 
A Fleet of Danes on the Thames besiege London.  laid their siege against London, giving it a great assault; but the Citizens thereof so manfully defended themselves, that they chased the Danes thence to their shame and great loss: yet fell they so foul upon Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire, that the King was enforced to compound a peace, with the payment of sixteen thousand pounds: for confirmation whereof, Ethelred sent to Southampton for Anlaf these Norwegians King, and honourably entertained him at Andever, where the same time he received Baptism, King Ethelred taking him at the 
Matt West. Simon Dun.  Font for his Godson, and with great gifts returned into Denmark without any further harm done to the English.  
(10) But God and destiny suffering it, (that would have the Saxons to fall before the Danes, as formerly the Britaines had done before them) no covenant could be so surely made, but was as slackly in them performed; for albeit this Anlaf honourably kept both faith and promise, yet others of his Country continued their invasions, and as an other Hydra showed their still-reviuing heads.  
(11) For the nineteenth year of King Ethelreds 
An. Do. 997.  most troublesome reign, and of our salvation 997. the Danes with a great fleet sailed about Cornwall, and came into the mouth of Severn, robbing, as they went, Devonshire, Cornwall, and South-Wales: and marching further into the Continent, consumed Lydford, and the Abbey of Saint Ordulfes at Essingstocke, thence passing through Dorsetshire with fire & sword, found not a man in the way to resist them, and wintering in the Wight lived by spoils gotten in Hampshire and 
An. Do. 998.  Sussex.  
(12) The next Spring they put into the mouth 
An. Do. 999.  of Thamesis, and so by the river Medway arrived at Rochester: thither the Kentish with their strengths repaired, but unfortunately fought, and left the field to the Danes, who shortly after hoist their sails, & with a merry gale arrived in Normandy.  
(13) King Ethelred thus rid of these his unlooked 
An. D. 1000  for guests, sought to remove those leigers that lay in Cumberland, whither he repaired, and with sore war wasted the Country, before whose sword the Danes were notable to stand; which somewhat encouraged the spirits of his people, and bettered their conceits towards him: but far this sun passed not without a cloud, nor was his success entailde to be fortunate.  
(14) For the next year, those Danes that departed from Kent, came now from Normandy with their full sails, and landing in Exmouth, their first and greatest fury was against the City of Exeter, which when they fiercely besieged, they were so valiantly 
Roger Houed. Annal. pars pr●….  beaten by the Citizens, as that enraged above measure with the ignominy of that repulse, they thence as a sudden flood bore down all that stood in their way; and then plainly began to appear the rise of the Danes, which every where lorded it, where they had to do, and the fall of the Saxons, whose overtopped Monarchy, and weak walls now wanted props to hold up the weight; for the Captains of the English (saith Higden) wanting lore in deeds of Arms, their direction never prospered; if ships were made they never sped well, but were either chased of the enemy, or destroyed by tempest; if the Nobles ever assembled to consult of the State, that time was rather spent in whetting the spleen each against other, then jointly agreeing how to redress their present danger, or to repress the common enemy: for most of the Nobles were allianced into the Danish 
Higden. 〈◊〉.  blood, whereby not only the secret of those consultations were revealed, but being employed in service, many of them revolted to the enemy. The Clergy as backward as any, denied the King their 
The Clergies coustousnesse.  assistance, pleading their exemptions from war, and privilege of the Church, when the land lay bleeding and deploring for help, and scandalised all his other proceedings for demanding their aid: to these were joined scarcity, hunger and robberies. These miseries caused the sums of their compositions to be augmented, whose last was sixteen thousand, now twenty thousand, immediately twenty four, then thirty, and lastly, forty thousand pounds, until the land was emptied of all the coin; the Kingdom of her glory; the Nobles of courage; the 
The effects of it.  Commons of their content, and the Sovereign of his wont respect and observance.  
(15) The Danes thus prevailing; did not a little glory in their fortunes, and grieved the poor English, whose service they employed to ear and till the ground, whilst themselves ●…ate idle, & eat the fruit of their pains, abusing the wives and daughters of their hosts where they lay, and yet in every place for fear and reverence were called the Lord-Danes, 
Hector Boetius.  (which afterwards became a word of derision to such sturdy and lazy lozel's) so that the like days of misery the land never felt. To redress which, the careful King Ethelred was far too weak, and therefore intending to do that by policy, which he could not by strength, he devised a desperate stratagem that proved the destruction of the Saxons royal blood, and 
Ethelreds' bad policy.  conquest of the land to another nation.  
(16) For seeking to disburden the Realm of these devouring Danes, which by open force he could no ways do; he attempted in a bloody massacre to destroy them, giving a secret commission unto every City within his dominions, that at an appointed time they should set upon, and kill all the 
Polycr. li. 6. ca 15. The massacre of the Danes.  Danes; the day was the thirteenth of November, being the festival of S. Bricius, the year of Christ jesus 1002, and presently after his marriage with Emma, the flower of Normandy; in confidence of which affinity, he presumed to do what he did. His 
Henry Hunting.  command was accordingly performed, and with such rigour, that in Oxford the fearful Danes for refuge took into the Church of S. Frideswyd, as into a Sanctuary of venerable antiquity and privilege among ancient Kings; but they in fury regarding neither place nor person, set the Church on fire, 
Matth. West.  wherein were burned a great sort of those Danes with many rich ornaments, and the Library thereof utterly 
Register of S. Frideswydes.  defaced. At which time (if Malmsbury say true) King Ethelred himself was in that City, and had summoned 
Malmsb.  a Parliament both of Danes and English, with which even the King was much grieved: and therefore at his very great co●… beautifully repaired the Church, and all the losses accrueing by the fire, endowing it with large privileges and donations, as appeareth by his own Charter, mentioning the 
〈◊〉 Charter  tenor of that Danish slaughter.  
In this massacre, Lady Gunhild, sister to Swain King of Denmark, a great and continual friend to the English, with her husband and son, together were slaughtered, although she lay in hostage upon conditions of peace, whose husbands name was Palingus (saith Malmsbury) an Earl of great might, & both of them Christians.  
(17) News brought into Denmark of this sudden stratagem, no need there was to urge them to 
Hen. Hunting.  revenge, or to add more fuel unto that over kindled 
Simon Dun.  fire; for preparation being made, the year ensuing, Swain with a great Navy landed in the West, spoiled 
King Swains invasion.  the Country, and gave assault to the City of Exeter, which by the treachery of one Hugh a Norman (whom 
An. D. 1003.  in the favour of the Queen, King Ethelred had made Governor of that City) he razed and leveled with the ground, all along from the Eastgate to the West.  
This treason and stirs great of themselves, but made much more rueful in the relating, caused Ethelred presently to muster his men; over whom he made Earl Edrik (for his covetousness surnamed Streton) 
Earl Edrick for his avarice surnamed 〈◊〉.  his General, who bore a brave show till it came to the push, and day of battle: but then to cover his treason, he feigned himself sick, and left his soldiers to shift as they could. The Danes hereupon rifled Wilton, and passing forward took Salisbury in their way, to which they were as welcome as water into ships; but hearing that the King himself in person was preparing to give them battle, they left the land, and took again to sea.  
(18) The next year following, (which was the twenty four of King Ethelreds' reign, and of grace, 
An. D. 1004.  one thousand and four,) King Swain with a mighty 
Simon Dun.  fleet of ships arrived upon the coasts of Norfolk, where landing his men, he made spoil of all before him, and coming to Norwich sacked the City, 
Norwich razed.  with great slaughter of the Citizens; then took he Thetford, and set it on fire, notwithstanding he had entered a truce with them: but for want of victual which then was scarce in the land, he returned to sea, and so into Denmark. 
An. D. 1005.   
(19 Where making preparation for another expedition, increased his Navy and number of men, 
Henry Hunt.  and the next Spring arrived at Sandwich, miserably desolating the Countries along the sea side, never 
An. D. 1006.  staying in any certain place, but to prevent the King's Forces roved from coast to coast, ever carrying to their ships their booties and prays, and to increase the calamity, the harvest was neglected, and in many places spoiled, both for the want of labourers, & by the feet of the soldiers which lay in field all that season, who from place to place travailed, although in vain-  
Towards the Winter the Danes took into the I'll 
The Danes in the I'll of Wight.  of Wight, and in the deepest time thereof, passed through Hampshire, into Berkshire, unto Reading, Wallingford, Colesey, and Essington, making clean work wheresoever they came; for that which they could not carry they consumed with fire, with triumphs ever returning to their ships.  
(20) The King lying in Shrewsbury, unable to resist, 
An. D. 1007.  called to him his Council, to consult what was best to be done; whereof Edrik was a principal, and in so high esteem with the King, that he created him Duke of Mercia, and gave him his daughter 
Edrick an untrusty Councillor.  Egith in marriage: notwithstanding, these gluts of favours wrought only the digestion of falsehood in him, who could taft nothing unless it was saused with treason. This man, than the King's only Achitophel, persuaded him to pay thirty thousand 
Simon Dun.  pounds to the Danes for their peace, whereof no doubt some fell into his own Coffers.  
(21) This intolerable imposition extorted of the Subjects especially at that time when the land was least able, made many suspect great matters against Edrik, and some did not fear to accuse him to his face, to be the only causer of this payment; charging him as over-affectionated to the Danes, and to have bewrayed the King's secrets and designs unto 
His accusations.  them: but he seated in the heart of his Sovereign, rubbed off this stain with a few fawn, and a fair show, being 〈◊〉 in wit subtle, in speech eloquent, 
His subtlety.  and for riches inferior to none, (a stone that could turn even great streams aside) so that these supposals of treasons (as proceeding from envy to him for his good services) wan him greater trust, and sent he was Ambassador to the Danes to mediate for peace: where revealing the weakness of the land, and the fears which the English conceived of a conquest, treacherously dissuaded them from giving 
His treachery.  ear to any motives of Truce.  
(22) The State of the land thus standing, or rather 
An. D. 1008. An. Reg. 30.  hanging at suspense, King Ethelred gave order, that out of every three hundred and ten hides of land a ship should be built, and of every eight hides a complete Armour furnished. These meeting at Sandwich, and furnished with soldiers, made 
Henry Hunting. Simon Dun.  show of such resistance, as had not been seen, although the event was nothing but a show. For Will mot a Noble man of Sussex (banished for some offence by King Ethelred) with twenty Sails roved 
Matth. West.  upon the coasts, and by Piracy did much hurt among the English Merchants: wherefore Brithrik the brother of Edrik to win himself honour, got the King's consent to pursue this grand-Pirate, with fourscore sail of the foresaid ships, threatening to bring in Wilmot either dead or alive: but his sails 
Brithrick (chase Wilmot) crossed by tempest.  being spread under a fair wind, a violent tempest suddenly arose, and outrageously drove his ships upon shore, where distressed and torn, their beaten huls lay unable to recover themselves, or the Sea: Wilmot taking advantage of this present mishap, fell 〈◊〉 upon them, and after much slaughter of their weatherbeaten warders, set them all on fire; so that all this preparation proved not only vain, but also very hurtful.  
(23) At the receipt of the said thirty thousand 
Money paid the Danes.  pounds, the Danes departed, in semblance satisfied, and friends with the English; but how long that lasted the sequel showed: for the next harvest, and year of salvation 1009. a great fleet of their ships 
An. D. 1009.  strongly appointed landed at Sandwich, under the conduct of three Danish Princes, Turkil, Henning and 
Three Danish Captains.  Anlafe: these coming to Canterbury, were compounded with by the Citizens, paying a thousand 
Money paid the Danes.  pounds for their departure; who thence in the Wight, Sussex and Hampshire made havoc of all. 
Three thousand Pound. ●…aith Simon Dun.   
King Ethelred seeing no truth in their promises, nor quietness; in State, his land thus exhausted of provision and coin, thought it best to adventure once for all, and to commit his cause unto God, by the fortune of war. To which end he gathered his power, and coming unlooked for, when the enemy was altogether unprepared, and taken at disadvantage, he had made an end of the quarrel if wicked Edrick had not persuaded him from fight, and put him into a causle sse fear with his forged tales. The Danes thus escaping returned to Kent, and the 
Edrick again perfidious.  winter following lodged their ships in the river Thamesis, whence often they gave assays for London, though to little purpose.  
(24) Then took they through the Chiltern woods unto Oxford, which they fired, and in their return wasted all the countries on both sides of Thamesis, 
An. D. 1010.  but hearing that London was prepared against them, they crossed over at Stanes, passing through Surrey into Kent, where they fell to amending their ships, and thence sailing about the coasts of Suffolk, took Ipswich, and pitched their battle upon Rigmer, against Vikel (Governor of Norfolk) and his English, 
Henry Hunt.  upon the fifth of May; where they won the day with a great slaughter made of the Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridge-shire men, and after harried those Countries with the borders of Lincoln and Huntingtonshires'; burning Thetford and Cambridge, and rifling all the Abbeys and Churches that stood in their way, and then through Essex returned unto their ships.  
(25) Neither rested they there long in quiet, ere, 
The Dene●… forage the Countries before them  as people wholly devoted to spoil, they broke into Buckinghame, Bedford, and Northampton-shiers, the chief Town of which last, they set on fire after much slaughter of the Inhabitants; and thence entering Wiltshire depopulated all before them, which was the seventh Shire in number that they had laid waist like a solitude.  
(26) And now not satisfied with spoil nor bloud-spilling, they prepare a new expedition for Canterbury, 
An. D. 1011. Henry Hunt. Vincentius.  and in September beleagered the City, which by treason of a Churchman they won, took Elphegus the Archbishop, and slew nine hundred Monks and men of Religion, besides many Citizens, without all mercy: for they tithed the captive multitudes after an inverted order, slaying all by nine, 
Addit. ad Asseri●….  and reserving only the tenth to live; so that of all the Monks in the town there were but four saved, and of the lay people four thousand eight hundred, by which account M. Lambert collecteth 
Wil Lambert. in Peram.  that there died in this massacre forty three thousand and two hundred persons.  
The Archbishop Elphegus, for that he refused to charge his Tenants with three thousand pounds to 
Polychr. li. 6. c. 16. An. D. 1012.  pay for his ransom, they most cruelly stoned to death at Greenewith the nineteenth of April following.  
Turkillus the Leader of these murderers, took into his possession all Norfolk and Suffolk, over whom he tyrannised in most savage manner. The rest compounding with the English for eight thousand pound sojourned a while quiet among them. 
Money paid the Danes   
(27) But King swain hearing of the dissensions, and weakness of the land, in the year of Grace, 
An. D. 1013.  1013, with a great number of ships arrived in the mouth of Humber, and entering Trent landed at 
Simon Dun.  Gainsborough; whose terror struck so deep into the Northumbrians conceits, that they with them of Lyndsey yielded themselves to the yoke of his subjection, so that now over all the North from Watling street he reigned sole King, and exacted pledges from them for their further obedience. From the North he sought to spread his wings further into the South, and leaving his son Canute to take 
Canute.  charge of his ships, and new conquered countries, sped himself through Mercia to Oxford and Winchester, bringing all under the power of his command: with which gales of his fortunes, he was so pusfed up, that thinking nothing unpossible for him and his Danes to do, in the heat of his courage he came unto London, and presently begirt the walls 
London besieged  with a straight siege.  
(28) In the City lay unfortunate King Ethelred, who (as Simon Monk of Durham reporteth) had 
Simon Dunel. Mat. Westminster. Henry Hunt.  with him, and under his pay Turkillus the Danish Prince before spoken of, and forty five Danish ships to defend the coasts. King Swain at his first coming fiercely assaulted the City, hoping his fortunes would have proved as before; but the presence of the King, and London the eye of the land, made the 
Poly●…  Citizens above measure courageous, who beat the Danes from their walls, and sallying forth of the Gates, slew them on heaps, so that Swain himself was in great danger, had he not desperately run through the midst of his enemies, and by flight escaped their swords; marching both day and night in great fear until he had entered Bath, where Ethelmere Earl of Devonshire with his Western people submitted themselves unto him. But this last 
Wil Malms. Mat. Westminster.  overthrow, and want of victuals, caused him after he had received a certain sum of money, to hast into Denmark, minding with more power, and better advantage to prosecute the quarrel.  
(29) Not long it was ere he returned, and immediately was met by the English, where betwixt them was struck a fierce battle, which had been 
A Battle between Danes & English.  with good success, had not the treasons of some hindered it, in turning to the Danes. King Ethelred therefore seeing himself, and land betrayed in this manner, to those few true English that were left, he used this speech as followeth.  
(30) If there wanted in me a fatherly care, either 
Ethelreds' Oration.  for the defence of the Kingdom, or administration of justice in the common wealth, or in you, the courage of Soldiers for the defence of your native Country; then truly silent would I be for ever, and bear these calamities with a more dejected mind: but as the case stands (be it as it is) I for my part am resolved to rush into the midst of the enemy, and to lose my life for my Kingdom and Crown. And you (I am sure) hold it a worthy death that is purchased for the liberties of yourselves and kindred; and therein I pray you let us all die, for I see both God and destiny against us, and the ruin of the English nation brought almost to the last period; for we are overcome not by weapons and hostile war, but by treason and domestic falsehood; our Navy betrayed into the Danes hands, our battle weakened by the revolt of our Captains, our designs bewrayed to them by our own Counsellors, and they also enforcing compositions of dishonourable peace, I myself disesteemeed, and in scorn termed Ethelred the unready; your valour and loialties betrayed by your own leaders, and all our poverty yearly augmented by the payment of their Dane-gilt, which how to redress God only knoweth, and we are to seek; for if we pay money for peace, yea, and that confirmed by oath, these enemies soon break it, as a people that neither regard God nor man, contrary to equity and the laws of war, or of nations: and so far off is all hope of better success, as we have cause to fear the loss of our Kingdom, and you the extinct of the English nations renown; therefore seeing the enemies are at hand, and their hands at our throats; let us by foresight and counsel save 
Pains taking for safety.  our own lives, or else by courage sheathe our swords in their bowels: either of which I am willing to enter into, to secure our estate and nation from an irrecoverable ruin.  
(31) This lamentable Oration delivered from the passions of a iustly-pensive King, touched the hearers to the hearts, and as much distracted their afflicted minds: to abide battle they saw it was bootless, the treason of their leaders so many times defeating their victories; to yield themselves to the enemy, would but begin their servitude and misery; and to flee before them, their eternal ignominy and reproach.  
Thus their opinions were canvased, but nothing put in practice, whereas mean whiles the Danes went forward with victories, and had got the most part of the land, yea and London also by submission; wherewith unfortunate Ethelred more and more dejected, 
Henry Hunting. Simon Dun.  sent his wife Emma with his two sons by her, unto her brother Richard Duke of Normandy, and for his own safest refuge committed himself unto Turkil the Dane, in whose ships he remained a while at Greenwich, and from thence went into the 
An. D. 1014. An. Reg. 35.  Isle of Wight, where he abode most part of the winter, and thence sailed into Normandy to his wife and brother, leaving the Danes lording it in his realm.  
(32) These were the days of England's mourning, she being unable to maintain her defenders, and yet enforced to nourish and cherish her devourers: for the Danes in two factions most cruelly 
Swain and Turkils domineering.  afflicted the land like two millstones crushing & grinding the grain. Swain as an absolute King, extorted of the English both victuals and pay for his soldiers: and Turkil on the other side, in defence of the English, commanded the like for his ships and men; so that the Danes had all, and the English maintained al. Neither were churches free from their spoils, (whom other Conquerors have held most impious to violate,) but either suffered the flames of their consuming fire, or were forced to purchase their standings with great sums of money. Such composition King Swain demanded for the preservation of S. Edmund's Monastery in Suffolk; which because the Inhabitants refused to pay, he threatened spoil both to the place, & to the Martyr's bones there interred; in the midst of which jollity (saith Hoveden) he suddenly 
Hoveden. Annal. pars prior. Fabian. Chron. par. 6. cap. 200. Polychron. lib. 6. cap. 10.  cried out that he was struck by S. Edmund with a sword, being then in the midst of his Nobles, and no man seeing from whose hand it came; and so with great horror and torment, three days after upon the third of February ended his life at Thetford (others say at Gainsborough:) but with his death died not the title of the Danes, who immediately advanced Canutus his son for their King.  
(33) The English that liked nothing less than bondage, especially under such tyrannising intruders, 
An. D. 1015  thought now or never the time to shake off the yoke; and therefore with great joy and hast sent into Normandy for their native King. Ethelred now not unready for the recovering of his right, foreslowed no means either to hasten or strengthen the enterprise, and having the assistance of his brother of Normandy, in the Lent following landed in England, unto whom resorted the people from all parts, accounting it their greatest joy to see the face of their King.  
(34) Canutus then at Gainsborough, soldier-like mustered and managed his men, and holding it good 
Canutus winneth love of the English.  policy to keep that by bounty, which his father had got by tyranny, made no spare to purchase the hearts of the English; by which means those of Lyndsey became his Creatures, with an agreement to find him both horse and men against their own King and Country.  
Ethelred therefore now raging for revenge, with a mighty host entered Lyndsey, where he burned all the Country, and put the inhabitants to the sword. 
He is chased by 〈◊〉.  Canute not able to resist this puissant Army, held the sea more safe for him then the land, and entering Humber, sailed to Sandwich, where being sore grieved at the miseries of these his confederates, requited King Ethelreds' friends with the like, and commanded that those pledges which had been 
Matth. West.  delivered by the Nobles unto his Father, should 
Wil Mal●….  have their noses slit, and their hands cut off: which cruelty acted, he sailed to Denmark, as hopeless of any good issue in England.  
(35) But Turkil the Dane, retained (as we said) into King Ethelreds' pay, seeing success so suddenly altered, sore repent him of his revolt from the 
Turkil inciteth Ca●… against, England.  Danes, and knowing now the time to recover his reputation, with nine of his ships sailed into Denmark, instantly importuning Canut to address again for England; alleging the fears and weakness of the people, the beauty and fertility of the land, an Eden, in respect of their own barren seat, and (which did most move) himself would assist, when the English lest thought it: with these and the like he spurred him on, who of himself was forward in a full curriere.  
Canutus therefore with the aid of his brother Harrold, rigged forth a Navy of two hundred sail, all furnished with soldiers and habiliments of war, whose terror landed in England before him, and his 
Canutus and his Navy.  power by report made greater than it was; and to increase the terror of this fearful enemy, the sea with a springtide broke into this land, and destroyed both towns and many inhabitants; a sign foreshowing (as was thought) the success of that fleet, borne hitherward upon those waves; and to increase the English miseries, thirty thousand pound was 
Money collected for the Danes.  then collected by way of Tribute to pay the Danish auxiliary Navy lying before Greenwich. The States also convening in a grand Council at Oxford to determine upon the great affairs of the Kingdom, were divided into factions, and two Noblemen of the Danes there murdered by practice of Edrick the Traitor. These (I say) were accounted ominous amongst the English, that made each molehill to seem a mountain, and every shadow the show of an enemy.  
(36) In the mean while Canutus had landed at Sandwich, and given a great overthrow to the English; 
Wil Malmsbury. Henry Hunt. Mat. Westminster. Simon Dunel.  entered Kent, and by his sword had made way through the Countries of Dorset, Somerset, and Wilton.  
Ethelred lying dangerously sick at Cossam, the managing of these wars was transferred to Prince Edmund his son, who preparing to meet the enemy with his Army in the field, had suddenly notice that Edrik his brother in-law meant to betray him into his enemy's hands; which news struck a great astonishment unto his heart, and caused him to retreat his host into a place of security; whereby Edrik perceiving his treacherous purposes were 
Matth. West.  disclosed, gave more open proof of his intendments, flying to the enemy with forty of the King's ships; whereupon all the west Countries submitted themselves unto Canutus. 
Simon Dun.   
(37) By this time King Ethelred had recovered his sickness, and minding revenge on his most wicked son Edrik, with purpose to try his last fortunes 
An. D. 1016.  by hazard of fight, summoned all his forces to meet him at a certain day and place; where being assembled, he was instantly warned not to give battle, for that his own subjects meant to betray him.  
King Ethelred ever unfortunate in this, to find treasons amongst them that ought him most trust, 
London's fidelley.  withdrew himself to London, whose service against the Danes he had lately seen, and therefore accounted his person most sure in their walls. Prince Edmund with his power posted over Humber, where obtaining Earl Vtred to side in his quarrel, entered the Countries of Stafford, Leicester, and Shropshires, not sparing to exercise any cruelty upon these inhabitants, as a condign recompense for their revolt. Neither did Canut for his part spare the King's subjects, but through Buckingham, Bedford, Huntingdon, 
Canutus devastations  Nottingham, Lincoln, and Yorkeshires, made spoil of all, so that the miserable English went to wrack on all sides; insomuch that Vtred also forsaking Edmund, became subject to Canut: whereupon Edmund hasted to London to join his strength with his Fathers, and Canute with no less speed sailed about the Coasts into Thamesis, preparing his Army for the siege of London.  
(38) At which time King Ethelred, either fallen into relapse of his last sickness, or tired with the many 
Ethelred dieth.  troubles, and daily renewed treasons against him, gave up his ghost, and found rest by death, which never he could attain by li●…e, the twenty third of April, and year of our Salvation 1016, when he had most unfortunately reigned thirty seven years, and nine days: his body was there buried in the Cathedral 
The time of his reigning.  Church of S. Paul, and bones as yet remain in the northwall of the Chancel in a chest of grey-Marble, reared upon four small pillars, covered with a copped stone of the same, adjoining to another 
His Tomb in S. Paul's in London.  of the like form, wherein Sebby King of the Eastsaxons lieth entombed.  
(39) Of Parsonage he was very seemly, and of countenance gracious, affable and courteous to his Subjects, and a maintainer of justice among them, as by his excellent Laws which himself made, and by his sharp, but godly and wise censures against 
Fox M●…yrologe in King Egelreds' life ex Hist. Ior●…lens.  unlearned, bribing, delaying, partial judges & Lawyers, and their purloining officers (at large set down by M. Fox) is very apparent. Very loving and tender affectionated he was to his brother King Edward; for whose death he made such lamentation, that his mother beat him with a taper of wax that stood before her, yea and so sore that he could never after well endure the sight of a taper. Favourable he was to the married Priests, and lest esteemed the opulent and idle lives of the Monks, whose pens therefore (as in such cases we ever find them partial) have been 
Polycr. li. 6. ca 13.  very lavish in his dispraise, accusing him with sloth and unreadiness of Arms, of voluptuous●…es and lechery, covetousness, pride and cruelty: whereas in following the records of his life, laying aside the Danish massacre, we find no such sins, neither any mention of Concubine that ever he kept, or name of child unlawfully begot, having had many by his wives, which were as followeth.  

His Wives.  
(40) Elgiva, the first wife of King Ethelred, was the daughter of an English Duke named Thored, 
Elgiva the first wife, by some called Elflede.  who is reported in the history of that time, to have done great service against the Danes. She was married unto him when he was seventeen years of age, in the sixth of his reign, being the year of grace 984. and was his wife seventeen years, who dedeceased in the twenty four of his reign, and of Christ jesus, 1003.  
(41) Emme, the second wife of King Ethelred, was the daughter of Richard the second Duke of 
Emme the second wife.  Normandy, and sister of Duke Richard, and Duke Robert Father to William the Conqueror; her mother was sister to Herfast the Dane, Grandfather of William Fitzosbert afterward Earl of Hereford. She was a Lady of passing beauty, and therefore commonly called the flower of Normandy; married unto him in the twenty and fifth year of his reign, & year of Salvation, 1003. with whom she lived thirteen years, and surviving him was remarried to King Canute the Dane.   

His Issue.  
(42) Ethelstan, the eldest son of King Ethelred 
Ethelstane the eldest son.  and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was borne about the eight year of his Father's reign, and year of Christ, 986: he lived unto the age almost of twenty five years, (being then by great likelihood) cut off by untimely death in the wars of the Danes, raging then most extremely, which was the thirty third of his Father's reign, and of Christ's Nativity 1011.  
(43) Egbert, the second son of King Ethelred, and Queen Elgiva his first wife, seemeth to have 
Egbert the second son.  been borne two years after his brother Ethelstan, in the tenth year of his Father's reign, and year of our Lord 988, and to have deceased in the very prime of his youth before the death of his father, or of his elder brother, and before he had done any thing in his life worthy of remembrance after his death.  
(44) Edmund, the third son of King Ethelred & 
Edmund the third son.  Queen Elgiva his first wife, was borne in the eleventh year of his father's reign, and of Grace 989 and of all his father's Children proved to be the only man that set his helping hand to the redress of the estate of his Country distressed by the miserable oppressions of the Danes, which he pursued with such exceeding toil, and restless hazards of his body, as he was therefore surnamed Iron-side; and when he had followed those wars with great courage the space of seventeen years under his Father, being come to twenty seven of his own age, he succeeded him in his Kingdom and troubles, as presently shall be showed.  
(45) Edred, the fourth son of King Ethelred, and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was born about 
Edred the fourth son.  the fourteenth year of his father's reign, being the year of Grace 992. His name is continually set down, as a witness in the testees of his father's Charters, until the thirty fifth year of his reign, by which it appeareth that he lived unto the two and twentieth year of his own age, although I find no mention of him, or of any thing done by him in any of our histories, and it seemeth he died at that time, because his name is left out of the Charters after that year.  
(46) Edwy, the fifth son of King Ethelred, and 
Edwy the fifth son.  Queen Elgiva his first wife, survived his father and all his brethren, and lived in the reign of Canute the Dane, who being jealous of his new-gotten estate, and fearful of the dangers that might accrue unto him by this Edwy, and such others of the English blood royal, practised to have him murdered, which was accordingly done by them, whom he most favoured, and least suspected, the year of our salvation, 1017.  
(47) Edgar, the sixth son of King Ethelred and of 
Edgar the sixth son.  Queen Elgiva his first wife, was borne about the twentieth year of his father's reign, being the year of our Lord God nine hundred ninety and eight. He seemeth by the Testees of his father's Charters, to have been living in the one and twentieth of his reign, but being no more found in any of them after, may be supposed by all conjectures, to have died in, or, about the same year, being but the eleventh after his own birth, and the seventh before his father's death.  
(48) The eldest daughter of King Ethelred and 
The eldest daughter.  Queen Elgiva his first wife, although her name be not to be found in any writer of those times, appeareth notwithstanding, to be married to one Ethelstan, a Noble man of England, who was the principal Commander of Cambridge-shire men, at the great battle fought between them and the Danes, wherein the Englishmen had the overthrow; and this son in law of King Ethelred, with the rest of the chief Leaders, were slain in the year of Christ's Nativity 1010. being the two and thirtieth of his father in laws reign.  
(49) Edgith, the second daughter of King Ethelred 
Edgith the second daughter.  and Queen Elgiva his first wife, was married to Edrik Duke of Mercia, who for his covetousness in getting was surnamed Streattone: This Edrik was the son of one Egelrik surnamed Leofwin, an elder brother to Egelmere the grandfather of Goodwin Duke of the Westsaxons; and being but meanly borne, was thus highly advanced by this King; notwithstanding he was ever a traitor to his Country, and a favourer of the Danes, betraying both him, and King Edmund his son to King Canut, that he thereby might get new preferments by him, who worthily rewarded him as a traitor and put him to death.  
(50) Elfgine, the third daughter of King Ethelred and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was the second 
Elfgine the third daughter.  wife of Vtred surnamed the Bold, son of Earl Waldefe the elder, Earl of Northumberland, by whom she had one only child, a daughter, named Aldgith, married to a Nobleman called Maldred, the son of Crinan; she was mother of Cospatricke, who was Earl of Northumberland in the time of William the Conqueror, and forced by his displeasure to fly into Scotland, where he abode and was ancestor to the Earls of Dunbar and of March in that Country.  
(51) Good, the fourth and youngest daughter of King Ethelred and Queen Elgiva his first wife, was 
Good the fourth daughter.  first married to one Walter de Magne a Nobleman of Normandy, greatly favoured by King Edward her brother; who lived not long after the marriage, and left issue by her a son named Rodulfe, whom King Edward his uncle created Earl of Hereford. This Earl Rodulfe, died the one and twentieth of December, in the thirteenth year of his uncles reign, and was buried at Peterborough; leaving issue a young son named Herald, created afterwards by King William the Conqueror, Baron of Sudeley in the County of Gloucester, and Ancestor to the Barons of that place succeeding, and of the Lord Chandois of Sudeley now being. This Lady Good, after the decease of the said Water de Magne, was remarried to Eustace the elder, Earl of Boulogne in Picardy, a man of great valour in those parts of France, and a most faithful friend to King Edward her brother; which Earl was grandfather to Godfrey of Boulogne, King of jerusalem, albeit it seemeth he had no issue by this Lady.  
(52) Edward, the seventh son of King Ethdred, and his first by Queen Emme his second wife, was 
Edward the seventh onne.  borne at Islipe in the County of Oxford, and brought up in France all the time of his youth, with his uncle Richard the third of that name, Duke of Normandy, mistrusting his safety in England under King Canute the Dane, although he had married his mother; but he found the time more dangerous by the usage of his brother Elfred, at his being here in the reign of King Herald son of the Dane. Notwithstanding he returned home, when Hardiknut the other son (being his half brother) was King, and was honourably received and entertained by him, and after his death succeeded him in the Kingdom of England.  
(53) Elfred, the eight son of King Ethelred, and 
Elfred the eight son.  his second by Queen Emme his second wife, was conveyed into Normandy for fear of King Conute, with his eldest brother Edward, and with him returned into England to see his mother, then being at Winchester, in the second year of King Herald surnamed harefoot; by whose practise he was trained towards London, apprehended by the way at Guildford in Surrey, deprived of his eyesight, and committed prisoner to the Monastery of Elie: his Normans that came with him most cruelly murdered, and he himself soon after deceasing, was buried in the Church of the said Monastery.    

EDMUND SURNAMED IRONSIDE 
Edmund.  THE THIRTY THREE MONARCH 
Monarch 33  OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WARS, ACTS, REIGN, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XLV.  
EDmund, the third son of King Ethelred, and the eldest living at his Father's 
An. D. 1016.  death, succeeded him both in his dominions, & in his troubled estate against the Danes; entering his government in the month of April, and crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis, by Livingus Archbishop of Canterbury, the year of man's salvation 1016. Notwithstanding, a great part of the English, considering the puissance of the Danes, both feared and favoured Canut, especially, a great part of the Clergy, who at Southampton ordained him their King, swearing to him the fealty of true subjection; but the Londoners stood most firm to Prince Edmund, and were principal 
Polycr. lib. 6. 〈◊〉. ●…7.  Actors for his election.  
(2) In revenge whereof Canutus who had besieged the City before the death of King Ethelred, caused his ships now to be towed, and drawn up the 
Henry Hunting. Simon Dun.  Thamesis unto the west side of the bridge, and from the river with a deep and large Trench encompassed the City, shutting up all entrance or egress of any: but the Citizens manfully stood in resistance, whereto the coming of their new King for their succour, did not a little encourage them, and daunted the Danes, who now thought it best to break up their siege and be gone: and the rather (saith the Author of Encomium Emmae) for that King Edmund sent Canute a peremptory challenge of single combat, which he neither accepted, nor 
Proffer of single combat.  yet stayed the siege to try his chance; but weighing his anchors sailed along the Coast to the I'll of Sheepie, where he wintered with his Navy and men.  
(3) But loath to lose opportunity, when time served for war; on the sudden he assailed the west of England, and brought much of those parts under his command: to meet whom the restless Ironside prepared, and with such small power as his leisure would admit to levy, he hasted into Dorsetshire, where Cannut was forwarding his own fortunes, and at Penham near Gillingham, each met other 
An. D. 1016. In the Rogation 〈◊〉.  in the field, wherein a sore battle was fought, and bloody to the Danes, where many of them were put to the sword, and the rest to flight.  
(4) Canute immediately took into Winchester, to secure himself from danger, and the rest escaped towards Salisbury, and there begirt the City with a 
Polydor.  straight siege. King Edmund as ready to save, as they to destroy, made presently thitherward with his small and overtired company; whom Canut, waiting for advantage, followed with a great host, and in Worcestershire, at a place called Sherostan, in the sight of his enemy pitched his battle. To the aid of Edmund came many of the English, so that his Army was greatly increased, and their courages enhanced, which made the Danish soldiers somewhat to droop.  
(5) Notwithstanding, upon the twentieth of june, 1016. their battles joined, and with equal fortune continued all the day, until the night constrained them to part. 
Simon Dun. Matt. West.   
(6) But their blood not cold, the next day they buckled together again with no less courage than before, till at length the Danes were going down, & the English in great forwardness of victory: which when the Traitor Edrik perceived, he cut off the head of a soldier, whose name was Osmearus, like unto King Edmund both in hair and countenance, and shaking his bloody sword with the halfe-gasping 
Wil Malmsbury. Edrick●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  head, cried unto the host of the English: Fly ye wretches, fly, and get away, for your King is slain, behold here is his head, therefore seek now to save your own lives.  
(7) But Edmund having present notice of this treacherous stratagem, and seeing his men ready to give over the fight, hasted himself where he might be best seen, encouraging his Army to stand to it like true Englishmen, and posting from rank to rank, both performed the parts of a wise General, and underwent the dangers of the meanest soldier: his men seeing his presence, & the apparent treachery of Duke Edrik, bend their bows against the traitor, and had shot him to death, had he not presently avoided to the enemy: but the night approaching, parted again the battle of this second day: Duke Edrik excusing his fact, as being merely mistaken in the countenance of the man, and thirsting to save the blood of the English; was taken again into favour, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and bore himself outwardly fair for his Country.  
(8) The third day appearing, both the Armies prepared for battle, but yet stood still without any attempt, only refreshing their wearied, and almost tired bodies, and burying the dead slain in the two days fights before.  
(9) The night following, Canutus in great silence broke up his Camp, and marched very fast towards London,, against whose Citizens he carried 
Canut marcheth to London.  great spleen, and most earnestly desired the conquest of the City, which in a sort was still besieged by the Danish ships.  
(10) The Sentinels the next morning certified King Edmund (who was addressing himself for the battle) of the sudden departure of his enemies, whereupon he as ready to prevent their designs, followed them by tract even unto London: where with small ado, he removed their siege, and entered the City in manner of triumph. The Danes 
Dislodged by Edmund.  thus discomfited, great hope was conceived, that these fair proceedings would have a prosperous end.  
(11) Edmund, therefore following the advantage of their discouragements, two days after at Brentford bade them battle, and that with their great overthrow; notwithstanding, in passing the Thamesis at the same place, he lost many of his men, who were drowned before they could re●…ouer the shore: upon which loss the Traitor Edrike played, who erst had much feared the downfall of the Danes. For hereupon he persuaded his brother in law King Edmund to come to truce with Canute, which 
Edrik●… wicked counsel.  as he confidently affirmed, should be to the great benefit and contentment of Edmund: Canute himself so plotting it, that by his means he might continue his hopes, and bring his enemy into his 
Henry Hunt.  danger.  
(12) The affairs thus standing, King Edmund returned into the West, and Canute with spoils unto his ships that were in Medyway, not far from Rochester, where he a while lay still to learn what Edmund meant to do; who chose loving 
Edmund's preparations.  nothing less than to linger his businesses, made preparation against those truce-breakers that had wasted the Country in their return, and with a great Army entered Kent, where he pitched down his tents near unto Oteford.  
Canut, who had prepared himself in most warlike array to meet his approach, began the battle in a furious manner, which continued very bloody for four hours space, until the foot of his vaward began to shrink, which when he perceived, he drew his horsemen for their aid; but whilst the one gave hastily back, & the other made 
Polyd●…. Fabian. Ran. Higd. Mat. Westminster. Henry Hunt. Wil Malms.  as slowly forward, the array of the whole army was broken, and the Danes slain on all hands: for it is reported that Canute lost four thousand five hundred men, and King Edmund only six hundred; the rest of these Danes trusting to their legs: whom if Edmund had pursued in chase, it is thought, that day had ended the wars betwixt those two Nations for ever: but Destiny, that would have the Saxons down, who had raised themselves by the falls of the Britain's, made Edrik her instrument, & maul of the English, who kept King Edmund's hasty foot from following his enemies, by guileful urging the danger of ambush, and the overwearied bodies of his soldiers, so that Canute thereby had leisure in safety to pass over into Essex.  
(13) Where beginning again, with the increase of his power to despoil all the Country before him, 
A battle between Edmund & Canute.  brought fear to the inhabitants, and to himself submission of many English. King Edmund therefore made preparation thitherward, and at Ashdone three miles from Saffron-Walden, gave battle to Canute, wherein a bloody slaughter ensued, though a while with equal chance of foil or of victory, until lastly the Danes began to give back, which when the ever-traiterous Edrik perceived, he went with his strength, unto their side, and maintained their battle, which otherwise was at point to be lost, whereby the Danes regained the day, and the betrayed English, the overthrow. There died of Edmund's Nobility, Duke Alfred, Duke Goodwin, Duke Athelward, Duke Athelwin, and Earl Vrchell, 
Wil Malmsb. Simon Dun. Ran. Higden.  with Cad●…th Bishop of Lincoln, and Wols●…y Abbot of Ramsey, besides other of the Clergy that were come thither to pray for the preservation of the King and his Army. The remembrance of which field is retained unto this day, by certain small hills there remaining, whence have been digged the bones of men, Armour, and the water-chaines of horse-bridles.  
(14) King Edmund thus traitorously forced to retire from the field, on foot marched unto Gloucester with a very small Army, leaving Canut over-swollen 
Edmund put to retire.  in conceit for this his great victory, unto whom then the Londoners submitted, and so did 
London yieldeth to Canute.  many other great towns of Name; after which he followed Edmund into the West; who now like a Tiger robbed of her Whelps, seeking the revenge of his lost day, gathered a most puissant Army, meaning to try the uttermost chance of Fate, or Battle. Their hosts meet at Dearhurst near unto the river Severne, where they 
Mat. Westminster. Polydor.  were resolvedly bend to establish the one's title with the others downfall; and now being ready to join, a certain Captain of uncertain name, stepped forth (as is reported) betwixt the two Armies, and uttered in effect this speech.  
(15) Many battles have been fought, and too much blood already spilled for the sovereignty 
The advice of a Captain for single combat.  of this Land, betwixt these two fierce Nations, and the valours of the Generals, Captains and Soldiers sufficiently tried; wherein even fortune herself seemeth to have been conquered; for if one Battle were won, it was not long kept, neither the loser so weakened, but that he had both courage and power to win the next: what is the mark then that you aim at? is it honour and fame? Titles indeed which accompany war; but neither long enjoyed, nor much attained unto by the common Soldiers, by whose valours and blood it is for the most part won. Let him therefore that would wear the Diadem, bear the hazard himself, without the confusion of so many men, and either try the fortune of a single combat, who shall command, and who obey, or divide betwixt them the Kingdom, which may suffice two, that hath maintained seven.  
(16) Some affirm that this speech was Duke Edriks'; but I hardly believe so good a motion 
Matth. West.  should proceed from so bad a man; by whom so ever uttered, it was acceptably received by Edmund and Canut, who thereupon in sight of their Armies, entered into a small Island, embraced about with the arms of Severn, called Alney, adjoining unto the City Gloucester, where those princes in complete Armour at first assailed each other most 
Edmund and Canute at single fight.  dangerously on horseback, and after as valiantly on foot. The Ironside was strong, and fought for his Kingdom; the Dane not so tall, but every way as stout, fought for his honour, and so the combat continued with an absolute resolution, till at length Canute having received a dangerous wound and seeing himself overmatched in strength, wished 
Mat. Westminster.  a compromise, and thus spoke to Edmund with a loud voice.  
What necessity should thus move us most valiant Prince, that for the obtaining of a Title, we should 
〈◊〉 ●…o 〈◊〉.  thus endanger our lives? better it were to lay malice and Armour aside, and to condescend to a loving agreement: let us therefore now become sworn brothers, a●…d divide the Kingdom betwixt us, and in such league of amity, that each of us may use the others part as his own; so shall this land be peaceably governed, and we jointly assistant to each others necessity.  
Whereupon they both cast down their swords, embracing as friends with the great joy and shouting of both their Armies, who stood before doubtfully wavering betwixt hope and fear, and looking for their own fortunes, according to the success of their Champions.  
Thus was the Kingdom divided betwixt those two Princes; Edmund enjoying that part that lay 
The Kingdom parted between them.  coasted upon France, and Canute entering upon the rest.  
(17) Thus then the Saxon Monarchy spent to the last period, and their tottering crown fast grasped with a hard Danish hand, was suddainelyy torn from the Ironssides helmet, by his complotted and hastened death. For Duke Edrick a very compound of treasons, glutted with the favours of both these Kings, to screw himself deeper into Canut his conceit, contrived the end of renowned Edmund: who being retired to a place for nature's necessity, was 
Edmund murdered.  thrust from under the draft into his body with a sharp spear; which done, the treacherous Edrick 
A Spit, saith Higden.  cutting off his Sovereign's head, presented it to Canut with these fawning salutations. All hail, thou now sole-Monarch of England; for, here behold the head of thy Copartner, which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off.  
Canut, though ambitious enough of sovereignty, 
〈◊〉 punisheth the trai●…  yet of princely disposition, abashed, & sore grieved at so unworthy and disloyal an attempt, replied, and vowed, that in reward of that service, the bringers own head should be advanced above all the peers of his kingdom. Which high honour whiles this prodigious 
Wil Malmsbury.  wretch greedily expected, (and indeed for a time, saith Malmesbury, he found some show of favour with the King:) soon after, by the King's command, his head bad his shoulders farewell, and was placed upon the highest Gate to overlook London.  
(18) The traitorous death of this worthy Prince, 
Old Man●…st. Fabian. Ran. Higden.  as some affirm, was acted at Oxford; yet the Author that wrote Encomium Emmae, and lived the same time, blancheth the matter, saying that he died of a natural death in London: God minding his own doctrine, that a Kingdom divided in itself, cannot long stand, and pitying the English, took away Edmund, lest if the Kings had continued long together, they should both have lived in danger, and the Realm in continual trouble.  
That he died in London, Simon the Monk of 
Simon D●…el. Marian. Scotus. Ed●…ds reign. Polychr.  Durham agreeth, and saith further, it chanced about the Feast of S. Andrew: and Marianus is of the same opinion, being the year of Christ, 1016. Whensoever, or howsoever, his Reign was but seven months, and his body buried at Glastenbury; near unto his Grandfather King Edgar.  
(19) He was of parsonage tall, for courage, hardy, 
The feature of Edm●…nd.  strong of limbs, and well could endure the travels of war, insomuch that some deem the surname Ironside, given him only upon that occasion●…. With him fell the glory of the English, and the aged body of their sore bruised Monarchy seemed to be buried with him in the same Sepulchre.  

His Wife.  
(20) Algith, the wife of King Edmund, was the widow of Sigeferth, the son of E●…grin a Danish 
Algi●….  Nobleman of Northumberland; which Sigeferth, with his brother Morcar, was murdered at Oxford by the treason of the never-faithfull Edrick: & this Lady being of great beauty, and noble parentage after the death of her husband, and the seizure of his lands, was by King Ethelred, committed in charge to the Monastery of Malmesbury, where Edmund seeing her, grew in great love, and there married her against the liking of his father, in Anno 1015.   

His Issue.  
(21) Edward the eldest son of King Edmund, and Queen Algith his wife, was surnamed the Outlaw, because 
Edward the outlaw.  he lived out of England in Hungary as a banished man, through the reign of C●…t, and of his sons the Danes. But when his uncle King Edward the Confessor, had obtained the English crown, he was by him recalled, and most honourably in his Court enterained, till lastly, he was taken away by death in the City of London, the year of Christ, 1057. He married Agatha sister to Queen Sophia, wife to Solomon King of Hungary, and 
His wife.  daughter to the Emperor Henry the second; by whom he had Edgar, surnamed Etheling, confirmed heir apparent by Edward Confessor, his great Uncle; which title notwithstanding, proceeded no further, for that he was deprived thereof by Harold his Protector.  
The daughters of this Edward, as after shall be said, were Margaret and Christian, the younger of which became a vailed Nun at Ramsey in Hampshire, 
His daughters.  where she in that devotion spent her life, and was there interred.  
Margaret the elder, and afterward sole heir unto the Saxon Monarchy, married Malcolm the third of that name, King of Scotland, and commonly called Canmore: from which princely bed in a lineal descent, our high and mighty Monarch, King JAMES the first, doth in his most royal person unite the Britain's, Saxons, English, Normans, and Scotish imperial Crowns in one.  
(22) Edmund, the second and youngest son of King Edmund, and of Queen Algith his wife, after his father's decease being a Child, was with his broth 
Edmund.  Edward, sent by Canute to Olaue King of Swedon his half brother, to the intent, that he by murder should make them both away: but this King taking pity on the innocent children's estate, sent them to Solomon King of Hungary, to the intent to have them saved, where they were received with great favour and honour: and Matthew of Westminster reporteth, that this Prince married the daughter of the same King; and other Writers of these times, that he died 
Mat. Westminster  in the same Country without any issue of his body.  
(23) These two sons of the Ironside thus posted away, and the crown already set upon the Danes head, had not the means of themselves to displace it, nor the English, hearts to assist them to their right: so that they rather secured themselves from violent deaths in this their exile, than made claim to that which was unrecoverable; and left the Danes quietly to possess the land, which so long they had molested with their sturdy Arms.   
The End of the Seventh Book.    

THE ORIGINAL OF THE DANES, THEIR MANNERS, RELIGION, AND INVASIONS OF ENGLAND, THE REIGNS OF THEIR KINGS HERE, UNTIL THE CROWN REVERTED AGAIN TO THE SAXONS; WORN BY KING EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, AND AFTER HIM BY HAROLD THE LAST KING OF THEIR RACE.  

CHAPTER I.  
THe Spirit of God in his sacred writings, to show his all-commanding power over Kingdoms and Nations, compareth the transmigrations of people from country to country, unto the transfusion of wine from vessel to vessel: and those that are at 
jer. 48. 〈◊〉.  rest with sin, to the settling upon their lees, as Moab did, against whom he cursed that hand that was negligent in his work of revenge, and the sword that was not sheathed in their blood. Even so the sins of the Saxons grown now to the full, and their dregs as it were sunk unto the bottom, they were emptied by the Danes from their own vessels, and their bottles broken that had vented their red & bloody wines: in am whereof, the Lord then gave 
Esay 51. 17.  them the cup of his wrath, whose dregs he had formerly (by their own hands) wrung out upon other nations.  
(2) For these Saxons that had enlarged their kingdoms by the blood of the Britain's, and built their nests high upon the Cedars of others, (as the Prophet speaketh) committed an evil covetousness 
〈◊〉. 2.  unto their own habitations, and were stricken by the same measure that they had measured unto others. When as the Danes often attempting the lands invasion; and the subversion of the English estate, made way with their swords through all the Provinces in the realm; and lastly advanced the crown upon their own helmets; which whiles it so stood, was worn with great honour, especially of Canutus the first and their greatest.  
(3) As touching this Nations original, and first place of residing, seeing themselves know nothing at all, we cannot determine, but supposing them with Franciscus Irenicus, to be a branch of the ancient Germans, and knowing them by the testimonies of all others, to inhabite●… in the same Country among them, we need not to doubt, but that their conditions and customs were much alike. Of the former, what we have observed, is already set down, where we spoke of our Saxons; & now of these later, what is supposed for truth shall be produced.  
(4) These Danes so often mentioned by our historians, 
And. 〈◊〉.  for the great afflicters of the English state and peace, were a people descended from the Scythians, 
Dudo. S. Quint.  as Andrew Velley a learned Danish Writer reporteth: but Dudo of S. Quintin (an ancient Author) will have them to come from Scandia, an Island situated northward, not far from the continent of Denmark: which his opinion seemeth unto some to be strengthened by Ptolemie the Alexandrian, who in his Geography placeth the people Da●…ciones (the supposed 
Ptol. Geograp. where some read 〈◊〉.  Ancestors of those Danes) in this Island Scandia, at such time as himself wrote, which was in the reign of Hadrian the Emperor, and about the year of Christ's nativity 133. But wheresoever the root had beginning, the branches did far spread themselves into the upper Germany, and parts of Norway, and Sweyden, whose fair fruit more particularly filled that promontory, which tongue-like lieth into the Ocean on the north, being anciently called of the learned, Cimbrica Chersonessus, where, (as Tacitus 
Tacit. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  saith) was the uttermost end of Nature, and of the world; a strange conceit indeed; and yet more strange was their opinion, who were persuaded that the sound and noise of the Sun was there heard at his daily rising and setting in those seas. But from more warrantable witnesses it is reported, that this was the very place which the jutes and Angles abandoned, when they removed their Colonies for Britain.  
(5) In this place then the Danes laid first the foundation of their Kingdom; which, from the word Mars, signifying not a limit, but a region, was named Denmarc. But touching the former part of that compounded 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  name, the truth and original occasion is not so soon found out: for the searching eye of truth hath long since seen into the received fable of Damarc their first King, and Giantlike son of Humblus; though Verstegan of late holds it more certain in the search of originals, to follow the grounded opinion 
Verstegan. Ant. cap. 6.  that ancient Tradition hath held, then at random to seek them elsewhere: as these Danes (saith he) from Dan, and the Britaines from Brute; which truly for truth I hold much alike, and will herein make doubt as many more of riper judgement before me have done.  
(6) For Goropius Becanus deduceth the name Dane from Da-hen, signifying a Hen, or rather (as some will) a fight Cock; junius, from Den, signifying fir-tree, which do there abound. Andrew Velley from a people in Scythia named Dahae, of whom josephus maketh mention in his eighteenth 
josephus Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 6.  book, and placeth them by the Sacae.  
Ethelward our English historian will have them named from the fair City Donia. And jonas jacobus Venusinus, a diligent searcher of antiquities, out of Pomponius Mela, findeth the names of certain 
jonas jacob.  Bays, opening into those parts, which now the Danes inhabit, to have been anciently written CDAN and CDANONUM; which Orthography and Pronunciation to the Latins was both harsh and hard, and therefore they added a vowel, and wrote it CODANUM and CODANONIA, whereof (it may be thought) these people given much to piracies, were known and called by that name, as breaking out of those Codanian seas. Some others from Ptolemy have thought, that from his Daeuciones placed in Scandia, and corruptly so 
Cambd. Brit.  written for Danciones; the name of these Danes hath been derived; whereto the nearness of the place induceth much.  
(7) For Nations Originals may well be compared unto a spring, whose current surcharged with continual supply of more, first filleth the near Channels; which done, they pass further, and at length are (oftentimes) divided into many and great streams: and even so these Danes, (saith Dudo of S. Quintin's) after they had in heat, and lascivious 
Dudo.  lust engendered an innumerable offspring, swarmed out of Scandia like bees out of their hives, & that both on divers occasions, and in very barbarous manner; for grown to ripeness of years, & falling at strife with their Fathers and Grandsires', yea, and most commonly, among themselves for lands and livelihood, necessity compelled them to disburden the land thus overflowed, for the better maintenance of the residue, and to banish by lot (after their ancient custom) a multitude of their youth, that might conquer by their swords, in foreign Realms, places to live in.  
These than thrust out of their own, fell upon other lands with no less danger than the falling of a sword out of the sheath, or rather, as the breaking in of a tempestuous sea upon the neighbouring grounds, sore distressing their neighbour nations, & among them England not the least, as shallbe said.  
(8) And yet their name was not much notified to the world before the reign of justinian the Emperor, 
Cambd. Britan.  about the year of man's salvation, 570, but then roving upon the coasts of England, & France; in exercising Piracies, were noted by writers by the name Wiccingi, for that Wiccinga in the Saxon tongue, as Alfricus witnesseth doth signify a Pirate; they were also called Pagani, for that they were not Christians; but by the English Deniscan, and also Heathon-mon, as being Ethnics.  
(9) The manner of their Religion, or rather superstition and Idolatry, was much like unto the other 
The Religion of the Danes.  Germans and Saxons, whose principal God and national reputed-Patron, was Thur, unto whom the fourth day of the week for his service was assigned, whereof as yet it beareth his name Thursday; who in his robes was set upon a sumptuous bed, the Canopy whereof was bespangled with stars of gold; unto him they performed their chief devotions, 
Verstegan.  and ascribed all their fortunes in their affairs; as the foresaid Dudo doth more particularly relate. They (saith he) sacrificed unto Thur, whom they worshipped in old time as their Lord, for whom they killed not 
Dudo.  many sheep, oxen, or other cattle, but offered unto him mens blood, thinking that to be the most precious oblation of all others; whom, when the Priest by casting of lots had destinated to death, they were all at once deadly smitten upon the head with oxeyokes; and every one thus chosen by lot, having at one stroke his brains dashed out, was laid along on the ground, and there with a narrow prying was sought out the Fibra, or vein of the heart on the left side, whence drawing the blood, as their custom was, and therewith besmearing the heads of their dearest friends, forthwith they hoist sails, thinking their Gods well pleased with such sacrifices, and fore-deeming happy success to their intended voyage.  
(10) Ditmarus the Bishop (somewhat ancienter than Dudo) recordeth another detestable superstition 
Cambd. Brit.  used by the Danes to purchase the favour of their Gods. Because (saith he) I have heard wonderful reports of the ancient sacrifices which the Danes and Normans used, I will not let them pass untouched. In those parts there is a place, and the chief it is of that Kingdom, called Lederum, in a Province named Selon, where every ninth year, in the month of january, after the time in which we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, they all assemble together, and there they kill and sacrifice unto their Gods ninety and nine men, and as many horses, with dogs, and also cocks, in stead of hawks, assuring themselves that hereby their Gods are fully pleased and pacified. And thus much may serve for a taste and view of their customs, names and originals.   

THE DANES FIRST ATTEMPTS AGAINST ENGLAND. CHAPTER II.  
THough many were the Piracies of the Danes on 
An. Do. 787.  the coasts of France and this our Island in former times; yet their arrival here, which gave first breath to their ensuing conquests, was not till the wane of the Saxon Monarchy, about the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred eighty seven, in the reign of Brightrik King of the Westsaxons: in whose dominions, after some proffer at Portland, they first came to land at Teignemouth in Devon-shire; being 
Cambden in Dan●…. john Stow. Lambert in Per●…. mentioneth their Landing at Ty●…mouth in the North, the nearness of the name (it seems) deceived him.  sent then with three Ships only, to espy the wealth of this Country, the forces of the Inhabitants, the commodities of the Havens, and advantage of arrival for a greater power, which was to follow them. The King's Lieutenant and Perfect for that place, understanding of their landing, went himself to demand the reason thereof; and attempting to lay hands on some to carry them to the King's presence, he was there slain; which they took as a fortunate presage of the victories wherewith they afterward overran this Kingdom; though for the present the inhabitants enraged with the loss of their Chief, addressing them in great numbers to revenge, forced some to lose their lives by the sword, the rest to save them by flight to their ships.  
(2) Notwithstanding their former preparations, they were contented to defer their return till 
An. Do. 800.  the days of King Eghert; whose reign (as elsewhere 
See the seventh Book chap. 31.  we have touched) they disquieted with three several invasions; the first in the North,, the second in Wales, the last in Kent; in all which, the King though with many losses, and hazards of his own person, yet with great resolutions persisted, till he had disburdened his land of so dangerous guests. But those Flesh-flies having once tasted the sweet, though often beaten off, would not long be kept away, 
〈◊〉. l. 5. c. 1  but could easily take, or make occasions of fresh attempts; insomuch that after their first footing they continued here their cruelties, rapine and spoil the space of two hundred and eighteen years, never 
Fabian. cap. 158.  in termitting, till they had got the garland upon their own heads. The way whereunto was made upon this ensuing occasion.  
(3) Osbright a Northumbrian Viceroy, deputed by the Westsaxons; by chance, as he followed his disport in Hunting, came to the house of a Noble man, named Beorn-Bocador, whose Lady of passing feature (in his absence) gave him honourable entertainment, and entreated both himself and train, to repose themselves there a while, after their wearisome delights. The Viceroy already ensnared with her beauty, accepted her courteous offer, not so much to taste her meats, as to surfeit his eyes with her rare beauty, and lasciviously to dote in his own affections. The dinner ended, and all ready to depart, as though some weighty matters were to be handled, he commanded an avoidance from the Presence, and taking the Lady into a withdrawing Chamber, under pretence of secret conference, greatly tending to the advancement of her Lord & self, most unnobly, being not able to prevail by smooth persuasions, did by force violate her constant chastity. Which dishonour thus received, and her mind distracted like to Thamar's, at her husband's return, 
2. Sam. 13. 1●….  all ashamed to behold his face whose bed had so been wronged, with floods of tears she thus set open the sluices of her passions.  
(4) Had thy fortunes accorded to thine own desert, or thy choice proceeded as by vow was obliged, then had no stain of blemish touched thine honour, nor cause of suspicion once approached thy thought: or had myself been myself, these blushing cheeks had not invited thy sharp piercing eye to look into my guilty and defiled breast, which now thou mayst see disfurnished of honour, and the closet of pure chastity broken up; only the heart and soul is clean, yet fears the taineture of this polluted cask, and would have passage (by thy revenging hand) from this loathsome prison and filthy trunk. I must confess our sex is weak, and accompanied with many faults, yet none excusable, how small soever; much less the greatest, which shame doth follow, and inward guilt continually attendeth; yours, is created more inviolable and firm, both against allurements and enforcements: by whose constancy as our flexible weakness is guarded, so our true honours by your just Arms should be protected. O Beorn, Beorn, (for husband I dare not call thee) revenge therefore my wrongs, that am now made thy shame and scandal of my sex, upon that monster, nay Devil, Osbright, (O that very name corcorrupts my breath, and I want words to deplore my grief) who hath no law but his lust, nor measure of his actions but his power, nor privilege for his loathsome life, but his greatness, whiles we with a selfe-feare, and servile flattery mask our baseness with crouching obedience, & bear the wrongs of his most vile adulteries. Thou yet art free from such dejected and degenerate thoughts, nor hast thou smoothed him in his wicked and ever-working vices: be still thyself then, and truly Noble as thou art. It may be for his place thou owe●…t him respect; but what? therewith the loss of honour? thine affection, but not thy bed; thy Love but not thy beloved, yet hast thou lost at once all these, and he thy only bereaver: thou wast my stay whilst I stayed by thee; and now being down, revenge my fall: the instinct of nature doth pity our weakness, the law of Nations doth maintain our honour, and the sword of Knighthood is sworn by to be unsheathed for our just defence; much more the link of wedlock claims it, which hath locked two hearts in one; but alas, that ward is broken, and I am thy shame, who might have been thine honour. Revenge thyself therefore both on him and me, else shall this hand let out the Ghost that shall still attend thee with acclamations, till thou revenge my stained blood.  
(5) Beorn unwonted thus to be welcomed, much amazed at his wives maladies, with gentle words drew from her the particulars of her inward grief, who revealed (as well as shame, and tears, and sobs, would suffer) the manner of the deed, still urging revenge for the wrong. Beorn touched thus to the quick, to pacify his distressed wife, did not a little dissemble his wrath, and excusing the fact, with the power of a Prince that might command, and her own weakness unable to resist the strength of a man: Commended much her love and constancy; and alleging his wrongs to be equal with hers, if not greater, in regard of their sex, willed her to set her string to his tune till sit opportunity would serve to strike: but she distasting that sweet consort, wrested her passion into so high a strain, that nothing couldbe heard but revenge & blood.  
(6) Beorn thus instigated by the continual cries of his wife, whose rape already of itself had given sufficient cause of wrath: first consulting with his nearest friends, was offered their assistance against that wicked and libidinous Prince, and then repairing to his Court, in presence of them all, made known his unsufferable wrongs, and with utter defiance departed, threatening his death.  
This Nobleman in his youth had been brought up in Denmark, and is reported to have been allied into the Danish royal blood. He therefore accounted this nation the surest unto himself, and the fittest in will and power to enter his quarrel: so coming to Goderick King of that Country, made his case known, instantly desiring his aid against the villainy of Osbright.  
Godericke glad to have some quarrel to enter Britain, levied an Army with all speed, and preparation made for all things necessary, sendeth forth Inguar and Hubba two brethren to command in chief, over an innumerable multitude of his Danes: which two he thought at this time the fittest for the attempt, not only for their well approved resolution and valour, but also for that he knew them to be, on particular motives (which usually more affect then doth a common cause) implacably enraged against the English, on an occasion unfortunately happening, but most lamentably pursued: which it will not be amiss here to annex.  
(7) A certain Danish Nobleman of the royal lineage named 
* That is Leather-brichs.  Lothbroke, Father to this Inguar & 
Flores historiarum  Hubba, being upon the shore, his Hawk in flying, the game fell into the Sea, which to recover, he entered a little Schiffe or Cockboat, nothing foresecing the danger that immediately did ensue: for a sudden tempest arising, carried the boat into the deep, and drove him upon the coast of Norfolk, where he came to land at the Port called Rodham, and was no sooner seen, but he was taken for a spy; and presently sent to Edmand, King then of that province, who in his answers sufficiently cleared that suspicion, when also declaring his birth & misfortune, he was honourably entertained in the Court of the East-Angles: whom the King much esteemed for his other good parts; but for his dexterity and expertness in hawking, held him in a special regard; insomuch that the King's Falconer named Bericke, conceived both such secret envy and deadly hatred thereat, that haviug him alone in a wood, he cowardly murdered him, & hid his dead body in a Bush.  
(8) Lothbroke in the King's presence and Court was soon missed and diligent inquisition made could not be found until his Spaniel, which would not forsake his dead Master's corpse, came fawninglie 
Murder will out.  unto the King, as seeming to beg revenge on so bloody an Act, which he did more than once, & at length being observed, and followed by the trace, the dead body was found; and Bericke convicted for the murder, his judgement was to be put into Lothbrokes' boat, and that without either tackle or Oar, as he therein arrived, and so left to the'seas mercy to be saved by destiny, or swallowed up by just desert.  
But behold the event; the Boat returned to the same place, and upon the same coast arrived from whence it had been driven, even in Denmark, where Bericke being known, and hands laid on him, to free himself from the punishment of his butcherly fact, he added treason to murder, laying it to the charge of innocent King Edmund.  
(9) In revenge whereof, and likewise in Godericks' quarrel, Inguar and Hubba, sons to the murdered Prince, being now made Generals of the Army of the Danes, first arriving at holderness, burnt up the Country, and without mercy massacred all before them, sparing neither sex, nor calling, nor age; and surprising York, which Osbright had taken for his refuge, there slew that lustful Prince with all his forces, and possessed that City; and afterwards bursting into Norfolk, sent this message unto King Edmund. That Inguar the most victorious Prince, dread both by sea and land, having subdued divers Countries unto his subjection, and now arrived in those parts where he meant to winter, charged Edmund to divide with him his riches, and to become his vassal and servant.  
The King astonished at this strange and unexpected embassage, consulted with his Council, where one of his Bishops (than his Secretary, and a principal man) used persuasions to him to yield, for preventing greater mischief; who notwithstanding returned this answer: Go tell your Lord, that Edmund the Christian King, for the love of this temporal life, will not subject himself to a Heathen and Pagan Duke. Whereupon Inguar and Hubba, with the furious 
Rob. Fabian. cap. 169. Polycr. li. 5. ca 3●…. Abbas Floriacensis.  troops of their Danes, pursued the King to Thetford; and (as Fabian saith) to Framingham, others to Halesdon; where he pitying the terrible slaughter of his people, yielded himself to their persecutions; and for that he would not deny Christ, and his Christian faith, was bound to a tree or Stake, and with their arrows so shot to death: whose body was afterward there buried, and thereupon took the name of S. Edmunds-bury; as we have formerly touched in his reign, Lib. 7. cap. 11.  
(10) Whether these were the very true causes, or some other, which drew these Danes hither, most certain it is and too lamentable experience showed, that hither they came (by Writers account) about the year of Christ eight hundred, and in the days of King Brightrick. Neither want there Authors who ascribe certain predictions to have forerun the year 800. made unfortunate by their first attempts; foreshowed seven years before, by showers of blood falling from heaven, and bloody Crosses marked therewith upon the garments of men, reported by the learned Alcuinus, who was instructor 
Alcuinus.  to Charles the Great, and borne in the county of York, where this wonder happened: which himself saw & testified unto Ethelbert King of that Province, as Malmsbury hath written, and was 
Wil Malmsb. Roger Houed. Ran. Higden. Rob. Fabian.  thought by Hoveden, Higdon, Fabian and others, to have been sent for signs before their bloody assaults, which began at the dayspring of the Saxons Monarchy, when it promised a most fair ascent to their heirs succeeding, but mounted to the highest, again declined as the setting Sun, and fell under the clouds of their own ruins, so carried by the just revenging hand of God: for those Saxons having by blood and war unseated the Britain's of their land and right, by blood and war, were by these Pagan-Danes so uncessantly molested, that no place was freed from their tyranny, nor any state sure, long to hold that, which they enjoyed, nor their lives secured from a daily expectation of their 
Blood revenged with blood.  savage swords.  
(11) Whose many invasions and cruel proceedings against this land and nation, are already showed in the reigns of these Saxon Kings, who then felt their heavy strokes in war, having nothing almost memorable otherwise, to enlarge their fames and stories with, besides these their valours in resisting so mighty and almost unrepugnable an enemy. Therefore omitting to repeat such things as in their successions are handled, we will fall nearer the time of the wished harvest of their full Conquests: some what remembering the Reader here, of those bloody affairs, which the English at several times felt and endured.  
(12) Such was the murder of holy Edmund King of the East-Angles, with Danish arrows martyred to death as he stood bound unto a stake, ever-calling on the name of jesus: Of Ella and Osbright Governors of Northumberland by them slain, and that Province for a long time after by them enjoyed, and made subject to their furies: Of Burdred King of Mercia, by them expulsed, who with his Queen Ethelswith, were forced to abandon their Kingdom, leaving it to the possession of these Pagan intruders, and to seek their securities in foreign Countries, where at Rome in Italy he died, and at Padua his wife, as hath been said: Of Ethelred King of the Westsaxons, that in one years continuance fought nine bloody battles against them; in the last whereof at Merton he received his death's wound, and this Kingdom an uncurable blow: Of Elfred that most famous and learned King of the Westsaxons also, driven by them to such distress, that he was forced to leave his Princely Court, and to remain secret in a poor Cowherds house unknown and disguised, in the Isle of Ethelingsey in the County of Somerset, and thence to adventure himself among the Danish host, as a base Minstrel and Contemptiblemakesport, 
Henry Hunt. 〈◊〉. Angl. 〈◊〉. 15. Rand. Hig  till he had perfectly learned their secrets, and after with his sword through the thickest of those Enemies, made a way to his own most glorious Monarchy.  
(13) To speak nothing of the desolations left in every Province, Town, and Place, where they came, laying all leavell with the ground, as prints of their footsteps where they had trodden: Their cruel and merciless dealings towards holy and religious persons, with the ruination of Churches, and other places for Oratory, is most lamentable to be rehearsed or remembered: and among many others, the fair & beautiful Monasteries of Bradney, Crowland, 
john Stow. Flores bister.  Peterborow, Ely, and Coldingham, were made subject to their desolations: In the last whereof, Lady Ebb with her chaste Nuns, to avoid their savage and filthy pollutions, cut off their own noses and upper-lippes, lest the bait of their beauties should prove the bane of their honours & honesty.  
The most grievous tribute and exactions laid 
Some say forty eight thousand. Languet saith fifty.  upon the poor Inhabitants in general, and great sums of money, paid in such afflicted & unseasonable times, imposed by the name of Dane-gilt, did from ten thousand, arise to forty thousand pounds, yearly gathered for them in England. Their sturdy behaviour and Lordlike carriage against the English, in all places where ever they sojourned, was with such subjection of the poor Owners, that they abused both wife, daughter, and maid, and were of all called the Lord-Dane, till lastly they were Lords indeed of the Land, and swayed the Sceptre at their own pleasures; which how it was attained unto, we have before declared, and how it was worn and continued, we are now presently to speak.   

CANUTUS THE FIRST DANISH KING REIGNING INENGLAND AND THE THIRTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER III.  
THe sails of the Danes thus over-filled with the gales of their swelling fortunes, 
An. D. 1017.  and themselves arrived at the Port of their long sought sovereignty, cast anchor as it were at the haven of their wished desire, and prepared themselves to a settled rest: for Canutus possessed of half the Kingdom by composition with Edmund, now after his death seized upon the whole; and that all things (as was pretended) 
Polychr. li. 6. c. 18.  might proceed with justice, and concord, he called a Counsel of the English Nobility at London; wherein was propounded, whether, in the agreement betwixt Edmund and him, any claim of title to the Crown, had been reserved, for King Edmund's brethren or sons. The English that had paid a very dear rate for their overbold resistance before, not daring now to buy, with too late repentance, the wrath of this Dane, absolutely answered, No; and having learned 
Fear makes flatterers.  to appease Princes with flattery, offered their swords against any such claims, and took themselves the Oath of allegiance unto Canutus; who being a very wise and politic Prince, thought never the better of them for such their doings; whose truths thus failing towards their natural Princes, could never (he well knew) stand firm for him or his foreign posterity.  
(2) But being thus cleared of all other opposites, he prepared with great royalty for his Coronation, which was performed at London, by the hands of Lyvingus surnamed Elstane, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year of Christ jesus 1017. being the second King of Denmark's of that Name, the first of England, and the thirty fourth Monarch of this Land. His first designs for the establishment of the Crown to 
Canutus ear and policies to 〈◊〉 his Crown.  himself and Danish issue, was a care to prevent others near unto the claim, and therefore, taking counsel with Edrike, banished Edwin, who for his melancholy and regardless deportment, was commonly called, the King of Charles, son of King Ethelred, and brother of Edmund; notwithstanding, he was guilefully recalled, and treacherously murdered by his own men, whose body they buried at Tavestocke in Devon-shire.  
(3) One cloud thus overblown, two others appeared, far more dangerous in Canutus sight; namely Edward and Edmund the sons of the Iron-side, whom albeit their yongue years might have freed from suspicion of conspiracies, and their gentle dispositions from envying his glory, yet the bright rays of a Diadem so dazzled his jealous eye, that ever he saw (to his own seeming) the reflection thereof shine from their faces: but ashamed (saith Higden) to lay hand on them himself, sent them to his half brother of Sweden, to be made away, as we have said. In 
Book 7. cap. 44. sect. 20.  the doubtful times between Edmund and Canute, when the scale of war was held of either hands alike, Queen Emma had sent Edward, and Alfred (her 
Wil Malms. Henry Hunt. 〈◊〉. Fabian.  sons by King Ethelred) unto her brother Duke Richard of Normandy; whereby (we see) the Land was emptied of the English blood Royal, and the Crown left for the Dane without competition.  
(4) Who now seeking to hold fast the Sceptre thus grasped, sought the alliance of the Norman Duke 
Canutus marrieth Queen Emma.  by the espousing of his sister, fair Emma; a suit sounding but harshly in the ears of the English, yea and most of all unto herself, as deeming the link of love very slender, that might be broken by the same hand, which was the death of her Husband: Notwithstanding, after good deliberation, knowing him childless of any lawful successor, upon covenants agreed, that the issue of her body by him, should inherit the English Crown: the suit was granted, 
Emma a very prudent Lady.  hoping also, if that failed betwixt them, to establish her other sons by King Ethelred.  
This provident respect so pleased the subjects, that it both drew the hearts of the English unto Canutus, and their love unto Emma in a surpassing measure, as the book penned to her praise, and written in that age, entitled Encomium Emmae, sufficiently doth show.  
(5) Neither was her loving care limited only to her sons, but further extended towards the 
Matth. West.  Commonwealth, being much pestered then with his Danes, that lay lazy and idle as drones in the hive: who at her instigations were sent into Denmark; & lest they should through discontents make any stirs either here or there, had a largesse (to buy their contentment) of fourscore and two thousand pounds.  
(6) Canutus his next care for the maintenance of his own safety, and the continuance of his new got Empire, was the establishment of good laws (which if duly executed, are the very sinews and strongest guards of all States) to be administered and practised 
A Parliament at Oxford.  both on the English and Dane alike: wherefore calling a Parliament of his Peers unto Oxford, there established many wholesome Acts both for the Clergy and Laity to observe; some of which were divulged 
Wil Lambert.  by the praiseworthy care of a studious Antiquary, and a few as touching Religion, as a relish of the rest, we think it not amiss to give the Reader a taste of. 
Canutus his godly Laws.   
(7) And first, for the celebration of Gods most divine service it was ordained, that all decent ceremonies tending to the increase of reverence and devotion, should be used, as need required.  
That upon the Lord's Sabbath, public Fairs, Markets, Synods, Conventicles, Hunt, & all secular actions should not be exercised, unless some weighty and urgent necessity required it.  
That every Christian should thrice in the year address himself to the receiving of the blessed sacrament of the Lords Supper.  
That if a Minister of the Altar killed a man, or else committed any notorious crime, he should be deprived both from his order and dignity.  
That the married woman convicted for adultery should have her nose and ears cut off.  
That a widow marrying within the space of twelve months after her husband's decease should lose her jointer.  
(8) These & many other were made, whereby sin was much restrained, and this realm peaceably and justly governed. As likewise sundry other Countries were by his godly and royal care; as in especial is recorded of a young Gentleman of the Danish royal blood, named Odi●…, whom King Canute brought over with him into England, to be here trained up in learning, where he profited so well, as also by his travail through France (whereby he much 
〈◊〉.  increased both his knowledge and experience) that he attained the surname of Sapient, and the Philosopher, and therefore was called Odin-char, for the dear esteem wherein all men held him. This man by his preaching in Finland, Zealand, Scandia, and Sweuland, converted great multitudes to the faith of Christ.  
(9) But in Denmark things proceeded not so well; for in the absence of Canutus, and year of Christ's humanity 
An. D. 1019.  1019. the Vandals sore annoyed his subjects: he therefore, in the third of his reign, with a 
Wil Malmsbury.  great host of the English passed over the seas, and bad 
Mat. Westminster.  his enemy's battle, which, as Matthew of Westminster writeth, went sore against him the first day; and preparing again for the next, Earl Goodwin, 
Earle goodwin's good service to Canutus.  who was General of the English, attempted a great enterprise: for in the dead of the night, he with his soldiers set upon the Camp of the Vandals, and with a great slaughter of their soldiers, made the two Princes, Vlfus and Anla●…e to fly the field.  
Canute ignorant of this acted enterprise had notice in the morning that the English were fled, for that their station was left, and not a man found: wherefore following the tract, even to the enemy's camp, by streams of blood, and dead bodies of the Vandals; 
Henry Hunting. 〈◊〉. Fabian.  he saw the great overthrow that the English had given them, for which he ever after held them in great estimation.  
(10) Albertus Krantius, the Danish historian, reporteth that Olanus King of Sweyden, having assisted Canute 
Alb. Krantius.  against Edmund the Ironside, and seeing himself to be neglected in the composition betwixt them, moved such stirs in Denmark, that Canutus was forced thither again; where by the prowess of his English he repulsed Olanus, who lastly was slain by his own subjects.  
(11) William of Malmesbury and Matthew of Westminster record, that in the year 1032. he undertook 
An. D. 1028. Wil malmsbury. Mat. Westminster  an expedition into Scotland, with prosperous success against Malcolm the King thereof, with two other Princes called Melbeath and jeohmare. But being at length overburdened as it were with his own greatness, and surfeited with glory, which sometimes he had so greedily desired (as even the greatest earthly delights have their fullness) he resolved on a more placable course of life, and to affect a higher and heavenly glory, which hath never satiety or end. And therefore his devotion being great unto godward, on a zealous intent, (such a zeal as S. Paul 
Rom. 10. 2.  commended in the devout Israelites) he took a journey to Rome, to visit the sepulchers of S. Peter and Paul in the fifteenth year of his reign; & thence sent his letters to his English Bishops and Nobility, beginning thus.  
(12) Canute King of all England, Denmark, Norway and Sweyden, to Ailnothus Metropolitan, etc. 
Wil Malmsb.  Wherein having first set down the reason of his pilgrimage to Rome, which was especially to honour S. Peter, as he had been taught by Wisemen, that S. Peter had received from Christ the great power of binding and losing, and was also the Keybearer of heaven-gates, for which cause (left S. Peter should not open the same unto him when he should come thither) he held it most behoveful for him to procure his Patronage more than all the rest of Saints; then making relation of his honourable entertainment with the Emperor, Pope, and other foreign Princes, showeth what complaint he had made against 
Canutus complaineth of the Pope●… extortions in England.  the excessive exactions and huge sums of money extorted by the Pope from the English archbishops, at such time as they received their Palles from Rome; for redress whereof, and of other abuses, the Pope in a solemn assembly of four archbishops, twenty Bishops, and an innumerable multitude of Princes and Nobles obliged himself: And thence proceedeth in vowing the whole remainder of his life and reign, 
His godly resolution touching his own actions.  to the only service of God, and due administration of justice to his people; to which end, he first gives command to his counsellors, that thence forward 
Touching his counsellors.  they dare not, for whatsoever respect, to give way or connivence to any the least injustice in his Kingdom; and next to his Officers of justice, that as they tender his royal favour and their own lives, they swerver 
Touching his judges and justiciaries.  not from Equity in execution of their places, in respect of any man whosoever, no not, for the enriching of the Kings own Coffers, because (saith he) I hold it not needful, that treasure should be heaped together for me, by any unjust exactions: and so concludeth 
Touching his Treasure.  with a strict charge to all his Bishops and justices, upon their allegiance both to God and himself, to take order in his absence, that God's Church, and his Ministers, be not defrauded of their Tithes and 
Touching God●… Church.  rights, whereof he vows at his return to take a most severe account.  
(13) By this his great care of his own salvation, and his people's tranquillity, we may see the zeal of those dark days, to have been accompanied with the works of true piety; whose carnal applications of the spiritual texts, may well condemn these clearer times, and days of more brightness, wherein we know, that this Keykeeper of heaven, is no other but 
Apocal. 3. 7.  the very Christ, who hath the Key of David, which openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth. And that this King's zeal might be further seen, by his magnific works, he began to manifest it even at Rome, where giving many large gifts 
His Munificence  unto S. Peter's Church, he also made free the Saxons School from all tributes.  
(14) In Essex he built the Church of Ashdon, where he had the victory against King Edmund. In 
His magnificent buildings, etc.  Norfolk the Abbey of S. Benet's, which Saint he greatly reverenced; and in Suffolk with an especial devotion built and endowed the Monastery of S. Edmund, which Saint he most dreadly feared: for it is reported, that the seeming-ghost of Edmund often affrighted him; for which cause, as also to expiate 
josselin. de Br●…klond.  the sins of his father, who had done great damage to his possession, he inverged the same with a deep ditch, and offered up his Crown upon the Martyr's Tomb. Most rich and royal jewels he gave the Church of Winchester, whereof one, is recorded to be a Cross, worth as much as the whole revenue of England amounted to in one year: unto Coventry he gave the Arm of 
S. Augustine's arm at a high rate.  S. Augustine the great Doctor; which he bought at Papia in his return from Rome, and for which he paid an hundred talents of silver, and one of gold.  
(15) The magnificent greatness of this glorious King, so overflowed in the mouths of his flatterers, 
Canutus his flatterers.  that they extolled him, with Alexander, Cyrus, and Caesar, and to be possessed with power, more than human: to convict these his fawning overprizers, being then at Southampton, he commanded (saith Henry of Huntingdon) that his chair should be set on the shore, when the sea began to flow, and then in the presence of his many attendants; spoke 
Henry Hunt.  thus to that Element. Thou art part of my dominion, and the ground whereon I sit is mine, neither was there ever any that durst disobey my command, or breaking it, escaped unpunished; I charge thee therefore presume not into my land, neither wet thou these robes of thy Lord: but the 
Mat. 〈◊〉. 16. 17. Exod. 14. 21.  Sea (which obeyeth only one Lord) giving no heed to his threats, kept on the usual course of tide, first wetting his skirts; and after his thighs; when suddenly rising to give way for the still approaching waves, he thus spoke in the hearing of all: Let the 
His h●…ility.  world's inhabitants know, that vain and weak is the power of their Kings; and that none is worthy the name of King, but he that keeps both heaven, earth and sea in obedience, and bindeth them in the everlasting law of subjection. After which time he would never suffer the Crown to be set upon his head, but presently crowned therewith, the picture of our Saviour on the Cross at Winchester: unto such strong illusions were those godly Princes lead, by the guides that ever made gain of their devotions.  
(16) From the example of this Canutus (saith Peter Pictaniensis Chancellor of Paris) arose the custom to hang up the Armour of worthy men in Churches, 
Peter Pictan.  as offerings consecrated unto Him, in whose battles they had purchased renown, either by victory and life, or in their Country's service attained to an honourable death. And surely, howsoever this King is taxed of ambition, pride and vainglory, for which some have not stuck to say, that he made his journey to Rome, rather to show his pomp and riches, then for any humble devotion or religious intent, 
john Castor.  yet by many his intercurrent actions and laws of piety enacted, he may justly be cleared of that imputation; as also by the testimony of Simon Monk of Durham, who reporteth his humility to be such, 
Simon Dun.  that with his own hands he did help to remove the body of S. Aelphegus at the translation of it from London unto Canterbury, whom the Danes (notwithstanding his archiepiscopal & sacred calling) before had martyred at Greenwich: and by the testimony of Guido, Polydore, Lanquet, and others, he was a Prince 
Polydore hist. Angl. lib 〈◊〉. Lanquet.  of such temperance and justice, that no other in this West of the World was so highly renowned, or might be compared unto him in heroical virtues, or true humility.  
(17) Saxo Crammaticus, & Albertus Krantius the Writers of the Danish histories, deduce Canutus by a 
Saxon Grammaticus. Alber. Crantius.  lineal succession through the line of their Kings in this manner: He was (say they) the son of King swain (surnamed Tingskeg) by Sigred his wife, the widow of Erick, by whom she had Olafe Scotconning King of Sweyden: unto which Sweyne she bore also Ostrid a daughter, the mother of Thira, the mother 
Aimundus. Bremensis.  of King Sweyne the younger. The elder Sweyne was the son of King Harold, surnamed Blaatand, by Gonhild his Queen, who bore him also Iring King of Northumberland, and Gonhild Queen of North-Wales. The father of Harold was King Gormo●…d, whose Queen was Thira the daughter of King Ethelred, the twenty third Monarch of England, who bore unto him the said Harold, and another Canute both most valiant Princes; which two Gallants invading this land, were (for their brave resolutions) by their Grandfather proclaimed heirs apparent to all his dominions: the credit of which relations I leave to my forenamed Authors; but Canute (the elder brother) died very soon after, being deadly wounded in the siege of Dublin in Ireland; 
Holinsh. invasion of Ireland.  where perceiving death at hand, he gave strict charge to his attendants, to keep the same very secret till the City were taken, that so neither his own Army should be daunted, nor the enemy encouraged by the loss of the General. Gurmo, his aged Father, (to digress but in a word) so incredibly loved him, that he had vowed to kill with his own hands any person whosoever that should tell him the news of his sons death: which when Thira his mother now heard of, she used this policy to make it known to the King her husband. She prepared mourning apparel for him, and all other things fitting for funeral exequys, laying aside all Regal robes, and ceremonies of princely state, without intimating any cause of this sad solemnity; which the old King no sooner perceived, but he lamentably cried out, woe is me, I know my son is dead; and with excessive grief he presently died. But to return from that Canutus, to close up the reign of this our Monarch in hand.  
(18) In whom the Danish glories having ascended to the highest, began now again to decline towards their wane by the death of this great King; who, after he had in great glory reigned above nineteen years, deceased at Shaftesbury in the county of Dorset the twelfth of November, the year of Christ's Incarnation, 1035, and was buried in the Church of the old Monastery at Winchester, which being after new built, his bones with many other English Saxon Kings were taken up, and are preserved in guilt coffers fixed upon the walls os the Choir in that Cathedral Church.  

His Wives.  
(19) Algive, by most writers, a concubine to King Canutus, was the daughter of a Mercian Duke named 
Albert. Cram●….  Elfhelme, who is said to have been Earl of Northampton; and her Mother's name was Vlfrune, Inheritrix of the Town Hampton in Stafford-shire, from her called Vlfrun-Hampton, now Wollerhampton: This Lady Alfgive to make Canutus more firm to her love, herself being barren, is reported to have feigned Childbirth and to have laid in her bed the son of a Priest, whom Canute took to be his own, and named him Swain; him afterwards he created King of Norway, which lately he had conquered from Olaffe called the Martyr. The like policy, saith Higden and others, she used in bringing forth Harold her second son, who was (say they) the son of a souter; notwithstanding I think the condition of the mother, who lived in disdain, and died in disgrace, rather caused this report to be blazed, than any such baseness of birth in the sons.  
(20) Emma, the second wife of King Canute, was the widow of King Ethelred the Unready; and from the time of her first marriage was called in England, Elfgive, after the name of most of the former Queens, which had succeeded Saint Elfgive. She was married unto him in the month of july, and year of Christ jesus one thousand and seventeen, being 
Polychr.  the first year of his reign: whose wife she was eighteen years, and surviving, kept still at Winchester, unto which Church she gave nine Manors, according to the number of those fiery plowshares 
Ran. Higden. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 23. Wil Malmsb.  that she was forced to go upon, for her purgation, in the reign of Edward her son, as shall be said. This Church she adorned with many goodly vestures, and very rich jewels: and deceasing in this City the sixth of March, the year of Grace one thousand fifty and two and ninth of her son King Edward's reign, was buried in the Church of S. Swithine near unto Canutus her husband.   

His Issue.  
(21) Sweyn, the eldest son of Canute by Lady Alfgive, was borne before his father was King of 
Albert. Crant.  England, and before his father's death, was constituted King of Norway, lately conquered from King Olafe the Martyr; where he began his Reign; in the year of man's salvation one thousand thirty and five, being the eighteenth of his father's Reign in England; and after he had with dislikes ruled that Realm, the space of five years, he was rejected of the Norwegians his subjects, and deceasing without heir of his body, left the Kingdom to the native heir, Magnus, the son of Olaffe, who had been wrongfully dispossessed by Canute.  
(22) Harold, the second son of King Canute and of Lady Alfgive, was also born before his father obtained the English Crown, & for his exceeding swiftness was surnamed Harefoot: He remained with his father in England, after he had disposed of Denmark to Hardicanute, and Norway to Sweyne, his brethren, expecting something in reversion. But perceiving at his father's death, that England was also appointed to his brother Hardicanute, he took the advantage of his absence, and assumed the Sovereignty of this Kingdom to himself.  
(23) Hardi-Canute, the third son of King Canute, and his first by Queen Emma his wife, was borne about the beginning of his father's Reign, and towards the end of the same, was constituted King of the Danes, and designed to succeed him after his death in the Kingdom of England: But being absent then in Denmark, was disappointed by his brother Harold, who succeeded his father, after whose death he also succeeded him.  
(24) Gunhilda, the daughter of King Canute, and of Emma his Queen, was the first wife of Henry the Third, Roman Emperor, son of the Emperor 
Wil Malmsb. de 〈◊〉. Augs. cap. ●…2.  Conrade, the second of that name surnamed Salic: she was a Lady of a surpassing beauty, which either moved her husband's mind unto jealousy, or the over-lavish report thereof to breed surmise of incontinency; for accused she was of adultery, and to defend her cause by combat, none could be found, till lastly her Page, brought with her from England, seeing no other would adventure for her innocency, entered the list, himself but a youth, in regard of the other Combatant being a Giantlike man; yet in fight at one blow, cutting the sinews of his enemy's leg, with another he field him to the ground, where 
Ran. Higden. in Polycr. lib. 6. ca 〈◊〉.  presently with his sword, he took his head from the shoulders, and so redeemed his Lady's life. After which hard usage, the Empress Gunhilda forsook her husband's bed, and by no means could be brought again unto the same, but took the holy vail of a Nun in the Town of Burges in Flanders; where she spent the rest of her life, and after her 
Henry Hunt. lib. 6. Marian Scot Rob. Fabian.  death was buried in the Collegiate Church of S. Donatian, being the principal of that town, where her Monument remaineth beside the north door of the same Church unto this day.  
(25) Another Lady of the like sanctity, is reported to be the daughter of King Canut, and the second wife of Godescalke Prince of the Vandals, by whom he had Henry King of that Nation. They both are said to have suffered Martyrdom for the faith of Christ; he first at the City of Lenzim, and she after at Michelenburg, being most cruelly tortured to death with whips. This Lady upon sundry strong inducements cannot be reputed legitimate, which moved Andrew Velley, a Danish Writer in our time, to be therein of a divers opinion from Adam of Breme, and Helmoldus who lived five hundred years before him.    

HAROLD, THE SECOND DANISH KING REIGNING INENGLAND, AND THE THIRTY fifth MONARCH OF THE LAND, HIS REIGN, AND ACTS. CHAPTER FOUR  
CANUTUS being dead, & Hardicanute his son by 
An. D. 1036.  Queen Emma then in Denmark; Harold his 
Mat. Westminster.  elder (but base brother) foreslowed not the opportunity 
Wil Malms.  offered; for seeing himself in his father's life time neglected, and by will at his death, England with that of Denmark heaped upon Hardicanut: as quick in apprehension, as he was of footmanshippe 
Peter de johan.  (whereof arose the surname Hare-foot,) made strong his side by the Londoners, and Danes, Mercians, & Northumbrians very many, yea and some great Personages amongst them, affecting his claim: but Goodwin of Kent who had the Queen and her treasure in keeping, stood in his way, pretending 
Henry Hunt.  himself Guardian of her Children, & the will of Canutus, who appointed his son by her to succeed.  
(2) The opposition grew strong, and the factions ripened, even ready to seed, only the linger of Hardicanute gave leave unto Harold to better his side by daily supplies, and the fears of civil sedition moved the Nobility to argue with words and not weapons, the title depending betwixt these two brethren. At Oxford they met, where the presence of the one, downe-peized the absence of the other, so that their voices went only with Harold, and presently proclaimed and consecrated him King.  
(3) He began his reign the year of Christ's 
Floriacensis.  humanity, 1036. and was very solemnly crowned at Oxford by Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, though for a time, he was very unwilling to perform that service; for it is reported, that he having the regal sceptre and Crown in his custody, with an oath refused to consecrate any other for King, so long as the Queen's children were living; For (said he) Canutus committed them to my trust and assurance, and to them will I give my faith and allegiance. This Sceptre and Crown therefore I here lay down upon this Altar; neither do I deny, nor deliver them to you; but I require by the Apostolic authority, all Bishops, that none of them presume to take the same away, neither therewith that they consecreate you for King: as for yourself if you dare, you may usurp that which I have committed to God on this his Table.  
Notwithstanding that great thunder clap was allayed with the showers of golden promises, of his just and religious Government intended, though present experience manifested the contrary.  
(4) For saith the ancient Writer of the book called Encomium Emmae: Harold no sooner was established 
Encom. Emma.  King, but that he sought means how to rid Queen Emma out of the way, and that secretly, for openly he durst not attempt any thing against her: She in silence kept herself quiet, looking for the issue of his designs. But Harold maliciously purposing, took counsel how he might train into his Hay the sons of Queen Emma, that so all occasion of dangers against him might at once for all be cut off: many projects propounded, this lastly took effect; that a letter should be counterfeited in Queen Emmas name, unto her sons Edward and Alfred, to instigate them to attempt the crown usurped by Harold, against their right, the tenure whereof we have thought good here to insert.  
(5) Emma, Queen only in name, to Edward and Alfred her sons, sendeth motherly greetings. Whilst severally we bewail the death of our Sovereign, my Lord and your Father, and yourselves (dear sons) still more and more dispossessed from the Kingdom, your lawful inheritance; I greatly marvel what you determine to do, sith you know, that the delay of attempts gives the usurper more leisure to lay his foundation, and more safely to set thereon his intended buildings; for incessantly he posteth from town to town, and from City to City, to make the Lords and Rulers thereof his, either by threats, prayers, or present rewards. But this in private they signify, that they had rather one of you their Natives should reign over them, than this usurper & Danish stranger. Wherefore my desire is, that either of you secretly, and with all speed come unto me, whereby we may advise together what is to be done in this so great an enterprise: than whose good success, I desire nothing more. Fail not therefore to send word by this my messenger, how you mean to proceed: and so fare ye well, my dearest bowels, & very inwards of my heart.  
(6) These letters thus carried and cunningly delivered, were digested as savouring of no falsehood; and by the bringers, others returned, that Alfred should come shortly over to attend his mother's designs: these, brought unto Harold, the coasts were forelaid, and longing expectation attended the prey. Alfred as forward to set on his voyage, made Baldwin Earl of Flanders his; and some few 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  Bullogners increasing his Fleet, he took the seas for England: where coming to shore, Earl Goodwin met him, and binding his assurance with his corporal oath, became his liegeman, and guide to Queen Emma; but being wrought firm for Harold, treacherously led these strangers a contrary way, and at Guildford lodged them in several companies, making known to the King what he had done: who forthwith apprehended them even in their beds, and in the morning as chained prisoners, committing them to slaughter, contrary to the wont manner of military decimation, did spare and exempt only every teeth man for service or sale: Prince Alfred himself was sent prisoner to 
Rand Higden, 〈◊〉 Polychr. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. cap. 21.  the Isle of Ely, where having his eyes inhumanly put out, lived not long after in torment and grief.  
(7) Some add unto the former, an other, much more horrible kind of cruelty, as that his belly was opened, and one end of his bowels drawn 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  out, and fastened to a stake, his body pricked with sharp needles, or poniards, was forced about till all his entrails were extracted, in which most savage torture he ended his innocent life.  
(8) Harold thus freed from one, the other he thought would no further attempt; and therefore 
Henry Hunting.  the more boldly set himself against their mother Queen Emma, whose goods he confiscated, and banished her out of the Realm: who thus distressed, was honourably received, and for three years space maintained by Baldwin Earl of Flanders.  
(9) The Dane then seeing his hazards thus prevented, sought so to secure himself, and with sixteen ships of the Danish Fleet kept the seas, which continued ever in a readiness, and waffed from Port to Port; to the maintenance whereof, he charged the English with great payments, to their no little grudge & repining; whereby he lost the love of his subjects before it had well taken root in their hearts.  
10) Neither yet held he on long in these disroiall courses, for that his speedy death did cut off the infamy of a longer life; and is said to have died 
Malmsb. Hen Hunting. Stow.  at Oxford in the month of April, the year of Christ jesus, 1040, after he had reigned four years & some months: whose body was at first interred at Westminster, having been neither in wars so hardy, nor in government so prosperous, as his Father Canut before him had been, not left behind him either wife or children, to survive his person, or revive his name.   

HARDICANUTE, THE THIRD DANISH KING THAT REIGNED IN 
Monarch 36  
Hardi-Canut.  ENGLAND, AND THE THIRTY sixth MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, AND DEATH. CHAPTER V.  
THe States of the land, aswell English as Danes, that had stood for Harold, both 
An. D. 1040.  in obtaining and keeping 
Simon D●…nel.  the Crown, now seeing 
Mat. West●….  him fallen, thought it best to make way for their peace, before Hardicanut by his sword should purchase their subjection; therefore with all hast they sent into Denmark, with proffers of the sceptre, and their forward allegiance only unto him. Those parts beyond seas, were not then so subiective, as to build his hopes there upon any sure ground; for the Norwegians had thrust out his half-brother Sweyne, and had elected Magnus the son of Olaffe for their King; so that small assurance could he perceive of any quiet commonweal among them: and therefore foreslowing not the offer, immediately embarked his men of war, and with so favourable a wind took seas, that he arrived upon the coast of Kent, the sixth day after he had set sail out of Denmark; and with great pomp conveyed to London, was there proclaimed England's King.  
(2) He began his Reign in the year of Grace one thousand and forty, and was crowned in London by Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, being the thirty sixth Monarch of the Englishmen: his reign was spent in doing nothing, unless you will say, in doing evil he did something.  
(3) For no sooner had he a power to command, but he forthwith commanded the body of his half-brother the deceased King, to be digged up, and with spiteful disgrace to be thrown into Thamisis, where it remained until a Fisherman found it, and buried it in the Churchyard of S. Clement without Temple-bar, commonly called Saint Clement-Danes, for that (saith Stow) it was the burying place 
john Stow. in his Survey of London  of the Danes: this cruelty showed, was pretended for the hard usage of Queen Emma his mother, though partly spiced with revenge for his usurpation of the Crown against him.  
(4) Yet is worthily to be commended, for the reverent regard he bore to his Mother, and loving affection to his Brother; for no sooner was he risen out of the throne of his Coronation, but that he sent honourable Embassage unto Earl Baldwine, with many thanks to him, for her princely usage, and for her to return into England to her former estate, and place of Queen. His brother Prince Edward coming over to visit them both, was most honourably received; retained, and dismissed; and these are the virtues regardable in this King.  
(5) But his vices were more, and concerned more persons; for a great Epicure he was, and given much unto Cups, whereby he trained the body to belly cheer, and sense to be subject to sloth and drunkenness; four times every day were his tables spread, and plenteously with all Cates furnished, ever 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  commanding that his courtiers, guests, and servants, 
Wil 〈◊〉. d●… 〈◊〉. Aug. R●…. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Polyer. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  should rather leave, for superfluity, then call, for lack: which howsoever it was in him accounted for Royal bounty, yet it caused in the people (who use to praise the Sovereign's virtues, but imitate his vices) a riotous looseness, and the Commonweal to lie sick of consumptions, bred by such excess of those gross humours in her body.  
(6) This wrought in him a careless neglect of government in State, so that ●…he whole managing thereof was committed to his mother Queen Emma, a woman extremely covetous, and to Goodwin, the rich and politic Earl of Kent; who seeing the 
Wil Mal●…bury.  present state carried wholly away with present pleasures, thought that a fit subject for him to work upon; for the King not married (unless it were to his lewd will) and Edward likely to succeed, of an over soft temperature; he thought these both might prove advantageous to his ambition, and therefore bethought him, how the crown might be worn by him or his.  
(7) Therefore, to separate the hearts of the subjects from the Prince (than which, there can be no 
goodwin's devilish policy.  greater a wound unto both,) he caused the King to impose heavy tributes upon the English, only to pay the Danes in his Fleet, appointing every 
Henry Hunt. Wil Malmsbury. Mat. Westminster Simon Dun.  common Soldier and Mariner, to receive eight marks in money, & every officer and Master twelve; which amounted to the sum of thirty two thousand, one hundred forty seven pounds: for the payment whereof, there was so great a grudge, that two of the Collectors, Thurstane and Feader were slain by the Citizens of Worcester; which caused their City to be burnt, and part of the country spoiled by the King's command, and their Bishop Alfred expulsed the See, till with money he had purchased his peace. This Bishop's hands (as was said) were deep in the murder of Prince Alfred, the King's half brother, whom we spoke of; yea, and Goodwin himself was put to his purgation by oath, for the clearing of his suspicions in that treacherous and brutish fact: which oath was the lighter urged, and the easier received for his rich and bounteous gifts, immediately before presented to the King, and that was a ship, whose stern was of gold, with fourscore 
goodwin's gifts.  soldiers therein placed, all uniformly and richly suited. On their heads they all wore guilt Burgenets, and on their bodies a triple guilt habergion, a sword with guilt hilts girded to their wastes, a battaile-axe (after the manner of the Danes) on their left shoulders, a target with guilt bosses borne in their left hands, a dart in the right, their arms bound about with two bracelets of gold, containing sixteen ounces in weight.  
(8) Aimundus Bremensis writing the Stories of those times; showeth, that the three sons of Canute 
Aimundus Bremensis, M. S. cap. 108.  were possessed of the three Kingdoms, England, Denmark, and Norway, though the father by Will, had disposed of the first otherwise; which moved Hardi-Canute much to malign the royalty of Harold, whose Crown by birth and covenant belonged to him; and therefore with great preparation, intending to recover his right, he entered the Sea, and came into Flanders, where having notice of the usurpers death, his rage was stayed, and he peaceably came in, and received the Crown.  
(9) And that Swein (called the Younger) King of Denmark, to assist his uncle Hardi-Canute against Harold the usurper of England's Crown, with a great Army prepared thitherward; and taking the Seas, were by tempest driven upon the coasts of Hadel●…, where his Army doing some hurt, was set upon and discomfited by the soldiers of the Archbishop: 
Idem. cap. 109.  himself amongst them being taken prisoner, and brought into the presence of the Archbishop, was by him most honourably received, and conveyed unto Breme, who there entered a league with him, and with gifts and other compliments, after a few days; suffered him to depart; who likewise hearing of the death of King Harold, returned back to his own Country, where shortly after he was much molested by Magnus the son of Olaf, then reigning King over the Norwegians.  
(10) Hardi-Canute in England, hearing of those stirs, thought it his part to aid his Nephew King 
Idem. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Sweyn, against the invasions of Magnus: and therefore he sent one Sueno his kinsman, with an Army of the English, to re-establish King Sweyn in his Throne. These entered Norway, and the Field against the Norwegians, but by them were so overlaied, that he left Magnus the vanquisher, and returned again for England; but before he could arrive the Shore, King Hardi-Canute was dead, with whom died the issue of that war; whose death was sudden, and after this manner.  
(11) At the celebration of a great marriage, contracted 
Si●… D●…. Matth. West.  betwixt a Daenish Lord, called Canut-Prudan, and Lady Githa, the daughter of a Nobleman, whose name was Osgot Clappa; in a solemn assembly, & banquet at Lambeth the eight of june, reveling and carousing amidst his cups, he suddenly feldown without speech or breath: whose loss was the less lamented for his excess, riotousness, and unwonted exactions: but chiefly because a much better was then to succeed him; having himself had neither wife nor child that is read off. Yea, so far were all sorts from bewailing him, that in regard of 
Lambert. 〈◊〉. in 〈◊〉.  the freedom from the Danish yoke, which they attained by his decease, ever since among the common people; the day of his death is annually celebrated with open pastimes in the streets (as the old Romans kept their fugalia; for chase out of their Kings,) which time is now called Hoctide or Hucxtide, signifying a time of scorning or contempt, which fell upon the Danes by his death.  
His body with all due obsequies was interred at Winehester by his fathers, after he had voluptuously reigned two years lacking ten days, and departed his life and kingdom the year of Christ jesus, 1042.  
(12) With the death of this King died all rule of the Danes in this land, and the sacred spark of the Saxons fire (through three of their successions) buried in their own ashes, began now to take flame and to burn most bright, which was Prince Edward (now commonly called the Confessor) the son of King Ethelred; and albeit there were others betwixt him and the crown, as namely, Edward and Edmund the sons of the Iron-side, yet the one dying in Hungar●… without issue of body, the other there living as a banished man (by surname the Outlaw) was neither so well regarded, nor thought so worthy of 
〈◊〉 book●… 7. cap. 44. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  government, as this other Edward was, whom therefore they sent for, and with so great applause and acclamations proclaimed, that the present joy seemed to prognosticate a perpetual happiness to the English, who had been most miserably afflicted by the Daenes, for the space of two hundred forty two years; though this line again failed, before it was well begun.   

EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, SON OF KING ETHELRED, THE THIRTY SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, virtues, AND MARRIAGE. CHAPTER VI.  
EDward, the Third of that Name before the Conquest, 
An. D. 1042. Henry Hunting.  half-brother to the deceased Hardi-Canute, and son to King Ethelred by Queen Emma his wife, was by the provident care of a Mother's affection, (when the variable success of War, doubtfully depended betwixt Edmund the English, and Canutus the Dane) sent into Normandy to Duke Richard 
Polydor.  her Brother, there to be secured from all domestical stirs: and now, before the dead corpse 
Rand. Higden.  could be interred, wi●… general consent of the Nobles was elected their King.  
(2) I know well that in the legend of this holy man's life, more things are recorded, then with safety 
Legend. Aur. in vit. S. Edward.  of truth may be either believed, or delivered; as that he was chosen King by consent of Parliament, when as yet he was in his mother's womb, Ethelred his Father at the same time having many other sons alive; as also when the destroying Danes had extinguished by their wars almost the whole Royal issue of the English, the holy Monk Brightwold, of Glastenbury deploring their loss, and the Lands miserable estate, had 
Wil Malmsbury. Henry Hunt. lib. 〈◊〉. Polycr. li. 6. ca 18.  in vision this Edward, than an Exile, presented unto him by the Apostle S. Peter himself, who then anointing him King in his sight, telling him that his Reign should be peaceable, and twenty three years for continuance; Brightwold yet unsatisfied who should next succeed, demanded the resolution, and was answered by Peter, that the Kingdom of England was God's own Kingdom; for whose successors himself would provide. With such vain predictions our otherwise true Stories are overcharged; which moved Comineus the worthy French Historian, to tax the 
Philip 〈◊〉.  English with over much credulity that way.  
(3) But most true it is, that the English Nobility disclaiming all Danish subjection, presently upon the death of King Harold, enacted, That none of their blood should any more reign over them: putting this their decree in execution by cassiering all Danes from the Castles, Forts, and Garrison Towns throughout all the Land, whence some even of their Blood Royal were forced to depart. Then sending security into Normandy, with proffer of the Crown unto Prince Edward, had his consent, and assistance of Duke William his cozen german.  
(4) This Edward (as elsewhere hath been said) was borne at Islip near unto Oxford, and tenderly educated by Queen Emma his Mother; and after his Father's death, for safety sent into France; where, by his sweet conversation he gained the love of all, and as much himself affected those strangers, which was some blemish of policy in the face of his government, when he had got the Diadem, as being of disposition over-soft, and ever too pliant (an imperfection in a Sovereign) to take the impress of any stamp. In which mould, the aspiring Goodwin Earl of Kent, doth cast the fabric of his own designs; who had made away Alfred, his younger, but of a more resolute spirit, that so the basis of his own pillar (whose top in time he hoped to crown) might be set, if not upon, yet with the nearest to the Throne.  
(5) He therefore, the foremost both in will and power, used both to establish Prince Edward in his 
Rand. Higden. Marian. Scotus.  right, being seconded by Leofrick Earl of Chester, and Lyvingus Bishop of Worcester, and indeed with the general assistance of all the English; who now were so jealous of all foreign powers, that they forbade an overgreat train of Normans, (though coming for his aid) to attend their new-chosen King.  
(6) His Coronation was at Winchester, with great concourse of people, and the celebration performed 
Alfred Beverel. john Rouse.  by Edsine, Archbishop of Canterbury, upon the very day of Christ his resurrection, (being also a new-rising day to the English Nation) the year of grace 1042. himself being aged then towards forty, and was in number the thirty seventh Monarch of England, where he reigned with such justice & Piety, that he obtained the venerable name of Saint, and unto posterities is distinguished from the other Edward's, by the adjunct Confessor.  
(7) In the entrance of his government, to witness his love to his people, he sought every way the furtherance 
Rand. Higden, in Polychr. lib. 6. cap. 24.  of their wealth, and afterwards remitted the most heavy Tribute of forty thousand pounds yearly gathered by the name of Dane-gilt, which had been imposed by his Father, and paid for forty years' continuance, out of the lands of all, except only the Clergy, because, (say our ancient laws,) the Kings reposed more confidence in the prayers of holy Church, then in the power of Armies. Then, from the divers Laws of 
Cambd. Britan. de Danis.  the Mercians, Westsaxons, Danes, and Northumbrians, he selected the best, and made of them one body certain, and written in Latin, (that all men of any learning might know whereon to rely) to be the touch of his commonwealths Pleas, and the squire by which he would have every right to be measured; being (in a sort) the fountain of those, which at this day we term the Common Laws, though the forms of pleading & process therein, were afterward brought in by the Conquest.  
(8) The reign of this King by most writers records, was more spent in peace & works of true piety, them in wars, and blood, though some dissensions happened both domestical, and foreign: for about the year one thousand forty five, and third of his Reign, a royal Navy was rigged in Sandwich haven, against Magnus' King of Norway, who then intended to invade England, and indeed had so done, if the wars of Sweyn king of Denmark had not diverted his purpose.  
(9) This Sweyn was the son of Duke Wolf by Ostryd his Duchess, sister to Hardi-Canut, who as I find 
Albert. Crantius,  written in the manuscript of Aimundus Bremensis, being in possession of two kingdoms, prepared his Navy 
Aimund●… Bremensis.  for the conquest of England also. But, (saith he) King Edward governing that Kingdom with great justice and Love, chose rather his peace with proffers of Tribute, and promises that after his death the Crown should be his, yea though himself should have children: how beit this seemeth not to sound for truth; For Sweyn sending his Ambassadors unto Edward to crave aid against Magnus (his grievous and mortal Enemy,) could obtain none; and Harold Harfager, the successor of Magnus, and enemy to Sweyn, presently thereupon sent unto Edward for a league of amity, which was ratified firmly betwixt them.  
(10) Neither may we think that ever he meant his Crown that way; for that besides the decree enacted against all Danish claims, his desire to establish it in the English blood is most manifest, by sending for Edward his Nephew, the son of Edmund Ironside, remaining in Hungary, and that so long out of 
Matth West.  England that he was called the Outlaw; who coming over, brought with him his wife Agatha, and children, Edgar a son, and Margaret and Christian his daughters; him Edward meant to have made 
King Edward de signeth the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eng●…sh-man.  heir to the Crown, had he not been prevented by hasty death, whereupon the King designed young Edgar, his son, the heir apparent, and gave him the surname of Adeling, a name of great honour appropriated to the Princes of the blood, and men capable of the Crown.  
(11) Besides these former attempts, certain Danish 
 Pirates entered the Port of Sandwich, which with all the Seacoasts of Essex they spoilt, and in Flaunders made Merchandise of their prey. The Irish likewise with thirty six ships entered Severn, and with the assistance of Griffith king of South-Wales burnt or flew all that they found; against whom Alfred Bishop of Worcester went and fought, but with such success, that many of his Soldiers were slain, and the rest put to flight, which made the Welshmen far more bold, and Rese, the brother of Griffith, make many incursions 
An. D. 1053. Mat. Westmin●…er. Chron. of Wales.  to fetch preys out of England, till at length he was slain at Bulerden, and his head presented to king Edward at Gloucester.  
(12) His domestical molestations, were chiefly by Earl Goodwin and his sons; and those first springing upon this following occasion. Eustace the elder, Earl of Boulogne, who had married Gods, sister 
Wil Malmsbury.  by the father's side to King Edward, came into England to visit him then lying at Gloucester, and returning homeward, at Canterbury his Harbinger dealing roughly with a Burgess for lodgings, caused his own death; which when his Lord heard of, thirsting 
Rand. Hig.  for revenge, he slew eighteen Citizens in the heat of his fury: the Canterburians in as great a rage got them to armour, and slew twenty of his retinue, wounding many more, and made the Earl to recoil; whose grievous complaint coming to the King, he commanded Goodwin to see execution done upon the offenders. Earl Goodwin not hasty to follow his commission, advised the King to examine the cause before he massacred his true subjects at the instigation of Strangers; whereat King Edward was highly offended, and Goodwin thereby gained great love of the Commons. This occasioned Robert Gemeticensis a Norman, first made Bishop of London, and after Archbishop of Canterbury, to spread the Curtain of disfavour betwixt Goodwin and the King, urging his refusal as an Act of Contempt, wherein more dangers might lie hid then were to be suffered; whereupon Edward called an assembly of Estates, appointing a day of meeting at Gloucester.  
(13) The Commons (whose common guise is, deadly to hate all strangers, though many times well 
Malmsb.  deserving) now seeing Earl Goodwin in danger for their good, were easily drawn to assist him and his cause, and in warlike manner guarded his person, at Beverstane not far from the King. The Estates assembled, and Goodwin sent for, he refused to come, pretending service against the Welsh, then ready to make inroads, and that his presence was more needful there, then at Court; albeit the welshmen cleared themselves by sending their Ambassadors unto the King. The suspicions increasing, great preparation on both sides was made; to assist the King came Leofricke the worthy Earl of Chester, Siward the stout Earl of Northumberland, and Rodulfe Earl of Hereford his sister Godas' son, by her first husband Walter de Magne.  
(14) To Goodwin repaired his people of Southerie and Kent, and to him were brought by Swain his 
Rand. Higden. Matt. West. Si●…on Dun.  son, the men of Oxford, Somerset, Hereford, Gloucester, and Berk-shires; unto whom, Harold his other son, joined those of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdon-shires, so that his host was exceedingly great, and his mind thereby so inflated, that from Langton, where he lay, he sent a bold and Traitorous demand to the King, to have Earl Eustace of Boulogne with all his French and Normans (that kept then in the Castle of Dover) to be delivered unto him, and his sons: which being (as good reason was) refused, the Battle was prepared, and brought to the very point of hazard and ruin of all: For in that quarrel were assembled the greatest Peers, and Lords of the Land, the King's love swaying very much with many, but yet the hatred towards Strangers possessing the hearts of more. The beginning thus doubtful, and the end like to prove dangerous; the matter both with great foresight and providence was referred unto Parliament, to be holden at London with all convenient haste, whereunto pledges were both given and received on either parts.  
(15) King Edward strongly guarded with an Army of the Mercians and Northumbrians, entered London, and Goodwin with his sons in warlike manner came into Southwark to his own house. But his Army wavering, and (as bad causes & consciences make men do) suspecting the worst, by little and little shrunk away from him; which known to the King, he presently pronounced sentence of banishment unto Goodwin and his five sons, without further proceeding by way of Parliament, as was determined. Goodwin therefore with great riches and his three sons, Swain, Tostie, and Girth, sailed into Flanders, and Harold with his brother Leofwine, from Bristol passed into Ireland; who were no sooner gone, but the King proclaimed them Outlaws, and gave the Earldom of Harold unto Algar, the son of Leofrick, Earl of Chester. This Leofricke is he, which at his Countess' request freed the City Coventrie of their importable tribute imposed, as we have elsewhere said. 
Book 1. chap. 27.   
(16) In the second year of goodwin's banishment, both himself and those his sons with him, having 
Henry Hun●….  gotten ships convenient for war, in manner of Pirates came upon the coasts of Kent and Sussex, doing much harm, and returning with spoils: the like did Harold and Leofwin from Scotland, upon the western coasts of Somerset and Devonshire's, who thence coasting about the point of Cornwall, joined their Fleet with their Fathers, in the I'll of Wight. 
Simon Dunel.   
(17) Against them King Edward prepared, & himself, though aged, with a Navy of sixty ships well furnished for war, meant to have made an end of that business, by the destruction of his adversaries: but the Navies ready to join battle, God took the cause into his own hand, and with a thick fog so overspread the seas, that one Fleet could not thereby see another; in which, Goodwin and his complices by contrary winds were driven to the place from whence they came. King Edward still in jealousy of goodwin's return, rigged forth forty tall ships to secure the seas, which kept not so strong a watch, but that Goodwin got by them, soliciting the people of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey unto his aid, and entering Thamesis, did the like unto them in London, who accepted of his arrivage, though King Edward lay there: so that without disturbance his Navy fell up with the tide, through the south Arch of the Bridge, & a mighty army to his aid mustered upon the same side of the river.  
(18) The Nobility then seeing side against side, and all of them mere English, ready to hazard their blood in the quarrels of strangers, wrought so with Edward and Goodwin, that they came unto peace, and pledges were again delivered for the performance, whereof Wilmot the son of Earl Goodwin, and Hacun the son of Swain his eldest, were sent to Duke William of Normandy; so great a trust he ever reposed in strangers. This Swain, upon a remorse of conscience 
Wil Malmsbury. Ran. Higden. Mat. Westminster. Simon Dun.  for the blood he had spilled, and especially for the slaughter of Beorne his cozen & intercessor, who sued to the King for his peace, undertook a pilgrimage to jerusalem, and in his return died in Licia, whether through an extremity of cold, or by the hands of Saracens, that spoilt all they met, it is uncertain.  
(19) Goodwin now restored, and in great credit with the King, cast the eye of disdain upon the Archbishop Robert (as commonly favourits emulate each others,) and himself being a man eloquent and politic, so possessed the King both against him and his Normans, that he requited his own banishment, with all theirs out of England, some few excepted, that were favoured by the English: and now promising himself much honour and authority; was suddenly cut off by the stroke of death, surprising him as he sat at Table with the King upon Monday in the Easter week, but died not till the Thursday following, which happened at Winchester, where he was buried.  
(20) Besides these former foreign and civil molestations, other calamities happened to the land; for in 
Ran. Higden.  the year of Grace 1047. and month of january, there fell so great a Snow, which covered the ground unto the middle of March, that Cattle & Fowls perished abundantly: and on the first day of that Month the year following, a strange and terrible Earthquake happened, which seemed to rend the ground asunder, and withal such Lightnings, as burnt up the Corn, growing in the fields, whereby an excessive Dearth followed: so that his reign was neither so peaceable nor prosperous, as Brightwold the Monk dreamt it should be. But as all these were scourges sent from God upon the Land for sin, so both Prince, Pastors, and people, had all severally their part thereof, as being jointly the causers of the same.  
(21) For the King, in case of these Strangers, put the Land more than once in danger to be lost: and himself refraining the bed of his virtuous wife committed thereby the offence forbidden by the Apostle, and caused her his Queen, either to commit or be accused to have committed adultery. The Clergy 
1. Cor. 7. 5.  likewise altogether unlearned, wanton, and vicious: for the Prelates neglecting the offices of Episcopal function, which was to tender the affairs of the Church, and to feed the flock of Christ, lived themselves idle, and covetous, addicted wholly to the pomp of the world, and voluptuous life, little caring for the Churches & souls committed to their charge: and if any told them (saith Higden) that their 
Holinsh. Rand. Higden in Polycr. lib. 6. ca 2●….  lives ought to be holy, & their conversation without Covetousness, according to the sacred prescript, and virtuous examples of their Elders, they would scoffingly put them off with, Nunc aliud tempus, alii pro tempore mores; Times have mutations, So must men's fashions: and thus, (saith he,) they plained the roughness of their doings with smoothness of their answers. Briefly, the whole people were so loose and riotous, that as Geruasius Dorobornensis recordeth, they fell so fast to 
Geruasius of Canturbury.  commit wickedness, as to be ignorant of sinful crimes, was then held to be a great crime itself. And by the testimony of Malmesbury, the sins of those times evidently foreshowed a general destruction: for the 
Wil Malm●…b.  Englishmen (saith he) transformed themselves into the strange manners of the French, and that not only in speech and behaviour, but in their deeds, and Charters: their use was then to go fantastically appointed, their garments reaching but to the mid knee, their heads shorn, and their beards shaven all but the upper lip, which grew with long moustaches; continually wearing massy bracelets of gold about their arms, carrying marks upon their skin pounced in of sundry Colours; and the Clergi●… contenting themselves with trivial literature, could scarcely hack and hew out the words of the Sacrament. These than were England's dolorous times both of blindness & lewdriesse, drawing down God's wrath for their destruction.  
(22) But howsoever this King is reported to be loving and facile towards strangers, (which in itself is a princely virtue if it be opportunely and warily used:) yet to his own Mother, and Wife, unnaturally over rigorous, imprisoning and bereaving them both of all Princelike honour. Against Queen Emma, his Mother, were instigators Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, and Earl Goodwin of Kent, the two greatest favourites of the King. The causes objected were, her marriage with Canut the Capital enemy of England; her regardlessness of succouring himself and his brother 
Polycr. li. 〈◊〉. ca ●…4. Scal. Chron.  in their exiles, whom (as was alleged) she contrived to have made away; and that under colour of private devotions, she had used the company of Alwine Bishop of Winchester over familiarly, to her great dishonour and the King's disgrace: for these and the like, he took away all her jewels, and other substance, and committed her to safe custody in the Abbey of Werwell.  
(23) Indeed Malmsbury doth tax her to have been insatiably covetous, and that she was more tenderly 
Wil Malms.  affectionate to her Danish, than English children, whereby her love was measured to their fathers. But for the imputation of her incontinency, she washed it off with as sharp a trial as any that is recorded for truth, by undergoing that overhard law Ordalium, 
Ordalium, a trial of offenders by fire.  when in presence of the King her Son, & many of his Peers, she passed over between nine ploughshares glowing red hot, barefooted & blindfolded, without any hurt; using this speech to her leaders, as not knowing she was past all danger, O Lord when shall I come to the place of my purgation: but having her eyes 
Rand. Higd.  uncovered and seeing herself clearly escaped, fell upon her knees, and with tears gave thanks to her Deliverer, whereby she recovered, both the love and her former estate of the King, with the good esteem and applause of the people: in memory whereof she gave nine Manors (according to the number of ploughshares) to the Minster of Winchester, (wherein she had that trial,) and adorned the same with many rich ornaments; as likewise the King repenting the wrong he did her, bestowed on the same place the Island (so than it was) called Portland in Dorsetshire, being about seven miles in compass: for so the chance, in those days, was set, that whosoever lost, the monks did win.  
(24) Neither were this King's proceedings better 
Wil Malmsb. vita Edwardi. Marian. Scot 1. Cor. 7. 5. Egitha some call her.  with his own Wife, howsoever some have cloaked that Fraud (so the Apostle terms it) under the fair rob of Chastity. For he marrying Editha, a Lady incomparable both for beauty and virtue, in whose breast (saith Malmesburie) there was a School of all Liber all Sciences, refused her Bed: but whether it were for his debility, or hatred to Goodwin her father, or love of Virginity, I determine not; but am fully persuaded, that the accusation of Adultery wherewith Robert the Archbishop did charge her, 
Chr●…. W●…l.  was more upon envy to her father, than truth of so foul a fact in her, whose virtues were so many, and so memorable, by report of Authors, that were eie-witnesses themselves; for Ingulphus that had oftentimes conference with her, doth thus of her relate.  
There was given (saith he) unto King Edward for his Queen and Wife, the daughter of Goodwin, a most 
Ingulphus in hist.  beautiful damosel, Egitha by name, excellent well learned; in her demeanour, and whole course of life a Virgin most chaste, humble, and unfeignedly holy, no way savouring of her Fathers, or brethren's barbarousness, but mild, modest, faithful, and innocent, nor ever hurtful to any; insomuch, that this verse was applied to her: 
Sicut Spina Rosam, genuit Godwinus Egitham.  
From prickled stalk, as sweetest Rose:  
So Egith fair, from Godwin grows.   
All these notwithstanding, the King expulsed her 
W●…l. Melm●…b.  his Court and Bed, and that with no little disgrace; for taking all her goods from her, even to the uttermost farthing, committed her prisoner to the Monastery of Wilton, attended only with one maid, where she, for a whole years space almost, in tears and prayers expected the day of her release and comfort: All which unprincelie, and un-spouslike usage, as the King pretended, and said, was, because she only should not live in comfort, when as her Parents and Brethren were banished the Realm: an unjust sentence surely, and unbefitting a Saint, thus to punish the sins of the fathers upon their children, contrary to the prescript rule of God, who by his Prophet complaineth against such injustice, and regulateth it with this just verdict, That soul that sinneth shall die: and for her pure and unviolated 
Ezek. 1●…. 4.  chastity, himself on his deathbed spoke, saying, that openly she was his wife, but in secret embracings 
Edwardi vitae.  as his own sister.  
(25) Yet behold the blindness, and partiality of those times, wherein for this his only refusal of nuptial duties, the penciles of those that should have showed his true face to posterities, have so enbellished the portraiture and lineaments, that unto the beholder he seemeth now no mortal creature; his miracles and foresayings answerable to most of the Prophets. Which here to insert in so worthy a subject and holy King's life, were both to fill up with a needless surcharge, whole leaves of Times waste abuses, and to breed a suspicion of those other things in him, which we know for sound truth; as was his gift from God, through his holy invocations, and touch of the place affected, to cure the disease called Struma, now the King's Evil, which unto this day in his successors, hath been experienced upon many such healings, by the touch of those gracious hands who have held the Sceptre, as God's Vicegerents of this most blessed and happy Kingdom. That he had the spirit of Prophecy, many have thought, as also the notice of his own death, some constantly affirm; by a Ring sent him from jerusalem, the same that he long time before had given to a pilgrim: but these with his other miraculous cures, his sight of the Danes destruction, and the Seven Sleepers in the Mount Cellion besides Ephesus, 
Edwardi legend. eiusdem vit●… M. S.  with infinite others, I leave to his Legend-writers, and Aluredus Rivalensis to relate, who have written his many miracles with no sparing pen. Most true it is that of a little Monastery dedicated to S. Peter in the west of London by the river of Thames, he made a 
Saint Peter himself came down from heaven to the first dedication of that place, if the foresaid M. S. er not, T. Cliff●…rd.  most beautiful and fair Church, where he likewise provided for his own Sepulchre; and another dedicated to S. Margaret, standing without the Abbey: this of Westminster he endowed with very rich revenues, and confirmed their Charters under his Broad Seal, being the first of the Kings of England, who used that large and stately impression in their Royal Charters and Patents: the very true form whereof, according to the rude sculpture of those elder times, we have portraited in the front of this Chapter, as we intent likewise to do in the rest succeeding; whereof this use at least, (if no other) may be made, that by benefit of those patterns, men may know from what Princes they first received the Charters of their ancient possessions, and Patents of their honours, which the Prince's style (many being of one name) cannot sufficiently make known.  
The said Church of Westminster he built for the discharge of his vowed pilgrimage to jerusalem, & that in 
Simon D●…n.  such sumptuous manner, that it was in those days the Pattern to all other stately buildings. He founded also the College of S. Marry Oterie in the county of Devon, 
King Edward the founder of S. Marry Otery College. S●…w 124.  and gave unto it the Village of Otereg, and removed the Bishops See from Cridington to Excester, as a place of far more dignity; where the King taking the right hand, and the Queen the l●…, led Leofricke from the high Altar, and installed him the first Bishop of that See: Finally, when he had reigned the sp●…e of twenty years, six months, and twenty seven days; he died the fourth of january, the year of Christ jesus one thousand sixty six, and was with great lamentations and solemnity buried in his Church at Westminster, the morrow after the feast of the epiphany.  
He was of person well proportioned, of countenance sober, and of complexion fair; naturally courteous and gentle to all (and thereby too prone and credulous to suggestions) loving to his subjects, and overloving unto Strangers. A Prince of much virtue and integrity of life, notwithstanding which, had it not been veiled under the faire-shew of Chastity, he had not so easily been canonised for a Saint; wherein yet the seeming wisest taxed his wisdom, whilst under a goodly pretext of Religion and vowed Virginity; he cast off all care of having issue, and exposed the kingdom for a prey to the greedy desires of ambitious humours.  

His wife.  
Editha, the wife of King Edward, was the daughter of Goodwin, Duke of the Westsaxons, and Earl of Kent: her mother was Gith the sister of Sweyne the younger, King of Denmark; she was married unto him the year of Christ's humanity, 1045. and fourth of his reign. She was his wife eighteen years; and surviving him lived a widow eight more, and in the eight year of King William the conquerors reign, died in December, the year of Christ's birth, 1074, and was buried by her husband in S. Peter's Church at Westminster.    

HAROLD THE SECOND OF THAT NAME, THE SON OF EARL GOODWIN, AND THIRTY EIGHT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS LIFE, REIGN, ACTS, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VII.  
THe people sorrowing for the death of their King, and the Statesmen perplexed for choice of a new, Edgar Athelings title was worthy of more unpartial respect than it found: for him they held too young for government: beside, a stranger borne, scarce speaking English: and withal, the prophecies of Edward touching the alienation of the Crown, the Interest of the Danes, and the claim that 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Duke William made, (both by gift and consanguinity,) bred great distraction of desires, and opinions; but nothing concluded for settling the State; no man either assuming or proffering the monarchial diadem, because none had the power, or right to adorn therewith his own head. In this Calm conference a sudden gale arose, which blew all the sails 
Mat. W●…st. Polyd●…r.  spread for that wind into one Port. And that was Harold son to Earl Goodwin, a man (duly prising his many worthy parts) not unmeet for a kingdom, who first succeeding his father in his Dukedom, and next Edward (his brother in Law) in his Kingdom, in 
Vit. S. Edward.  patience, clemency, & affability bore himself most approvedly towards the virtuous, but with a Lion's courage, and fierce countenance chastised the disordered, and indeed became another Maccabeus unto the distressed Land. Whose kingly state before we touch, it shall not be amiss to lengthen his short reign with his Acts and Life, as he was a Subject, both with, and against his Lord and Predecessor.  
(2) That he took part with his Father against Eustace of Boulogne, and King Edward's hasty commission, we have showed; himself then enjoying the Earledom of Oxford, and so affected by those of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, Cambridge & Huntingtonshires, that they sided in his cause against the King; But these designs failing, (as commonly it is seen all attempts of Subjects against their Sovereigns do) he learned by banishment, what was the loss of true honour, and by forbearance of battle (when half the Kingdom stood for him,) his duty obliged unto the Commonwealth. And grown again into favour with the King, carried himself answerably unto both.  
(3) Some jealousy conceived, Edward without any cause, banished Algar the son of Leofrike Earl of 
An. D. 1055 Matth. West. Simon Dun.  Chester, who with the help of the Irish and Welshmen, under the conduct of Gruffith ap lewelyn Prince of North-Wales (who had married his daughter,) did much hurt to the English, putting Rodulph Earl of Hereford to flight, with the slaughter of five hundred men, spoiled the City, burned the Minster and became Masters of misrule in those parts. Against these was Harold sent, and with such manhood pursued his flying enemies, that passing through North-Wales, upon the Snow-downes he pitched his Field: The Earl, and Prince Gruffith, not daring to abide his presence, fled thence unto South-Wales, and again took into Hereford; whereof Harold having intelligence hasted thitherward (leaving sufficient in the Snow-downes to mate the Welsh), and recovering the City, with a deep trench and high rampire fortified it about, where for the saving of more blood (and not ungrateful to Algar, who without grudge had resigned to him his Earldom, and whole Revenues at his return from exile) a peace was concluded, and at Harold's request, Earl Algar and Prince Gruffith were pardoned.  
(4) But Algar being again accused, & again aided by his old associate Gruffith, recovered his Earldom by 
An. D. 1058  force, whereat King Edward was highly displeased, but most against Gruffith, who ever was ready to assist 
Simon Dun.  any against him: whereupon Harold the second time appointed General, with a great host entered North-Wales, without sight of enemy, where he only burnt down the stately Palace of Prince Gruffith, & so returned to the King. But long the Welsh were not quiet, nor the Prince pleased of the harms to him 
An. D. 1063.  done. Wherefore making his forces very strong he again molested the English.  
(5) To restrain whom once more was Harold set forth, who with such terror burst into Wales, that 
Mat. West.  Prince Gruffith, in secret stole from his Camp, leaving his Soldiers (if they would) to fight for themselves, whereupon his whole army yielded themselves 
Chro. Wal.  to Harold's mercy, and having Prince Gruffith in their hands, cut off his head, and sent it to Harold, giving him pledges for assurance of p●…ce, and the payment of the ancient tribute which for a time had been retained: yet ever after he carried so heavy a hand on the Welsh, that as john of Salisbury in his Policraticon writeth, he ordained a law, that what Welshman soever, should with weapon pass over Offaes' ditch, should have hi●… right hand cut off by the King's officer.  
(6) All now in quiet, and Harold withdrawn to his Manor of Boseham upon the rivage of the sea 
Wil Malms. Mat. Westminst●…r.  in the confines of Sussex, there for his recreation, one day he took into a Fisher's boat with small attendants, neither those very skilful Mariners, when no sooner were they launched into the deep, but a contrary wind came about, and drove the boat upon the coast of Ponthieu in France, where he was taken by the Country people, and presented to Guido their Earl, who a while retained him his prisoner, in hope of gain by his ransom, but Duke William requiring it, he was conveyed into Normandy, where he cunningly persuaded the Duke, that his secret coming out 
Matthew Paris, in Will. Hen. Hunting.  of England, was purposely to enter a league of amity with him. The Duke then having present wars with the Britaines in France, took this his new friend and guest with him for his companion at Arms; whose ready policies followed with forward practice, won him great estimation with the Duke; whereupon betwixt 
Rand. Higd.  them a covenant was made for the reservation of the English Crown to the Norman, if it chanced King Edward to die without children; and the same ratified by Harold's corporal oath, with the affiancing of Lady Adeliza, the Duke's fifth daughter, 
Gemeticensis.  than a child and Harold a widower; which afterwards fell to his own destruction, and the lands subversion, as shall be said.  
(7) His last employment by holy King Edward, was against the tumultuous Northumbrians which 
Wil Malmsbury.  had expulsed Tosto their Earl, and Heralds own brother, where a peace was concluded without shedding blood, but with condition that Tosto should lose his Earledom: whereupon in great displeasure, he with his wife & children fled into Flanders, and ever after hated the person, and emulated the glory of Harold. The original of these two brethren's quarrels began at Windsor, where in the presence of the King they fell from words unto blows, and that in such manner, as if rescue had not come, Tosto had died; for which disgrace, he secretly hied him into 
Mat. Westminst.  the Marches of Wales, and near the City Hereford at Portaflyth, where Harold had a house, then in 
Marian. Scotus. Mat. Westminster.  preparing to entertain the King, he slew all his brother's servants, and them cutting piecemeal into gobbets, salted some of their limbs, and cast the rest into vessels of the meath and wines, sending his brother word, that he had furnished him with powdered meats against the Kings coming thither; which barbarous act caused deservedly his name to be odious unto his Northumbrians, and was lastly repaid with his own death.  
(8) Now albeit some Heralds make Harold by 
M. Thom●… Mille●… in Harold.  birth but a Gentleman of one, and the first descent, which, were it so, should no whit blemish him who was more truly ennobled with princely virtues; yet therein also it may seem he is misesteemed, seeing his Father was Goodwin a Duke by degree, the son of Wolnoth, and he the son of Egelmar, who was the son of Egelricke, surnamed Leofwine, and brother of Edrick Duke of Mercia, that married the daughter of King Ethelred of England, of whom we have spoken.  
The mother of Harold was Githa the daughter of Duke Wolf, and sister to Sweyne the younger, King of Denmark, by Ostrich his wife, who was sister to Canute the great King of England; and himself the second son of her borne; whose elder brother was Sweyne, that died on pilgrimage in his return from jerusalem; and his younger were Tosto, Wilnod, Grith, and Leofrick.  
(9) A former wife Earl Goodwin had, whose 
Wil Malmsb.  name was Thira, the sister of Canute, a woman sold unto wickedness for making merchandise of England's beauteous virgins into Denmark; she sold them there at dear rates, to satisfy her own unsatiate avarice, and the lusts of the lascivious Danes, till a just reward of God's wrath fell on her by a thunderbolt falling from heaven, wherewith she was slain, 
Rand. Higden, in Polychr. lib. 6. cap. 25.  to the great terror of the beholders. One son by her Earl Goodwin had, who when he was past child's age, riding upon a horse (the gift of his Grandfather the King,) proudly giving him the rain and spur, was violently borne into the river Thamesis, and so suddenly drowned. Thus much being premised of Harold before he was King; his reign, life and death, we will now address to declare.  
(10) Edwards life ended, and nothing determined touching his successor, Harold the second day 
Alur. Ri●…l.  after, being the day of his burial, made himself King, none of the Nobility disliking what he had done; for courteous he was of specch and behaviour, and in martial prowess the only man, as Wales well witnessed, more than once; friended by affinity with many of the Nobles, and by his new marriage with Edgitha the daughter of Algar (sister 
Ran. Higden. Polyer. lib. 6. ca 29  of the Earl's Morc●…r and Edwin, and late wife to Gruffith ap Lhewelyn Prince of Wales) he expected to be both sided and assisted, if his cause came either to trial or voice.  
(11) And the time he well saw fitted his entrance; for Sweyne King of Denmark (most dread by the English) was entangled with the Sweden wars; and William the Norman (that made claim from King Edward) at variance with Philip the French King; the friends of Edgar in Hungary, and himself a stranger, over young for rule: all which concurrents made Harold, without deliberation, or order from the State, to set the Crown on his own head, regardless of all ceremony and solemn celebration; for which his act, as a violator 
Matth. W●…st.  of holy rites, he too too much offended the Clergy.  
(12) The day of his Coronation was upon Friday, the fifth of january, being the feast of the Epiphany, and year of Salvation 1066: none either greatly applauding, or disapproving his presumption, except only for the omission of manner and form; to redeem which, and to regain the good will of all; no sooner attained he the seat royal, but he remitted or diminished the grievous 
Si●… D●…. Hol●…sh.  customs and tributes which his predecessors had raised, a course ever powerful to win the hearts of the Commons; to Churchmen he was very munificent and careful of their advancements; and to grow more deeply into their venerable esteem, he repaired their Monasteries; but most especially that at Waltham in Essex, which he most sumptuously new built, and richly endowed, giving it the name of Holy Cross; upon occasion that such a Cross found far westward, was brought thither by miracle, ut tradunt: and therefore he chose out this place to power forth his supplications, before he 
Camb. Brit.  marched to meet Duke William in the field. Moreover, to satisfy such Nobles as affected young Edgar's juster title, he created him Earl of Oxford, and held him in special favour: in brief, unto the poor, his hand was ever open, unto the oppressed he ministered justice, and unto all men was affable, and meek: and all to hold that upright which on his head he had set with an un-even hand: and deprived him of, unto whom he was Protector.  
(13) Three several reports are affirmed of Edward's dispose of the Crown: the first was to the Norman Duke, who made that the ankerhold of 
Alfred Benerl●…y. Spec●… Histor. Rich. C●…st. Flor●… Histor.  his claim; the second was to young Edgar, unto whom he was great uncle; and the last unto this Harold himself: for so saith Edmerus, and also Marianus, who lived at the very same time, and writeth 
Ed●…. Maria●…. Polyer. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ca 2●….  that Harold thereupon was sacred and crowned by Aldredus Archbishop of York; so that hereby he is freed by some from the imputation of intrusion and wrong.  
(14) His State thus standing, and his subjects contentment day●…y increasing, presently it was somewhat perplexed by an embassage sent from the Norman, putting him in mind of his covenant, and oath, aswell for the custody of the Crown to his behoof, as for the solemnazion of the marriage contracted betwixt his daughter and him.  
(15) Harold, who thought himself now surely seated in the hearts of his Subjects, and therefore also sure in his Kingdom, answered the Ambassadors, 
Subjects love the Sovereign's strength.  That he held their Masters demand unjust, for that an oath extorted in time of extremity, cannot bind the maker in conscience to perform it, for that were to join one sin with another; and that this oath was taken for fear of death or imprisonment, the Duke himself well knew: but admit it was voluntarily, and without fear; could I (said he) than a subject, without the allowance of the King, and the whole State, give away the Crowns succession to the prejudice of both? surely a Kingdom is of a better account then to be so determined in private only betwixt two. With which kind of answers he sent the messengers away.  
(16) The Norman, who till then thought England sure to be his, and had devoted his hopes from a Duke to a King, stormed to see himself thus frustrated on the sudden, and in stead of a Crown to have scorns heaped on his head; therefore nothing contented with this sleight answer, returned his Ambassadors again unto Harold, by whom he laid his claim more at large; as that King Edward in the Court of France had faithfully promised the succession unto him, and again afterwards ratified the 
Rand. Higden in Polyc. lib. 6. cap. 29  same to him at his being in England, and that not done without consent of the State, but confirmed by Stigandus Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls Goodwin and Syward, yea and by Harold himself, and so firmly assured that his Brother and Nephew were delivered for pledges, and to that end sent unto him into Normandy: that he had no way been constrained, he appealed to Harold's own conscience, who besides his voluntary offer to swear, contracted himself to Adeliza his daughter (than but young, and now departed life) upon 
Gemeticensi●….  which foundation the oath was willingly taken.  
(17) But Harold who thought his own head as fit for a crown as any others, meant nothing less than to lay it down upon parley; and therefore told them flatly, that howsoever Edward and he had tampered for the Kingdom, yet Edward himself coming in by election, and not by any title of inheritance, his promise was of no validity; for how could he give that whereof he was not interessed, nor in the Danes time was ever like to be? And tell your Duke (said he) that our kingdom is now brought to a settled estate, and with such love and liking of the English, as that they will never admit any more a stranger to rule over them. And as touching the contract with his younger daughter, he well seeth, that God hath taken away that occasion of alienating the Crown; and surely his Law hath likewise provided remedy against such rash v●…ws; whose precepts I mean to follow: and therefore (said he) will your Duke to weigh my estate with his own, both his and mine now in quiet, & sufficient for two, and either of them, employment enough for one man's Government, and therefore both of them too much to be well governed by one, seeing that God himself had set a sea betwixt them. With these and the like speeches he shifted off the Duke's Ambassadors; without all princely entertainments, or courteous regard.  
(18) The messengers returned, and Harold's answers declared, William lion-like enraged, casteth his thoughts about plotting revenge, and making some odds even that might impeach his designs, prepared all things for open war. Harold likewise not sleeping his business, made ready his Fleet, mustered his soldiers, and planted his Garris●…s along the Sea-coast. But in these his procee●…gs, 
Bishop of 〈◊〉.  behold●… great and fearful Comet appeared (seldom a sign to Princes of fortunate success) upon 
Roger Ho●…d. Si●… Mo●…t of Dur●…am. ●…lter Co●….  the twenty fourth of April, and lasted only seven days, which drew the minds of the English, into great suspense, now ready to enter into a double war.  
(19) For as 〈◊〉 the Norman for his part claimed England by gift; so Harfager the Da●…e did by succession; the rumours of both which, greatly terrified the hearts of the inhabitants: and yet behold, a third terror unexpected, contrary to nature, and most men's opinions, suddenly arose: for Tosto the cruel Earl of Northumberland, and brother to Harold, expulsed by his people, and proscribed by King Edward, fled into France, where by the instigations of William, whose wives sister he had married (both of them the daughters of Balwine Earl of Flanders,) he got for his revenge a Fleet furnished 
Mat. Westminster.  with men at Arms; and thus prepared, his first fury was showed in spoiling the I'll of Wight; then coasting the shore, shrewdly endamaged 
Ran. Higden.  Kent, whence hois●…ng sail, fell foul upon Lincolnshire; where Morcar and Edwine Earls of Chester and Yorkshire, aided with the King's Navy, drove him from thence, though with some loss of their 
Wil Malmsb.  men.  
(20) Tosto for more succour fled into Scotland, where of King Malcolm he had but cold comfort, himself being busied with civil broils; but howsoever his expectation there failed, yet his purposes 
Mat. Westm. Simon Dunel.  were continued with the assistance of Harold Harfager (that is, the Faire-lockes) King of Denmark, who with three hundred ships had entered the river Tyne for England's invasion, after his conquest of the Isles of Orknes. Tosto therefore joining his Fleet to these Danes, in warlike bravery, both of them enter the mouth of Humber, and drawing up the river Ouse, at Richhall landed their men, making spoil of the Country wheresoever they came. To meet with these, the foresaid Earls Edwin and Morcar, in a tumultuous hast raised their powers, but were so overlaid by the Norwegians, that many were slain, and more drowned, in passing over that river.  
(21) The enemy grown proud by this late victory, hasted towards York, the chief City of the North; where planting his siege, it was presently yielded up, and hostages delivered upon both parts for the performance of covenants. The Danes thus prospering, had most strongly encamped themselves; for backed they were with the Germane Ocean, flanked on the left hand with the river Humber, wherein also their Fleet rid at Anchor, and had on their right hand and affront the river Derwent; so that it seemed impossible to raise this siege.  
(22) But Harold thinking the coasts clear from all danger, the Equinoctial at hand, and Navigation now past, the victuals in his Fleet spent, and notice from Earl Balwin of Flanders, that Duke William meant not his voyage that year, was about to disband his Army. When this sudden news from the North pierced his ear, no need it was then to bid him make haste thither, the case standing so near him as it did. Therefore recalling his Army, posted to York, and from thence marched against the Norwegians, who lay secured with such advantage, as we have said. Notwithstanding Harold courageously ordered his battle, and assayed to pass the Bridge called 
Wil Malmsb. Henry Hunting. Mat. Westminster.  Stamford, built over Derwent, which one only Dane made good for a time against his whole host, and with his Axe slew forty of his men, till lastly this Dane was slain with a dart.  
(23) The Bridge gotten, and the English reduced into their ranks, Harold most boldly set upon his enemies even in their Camp; where the battle with equal valour and fortune, was maintained a time, till lastly the Norwegians disarraied and scattered, were slain outright; and among them the two Chieftains, Harfager and Tosto, with may others of worth and account, lost their lives. Olane the son of this Harfager, and Paul Earl of Orkeney, who kept their Fleet & Seas, whilst his Father and followers fought upon land, were brought to King Harold, and to have their lives spared, abjured the Land, and thenceforth to attempt no hostility against the English peace; and with twenty small vessels to carry away their slain and hurt, were suffered to depart, 
Simon Dun.  bringing heavy news into Denmark of the loss of their King, and overthrow of his Army. 
Mat. Westm.   
(24) By this victory thus happily obtained, fell unto Harold an exceeding rich booty, both of gold and silver, besides the great Armado of Tosto and Harfager; whereby his mind was soon set aloft, and he began to grow both proud, and odious unto his Army, the rather; for that he divided not the spoils unto them that had deserved it; a wrong that the common Soldier doth continually murmur at, and commonly endure.  
(25) Now in this current of King Harold's fortunes, William the Norman had the more leisure to strengthen his own, and often conferring with his 
Cambd. Brit.  Captains about England's invasions, found them ever resolute and cheerful that way; the difficulty only rested, how to provide money enough, the very sinews whereby the vast body of an Army must be knit, & strengthened: for a subsidy being propounded unto the assembly of the Norman States, it was answered, that a former war against the French had impoverished much of their wealth, that if new wars were now raised, & therein their substance spent to gain other parts, it would be thereby so wasted, as that hardly it would be sufficient to defend their own; that they thought it more safety to hold what he had, then on hazard of their own to invade the territories of others; & that this war intended, just though it were, yet seemed not necessary, but exceeding dangerous; beside (said they) the Normans were not by their allegiance bound to Military services in foreign parts, & therefore such payments could not be assessed upon them. And although William Fitz-Osberne, a man in high favour with the Duke, and as gracious among the people, endeavoured by all means to effect it, yea, and (to draw on others by his example) proffered to set out forty tall Ships upon his own Charges towards this war; yet would it not be: Therefore Duke William bethought him on another way.  
(26) The wealthiest men among all his People he sent for, and severally one by one conferred with, showing them his right and hopes of England, wherein preferment lay even to the meanest amongst them, only money was the want, which they might spare; neither should that be given, nor lent without a plentiful increase: with such fair words he drew them so on, that they strove who should give most, and by this policy he gathered such a mass of money, as was sufficient to defray the war. Then went he to his neighbour Princes, namely to the Earls of Anion, Poictou, maine, and Boulogne, promising them fair possessions in England; yea and unto Philip the French King, in case he would aid him, he voluntarily offered to become his vassal and Leigeman, and to hold England by oath and fealty under him. But it being thought nothing good for the State of France, that the Duke of Normandy, who already was not so pliable to the French King as was wished, should be bettered in his estate by the addition of so mighty a Kingdom (the power of Neighbour Potentates being ever suspected of Princes) so far was the King from yielding any help, that he secretly maligned, & openly dissuaded this his attempt of invading England. This French jealousy, the Norman soon perceived, which made him to cast about yet another way.  
(27) For making his claim known unto Alexander the second, than Pope of Rome, with the wrongs done unto Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, by Harold and his Father, (a text that might not be read 
Henry H●….  without a gloss,) he was so favoured of his Holiness (whose See was ever glad to interest itself in disposing of Crowns, that he both allowed well of his enterprise, and sent him a consecrated Banner, (Saint Peter himself had none such in his Boat) to be borne in 
Fox. Acts and Monumenta.  the Ship, wherein himself in that expedition should take sail for England; and accursed all them that should oppose themselves against him: for even then the Popes had began to usurp authority over Princes, & with their leaden blades to hack into the iron swords of Emperors.  
(28) Thus furnished on all sides, he assembled his forces, and with a mighty Navy came to the Town of Saint Valeries; which standeth upon the mouth of the River Some: where a long time he lay wind bound to his great discontentment, and with many vows importunating the favour of that local Saint, heaped 
Rand. Higden.  daily a number of gifts and oblations upon his Altar; till lastly his desire was obtained, and then with three hundred Ships fraught full of his Normans, Flemings, Frenchmen, & Britaignes, weighed Anchor, and with a gentle gale of wind arrived at Pevensey in Sussex, upon the twenty eight day of September, where Landing his men, to cut off all occasion or hope of return, he fired his own fleet, and upon the Shore erected a Fortress to be if need were, 〈◊〉 retiring place for his Soldiers.  
(29) At his arrivage from Sea, 〈◊〉 our Historians 
Rand. Higden in Polycbr. li. 6. c. 29.  report, his foot chanced to slip, so that not able to recover himself, he fell into the mud, and all to bemired his hands; which accident was presently construed for a lucky presage: for now (said a Captain) O Duke, thou hast taken possession, and holdest that land in thy hand, whereof shortly thou shalt become King: As Caesar is said to have done, when he entered into 
〈◊〉 in vita Caesar.  Africa, who from shipboard at his landing fell into the sands, and merrily said, I do now take possession of thee, O Africa.  
(30) From Pevensey Duke William departed towards Hasting, where raising another fortification, divulged to all the causes of his coming, as pretending to revenge both the death of his Normans, slain by the treachery of Goodwin & Harold, and the wrongs and banishment of Robert Gemeticus Archbishop of Canterbury, pretences very slender, and enforced out of season: but surely had not a third sat nearer his heart, the two former would have passed without the spleen of revenge; namely, the donation of King Edward deceased, whereon he built his claim to the English Crown. And there also by his Edict, he straightly charged his soldiers not in hostile manner, to wrong any of their persons, who shortly were to become his Subjects.  
(31) Harold in the North hearing of these news, hasted with his Army (whose Armour yet reaked with the blood of the Norwegians) towards the south and with such power as possible he could make, entereth London, where immediately a messenger from Duke William was presented unto him, demanding no less than the Kingdom, and Harold's vassalage; urging the same with such instant boldness, that Harold's furious indignation could hardly forbear, against the law of Arms, to lay violent hands upon the Ambassador; so great a pride and confident hope had entered the heart of this late Victor: to show both, with very great boldness, he dispatcheth his Ambassadors to William, and by way of ireful checks menaceth him, unless forthwith he departed back into Normandy: when presently mustering his men at London, he found them much 
Wil Malmsb.  lessened by his battle against the Norwegians; notwithstanding, many Nobles, Gentlemen, and others, whom the love of their native Country inflamed, did engage themselves for the field, against his common and dangerous enemy. He therefore with an undaunted courage, led forth his Army into Sussex (against the importunate suit of his mother, who sought by all means to stay him) where on a large and fair plain, scarce seven miles from the enemy, he pitched down his battles, and sent forth his Spials to descry his power.  
(32) These coming into danger, were caught by the Normans, and presented to their Duke, who commanded them forth with to be led from Tent to Tent, to be feasted, and dismissed, without any harm or dishonour done. These returning to Harold 
Mat. Westminst. Rand. Higden.  told what they had seen, commending the Duke in his Martial Provisions, and his clemency to them-ward, only said they, his Soldiers seem to be Priests, for their faces were all shaven, whereas the use of the English was then to reserve only the upper lip uncut, retaining or renewing the old manner of the ancient Britain's so described by Caesar: but King Harold, who had been in that country, well knowing their 
Caesar in Comment.  error, replied that they were men of great valour & stout Soldiers in fight. Upon which speech, Girth, his younger brother, a man much renowned for martial exploits, took occasion to advise the King from being present at the danger of the Field: for (said he) it stands not with the rule of policy, to hazard all in the trial of one battle, nor to depend upon the event of war, which ever is doubtful, victory being as often gotten by fortune, as valour; mature deliberation doth often produce the safest issues, & a provident delay is held to be the greatest furtherer of martial projects; neither will any thing strike greater terror. into the Normans, than thou to be levying, & enrolling a new Army, whereby they may ever expect, and fear succeeding Battles. Again (said he) thou best knowest what oath thine own mouth hath made unto William; if lawful, and willingly, then withdraw thyself from field, lest for that thy sin the whole Host perish; for there can be no power against God. I am free from such guilt, and therefore may the bolder fight, and either defeat this dangerous enemy, or more cheerfully die in the defence of my country; & if thou wilt commit the fortune of Battle into my Governance, assure thyself I will perform to thee the part of a loving Brother, and to my Countrymen of a valiant Captain.  
(33) This wise advice notwithstanding, destiny so driving him, he gaine-stood, imputing it a part of dishonour, and not befitting a Soldier, (as he always had been,) to leave the field Cowardlike, when greatest glory was to be won, or in case of fortunate success, to be deprived of a part, and therefore reproved his brother for making this motion, and with disdainful speeches, underualued and embased the worth of the Normans.  
(34) Duke William now entered the field, & both the hosts standing ready for fight, the Norman, to spare the effusion of Christian blood, upon a pious affection sent a Monk as a Mediator for peace, with offers to Harold of these conditions, either wholly to resign the Kingdom unto him, and from thence forth to acknowledge the Duke for his Sovereign: or else in single combat to try the quarrel with him, in sight of the Armies; or lastly, to stand to the arbitrement of the Pope, touching the possession and wearing of the English Crown. But Harold, as one whom the heavens would depress, accepting neither domestic counsel, nor the Normans offers, referred the deciding of the matter unto the Tribunal of God, and answered, that it should be tried the next day with more sword than one.  
(35) That next day was the 14. of October, which upon a credulous error, he held ever to be fortunate, because it was the day of his Nativity, and with hopeful assurance, desired greatly the approach of the same: His soldiers likewise as men whose heads were to be crowned with the Laurels of victory, gave themselves to licentious revels, and in riotous banquets, with clamour, and noises, spent the night; whereas chose, the Normans, more wisely, and seriously weighing the business in hand, bestowed the time in prayers and vows, for the safety of their Army, and victorious success: neither had the morning sooner spread itself but their battle was ordered, and prepared for fight.  
(36) Harold also with the like forwardness, marshaled his battle, placing in the Vanguard the Kentish 
Tho. Ni●…s.  men (who by an ancient custom had the front of the battle belonging to them) with their heavy axes, or halberds. The Middlesex-men & the Londoners were in that squadron, whereof himself with his brother had the leading.  
37 His enemy's Vanward was led by Roger of Mountgomery, and William Fitz-Osberne, the same consisting of Horsemen out of Anion, Perch, and little Britain. Their Maine-Battaile consisted of Poictovins and Germans, Geffrey Martell, and a German Pensioner commanding them: In the Rereguard was the Duke himself with the whole manhood of Normans, and the flower of his Nobility & Gentry; all which battalions were intermingled with companies of Archers.  
(38) The Normans without any confused, or disorderly shout; sounded the battle, and advanced forward, discharging a fierce volley of arrows like a tempestuous hail, a kind of fight both strange, and terrible unto the English, who supposed their enemy had been already even in the midst amongst them; when presently a furious charge was given to the Vanguard of the English, who resolutely had determined to cover the place with their bodies rather than to give one foot of ground, and bending all their forces, kept themselves close together, whereby they valiantly, and with the slaughter of many, put back the enemy: which was so far from daunting the Normans, that by it they were more whetted to reinforce themselves upon them: when with an horrible noise, the battles of both sides gave the stroke; and now come foot to foot, and man to man, coped together in a most cruel fight. The English standing thick, and close, as if they had been stuck one to another, abode the brunt, and charge of the Normans, and with such welcomes, that after many a bloody wound received, they were at point to recoil, had not Duke William, whose crown lay now at stake, both bravely performed the part of a Leader, and with his presence, and authority restrained them. The fight thus continuing, the Normans horsemen broke into the troops of the English, and sore distressed the Soldiers on foot, yet notwithstanding they still held out, and kept their array unbroken: for Harold (no less careful to keep, than the other to gain a diadem,) as a most valiant Captain bore himself worthily every where. The Duke well perceiving that with fine force, and true valour, no good end could be got, betook himself to a stratagem, and commanded his men to sound 
Wil Malmsb. Henry Hunting.  the retreat, but kept them still in such order of array, that they gave back in as good discipline as they came on.  
(39) The English supposing the Normans to have fled, and themselves the masters of the field, began in eager pursuit carelessly to untwist, and display their ranks; when on the sudden, the Normans having their wished opportunity, and winding about, charged the enemy a fresh; who now being scatteringly disranked, and out of all order, were slain down on all sides, not able to recover their battle: many thus borne down, and slain, none by flight sought to escape the field, but rather to maintain their honour in Arms, cast themselves into a round, choosing there to die in the cause of their Country, then cowardly to forsake the Standard of their King: and therefore with bold resolutions encouraging one an other, they turn head and resist a long time: but showers of arrows like a stormy tempest falling thick among them, one, most fatal, and unlucky 
Chron. de 〈◊〉. Wil Ge●….  for the English, wounded Harold into the brains through the left eye; so that falling from his horse to the ground, was under his own standard slain. 
Mat. Westminster.   
(40) And yet Giraldus Cambrensis (I know not by what inducement,) relates the issue of this Battle somewhat otherwise, affirming, that Harold with loss 
Giral. Cambr.  of his Eye, but not of his life, from the field fled to the City of Westchester, and there long after led a holy life, and made a godly end, as an Anchoret in the Cell of Saint james, fast by the church of S. Io●…. With Harold died his Brethren Gyth, and Leofwin, with most of the English Nobility, besides the slaughter of sixty seven thousand, nine hundred seventy four of their 
Io●…n le Tai●… in his history of 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Bremensis. cap. 169. Maria●….  Soldiers: Bremensis saith an hundred Thousand.  
(41) Duke William in this Battle had three horses slain under him; God (saith Marianus) so defending his person, that though multitude of darts were thrown against him, yet not a drop of his blood was spilled by the Enemy, and this Battle won with the loss only of six thousand, and thirteen of his men. Whose wooden bows (as john Rouse is of opinion) gained the Normans that great victory; for the Arrows 
I●…: Rest.  shot level, or directly forward, wounded the English that stood in the front, and upright; the other shot on high, galled at the fall, those that were more remote, and the backs of such as stooped to shun the danger.  
(42) This battle was fought in Sussex 7. miles from Hastings, upon Saturday the fourteenth of October, and year of Grace 1066. Wherein the doleful destruction of the English fell, and the glorious Sun of the Normans even in the shutting of the day did arise; when perished the Royal blood of the Saxons, whose Kings first had made this Kingdom into Seven, 
Math. Par●….  and afterward of them so glorious a Monarchy, that it was not inferior to any in Europe, and her Monarches so renowned for princely magnanimity, as that many of them were ranked with the best in the world: But now the all-ordering hand of God (unto whose beck not only this Ball of the Earth, and the Rulers thereof, but even the Heavens themselves, and all the powers thereof must bow) either for the sins of the English which were many, and great, or to graff one more fair and longer-continuing bud upon this dried, and decayed stock, brought that foreign offspring into this his nursery of Britain, whose branches, as the vine, have spread both fruitful and far; and whose roots are fastened as the trees of Libanon: the Kings thereof, even from the loins of this Great Conqueror, holding on a royal succession for the space of these five hundred forty five years, their 
Host. 14. 6.  issues topped with the highest Cedars of the world, & their branches spread throughout all Christendom, which we pray may still proceed and continue, whilst the Sun and Moon have their being.  
(43) This victory thus obtained, Duke William wholly ascribed unto God, and by way of a solemn supplication or procession gave him the thanks; and pitching for that night his Pavilion among the bodies of the dead, the next day returned to Hastings, there to consult upon his great, and most prosperously begun enterprise, giving first commandment for the burial of his slain Soldiers.  
(44) But Morcar, and Edwin, the unfortunate Queen's Brethren, by night escaping the battle, came unto London, where with the rest of the Peers, they began to lay the foundation of some fresh hopes, posting thence their messenger●…●…o raise a new supply, & to comfort the English (who through all the Land were stricken into a fearful astonishment with this unexpected news) from a despairing fear, showing the chance of war to be mutable, their number many, and Captains sufficient to try another Field. Alfred, Archbishop of York, there present, and Precedent of the Assembly, stoutly, and prudently gave his counsel forthwith to consecrate, and crown young Edgar Atheling (the true heir) for their King; to whom consented likewise both the Sea-Captaines, and the Londoners. But the Earls of Yorkshire and Cheshire, Edwin & Morcar (whom this fearful state of their country could not dissuade from dissoyaltie and ambition) plotting secretly to get the Crown to themselves, hindered that wise and noble design. In which while, the sorrowful Queen their sister was conveyed to westchester, where, without state or title of a Queen▪ she led a solitary and quiet life.  
(45) 〈◊〉 ●…other of the slain King did not so well moderate 〈◊〉 womanly passions, as to receive either comfort, or counsel of her friends: the dead body of her so●…e she greatly desired, and to that end sent to the Conquer●… two sage Brethren of his Abbey at Walt●… who had accompanied him in his unfortunate 〈◊〉. Their names (as I find them 
In the 〈◊〉 of the learned Knight, Sir 〈◊〉.  recorded in ●…n 〈◊〉 Manuscript●… were Os●…god and A●…rie, whose 〈◊〉 to the Conquer●… not without abundance of tears, and fear, is there set down in the tenor as followeth.  
(46) Noble Duke, and ere●…ong to be a most great and mighty King; we thy most humble servants, destitute of all comfort, (as we would we were also of life) are come to thee as sent from our brethren, whom this dead King hath placed in the Monastery of Waltham, to attend the issue of this late dreadful battle; (wherein God favouring thy quarrel, he is now taken away, and dead, which was our greatest Comforter, and by whose only bountiful goodness, we were relieved and maintained, whom he had placed to serve God in that Church. Wherefore we most humbly request thee (now our dread Lord) by that gracious favour which the Lord of Lords hath showed unto thee, and for the rel●…ife of all their souls, who in this quarrel have ended their days, that it may b●…e lawful for us by thy good leave, safely to take and carry away with us the dead body of the King, the Founder and builder of our Church and Monastery: as also the bodies of such others, as who, for the reverence of him, and for his sake, desired also to be buried with us, that the state of our Church, by their help strengthened, may be the stronger, and endure the firmer. With whose so humble a request, and abundant tears, the victorious and worthy Duke moved, answered.  
(47) Your King (said he) unmindful of his faith, although he have for the present endured the worthy punishment of his fault, yet hath he not therefore deserved to want the honour of a Sepulchre, or to lie unburied: were it but that he died a King, howsoever he came by the Kingdom, my purpose is for the reverence of him, and for the health of them, who having left their wives and possessions, have here in my quarrel lost their li●…es, to build here a Church and a Monastery, with an hundred Monks in it to pray for them for ever; and in the same Church to bury your King above the rest, with all honour unto so great a Prince, and for his sake to endow the same with great revenues.  
(48) With which his courteous speech and promises, the two religious Fathers comforted, and encouraged, again replied.  
(49) Not so, noble Duke, but grant this thy servants most humble request, that we may, for God, by thy leave, receive the dead body of our Founder, and to bury it in the place which himself in his life time appointed; that we cheered with the presence of his body, may thereof take comfort, and that his Tomb may be unto our Successors, a perpetual Monument of his remembrance.  
(50) The Duke, as he was of disposition gracious, and inclined to mercy, forthwith granted their desires: whereupon they drew out store of gold to present him in way of gratulation; which he not only utterly refused, but also offered them plenty to supply whatsoever should be needful for the pomp of his funeral, as also for their costs in travel to and fro; giving straight commandment that none of his Soldiers should presume to molest them in this their business, or in their return. Then went they in haste to the quarry of the dead, but by no means could find the body of the King, for that the countenances of all men greatly alter by death; but being maimed and imbrued with blood, they are not known to be the men they were. As for his other regal Ornaments, which might have showed him for their King, his dead corpse was despoiled of them, either through the greedy desire of prey, (as the manner of the Field is) or to be the first bringer of such happy news, in hope of a Princely reward; upon which purpose many times the body is both mangled and dismembered: and so was this King after his death by a base Souldire, gashed and hacked into the leg, whom Duke William rewarded for so unsouldier like a deed, casshiering him for ever out of his wages and wars. So that Harold lying stripped, wounded, bemangled, and gored in his blood, could not be found or known, till they sent for a woman named Editha, (for her passing beauty surnamed Swan-shals, that is, Swans-necke, whom he entertained in secret love before he was King, who by some secret marks of his body to her well known, found him out; and then put into a coffin, was by divers of the Norman Nobility honourably brought unto the place, afterward called Battlebridge, where it was met by the Nobles of England, and so conveyed to Waltham, was there solemnly, and with great lamentation of his mother, royally interred, with this rude Epitaph, well beseeming the time, though not the person. 
Heu cadis hoste fero, Rex à Duce Rege futuro,  
Par paris in gladio, milite & valido.  
Firmini justi lux est tibi, lucc Calixti;  
Pronior hinc super as, h●…c superatus eras.  
Ergo tibi requiem deposcat utrumque perennem:  
Sicque precetur eum, quod colit omne Deum.  
A fierce foe thee slew; thou'a King, he King in view;  
Both peers, both peerless, both feared, and both fearless;  
That sad day was mixed, by Firmin and Calixt,  
Th'one help thee to vanquish, other made thee languish;  
Both now for thee pray, and thy Requiem say;  
So let good men all, to God for thee call.   
(51) This King's reign was not so full of days as of great troubles: being but the space of nine months 
Sigebertus Wil Gemitticen G●…lt. Coven. 〈◊〉. Woodbridge.  and nine days, in whom was completed the Period of the Saxons Empire in Britain, after they had continued from their first erected kingdom by Hengist in Kent, the space of six hundred and ten years, without any reversement or interruption saving the small Inter-Raignes of these three Danish Kings, of whom we have spoken. And although Aimund of Breme, in the favour of his Danes, sharply taxeth this 
Aimund. Brem. chap. 1●…9.  Harold as being an impious man, and for that by usurpation he aspired to the Crown, yet doth Ealred the Abbot of Rivanxe, (the Legender of S. Edward's life) much commend him for his courteous affability, 
Alured Ri●…lle 〈◊〉.  gentle deportment, and justice, and for his warlike prowess none matchable unto him; and was reputed (saith he) verily a man passing well furnished with all virtues befitting a Sovereign commander, and borne even to repair the decayed state of England; had he not, in the haughtiness and opinion of his own valour and prudence, so much addicted himself to his own resolutions, and too much neglected the wise deliberations of his best friends and counsellors.  

His Wives.  
(52) The first wife of Harold, whom he had married and buried before he was King, I find not named by any of our writers; but that he had such a one, appeareth, where it is recorded that he was a Widower, what time he contracted the Conqueror's daughter; and that also he had children of such age, that they made wars against King William in the second of his Reign; which it is probable, he had not by Editha, his swans neck, but were legitimat, and by this lawful, though nameless Mother.  
(53) Algith, the second wife to King Harold, was the widow of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn King of North-Wales, the sister of Edwine and Morcar Earls of Yorkshire, and Chester, and daughter of Algar son of Leofrick, son of Leofwine, all Earls of Chester, Leicester and Lincoln: She was married unto him being then but Duke, in the last year of Edward Confessors reign, and of Grace 1065. neither did she long enjoy him, or her Queenly title, after his aspiring to the Crown; for being resident in London when he was slain, from thence she was conveyed by her brethren to Westchester, where she remained in mean estate, and in good quiet (which usually most attends the meanest) without any princely show or name, during the rest of her life, which lasted a great part of the Conqueror's reign.   

His Issue.  
(54) Goodwin the eldest son of King Harold, being grown to some ripeness of years in the life of his Father, after his death and overthrow by the Conqueror, took his brother with him, and fled over into Ireland: from whence he returned, and landed in Sommersetshire, slew Ednoth (a Baron sometime of his Fathers) that encountered him, and taking great preys in Devon-shire and Cornwall, departed till the next year. When coming again, he fought with Beorn an Earl of Cornwall, and after retired into Ireland, and thence went into Denmark to King Swain his Cosen-German, where he spent the rest of his life  
(55) Edmund, the second son to King Harold, went with his Brother into Ireland, returned with him into England, and was at the slaughter and overthrow of Ednoth, and his power in Sommersetshire; at the spoils committed in Cornwall and Devonshire; at the conflict with the Cornish Earl Beorn; passed and repassed with him in all his voyages, invasions and wars, by sea and by land, in England and Ireland; and at the last departed with him from Ireland to Denmark; took part with him of all pleasure and calamity whatsoever, and attending and depending wholly upon him, lived and died with him in that Country.  
(56) Magnus the third son of King Harold, went with his brothers into Ireland; and returned with them the first time into England, and is never after 
M▪ Ferres Ca●…b. in Sussex.  that mentioned amongst them, nor elsewhere, unless, (as some do conjecture)) he be that Magnus who seeing the mutability of human affairs, became an Anchoret, whose Epitaph pointing to his Danish original, the learned Clarenciaux discovered in a little desolate Church at Lewes in Sussex, where in the gaping chinks of an Arch in the wall, in a rude and overworn Character, certain old imperfect verses were found, which he supposeth should be thus read; 
Clauditur hic Miles Danorum regia proles,  
Magnus nomen ei, magnae nota Progenici.  
Deponens Magnum, prudentior induit agnum▪  
Pr●…pete pr●…vita, fit paruulus Anachorita.  
H●…re lies a Knight of Danish regal●…;  
He 
* Gr●….  Magnus height; great name note of great place:  
But Magnus left, an 
* A 〈◊〉.  Agnus mild he prou●…de,  
From world bereft, an Anchorite beloved.   
(57) Wolf the fourth son of King Harold, seemeth to be borne of Queen Algith his second wife for that he was never mentioned among his other brethren, and having better friends by his mother's side, was left in England, whereas they were forced thence; neither is he spoken of, during all the reign of the Conqueror, and therefore at his entrance may probably be thought to have been but an Infant: yet after his death he is named among his prisoners with Earl Morcar (his uncle, if Queen Algith were his mother) and was by King William Rufus released, and honoured by him with the Order of Knighthood.  
(58) Gunhild a daughter of King Harold is mentioned by john Capgrave (the Writer of the English 
john Capgrave.  Saints) in the life of Wolstan Bishop of Worcester, reporting her to have been a Nun in a Monastery of England; who, among the many miracles done by the said Wolstan, (which he numbereth by tale, according to the superstitious manner of the time wherein he lived) declareth, how he restored this Lady to her perfect eyesight, whereof by a dangerous infirmity, she was almost wholly, and in most men's opinions, uncurably deprived.  
(58) Another daughter of King Harold not named by any Storywriter of our own nation, is mentioned by Saxon Grammaticus in his Danish history, to have come 
Saxon Gram●…aticus lib. 11.  into Denmark, with her two brethren; to have been very honourably entertained by King swain the younger, her kinsman: and afterwards to have been as honourably placed in marriage with Gereslef, called in Latin jarislaves, and of the Danes Waldemar, King of the Russians: and by him to have had a daughter, that was the mother of Waldemar, the first of that name King of Denmark, from whom all the Danish Kings for many ages after succeeded.    
The end of the eighth Book.   


A catalogue OF THE ENGLISH monarchs FROM WILLIAM THE CONQVEROUR, UNTO KING JAMES, NOW SO LE MONARCH OF GREAT BRITAIN, WHOSE ACTS ARE ENTREATED OF IN THIS ENSVING HISTORY.  
KINGS. BEGINNINGS. REIGN. DEATH. BURIAL.  Years months' Days years months days Years months' Days  WILLIAM I. 1066. Oct. 14. Sat. 20 10 26 1087 Sept. 9 Thurs. Cane. WILLIAM II. 1087. Sept. 9 Thurs. 12 10 22 1100 Aug. 1 Wedn. Winchester. HENRY I. 1100. Aug. 1. Wedns. 35 3 1 1135 Decem. 2 Mon. Reading. STEPHEN. 1135 Dec. 2 Monday 18 9 17 1154 Octob. 25 Mon. Feversham. HENRY II. 1154 Oct. 25. Mon. 34 8 12 1189 july 6 Thur. Fonteverard. RICHARD I. 1189 july 6 Thursd. 9 8 00 1199 April 6 Tues. Fonteverard. JOHN. 1199 Apr. 6 Tuesd. 17 7 13 1216 Octob. 19 Wedn. Worcester. HENRY III. 1216 Oct. 19 Wedn. 56 0 27 1272 Nou. 16 Wedn. Westminster. EDWARD I. 1272 Nou. 16. Wedn. 34 7 21 1307 july 7 Frida. Westminster. EDWARD II. 1307 july 7 Friday 19 6 15 1326 depo. jan. 22. Sa. Gloucester. EDWARD III. 1326 jan. 25 Satur. 50 4 27 1377 Inn 21 Sund. Westminster. RICHARD II. 1377 june 21 Sunday 22 2 7 1399 dep. Sep. 29. 〈◊〉. Westminster. HENRY FOUR 1399 Sept. 29 Mond. 13 5 21 1412 March 20 Sund. Feuersh●…m. HENRY V. 1412 Mar. 20 Sund. 9 4 11 1422 Aug. 31 Mun. Westminster. HENRY VI 1422 Aug. 31. Mon. 38 6 4 1460 deposed. Mar. 4  Windsor. EDWARD FOUR 1460 Mar. 4.  22 1 5 1483 April 9  Windsor. EDWARD V. 1483 April 9  00 1 12 1483 ●…thered.  Tower of Lond. RICHARD III. 1483 june 22.  2 1 0 1485 slain Au. 29 Mo. Leicester. HENRY VII. 1485 Aug. 22 Mon. 23 7 0 1509 April 22 Sund. Westminster. HENRY VIII. 1509. April 22 Sund. 37 9 5 1546 jan. 28 Thur. Windsor. EDWAD VI. 1546 jan. 28. Thurs. 6 5 9 1553 july 6 Thur. Westminster. MARY. 1553 july 6 Thursd. 5 4 11 1558 Nove. 17 Thur. Westminster. ELIZABETH. 1558 Nou. 17. Thur. 44 4 6 1602 March 24 Thur. Westminster. JAMES. 1602 Mar. 24. Thur. NOS, T●… FLORENTE, BEATI.       

THE SUCCESSION OF ENGLAND'S monarchs FROM THE ENTRANCE OF THE NORMANS UNDER WILLIAM THE CONQVEROR: UNTIL THE REGAL RIGHTS OF THE WHOLE ISLAND WERE BY GOD'S PROVIDENCE UNITED UNDER ONE IMPERIAL DIADEM, IN THE PERSON OF OUR PRESENT SOVEREIGN KING JAMES, SOLE MONARCH OF GREAT BRITAIN: THEIR SEVERAL ACTS, ISSVES, REIGNS, ARMS, seals, AND COINS. CHAPTER I.  
WHat hath been spoken touching the Originals, Laws, and Customs of the Saxons, and Danes, the ancient Conquerors, and possessors of this our Island, may in like sort be said of the Normans (being abranch from the same root) of whom we are now to write, saving only that the name is not so ancient, and therefore their Manners may be thought more civil. Through the misty-darke times of which Stories, together with that of the Romans, and of our Britain's, (wherein no brighter Sun did shine unto us) by the assistance of the allseeing power which bringeth light out of darkness, I am lastly approached to these times of 
2. Cor. 4. 6.  more light, and unto affairs of more certain truth: whose Current to my seeming is made now Navigable, by the many writers that have emptied their full channels into this Sea: wherein, though in respect of my own defects, and that so many Master-Pilotes have sailed before me, it may seem but presumption for me to direct another course, with a purpose to better what they have so well performed: yet to make a complete History from the first to the last▪ give me leave to continue, as I have begun.  
(2) These Normans then, being anciently a mixed Nation with the warlike Norwegians, Swedens', & Danes, took their Name of that Northern Climate from whence they came first, which was that Coast of ●…many, anciently called Cimbrica Chersonesus, 〈◊〉 Nor-way, for that it tendeth in respect of situation 〈◊〉 far Northward; and from hence, and the part●…jacent, the Saxons, jutes, Angles, and lately ●…e D●…s, made their incursions into this Land.  
(3) This Tract therefore as the womb of conception, by the dispose of the Omnipotent, after it had produced those Nations which formerly made Conquests of Brita●…, now again brought forth (as it were) her last-borne Benjamin, who devouring the prey in the morning, hath divided the spoil in the Evening, and hitherto continued 
Gen. 49. ●…7.  their glorious fame achieved; which I pray, may extend to the last period of Times being: For these Normans first by force got footing in France with the Dominion, and Style of a Duke, and next the Diadem of this fair Empire, the last and most famous monarchs of the same.  
(4) These, formerly practising Piracies upon the Coasts of Belgia, Frizia, England, Ireland, and France, proceeded in their hardy courses even to the Mediterranean Sea: insomuch that Charles the Great seeing their roving tall Ships, and considering the bold attempts they undertkooke, with a deep sigh, and abundance of tears, is reported to have said: Heavy am I at the very heart, that in my own life time, these Pirates dare to come upon my Coasts, whereby I foresee what mischief they will work upon my Posterity. Which indeed proved so great, that in their public Processions, and Litanies of the Church, this Petition was added, From the rage of the Normans, Good Lord deliver us. This fear, and prayer notwithstanding, they 
C●…bd. Brit.  dra●…e the French to such extremity, that King Charlet the Bald was forced to give unto Hasting a Norman, Archpirate, the Earldom of Ch●…ters, for to assuage his fury exercised upon his People; and again; King Charles the Gross, granted unto Godfrey the Normane part of Neustria, with his Daughter in marriage: Yet all this sufficed not, but that the Normans by force of Arms seated themselves near unto the mouth of Sein, taking all for their own that lay comprised betwixt that River and the River Loire: which * Country afterwards took the name of 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉▪ de Nor●… 〈◊〉.  from these Northern Guests, at what time King Charles the Simple, confirmed it unto Rollo their Captain.  
(5) This Rollo, as say the Danish Historians, was the son of Guion, a great Lord in Denmark, who with 
Ro●…. Albert Krant.  his brother Gouri●… were appointed to depart the Country (according to the Danish customs) to seek their adventures abroad, and leave more room for the rest at home; but these refusing the order made 
Polyer. lib. 6. 〈◊〉. 1.  〈◊〉 upon the King, in which, both Guion the Father and Gourin the son, were slain, and Rollo forced to fly for safeguard of his life, with whom went a number of Gallants to seek Fortune's Court, and not a few misdoers or out-lawedmen: whose Acts in England registered by Albertus Kranti●…s, seeing they vary from our own historians in circumstances of times; and ●…es, I have chosen in this place to insert, leaving the credit thereof to him the Reporter.  
(6) Rollo, a Nobleman of Denmark, (saith he) and too powerful in his King's eye, was forced with a Navy to adventure his Fortunes into foreign p●…ts, whose first arrivage, as he saith, was in England, where many of the Danish nobility had formerly tried their valours, and some of them attained to the Sceptre, 〈◊〉 not of the whole, yet of a great part of that ●…ngdom. Indeed, (saith he) England from the begi●…g was 〈◊〉 governed by one King, as now it is, for the Angle-Saxons had their province, and the Mercians theirs, both governed by Provincial Deputies, but the Northumbrians had a King; as the Scots and Picts also, in the same Island, had kept their own limits under the like Government. Amongst these Northumbrians the Danes had their chiefest abiding, and in this Province Rollo the Dane brought first his men on Land, where making war upon that Nation, he built both Castles and Fortresses to fortify himself, his Navy lying upon the Seas: and proceeding forward into the Continent, took great booties both of men, cattle, and other spoils, lading their ships as they lay at Anchor: the Inhabitants of the Country making head against him, had still the worst.  
(7) Rollo yet doubtful and in suspense what to do, desired indeed to return to his Country, but that the King's indignation was an obstacle that way: next he affected to try his Fortunes in France, yet feared the issue would be dangerous, the People being exasperated against him, for the harms he had done them: but chiefly the Diadem of England ran most in his mind, though he knew the hazard was great, to match his small Forces with an host of a King: in which perplexed thoughts, it chanced him (saith my Author) to fall into a sweet slumber, and in his sleep he seemed to sit in the Kingdom of France, upon a high hill, 
Rollo his dream.  bending his headforward to a River which issued from the top of a mountain, at the foot whereof beneath him, he 
Alb. Crantius.  saw many kinds of Birds, which washed their ruddy left wings in the same water, where they all fed together, flew about, built their nests, and at times appointed, brought forth their young.  
(8) Rollo awaking from his pleasing dream, imparted the same unto his consorts, desiring their judgements for interpretation; which no way satisfying him, he called a Christian of his English Captives, a man industrious, and of great Capacity, and of whose deep understanding he had a great opinion: this captive then boldened, (and willing in likelihood, to divert Rollo from infesting England) told him, that his dream was significant and good, and did prognosticate the happy success of himself and whole Nation: for by 
The dream expounded by an English Christi an Captive.  this he saw that he was shortly to receive a quiet possession, and a land of great renown in the Continent of France, and that himself should be cleansed in the Laver of Baptism, wherein also the ruddy sins of his People should be washed away, as the water had done the wings of the Birds.  
(9) This interpretation pleased Rollo well, and he easily believed that which he most affected, as in the like kind dreamers commonly do: therefore providing all things for France, he set his countenance only that way; yet because he had already performed great matters in England, he thought to follow Fortune for his best Leader, and before he departed from so fair a 
Rollo sendeth to sound King Alstan.  land, intended to sound the King by an embassage, that so, if he might find him inclinable to a league, he might have a refuge against future chances; if not, then was he resolute to go forward with his journey: therefore making choice of certain active persons, sent them to the English king Alstan, a Prince of a special religion and holiness of life: these having audience, uttered their message as followeth.  
(10) We being men distressed, and driven from our Country, sought out in banishment an habitation to restin, and going forth, very many followed us, who encouraged us to seek and win a land by Conquest, supplying us with strength, and giving us great hope of victory: which thing when we resolved to take in hand, a Tempest of weather drove us (O King) into these English Ports, where staying a fit season to put again forth, the Winter withheld us, and our wants made us to seek further into the Land: whereupon our men, evermore brought up to the war, being evil entreated of those inhabitants, where moved by such injuries to provide for their own defence; wherein some small skirmishes have passed betwixt them. Our Prince therefore and General Rollo doth humbly require peace of thee, and to be permitted to sojourn in thy Land for a time, and to relieve his company with things necessary, we paying sufficiently for it: these things when thou shalt grant, he shall rest content and pacified, until the next spring, at which time he means to take his intended voyage.  
(11) Alstenus, not ignorant of the Danish cruelty, and with how great Armies they might oppress the English shores, did readily grant what they required: And also added a further courtesy, saying withal, I do greatly desire to see your Duke himself: and let him not think much to repair to our mansions, for he shall find none amongst us but his most loving friends. When this 
Rollo cometh to Alstans' Court  was signified to Rollo, choosing out the tallest and goodliest persons of his company, and such as were of greatest wisdom, with them he very joyfully meeteth the King, is entertained, presents him with great gifts, but receiveth greater: Then sitting down to talk and commune:  
(12) I am (saith King Alstenus) right glad, most worthy Duke Rollo, to see you in this my Court. The renown of your Nation hath been related to me, a Martial kind of Peopleyee are, and infight unconquerable. And you yourself also for your prowess, are not unnoted among the rest of your famous Worthies: your valiant exploits are well known unto us: It is right pleasing unto us to enter 
Will. Gemetic. lib. 2. cap. 6. Alstans' bounty to Rollo.  with such men into amity. Behold our whole kingdom is before you, choose out a seat for yourself, and your people wheresoeur you best like, for we will have an everlasting league between us.  
(13) Rollo, glad of so fair promises, replied: Most worthy and renowned King, I highly esteem of your bountiful and most liberal proffers: God grant a happy success of our affairs. I do think myself most bounden & devoted to your worthiness; and if destiny ever answer to our desires, we will not be unthankful for this your so great benignity. To seat ourselves in your kingdom, though indeed we are very willing, and your Royal proffers do much more incite us, yet Fate doth not permit it. I have determined (and will certainly perform,) to go into France. For your gifts bestowed on me, I esteem them in the highest degree: and right well content I am to have a perpetual League with you, that the like Fortune may betide us both, the one to be a safeguard to the other. This I both offer, and accept of. I his League God grant may to us both prove happy and fortunate.  
(14) With such like interchanges the time much spent, and night drawing on, they were brought to banquet: And early the next morning, coming forth of their lodgings, most lovingly embraced each other, when each gave & received presents best suiting with their estates and occasions. Neither doth Krantzius stay his pen there, but proceedeth to particular affairs betwixt these two Princes, without the concurrence of any of our own writers.  
(15) As how the English rose in Arms against Alstenus their King, taking opportunity of the time, for that Rollo (whom they knew to be joined in a most straight confederacy with their Sovereign) being then employed in the wars of France, could not come or send to his aid: Alstenus therefore oppressed with a tumultuous kingdom, remembered Rollo his faithful friend, and sending Ambassadors declared unto him 
Alstane faith to his friend.  what distress he was in; who not unmindful of the firm league betwixt them, left his French wars, and prepared for England with all his Forces; where entering the Island, he easily quieted the tumultuous rebels, ransacking their Cities, curbing their wildness, and so reducing them at last to an orderly subjection. For which his great love, care, & pains, the King not unthankful, resolved to requite him with the half of his kingdom, appointing the Cities and limiting the bounds, which each of them should rule and govern as their own possessions.  
(16) Rollo in the mean time, as careful of the pieces continuance, as regardless of so great remunerations, taketh pledges of the Rebels for securing their loyalty to the King, and peaceable bearing towards himself; upon accomplishment whereof, repairing to Alstenus he thus bespoke him.  
(17) Seeing (King Alstenus) you have so highly rewarded me, both with princely entertainment, and bountiful presents, I can do no less, then willingly bestow upon you these my pains for your safety: it i●… no more than your deserts do challenge; neither will I accept, or seem so uncourteous as to expect, for my pains, any part of your dominion. Yourself now may well govern it; for France calls for my presence: keep therefore those your Pledges, brought to you by your Subjects, and there is no doubt but you shall henceforward govern your Kingdom in a settled and contentful quietness.  
(18) The King could not contain those his eyes, which now beheld in a stranger so strange and unexempled kindness, from resolving into tears: giving him both hearty thanks, and rich gifts, seeing he could not fasten on him any portion of his Kingdom: of whom, all that Rollo desired was this, that he would give licence to such voluntary Soldiers as would go with him into France: whereto Alsten, ready in all things to gratify his desire, gladly condescended, and furnished him with attendants.  
(19) But leaving Krantius the Dane, as likewise Gemeticensis the Norman, to favour their Country, & these their reports, to the best liking of the judicious; most certain it is, that the French King Charles, commonly called the Simple, gave the Duchy of Normandy with his daughter Gilla (whose mother was Aeguina, the 
Rollo the first Duke of Normandy. Angiers Records. M. S.  daughter of Edward the Elder, King of England) unto Rollo the Dane, as is recorded in an old manuscript belonging to the Monastery of Angiers. And when Rollo was baptised, Charles receiving him for his Godson at the Font, he was there required to do homage for his Dukedom received, and enjoined 
Rand. Higden. lib. 6. cap. 1.  therein to kiss the King's foot, which he did, but with some disgrace to King Charles, and bound it with an oath that he did not receive it upon courtesy.  
(20) This Rollo by his second wife Popee, (for Gilla died childless) daughter to the Earl of Bessin and Baileulx, had a son named William, surnamed Longespee, and a daughter called Girl●…ta, who was afterwards married to the Duke of Guyan.  
(21) William Longespee (so called of the Long Sword 
William Longespee, second Duke of Normandy.  he usually wore) the second Danish Duke of Normandy, took unto wife Sp●…rta the daughter of Hubert, Earl of Se●…tlis, by whom he had only Richard his son: this William receiving baptism, received therewith a new name, and was thenceforth called Robert, who having governed his Dukedom with great moderation the space of twenty years, was guilefully murdered by the working of Lewes King of France, to the great grief of his people, who so far followed the revenge, that they intercepted Lewes in the City Roth●…mage, and detained him their prisoner, 
Polycr.  till he agreed to these Articles: That young Richard should succeed his slain Father in the foresaid Dukedom; and that thenceforth when the King & Duke should confer together, the Duke should be girt with his Sword, and the King disabled either of Sword or knife: to which Lewes yielded upon his corporal oath.  
(22) Richard thus established, governed his 
Richard I. the third Duke of Normandy.  Dukedom the space of fifty two years. He was a man of an admirable fortitude, and therefore was called Richard the Hardy. His first wife was 
* Emma. Wal●…g. Ypodig. Neust.  Agnes, daughter to Hughle Grand, Earl of Paris, Lord Abbot of Germans, and Father to Hugh Capet of France; but she dying issueless, he secondly married G●…or, a Gentlewoman of the Danish blood, (whom he had kept his Concubine before) by whom he had three sons and three daughters: the first was Richard that succeeded in his dominions; the second was Robert Archbishop of Rouen; and the third was called Maliger: his daughters were Hawisa, the wife of Geffrey Earl of Britain, and mother to Alane and 
* Or, 〈◊〉, Wals. ibi.  Guye his sons. Manned espoused 
* Or, 〈◊〉. ibi.  Euldes Earl of Chartiers and Blois: and Emma called the Flower of Normandy, was Queen of England, both by the English King Ethelred, and Canutus the Dane, to both which she was married.  
(23) Richard the second, surnamed the Good, was 
Richard 〈◊〉. the fourth Duke of Normandy. Ran. Higden callth him Richard the third.  the fourth Duke of Normandy, and ruled the same for twenty four years: In whose time the Normans began to be great, and gracious in England, the marriage of his Sister making their way: his first wife was judith the Sister of Geffrey Earl of Britain, by whom he had issue, Richard, the first Duke of Normandy, and Robert the sixth, William a Monk, and Nicholas Abbot of S. Andrew's: his daughters by her were, Alice, that died young, and another of the same name married to Reinold, Earl of Burgoine, and Eleanor espoused to Baldwin the fourth Earl of Flanders, who bore unto him Baldwin the fifth, father of Maud that was Queen of England, and wife to the Conqueror.  
(24) The second wife to Duke Richard the second; was Estrike, Sister to Canute King of England, from whom he purchased a Divorce, without any issue begotten on her body; and then taking for his third wife a fair Gentlewoman named Pavia, had issue by her William Earl of Arques, and Maugre Archbishop of Roan.  
(25) Richard the third of that name, and fifth 
Richard 3. the fifth Duke of Normandy.  Duke of Normandy, in the second year of his Dukedom died an untimely death, not without suspicion of Poison, ministered by Robert his younger brother, who presently was invested in the Duchy, for that he left no issue of his body to succeed.  
(26) This Robert (Duke Richard's Brother) was a man of a magnanimous spirit, and of such bounteous 
Robert 〈◊〉. the sixth Duke of Normandy.  liberality as is uncredible. He coming to the City Phalesya in Normandy, chanced to see a most goodly and beautiful damosel, dancing among others of her familiar consorts; her name was Arlet, of mean parentage (the daughter of a Skinner, saith 
Ran. Higden. in Polycr. lib. 6. c. 〈◊〉.  Higden) whose pleasing feature and comely grace so pleased the Duke, that taking her to his bed, he begot on her, William his only son, (who proved the only man of the Normans blood) and after upon a remorse of conscience, undertook a pilgrimage unto jerusalem, from whence he never again returned. Arlet in Robert's life time was married to Herlaine a Norman Gentleman, but of mean substance; to whom ●…he bare Odo Bishop of Baion, by his half-brother William created Earl of Kent; and Robert created Earl of Mortaigne, a man of a dull and gross wit; & a daughter named Emma, wife to Richard 
Wil 〈◊〉 of Rouen.  count of Auranches, (a Province in Normandy,) the mother of Hugh Lupus Earl Palatine of Chester. And thus far bre●…ly I have thought good to prosecute the Line of the Normans, for the better illustration of our English Stories.  
(27) Duke Robert intending his pious pilgrimage unto the holy land, assembled all his Nobility 
Wil Malmsb. li. 3. ca 1.  unto the City Fiscan, where he caused them to swear fealty unto 〈◊〉 son William, being then but seven years old, committing him to the Governance of one Gilbert, an Earl of much integrity and prudence, and the defence of that Government unto Henry the French King, and so in the eight year of his Dukedom, set on his voyage for jerusalem; who entering jury, and not able to travail, was born in a litter upon the Saracens shoulders, and near unto the City, meeting a returning Pilgrim, desired him to report 
Rand. Higden 〈◊〉 Polyc. lib. 〈◊〉. cap. 〈◊〉  in his Country what he there saw, which is, (said he) that I am carried to Heaven upon the devils b●…cke: but so far was he borne that he never returned, being prevented by death: which the Norman Peers hearing, made use thereof for their own ambitious ends, without any regard of young William their Pupil and Sovereign, and grown into factions, greatly troubled the Peace of their Country, wherein Earl G●…bert the Protector was slain, by Randulphus the young Dukes Cosen-Germane.  
(28) The beginner of these stirs was another of 
Wil Malmsb. lib. 3.  his kinsmen, even 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, the son of Duke Richard's daughter, brought up with Willam in his youth, and ever in his most especial esteem; who, upon a vain hope to aspire to an Earldom, got the aid of the viscounts, Nigell, and Randulph, but took such a fall before he could ascend the highest step, that in losing his footing he lost therewith his head.  
(29) Strife also arose betwixt young William, and his Uncle William the base-born Earl of Archis. Whereupon King Henry of France, who till then had held this Wolf by the ear, fearing some hazard to himself, if he should now let him go, thought it best to aid the Earl in his cause, and therefore sent him supply under the leading of some men of note; but William so begirt his Castle with straight siege, that he caused the Earl by famishment to yield up his Fort, and drove the French with disgrace out of the field: where, with such success he still prospered, that Henry now, to secure his own Confines, sent Odo his brother for Perfect, into those Parts, that lay betwixt the Rivers Reyn and the Seyn.  
(30) William as watchful as the French King was jealous, sent against Odo, Robert Count Aucensis, Hugh Gornacensis, Hugh Mountfort, and William Crispin, all of them stout Soldiers, which so bravely bore themselves, that Odo was the first man that made away, and the restof the French saved themselves by flight.  
(31) William that had sworn a league with King Henry, and in his Minority had ever found him his gracious Guardian, was loath to endanger the breach of his Oath, or the duty that love and deserts had obliged him unto; and therefore by this Stratagem he sought to dislodge the French. In the silence of Night when in the King's Camp all were at rest, he caused to be cried aloud, the flight of Odo, and his discomfiture, with no less terror than it was; which rang so shrill in the ears of the French, that Henry thought best to be gone: leaving William the absolute Lord of Normandy.  
(32) Which he valiantly defended, and uprightly governed all the days of King Henry: whose death presently caused an alteration of State; for he leaving Baldwine surnamed the Gentle, and fifth Earl of Flaunders, Tutor to his young Son Philip, the quarrel betwixt those two Princes had an end; Baldwine on the one side so working his Pupil, and on the other the Normane, (who was his son in law) that a most firm League was ratified betwixt them, and kept unviolated so long as William was a Duke: where we will leave him in prosperity and peace, and proceed in our intendment, as he did in his Conquest here in England.   

WILLIAM SURNAMED THE 
Monarch 39  CONQVEROUR, THE THIRTY 
William the Conqueror.  NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: AND FIRST OF THE NORMANS: HIS LIFE, REIGN, ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER II.  
BAttle Field won with the loss of little less than sixty eight thousand men, 
An. D. 1066  and Harold in soldier-like exequys borne unto Waltham in Essex, & there honourably interred, as we have said: William the Conqueror, (for so now may we style him) returned to Hasting, and thence set forward with spoil of the Country, over Thamesis towards London. 
Simon D●….   
(2) Where Edwine and Morcar, the Brethren of the Queen, were in working the English, that one of them should be King, or rather, saith Simon of Durham, to crown Edgar Etheling, the rightful heir, in such esteem with the People, that he was commonly called England's Darling; unto whose side most of 
Lib. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  the Nobles a●…ered, with the Citizens of London, and the Naval forces; to which part also joined Aldred Archbishop of York, though presently he fell off and stuckt to the stronger; for the Prelates, though 
The Pope powerful to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  secretly affecting the right claim, yet terrified with the flashing thunderbolts of the Papal curse, durst not go forward with their purpose (so powerful was the Pope, even then to defeat the rightful heirs of kingdoms) but refused to side with the Lords, 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  whereupon all their designments were suddenly quashed.  
(3) For William having wasted through Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, came unto Wallingford, and crossing there the Thamesis, passed through the Counties of Oxford, Buckingham and Hertford, where staying at Berkhamsted, Aldred 
Wil 〈◊〉.  Archbishop of York, Wolstane Bishop of Worcester▪ Walter Bishop of Hereford, with the Earls Ed●… and Morcar, yea and Edgar himself, yielded their allegiance unto the Duke: This curse so prevailing, far engaged William to the Pope.  
(4) William intending for London, being on his 
Trees cut down to hinder William passage.  way, found the passage stopped up with multitudes of great trees, which by the policy of Frethericke Abbot of S. Albans, (a man descended from the Saxons noble blood, as likewise from Canutus the Dane) to secure his Monastery from the destruction of the Normans, were so cut down: whereat the Duke both wondering and fretting, sent for the Abbot, under his assurance of safe return, and demanding the cause why his woods were so cut; Frethericke answered very stoutly, I have done (said he) the duty both of my birth and profession; and if others of my rank had 
john Stow.  performed the like (as they well might and ought) it had not been in thy power to have pierced the land thus far.  
(5) W●…lliam hearing the bold answer of this Prelate, and knowing it was now a time fitter to pacify, then exulcerate the English spirits, gave way to the present necessity, and withal hastened (as good policy required) his coronation, which at Westminster was solemnised upon Monday, being the day of Christ's Nativity, and year of salvation, 1066. where 
King Williams Coronation.  he received the crown at the hands of Aldred Archbishop of York; causing the Bishops and Barons to take the oath of allegiance unto him; and himself likewise at the altar of S. Peter's, took a solemn oath to defend the rights of the Church, to establish good laws, and to see justice uprightly administered, as became a good King; and thereupon chose for his counsel, such men as he knew to be of great wisdom and experience: next, applying his thoughts for the security of his new got Empire; fortified such: places as lay open to danger, 
William fortifieth against invasions.  bestowed strong Garrisons upon the coasts, & ships to ride in those Harbours which were most exposed to invasion.  
(6) And the better to assure the south of the land (best serving his purpose, if any new troubles should arise) he took his way towards Dover, the 
Polydor.  lock and key of the Kingdom, as Matthew Paris terms it; that so he might command the seas from his enemy's arrivage, and over-awe the Kentish a most 
Math. Paris.  strong and populous Province. When Stigand therefore Archbishop of Canterbury, and Eglesine the Politic Abbot of Saint Augustine's (being the chiefest 
john Stow.  Lords and Governors of Kent) understood of his approach, they assembled the Commons at Canterbury, laying forth the perils of the Province, the miseries of their neighbours, the pride of the Normans, and the wrongs of the Church; all which now were too apparently seen: the English till then, (they said,) were borne free, and the name of 
Archbishop Stigands persuasion of the Kentish.  bondmen not heard of among them; but now servitude only attend us, if we yield (said they) to the insolency of this griping enemy: These two Prelates therefore, after the example of the undaunted Maccabees, offered themselves to die in the defence of their Country; whose forwardness drew the people unto the like resolution, which by their advertisements were assigned to meet at a day, the place was Swanscombe, two miles' west from graves end.  
(7) Where accordingly convening, and keeping secret in the woods, they waited the coming of 
Thom. Sprot.  the Conqueror, all jointly agreeing, for that no way lay open save only a front, to carry in their 
The Kentish policy against King William.  hands great branches of trees, wherewith they might both keep themselves from discovery, and (if need were) impeach the passage of the Normans: which device took so strange an effect, that it daunted the Duke even with the sight at his approach; who being, as he thought, free from the enemy, was now suddenly beset on all sides with woods, whereof seeing some before him to move, he knew not but that all the other vast woods were of like nature, neither had he leisure to avoid the danger. The Kentish enclosing his Army about, displayed their banners, cast down their boughs, and with bows bent prepared for battle; so that he which even now had the Realm to his seeming in his fist, stood in despair of his own life; of which his sudden amazement, the reverend Prelates Stigand and Eglesine taking notice, & also advantage, presented themselves before him, and in the behalf of the Kentish thus spoke.  
(8) Most noble Duke, behold here the Commons 
Stigands' Oration  of Kent are comeforth to meet and receive you as their Sovereign, requiring your Peace, their own free condition of estate, and their ancient laws formerly used: if these be denied, they are here presently to abide the veraite of battle, fully resolved rather to die, then to depart with their laws, or to live servile in bondage; which name and nature is, and ever shall be strange unto us, and not to be endured.  
The Conqueror driven into this straight, and loath to hazard all on so nice a point, their demands being not unreasonable, more wisely then willingly 
Wil Thorn.  granted their desires; and pledges on both parts given for performance, Kent yieldeth her Earldom; and Castle of Dover to their new King William.  
(9) All things established for England's security, and subjection now to the Normans; he ordained his half brother by the surer side, Odo Bishop of 
Simon Dun. Odo Bishop of Bayeux made Earl and governor of Kent.  of Bayeux, (whom he created Earl of Kent) and his cozen William-Fitz-Osburne (by him made Earl of Hereford) to be Governors in his absence over the Realm; and in the Lent following sailed into Normandy, leading with him many pledges for their fidelity, besides other Nobles, especially such as he feared to be too potent; amongst whom, Stigand 
Henry Hunt. Poly●…r.  the Archbishop of Canterbury, the two great Earls Edwin and Morcar, Edgar surnamed Etheling, Fretherik Abbot of S. Alban, Agelnothus Abbot of Glastenbury, Walteof the son of the warlike Siward 
Ypodigma Neu●….  Earl of Northumberland, Roger Earl of Hertford, Rainulph Earl of Cambridge, and Gospatricke Earl 
Mari●…us.  of Cumberland, were the men of greatest note; yet was he no sooner gone, but that Edrick surnamed Syluaticus (son to Alfrick, the brother of Edrick Streona, the treacherous Earl of Mercia,) a man of great spirit, and of no little power, aided by the Welshmen, took up arms and denied subjection to the Normans, 
The Welshmen took Arms against William.  so that by either party (as in civil discords it ever falleth out) great spoils were made in many places; but most of all in Herefordshire, where Robert Fitz-Scroope left to man the Castle, did much hurt upon the Tenants of Edricke, and he to requite him with the like, calling to his aid Blethyn and Rywalhon Kings of Wales, wasted all to the mouth of 
Matth. West. lib. 2.  Wye.  
(10) These stirs in England called William out of Normandy, and were so distasteful to his great, but 
An. D. 1067  ill digesting stomach, that he began to hold the rain straighter, and harder to curb the headstrong English, giving the possessions of their Nobles unto his Normans, and laying unwonted taxes & heavy subsidies upon the Commons, than which nothing bred him more hatred, in so much, that many of 
The lands of the English given to the Normans.  them, to enjoy a barren liberty, forsook their fruitful inheritance, and with their Wives & Children, as outlaws, lived in the Woods, preferring that naked name of freedom, before a sufficient maintenance possessed under the thraldom & tyranny of their Conquerors: but in short time, to sustain their wants, (easily conceived, but hardly endured) they so fell to spoil and rob, that the high ways 
wars even in peace.  lay untrod from town to town, yea and private houses every where so guarded with bows, bills, pole-axes, swords and clubs, as if they had been not harbours of peace, but fortresses of war; when praies were made at the shutting in, and opening of their doors, as in times of open hostility. On the other side, such as preferred vassalage with some hope of tolerable (yea, or untolerable) usage, they to curry favour with the Normans, seeming to forget 
Mat. Paris.  who they were, became as strangers themselves, and did shave their beards, round their hair, and in arment, behaviour, and diet, a ltogether unfashioned themselves to imitate them: it being a shame in those days, even amongst Englishmen, to be an 
The English became strangers.  Englishman.  
(11) Unto these Malcontents, and voluntary Outlaws, joined Morcar and Edwine, the stout Earls of Chester and Yorkshire, setting up again for their Captain Edgar Etheling (which if in due time at first they had done, might have proved successful) who with their complices right valiantly for a time resisted the Normans, and in their proceedings put many of them to the sword. King 
Many Nobleses▪ fly out of England.  William as careful and sedulous to prevent further mischief, collecting his forces, and not without danger of his life, dissolved their power, so that every man sought how to save himself by escape: among whom Edwin and Morcar, Welthersus and 
Mat. Paris. Mat. Westm.  Merther, with some of the Bishops and Clergy went into Scotland. Marleswin, and Gospatrick, Noblemen of Northumberland went into Denmark: Edgar Atheling, with his mother Agatha, and his sisters Christian and Margaret, took the seas for Hungary; but by contrary winds were driven into Scotland, where they were most courteously entertained by Malcolm (surnamed Cammor) King of that Country, who so affected the person and qualities of 
King Malcolm 〈◊〉 Lady Margaret.  Lady Margaret, that he entered with her a Nuptial contract, and the rather in respect of her possibility and nearness to the English crown; whose marriage was solemnised about the feast of Easter, in the second of King William's reign, whereby Scotland became a sanctuary to the English, which daily fled thither from the pressures of the Normans.  
(12) The Conqueror now perceiving the occasion of new stirs, sent unto King Malcolm for the delivery of Edgar his enemy; which if he refused, 
King William sendeth for Edgar out of Scotland.  he threatened to denounce open war against Scotland. But Malcolm minding more his own honour, than King William's threats, returned this answer, That he held it an unjust thing, yea and (in a Prince) a wicked part, to betray him to his enemy, that came unto his Court for protection, as Prince Edgar was forced for fear of his life; whose innocency and demeanour toward William, his greatest adversary, could not touch with the least suspect: alleging further (besides the respect of 
An honourable saying.  ordinary humanity, in this case ever religiously to be observed) the strait bands of their near alliance, which required him to tender the afflicted 
The love of alliance.  estate of his most loving wives, most loved brother, coming under his Canopy, as it were for defence.  
(13) William thus frustrate of all hope from king Malcolm, and daily perplexed at the flight of the English unto his kingdom, feared a revolt & dangerous rebellion; to prevent which, he caused four strong castles to be built, one at Hasting, another at Lincoln, the third at Nottingham, & the fourth at York, wherein he bestowed strong Garrisons: and disarming the English of armour, commanded every householder to put out both fire and candle at eight of the clock at night; at which hour, in every 
Fire and candle forbid at certain hours unto the English.  City, Town and Village, he caused a bell to be rung, of the French then called Coverfew (that is, Cover-fire) partly yet in practice, and in name very near, commonly called Curfue: to prevent nightly tumults that might happily be done.  
(14) All this his circumspection notwithstanding, could not prevent the troubles that presently 
M●…. Westminster  arose; for Goodwin and Edmund, the sons of the late King Harold, coming with some forces out of Ireland, and landing in Sommersetshire, fought 
Goowin and Edmund out of freland invade England.  with Adnothus, (sometime master of their father's horse, but now a Normanist) whom they slew with many others, and taking great booties both in Cornwall and Devonshire, departed again for Ireland.  
Excester likewise, seeking to shake off the fetters of the Normans bondage, as also Northumberland, to recover their former liberties, took Arms against whom, King William in all hast possible; sent Robert Cumin, and went himself strongly prepared against Excester, which he most straightly beleaguered; at which time the Citizens thought it not enough to shut their gates against him, but contemptuously taunted and flouted him, until a great piece of the wall 
Ca●…d D●….  falling down by the especial hand of God, (as the Historians of that age report) they immediately set 
Excester yielded to King W●…liam  open their gates, and submitted themselves to his mercy. The chief instigator to their disloyalty was Githa the mother of King Harold, and sister to Swain King of Denmark, with others siding against the Normans; who now seeing the yielding up of that City, shifted themselves out of danger, and got over unto Flanders.  
(15) But fortune to Cumin was not so favourable 
An. D. 1068  in the North, nor himself so circumspect as va●…iant; for lying securely, as he thought in the City Durham, he was on the sudden surprised in the night by Edgar Atheling and his followers, where 
The Normans slain in the north.  Robert and seven hundred of his Normans were slain, one only escaping, who brought the bloody news thereof to King William, which happened in the third 
Polydor.  of his reign, the twenty eight of january, and year of Christ, 1068. The depth of Winter notwithstanding, he posted into the north; whose only terror daunted all further attempts, so that taking some of the Authors of this rebellion, he cut off their hands and some of their heads, conceiving hereupon more hatred against the English, and in that spleen of displeasure returned to London.  
(16) Whiles these insurrections were on foot in England, the fugitive English in Denmark so far prevailed 
An. D. 1069  with King Swain, that they procured his aid to recover their rights, and the rather, as they alleged, for that the Crown of England was his, descending from those that had before made conquest thereof: 
M●…b. Paris. Mat. Westm. lib. 2.  he therefore sent a puissant Navy of three hundred sail well fraught with soldiers, under the conduct of Osburne his brother, and Harold and Canute 
The Danes with English fugitives invade England.  his sons,: who arrining in Humber, landed their men for York, and wasted the Country all the way as they went; unto whom shortly joined Edgar and his associates out of Scotland, so that their Army was exceedingly strong. Whose approach so terrified the 
Lib. ●…bor. M. 5.  Yorkers, that for very grief thereof their Archbishop Aldred, (who was wholly become the Normans favourite) died, and the Norman Garrisons that there kept, lest the enemy should have any 
York set on fire by her own soldiers.  shelter or succour, set their suburbs on fire; the flame whereof carried with an over-high wind, soon consumed a great part of the City itself, and therein, the fair Cathedral Church of S. Peter's, with a famous Library thereto adjoining.  
(17) The Citizens, and Soldiers thus beset with sudden flames, thinking to secure their lives from the fire, did enhazard them on the fury of the sword; for coming unawares upon these hardy and well appointed Danes, were forced to come to a disordered 
The Danes victors over the English.  fight, wherein though for a time they behaved themselves most valiantly, yet being overlaid, were discomfited with the slaughter of three thousand of their men. The Danes, swelling with this prosperous success took into Northumberland, bringing all to their obeisance where they came; and the two young gallants were thereby so fleshed, & encouraged, that they intended to have marched to London, had not the extremity of winter (enemy to all warlike enterprise s) hindered them; yea and William as willingly would have been doing, if the same cause 
Willims policy to weaken the English.  had not kept him back: but when the time of the year was fit for war, he gathered a great host, whereof the English were chief, this being his policy, to use their weapons each against others, whereby their strengths might be lessened, that so whosoever lost, his Normans might win: these joining 
Wil Malmsb.  battle with the enemy, fought it out manfully; and lastly, making a breach into a wing of the Danish army therewith so daunted the rest, that all of them gave back and fled; Harold and Canute to their ships, & Edgar Atheling by swift horse into Scotland. Earl Waltheof, who with his own hands had slain many a Norman that day, was reconciled to King William, now left conqueror of the field; whose wrath was so kindled against these Northern disturbers, that he wasted all the fair Country betwixt York and Durham, leaving all desolate for threescore miles' space, which nine years after lay untilled 
The North miserably wasted.  & without any inhabitant; when grew so great a famine, that these Northerns were forced to eat the flesh of men.  
(18) The Conqueror after these troubles bare 
An. D. 1070 Polydor.  more hatred unto the English, whose inconstancy (so he accounted their unquenched desire of liberty) he daily dreaded, especially the Nobles, and men of power; whereupon he began to deal yet more roughly for light causes, thrusting out some of them into exile, and depriving more of their lands and goods, seizing most part of every man's revenues into his own possession, as gained by a lawful conquest, 
The English hated and banished  causing them to redeem them again at his hands, and yet retained a propriety thereof unto himself, by receiving an annual rent, and other provisions and services, whereof if they failed, their lands were utterly excheated to the crown; neither spared he the Corporations of Cities, Towns, Monasteries, or Episcopal Sees; but took from them their ancient liberties and privileges, whose redemptions set at what rate it pleased himself, soon weakened their estates, which was the only thing he aimed at, and therefore often blamed Canutus for his overmuch gentleness extended towards those, whom he had conquered, whose steps therein he meant not to tread.  
(19) He charged the Clergy with armour, horse 
Math. Paris.  and money, for the maintenance of his wars, wherein the Bishops and Abbots were taxed at very great sums, which he caused to be registered and laid up in his treasury: so that he did not only bereave their Abbeys and Monasteries of all their gold and silver, but, by the report of Roger Windover, 
Roger Wind.  laid hands upon their Chalices and rich shrines, and for their further undoing established by decree, that no English Scholar should come to promotion. In which respect also, whereas King Alfred had for the 
Wil Malmsb.  maintenance of many learned Divines, (which might instruct 
Ex Archi●…. Colleg. Vniversit. Oxen. Tun. Apol. l. 2.  his people in the Faith, in their own vulgar tongue) founded a goodly College in Oxford, to be maintained wholly at the King's charges, which was accordingly performed, and royally continued in all his successors reigns: King William, desiring utterly to destroy the English tongue, and preaching therein; decreed, that the said annual expense, should never after be allowed out of the King's Exchequer, to the great impairing both of learning and religion. To further all which proceedings, his holy Father Pope Alexander the second, 
Wil Thorn.  set in a foot, sending two Cardinals, and a Bishop from the See Apostolic, who in a Council degraded Stigand Archbishop of Canterbury, Egelwine Bishop 
Marianus.  of the East-Angles, besides divers other Bishops and Abbots of the English nation; deprived for 
Gerua. Doraber.  no evident cause, but only to give place to the Normans in favour of the King.  
(20) The ancient laws of the land he abrogated for the most part, ordaining new, nothing so equal 
M. Mils in Will. Conq.  nor so easy to be kept; which his laws although they nearly concerned the English & therefore ought of them to have been familiariy known, were notwithstanding 
Marred laws imposed upon the English.  written in the harsh Norman tongue, which they understood not; so that many persons, partly by the iniquity of the law itself, partly by ignorance in misconstruction, & often also by the sleights of Pleaders and judges, who might pretend for law what they list, were wrongfully condemned, in forfeiture of goods, lands, yea and also of life, and generally so entangled with their unknown interpretation, and tortured with their delays, turmoils and traverses, that they rather chose to give over their suits, then to follow them with their endless vexations.  
He caused likewise his Broad seal, wherewith he confirmed his Deeds and Charters, to be inscribed on the one side, to acknowledge him for the Normans Patron, and on the other, for the English King, as in the sculpture thereof, at the entrance of his history 
King William his Seal.  is seen, which beareth this sense; 
This Sign doth William, Normans Patron show:  
By this the English him their King do know.   
(21) These snares of his laws accounted the fetters of the Natives, were by the Nobility sought to 
An. D. 1072 Wil Malms.  be cast off: for Edwin and Morcar, (the two stout Earls so often mentioned) feignedly reconciled to the King not long before, combining with Fretherike, the bold and rich Abbot of S. Albans, set up Edgar Atheling their General once again, and fell into a new conspiracy: William Lion-like storming at the loose, and regardless allegiance of these unsufferable subjects, daily with fresh attempts so disturbing his peace, with a mighty power hastened against them, and armed aswell with the spiritual sword of Lanfranck, (than advanced to be Archbishop of Canterbury) as with mail of Iron, or coats of steel, laid all barren wheresoever he came: his opposites for their parts knowing his purpose, as desperately 
The English rise against William.  maintained what they had begun, and fully were resolved to make the sword their judge.  
(22) The King by his Spials hearing the increase of their power, and knowing to his restless trouble, the unwilling subjection of the English, entered consultation with his Archbishop; who as Rhehoboams' Sag●…s, gave him counsel somewhat to bear with their abuses, rather than to hazard the ruin 
1. King. 12. 6.  of all in fight; and so far prevailed in this his advice, that an assembly was appointed to meet at Berkhamsted in the County of Hertford, where the King entering parley with the English Nobility; so far did wind himself into their good opinions, (being a very politic, and fair-spoken Prince) that they all forth with laid down their weapons.  
(23) And he for his part fearing to lose the crown with shame, which he had gotten by the effusion 
King William sworn unto King Edward's laws.  of so much blood, gave his oath upon the holy Evangelists, and the relics of Saint Alban the Martyr, (the same being ministered unto him by Abbot Fretherik) swearing to observe, and inviolably to keep the ancient laws of this land; & most especially those compiled by King Edward the Confessor, though (as the event soon showed) he little meant to do as he pretended.  
(24) Peace thus established, among other conferences beseeming such estates, it chanced King William to demand the reason how it came to pass, that his fortune should be in one days battle to subdue the English, which the Danes before him could not do in many; to which question whilst each 
Lib. S. Alban. M. S. in vita Fretheric.  stood looking on others, expecting what to answer, the stout Abbot Fretherick stepped forth and said:  
(25) The reason thereof may easily be given, if the occasion be well weighed; for wontedly the land was defended by dint of swords, until that their warlike wearers 
A good speech ill taken.  upon their godly devotions, laid them from their sides upon the Altars of Orisons, which through overlong rest are grown very rusty, and their edges too dull now for the field: for, (said he) the maintenance of martial men, with a great part of this lands revenues, are daily converted to pious employments, to maintain and defend these holy votaries, whose prayers pierce more deeper than the sword: and therefore thou art obliged o King, to maintain their peace, that have been the cause of thy so easy purchase.  
(26) But William before the words were well out of his mouth replied and said, Is the Clergy so rich and so strengthened that the land thereby 〈◊〉 weakened of her men at Arms, and to keep only the religious in safet●… shall the Laity lie exposed to the 〈◊〉 of the Danes, 
King Williams angry answer.  and other foreign Enemies? surely out of your own mouths I will judge you, and for redress will first begin 
Lib. S. Alban.  with thee: whereupon he took from the Abbey of Saint Albans all the lands and revenues that lay betwixt Barnet and London-Stone. Abbot Fretherick, whose overbold answers had now offended the King, without delay called a chapter of his brethren, showing them their approaching dangers, and to avoid the present storm, went himself to Ely, where he desisted not from his wont machinations against the Conqueror.  
(26) This conference ended, and the King's oath received, the English Armies disband themselves, as dreaming they had now good Fortune by the foot and hoping the greatest storms of their dangers were passed; which presently proved but a Vain surmise: for King William having compounded with 
Simon Dun. Math. Paris.  the Danes that lay all this last Winter in Northumberland, and paid them a great sum for their departure, began extremely to hate the rebels, and with full resolution of their destruction, suddenly 
King William worketh upon advantage.  set upon them apart, which he durst not attempt, when they were united, so that slaying many, imprisoning others, and prosecuting all of them with fire & sword, well was he that could be first gone.  
(27) Edgar Etheling got again into Scotland, and Edwin Earl of Yorkshire following with the like intent, was slain in the way by his own soldiers; 
Ran. Higden. Henry Hunt. Math. Paris.  Egelwin Bishop of Durham, Morcar Earl of Chester, Siward surnamed Bran, and Hereward (a very valiant Knight) got into the I'll of Ely, relying wholly 
The I'll of Ely fortified against William.  on the advantage of the place.  
This Hereward had received a hallowed sword, and benediction of his uncle the Abbot of Peterborow, and had most valiantly defended his own inheritance against the Normans, and with no less 
Ingulphus.  couragewithstood the Conqueror, being made captain of those now assembled.  
(28) But the King lest delay should give them advantage, and harbour more of such his unbridled subjects, with a great power hasted thitherward, & stopping up the East passage from all flight, or relief, 
King William assaulteth the I'll of Ely.  drew a causy on the west through the deep Fens, even two miles of length, where likewise he then built the Castle of Wisbech: against which, 
Roger Wind.  they in the I'll raised another of timber and turfs, and called it according to the name of their Captain, Hereward: at which place, many assaults & bicker being made, but yet no entrance gotten, Morcar by boat escaped out of the I'll, and in Scotland obtained by price, what these distressed could not by prayer; so that Malcolm the King, in rescue & revenge of them, invaded Cumberland, and foraged all Theisdale: Hereward also went out of the I'll, and got a 
The Scots invade Cumberland  gallant crew of choice and youthful soldiers, which stood most stoutly for the defence of their liberties.  
(29) In the mean while, the Monks, oppressed with miseries, sued for mercy unto the King, & Thurstan the Abbot repairing to Warwick, where William then lay, offered him entrance unto the I'll, if he 
The Abbot would hold his, howsoever the rest fared.  would restore to their Abbey the ancient possessions: the King then rejoicing, to obtain that by wit, which Canutus could not do by main strength, accorded to the request, and in great haste, but no little difficulty, got into the I'll, where slaying a thousand of the Common sort, hec used great cruelty against the better, imprisoning many, and dismembering others, some of their hands, some of their eyes and some of their feet. Egelwine Bishop of Durham he imprisoned, first at Abington, then at Westminster, whose diet was either so sparing, or stomach so great in forbearance, or both (for both are reported) that ere long he died of hunger.  
(30) Howsoever the Monks of Ely kept their promise with William for betraying of the I'll; he chose broke his for their preservation and peace; 
john Stow.  for by no means their prayers would enter his ears, t●…l the sound of seven hundred marks had opened the way; to collect which, they were forced to f●…ll 
A small piece of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 made more 〈◊〉 pa●….  both the jewels and ornaments of their Church: which being brought to his receivers, there wanted (whether by error or deceit) a groat in weight (form those days greater sums passed by weight, not by tale,) whereof when the King understood, he in great (but captious) rage, denied them all composition for peace, whereupon with much suit he was entreated to accept of a thousand Marks more, to raise which, they disfurnished their Monastery even of things of necessary use.  
(31) But the English Fugitives, who had gotten the Scots to stick to them, were not yet pacified, but entering into Cumberland, they wasted the Country before them unto the Territories of Saint Cuthbert, & city of Durham; to meet whom, King Wi●…am sent Gospatrick, who lately reconciled to his favour▪ and created Earl of Northumberland, showed the like measure of cruelty upon the Scotish Abetters, 〈◊〉 they had done against the English. The Conqueror 
The English enter into ●…land 〈◊〉 with small success.  therefore not a little moved against King Malcolm, for that his Country was a receptacle of his Rebellious Subjects, and himself now the chief Leader of the Malcontents into his Kingdom, hasted into Scotland with a desire and purpose, to have done much more than he was able to accomplish: for entering Galloway, he more wearied his Soldiers 
Polydor.  in passing the Marish grounds and mountains, then with encounter or pursuit of the Enemy, so that he was forced to give over his enterprise, and then drew his forces towards Lothiam, where King Malcolm and his English late, being fully resolved, there to end by battle, either his troubles; or his life.  
(32) But Malcolm wisely considering the event of war and that the occasion thereof was not for his 
Matth. Par●….  own subjects, but for a sort of foreign fugitives, began to think, that the wrongs therein done to another he could hardly brook himself, and sent therefore to William proffers of peace; whereunto 
Henry Hunt. Gemeticensis.  lastly the English King inclined and hostages delivered upon further Conferences, what time (as I take it) upon Stane-more, not far from an homely hostilerie 
A stone Cross●… erected for a Mere mark to both the Kingdoms.  called the spital, a Stone-Crosse (on the one side of whose shaft stood the picture, and arms of the King of England, and on the other the Image & arms of the King and Kingdom of Scotland, upon 
Hector Boetius.  that occasion called the Roi-crosse) was erected, 
* That is, Kings. Crosse.  to show the Limits of either kingdom; some ruins of which Metre-marke are yet appearing; for King William, granting Cumberland unto Malcolm, to hold the same from him, conditionally that the 
Cambden Brit.  Scots should not attempt any thing prejudicial to the Crown of England, (for which King Malcolm did him homage, saith Hector Boetius the Scotish writer) and the English being reconciled to his favour, after 
Hector ●…oet. lib. 12. Cap. 10.  he had built the Castle of Durham, returned as cleared from all Northern troubles.  
(33) But his Norman Dukedom, stirred somewhat unto rebellion, called King William into those 
An. D. 1074  parts, where, by the prowess of the English, he soon brought all things to peace, and returned for England, better conceiting of that Nation, especially of Edgar Etheling, whom he courteously received and 
Wil Malms. Math. Paris.  honourably maintained in ●…is Court, allowing him a pound weight of Silu●… every day to spend; a rare 
The bounty of King William towards Edgar Etheling.  example of a victorious Conqueror showed upon a man so unconstant, (who twice had broken his oath of fidelity) and dangerous to be so near unto his person, being, as he was, a Competitor of his Crown.  
(34) Whiles the King was in Normandy, Ralph de Ware Earl of Suffolk and Norfolk, took to wife Emma the daughter of William Fitz-Osberne, and sister to Roger Earl of Hereford cozen to King William, and that without his consent; by whose affinity he conceived no small pride, and even on the wedding day, when wine had well intoxicated the brain, with a long circumstance persuaded his Guests unto a Rebellion; unto whom yielded ●…oger Earl of Hereford, his Bride's brother, and Waltheof Earl of North-hampton, 
I●…n Stow.  with many other Barons, abbots and Bishops: But the next morning, when Earl Waltheof had consulted 
A conspiracy intended and revealed.  with his Pillow and awaked his wits to perceive the danger whereunto he was drawn, repaired straightways to Archbishop Lanfranke, who was left Governor of the Land in King William's absence, revealing unto him their Conference and Treasons intended, by whose advice he went over into Normandy, and there with submissive repentance, showed the King what these Lords and himself had intended.  
(35) The Earls therefore of Norfolk and Hereford, whose state now lay open to chance, as desperate men took themselves to Arms, & sought how to unite their two powers into one. This sudden sound of war soon roused the Subjects, so that Wolstane Bishop of Worcester, and Egelwine Abbot of 
Mat. Westm. Henry Hunt. Simon D●….  Euesham having called to their aid Walter Lacie, and Vrse the Sheriff of Worcester, so manfully withstood Earl Roger that he with his Army could not pass over Severne to join with his brother Norfolk: And he again was so sore laid at, by Odo Bishop of Bayeux, and Geffrey Bishop of Constance, (who had assembled 
john Pike.  a mighty Army both of English and Normans) that they constrained him first to Norwich, where, in the Castle he bestowed his Countess, and thence fled himself into Little Britain, whither shortly she followed.  
(36) William now returned from Normandy and some relics of Rebellion remaining in the West, he 
An. D. 1075  hasted thitherward, where, with small ado he got 
William returning useth severity against the English.  Earl Roger into his hands, and condemned him to perpetual prison; the Welsh his Aiders (of whom also were many at the said Marriage) he used with great severity; for of some he put out the eyes, of others he cut off the hands, hanged some upon gibbets, and he that scaped best, went into banishment; neither Earl Waltheof, notwithstanding he revealed the conspiracy, escaped unpunished; for after that the King had taxed him with ingratitude (he having formerly restored the Earldom unto him) he caused his head to be chopped off at Winchester, (although he had before promised his pardon and life) his great possessions 
Wil Malmsb.  being his greatest Enemies; for he is reported to have been Earl of Northampton, Northumberland and Huntingdon, thought by the King to be fitter dignities for 
Henry Hunt.  the Normans his followers; and the desire of a new Marriage, moved judith his wife not a little to set forward and hasten his death. 
A kindhearted Wife.   
(37) These beginnings against the Welsh, King William prosecuted farther, entering into Wales with 
An. D. 1076 Mat. Paris. Matth. West.  a strong Army, as purposing a final end of those Domestical wars, having so replenished England with his Normans, that he now promised himself security and happiness of State: To him therefore the Princes of Walls unable to resist, performed their 
The Princes of Wales do homage to William  Homages at Saint David's, and with their Hostages he returned as a victorious Conqueror.  
But the Seas of these troubles now grown quiet and calm, and he at some leisure to think on future success, all on the sudden a cloud arose in the North, which hastily came on and threatened a storm.  
(38) For Swain King of Denmark, whose title 
Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. Simon Dun.  (to his seeming) stood firm for the Crown, manned forth two hundred tall Ships, whereof his son Canute and Earl Hacon were Generals; for his brother Osborne he had banished Denmark, that basely took money to depart England some few years before, notwithstanding his claim he made still, though for money, still stopped by his Danes: For so saith their own writer Adam Bremensis, that continual contention was betwixt Swain and the bastard, although (saith h●…) 
Will. Malmes. Math. Paris. Polydor.  our Bishops by bribes would have persuaded peace betwixt the two Kings: Yea and Malmesbury, our writer, affirmeth, that William gave bribes to Earl Hacon to begun; though Paris and Polydore report, that when these Danes heard that their favourites here were vanquished they turned their Sails for Flanders, and durst not fight with King William.  
(39) But now a less suspected, but much more 
An D. 1077  unnatural war arose; for Robert, his eldest son, (set on by Philip King of France, who did greatly dread 
Robert warreth for Normandy.  this so hasty growth of the Conqueror) claimed Normandy by gift of his father, promised to him immediately after his Conquest of England; a Noble Gentleman surely, but of an ambitious and hasty nature, prodigally spending and maintaining his followers above the compass of his private estate; him Philip, & his own ill-nurtured Ambition, thrust forward, 
Will. Malmes.  & Q. Maud his mother supplied under hand, out of her own Coffers, and King William's Revennewes, so that with banners displayed he entered Normandy in hostile manner, and there by force seized upon divers places to his own use, and so without respect of dutiful patience gained by force the free-gift of his father.  
(40) King William hearing of his son Robert's proceedings, was not (as great cause there was) a little offended thereat, and with a powerful Army hasted 
Mat. Paris. Simon Dun.  to Normandy▪ where near unto the Castle of Gerbory, at a place called Archenbraye, he joined battle with his son; where the fight was sore and dangerous on both sides, the General's being such men as they were: but in the heat of the foot battles that fought it out resolutely, Robert commanded a power of horse to break in upon the Rearward of his enemies, and himself valiantly following, chanced to light against his own Father, and with his lance 
King William wounded and unhorsed.  thrust him through the Arm, bearing him off his horse to the ground. King William thus wounded & fallen, called for help to be remounted, storming to see his blood spilled in his own land, and against his own son, which never had been in battles of other countries, nor drawn by the weapons of foreign enemies, and in great rage threatened the revenge: Robert that knew his Father by his voice, hastily alighted, and in his Arms took him from the earth, humbly desiring his pardon for this unknown fact, and forgiveness of his overhasty attempt; then mounting him upon his own horse, brought him in safety out of the press; who having escaped so great a danger, and seeing himself 
He bandeth his son.  for the present too weak to withstand the enemy, left the honour of the field unto Robert, with the loss of many his soldiers, slain there both in the battle and chase, besides a great number that were hurt & wounded; among whom, William Rufus his second 
Will. Malmes.  son was one, a man of a better temper, and more filial regard to his parents, and therefore more deservedly and tenderly beloved then Robert; for which dishonour now done to his Father, and disloyalty for his unnatural arms, he bitterly cursed him, and execrated the time wherein he begat him: how beit, others do write, that for his most undaunted courage at that time, issuing and ending in such dutiful and tender care of his father's safety, he presently forgave his former offences, and ever after had him in better respect.  
(41) These stirs thus qualified, and King William returned, he went forward with his former determination; for settling a further assurance to himself and successors of the English crown; to which 
An. D. 1708 The Tower of London built. john Stow. Regist Epist. Ro●….  end, first on the east side of London (the mother City of the land) he laid the foundation of a stately & strongly fenced Castle, or Magazine of warlike munitions, entrenched with a large and deep ditch, now called the Tower of London; the surveyor of which work, was Gundulphus Bishop of Rochester; about the twelfth year of the Conquerors reign, so much is lessened the antiquity of that Citadel, & credit of such, as would have it founded by julius Caesar; unless (perhaps) we would think that King 
Stephenide.  William did only add some new fort to the former; being built (saith Fitz-Stephen) with mortar tempered with the blood of beasts.  
(42) Then to enrich his own coffers (for he is 
Will. Malmes.  taxed by Malmesbury to be exceeding covetous) he laid great subsidies upon the land: and that the same might amount to his great benefit (though with 
Florentius Wigor. England. Survey and general judgement.  the greatest grievance of the people) he caused an exact survey to be taken of the whole kingdom, yea and of every particular part and commodity thereof; so that there was not an hide of land, lake, water, or waste, but he knew the valuation, the owners, and possessors, together with the rents, and profits thereof, as also of all Cities, Towns, Villages, Hamlets, Monasteries, and Religious houses; causing also all the people 〈◊〉 England to be numbered, their names to be taken, with notice, what every one might dispend by year; their substance, money & 
Ingulfus.  bondmen recorded: how many yokes of oxen, and ploughlands were in the Realm, and what services they owed, who held of him in Fee; all which was certified upon the oaths of Commissioners. This done, he exacted six shillings to be paid him for every hide of land; which amounted to an huge mass of money. The Book thus made of every 
Higden.  several survey, was commonly called the roll of Winchester, (as being there at first kept) but for the generality, 
Stow calleth that book, Do●…us Dei.  and inevitable censure thereof, is by Authors named Liber judiciarius, by the English, doomsday 
Ingulfus  book, kept to this day in the King's Exchequer at Westminster: of which collection Robert, a Poet at Gloucester 
Geruasius Tilburiens. Robert Glocestrens.  in ancient time, and rhyme wrote thus: 
The King William, warrant to wit the worth of his land,  
Let enqueri stretlich thoru all Engelond,  
How moni Plou-lond, and how moni Hiden also,  
Were in everich sire, and wat hij were wurth yereto:  
And the rents of each town, and of the waters eachone,  
The wurth, and of woods eke; that there ne lived none,  
But that be witted wat hii were wurth of all Engelond,  
And wit all clean, that wurth thereof ich understand,  
And let it write clean inou, and that scrit dude iwis;  
In the treasury at Westminster, there it yut is,  
So that ure Kings such, when hiis ransom took,  
Yrede what folc might yive, hii fond there in your book.   
(43) This exaction was gathered with such extremity, 
England's exactions.  & paid with such impoverishing of the English, that they grievously groaned under their miserable estate, whereby more hatred grew daily to the King, and his Normans; whose love again to them-ward was so little, that he sought by all means to 
john Castor. john Rowse. Englishmen reproach.  bring the English name, and Nation to ruin: for it is noted by Castor, and Rouse, that no English man was permitted to bear any office of Credit, or Countenance in 
Mat. Paris in G●…d. Conq.  this Conquerors days, and accounted it was a great shame to be called an Englishman, or to marry into their blood.  
(44) These grievances seeming unsufferable, the English incited Malcolm King of Scotland once more 
Simon Dunel. Malcolm invadeth England.  to enter King William's confines, wasting all before him unto the River Tyne; against whom the Conqueror sent Robert his son, surnamed Courtoise, who marching with a mighty Army, made show of doing much more than he did; this only being memorable, that near to the mouth of Tyne he laid the foundation of a Castle, whereof the town of Newcastle did afterward take both her beginning, and Name; though long before that time there was a place called Monk-Chester, because (as it should seem) it had been 
Cambden in Otta●….  either the habitation, or possession of some Religious Order.  
(45) Neither was Swain, King of Denmark, so quailed by his former expeditions, but that he had 
Simon Dun. Danes prepare against William.  a mind once more to grasp at the English Crown, preparing a mighty Armado that way, as was constantly reported and believed; King William therefore 
Mat. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 ●…ance of in ●…ame 〈◊〉  retained a great power of French Soldiers with others, which he had lately brought with him from Normandy, to disburden himself of whose Charges, he appointed them to be maintained at the costs of the English, both for their wages, and other provisions, which was an other great burden unto the English, though it long lasted not; for that the Danish King better advising himself, gave over the enterprise, and thereupon these Soldiers were discharged. 
King Williams depopulations.   
(46) Another grief and offence he ministered against both God and man, for the fruitful Country lying South from Sarisbury unto the Sea, he dispeopled, pulling down Towns, and Villages, with 36. Mother-churches, from man's use, & Gods divine service; 
Cambd in Hantshire.  & for 30. miles, laid open the country some say out of policy, to have safe arivage from Normandy in time of need: others say, for beasts, & for his own game in hunting, or to use the words of Gualther Mapes, who lived immediately after, to dedicate the same unto wild Beasts and Dogs-game; which place called anciently Ytene, was ever since named the New Forest: imposing 
Gualther M●…  great penalties both pecuniary, and corporal on all such as offended in hunting his Game: in so much that he was then called the Father of wild Beasts, 
King William the father or wild Beasts.  more favouring them then the People his Subjects. But Gods just judgement not long after followed this so unreasonable, and cruel act: for in this Forest, Richard his second son being gored by a Dear, (others say, blasted with a pestilent Air) was untimely slain: And Rufus his other son mistaken 
judgements of God ●…n King William's 〈◊〉 in New Forest Cambden.  for a Dear was by chance shot thorough with an Arrow, by Walter Terrell. Henry likewise his Grandchild by Robert Curtoise, whilst he hotly pursued the chase, was strucken by a bough into the laws, and as Ab solon left hanging until he died.  
Thus, no doubt, God punished his sins (even on his children, and children's children) who had both taken away the places, and use of his service, and also disherited multitudes of Christian people to their extreme poverty, for his unsaciat and superfluous pleasure: so that (as some then thought) the Earth itself also seemed to cry Revenge, when as upon the sixth of April, and fifteenth of King William's Reign, 
Matth. Paris.  a most fearful Earthquake, with a warring noise, did shake the ground.  
(47) Other great calamities are noted to have 
Calamities falling on the Land.  happened upon his people, as burning fevers strangely consuming the people: Murrens devouring infinite numbers of Cattle; abundance of rain, and concourse of water-floods beyond credit, whereby the hills were so softened to the very foundations, that some of them fell, and overwhelmed the villages which were in their way: most of the principal Cities of England much endamaged by fire, and London especially, where the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul (as much as was combustible) was consumed to ashes; and if that may also be noted (which 
All things degenerate  caused not the least wonder) tame, and domestic fowls, as hens, geese, peacocks, and the like fled into the forests, and woods, and became very wild, in imitation of men, degenerating then into 
Roger Wendover.  savages: for in those times even the Churchmen (and therefore less marvel of others) became unlike 
Marianus.  themselves: Walter Bishop of Durham, bought of King William the Earldom of Northumberland, maintained murderers, and was murdered himself. Odo, another Bishop, and Earl also, to revenge his death, made Northumberland desolate, beheading and dismembering the poorer sort, and at great 
Pope Gregory's Bulls against married Priests.  ransoms fining the rich, and Pope Gregory for his part played Rex in this land, sending hither his Bulls with damning curses against the married Clergy: commanding that none should hear their Masses: which how it was digested, either by God, or man, 
Matth Paris. in G●…. Conq.  let us hear Paris an ancient Monk (and therefore herein no partial man) speak his mind.  
(48) Pope Gregory in a general Synod excluded the married Priests from execution of their holy 
Inhibiting of married Priests a new device, and inconsiderate.  offices, and forbade the Laymen to hear their Masses; a precedent new, and proceeding (as it seemed to many) out of inconsiderate judgement, contrary to the sentence of the holy Fathers: which have written, that the Sacraments of the church by the invisible operation of the holy Ghost, have their due effect, whether they are dispensed by men good or bad, etc. By which fact so grievous 
Popish Continency hypocritical.  a scandal is arisen, that holy Church was never rend with a greater schism in the time of any heresy whatsoever; while some stand for the right, and others strive against it. Moreover, whereas few observe this chastity enjoined (for that though some for gain, or vainglory, do hypocritically pretend it; yet many do heap up incontinency with perjury, and manifold adulteries) by this occasion the Laymen shake off all due respect to sacred orders and ecclesiastical government; they profane the holy mysteries, they baptise Infants, anointing them with the sordid humour of their ears in stead of holy oil, they burn the tithes due to the Priests; our Lord's body consecrated by a married priest they tread under their feet, and often do wilfully cast forth the blood of our Lord upon the ground.  
(49) This Gregory (before called Hildebrand) sat in Peter's chair with such pranks of impiety, that his government was odious to the Romans, who wished an end of his reign and life, so that certain South saiers employed in that business gave forth, that after Gregory, Odo should be Pope. Odo, our said 
Odo King william's brother, affecteth the Papacy.  Earl, the conquerors brother, fed with full hope that he was the man, sendeth to Rome to buy him a Palace, adorning it with stately and over-lavish trim; Salutes the Senators with great gifts & compliments, stuffeth bags with money, and letters to such as might do much in the election, and provides honourable personages to attend him to Rome. Among the which for chief, was Hugh Earl of Chester, with many great men and Knights of the land: for the Normans variable, and desirous to see foreign Countries, were contented to forsake their fair lands in the west climate, to accompany this proud Prelate over the river Poo.  
This jolly train was set forward into the Isle of Wight, and there in great pomp ready to set sail into Normandy, when on the sudden King William unlooked for, was even among them, and in his great Hall in presence of his Nobles thus spoke:  
(50) Excellent Peers, I beseech you hearken to my words, and give me your counsel: at my sailing 
King william condemneth his brother's Ambitions.  into Normandy, I commended England to the government of Odo my brother Bishop. In Normandy many foreign foes have risen up against me, yea and inward friends I may say, have invaded me: for Robert my son, and other younglings whom I have brought up, and given Arms, have rebelled; unto whom my false Clients, and other bordering enemies have given their assistance: but they have not prospered, God (whose servant I am) ever defending me? neither have they gotten any thing of mine, besides iron in their wounds: They of Anjou prepared against me, whom with the only fear of war I have pacified. These businesses you know have drawn me into Normandy, where I have stayed long and employed my painful endeavours on public behoofes. But in the mean time, my brother hath greatly oppressed England, spoiling the Churches of Lands and Rents, hath made them naked of Ornaments given by our Predecessors, and hath seduced my Knights, with purpose to train them over the Alps, who ought to defend the 
His sacrileges.  Land against the invasions of the Danes, Irish, and other Enemies over strong for me; but my greatest dolour is for the Church of God, which he hath afflicted, and unto which the Christian Kings that reigned before me, have given many gifts, and with their loves honoured, for which now (as we believe) they rest, rejoicing with a happy retribution in a pleasant State: Ethelbert, Edward, Saint Oswald, Althulph, Aefred, Edward the Elder, Edgar, and my cozen and most dear Lord Edward, have given Riches to the Church, the spouse of God: But my Brother to whom I committed the whole Kingdom, violently plucketh away their goods, cruelly grindeth the poor, and with a vain hope stealeth away my 
His Oppressions.  Knights from me, and by oppression hath exasperated the whole Land with unjust taxations; consider thereof, most Noble Lords, and give me (I pray you) your advice, what is herein to be done.  
(51) At which pause when all stood mute, as fearing to give their opinions in so weighty a point, concerning so great a Person, the King thus continued his speech.  
Hurtful rashness is ever unsufferable, and must at length be repressed. This man hath oftentimes 
His Treacheries.  banded himself against his own father, and upon a stomach, blown up with pride and folly, hath fallen off to the King of France: therefore lest with overmuch lenity, we buy too late a repentance, he shall remain Prisoner, yet not as a Bishop, whose name I both honour and reverence, but as an Earl, subject to the Laws and Censure of his King. 
His imprisonment.   
Which accordingly was done; upon seizure of whose estate, this Prelate was found so well lined in purse, that the heaps of yellow metal did move admiration to the beholders, and many of his bags were 
His Avarice.  taken up out of the bottom of Rivers, where they were hidden full of gold ground into powder.  
(52) Soon after, some displeasure having arisen betwixt King William, and Philip King of France, he having first generally caused to be taken the Oath of English Allegiance to himself and successors, with a mighty mass of money (fitted for some great attempts) 
Wil Malmsb. Matth. Paris.  departed to Normandy; where falling sick, and keeping his Bed more than his wont, the French King hearing that his disease was in his belly, gave him this frump; Our cozen William (said he) is laid 
Some write King William took Physic to take down his great fat belly. Higden.  now in Childbed: Oh what a number of Candles must I offer at his going to Church? surely I think a hundred thousand will not suffice.  
King William hearing thereof, is said to make this answer; Well, our cozen of France I trust shall be at no such cost; but after this my childbirth, at my going to Church (swearing by the resurrection and brightness 
William Malmes. King Williams Oath.  of God) I will (said he) find him one thousand candles, and light them myself. And accordingly towards August following, when both the trees, fruits, corn, and ground, was most flourishing, he entered France with a mighty Army, spoiling all the west parts thereof before him; and lastly, set the City Meux or Mauntz on fire, wherein he consumed the fair Church of our Lady, in the walls whereof was enclosed an Anchoret, who might, but would not escape, holding it a breach of his religious 
Stow saith two Anchorites.  vow to forsake his Cell in that distress. The King busied in these attempts cheered his men to feed the fire, and came himself so near the flames, that with the heat of his harness, he got a sickness, and the same increased by the leap of his horse, that burst the inward rimme of his belly, and cost him his life.  
(53) At which time feeling death to approach, he deferred not to address his last Will, wherein he 
King Williams last Will and Testament.  commanded all his Treasure to be distributed to Churches, God's Ministers, and the Poor, limiting to each their several portion and quantity, which he caused to be engrossed in writing by Notaries before him: Amongst which, he bequeathed to the Church and Monks of Saint Stephens at Cane in Normandy, 
Ex Libro Cadomensis Monast.  two Manors in Dorsetshire, one Manor in Devonshire, another in Essex, much Lands in Berkshire, some in Norfolk, a Mansion house in Woodstreet of London, with many Aduowsions of Churches; yea, which is to be wondered at, he gave his Crown, and Regal Ornaments thereto belonging to the said Church; being of his own foundation; for the redemption whereof, King Henry his son, gave the Manor of Brideton in Dorsetshire, to prevent any danger that thereof might arise; and unto the Churches by fire destroyed in Meuxe, he gave great sums of money to repair them: and so preparing himself for God, briefly ran over the carriage of his former life; the sum whereof (as much as best fitteth this place) we will declare as he spoke it to them that were present.  
(54) Being laden with many and grievous sins, (O Christ) I now tremble, who am ready to be 
His last Speec●… on point of death.  taken hence, and to be tried by the severe, but just examination of God. I that have always been brought up in wars, and am polluted with the effusion of blood, am now utterly ignorant what to do; for I cannot number my offences, they are so infinite, 
Of his Sins.  and have been committed by me now these sixty four years: for which, without any delay I must render an account to that most upright judge. From my tender infancy and age of eight years, I have hitherto sustained the weight and charge of Arms to defend my Dukedom, governed by me now almost fifty six, both in preventing 
Of his Norman troubles.  those snares that have been laid for my life, and in vanquishing those conspirers which would have usurped my right: a stiff necked people I may say, my arm hath still managed; I mean the Normans, who with an hard hand, if they be kerbed, are most valiant, and in hazardous attempts invincible: for, as they excel 
Of his Normans qualities.  all men in strength, so do they contend to overcome all men by valour. But if the rain be once let loose, and laid in their necks, they will tear and consume one another; for they are ever seditious, and desirous of new stir; experience whereof sufficiently I have had, not only of my confederates and allies; but even of mine own kindred, denouncing me to be a bastard, degenerate 
Of his friends & Kindred's unkindness.  and unworthy of government: against whom, I have been forced to put on armour, before I was by age ripe to wield it: all which I have vanquished, and some of them captivated, God so preserving me, that they never had their desires. A royal Diadem, which none of my predecessors 
Of his English Conquest.  ever aware, I have gotten, not by right of inheritance, but by heavenly grace. What labours and conflicts I have sustained against those of Excester, Chester, Northumberlands, Scots, Gauls, Norwegians, Danes, and others, who have endeavoured to take the crown from me, is hard to declare; in all which the lot of victory fell ever on my side: which worldly triumphs, howsoever they may please the sense & outward man, yet they leave an inward horror, and fearful care which pricketh 
Outward triumphs leave inward horr●…s.  me; when I consider, that cruel rashness, was as much followed, as was the just prosecution of the cause. Wherefore I most humbly beseech you, O ye Priests and Ministers of Christ, that you in your prayers will commend me to God, that he will mitigate my heavy sins, under whose burden I lie pressed, and by his unspeakable mercy make me safe among his elect. Nine Abbeys of Monks, and one of Nuns which my 
His works of devotion.  Ancestors founded in Normandy, I have enriched and augmented; and in the time of my government, seventeen Monasteries of Monks, and six of holy Nuns, have been founded by myself & my Nobility; whose Charters I have freely confirmed, and do by princely authority confirm against all emulations and troubles; in them God is served, and for his sake many poor people relieved; with such Camps both England and Normandy is defended, and in these Forts let all younglings learn to fight against the Devil and vices of the flesh. These were the studies that I followed from my first years, and these I leave unto my heirs to be preserved and kept. In this then (my children) follow me, that here and for ever you may be honoured before God and Men: And chiefly, O you my very bowels, I warn you to frequent & follow the company and counsel 
His Counsel to his Children.  of good and wise men, and govern yourselves accordingly, so shall ye long and happily prosper. Do justice to all without partial affection; for it is a true wisdom indeed that can discern betwixt good and evil, right and wrong. Shun wickedness, relieve the poor, secure the weak, but suppress the proud, and bridle the troublesome. Frequent the Church, honour the religious, and without weariness be obedient unto the law of God. The Dukedom of Normandy, 
The dispose of his States.  before I fought against Harold in the vale Senla●…, I granted unto my son Robert, for that he 
Of Normandy.  is my first begotten, and hath already received homage of all the Barons almost of his Country: that honour given cannot again be undone; but yet without doubt, I know it will be a miserable region, which is subject to the rule of his government; for he is a foolish proud knave, and is to be punished with cruel fortune. I constitute no Heir to the Realm of England, but do commend it to the 
Of England.  everlasting Creator whose I am; for I possess not that honour by any title of inheritance, but by the instinct of God, the effusion of blood, and the perjury of Harold; whose life bereaved, and his favourers vanquished, I made it subject to my dominion. The Natives of the realm I hated, the Nobles I dishonoured, the vulgar I cruelly vexed, and many unjustly I disherited. In the County of York, and sundry other places, an innumerable sort with hunger and sword I slew: and thus that beautiful Land and noble Nation I made desolate with the deaths of many thousands, (woe worth the grief.) These than my sins being so great, I dare not give the offices of that land to any other then to God, lest after my death they yet be made worse by my occasion. Yet William my son, whose love and obedience from his youth I have seen, I wish (if so be the will of God) may flourish in the throne of that Kingdom, with a long life and happy reign.  
(55) Henry his youngest son, surnamed Beauclerke, hearing himself utterly neglected in his Father's distribution, with tears said to the King: And what 
King Williams Legacy to his son Henry.  Father do you give me? to whom he answered, five thousand pounds of silver out of my treasury I gi●… thee. But what shall I do with treasure, said Henry, if I shall have no dwelling place or habitation? His Father replied, Be patient my son, and comfort thyself in God, suffer quietly thy elder brother to go before thee: Robert shall have Normandy, and William England: but thou in time shalt entirely have all the honour that I have gotten, and shalt excel thy Brethren in riches and power.  
After which speeches, he presently called his son William, to whom he delivered a letter signed with 
He writeth into England.  his own seal, written unto Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury, and commanded him therewith to haste for England, lest in that spacious Kingdom some sudden troubles should arise; and so with a kiss blessed him in Christ. His prisoners he commanded to be ●…et at liberty, affirming that he had done Earl Morcar much wrong, whom as he then confessed, he had imprisoned more for fear then for fault; only his half brother Odo he would have had to remain a perpetual prisoner, but that by the importunate intercession of friends he was released.  
(56) The period of this Great Conqueror now come near to his last, when this Sun so gloriously raised to the height of his course, must now of force set in the West, the dying King (for Kings must die) 
King Williams death.  having raised his weak body upon the Pillows, heard the sound of the great Bell in the Metropolitan Church of Saint Geruis near Rouen, and demanding the cause, one replied that it did then ring prime to o●… Lady; whereupon with great devotion lifting his eyes towards heaven, and spreading abroad his hands, I commend myself (said he) to that blessed Lady, Marry, Mother of God, that she by her holy prayers 
With such doctrine was good devotion abused contrary to the prescript of God Isai. Chap. 33. 16.  may reconcile me to her most dear Son our Lord jesus Christ; and with the words yielded up his Ghost, upon Thursday the ninth of Septemper, the fifty sixth of his Duchy, the twenty one of his Kingdom, the sixty four of his age, and year of Christ jesus 1087.  
(57) Wherein; as we see the instability, both of Man's life, and Glory, (a point fitting for great Princes ever to think on;) so by the sequel we shall perceive, how ill-rooted and ungrounded the friendship 
Prince's friends.  is, which attends the greatness of Soveragnes, whose Favourites chief or only ends are their own Ambition and Gain, the fuel whereof once beginning to decay, the fire of their seeming-devotion will be quickly cold. For no sooner had this late-glorious Prince's Soul bidden farewell to his Body, but his dead Corpse was presently abandoned by his followers 
His Corpse forsaken of all sorts.  of nearest place, and best means, who posted homewards apace to defend their own; and by the meaner and his inferior servants, he was despoiled of Armour, Vessels, Apparel, and all Princely furniture, 
The qualities of Court-Kites.  even so far from all wont and due respect, as that they left his dead Body naked upon the floor; like true Kites, praying whilst any thing was to be had.  
The sudden fame of his death struck such fear into the Commons hearts as was admirable, every man shifting for one, but all neglecting the funeral rites of their King, until that one Harluins a poor Country Knight, undertook the Carriage of his Corpse unto Cane, and at his own cost, both by Sea and Land, unto Saint Stephen's Church, which this dead King had formerly founded.  
At his entrance into Cane, the Covent of Monks came forth to meet him, and to celebrate the burial with all Ceremonies beseeming; but behold even at that instant, a sudden chance of fire happened, 
His Hearse also abandoned of al.  which presently invaded a great part of the Town, that, as his Corpse before, so now his Hearse was of all forsaken, whiles they addressed themselves to repress that furious Element: which done, and the Funeral Sermon ended, the Stone-Coffin set in the earth, in the Chancel betwixt the Chorale and the Altar, and the body ready to be laid therein, one Ascelinus Fitz-Arthur, a man of some Note, stood up and forbade the burial: This very place (said he) was 
His burial place denied him.  the floor of my Father's house, which this dead Duke violently took from him, and here upon part of my inheritance founded this Church: This ground therefore I challenge, and in God's behalf forbid that the Body of my despoiler, be covered in my Earth, neither shall it be interred in the precincts of my right. Whereupon they were enforced to compound with him for a present sum of money then delivered, and with consent of his son Henry, for a hundred pound weight of silver after to be paid, and so the Exequys went forward; when, behold again the Corpse laid into the Tomb, was with the largest, which being pressed, the belly 
Annoyance at his funeral.  (not bowelled) broke, & with an intolerable stench so annoyed the bystanders, that neither Gums, 
Hence Stowe notes their report for fabulous, who wrote that his Body was found uncorrupt 500 years after his death.  nor spices fuming from the Censures, could be any whit sensible to relieve them, insomuch that all with great amazement hastening away, they left the Monks to shuffle up the burial, and they were soon glad to get them to their cells.  
(58) This than was the life and death of this great Monarch, the Conqueror of Men, but not of Death, nor surviving Envy; a bright example of the dim glory of man, who in life had the possessions of Kingdoms and Dukedoms, men at Arms, riches and honour, and all things thereto adhering; but after his death, neither Ornaments, nor Attendants, nor place of burial, till it were bought; all which, private men seldom want: so vain is the pomp of this world, and so uncertain the state of her darlings.  
(59) He was for stature indifferent, of countenance stern, his forehead high, and hair very thin, fat and corpulent of body, with his belly 
His description for lineaments and qualities. Will. Malmes.  bearing out, so strong of joints and arms, that few could bend his bow; of wit ready, and very politic, in speech eloquent, resolute in attempts, in hazards valiant, a great soldier, and as great in success; 
Rand. Higden Polyc. lib. 7. cap. 4.  rough and covetous towards the English, in his taxes, laws, and in giving to his Normans their lands; whose Charters were of a far other tenor, form, & brevity, than those tedious and perplexed conveyances, since in use, as by these few inserted may appear. 
I William King, the third year of my reign, 
Stow ex libro Richmond. King Williams Charter to Hunter.   
Give to thee Norman Hunter, to me that art both lief and Decree,  
The Hop and the Hopton, and all the bounds up and down,  
Under the Earth to Hell, above the Earth to Heaven,  
From me and mine, to thee and to thine,  
As good and as fair, as ever they mine were,  
To witness that this is sooth, I bite the white wax with my tooth,  
Before Ingge, Maude, and Margery, and my youngest son Herry:  
For a bow and a broad arrow, when I come to hunt upon yarrow:   
(60) At the suit of William Bishop of London, he granted the City (whose chief Magistrate was then 
Lambert. Peramb.  called the Portreve) their first Charter written in the Saxon tongue, confirmed with green wax, whereas the Saxons before used only to sign with guilt crosses, 
Ingulfus,  and such like marks: the Copy thereof is this: William Cyng greit William Biscop. & Godfreges Portgerefan & call the Burhwaren the on Lunden beon, etc. William King, greeteth William Bishop, 
Hollins. Lamb. Peramb.  and Godfrey Portreve, and all the Burgesses that in London be, French & English, friendly. And I do you to wit, that I will, that you enjoy all the law which you did in the days of Edward King. And I will that each Child be his Father's inheritor after his Father's days. And I will not suffer that any man you any wrong offer. God you keep.  
(61) In the like Charter, granted to his Nephew 
john Leland.  Alane Earl of Britain for lands in Yorkshire, he writeth himself William surnamed Bastard; and yet it seemeth, he was offended at Guy of Burgundy for terming him Nothus; perhaps, because that word signifieth such a one, whose Father is unknown, whereas King Williams was not only known, but renowned also.  
(62) Howsoever he was stern and hard to the English, yet to his Normans he was facile and too indulgent, much devoted to Religion, and frequenting the Church, both morning, and evening; The Clergy that lived according to their rule and profession, he both honoured and richly endowed; but to the licentious was very rough and hard handed: 
Wil Malms.  his uncle Malgerius Archbishop of * Rotemage, for his dissolute life he disgraded: his brother 
Roan.  Odo Bishop of Baieux, he imprisoned, and many of the English deprived, as we have heard.  
(63) Besides his many other stately buildings, both for fortification and devotion, three Abbeys of chief note he is said to have raised, and endowed with large privileges and rich possessions. The 
Bartel-Abbay so called of a battle there sought against Harold.  first was at Battle in Sussex, where he won the Diadem of England, in the valley of Sangue-lac, so called in French, for the streams of blood therein spilled: but William of Newberie deceived in the soil 
Will. Newberry.  itself, which after rain showeth to be red; affirmeth, that after any small shower of rain, the earth sweateth forth very fresh blood, as by the evident sight thereof (saith he) doth as yet plainly declare, that the voice of so much Christian blood there shed, doth still cry from the earth to the Lord.  
(64) But most certain it is, that in the very same place where King Harold's Standard was pitched, & under which himself was slain, there William the Conqueror laid that Foundation, dedicating it to the Holy Trinity, and to Saint Martin, that there the Monks might pray for the souls of Harold and the rest 
Math. Paris in Will. Conq.  that were slain in that place: whose Privileges were so large, that they, and others of the like condition, were afterwards dissolved by Act of Parliament, when it was found by experience, that the fear of punishment being once taken away, desperate boldness, and a daring will to commit wickedness, grew still to a greater head: for it was enfranchised with many freedoms; and among others, to use the words of the Charter; were these: If any Thief, Murderer or Felon, for fear of death, fly and come to 
Charta de Bello.  this Church, let him have no harm, but let him be dismissed, and sent away free from all punishment. Be it lawful also for the Abbot of the same Church to deliver from the Gallows any thief or robber wheresoever, if he chance to come by, where any such execution is in hand.  
The Standard itself curiously wrought all of gold and precious stones, made in form like an armed man, Duke William presently upon his victory, with great compliments of courtesy, sent to Pope Alexander the second; as good reason it was, the Pope's transcendent pleasure and power, being the strongest part of the Duke's title to the Crown, and his cursing thunderbolts the best weapons whereby he attained to wear it.  
(65) At Selby also in Yorkshire, where his youngest son Henry was borne, he founded the Abbey 
Selby abbey.  of Saint Germans: at Excester, the Priory of Saint Nicholas; and to the Church and College of Saint martin's le grand in London, he gave both large privileges, and much land, extending from the corner 
Exeter Priory.  of the City wall, by Saint Giles Church without 
john Stow.  Cripplegate, unto the common Sewer, receiving the waters; running then from the More, and now morefield's.  
(66) At Cane in Normandy, lie founded the Monastery 
Saint Stephens in Cane.  of Sant Stephen the first Christian Martyr, adorning it with most sumptuous buildings, and endowing it with rich revenues; where his Queen Maud had erected a Nunnery for the society of veiled Virgins, unto the honour of the blessed virgin Mary. Thus much of his Acts, and now of his marriage and issue.  

His Wife.  
(67) Maud the wife of King William, was the daughter of Baldwine the fifth, surnamed the Gentle, Earl of Flaunders; her mother was Alice, daughter of Robert King of France, the son of Hugh Capet: She was married unto him when he was a Duke, at the Castle of Angiolella in Normandy, and in the second year of his reign over England, she was crowned Queen upon Whit-sunday, the year of Grace, 1068. And although she maintained Robert in his quarrel for Normandy, and out of her own coffers paid the charges of war against his Father, and her own Husband; yet, because it did proceed but from a motherly indulgence for advancing her 
William Malmes.  son, it was taken as a cause rather of displeasure, then of hatred, by King William, as himself would often avouch, holding it an insufficient cause to diminish 
King William regardful of matrimonial agreement.  the love, that was linked with the sacred band of a matrimonial knot. She departed this life the second day of November, the sixteenth year of his reign, and of Christ's humanity, 1083. for whom he often lamented with tears, and most honourably interred her at Cane in Normandy, in the Church of S. Mary's, within the Monastery of Nuns, which she had there founded.   

His Issue.  
(68) Robert, the eldest son of King William, and of Queen Maude his wife, was surnamed Curtuoise, 
Robert.  signifying in the old Norman-French, Short-Bootes: he succeeded his father only in the Duchy of Normandy, and that also he lost afterwards to his brother Henry King of England; at the battle of Ednarchbray (in that Dukedom) the year of our Lord 1106. where he was taken prisoner, and having his eyes put 
A cruel revenge of one brother on another.  out (an unbrotherly punishment) was committed to the Castle of Cardiff in South-Wales; and after twenty eight years imprisonment, there deceased, the year before the death of his said brother, Anno 1134 and was buried at Gloucester, in the midst of the Quire of Saint Peter's Church; where remaineth a Tomb with his Carved Image at this day. He had two wives, the first, Margaret daughter of Herbert, Earl of Maygne, both married in their Childhood, and she died before they came to years of consent: The other was sybil, daughter of Geffrey, and sister to William, Earls of Conuersana in Italy, and Niece of Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia: By her he had two sons William and Heny; this Henry was he that was slain 
Henry slain let his Grandrathers' New-forest.  by mischance, as he was hunting in the New-Forest in Hampshire.  
William the Elder, surnamed in Latin Miser, was Earl of Flanders, in right of Queen Maude his Grandmother, succeeding Charles of Denmark in that Earldom; he also had two wives, the first sybil, (whose Mother, called also sybil, was the daughter of Fowlke Earl of Anion) after divorced from him, and remarried to Terry of Alsac, his Successor; the second was joan, the daughter of Humbert Earl of Morien, now called Savoy, sister of Queen Alice of France, wife of King Lewis the Gross: he died six years before his father, of a wound received at the Siege of the Castle of Angiolella in Normandy, the 27. of july, in the 28. year of the Reign of King Henry his uncle, and of our Lord, 1128. he was buried at Saint Omers in the Monastery of Saint Bertin, and left no issue behind him.  
(69) Richard the second son of King William and Queen Maude, was born in Normandy, and after his 
Richard.  Father had attained the Crown came into England, where, being then very young, as he was hunting in the New-Forest of Hampshire, he came to a violent & 
Richard slain 〈◊〉 his father's New-Fo●…est.  sudden death, by the goring of a Stag; (others say, by a pestilentayre,) and is noted to be the first man that died in that place, the justice of God punishing on him his Father's dispeopling of that Country: his body was thence conveyed to Winchester, and there buried on the Southside of the Choir of the Cathedral Church, where there remaineth a monument of him with an inscription entitling him a Duke, and some suppose of Bologne.  
(70) William, the third Son of King William and Queen Maud, was borne in Normandy, in the 21. 
William Rufus, or, the 〈◊〉,  year of his Father's Dukedom, ten years before he was King, 1159. he was surnamed of the Red colour of his hair, in French Rows, in Latin Rufus; he was brought up under Lanefranke the learned Lombard, who was Archbishop of Canterbury, of whom he received both instructions of knowledge, and the order of Knighthood; he served under his Father at the battle of Gerbereth in Normandy; 1079, wherein he was wounded: and he always framed his actions so pleasing to his Father's humour, as that he thought him much worthier than his elder brother to succeed in his Kingdom.  
(71) Henry, the fourth, and youngest son of King William and Queen Maud his wife, was borne in 
Henry 〈◊〉  England at Selby in Yorkshire, the third year of his Father's reign, and of our Lord God, 1070, his childhood was trained up in learning, at Cambridge saith Caius; but the ancient Annals of Saint Augustine's 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  in Canterbury, say, he was Philosophiâ peregrè informatus, instructed beyond Sea in Philosophy; where for his 
annal S. Augustus Cant●…ar. M. S.  notable knowledge in the Liberal Sciences, he was surnamed by the French, Beauclerk, that is, the fine Scholar. Upon his return he was made Knight, being 16. years old, by his Father at Westminster, in Whitsuntide, the nineteenth year of his Reign, Anno 1086. and though at his Father's death he had nothing bequeathed him but Treasure, yet afterward he succeeded his Brothers, both in the Kingdom of England and Duchy of Normandy.  
(72) Cecilie, the Eldest daughter of King William and Queen Maude his wife, was borne in Normandy, 
Cecily.  brought up in England, and carried again into Normandy, where in the ninth year of the King's Reign, and the year of our Lord 1075. she was by her Father on Ester day, with great Solemnity offered up in the Church of Feschampe, & veiled to be a Nun in the Monastery there; but was afterward elected by 
She is veiled a Nun.  the Nuns of our Lady at Cane, to be Abbess of their Monastery, founded by her Mother, which she governed, and where she died, and was interred.  
(73) Constance, the second daughter of King 
Constan●…  William, and Queen Maud, was the first wife of Allayne Earl of little Britain, surnamed in the British, Fergent; in English, Red. In regard of which marriage, and his service done at the conquest of England, his Father in law gave him all the lands of Earl Edwine, whereon he built the Castle, and whereof he made the Earldom of Richmond, which long 
The Earldom of Richmond erected.  after, belonged to the Earls and Dukes of Britain his Successors; although he had his children by an other wife; for she died very young and without issue; and was buried in the Abbey of Saint Edmundsbury in Suffolk.  
(74) Alice, the third daughter of King William & Queen Maud, was married to Stephen Earl of 
Alice.  Bloys in France, and had issue by him William an Innocent, Thibaud surnamed the Great, Earl of Blois, and Champain, Stephen Earl of Mortain and Boleine, (who was King of England) Henry a Monk of Clunie, after Abbot of Glastenbury, and Bishop of Winchester, Mary married to Richard Earl of Chester, and Emme, wife of one Harbert, an Earl of France, and 
Saint William Archbishop of York.  mother of Saint William Archbishop of York: She survived Earl Stephen her husband, and in her widowhood took upon her the profession of Religion in the Priory of Nuns at Marciguy in France, where she ended her life.  
(75) Gundred, the fourth daughter of King William, 
Gundred.  and of Queen Maud, was married to William of Warrein, a Nobleman of Normandy, who was the first Earl of Surrey in England; by whom she had issue William the second Earl, Progenitors of the Earls that followed; and Rainold of Warren, her second son, who had also Issue. She died in Childbed, three years before her husband, at Castleaker in Norfolk the 27. of May, in the 20. year of her father's reign, being the year of our Lord, 1085. and is buried in the Chapterhouse of Saint Pancrase Church within the Priory, at the town of Lews, in the County of Sussex.  
(76) Ela, the fifth daughter of King William, and his Queen Maud, in her Childhood was contracted 
Ela.  in marriage to Duke Harald, when he was in Normandy, being then a young Widower. Notwithstanding, he refusing her took an other wife, and usurped the Kingdom of England, after the death of King Edward, whereby he occasioned his own ruin, and Conquest of his Country, which afterward ensued when her Father sought revenge: so much (as some write) to the discontentment of this Lady, that for grief of these mischances, she ever after refused marriage, and led a single and solitary life; though others upon better warrant collect, that she died young, and before William her Father set forth for England; Harald himself pleading, that he was free from all covenants and promises to Duke William, by reason of the death of this his daughter.  
(77) Margaret, the sixth and youngest daughter of 
Margaret.  King William and Queen Maud, was in her childhood given in marriage to Alphonso King of Gallicia in Spain, that afterward was so renowned for the Conquest of the City Lysbon, for his victories against the Moors, and for the slaughter of their five Kings, and was the founder of the Kingdom of Portugal, the first King thereof, and the first bearer of the five Shields of the said five Kings, which are to this day the Arms of the same. But this Lady being thus contracted, deceased before those things happened, and before she came to years of lawful consent to the marriage.    

WILLIAM THE SECOND SURNAMED 
William Rufus.  
Monarch 40  R VFUS, THE FORTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH: HIS ACTS, REIGN, AND UNTIMELY DEATH. CHAPTER III.  
WIlliam posting for England, & Archbishop Lanfrank his 
An. D. 1087 William Rufus comes into England.  earnest solicitor by liberal gifts given, and promises made to abrogate the over hard laws of his Father, had the readier passage into the opinions of them that could do most: and the more to notify his intended mild government, with other his noble inclinations to princely virtues, as eye-witnesses of his favours towards the English, he brought with him 
Ypodigma. Neustria.  from Normandy, Morcar, the stout Earl of Chester, and Wilnoth the son of King Harold, both of them released out of prison, and then held in especial favour 
Simon Dunel.  with him. But most of the States standing for 
The Peers wish well to his Elder brother. Mat. Paris. Ypodigm.  Robert Curtoise his elder Brother (a man deemed of a more liberal disposition, and better temperature towards the Subjects) their titles had been tried by 
Lanfranke and Wulstane sway the Peers for Rufus.  swords, had not Lanfrank and Wulstan, both wise & reverend Prelates, by their Counsels and Mediations stayed their hands. 
William Gemit. Matth. Paris. His Coronation.   
(2) Consent thus gotten, and all voices given for William, he was crowned their King at Westminster, upon Sunday the twenty sixth day of September, and year of Salvation, 1087. by the hands of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury; under whom he had been educated even from his Childhood, and by 
His disposition.  him made fit both for War and Government, had not the variable inclination of his own mind carried his actions past the limits of any stayed compass.  
(3) Robert upon discontents that Normandy was 
An. D. 1088 Rand. Higden. in Polychr. lib. 7. cap. 5 Robert possessed of Normandy.  still detained, before his Father's sickness, was gone into Germany, to solicit their assistance for his right to that Duchy: but hearing of his death, hasteth into the Province, and was there peaceably received, and made their Duke: which title notwithstanding, seemed to him dishonourable; his younger brother being invested to a Kingdom, and himself disinherited; no other cause moving, but his overmuch 
His disposition.  gentleness, being by nature composed nothing so rough, as was Rufus.  
(4) The like emulation incited Odo, Bishop of Baieux (his uncle) against Lanfranck the Archbishop, 
Odoes emulation against Lanfrank.  who now ruled all, and had worn him out of favour with the Conqueror his half brother, whom he 
Polyc. lib. 7. cap. 5.  taught the distinction of imprisoning Odo, as an Earl, not as a Bishop: now therefore seemed the time most fitting for a just revenge: & albeit that Rufus brought him from Normandy, where he had been captivated, and restored him his honours & dignities in England; yet he, ungrateful man, envying that Lanfranck should go before him, complotted the downefal aswell of the one, as of the other. And drawing into this conspiracy, Robert Earl of Mortaigne and 
He conspireth against the King.  Hereford his brother, with many other of the English Nobility, wrote his letters into Normandy unto 
Inuireth Robert to try for the Crown.  his Nephew, hastening him to repair into England, and recover his right, which by his means he promised should soon be effected.  
(5) The business thus wrought to Duke Robert's hand, and the English resorting daily into Normandy, 
Duke Robert's hopes for England.  assured his hopes of a happy success, only the hindrance was want of money, and that very much as the world than went with him, having ever borne himself no less than his birth, nor ever had made his bags his summum bonum. In these extremes, he 
His wants.  well saw the less was to be followed, and to set a Dukedom at stake to cast at a Kingdom, he thought it odds sufficient, though the chance were doubtful: Therefore to his younger brother Henry, who had store of gold, and wanted land, he mortgaged the County of Constantine, a Province in Normandy, & 
His supply by mortgage of his Land.  then sent to Odo, that he should expect his landing on the West-coast of England by a day prefixed.  
(6) The Bishop now grown bold upon Duke Robert's great power, showed himself the first in the 
Odo the ringlealeader for Duke Robert.  Action; and fortifying Rochester, began to molest the peace of Kent, sending to his complices abroad to do the like, which was not long in performing: 
Rob. Mowbray and other his associates. Wil Malms. Simon Dun.  for in the West, Robert de Mowbrey Earl of Northumberland, assisted by Geffrey Bishop of Constance, sacked Bath, and Berkley, with a great part of Wilt-shire, and strongly fortified the Castle of Bristol against King William: In Norfolk, Roger Bygod, 
Bristol fortified. against King William.  in Leicestershire, Hugh Grentemeisnil did shrewdly waste those Countries: Roger Mountgomery Earl of Shrewsburie with his Welshmen, assisted by William Bishop of Durham (the King's domestical Chaplain) 
Henry Hunt.  Barnard of Newmerch, Roger Lacie, and Ralph Mortimer (all of them Normans or Frenchmen) with fire and sword passed through the Country of Worcester: 
Duke Robert very fair for the Kingdom. Wil Genetic.  and surely, the stirs were so great, and Duke Robert so favoured, that by the judgement of Gemiticensis, had he hasted his arrivage, or followed the occasion, the Crown of England had easily been set upon his head.  
(7) All in an uproar, and Rufus thus turmoiled, he appointed his Navy to scour the seas, and to impeach 
King William promiseth to mollify his Laws.  his brother's arrivage: then gathering his forces, and knowing well how to please the vulgar, promiseth again to abolish their overhard laws, & presently to put down all unjust Imposts and Taxations, whereby the People were soon drawn to stand in his defence; and among them Roger Mountgomery 
He waxeth strong.  was reconciled to the King.  
Thus now grown strong, & his enemies decreased, he led his Army into Kent where the sedition first began, the Castles of Tunbridge and Horn he recovered, as likewise Pemsey, wherein his uncle Odo had strongly immured himself, whose lack of victual, by King William's straight siege, allayed the 
Odo his great heart taken down.  pride of that great-hearted man; so that he not only surrendered the same, but promised the delivery of Rochester also strongly manned, with Eustace Earl 
Simon Dun.  of Boulogne, and a sort of other gallant Gentlemen, even the flower of Normandy and Flanders.  
(8) Odo coming to Rochester for the delivery of 
An. D. 1089  the 
* This Castle some lay was built by Odo, but it appears to have been built by William Conqueror. Domesday-book. Will. Gemet.  Castle according to his promise, was by them surprised, and laid in straight prison, whether in displeasure, or under colour, and with consent of Odo, I will not say; but certain it is, that the King took the matter so to heart, that he sent forth his Proclamation through England, commanding that every man should repair to that siege, whosoever would not be reputed a Niding, a word of such disgrace, and 
Niding a word of Reproach. Camb. in Kent.  so distastive unto the English, that multitudes seemed rather to fly, then run to that service; whereupon the Castle was surrendered, and Odo banished 
Matth. Paris. Odo leaves England.  into Normandy, lost all his livings and honours in England.  
(9) Whilst these things were in acting betwixt King William and his Barons, Duke Robert with his Normans was landed at Southampton, having passed 
Rufus pretendeth submissiveness to his brother.  some conflict with the King's ships at the sea: whom Rufus so feared (if mine Author say true) that he sent Messengers unto him in most submissive manner, protesting 
Polychr. lib. 7. c. 3.  that he took not the crown as his own by any right; but rather to supply the time in his absence: neither did he account himself King, but as his substitute to hold the crown under him; yet seeing the matter had been so far passed, and the Imperial Crown set on his head; he most humbly desired that it might so rest, proffering to pay him three thousand Marks by year, and to resign it to him at his death: whereat Duke Robert shaking his head (belike he saw no other remedy) easily consented, and returned forth with into Normandy.  
(10) And, if we compare this with the Monk 
Math. Paris. William Rufus, a cunning Time-seruer.  of Saint Alban report, we may well believe, that William was forward enough in his offers, though ever as unready in performance; for the Barons then being up, and he not able to allay them, did that by his word, which he could not by his sword, protesting to them that he was willing to resign the Kingdom, and would be content either with Money or Possessions, 
Fair words appease fools, and often deceive the wise.  if those that were his Father's Overseers should think it meet; and for any Ordinances touching the affairs of the Common weal, he would refer it wholly to themselves, provided always his own honour should not thereby be impeached. But when the Clouds of these fears were altogether overblown, no bud once appeared from these fair planted grafts.  
(11) For Lanfrank deceased, and both King deprived 
Lanfranke dieth.  of a politic director, and Commonwealth of a principal Statist, he presently showed the bent of his inclination, lavishly giving where no deserts had engaged, and exacting extreme tributes, when no Necessity required; always covetous, yet never thrifty, and still gathering, yet never enriching his 
King William an ill manager of Ecclesiastical promotions. G●…rn, Dor.  Coffers: All Ecclesiastical promotions then vacant he assumed into his own hands, and kept the See of Canterbury without an Archbishop above four years, setting to sale the free-rights of the Church, and he that would give most came soon to preferment, whereby both the Lands and good esteem of the Clergy was daily diminished.  
These grievances were complained of unto Pope 
Pope Vrb●… not at leisure then to remedy Church wrongs.  Vrban, but he over. busied to forward an expedition of Christian Princes for the winning of jerusalem, had no leisure seriously to think upon their estates, or else less mind to divert Kings out of their own bias, whose people he meant to reserve for his own gain.  
(12) The Storm thus clecred without any 
An. D. 1090  thunder; King Rufus set the eye of desire upon Duke Robert's dominions, who lately had done the like with 
Ypodigma Neustria. King William enters Normandy.  his; and suddenly burst into Normandy, as Scipio did into Africa, pretending revenge of injuries done to his Kingdom; first therefore surprising the Castles of Saint Valery and Albemarle, he stored them with his own Soldiers; then piercing forward did great spoil in the Country. Robert destitute of means and knowing his Normans ever unfaithful, sent to Philip the French King, desiring his assistance against this Brother-Enemy; who preparing towards Normandy, was stopped with such golden showers from King William that he could not pass, so that Duke Robert 
Peace made betwixt the King and Duke.  was constrained to make a peace with his brother, though for himself a very sorry one, as saith Gemeticensis; which, as Paris reporteth, was effected by 
Will Gemet. Matth. Paris.  twelve Princes upon either part, and the conditions as followeth: that King William should retain and enjoy the County of Ewe with Fescampe, the abbacy of Mount Saint-Michael, and all the Castles he had gotten in Normandy: for the Duke it was agreed, that his brother King William should aid and assist him, to recover thoselands & territories beyond the seas, which had been belonging to their Father; That all such Normans as had lost their livings in 
Ypodig. Neust. Math. Paris.  England, in taking part with Duke Robert, should be restored: and lastly, whether of them should die first; the survivor should be his heir.  
(13) Peace thus established, and both their powers united, they bent altogether against Henry their 
Both Brethren oppugn Henry the younger brother.  youngest brother, who fearing afterclaps, had strongly fortified the Castle of Mount Saint-Michael, situated upon the confines of Normandy and Britain: him, whom they ought to have provided for, (saith Gemeticensis) they went about to expel, and all the 
Willi. Gemet.  Lent long laid siege against him.  
It chanced one day as his men sallied out, & made a bravado in the face of their beleaguers; King William alone, more bold than wise, rode against them, 
King William endangered in a Siege.  thinking none so hardy as to encounter him single; but presently a Knight slew his horse under him, & his foot entangled in the stirrupe he was overthrown; his enemy therefore with drawn sword, was ready to have slain him, had he not revealed himself by his voice: the armed men with great reverence than took him up, and brought him another horse; when the King not staying for the stirrup, sprang into the saddle, and with an angry countenance demanded, who it was that overthrew him? 
King William prefers him that overthrew him.  the Knight as boldly answered, and showed himself who he was; by Luke's face, quoth William (for that was his oath) thou shalt be my Knight, and be enroled 
William's Oath. Edmerus saith, his oath was, By God's face.  in my Check, with a Fee answerable to thy worth.  
(14) During this siege, Prince Henry being sore distressed for water, and knowing Duke Robert to be 
An. D. 1091 Ran. Higden in Polychr. lib. 7. c. 5.  of the milder temperature, sent him word of his want, desiring to have that permitted, which God had made common, and given even to brute beasts, 
A friendly Enemy.  aswell as to men; Duke Robert therefore commanded him to be supplied, whereat William was wroth, telling his Brother he wanted discretion, & policy in war, which allowed all advantages to surprise the Enemy: And dost thou (said Robert) esteem 
An unbrotherlie Brother.  more of water, which is every where to be got, then of a Brother, having no more but him and me? In which dissension, Earl Henry got thence; and by policy took a very strong town called Danford, where 
Will. Gemet. The three brethrens reconciled. Ypodigm, Neustr.  presently was a reconciliation made amongst these three brethren, who thereupon forthwith took the Seas together for England.  
(15) About this time, in the year of Grace, 
Chron. Wallia.  1091, and fourth of King Rufus his reign, one Eneon the son of Cadinor Lord of Dyvet, moving 
War betwixt Rise Prince of Southwales, and 〈◊〉.  rebellion against Rees ap Tewdor Prince of Southwales, drew to his side jestyn Lord of Glamorgan, upon promise to become his son in law by the marriage of his daughter: jestyn notwithstanding, judging their faction too weak, sent Eneon into England, where he was well acquainted, to procure aid against Rees: who entering conference of his business with Robert Fitzhamon a worthy Knight of the King's Privie-chamber, wrought so far with 
Rob. Fiftz-hammon ●…ides 〈◊〉.  him, being a man easily drawn to the exercise of war, that for a Salary he undertook the service, and with twelve Knights, and a competent number of Soldiers went into Wales, where joining with jestin, in battle slew Prince Rees ap Tewdor, with Conan his son. Robert Fitzhamon, now minding to return, demanded his pay according to covenants, 
Rob. Fitz. hammon and his followers possesions in Walls.  which jestine in some part denied, alleging that Eneon had gone beyond his commission: whereupon such discord arose, that these friends fell out, and Eneon thus touched in his reputation, sided with the English against his own Countrymen; whereupon a battle was fought, and justin with most of his Welsh slain, so that Robert with his followers obtained a fruitful possession in those parts, (which by their posterties are enjoyed even to this day) whose names, as they are found written in a British record, were as followeth.  
NAMES. POSSESSION. 1 William de Londres. Ogmor. 
The Knighs who attended Fitz hammon;  2 Richard de Grana Villa; Neth. 3 Pagan de Turberuile. Coity. 4 Robert de S. Quintin. Lhan Blethyan, 5 Richard de Syward. Talavan. 6 Gilbert de Humfrevile. Penmarke. 7 Roger de Beckrolles. East Orchard. 8 Raynald de Sully. Sully. 9 Peter de Score. Peterton. 10 john Le Fleming. Saint George. 11 Oliver de Saint john. Fonmon. 12 William de Estirling. Saint Donats.  
(16) As these things were commenced betwixt 
An. D. 1092 Gemet. Malcolm King of Scotland enters England with a power.  England, Normandy, and Walls, Malcolm King of Scotland entered into the English Marches as far as to Chester in the Street, doing much harm; whose farther outrage to prevent, William incontinently hasted, sending by sea a great Navy of Ships, and by land his brother Robert, though with much loss of either: for his Fleet was torn by tempest, and his horsemen through hunger & cold perished in those barren parts: at length the Kings come to an Interview, 
King William 〈◊〉 Malcolm meet, & enter League,  where by the means of Edgar Atheling, a peace was concluded to both their contents: for William restored unto Malcolm twelve Villages, which he 
Ypodigm 〈◊〉 ●…stria.  had held in England under his Father, and gave him yearly twelve Marks in gold: And King Malcolm for his part promised to keep true peace with him, as he had done with the Conqueror, whereunto 
Mat. Paris.  he gave him his Oath, as saith Matthew Paris.  
(17) But as these two Kings of Enemies were 
King William and Duke Robert at variance again●….  made friends, so the two Brethren of reconciled friends became again enemies: for Duke Robert well perceiving, that King William meant nothing less than performance of covenants, (protracting time upon some secret purposes, as his jealous head conceived) in great displeasure returned into Normandy, taking with him Edgar Atheling, whom he held in an especial account.  
(18) King William then repairing those Castles which the Scots had destroyed, new built in Cumberland the City Carlisle, which two hundred years before 
Carlisle re-edified.  had been spoiled by the Danes; and having defenced it with walls, built there the Castle, Churches, 
Peopled with a Southern Colony. Endowed with large Privilegio.  and Houses, wherein he placed a Colony of Southern Soldiers, with their wines and children, granting large privileges to the place, which the City enjoyeth even unto this day.  
(19) And having settled his affairs thus in the North, returneth with triumph into the South, 
An. D. 109;  where immediately he fell dangerously sick, 
King William falleth sick and voweth 〈◊〉.  in the sixth year of his Reign, at the City of Gloucester; whose sins began to sit so near his heart, (not looking to continue to commit many more) that he sore repented him of the same, making many promises to amend his life, if God would be pleased to give him longer life: the hard laws against 
Matth Paris. Henry Hunt.  the English, he vowed to reform, as also his own vices, and to settle peace and good order in the Church, then far out of frame, almost all the Monks in England, lived rather like Consuls, being Hunters, Hawkers, Dicers, & great Drinkers 
Polychron. lib. 7. ●…p. 6.  (saith Higden) little regarding the rules of their profession. Those Bishoprics & Monasteries that were vacant, and in his own hand, he forthwith, and (much against his wont) freely bestowed: the archbishopric of Canterbury upon Anselm a learned 
Ger. Dorob.  Norman Abbot: the See of Lincoln he gave to Robert Bluet his Chancellor, a man of mean learning, 
Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops. Hic hum●…lis, dives: (res mira) potens, paus●… ultor, Compatiens●…●…itis, cum pateretur, erat. Ypodig●…. Neustri. King William regaineth his health, and loseth his good purposes. Goodwin in the life of Anselm.  and some other touches, but otherwise of many singular parts.  
(20) But the danger past, and health recovered, he began to be more sick in mind, soon repenting him of his too-soon Repentance: for as in spending his own wealth, he was very prodigal, so was he very diligent to enter into other men's estates, and to gain from them what he could, and therefore tampereth with Anselm, persuading him, that the trouble of the Archbishop's place was very burdenous, especially for a man wholly brought up within the walls of a Monastery, devoted to contemplation, and unexperienced in the manage of great affairs of State. But all this Art could not induce him to let go his holdfast of the Kings absolutely passed promise, nor yet to satisfy his 
Polychron. lib. 7. cap. 7.  great desire with money, and therefore the King paid himself out of his Lands. Likewise from Roger of Lincoln he exacted five thousand pounds; and the Commons he fined for transgression of his penal 
Rand. Higd.  laws; and in truth molested all for money: None were rich but Treasurers and Collectors, none in favour but unconscionable Lawyers, and none rewarded but Promoters: so that his over-haled subjects fled daily out of the Realm; against whom he published Proclamations, with an inhibition that 
King Malcolm cometh to Gloucester.  none should depart without his safe Conduct.  
(21) Soon after this, Malcolm King of Scotland came unto Gloucester, to confer with King 
Will. Gemet.  William touching the Peace of both the Realms; but conceiving a grudge, for that he was not entertained according to the Majesty of his estate, departed 
Departeth discontent. William Malmes. Polydor. Raiseth a power.  in displeasure without speech with the King; and immediately raising a power against England, destroyed the Country unto Alnewicke Castle.  
Robert Mowbray then Earl of Northumberland, a most valiant Soldier, seeing his Country thus overrun, made head against him, not staying for directions from his King; and lying in Ambush for his 
William Gemet. Is slain with his son the Prince. Simon Dun.  return, so sore and suddenly distressed his forces, that both King Malcolm himself and his son Prince Edward were there slain.  
(22) Hereupon Earl Mowbray growing proud and greatly suspected by King William, began to 
Earl Mowbray's greatness suspected by the King.  fortify the King's Castles, with Munition for Arms against the like invasion, and indeed against the Kings will; who sent him word somewhat roughly, to desist from his doings, and presently to repair to his Presence; which whilst he lingered and neglected 
Math. Paris.  to do, King William sent his brother Henry to spoil Northumberland, and immediately followed after himself, where without much ado, he took the Earl, and committed him prisoner to Windsor 
Is taken and imprisoned.  Castle.  
(23) These stirs in the North are diversly reported: for Walsingham in his Ypodigma Neustriae, saith, that Robert Mowbray and William of Anco with 
Ypodigm. Neustr.  others, conspired to deprive the King both of crown and life, and to have set up Stephen de Albamarle his Aunt's son: the issue of which treason was prevented by surprising Mowbray, who died a Prisoner. William of Anco was punished with loss both of his eyes and his virility; and William Aluerie (the King's Godfather, Kinsman and Sewer) cruelly whipped, 
Hector B●…s lib. 12. cap. 12.  and all naked gored in blood, though guiltless, was hanged. Hector Boetius, the Scotish, Historian relates somewhat otherwise of the death of King Malcolm; as that the English having gotten the Castle of Anwike, King Malcolm with a strong siege environed it about; when, the English distressed, and ready to surrender, a certain Knight amongst them attempted a very desperate enterprise, for mounted upon a swift horse, unarmed, excepting only a light Spear in his hand, upon the point whereof he bore the keys of the Castle, he rod directly to the Scotish Camp, and was with great applause brought unto their King, where couching his staff, as though he meant with submission to deliver him the keys, suddenly ran him into the left eye, and through 
Malcolm slain under show of submission.  swiftness of his horse escaped, leaving the King there dead: for which act King William (saith he, though erroneously) changed the Knight's name into Perceeye, whence that Noble Family is descended. 
The name of Percyes' ancienter than Perceing of Malcolmes e●…e. Uide Cambd. in North●…m. Gemet●…icensis. Sa●…nt Margaret (Edgar Ethelings Sister) dieth for grief of her husband's death; few such Saintlike wives. Hector Boetius Math. Paris The English Monarches of Wales.   
Gultelmus Gemeticensis saith indeed, that it was reported that King Malcolm was slain by a guile, declaring not the manner, but by the hands of morel, Nephew to Earl Mowbrey, where likewise died Prince Edward his son, and the greatest part of his Army: with which doleful news (saith Hector) his Queen Margaret (called the Saint) within three days after died of grief. But Paris hath set it down, as is said; and in the same year makes William the Conqueror of Wales; since which time the English monarchs have been accounted their chief Governors.  
(24) Grudges now grown betwixt King William and Duke Robert his brother, each accusing other of breach 
An. D. 1094 Wil Malmsb. Ran. Hagd. Simon Dun.  of oath and of Covenants; William from Hastings set sail into Normandy, where some bickering fell betwixt the two Brethren, but by the mediating of certain grave persons, their quarrels were comprimised, 
A breach again betwixt the two Brethren, but made up for a time.  and Princes chosen to be their Arbitrators; which hearing indifferently all allegations, adjudged King Rufus in the fault, who thereupon (as thinking nothing right, but what went with him) 
King William refuseth the censure of his Arbitrators.  was so far from following their award, that being offended with their censure, he presently assaulted, and took the Castle of Burren; neither did Robert for his part sleep the while, but surprised the Castle of Argenton, which was by former covenants given to King William, drawing likewise Philip the 
Bothparts again in Arms.  French King to his side, who with his Army entered Normandy for his assistance.  
(25) King William then weighing into what danger he had brought himself, (all approving Duke Robert, and disallowing his Acts,) he sought to do 
King William prevails by money.  that by money, which he could not by sword. Therefore to those soldiers, which in heat of his fury, he had commanded to be sent him into Normandy, (even twenty thousand, now in readiness, and at Hastings staying for a wind) he sent a countermand, exacting of every common soldier ten shillings in money for the release, and so without further trouble 
Math. Paris.  to return to their homes; with which sum he so pacified the French King, that he now left Robert to 
The French King leaves his friend for money.  look to himself, who thus forsaken, was constrained to come to an unreasonable peace.  
(26) And the more willingly, for that the holy wars for jerusalem, deliberated of five years before, were now hotly pursued by Pope Vrbane the second, 
The wars for the Holy Land.  (whom Bibliander blameth to be the causer of much Christian bloodshed) only to set up that, which 
Theod. Biblian.  Christ by prophesy had laid in desolation. Among these Christian valiant Captain's Duke Robert would 
Duke Robert going to jerusalem morgageth his Dukedom. Henry Hunt. Will thorn. Paul. Aemil.  be one, but wanting money, (no news at all to his coffers) he sent to his brother King William to be supplied, and for the sum of six thousand, six hundred, sixty six pound of silver, (Paulus Aemilius saith, six thousand nine hundred thirty four more) mortgaged his Duchy unto him, giving him the possession 
Will. Gemet.  thereof before his departure.  
(27) To make up which sum, he did not only oppress and fleece his poor subjects, but rather (to 
King Williams extreme exactions Math. Paris.  use the words of Paris) with importunate exactions did as it were slay off their skins; for the Churches and Monasteries, having sold away their jewels and 
Not sparing Churches and Monasteries.  Chalices to satisfy his appetite, and answering they could make no more; the King replied, with some scorn; And have you not, I beseech you, Coffins of Gold and Silver for dead men's bones? Accounting the money laid out upon this holy Expedition, to be better employed then to garnish the relics of the dead. 
Aedmerus. An. D. 1095   
(28) The King thus finding his fortune in all things pliable to his wishes, and his heart therewith greatly puffed up, his purpose was now at his return from Normandy, to make a full conquest of Wales; therefore redoubling his forces he drew into the 
His expedition for Wales.  Marches, where piching his Tents he consulted with his Captains what was best to be done. The Welshmen finding themselves overweake, fled 
The Welsh fly to their Mountains.  according to their accustomed manner, into the Woods and Mountains, taking thereby such advantage against their pursuers, that the King returned without any notable deed done; and with the like 
An. D. 1096  success he undertook an other Expedition against them the year following.  
(29) But bearing a mind still to subdue all Wales, he had first in his eye the Island Anglesey, against which 
Anglesey invaded. Mat. Paris. An. D. 1097  he sent Hugh Mountgomery Earl of Shrewesburie, and Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester, who there executed their Conquests with very great cruelties, cutting off the Noses, Hands, and Arms of their resisters, without 
Cruelty there used. Girald. Cambr.  regard of age, or sex, nor sparing either places or persons, sacred or profane. At which very time it chanced Magnus' King of Norway, the son of Olanus, 
Norwegians assault Anglesey. An. D. 1098  (the son of Harold Harfager) to have made his Conquest of the Isles of Orkeney, and then wafting along the Seas, sought to come on Land in Anglesey, whom to impeach, these Earls made all their powers: where Hugh Mountgomery armed at all parts, but only the sight of his Beaver, was shot into his 
Mountgomery killed in the Eye.  right eye, whereof he died eight days after.  
(30) The holy voyage now set forward, (unto which Pope Vrbane was a chief instigator) thirty 
An. D 1099 Synodus Claromontana. The Holy voyage. Peter, an Hermit, the Captain.  thousand Christians took the Sign of the Cross, wearing it on their garments as the cognizance of their devoted warfare: The chiefest Captain of which Princely Army, was Peter a poor Hermit, who returning from jerusalem, certified the Pope of the Christians great misery under those merciless Infidels: but the good man more exercised in prayers 
The number of the Army. Math. Paris. The Generals of the Army. Henry Huns. lib. 7.  (the weapons of Votaries) then expert to guide an Army, was soon entrapped among the camphors, and slain with most of his soldiers. But yet the business still prosecuted, the number of all degrees and ages flocking to the service, is reported to have amounted (a thing almost incredible) unto seven hundred thousand. In chief command of which huge Army, were employed many brave Princes of Christendom; as Godfrey the famous Duke of Lorraine, with his brethren Eustace and Baldwin: Bohemund Duke of Naples, and his Nephew Tancredus: Robert Earl of Flanders; Hugh le grand, brother to Philip the French King; Raymund, Earl of S. Egidius; and besides many other great Princes, the foresaid Robert Duke of Normandy, not the last in esteem for his renowned service; as his memorable prowess in that employment did afterwards 
Mat. Paris.  make apparent unto the world. All these meeting at Constantinople (where Alexius was Emperor) passed over Hellespont, and proceeded with better success than the Hermit had done, subduing 
Their fortunate successes.  Cities and Countries before them, with the slaughter of an hundred thousand Infidels, and purchase of great spoils: and lastly, took jerusalem the holy 
Th. Lanquet. jerusalem taken by Christians.  City, in the thirty ninth day after the Siege thereof. But let us from jewrie return into England.  
(31) King William at rest whilst his Brother and the rest were in wars, thinking now both of fortifying 
An. D. 1099  and beautifying his Kingdom, caused new walls to be built about the Tower of London, and at Westminster (* where before was the ancient Palace 
〈◊〉.  of Saint Edward and his Ancestors) said new foundations of a most large and Princely Palace; the Hall whereof, by the testimony of Paris, should have 
Math Paris. Stows 〈◊〉.  extended (if he had lived to finish it) from the River Thamesis even unto the common high way, as might 
Westminster Hall built.  appear by the first groundworks, at the time wherein Paris wrote: but that stately Building, which now we call the Great Hall, he finished as it now standeth, containing in length two hundred and seventy foot, in breadth seventy four: yet (when some praised the 
The length and breadth thereof.  largeness thereof) he found fault that it was not made bigger, accounting it scarce worthy the name of a Bedchamber, in respect of that which he intended 
Rand. Higden.  to build.  
And certes, of a right magnanimous disposition was this Rufus, as appeared at such time, when sitting at dinner, purposing forthwith to take his pleasure in hunting, a messenger brought him sudden news of the Siege of maine, a City in Normandy: whereto 
maine in Normaney besieged. Henry Hunt.  when the King answered, He would take advice what to do: But thy Subjects (replied the party) are in distress, and cannot be delayed; whereat the King swore 
The King's readiness to relieve them.  his wont Oath, that if they could not, they should not, and that he would not turn his back till he were with them; and thereupon commanded to break down the wall that he might go forth the next way to the Sea, leaving strait Commission for his Nobles to 
Wil Malms.  follow him with all celerity.  
(32) But the winds being contrary, and thereby both the Sea and the King in a great rage; his Pilot misdoubting hazard of Shipwreck, desired him humbly to expect a while, till those boisterous Elements were calmer, and passage more safe. Whereunto he answered, as no whit daunted: Hast thou ever heard that any 
* Yes King Pharaoh was drowned, if the Pilot durst have so replied. Wil Genetic.  King hath been drowned? therefore hoist up the Sails, I charge thee and be gone. The City upon this unexpected speed of the King, was soon released, and Helias, Consul of Cinomannia, who did beleaguer it, being taken by a train, was by King William jested at to his face, as a man neither of Martial prowess nor policy: at which indignity the Noble Helias disdainingly storming, with great boldness said unto 
The courage of Helias a Prisoner  Rufus: I am now thy Prisoner, not by thy prowess, but by chance of war, and my own misfortune: but were I at liberty, thou shouldest well know, I am not the man thus to be laughed at. The King well-liking the confidence of his spirit: Well then (said he) 
King William releateth him.  I give thee full liberty, go thy ways, do what in thee lieth; I am the man that ever will mate thee.  
(33) And surely, howsoever he might be blemished 
His great valour.  with many stains of bad Government, yet for his valour and resolutions in wars he is greatly commended; and so much by some, that, if it were not against the faith of Christianity, it might be thought 
Will Gemet. lib. 4. His praises much impaired by partial writers.  (saith Malmesbury) that the Soul of Caesar had entered into the body of this Kufus, as that of Euphorbus is said to have done into Pythagoras: yea, & those stains (we may well think) were no whit lessened by his story writers, who were dependents of the Romish See: for that he little favoured their Holy Father, or any such as adhered unto the See of Rome, against the 
His opposition to the Romish Church.  Prerogative of his Crown; as especially appeared in his Offence conceived against Anselmus Archbishop of Canterbury, for his too Romish humour. There was at that time a Schism in the Roman Church, which Monsterlike had then two heads on one Body, the 
Two Popes of Rome. Mat. Paris.  Emperor (who claimed that as his right) placing one, and the Roman Clergy abetting another, Vrbanus by name, with whom consorted Anselm, against the King's command.  
The King alleged, that no Archbishop or Bishop 
No English B. subject to the Pope. 〈◊〉. Holinsh. The King of Enland hath as great privileges as the Emperor.  of the kingdom should (or aught) be subject to the Pope or Court of Rome, with whom they had nought to do: that he and his Realm had as large franchesies, ever since the receiving of the Christistian faith, as the Emperor had in his Empire; and that therefore none ought in his Realm to be received for Pope, whom himself and his State should not first approve: that without his licence none should go or appeal to Rome in any cause: that Anselm could not keep his Allegiance to his Sovereign, and also to the Pope. Upon all which points the Prelates of 
Matth Paris alibi except also Ranulphus Cestrinsis Episc.  England, excepting only Gundulphus B. of Rochester, assented to the King against Anselmus, that he was guilty of High Treason, for attempting to deprive the Crown of these prerogatives.  
(34) And because the King then urged, that herein he did no more than his Father had done before 
Pope Gregory was justly by all men's judgements (saith Paris) deposed for Treason against the Emperor.  him, it shall not be impertinent to observe here, how that, as Vrbanus used Anselmus for his instrument to draw the King to his beck; so Pope Gregory before him used Archbishop Lanfrancks' help for undermining of William the Conqueror, and to subject him and his State to the Papacy; which that it may appear the better, I will here insert the Conquerors own Letter to the Pope.  
To Gregory the most Excellent Pastor of Holy Church, William by the grace of God, King of England and Duke of Normandy, wisheth health and friendship. 
Amongst Lanfranks Epistles, M. S. vetust. The Pope would have William Conqueror to swear him allegiance.  Your Legate Hubert (Religious Father) came unto me, exhorting me, in your name, to make Allegiance to you, and your Successors, and to take better order for the money which my Predecessors were wont to send to the Church of Rome. The one I have granted; of the other I have not admitted. Fealty to you, I neither would nor will make; for I neither promised you somuch, neither find I that ever my Antecessors did perform it to yours. The * money hath been negligently gathered, myself almost these 
This money was the Peter-pences or Romescot, which Edward Confessor calleth Eleemosynas, as given of Alms to the Church of Rome.  three years being in France; but being by God's mercy returned into my Kingdom, as much as is Collected is now sent by the said Legate: the rest shall be sent when it may conveniently, by the messengers of Lanfrancke our faithful servant. Pray for us, and for the good estate of our Kingdom; for I have loved your Predecessors; and my desire is above all others sincerely to love you, and to hear you obediently.  
His Holiness was then very wrath, that things did not cotton better to his desires in England. But Lanfranck cleared himself of the blame, showing him how diligently (but indeed traitorously) he 
Lanfranke counseleth the King to subject himself to the Pope. Epist. Lanfran. M. S.  had bestirred himself, in counseling the King to yield to swear obedience to the Pope: Suasi, sed non persuasi (saith he) I have so advised him, but I could not persuade him.  
(35) By which incredible pride and Popish encroachments, attempted by the means of these chiefest Prelates of the Kingdom, King William Rufus (no doubt) saw it was high time for him to prevent 
Will. Rufus prudently treads his father's steps. Eadmerus. He denieth the Pope's power, Soluendi & Ligandi. Hodins.  farther mischiefs to his State, by following his Father's steps in timely repressing such Papal intrusions: yea so far was he from yielding his neck to that yoke, that he avowed, that the Popes, though boasting of Peter's Chair, had not from him any power of binding or losing, whose godly steps they wholly neglected, following only after Lucre and worldly Honours: that also it was but imposture to teach Intercession, and bootless 
Against praying to Saints.  to use Invocation to Saints, even to Saint Peter himself. And as for the rest of the Romish Clergy, who then gave themselves strangely to worldly and fleshly pleasures, wearing their guilt girdles and 
Rand. in Polycbr. lib. 7. cap. 9  spurs, and trimming their bushy Locks; their loose lives the King much detested, and sought to punish; which most incensed their Choler: and these were the hairs no doubt in those Monkish writer's Pens that ever blotted his fair name, under their fast-running, and uneven hands. For so much may we gather from Gemeticensis the Recorder of his 
Gemet●…ic. l. 7. c. 8.  life, who having reported many Acts of this Kings, seemeth lastly to check himself for going so far: where (he saith) These and many other like things we could truly report of him, were it not we think it unconvenient 
A very wise reason.  largely to relate his actions, because he persecuted very many of God's servants, and the holy Church not a little, for which it is thought by the most part of wisemen, that he repented too late and unprofitably.  
(36) And true it is, that some of them have taxed him for great Pride and Covetousness, whereof yet 
Rob. of Glouc. Chron. S. Alban.  some pregnant examples to the contrary are not wanting; as, (though the instance be somewhat familiar) when his Chamberlain bringing him a pair 
An example of Will. Rufus his wonderful Pride. Every base knave will now go costlier.  of new hose, and he demanding the price, was answered that they cost three shillings; Away base fellow (quoth he) are those beseeming a King? bring me of a Mark price: his servant went, but brought him an other pair of no greater cost, yet told him (as great men's reckonings usually are made) that they were of the rate appointed: wherewith the King was very well pleased, and disbursed that great Price to fulfil his own pride.  
(37) His Covetousness what it was, may hence 
His avarice. Polydore Virg.  appear, that when two Monks whose Abbot was lately dead, repaired to his Court, and each in large offers out-uied and overbad the other, to succeed in the abbacy; a third Monk very sober, and poor in show, accompanying them in their business, stood by; whom the King asked what he would give to be made Abbot? Nothing, said the Monk; for I entered 
Polych. lib. 7. c. 11.  my profession to be poor, and hitherto have been, little esteeming the pomp or riches of the world. Then thou art the man (replied the King) and shalt be their Abbot, more worthy in thy poverty, 
A princely choice. I would all Simoniacs might so be served.  than they for their price; and so conferring on him that high honour, checked the others to their open infamy and reproach.  
As the like he also did to Hugh a Norman Knight, and Soldier by profession, who of a sincere devotion had entered the Monkish Order in the Monastery 
A preferment bestowed unlooked for.  of S. Augustine's at Canterbury, and at the death of Vido the Abbot, was but a Probationer; when coming with others to the King for the election of another, was chosen himself (though sore against his will) without any request or proffer; whose penitency and unfeigned humility so moved the King, that in this his Election he burst forth into tears.  
(38) Other faults I grant he is charged with, 
Of King William's inconunency.  wherein we have not and cannot utterly acquit him: as this besides others, that his chiefest Consorts were Effeminated persons, Ruffians and the like, and himself said to have delighted continually in Adulteries, and the Company of Concubines, etiam coram Sole, 
Math. Paris. No Issue ●…legimate of his, known.  shameless and in the sight of the Sun; though none of them be named, nor any his illegitimate issue known; and yet only, or especially for his sins, many strange signs of God's wrath are reported to have happened in the time of his reign.  
(39) For in his second year a terrible and most dreadful Earthquake happened: And in his fourth, 
An. D. 1089 Strange accidents of his time Earthquake.  a vehement Lightning pierced the Steeple of the Abbey at Winscombe, rend the beams of the roof, cast down the Crucifix, broke off his right leg, 
Lightning.  and withal overthrew the Image of our Lady standing hard by, leaving such a stench in the Church, that neither incense, holy-water, nor the singing of the Monks could allay it. And not long after, so great a tempest of wind happened, that in London it bore down six hundred Houses, and blew off the 
Wind.  roof of Bow-Church, which with the Beams were borne into the Air a great height; six whereof being twenty seven foot long, with their fall were driven 
john Stow.  twenty three foot deep into the ground, the streets of the City lying then unpaved.  
In the ninth of his Reign a blazing Star appeared with two bushes, and other Stars seemed to 
An. D. 1096 Uncouth Stars.  shoot darts each against others, to no little fear and amazement of the beholders. The last of his Reign, 
Deluge.  the Sea breaking over his limited banks, drowned an innumerable multitude of people in many Countries, and in Kent overwhelmed the lands that sometime were Earl goodwin's, which as yet are called 
Goodwin Sands. Hector Boetius.  goodwin's Sands, lying very dangerous for all Navigators. But most fearful was the Well of blood, which 
A Well of blood  for fifteen days rose up out of the ground at Finchamsted near Abington in Berkshire. His own 
Wil Malmesbury. Mat. Westm. Henry Hunt. Rand. Higd.  dream, wherein it seemed the veins of his Arms to be broken, and abundauce of his blood streaming on the floor; as likewise that Monks, who in his 
Presages of his death.  sleep saw the Crucifix to spurn the King to the ground: these with many like, were held as presages of his death, which presently followed. Of all which, or the most part, what better censure can we give, then that which King William himself (when this last vision was told him) did deliver; saying, Well, a Monk he is, and can dream (Monachiliter) as Monks 
Math. Paris ad An●…. 1100.  use to do, only for to gain. Give him an hundred shillings, lest he should think he had dreamt bootless.  
(40) Whatsoever force those presages had, it is true, that upon the second day of August, as he was hunting in the new Forest, and in the place called Chorengham, all his Company being scattered from him, saving only a French Knight, whose name was 
Matth. Paris. Gemeticensis.  Walter Tirrell, the King with his arrow struck a Stag, which yet not greatly hurt ran away; to mark therefore the course that it took, he held up his hand betwixt his eye and the Sun, when unawares also Walter Tirrell so shot, that his Arrow glancing against a tree, struck the King in his breast, who hastily breaking off so much as stuck out of his body, with one 
King William slain with an Arrow in hunting.  only groan fell down and died. Of which sudden chance, his followers soon understanding, most of them made away, but those few which remained, laid his body (basely God wot, but as necessity suffered) into a Collier's Cart, which drawn with one silly lean Beast, through a very foul and filthy way, the Cart broke, and there lay the spectacle of worldly glory, both pitifully gored, and filthily bemired, 
Math. Paris.  till afterward he was thence conveyed unto Winchester, and buried under a plain flat Marble stone in the Choir of Saint Swithens, the Cathedral Church of the City, whose bones were since taken up, and laid into a Coffer, with the bones of Canutus. He died 
Years of his age and Reign.  after he had reigned twelve years, eleven months lacking eight days, being the year of his age forty 
Will. Malmes.  three, and of Christ jesus, 1100.  
(41) He was of person indifferent, not of any 
His description of mind and body.  great stature, yet very well set, his belly (like his Fathers) somewhat bearing out: of complexion 
* Boetius thence surnames him Red-face.  ruddy, whereof he took his surname, and his hair somewhat yellow, his forehead flat and square, and his Eyes diversely coloured; a stammering tongue, especially in his anger; gorgeous in apparel, and of no sparing diet; very bountiful to Soldiers, often hard to Churchmen, burdensome so his Subjects, an expert Soldier, that could well both endure labour of the Body, and put off cares of the mind; in his affairs circumspect, of his word steadfast, and in his wars no less diligent, then fortunate. He gave 
His works of devotion.  to the Monks called de Charitate, the great New-Church of Saint saviours of Barmondsey in Southwark, which he built, with his Manor of Barmondsey itself, and all the appurtenances, together with the Town of Charleton: confirming all that had been 
Lib. Bermond.  given them before. He also of an old Monastery in York founded a new Hospital, to the honour of Saint Peter, for the sustentation of poor men and women: dying as we have said, without Wife or Issue, or without respite of time for dispose of his Crown, or other worldly affairs.   

HENRY, THE FIRST OF THAT 
Monarch 41  
Henry I.  NAME, THE FORTIETH ONE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER FOUR  
HEnry, the youngest son of the Conqueror and third 
An. D. 1100 Wil Malms. john Rowse. annal S. Aug. Math. Paris.  King of his race, was born here in England, and brought up in learning even from his childhood, whereby he gained to himself the high honour very rare in those days, especially in Princes, to be, and to be styled the Beauclerk: whose portion of Treasure was not a little, given him by his father, neither any whit spared by himself to purchase friends at the death of his Brother, 
* This was the first Earl of Warwick from the Conquest, so to continue only ad pla●…um. M. Th●… Miles. Th' Rudborne.  Henry of Newburgh the right Noble, virtuous and learned Earl of Warwick, ever making his way both with the Clergy and Nobles, who 
* A politic but traitorous course of capitulating. Math. Paris.  refused to admit any King but with capitulation and covenants to their own like.  
(2) The steps then by which he mounted the Throne of Majesty, were the dislikes of Williams overhard 
Henry's helps to the Crown. Will. Gemet.  curbing of his Natives, as he ever called the English: the rash and giddy head of his brother Robert; his absence in Syria, for whose return to stay was dangerous, and whose election for King of jerusalem, was likely to employ his person there: his English-birth, 
Idem.  having both a King and Queen to his Parents; his fair promises for reformation of bad and rigorous 
Roger Houed.  Laws, imposed by his Father and Brother, the restoring of the Clergy from exile, and to their church-livings; remission of Taxes exacted on the Subjects; and due punishments of such persons as 
Henry Hunt.  were the chief Causers thereof, in which behalf to satisfy the People he committed Ralphe Bishop of 
Ralpe Bishop of Durham imprisoned. Math. Paris.  Durham to the Tower. Then promising by Oath to frame just Laws grounded on those of Saint Edward (than which nothing was more desired) did wind himself so far into the loves of all, that with a general concurrence he was saluted King.  
(3) He began his reign the second of August; 
His Coronation. Ger. Dorob.  the sacred rites of whose Coronation were celebrated at Westminster, by Maurice Bishop of London (in the absence of Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury) the fifth day of the same month, the year of Christ 1100. When Henry the fourth possessed the Imperial 
William Malmes.  Diadem, Philip the first swayed the Sceptre of France, Edgar wore the Crown of Scotland, and Paschall 
The foreign Princes reigning in his time.  the second sat in the See of Rome.  
(4) His first business was to put in execution what he had promised; and because he might be thought 
The reformation of his Court. Rand. Hig. in Polychr. lib. 7. ca 12.  unfit to guide a large kingdom, who cannot reform those who are ever at his elbow, began (as a good Prince ought) with his own Court and Household (as knowing that to be the pattern and warrant of others enormities) whence he cashiered all Court-minions and nice or effeminate wantoness, and enacting a decree against his Courtier's Rapines, Adulteries and Robberies, punished their Thefts with 
* Hoveden. Wigorniens.  death, and Lechery with the 
* Malmes. lib. 5. de Regibus. Public Liberties by him granted. Stows annal.  loss of their Eyes, and other parts peccant.  
Then he restored to the English the use of Lights, which his father forbade by the ringing of a Bell, and had now continued for the space of thirty three years, ordaining likewise many good Laws, and common Liberties, exemplified at large in Matthew Paris, which summarily may be thus abridged.  

1 The Freedom of the Church from oppressions, 
Math. Paris.  or reservation of their Possessions upon vacancies.  
2 That the Heirs of his Nobility should possess the Lands of their Fathers, without redemption from him, which favour the Nobles likewise should afford to their Tenants.  
3 That the Gentry might give in Marriage their Daughters and Kinswomen without his licence, so it were not to his Enemy.  
4 That the widow should have her jointer, and not be compelled to marry against her own liking.  
5 That the Mother or next of kindred, shall be Guardian of the Lands of her Children.  
6 That Coiners of false money should be * punished; and likewise ordained a measure 
By loss of right hand, saith Malmes. Of Hand and Genitals, Gometicons lib. 7. cap. 23. Of Eyes and Genitals, Hoveden. Malmes. lib. 5. Simon Dun. Wil Malms. King Edward's Laws revived again.  to the length of his * Arm to be a standard for Commerce among his People.  
7 Then did he forgive all debts to the Crown before his own time, and murders committed before the day of his Coronation: with some other like indulgences: But, to the greatest content of the People, he gave power and strength unto King Edward's Laws.   
(5) To these his Ordinances he set his Name and Seal, with the subscription of sundry Peers, commanding 
His Charters sent to be kept in Monasteries. Math. Paris.  as many Copies as there were Counties in England to be transcribed and kept in the Monasteteries of every Province. Then did he recall Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury forced out of the Land by Rufus, and bestowed all vacant. Church-livings upon 
Ger. Dor.  the worthiest persons. But to ground his new planted affection more deep in the hearts of the English, 
Ypodigma Neustria.  he became a suitor to Edgar King of Scotland, to have his sister to wife, which was Maude the daughter of Queen Margaret, Sister to Edgar Etheling and Grandchild of Edmund Ironside, whereby his issue might 
His Marriage into the English blood Wil Genetic. cap. 25. Math. Paris.  merely be both of the English blood and of the ancient English Kings.  
(6) She by report of some writers had vowed Virginity, and was brought up in a house of Religion at Winchester (having entered the profession of a 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Votary.  Nun under her Aunt Christian) whose sanctity and knowledge both in matters human and divine, with her mother Margaret's, are highly commended (saith 
Gemetic. cap. 10.  Gemeticensis) in a book written of their lives: Notwithstanding others hold that she veiled herself but for a shift, to put off some unworthy matches, which her father Malcolm would have imposed her; and indeed 
Eadmerus.  this scruple was such a Core in Anselm his mouth that 
Rand. Higden. in 〈◊〉, lib. 7. cap. 16.  he would not pronounce the words of Contract until herself had cleared the doubt by her open confession.  
(7) Duke Robert, who now had been five years in the holy wars, and therein borne himself with such valour 
Math. Paris. Duke Roberts noble service in the Holy wars.  that he of all the Christian Princes was thought the worthiest to be anointed King of jerusalem, had their voice and election standing in the Temple before the Altar, upon Easter-Eue: and that the rather by a miracle of his Taper, which took light of 
Duke Robert elected King of Hi●…salem.  itself, or from Heaven (if we will be so light to believe it:) but he hearing of the death of Rufus, refused that, in hope to have England; for which his neglect 
Ran. Hegden. in Polychr l. 7. c. 1●…. Math. Paris.  of Divine appointment, it is said God never after prospered him: then returning from Syria into Normandy was there joyfully received, and assumed a-again his Dukedom (which he had engaged to his brother 
He returns into Normandy Will Gemet. cap. 12. His attempts for England. Math. Paris. Roger. Houed.  William) without repayment of any money: where hearing that Henry his younger, was stepped into his throne of England, laid projects in his mind how to defeat him. And to further these his designs, Ralphe Bishop of Durham, corrupting his keepers, broke out of the Tower of London & got into Normandy, where he instigated Duke Robert against his brother of England; others also delighting in alterations, solicited 
Wil Malmsb. Henry Hunt.  Robert to make into England, with promise of their assistance to recover the Crown.  
(8) King Henry for his part resolving to hold what he had got, neglected no means to keep the 
King Henry strength●…eth himself against Duke Robert.  Diadem as it was set, and therefore rigged forth his Navy to secure the Seas, manned his fortresses, and with a great Army repaired towards the Coast, where near unto Hastings he lodged his Camp, relying more upon his own strength and valour of his People, than any just title he had to the Kingdom.  
(9) Duke Robert by this time had taken the 
An D. 1101 An. Reg. 2. The English ●…all off to Duke Robert.  Seas, and was upon the King's fleet before they were aware, where preparing for Conflict, the most of the English fell to the Normans, either by the persuasion of the Duke or in hatred of Henry, that then began to tyrannize over them as they did imagine: By which means the Duke, had safe landing at Portesmouth, and 
Math. Paris. The Duke landeth in England. Will. Gemet. cap. 12.  did not a little rejoice in this his fortunate beginning; threatening his brother to be revenged for his wrongs, & blaming the Nobility for suffering him thus to be abused, whilst he for the common good of Christendom, was employed in the Holy-Lands war. King Henry, as wise, as the other was valorous, wrought 
K. Henry labours for a peace.  under hand for an agreement of peace; for he very well saw, that the event of war hath commonly issue from the first success, and at one and the same time doth bolden and weaken the courage of the multitude; therefore certain Noblemen on both sides so travised the businesses, that the Brethren in short time became friends, and a composition made 
Henry 〈◊〉. Agreement made betwixt the Brethren.  to both their contents. The agreement was thus, that, because Henry was borne after his father's Conquest of this Land, and stood now the Crowned King with common consent, he should during his life, enjoy the same, paying Duke Robert in way 
The covenant of Peace.  of fealty three thousand Marks by year: and the survivor to be heir to his brother deceased, if he died without a son. In which it was also concluded, that all, either English or Normans, which had 
Will 〈◊〉. Matth. West. 〈◊〉, Dor.  taken part with the King or Duke, should be pardoned of all offences, and their livings again restored: for the Confirmation whereof, and the performance accordingly, twelve Princes upon either parties took their Corporal Oaths; and the Armies presently dissolved.  
(11) The Norman Duke princely entertained the space of six months in the Court of King Henry, 
Duke R●…bert entertained in King Henry's court. Will Gemet. Cap. 13.  showed himself rather open & credulous, than any way suspicious, in all his carriages, & so with much liking, & love to his brother, departed unto his own Country. But the Sunshine of these fair days, began forthwith to be overcast, by the incitation of such as endeavoured to sow discord betwixt the two Brethren: and not only those in Normandy, which ever buzzed jealousies into Duke Robert's ears, but even in England also, some fell in dislike of King Henry, and affecting alteration, with the malignant eye of envy beheld the glory of his beauteous Crown.  
(12) Amongst whom, Robert Beliasm Earl of 
Rob. Beliasme against the King. An. D. 1102.  Shrewsbery, the eldest son of Roger Mountgomery, strengthened the Towns and Castles of Shrewsburie, Bridgenorth, Tichile, and Arundel, with victuals, munition, and men, against the King; alluring likewise the 
Simon Dunel. An. Reg. 3.  fickle Welshmen unto his designs. Henry therefore in rage & haste, marched thitherward with a great power; 
Roger H●…uen.  against Arundel Castle, he raised another of wood▪ and took it; besieged Bridgenorth, which presently 
Matth. Paris.  yielded, and Shrewsbury sent him their keys and pledges of their obeisance: when Beliasme with his brother Arnulfus, and Roger de poitiers, were constrained 
Henry Hunt.  to abjure the Land for ever, and thereupon went into Normandy, where they ceased not to raise more sparks from that brand which others before them had blown.  
(13) Neither were those men busier to raise stirs abroad, then was Archbishop Anselmus to do it at home; who being a man of a stiff resolution, in a 
Math. Paris.  Council holden at London, drew on him the offence both of the King and Clergy: for therein, first, he excommunicated all married Priests, 
* Goodwin in vita Anselmi. Eadmerus.  half the Clergy of England at that time, being either married or the sons of married Priests; next he inhibited all lay men to hear their masses. But this thing (saith Paris) howsoever it seemed good to some, yet unto others very dangerous, lest while they affected after a purity which was above their strength, they might fall into impurity of a higher quality. 
Matth. Paris  In this Council also Anselm, peremptory upon the Pope's assistance, deprived many great Prelates 
Contention about investitures.  of their promotions, because they had accepted their Inuestures from the King which was done by receiving of a Pastoral staff and a ring, an ancient rite, testifying that their donation was from their Sovereign, (as S. Wulstan received his Staff from S. Edward, and therefore professed he would resign it only to him:) in which number were the Abbots of 
Math. Paris in Will. Ru●….  Ely, of Ramsey, of Perscors, of S. Edmund's, of Tavestock, Peterborrow, Burch, Bodiac, Middleton, and Stoke: for which his bold parts, and for refusing to consecrate certain Bishops, advanced by the King, great contention fell betwixt him and the Archbishop, who taking himself much wronged by the present over-bearing power, appealed unto his Holy Father, Pope 
The Archbishop goes to Rome.  Paschall, and soon after went in person to Rome unto him.  
(14) Unto whom likewise the King sent his Ambassadors, namely Herbert Bishop of Norwiche, with Robert Bishop of Lichfield, both of them of his privy 
An. D. 1103 An. Reg. 4. Will. Thorn. Polydor. The King sends Ambassadors to Rome.  Counsel, and William Warenast his procurator a Clergy man, of a very bold spirit and speech, who in debating his sovereigns cause before the Pope and cardinals, with threatening language and countenance avouched, that the King his Master would not lose his right in the investitures of the Church, for the loss of his 
The King will not lose his investures for his Kingdom. Math. Paris.  Kingdom: whereto the Pope, (no Cravant to be dared on his own dunghill) as stoutly answered; If, as thou sayest, the King will not lose the donation of Churches, for the loss of his Kingdom; know thou for certain 
The Pope will lose his head rather than suffer kings to have investures.  (before God I speak it) that I would not suffer him to enjoy them without punishment, no not for the saving of my head: notwithstanding which brave words against the King, yet the degraded Abbots were restored through the Clemency of the Papal see, which is never wanting 
Silver and gold best mediators to the Pope. Pari●…nsis.  to any, as long as the white and red, (to use the very words of a Monk) make intercession for them. But from the Church to the State.  
(15) Robert Curtuoise, either to sound his brother's 
Duke Robert entertained in England. An. D. 1104. Will. Gemet. Henry Hunt.  designs, or to congratulate him in a brotherly love, came into England; where he was so royally entertained, that all suspicion was quenched, and himself so well contented, that at the only motion and request of Queen Maud, he remitted the three thousand Marks, covenanted to be paid yearly unto him, though he were less able to forbear, than King Henry to give. But when his wants told him of this his over 
He remits 3000. marks a year to K. Henry. An. Reg. 5.  lavish releasement, he openly exclaimed against King Henry, that he had craftily circumvented, and deceitfully cheated him; and now giving open ear and credit to such as sought their disunion, gave his Brother all occasions of enmity, who was ready enough of himself, to make the least very great. For besides this present displeasure conceived against Duke Robert, he added others, and this especially, that 
D. Robert's patrimony wasted. William Gemet.  he had wilfully wasted the Inheritance which his father had left him, to wit the Dukedom of Normandy, having nothing now almost in that Dominion besides the City of Roan, which he would have parted with also, had not the Citizens thereto denied their consents.  
(16) Neither was it the least motive to King Henry's displeasure, that his traitorous subjects were so willingly received by his brother; for besides Robert Beliasme and others, William, Earl of Mortaigne in Normandy, and of Cornwall in England, the son of 
William Earl of Mortaign against the King. Ypodig. Neustri.  Robert, half brother to the Conqueror, because the Earldom of Kent (which he made claim unto, as heir to his uncle Odo) was denied him, in a discontent got him into Normandy, where besides his valiant assaults of the King's Castles, and Soldiers, he much endangered the possessions of Richard Earl of Chester, 
Math. Paris. Rand. Higd. lib. 7. cap. 13. Wil Malmsb.  than a child and the King's Ward: so that the flames of war raised by these seditions, seemed to be blown from England unto the parts beyond the Seas, and to fire the territories of the English there; neither is it easy to declare (saith Hoveden) what misery (the mean while) by exactions the land felt here at home. 
Math. Paris. K. Henry allures the Normans to side with him. An. D. 1105 Rog. Hoveden. An. Reg. 6.   
(17) For the King incited into Normandy upon these occasions, by large distributions of money carried out of England, won the Normane Nobility to revolt from their Lord, and took the Town and Castle of Cane by composition, and burned Bayon with the beautiful Church of Saint mary's, whereupon 
Henry. Hunt. Forts of Normandy yielded to the King.  the Priories of Normandy yielded themselves unto his Protection; by whose example the Britain's and those of Anjou did the like; so that their Castles and forts were filled with the Garrisons of King Henry, Duke Robert in no wise able to resist; which done Henry with triumph returned into England.  
(18) The Curtuoise by his Normans thus uncourteously 
An. D. 1106 Duke Robert leaves force and trusts to persivasion. An. Reg. 7. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. D. Robert's submission.  dealt with, saw it was bootless against so great a stream to strive, and therefore thought best to lay away weapons, and to become himself a Mediator for Peace. With which resolution taking the seas, he followed his brother unto Northampton; where humbling himself in a more deiective manner, then either his birth, or own nature could well brook, desired the King's peace, both in respect of their brotherly union, and the regard of his own accustomed clemency; willing him to consider, that war was not only unnatural betwixt brethren, but that a reproach ever follows the chariot of the Victor, desiring him not to triummph in his overthrow, who was now ready to render all that he had into his hands: but King Henry muttering to 
K. Henry respects it not.  himself, turned away from his brother without any answer.  
(19) For God (saith Paris) not pleased to give the effect, though the Beauclearke felt a remorse in conscience, 
Math. Paris.  for usurping his Kingdom (being indeed very learned, 
K. Henry resists the counsel of his own conscience.  and well understanding the duties both of equity and law) and thereupon began both to fear some violent insurrection of the subjects, and also the revenging wrath of God upon him, for his treacherous and unjust dealings towards his elder brother, to whom undoubtedly the Kingdom by all right did appertain: yet stood he rather in fear of men than God (whose favours he cunningly laboured to keep) whom he meant to please another time by 
A presumptuous ground to defer repentance.  building of an Abbey for his satisfaction. Duke Robert then seeing and detesting the King's swollen pride, posted back unto Normandy to gather his powers. Henry also held it good policy, not to give passage unto Robert's wrath, knowing him a Soldier, and well weighing his desperate estate: and therefore 
King Henry wins his Nobles with fair words.  calling his Lords unto London, in an assembly tickled their ears with these delectable and smooth words.  
(20) My friends, and faithful Counsellors, and native Countrymen, you know by true report 
Mat. Paris.  how my Brother Robert was elected, and by God himself called to be the fortunate King of jerusalem, and how unfortunately, or rather insolently, he refused that sacred estate, whereby he is now most justly reprobated of God: you also know by many other experiments, his pride and arrogancy; for being a man of a warring humour, he is not only impatient of any peace, but also wilfully desireth to trample upon you as men of abject and contemptible disposition, upbraiding you for idle drones, for belly-gods, and what not? But I your King, naturally inclined to be both humble and peaceable, take delight in nothing more than to do you good, to maintain your tranquillity and ancient liberties, (as I have often sworn unto you,) and meekly and willingly to yield myself to your advises, whereby I may circumspectly govern you as a clement Prince: and to that end even now will I confirm (if your wisdoms so think fit) your overworn and undermined Charters, and will roborate them most firmly with a new oath and ratification. Mean while, all the laws which the holy King Edward by God's inspiring did establish, I do here command to be inviolably observed, hereby to move you to adhere steadfastly unto me, in repulsing cheerfully, willingly, and powerfully, the wrongs offered me, by my brother shall I say? nay, by my most deadly enemy & yours, and of the whole English Nation: For if I be guarded with the valours and affections of Englishmen, I shall scorn the threats of him and his Normans, as forceless, and no whit to be feared. And 
King Henry's confidence of the English.  with these fair promises (which yet afterwards he utterly neglected) he so won the hearts of them all, that they would die with him, or for him, against any hostility whatsoever.  
(21) Duke Robert gone, and preparing for war, Henry thus settled in his people's affection, followed 
Math. Paris. King Henry invades Normandy.  him with all expedition, having in his company the choice Nobility of England, Normandy, Gaunt, and Britain, so that he was exceedingly strong. With Robert, for men of chief account, were Robert Beliasme, Earl of Shrewsburie, and William Earl of Mortaigne, in like displeasure with the King, and therefore armed with the like desperate boldness.  
(22) Henry with his Army had pierced into Normandy, even as far as 
* Yet he also long after was taken and cast into perpetual prison. Wil Malmsbury. Mat. Paris saith, it was the 〈◊〉. Caend. Maij.  Tenerthebray, a Castle of the Earl of Mortaigne, using all means possible to 
Wil Ge●…  surprise the same; for whose rescue, the Duke with these his Consorts, made all diligence to dissolve 
Mat Paris calls in Her●…ebray.  the siege, and after some few skirmishes joined a bloody battle, bravely fought on each part, where at the first onset, the King's power (though, much greater in number) went down; but by their multitude 
A fierce battle betwixt the Brethren and their forces. Mat. Paris. Duke Robers taken prisoner. Eadmerus. Mat. Paris.  and manhood (especially through the * King's example and encouragement) they soon prevailed; where Duke Robert, with Earl William, and sundry others of good note, manfully fight in the very press of their enemies, were taken prisoners; but * Robert Beliasme escaped by flight. And thus (as Matthew Paris observed) God's justice & Mercy took effect; his justice upon Robert, for his refusal of jerusalem's title, and unto Henry his favour, according to the prophesy of King William his Father. This battle was fought, and Normandy won, upon Saturday, being the Vigil of S. Michael, even the same day forty years that William the Bastard set foot on 
Normandy conquered. Will. Malmes.  England's Shore for his Conquest; God so disposing (saith Malmsbury) that Normandy should be subjecteth to England that very day; wherein England was subdued to Normandy.  
(23) Robert Curtuoise, that now unfortunate 
Wil Ge●….  Prince, and William Mortaigne, that valiant, but headstrong Earl, were forthwith sent into England and imprisoned; the Earl in the Tower of London, and the Duke in Cardiff Castle in Wales, after he had governed the Duchy of Normandy nineteen years; and was for esteem in Chivalry accounted among the best Captains that the world then afforded, had he not been (as commonly martial spirits use to be) too rash and unstaid in his other enterprises; which headiness did now draw upon him a penance of twenty six years continuance, in the afflicted state of a forlorn Captive. And Henry now no 
Robert's rashness overthrew 〈◊〉.  longer as a brother, receiving the keys of Normandy, as a Conqueror returned into England.  
(24) But long it was not ere Duke Robert, weary of this unwonted duresse, sought to escape; and having 
An. D. 1107  liberty to walk in the King's Meadows, Forests, 
Mat. West●….  and Parks, broke from his Keepers without any Assisters, or means for security; who being missed, 
An. Reg. 8.  was presently pursued, and taken in a quag-mire, 
Math. Paris.  wherein his Horse lay fast: whereupon the King hearing of this his attempt, considering that woods were no walls to restrain the fierce Lion, and that to play with his claw was to endanger a state, commanded him not only a greater restraint and harder durance; but also (a thing unfit for a brother to suffer, but most unworthy for Beauclearke to act) both his eyes to be put out, causing 
Duke Roberts 〈◊〉 pu●…out. Mat. Paris.  his head to be held in a burning basin (to avoid the deformity of breaking the eye-bais) until the glassy tunicles had lost the office of retaining their light.  
(25) Having thus quieted all foreign oppositions, King Henry set his mind to prevent Domestic; 
An. D. 1108  and therefore (about this time) those Flemings 
Fleming's placed in Wales.  whose Lands the Seas had devoured some few years before, and place was granted them in Cumberland, first by King Rufus, and afterwards by Henry; 
An. Reg. 9  were now by the King, upon better advisement, removed into Wales, both to disburden his Inland of such guests, and that so they might be a defence betwixt him and those ever-stirring people. Which project nothing deceived his expectation; for by the testimony of Giraldus, They were a Colony stout and 
Giral. Ga●…b.  strong, and continually endured the wars of the Welsh; a Nation most accustomed to seek gain by clothing, by 
The co●…mendation of the Flemings.  triffique also and Merchandise by Sea and Land, undertaking any pains, or perils whatsoever. A people of very great power, and as time and place requireth, ready by turns to take plough in hand and till the ground, as ready also to go into the field and fight it out; and that I may add thus much more (saith he) a Nation most loially devoted to the Kings of England, and as faithful to the Englishmen.  
(26) By the which his policy, he attained that 
The Flemings great helps for restraining the Welsh.  which his brother Rufus could not, who many a time had but small success in those parts though otherwise, ever sped most fortunately in all his adventures of wars: But it is thought by some, that as the 
King Rufus had little success in Wales.  Mountainous cragginess of the Country; and sharpness of the Air, encouraged them in their rebellion; so the same impeached Rufus his success.  
But King Henry (saith Malmesburie) who with many a warlike expedition went about to force the Welshmen, 
Will. Malmes. lib. 5.  ever stirring unto Rebellion, for to yield and to submit themselves; in the end resolved upon this whole some policy; for to take down their pride, he brought thither all the Flemings that dwelled in England: a great number of which Nation in those days, in regard of his mother's kindred by her Father's side, flocking hither, were closely shrouded in England, in so much as they for their multitude 
King Henry disburden●… England of the Flemings  seemed burden some unto the Realm: Wherefore he sent them all together with their substance, their Wines, and Children, unto Rosse a Country in Wales, as it were into a common avoidance, thereby both to purge his own kingdom, and also to quatle and repress the desperate boldness of his Enemies.  
(27) And now being free from all fear of subverters, King Henry, growing disdainful (saith Paris) refused to fulfil what he had so often promised to his Nobles, 
The King violats his promise to the Peers. Math. Paris.  heaping threats upon threats; for God had bestowed on him three bounties, wisdom, victory, and riches, above any of his Predecessors: but for all these he showed himself to God most unthankful: And of his Clergy (we may say) too regardless, in suffering Anselm, newly reconciled, to lay heavy punishments upon the 
Ansel. still molests married Priests.  married Priests, putting many from their places, because they denied to put away their Lawful wives, whereof great contention followed, and grievous sins in short time committed, both against God and Nature. 
Eadmerus.   
(28) Among these proceedings in England, Philip King of France deceased, and his son Lewis 
King Philip of France dieth, and Lewis succee. death. Polyder. King Henry strengthens Normandy.  surnamed Crassus succeeded in his government, which how he stood affected to Henry was doubted, and therefore to make sure work, the King sailed into Normandy, furnishing his Towns, Castles, and Fortresses, with all habiliments of war, with provisions befitting such suspected times; and so returning, he found attending his coming, the Ambassadors of Henry the fourth Emperor, as suitors from their Master to obtain Lady Maud the King's daughter 
An. D. 1109 His daughter married to the Emperor. An. Reg. 10.  in Marriage, than not past five years of age, which was willingly granted, and the espousals by way of Proxy solemnised, with great feasts and magnificent triumphs.  
(29) About which time the death of Archbishop Anselm happening, gave no small hope to the Clergy, as themselves conceited, again to enjoy 
Archbishop Anselm dieth. An. D. 1110  the liberty of matrimonial society; wherein they were not a little deceived: for the King seemed willing that the Ecclesiastical Ordinance before made should be more nearly looked into; whereupon men for fear, and in the sight of men, carried themselves 
An. Reg. 11.  accordingly, but if in secret they did worse (saith Eadmerus) let the charge light on their own heads, sith every 
Appearing Chastity did breed secret impurity.  man shall bear his own sins: for I know, (saith he) that if Fornicators and Adulterers God will judge, the abusers of their own Cousins, (I will not say, their 
Eadmerus.  own Sisters and Daughters) shall not surely escape his judgement.  
(30) The King's peace, which seemed to be secured 
An. D. 1111  by his new affinity with the Emperor, and his glory raised to the high, began now to be envied, and his brother Duke Robert's extremities greatly to be pitied, both by some English and also Normans. 
An. Reg. 12.  For Foulke Earl of Anjou both threatened the revenge, and by corrupting the inhabitants wan the City of Constance, from his obeisance. To stay whose eruptions King Henry passed into Normandy, where he used great extremity, and put to death Helia Earl of Cenomania, who held that 
King Henry goes into Normandy against Rebels. Math. Paris.  County against him; for which cause Godfrey Earl of Gaunt took such displeasure that he entered into that Earldom, and marrying the said Helia his daughter, kept the County perforce against King Henry's great power. But Robert de Beliasme 
Robert Reli●…sme an old Traitor taken.  that had escaped at Duke Robert's overthrow, was then taken and committed prisoner to Warham Castle, too gentle a punishment for so blood-thirsty a man, whose nature was such, that he delighted himself only in cruelty, an example whereof he showed upon his own son, who being but a child and 
A bloody father and a cruel pastime.  playing withhim, the father for a pastime, put his thumbs in the boys eyes, and thrust out the balls thereof.  
(31) These wars somewhat assuaged, King 
Chro. Wallia. An. D. 1112 An. Reg. 13.  Henry returned into England, where the people conceived much grudge at his importable taxes, and the Clergy no less at his reservation of Church livings in their vacancies, under pretence of keeping them for the worthiest; but how unworthily he oftentimes bestowed them, may be gathered by that pretty reproof of Guymundus his Chaplain, who grieving to see unworthymen (for the most part) advanced to bishoprics and other dignities; when on the Rogation day he celebrated divine service in the King's Chapel, 
Regist. S. Frides'. Wid●…. Oxon.  being to read that lesson, out of Saint 
* james 5. 17.  james, it reigned not on the earth III. years, and VI months, he purposely read it, it reigned not, one, one, one, years, and five, one, months. All men either laughing or wondering at his reading; the King checked him for it, and asked him the reason; marry (quoth he) I see you bestow your preferments only on such, as can read so: which secret touch the King well weighing, did both presently prefer him to the government of Saint Frideswides in the University of Oxford, and afterward was more careful in all other his choices.  
(32) The King had not been long in England after his return from Normandy, before the Welshmen 
An. D. 1114 Floren. Wigorn. Math. Paris. Mat. Westminst. john Castor. Chron. Wallia.  (than a restless people) were in Arms against such English, as had set footing in that Country, which were Gilbert Strangbowe Earl of Strygil, and others, whose lands in the south part Owen ap Cadogan sore molested and spoiled; the like did Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North-Wales upon Hugh Earl of Chester's County, and both of them denied King Henry either service or tribute. These Earls so incensed the King, touching these and other outrages of the Welshmen, that in a rage he vowed not to leave 
The King goes with a power against the Welsh.  one alive in all North- Wales, nor in Powysland; and strait repairing thitherward, divided his Army into 3. parts. The first was led by Earl Gilbert against South-wales; the second band by Alexander King of Scotland, and Hugh Earl of Chester against North-Wales; 
Henry Hunt.  and the King himself lead the third, under whose Standard was the chief strength of middle England. But the Welsh seeing themselves far unable to withstand this present preparation, took into 
Flor. Wigorn.  the Mountains and Woods, (their surest holds) where being followed, with great difficulty, many of them were slain, and the rest yielded to King 
The Welsh subdued.  Henry; who now as a Conqueror in triumph returned to London.  
(33) Whither immediately resorted unto him, the Ambassador of his son in law the Emperor, to have his wife Lady Maud now marriage-able, 
Math. Paris. Henry Hunt.  to be sent unto him; to which request the King most willingly condescended, and to furnish her forth accordingly, laid a 
* Lawyers call this Aid a file merrier, & Polydor. Hist. lib. 11. saith this was the first precedent: but falsely; for both this, and that other at knighting of the King's children, are mentioned in the grand Cust●…mier of Normandy; and was in use amongst the Roman Emperors: Suetonius in Caligula. The English Kings Eldest Sons Dukes of Normandy.  tax upon his Subjects, taking three shillings for every Hide of land: whereupon she was presently conducted by his greatest Pears into Germany, and at Mentz married to the Emperor Henry the fourth, being there consecrated and crowned his Empress.  
) 34) Shortly after King Henry took the Seas for Normandy, and there created his son William (about the age of twelve years (Hoveden saith but eight) Duke of that Country, causing the people to swear him fealty, whereof grew a custom that thenceforth the Kings of England made evermore their eldest sons Dukes of Normandy; which done, he returned, and nothing recorded of his next years adventures, but only that the Sea gave place to the Sands, and by low Ebbs restored some part of her treasures that long had lain hid and buried in her depth; the rivers likewise forgot their wont 
Will. Thorn.  swiftness; and as it were seemed unwilling to pay their ancient tribute into that dejected Element, and among 
An. D. 1115 Math. Paris  them Thamesis not the least, whose waters so failed for two days, that betwixt London Bridge and the Tower she became passable and scarce two foot deep.  
(35) King Henry free now from all foreign & 
An. D. 1116 Polydor. lib. 11.  domestical trouble (only Gruffith ap Rees somewhat unquiet in Wales) gave his thoughts to assure the Crown into his line, and to ordain laws for the well governing of his people; for calling an assembly at Salisbury, caused the Estates both Spiritual 
Ger. Dor.  and Temporal, to swear fealty to himself, and to his son Willam, the Hope of succession: then reforming many abuses, and ending certain contentions both of his Nobles and Prelates, laid here the first foundation of our High Court of Parliament: 
The beginnings of our Parliaments.  for the English Kings in elder times, ordered the affairs of the Commonwealth, by their Edicts, by their officers, and by the Governors of every 
The difference betwixt this and the Ancient v●…e of the State.  Country, and seldom had the joint advice of their people; saving only at beginning of their government, and in time of war; whereas now the Subject, best understanding his own grievances, hath both liberty in choice of their Knights and Burgesses, as also free voice to complain thereof in that honourable assembly.  
(36) At this time Theobald Earl of Blessis, Nephew unto King Henry, upon occasion of displeasure 
campaign.  rose up in Arms against the French King, to whose aid King Henry sent; whereat Lewes found 
Henry Hunt. Offence and cause of debate betwixt King Henry and King Lewis of France.  himself sore aggrieved, and drew to his side Baldwine Earl of Flanders, and Foulke Earl of Anjou, who together took oath to dispossess Henry of Normandy, and to make William the son of the Curtoise Duke thereof, to whom it belonged by right 
Attempts to dispossess K. Henry of Normandy.  and descent; to which also many of the Nobles of Normandy consented; pitying the wrong of the noble spirited Child, and the wretched captivity of the blind, and over-borne Father.  
(37) Henry as wisely wrought against their designs, 
Henry goeth to secure Normandy.  and levying a great tax upon his Subjects, passeth therewith into Normandy, where uniting the aids of the foresaid Theobald, as also of the Earl of Britain, with his English, he made a great show in the field: at which time King Lewes with the Earls of Flanders and Anjou being entered Normandy, and 
Math. Paris.  hearing of King Henry's approach and power, stayed scarcely one night, but as men without hart or courage returned, and left the Country for him: so that all things seemed well quieted for a year or two; nothing disturbing King Henry's peace, excepting only the expectance of the Pope's Legate, whom he 
An D. 1117  prohibited to enter England, and the death of his Queen Maud, the very mirror of piety, humility, 
Flor. Wigor. An. D. 1118  and princely bounty.  
(38) But coals of displeasure kindled betwixt King Henry and Lewes of France, were not quite extinct, 
An. D. 1119 A pitched field betwixt the Kings of England and France. An. Reg. 20. Malmes. lib. 5.  though they had lain for a while, as raked up under cold ashes. For the next year following, and twentieth of his reign, Lewes came into Normandy as hot in rage to do somewhat, as before he departed thence calm and cold; where forthwith he began to molest the Country; which K. Henry for a while suffered, till his friends noted him of cowardice; to whom he replied; that he had learned of his Father, to break the fool hardiness of the French, by patience, rather than by force: that they should not wonder, if he were loath to be prodigal of their blood, whom he found so fast friends unto him: that he would not gladly win a Kingdom with their deaths, whose lives he still found devoted to all hazards for his cause: that he used this backwardness, only to stay them, whom he saw so forward to testify their zeal voluntarily, even with their blood: which to proceed from providence, and not from dastardliness, they should soon perceive. This accordingly he made good; and a pitched field was fought betwixt the Kings of England and France; whereof let us hear the Monk Paris report. The 
Math. Paris. The Army of the French King.  French King (saith he) having ordered his Army into two Battalions, in the former of them placed William the son of Duke Robert, the brother of King Henry; the other, Lewes himself led, consisting of his special and chiefest Soldiers. King Henry also disposed 
The Army of the English King.  his forces into three Battles, the first, consisting of his Peers and men of Normandy:- In the second, himself kept among his own guard, and daily attendants: and in the third, he marshaled his sons with the main strength of the Footmen. The Armies thus ordered, the troops on both sides gave assault, whereof the first Battalion of the French brake through the ranks of the Norman Nobles, overthrowing their Ho●…e-men, and forcing them to scatter; in which violence they likewise broke into King Henry's battle, and put it much out of order: but he taking courage, and comforting his men began a most bloody and bold const●…t: wherein himself was twice struck upon the head by William Crispin 
Heny Hurt. The King dangerously assailed.  County of Eureux (whom for his offences Henry had before banished) whose sword and strokes were so sure and so heavy, that albeit the King's helmet was impe●…etrable, yet withfine force was it beaten stat to his head, insomuch that the blood came forth in abundance▪ but Henry feeling himself to be wounded, gathered with his rage more strength, and struck the said Countyia such sort, that at one blow he overthrew both him 
Ypodig. Neustrl.  and his horse, and took him prisoner; by which example his Soldiers were led to fight like jyons, and the 
And as bravely acquits himself.  French to betake themselves unto flight. In this battle died many thousands, and among them Baldwine 
〈◊〉 Earl of Flanders slain.  Earl of Flanders: King Henry returning victorious, was received triumphantly into Rouen.  
(39) Foulke Earl of Anjou having lost Baldwine 
An. D. 1120  his martial Companion, and seeing it was bootless to bandy against the Beanclarke, fell to an agreement 
Ge●…. Dor. Prince William marrieth the Duke of Anious daughter. Roger. Houed.  with him, which was confirmed by giving his daughter unto his son Prince William (now seventeen yeerts old) whom Henry made inheritor of all his Kingdoms, whereupon both France and Flanders became his reconciled friends, and William 
Prince William doth homage for Normandy.  did homage to King Lewes for his Duchy of Normandy. These things thus ordered King Henry upon the twenty fifth of November, loosed from land at 
* Haresteer.  Barfluit, and prosperously arrived in England.  
(40) Prince William, who now wanted but only 
Prince William puts to Sea.  the name of a King, commanded another ship to be prepared for himself, his Brethren and Sisters, with many other Nobles and Gallants Courtiers, both of England and Normandy, who plying the Mariners with pots and wine (therein being instruments of their own calamity approaching) made them brag to outsail the King's ship gone before; and in the night putting forth from land, with a merry gale made way over the dancing waves, as swift as an arrow: but (as if the Heavens would have King Henry's too great felicities allayed, and tempered with sense of Courtly variety, in the midst of their jollity and singing, (alas they sang their last, and little 
A most lamentable shipwreck. William Malmes.  thought on death) for suddenly the ship dashed against a Rock, not very far from the Shore, at which fearful disaster, a hideous cry arose, all of them shifting (and yet through amazedness not knowing how to shift) to save themselves from the danger: For God repaying the reward for sin, suffered not those 
* Sodomitic●… labe infects 〈◊〉 omnes, saith Paris.  unnatural wantoness (for such were many of them, saith Paris) to have Christian Burial, but were so swallowed up of the Sea, when her waves were most calm. Prince William got speedily into the Cockboat, and might 
Prince Williams pity to his sister cost him his life.  well have escaped, had he not pitied his sister the Countess of Perch, crying unto him for help; when turning the boat to her aid, so many strived to get in (every man in such a case esteeming his life as much as a Prince) that with their weight it presently sunk, and of so princely a Train no one escaped to relate that doleful tragedy, save only 
Malmsb lib. 5. de Reg. Only one of all his train escapeth.  a base fellow (a Butcher some say) who swam all the night upon the Maine-maste, and got shore in the morning with much danger of life.  
(41) This was the most unfortunate Shipwreck that ever happened in our Seas, bringing an inconceivable heaviness to the King, and whole State: 
The chief of those who then perished. Math. Paris. john Stow. Rand. Higden.  for therein perished Prince William Duke of Normandy, the joy of his Father, and hope of his Nation; Richard his base Brother, his Sister Maud Countess of Perch, Richard Earl of Chester, with his wife Lady Lucy, the King's Niece by his Sister Adela, Otwell the Earl's Brother, the young Duke's Governor, divers of the King's chief Officers, and most of the Princes, Geffrey Riddle, Robert Manduit, William Bigod, Geffrey archdeacon of Hereford, Walter de Crucie, and many other of prime note and esteem, to the number of one hundred and sixty persons, none of their bodies being found, though great search was made for them.  
(42) King Henry thus at once deprived of all his lawful Posterity (only Maude the Empress 
An. D. 1121 Eadmerus.  excepted) upon the tenth of April and two and twentieth year of his Reign, married his second wife Adel●…a, a Lady of surpassing beauty, the 
King Henry marrieth again. Gemiticensis. Geru. D●…ob. Henry. Hunt. Mat. Paris.  daughter of Geffrey first Duke of Louvain, in hope (though it proved otherwise) to have repaired his late losses by issue of her; whose Coronation was appointed to be celebrated by Roger Bishop of Sarisbury, the infirmity of Palsy so troubling Ralphe Archbishop of Canterbury, that himself could not perform 
Rand. Higd. in Polyc. lib. 7. ca 15.  it; yet because Roger was not appointed by him, he forbade his employment; and the King wearing his Crown, saith the Monk of Chester, this testy old man could hardly be entreated by the Lords, to withhold his hands from striking the same from 
A Choleric Prelate.  the King's head: of such Spirits than were those spiritual Prelates, and jealousy to lose their pompous pre-eminence of honour: but his high top was somewhat born down by the boisterous blasts of Pope Calixt, from whose holy hand Thurstan Archbishop of York (contrary to the King's command, and his own 
* Math. Paris ad An. 1119.  Oath) having received consecration, and thereupon forbidden by the King to 
Eadmerus.  put foot again within his Dominions, his holiness commanded his New-Creature should be installed (
* Polyc. lib. 7. c. 15.  against all right and custom) without professing any subjection to the See of Canterbury; and threatened with his curse to interdite both Provinces till that was performed. The cause of the Pope's indignation against Ralph is supposed to be, for that he had received his 
* Paris An. 1113. Roma sub Vrbano, Anno 1094.  investiture of the King, who contrary to the Canons of the late Roman 
* Paris there calls it Their ancient Custom and An. 1112. it had con tinued 300. years and under 60. Popes.  Synod, did still challenge and practise that, * Regal prerogative.  
(43 Whether it were about this contention of Investing, 
Will. Malmes.  or about a Friar of the Holy Sepulchre, whom (as Malmsb. saith) the King had imprisoned, or about Thurstans' hard usage; certain it is, that the Pope much desiring to have private talk with the 
goodwin's Catalogue.  King, came to him into Normandy, and so at guysor's conferred (saith Paris) the Great King and the high 
Math. Paris.  Priest: but notwithstanding the Pope's threats or entreats, Thurstan was kept in banishment full five years, and then for the Pope's pleasure was restored. But at this meeting the King was so liberal of rich gifts to the Pope and his Cardinals, that therefore the Pope (saith a Monk) held him a most wise and eloquent 
Will. Malmes.  persuader, and his actions very justifiable; But it seemeth the Cardinals were neither so eloquent nor learned as they should be, for that (saith he) two youths in the King's Company, sons of the Earl of Mellent (learned both, and therefore fit to be with 
Wil Malmsb. Rand. Higden.  that learned King) reasoning of some points with them, and disputing Scholarlike with Logical Syllogisms, the G●…d Rabbis (used to other exercises at Rome, then studying) were quite graveled, and had nought to say, but that more learning was in these Western parts, than they had thought. But as these Church-stirres did not a little disquiet the King, so also did new Welsh 
Cor●…. Walls  tumults, raised by Meredith ap Blethyn, who with the three sons of Cadogin, Encon, Madoc, and Morgan, sore troubled the King's people and peace, by 
New attempts in Wales  breaking into the Marches, and especially into Cheshire, where they burned two Castles. The King 
An Army conducted against them.  therefore making towards them, had sent his main Army to conduct the Carriages, whilst himself with a small Company took a nearer way through the Mountains and straits; which being forelaid by the Enemy, was with great courage set upon, and through the advantage of the Place, many of his men slain, and more hurt, by the Welsh Archers, whose showers of Arrows reigned thick upon them from the higher ground: amongst which, one was so leveled at the King, that it struck him on the breast, 
The King struck with an Arrow.  yet being surely armed, did him no hurt; but he therewith all wonderfully dismayed, and by likelihood fearing some treason amongst his own, (for, than he swore by our Lord's death, his usual oath, 
King Henry's usual Oath. Malmes. lib. 5.  that no Welshman shot that Arrow, but one of his own Provincials) and considering that by these his overrash proceedings his glory purchased in more famous parts, might again be lost in this wild and rude Country; came to a Parley & Peace; 
A Peace concluded.  receiving of the King a thousand head of Cattle, and leaving Kord Fitzwarren Lieutenant of the Marches, returned to England, where he held three Parliaments 
john Castor. Chron. Wallia.  in the same year, one at Norwich, another at Northampton, and the third at London.  
(44) The Normans still repining at the Captivity 
An. D. 1122 The Normans set up Duke Robert's son.  of Robert their late Duke; and standing well affected unto his Son, thought now the time fitting, (Prince William being dead) to raise the other William his cozen German into his place: who, as the Monk of Chester affirmeth, married Sibyl the other daughter of Foulke, Earl of Anjou, 
He marrieth Sibyl daughter to the Earl of Anjou. Rand. Higd. in Polyb●…. lib. 7. c. 16.  with whom he received the Earldom of Cenomannia, upon displeasure that King Henry withheld the former's dowry in England. The chief in this action was Robert Earl of Mellent, who was lately fallen off from the King: Henry therefore hasting into Normandy, besieged his Castle Pont-Audomar, 
An. D. 1123 Roger Wind. Math. Paris. King Henry repairs the Castles of Normandy.  and took it, and at that time built a large and high wall with many Bulwarks about the Tower of Rouen, repaired the Castles of Caen, Arches, guysor's, Faleise, Argenton, Damfort, Vernon, Ambres, and sundry others.  
(45) In the mean time, Earl Mellent desirous 
An. D. 1124  to be revenged upon the King, associated Hugh Earl of Montfort and others unto his aid, who entering Normandy with fire and sword, did much harm as they went, thinking to bring all to their obeisance: against whose outrages, William Tankeruile 
Henry Hunt. Math. Paris. Tankeruile takes the Traitorous Earls in Normandy.  the King's Chamberlain, and Lieutenant in those parts, addressed himself, and training them into danger of an Ambush, laid for that purpose, after long fight took them both prisoners, and presented them to his Master, whereby the wars ceased 
Mat. West●….  for a time in those parts.  
(46) In this the King's absence, but yet with his licence, johannes Cremensis the Pope's holy Cardinal, 
An. D. 1125 Cardinal Cremensis, the Pope's Legate to restrain Priests marriages  came into England, sent by Honorius the Second, there to redress the still continued sinne-seeming abuse of the Clergy, in retaining and using, according to Gods own Ordinance, the Society of their 
Polychr. lib. 7. cap. 16.  wives. This Pontifical Prelate was entertained by all the Bishops and Abbots with great and costly Presents, and afterward being solemnly set in a Council at London, upon the birthday of the Blessed Virgin, made a solemn Oration in praise of Virginity 
Hen. Hunting. lib. 7. Houed. in He●…r. 5.  and Chastity, with a terrible invective against the married Priests: and to amplify their sins the more, he showed what extreme impiety it was, to rise from the bed of unlawful lust, (for so was their chaste Marriage termed) and with polluted hands to touch the Sacrament of the body of Christ: but the same night following he * having that very day consecrated 
Taken with a whore the same day he celebrated the Sacrament. Mat. Paris. Huntingdon. Rog. Higden.  that holy Sacrament, was himself taken with a Whore, the matter being so apparent, that it could not be hid, (neither ought it to be silenced, saith Huntingdon) to the great reproach of those most unchaste boasters of Chastity, as both Paris and Higden themselves do confess: and so he returned to Rome with shame enough, but with little success in that intended business; till some few years after 
* Viz. An. D. 1129. Polydor. Math. Paris. Huntingdon. Roger Houed.  King Henry, seeming very desirous to settle his pretenced continency in the Clergy; in a Council held at London, obtained (through simplicity of the Archbishop of Canterbury, saith Paris) that himself should have the execution of justice and punishments of the Priests, that offended either in keeping of their wives, or using of Concubines, (for likely those that liked not the one, loved the other, as well as Cremensis;) but even then also, the King's end being only to get in sums of money, which he had still occasions to use, every man redeemed his liberty by his purse, and matters rather proved worse, than any whit reform.  
(47) Whilst King Henry about his said affairs lay in Normandy, news was brought him that Henry 
An. D. 1126 Emperor Henry (the King's Son in law) dieth The Empress comes into England. The Peers swear fealty to Empress Dowager the King's daughter. Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. Huntingd. lib. 8.  the Emperor his son in law was dead; whereupon he presently sent for his Daughter the Empress; and with her he returned into England, where calling a Parliament, in the presence of himself, and of David King of Scotland, he caused the Nobles, (and first before all other, Stephen his Sister's Son who first did violate it,) to swear fealty to her, as to his lawful, and now only heir, by whom they should again come to be governed by the ancient English Royal blood, from which he showed her to be descended: which Oath was this, that they should, as much as in them lay, after King Henry's decease, (if he died without Heir-male) establish her Queen of the Monarchy of Great Britain, now called England. But whether they did or no (saith Gemeticensis) belongs not to me to tell: but this our Story shall hereafter relate, and make known.  
(48) Giraldus and Higden, and some ancient Manuscripts affirm (but with very little probability or 
Antiq. Manuscr. Giral. I●…iner. Polych. lib. 7. c. 16. Houed. in Hen. 1. Henry the Emperor supposed not to be dead.  credit) that Henry the Emperor died not at this time (as was given forth;) but that rather upon a 
* Gemetic. p. 680.  remorse of conscience, for imprisoning his own natural Father, Henry the third unto death; and also his Spiritual Father the Pope with his Cardinals; repenting these outrages, he laid aside his Imperial Robe, and secretly fled into England, where at Westchester he became an Hermit, changing his name unto 
* As being now called of God, saith Tre●…isa.  Godscall, where he so lived the space of ten years, and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint Werburga the Virgin. Upon which his sudden flight and missing, the Empress Maud 
* john Stow. The Empress falsely suspected.  some say, was suspected to be guilty of his death, and for that cause was kept continually in the Queen's Chamber Indeed, that she abode still in Chamber with the Queen, Paris records; but he gives a wiser 
Math. Paris.  reason thereof, for that her Father did love her exceedingly, as being now his sole Heir; and where should an Empress rather live then with a Queen? a Daughter, then with her Mother? a fair Lady, a Widow, and an Heir of so great a Kingdom, then where her Person might be safest from danger, her mind from inveigling, and her carriage from suspicion? But as for that other idle conjecture, it is razed out, both by those Writers, who record his Burial, and Monumentat Spire, (as 
* Polyer. lib. 7. c. 16  Higden himself signifieth) and also by the pen of William Gemeticensis, who reporteth her to be a woman generally well thought of, and approved among the greatest Princes of the Empire, for her prudent and gracious behaviour towards the Emperor 
Will. Gemet. The good esteem of the Empress.  her husband; insomuch that they became suitors unto her, seeking by all means to attain her to govern them, and to that end attended her to King Henry in Normandy to solicit the same; to whom in no wise he would give his consent, meaning to make her his Successor in the Kingdom: Whereunto Malmsbury (who then lived) acordeth; saying, she was very unwilling 
Malmes. Novel. lib. 1.  to have come out of those parts of the Empire, where both her dowry and acquaintance lay, and that the Princes of those Countries came more than once into England, to have her for their Empress, but that the King would not part with the Heir of his Crown.  
(49) But King Henry afterwards desirous to be free from the variances of these foreign Princes, 
An. D. 1127  and hearing that Foulke Earl of Anion had given his Earldom, with the territories of Gaunt and Turyn, unto his Son jeffrey Martell, surnamed Plantagenet, (himself minding to abide at jerusalem, 
Matth. Paris. Will. Gemet.  whereof he was King in right of his wife Milissent, the daughter of Baldwine de Burge lately deceased) thought him the fittest to be linked into his alliance, 
The Empress married to the Earl of Anion.  & therefore concluded a marriage betwixt the said jeffrey, and his only lawful daughter Lady Maude the Empress, though partly against her liking, as both Gemeticensis and Geruasius of Canterbury doth declare; 
Gemeticensis. Ger. Dor.  which was solemnised in Normandy the third of April accordingly.  
(50) That William, son to the Curtoise, was formerly favoured by Earl Foulke, we have showed, but now he was further followed with increase of 
William (son to Duke Robert) made Earl of Flanders.  Fortune, and the French Kings aid, only for a rub in King Henry's way; for Charles Earl of Flanders, being traitorously murdered by his own People 
Mat. Paris.  without any his issue to succeed him, Lewis of France (to make William faster to him) set him in possession as the next heir in blood unto that Larledome: William being the son of Duke Robert, and Robert the Eldest of Queen Maude (the wife of the Conqueror) 
William's title to Flanders.  and she daughter to Earl Baldwin the fifth; whose issue Male now failing, the right was from her derived unto this her Grandchild William.  
(51) This Groundwork unto greatness King 
An. D. 1128  Henry disliked, least by his nephews height, himself might be over topped, and his blind father's wrongs the sooner redressed: therefore having by his daughter's marriage made Anjou his, from Normandy 
King Henry invaded France.  he invaded France, even unto Hespard, where for eight days he remained as secure as in his own 
Mat. Paris.  Kingdom, and partly by fear, partly by fair payments, wrought Lewis to withdraw his aid from young William: neither so ceased, but that he instigated William de Ypres to disturb William's state, 
He useth means to disturb Flanders.  and did also draw a cerraine Duke named Theodorick out of Germany with a band of Flemings, who entered Flanders in Hostile manner.  
(52) With these last, Earl William (a Prince for his age of incomparable prowess) soon met, and giving 
Earl Williams great valour.  them battle, with an invincible courage broke through the enemy's troops, in such sort that they were discomfited, and the Earl had the day; whence in this heat of blood, he marched unto Angiolella, a 
Math. Paris.  Castle of King Henry's, which after a strong siege, being upon the surrender, by a small wound which Earl William received in his hand, he shortly died, but not without immortal fame, for magnanimity 
He dies of a small wound in his hand.  and valour.  
(53) Were it not reported by some Writers of note, I might here well pass over certain presaging 
Huntingdon. lib. 7. Will. Malmes. in Novella Historia. Higden.  dreams (as the Monks interpreted them) which King Henry had, being ready now to go into Normandy: for to his seeming he saw a sort of rustic ploughmen with their Instruments of husbandry; after them Soldiers with their weapons of War: and lastly, the Bishops with their Crosiers staves, all of them angrily threatening, and attempting his death: wherewith he was so perplexed, that leaping out of his bed, he called for help: but seeing it but a dream, as a dream he esteemed it, and passed over into Normandy: where long he stayed not, but that his Daughter Maud 
The Empresie departs from his husband  upon some displeasure departed from her husband, and came with her Father into England. Some write 
A. Do. 1131 Roger Houed.  that she was the pro●…ker of certain displeasures betwixt her husband and Father, which so affected his mind with 
Hoveden. in Henric. 1. Huntingdon. Hist. lib. 7. Malmes. novel. lib. 1.  passions of wrath and grief, that many thought it was a great hastening of his end; and indeed Malmsburie witnesseth, that the King upon his deathbed passionately mentioned the wrongs and indignities wherewith her husband had disquieted his mind. 
The Empress to her husband. Hen. Huntingdon. lib. 7.  Howbeit soon after this her departure from him, by consent of the States, who met at Northampton; she was reconciled to her husband: sent 
An. D. 1131.  unto him upon his entreaty: and bore him a son, whose name was Henry; for joy whereof, King Henry 
Ger. Dor.  assembled his Lords, and again made his said Daughter, and the lawful Heirs of her body his 
Math. Paris.  Successors in his Dominions.  
(54) And then preparing again for his last and fatal passage into Normandy, took shipping upon 
An. D. 1133  the Nones of August, (the very day wherein he first received the Crown,) when happened so wonderful 
Will. Malmes in novel. lib. 1.  an Eclipse of the Sun, that Malmsbury the reporter faith, himself then saw the stars plainly in the Firmament about the Sun, and that two days after, so great and fearful an Earthquake 
The King's last voyage into Normandy, presaged to be fatal.  happened, that the house where in himself sat, was lifted up with a double remove; and others say, that out of riffs in the earth, burning flames arose, that could not be quenched, which divers judged to be fatal prodigies of the deaths of those Princes that 
Polychron. lib. 7. cap. 17.  soon after ensued.  
(56) For Robert the Curtoise, after twenty six years 
An. D. 1134 Robert Curtoise dieth in prison.  imprisonment and blindness, through grief conceived at the putting on of a fair new robe, (too little for the King, and therefore in kindness sent to Duke Robert to wear) grew weary of his life (as disdaining to be mocked with his brothers cast clothes,) and cursing the time of his unfortunate Nativity, resused thenceforth to take any sustenance, 
Math. Paris. Matth. West.  and so pined himself to death. His body was buried at Gloucester in the Church of Saint Peter, and middle of the Choir, where to this day remaineth his Tomb, with a carved Image of his feature, as the monument of a most unfortunate man.  
57 And not long after K. Henry in Normandy coming 
King Henry dieth in Normandy.  scarce very well from Hunting in the Forest of Lions, and Town of Saint Denys, made his repast of a dish of Lampreyes' (which meat he too well loved, but could never well digest;) whereupon he fell more grievously sick, and the same still increasing; 
Hoveden. Wil Malms. Math. Paris.  after seven days sickness, upon the first of December, the sixty five of his age, and year of Christ jesus, 1135. when he had reigned King of England, thirty five years, four months, lacking 
An. D. 1135  four days, & Duke of Normandy, twenty nine years and four months: he died in the said town of S. Denys, and from thence was conveyed to Rouen, 
Will. Gemet. Math. Paris.  where his Bowels, Eyes and Brains were taken out, and buried; the body also sliced, and powdered with much salt, was wrapped in a Bulls hide 
Polychr. l. 7. c. 17.  to avoid the stinch, being so intolerable, (a point fitting for such great Princes to think on, & 
Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. l. 8.  in their great glory and pleasures to remember their frail and human condition,) that the Physician who took out his brains was poisoned therewith, and presently died: whereupon some observed, that other Kings killed men in their life; but he also * after he was dead; thence was his Corpse carried into England, and honourably buried upon 
Mat. Westminst. Math. Paris. Simon Dun.  the day of Christ's Nativity, at Reading in Berkshire, in the Abbey that himself had there founded, and endowed with large possessions.  
(58) After his death (saith Huntingdon and Hoveden) men spoke their mind as freely of him, 
Huntingdon. l. 8. Houed●…. Rand. Hig. in Polychr. lib. 7 ca 17.  as of any other dead man: some commending him for these three glorious felicities, 
* His especial pre-eminence.  Wisdom, Victory, and Wealth: others condemning him for three especial vices, Covetousness, Cruelty, and Lechery; some 
* His especial vices.  instances of which we have touched in the relation of his life; the first three, in obtaining and keeping the Crown: the last, in his most grievous taxations, cruel handling and imprisoning his Brother; and his incontinency of life shall presently appear, by his many illegitimate issues, the fruits of his wantonness, and witnesses of his shame: in that Princes who are to punish such sins in others, ought themselves especially to be free from them: for though their living fortunes stop men's tongues from upbraiding: yet after their death the tongues of the vulgar, and pens of the learned, will make the infamy 
Prince's vices come to light after their deaths.  of their vices to be immortal.  
(59) He was for parsonage of a reasonable stature, broad breasted, well jointed, and full of flesh: 
Description of his person and qualities. William Gemet. cap. 10. Math. West.  amiable of countenance, sharp and fair eyes, black of hair, and that somewhat carelessly hanging on his forehead; his mind was enriched with many virtues, a follower of justice, a lover of Religion, severe against thieves, and all effeminate niceties; So that he commanded men's long hair (which against God and Nature's law was matchable at that 
1. Cor. 11. 14.  time with women's) to be cut off: temperate of diet, and never drinking but for thirst; valiant in battle, 
Higden. l. 7. c. 12. Malmes. lib. 5.  yet very circumspect, seeking rather to win by wise care, then by effusion of blood: and by the 
Will. Gem. cap. 22.  report of most Writers excelled all the Princes of the World in his time, in Mercy, Wealth, and Bounty, unto Monasteries: the land he defended by Garrisons of Soldiers planted on the Confines of his neighbour Princes, building many Forts, Bulwarks and Castles; besides twenty five Towns and Cities: whatsoever was wisely or virtuously performed in his Government, is chiefly ascribed to his younger years institution in true Learning and Philosophy, which was 
* Malmesb. lib. 5. in Hen. 1.  the great furnishment of him unto the Science of Regality; being often heard to say, that he esteemed an unlearned King but a crowned Ass. In which regard (saith 
* Rossus, that Palace he called Beaumount, where afterward King Richard the the first was born  Rossus, he took chief pleasure to reside in his new Palace, which himself built at Oxford, both for the delight he had in learned men, himself being very learned, and for the vicinity of his new Park at Woodstock, which he had fraught with all kind of strange beasts, wherein he much delighted, as Lions, Leopards, Lynxes, Camels, Porcupins, and the like. His delight also in 
He built also the Castle at Woodstock.  works of devotion, shows itself both in the erection and endowment of the Collegiate and 
* Paris. An. 1132  Episcopal Sees of Carlisle, and 
* Higden. l. 7. c. 14 Goodwin Catalogue of Bishops.  Ely, as also of the abbeys 
Malmes. lib. 5.  of Hide, Circester, Reading, and the Priory of Dunstable: His Wife Queen Maud founded the Priory of Holy Trinity within Algate, and the Hospital of Saint Giles in the Fields: so that by himself, his Queen, and other devoted persons, twenty four foundations to religious uses (if not more) were erected in the reign of this King.  

His Wives.  
(60) Maude the first Wife of King Henry, was the daughter of Malcolm the third, surnamed 
* Great head.  Canmoir, 
His first Wife.  King of Scotland: her mother was S. Margaret, daughter to Edward, son of Edmund the Ironside King of England. She was married unto him at London in the first year of his reign, Anno 1100. by Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury: having formerly 
Malmes. lib. 5.  vowed herself a Nun, which some swore she did not for love of single life, but to avoid some unworthy matches, which her Father would have imposed on her. Her Coronation was at Westminster by the same Anselm, on Sunday the eleventh 
Wil Malms. Ibidem.  of November in the same year. She was his wife seventeen years and more, famous for her learning, love to learning, charity to the poor, and all virtuous dispositions; and deceased at Westminster the first of May, in the eighteenth year of his reign, and year of our Salvation, 1118. where she was buried in S. Peter's Church, on the right side of King Edward the Confessor.  
(61) Ad●…licia, or Alice, the second wife of King Henry, was the daughter of Godfrey the first Duke of 
His second Wife  Louvain, by the daughter of the Emperor Henry the fourth, and sister to Duke Godfrey, and jocelin of Louvain. She was married unto him the nine and twentieth of january, in the twenty one of his reign, and year of Christ, 1121. and was crowned the morrow after being Sunday. She was his wife fifteen years, but ever childless, and surviving 
She was ever barren.  him, was remarried to William Daubeny Earl of Arundel, and was mother of Earl William the second, Rayner, Godfrey, and joan, married to john Earl of Augi, etc. 
His Issue.   
(62) William, the son of King Henry, and Queen Maud his first wife, was born the second of his Father's Reign, and of Christ, 1102. When he came to age of fourteen years, the Nobility of England did him homage, and swore their fealties unto him at Shrewsburie. The third year after, he married the daughter of Foulk, Earl of Anjou; and the same year he was made Duke of Normandy, doing his homage for the same to Lewes the Gross, King of France; and received the homage and oaths of the Nobility of that Country: but in his return for England, he was unfortunately drowned near unto Barbfleet upon the twenty sixth of November, the year of Grace 1120. and eighteenth of his own age, without any issue, to the great grief of his Father.  
(63) Maud the daughter of King Henry, and of 
Maud.  Queen Maud his first wife, was borne the fourth year of her Father's reign. She was the second wife of the Emperor Henry the fourth, espoused at six years of age, and at eleven with great solemnity was married and crowned his Empress at Mentz in Germany, 6. january, Anno 1114. the ninth of her husbands, and fourteenth of her Fathers Reigns. She was his wife twelve years, and survived him without any issue of him; & coming into England a widow, she had fealty sworn unto her by the Nobility, and was remarried to Geffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjou, son of Foulke King of jerusalem, upon the third of April, and year of Grace 1127. by whom she had issue, Henry, the Second, King of England, Geoffrey Earl of Nantes in Brittany, and William who was called Earl of Poyto: she was his wife twenty three years, and surviving him also continued a widow the last seventeen years of her life, which she ended in the City of Rouen the tenth of September, 1167. the fourteenth of the reign of King Henry her son, and was buried in the Abbey of be in Normandy.  
(64) Richard a second son to King Henry, and Queen Maud, by the testimony of Geruasius the 
Richard.  Monk of Canterbury, who maketh Maud their eldest Child, William the second; and lastly, Richard; and then (saith he) she left bearing: but Malmsbury saith, she had but two Children, one of each sex.  
(65) Eufem also another daughter, and fourth Child (by Hector Boetius the Scottish Historian) is said 
Eufem.  to be borne unto the Beauclearke by Queen Maud; the credit of the two last, I leave to the reporters, who only thus name them without any further relation. 
His Natural Issue.   
(66) Robert, the natural son of King Henry, was Earl of Gloucester, and married Ma●…l daughter 
Robert.  and heir of Robert Fitzhamon Lord of Glamorgan, by whom he had issue William Earl of Gloucester, Richard Bishop of Bayon, Roger Bishop of Worcester, and Maud the wife of Randolph Gernon, the mother of Hugh Keveliot Earl of Chester, and Richard his brother: Earl William married avis daughter of Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester, and had issue three daughters and heirs of that Earldom, which by Au●…s the second of them, in the end descended to Clare Earl of Hertford. This Earl Robert died the last of October, in the twelfth year of King Stephen, and was buried at Bristol in the Church of S. james, which he had founded, and his body laid in the midst of the Choir; unto him William Malmsbury dedicated his Book called Historia Novella.  
(67) Richard another natural son of King Henry, 
Richard.  was as it seemeth by an ancient Register of the Monastery at Abington, borne in the reign of King William Rufus, of the widow of Anskill, a Nobleman of the Country adjoining to the said Monastery; and it seemeth he is that Richard that was drowned in the Norman Seas near Barbfleet, among the rest of King Henry's children.  
(68) Raynold the natural son of King Henry, was borne of a daughter unto Sir Robert Corbet, Lord of Alcester in Warwickshire, by the gift of the King 
Raynold.  in favour of her, who was after married to Henry Fitz-herbert his Chamberlain. This Raynold was created Earl of Cornwall, and Baron of Castle comb, with consent of King Stephen, and had issue four Daughters, of whom have sprung many fair branches.  
(69) Robert another of that name, was borne 
Robert,  of Edith, the sister of Iue, son and daughter of Forne, the son of Sigewolfe, both of them great Barons in the North: which Edith afterwards King Henry gave in marriage to Robert D●…lie, Baron of Hook-Norton in Oxfordshire; and with her gave him the Manor of Eleydon, in the County of Buckingham, by whom he had issue Henry Doylie Baron of Hook-Norton, who oftentimes mentioneth this Robert in his Charters, ever calling him Robert his brother the King's son.  
(70) Gilbert another natural son of King Henry is named in the additions to the story of William 
Gilbert,  Gemeticensis the Norman Monk, in the Chronicle of that country, written by john Taylor being a Translator of that work out of Latin into French; and lastly, in the Treaties betwixt England and France, written in the French tongue by john Tillet, Secretary to their late King Henry the second, and yet in them, not any other mention is made, but only of his name.  
(71) William also a natural son of Henry the King, had given unto him the Town of Tracie in 
William.  Normandy; of which he took his surname, and was called William of Tracie: But whether he were the Progenitot of the Tracies, sometime Barons in Devonshire, or of them that now be of the same surname; or whether Sir William Tracie, one of the four Knights, that slew Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, were any of his posterity, is not certainly reported: nor any thing else of him, more than that he died a little after his Father, which was in the year of Christ, 1135.  
(72) Henry another natural son of King Henry, was borne of the Lady Nesta, daughter of Rees 
Henry.  ap Tewdor Prince of South-Wales, who was the Wife of Sir Gerald Windsor, and of Stephen, Constables of the Castles of Pembroke, and Abertinie in Wales, and Progenitors of the Families of the Fitz-geralds, and the Fitz-Stephens in Ireland; he was borne and breed, and lived, and married in Wales, having issue two sons, namely, Meiler and Robert, of which Meiler the elder married the daughter of Hugh Lacie, Lord of Methe in Ireland; he was at the conflict in the I'll of Anglesey, between Magnus the son of Harold, Harfager King of Norway, and Hugh of Mountgomery, Earl of Arundel and Shrewsbury, wherein he was slain, as some say, with the said Earl, Anno, 1197.  
(73) Maude the Natural daughter of King Henry was Countess of Perch, and the first 
Maud.  wife of Earl Rotroke the first of that name, son of Arnolfe de Hesding the first Earl of that County: She had issue by him one only daughter named Magdalen wife to Garcy the fourth King of Navarre mother of King Sanches, surnamed the wise, from whom all the Kings of Navarre are descended: She died upon Friday the twenty sixth of November, in the twentieth of her Father's reign and year of Grace 1120. being drowned in the Sea with her brother Duke William.  
(74) Maude another of that name and natural daughter of King Henry, was married to Conan the 
Maud.  first of that name surnamed the Gross, Earl of little Britain in France, son of Earl Alan by Ermengard his second wife; by Alan she had issue Howell, pronounced illegitimate, and disherited by his supposed father Constance, that died without issue, and Bertha the wife of Eudes' Earl of P●…rohet, mother of Earl Conan the younger, who by Margaret sister of William King of Scots had issue Constance married to Geffrey son of King Henry the second.  
(75) julian likewise an other natural daughter of King Henry was married to Eustace the illegitimate 
julian.  son of William Lord of Brete●…il in Normandy, who was the son and heir of William Fitz-Osborne and elder brother of Roger, both Earls of Hereford in England, and this Eustace had he been lawfully borne in wedlock, had been heir to the Earldoms of Hereford and juerie: notwithstanding he had as small a part in that inheritance of the Town of Peace from which he took his surname, being commonly called Eustace of Pacy, and had issue by this julian his wife, William and Roger of Pacy his sons.  
(76) A natural daughter of King Henry recounted by the continuer of the History of William Gemeticensis, and by john Tillet his follower, is reported by them to have been married to one William Goet a Norman; but in neither of these writers is any mention made of her name, or of his estate, issue or other relation.  
(77) Another natural daughter of King Henry is without name, recited by the said Authors, and by them reported to be married to the Viscount of Beaumond, which is a Town within the County of Maygne. She had issue by him, as Roger of Hoveden writeth, Richard Viscount Beaumond, Father of Queen Ermengard the wife of King William of Scotland: and Robert the Abbot of Mount-Saint Michael mentioneth another of her sons, named Ralphe, who (as he saith) was Bishop of Angiers.  
(78) Another natural daughter also of King Henry is recited by the Normane and French writers before avouched, and reported by them to be married to Matthew of Mountmorancy, the son of Bouchard of Mountmarancy, from whom perhaps descended the House of Mountmorancy, who after came to be Earls and Dukes, being grown to be one of the greatest houses in France, next to the Princes of the blood, for possessions, alliances, and honour.  
(79) Elizabeth the last natural daughter of King 
Elizabeth.  Henry recounted by the former Authors, was unmarried in the time of the one, and her husband unknown to the other; but both of them agree, that she was borne of Elizabeth the sister of Walleran Earl of Meulan, who was sister also of Robert Bossue Earl of Leicester, wife of Gilbert Earl of Pembroke, and mother of Earl Richard Strangbow, the Conqueror of Ireland.    

STEPHEN THE TWO AND 
Monarch 42.  
Stephen.  FORTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER V.  
THough the Empress Maud had fealty sworn unto 
An. D. 1135  her, in the life time of her Father: and again both 
King Henry's Issue defeated of the Crown by Stephen.  herself, and issue ordained to be his successors in England's Throne, as hath been said; yet so powerful is Ambition, where the object is a Diadem, and so weak are all assurances which are built on the wavering Multitude, that King Henry's providence, was soon defeated, and with his death all fealties reversed, and that by him only who had * contended to be the foremost of the Laity in taking that oath, even 
Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. Wil Walsingham. Floriacensis. King Stephen his descent.  Stephen Earl of Mortaine and Bolloine; a man whose descent was very Noble, being the third son of Stephen Earl of Bloys and champaign, who was the son of Earl Eudes, and he of Earl Theobald, the son of Gerlon the Dane, the companion of Rollo Duke of Normandy; his mother was 
* Some call her Adela, others Alice.  Adelicia the third daughter of William the Conqueror by Queen Maude his wife: And himself was advanced to be Earl of Mortaigne by King Henry his uncle, whose Crown he now endeavoured to usurp, being otherwise for his many princely parts, worthy to wield a Sceptre, if his claim thereto had been just and warrantable.  
(2) For as soon as Nature's course had brought 
Wil Gem.  King Henry, where Princes and poorest Subjects are all equal; forthwith he was working to dispossess his Issue, which only now rested in Maud and her Children; in which attempt it happened fortunately 
Stephen's brother his chief Agent  for him (if any thing may be counted fortunate, which is joined with impiety) that his younger Brother Henry was then Bishop of Winchester, & a very potent man in the State, who had industriously 
Malmsb. Novel. lib. 1. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. Archbishop of Canterbury Stephens abettor  stirred himself in making way to his entrance; and (upon assurance of all liberties to the Church and Commonwealth) had drawn on also William Archbishop of Canterbury, the very first man that had sworn unto Maude the Empress: by whose example many others were wound into the like perjury, * traitorously avowing, that it was baseness for so many, and so great P●…eers, to be subject unto a Woman. 
A traitorous position. Rog. de Wendover. Math Paris. Malmsb. Novel. lib. 1. Idem.  And to help forward those audacious beginnings, Roger Bishop of Salisbury, the late King's Treasurer protested (Malmsburie, who reports it, himself heard it from him) that they were free from the oath made to the Empress; for that without consent of the Barons she had married out of the Realm; but that which wrought most, was the testimony of Hugh Bigot, 
* O●… high Steward Mat. Paris. Tho. Wal. Ypodigma. Neustria.  Senescall unto King Henry departed, who coming over with Stephen, took his corporal oath, that the King on his deathbed, upon some offence taken against his daughter Maude, disinherited her, and appointed this Stephen his nephew to be his successor. These colourable instigations so moved the 
* Idem. Fealty sworn to Stephen.  too credulous Archbishop and the Peers, that they all swore fealty unto him and became his Liegemen.  
(3) His first landing in England, (being at Whitsand-bay) by a tempest of thunder so wonderful & 
Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. Mat. Westm.  terrible that the people thought verily the end of all was at hand, did prognosticke the storms of troubles which his perjury brought with him; for even then both Dover & Canterbury fortified themselves against him, though London gave better leave to his entrance, 
Stephen's lovely. qualities.  whose Person and presence drew ever the affections of the beholder, being in all parts complete with 
Will. Malmes. Ibidem.  nature's endowments, of parsonage passing comely, of disposition loving, cheerful, and affable to the meanest, always very liberal; but now especially, knowing his Purse the best Lawyer to plead for his Title; and in Martial prowess gave place to none of that time wherein, though his whole reign was continually spent, yet (by reason of King Henry's great Treasure left) never burdened he the Commons with any exactions, a thing that ever gaineth the love of the common sort: neither is he taxed with any other observable crime, save only his perjury against the empress Dowager and her son.  
(4) He entered his government the year of Christ jesus, 1135. the second day of December, and 
Rand. Higden. Roger Houed.  was crowned at Westminster the twenty sixth of the same month, being Saint Stephen's day, by William corbel Archbishop of Canterbury, who with the rest of the Prelates doing him homage, and knowing now he would yield to any conditions (for performance whereof his * Brother of Winchester did there engage himself for a pledge) they all took their 
Will. Malmes. lib. 1. novel.  oath of allegiance conditionally, (traitorously, I might say) to obey him as their King, so long as he should preserve their Church Liberties, and the vigour of 
Allegiance sworn conditionally to the King. Idem.  Discipline: And that the Lay-Barons made use also of this policy, appeareth by Robert Earl of Gloucester, who swore to be true Liegeman to the King, as long as the King would preserve to him his dignities, and keep all Covenants, whereupon the King promised for the present, that he would speedily reform the overhard laws of his Predecessors, and 
King Stephens fair promises.  mollify the extremes thereof to their own like, under his Seal and Charter: and so thence hastening to meet the Corpse of his deceased uncle, (which was now brought into England) he honoured 
Huntingdon. lib. 8. Hoveden.  that pompous funeral, with his own, and all his great Prelates and Peers, attendance at Reading; whence presently he went to Oxford, where he sealed 
Hen. Huntingdon  his forepromised Charter, of many indulgent favours: 
* Malmes. novel. lib. 1. Kings Stephens Charter.  prefacing therein, that he attained the Crown by Election only; and that Pope Innocentius confirmed the same; whereby may be conceived, that his Holiness, either out of hatred to the Empress, (whose husband 
* This Henry imprisoned the Pope.  Henry was no friend to the Papacy) or for some other holy ends, had no small hand in advancing Stephen's perjured and disloyal intrusion. The Tenor of the 
* Dated apud Oxenford. 1136 reg. 1  Charter itself is; That all Liberties, Customs, and Possessions granted to the Church, should be firm and enforce; that all Persons and Causes Ecclesiastical should appertain only to Ecclesiastical judicature: that none but 
Wl. Malmsbury. Huntingdon. Roger Houed.  Clergy men should ever intermeddle with the vacancies of Churches, or any Church-mens goods; that all bad usages in the Land touching for rests, exactions, etc. should be utterly extirpate; the ancient Laws restored, etc. As Stephen well knew, that they had chosen him their King, only to make their uses of him, so these immunities he granted, rather to blear their Eyes, then 
Wil Malmsb Hoveden.  then with any purpose to manacle his own hands with such Parchment-Chaines.  
(5) This his entrance was very peaceable (saith Geruasius of Canterbury) but by little, and little civil discordincreased, 
Geruas'. Dorob.  to the lamentable destruction of men, and the land: whereto Robert Earl of Gloucester, 
Math. Paris.  half-brother o the Empress, whose wisdom and power King Stephen much feared, gave a secret beginning, 
Malmes. Novel. lib. 1.  when amongst them that swore him fealty, he concluded his (as we said) with this reservation, that his own authority should be nothing impaired, meaning no longer to respect him as his King, than the King should him as a Peer: and a general sufferance, to erect Castles for strength 
Castles generally raised in England.  throughout the land, was no security to his peaceable estate. Intended indeed to strengthen the Kingdom against Maud the Empress; but proved the bane of all subiective obedience: which was politicly considered by Henry Fitz-Empresse, in the conclusion 
Walsingham. Ypodig. ad Ann. 1151.  of Peace betwixt King Stephen and him, when a thousand one hundred and fifteen Castles so raised, were again razed and cast down.  
(6) The first man that professedly set himself opposite to Stephen's usurpation, was Baldwin de Reduers, 
Excester first resists King Stephen.  who fortified the City and Castle of Excester against him; the Welshmen also, bearing in mind the harms that K. Henry had done them, desired revenge, and made many slaughters upon the King's people: Against these, Stephen proceeded with his band of English and Flemings, and after a strong and chargeable siege, by famine drew forth Baldwin, his wife, and children, all which he disherited and expulsed the Land, using so great lenity towards all other offenders there, that it gave great encouragement to 
Hen. Hunting. lib. 8. Flor. Wigorn.  others rebellions. But in Wales the business prospered not so well, where at Cardigan a great battle was fought, with such slaughter and overbearing of the English, that the men by women were taken and led away Captive, and so many drowned by the fall of a Brige over Temd, that a passage was made over the water with the dead Carcases therein heaped.  
(7) Neither thus only, but some of the English also distasting King Stephen, secretly instigated David 
Polydor. A. Do. 1138 Ypodigm. Neustr.  King of Scotland, to revenge the wrongs done to the Empress Maud, a service as they urged it very grateful unto her, and even pleasing to God and man.. He therefore consenting, invaded the borders, and took from the English both Carleile and 
Math. Paris.  Newcastle, which he stuffed with Garrisons. Against these, King Stephen prepared, and with a great power came into those parts, where divers accidents by divers reporters are related, yet all agree that ere long peace was concluded, Carlisle still enjoyed by King David, and the Earldom of Huntingdon by Prince Henry his son; for which he did homage at his father's command, David himself refusing so 
Will Gemet.  to do (as Hector Boetius the Scotish writer affirmeth) for that he had given his faith before unto Maud 
Hect. Boetius. lib. 12 cap. 17.  the Empress.  
(8) King Stephen returned, and all in good quiet, he suddenly fell sick of a Lethargy, yea & in such danger of life that the common report gave forth he 
Simon Dun.  was dead, which stirred great troubles both in England and else where, for thereby his friends were stricken into great fear, and the factious more bold to prepare for Queen Maude; for Hugh Bigot one of 
Math. Paris  his chiefest and first raisers fortified himself in the 
Henry. Hunt. lib. 8.  Castle of Norwich, and would not deliver it unto any save only to the King, yea and very unwillingly also unto him: and in Wales, Owen and Cadwallader the sons of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of that Country, carried great spoils from the English, as of other 
Chron. Wall●…a.  goods; so also of Horse and Armour, and habiliments 
Tumultuous attempts in Normandy. Pari●…ensis. W●…lsingh. Tpodig. Malmb. Novel. lib. 1.  for war; likewise in Normandy, Conspiracies began to bud forth; for Geffrey Earl of Anjou, who in right of his wife made claim unto all, easily got the hearts and endeavours of many to adhere unto the true heir; possessing himself of certain Castles; but entering further on the Demaines of one Taleva●…, a man of note (proscribed for some offence or displeasure by King Stephen) the Normans disliking that, and some other his doings, sent for Theobald Earl of Bloys (Stephen's elder Brother) offering him both their Dukedom, and their swords, 
Stephen's elder Brother laie●… claim.  and lives to defend him in it; who coming to Luxonia, Robert Earl of Gloucester (not unwilling any way to weaken King Stephen) delivered unto him upon composition, the County of Falesia, himself carrying no small sum of money thence out of King Henry's Treasury, and very thoroughly, (though secretly) watching all opportunities to advance the title and designs of the Empress. 
Idem.   
(9) Stephen recovered, and hearing these stirs, 
Stephen goeth into Normandy. Will. Newb.  prepared himself first into Normandy, at whose approach, after some small attempts, the people (distracted betwixt fear, and sense of their ducty) yielded themselves unto his power; surrendering their fenced Cities, and other strong holds. This 
Ger. Dorobor.  good success thus fortunately begun, he hoped further to prosecute, by means of a league, which 
He makes league with France. Huntingdon. lib. 8. Hoveden. Math. Paris. His son E●…stace Duke of Normandy.  he lately had made with Lewis the seventh King, of France: and hereupon created Eustace his eldest son living, Duke of Normandy, commanding him to do his homage for the same to Lewis.  
(10) Earl Theobald seeing himself thus defeated of his hopes and purposes, stormed at the wrongs done by King Stephen; for he, (his elder by birth, and Bloyses' Earldoms lawful heir) laid his title 
Stephen buyeth his elder brother's Title. Ypodigm. Neustr. Roger Wend. Hoveden. Huntingdon. lib. 8. Mat. Paris.  both for Normandy and England also, now usurped by Stephen his younger: notwithstanding (rage nought availing without power) he came to a composition, and remitted his Claim for two thousand marks annually to be paid. Geffrey of Anjou likewise, whose title by his Wife was better than them both, not able at the preset (being so far over-matched by the King's power, wealth, & confederates) to do what he would, yielded to necessity, and for five thousand marks 
He stoppeth the Empresses husbands mouth with money.  yearly to be paid, suffered Stephen quietly to enjoy the Crown.  
(11) Having thus at once swept the two greatest rubs out of his fortune's way, he well hoped that 
An. D. 1138.  all clouds of displeasure, and opposition, were now 
Ann. Reg. 3.  overblown, when unexpectedly news came, that England was intumults, the sparks of conspiracy, 
Geru. Dorob.  kindled secretly before in the hearts of factious Peers, now openly breaking forth, upon advantage 
England again in tumults.  of his absence in Normandy: therefore, having not altogether composed his business in those parts, he took 
King Stephen returns into England.  ship for England in the depth of the winter; and even in the Vigil of Christ's Nativity, besieged, and after took the Castle of Bedford, that was manned against 
Roger Hoveden.  him in the behalf of the Scots; about which time David their King having entered Northumberland in the quarrel of Queen Maude, the ruder sort of his 
Math. Paris. The King of Scots against King Stephen.  Army (as commonly the best governed is not empty of such) revenged too tragically the wrongs of the Empress, in ripping up the wombs of women with 
Ypodig. Neustri. ●…ed. in Steph. Huntingdon. lib. 8.  child, and tossing their infants upon the points of their spears, slaying the Priests at the Altar, and dismembering the slain bodies in most unhuman manner.  
(12) Against these, King Stephen made hastily forward, affirming it no policy, to give one hours rest 
The English Nobles against King Stephen. Simon Dun.  unto the Enemy: and threatening more than he accomplished, entered Scotland; whence after some small revenge wrought, he was hastily recalled; so many of his Nobles in England now in Arms against him, that he was in a sort beset on every side. And what other could be, a Usurper, expect from them, but Treason, whom himself had formerly taught to be Traitors to their rightful Sovereign? But yet (as no Rebellion was ever without pretence of Reason and justice) they alleged, that he had 
* Huntingdon. 8.  violated his Oath touching their Forests, and other Immunities of Church and Commonwealth: but Church and Commonwealth, were but public colours for private 
Malmes. Novel. l●…b. 2. pag. 105.  grudges, (as Malmesburie, who then lived, well vnfouldeth) which the Great-Ones concerned against their King, because he would not grant them such Castles, Commands, and Lordships, as themselves liked and expected of him, whom they 
Idem. li. 1. pa. 102.  thought to be so obliged unto them, that he ought deny them nothing. The endless and shameless importunities of these men, sometimes he put off, alleging thereby, the impair of his Crowns reucnewes; 
Idem.  sometimes he was feign to satisfy, distrusting their fal●…ing from him: whose loyalty notwithstanding being built on so un-noble grounds, was but coloured, and therefore could not long be permanent. 
Earl Robert sends threats to King Stephen.  Neither was it. For Robert of Gloucester (the Empresses half-brother, and now her chief Counsellor and Captain) finding those particular dislikes apt to be wrought on, and made serviceable for a common behoof; whetted on with the touch of conscience, and counsels of religious learned men, (who urged him, with the hazard both of his credit, and soul, for 
Idem.  neglect of his first, and only-lawfull, Oath to the Empress) sent threatening messages unto King Stephen, charging 
Malmesb. No●…el. lib. 1.  him with his Oath of Allegiance unto Lady Maud his Sovereign, against whom he h●… showed himself a most perfidious man, and had impiously drawn him with others to do the like; and so denouncing Stephen an open Enemy to the State, and himself unto Stephen, made strong his faction with the assistance of many Nobles; among whom, Milo, a chief man of war, and High Constable to King 
Geruas'. Dorob. Wil Malm●…b.  Stephen, revolted from him, and became a great help to their proceedings.  
(13) Earl Robert (whom eftsoons the enraged King discharged of his honours and possessions in 
English Peers fortific against the King.  England) took into the Castle of Bristol, and made good also his Castle of Slede; his complices likewise did the like in other places: for William Talbot manned 
Henry H●…t. lib. 8. Hoveden.  the Castle of Hereford, William Lovel the Castle of carry, Paganell the Castle of Ludlow, William de Mount the Castle of Dunestor, Robert de Nichol the Castle of Warram, Eustace Fitz-Iohn the Castle of 
* De Malt●…na.  Meltune, William Fitz-Alain the Castle of Shrewsburie, and Walkelinus the Castle of Dour. And thus those forts which were erected to defend the Crown, first offended the King, some few whereof as he recovered, he flatted to the ground, and wished the other no higher walls; still swearing by God's Birth 
King Stephens usual Oath. Ma●…es. N●…el. lib. 1.  (his usual Oath) he would not so slightly be unseated of his Crown, and wondering what should move them, who had so readily advanced him, so speedily to unstate him. One fresh motive to these noblemen's discontents was the Kings * seizing on some great men and their lands, on bare suspicion of 
Melmesb. N●…l. libro secund●….  their loyalty; and on the other side, the extraordinary favour, which Stephen showed to William de Ypre, and his Flemings (which they interpreted as a contempt 
Ger. Dor.  of themselves and their Nation) whose counsels he generally followed, and chiefly relied upon: In disdain whereof, they sent word to the Empress, that within five Months, she should have the 
An. D. 1139.  Realm at command, according to their Oaths made to her Father.  
(14) These turmoils thus working in the bowels of the Kingdom, David King of Scotland had 
The King of Scotland his attempts against Stephen.  better opportunity to assail the sides and skirts thereof; and following what he had begun, with a very great Army entering Northumberland, made great slaughter of the English, and destruction of their Country: Against whom the Northern Lords prepared, at 〈◊〉 command of Thurstan Archbishop of York (〈◊〉 King Stephen Lieutenant in those parts) 
Simon Dun.  who being by sickness kept from the Field, appointed Ralph Bishop of Durham his General; whose invective Oration before their joining of battle, occasioned upon the foresaid misdeameanors of 
Hoveden. Wendover. Hen. Hunting.  some undisciplined Scotish, is at large set down by Hovedon, Huntingdon, Wendover and others; in the close whereof, he absolveth from punishment of sin, all such of his side, as should die in this battle: which made the English more desperate in fight, who so sorely pressed upon their enemies, that they forsook 
This field was fought in August An. 1138. near the mouth of Humber. Mat. Paris.  their King, he notwithstanding valiantly persisting, till his dearest friends earnestly urged him to avoid. But his son Henry, esteeming more of glory than life, rushed in amongst his retiring soldiers, and with undaunted courage, persuading them to regard themselves and his presence, with threat of shameful deaths to all such as fled, he held them in for a time; till at length 
The great valour of Prince Henry of Scotland.  over-laid with the maine-battaile of the English, the magnanimous Prince Henry, likewise quitted the field, bitterly cursing the frowardness of Fortune, 
Mah. Paris. Hoveden. & alij. Polyd. Virgil.  and the mischance that happened that day.  
(15) With like fortunate success, proceeded Stephen against his disobedient Barons, and wan from them the Castles of Hereford, Gloucester, Webley, Bristol, Dudley and Shrewsbury, whereby he weakened 
Rand. Higden. Earl Robert leaves England.  Earl Robert so much, that he was constrained to fly into France, and there instigated his sister the Empress to come into England.  
(16) These domestic opposites thus removed out of his way, King Stephen readdressed himself for the North, to prosecute that which Thurstan had begun: first therefore winning the Castle of Leids, he went into Scotland, where by the persuasion & prowess of Mars and Vulcan (saith Paris) a Peace 
A Peace betwixt the King of England and Scotland. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt.  was concluded betwixt the two Kings; and Stephen thence returning, brought Prince Henry (whom he created Earl of Huntingdon) with him into England, and at the siege of Ludlow Castle, the adventurous Prince was almost surprised, where the besieged with 
Hoveden. Henry. Hunt.  an Iron Grapple plucked him from his horse, and so had taken him, but that King Stephen himself, with great valour and honour recovered him: who having won the Castle, went presently to Oxford, whither news was brought him that the Empress was preparing for England.  
(17) To make all sure as he went, Stephen thought it good to demolish, and race those Castles lately built, (having had experience to what troubles they 
A. Do. 1140 King Stephen plucks down the Castles.  had brought him) and to prevent the building of new; and namely, that of the Divise, now (as he surmised) in fortifying against him: he therefore sent for Roger Bishop of Salisbury (the Founder both of that Castle, as also those other of Sherborn & Malmsbury) a man who in a bad cause had stood King Stephen in good stead, howsoever some envying his greatness, had incensed the King against him, and other 
Malmes. Novel. lib. 2.  Prelates, as if they were fallen from his side. The Bishop standing peremptorily on his innocency, yet mistrusting the event, craved the company of 
Henry Hun. Hoveden.  Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, and of Nigell Bishop of Ely; so with a great and well appointed train, repaired to Oxford unto the Court, where Stephen had summoned a Grand-Councell of the States. 
A great Council at Oxford.   
(18) The King who expected of Churchmen humility, seeing them now armed as men for the field, commanded his attendants to take armour 
Geruas'. Dorob.  likewise, and so entering communication of divers matters with his Peers and Prelates, their Soldiers casually meeting, fell at variance, where the Bishop's 
Malmesb. loco citato.  friends had the worse, so that many of them were wounded, and the rest forsaking their masters ran away. This great assembly thus disturbed, the King required the Bishops to satisfy his Court 
The King's usage of his Prelates.  for these outrages of their servants, which satisfaction should be, to deliver the keys of all their Castles to the King, as pledges of their fidelity, which they refusing, 
Idem.  the Bishops of Salisbury and Lincoln were laid hold of; but Ely escaped to the Castle of Divise: Alexander was imprisoned, till he had y●…ded him his Castles of New-werke, and 
* I●…ford. Paris.  Slaford; Roger the Castles of Sherborne, and the devices (accounted then one of the goodliest Castles of Europe) besides forty 
Wendover. Paris.  thousand Marks in silver; (which losses the Bishop did not long survive). The King employed the money to purchase Lady Constance, sister to Lewis King 
Polychr. lib. 7. cap. 18.  of France, to be wife unto his son Eustace: all which was to strengthen himself against the Empress 
Roger Houed.  Maud, whose coming he continually feared, & now before his expectation she was landed in England, 
The Empress arrives in England. Malmesb. Novel. lib. 2. Huntingdon. Rog. de Wendover.  at a fit time for her designs, when all the great Prelates (who formerly were his chiefest friends) were highly incensed against the King for such oppression of their Brethren.  
(19) The place of her arrivage was at the 
* At Portsmouth saith Geruas'.  port of Arundel, into which Castle she was joyfully received by William de Albeny, who had married Queen Adeliza, the late wife to King Henry, whose Dowry it was; from hence Earl Robert diverting his course only with ten horsemen, and as many Archers, 
Math Paris Earl Robert brings but 140. men, to the winning of the Crown of England.  (for in all he brought over but one hundred and forty with him for so great an exploit) passed through the Land unto Wallingford and Gloucester, soliciting his Complices for the aid of his sister the Empress. 
* Malmesb. lib. 2.  A man who then lived, holds him, in this bold attempt with so small forces, no way inferior to julius Caesar, whom Livy reports to have begun his civil war, and to have set himself against the whole world, only with five Cohorts of Soldiers.  
(20) King Stephen as then lay in siege of Marleburgh Castle, but having intelligence of this more dangerous an enemy, dislodged thence, and with all expedition made towards Arundel; whereat the 
Stephen ha●…es to the Empress.  Empress, wanting her Counsellor, was wonderfully perplexed, yet wanted not a woman's wit to help at need; insomuch that by the report of Geruasius, lest her dignity and right might any way be endamaged, 
Her politic excuse. Ger. Dor.  she took an oath, that none of these the King's enemies by her advice or consent had entered the land, but with condition to carry themselves orderly without impeachment of the honour and allegiance due to the King; by which policy (to give it no worse name) she so satisfied 
Roger. Houed. Henry Hunt.  King Stephen (whom all do censure for too much credulity and facility towards his foes) that he caused her to be conveyed honourably unto Bristol, where she remained the space of two months, and then got thence unto Wallingford.  
(21) Earl Robert in the mean while dispersed the news of the Empresses approach, unto whose aid 
The Empresses power increaseth Geruasius.  so many gathered, that the same Monk reporteth, no man was able to set down their multitudes in context of history, much less by way of Computation: then began (saith he) both labour and dolour, which brought the whole Realm to a most grievous division, and in a manner to an utter ruin: for those that favoured the King, what evil soever could be wrought or imagined, they did against them, that took part with the Empress: and chose, Earl Robert, whose power daily increased, tortured with cruelties all those that stood for the King; and to augment a more mischief, the Flemings 
Flemings came to King Stephen's aid.  left their own Country, and came over by multitudes, like unto a Company of hunger-starved Wolves, seeking to bring the Lands felicity unto nothing.  
(22) Stephen, whose head was now full of troubles, delayed no time to forward his Fortunes, but straightways 
King Stephen besieges Wallinford Castle. Geru. Dor.  besieged Maud and her brother in Wallingford Castle; notwithstanding, wearied with long labour and profiting little, he caused a Tower of wood to be there erected, which he strongly fortified with men and munition, and then removed to the siege of Malmesbury. His brother also of Winchester, a stout and politic Prelate indeed, bestirred all his wily wits in Stephen's behalf; for inviting certain Noblemen to his Palace at Winchester, retained them 
The Bishop of Winchester entraps the Nobles Math. Paris.  prisoners, till he had compelled them there, to resign their Castles to the King. In the mean while Earl Robert subdued and spoiled Worcester: Ralph Painell, in the Empresses favour, burned Nottingham; and Ranulph Earl of Chester, joining in wishes with Robert (whose daughter he married) showed himself not unwilling to annoy King Stephen, though he had received great honours at his hands. The Empress herself, the better to secure her own person, and to give access unto her favourites, took into Lincoln, where she meant to make her abode, storing the City with all provisions necessary.  
(23) King Stephen, as vigilant as the other was politic, made straightways thitherward, and begirt 
Simon D●…n. Roger Houed.  the City with a strait siege, where he had surprised his greatest Enemy, had she not found means thence to escape: & so possessing himself of the City, settled it, & the whole Country in very good quiet. Soon after whose departure, Ranulph Earl of Chester, with his Countess, and Brother, coming to Lincoln, to keep their Christmas; the Citizen's knowing the King's jealousies, and desirous to curry favour with him, sent secret intelligence, that if he would surprise both those Brethren, he had now the fittest 
Malmsb. Novel. lib. 2.  advantage: whereto the King giving ear, came thither with great expedition; and whiles they, thus circumvented, stood on their guard in the Castle, the Earl escaped forth, and went to crave aid of the Empress, for rescue of his wife and brother whom he left besieged. Earl Robert, hearing the news, and glad of so fair an opportunity, joined with Ranulph, and they both gathered all their powers both of Welsh and English, for the relief of their friends in Lincoln: where, resolutely first wading through the River, (which parted them from the King's Army, and was then deep) upon Candlemas day and year of Christ jesus one thousand one hundred forty one, they pitched their Tents, and in the 
Niger. Polydor. Nie. Tri●…. King Stephen and his adversaries pitch their Battle  King's sight ordered their Battle: One Squadrone whereof, was lead by Earl Ranulph: the Disherited were the Guiders of another; in the third was Earl Robert himself; and the welshmen served for the Wing. Their troops thus marshaled, Ranulph appointed in rich Armour, and full of brave resolution, spoke thus to his followers, in the presence of Robert 
R●…n. Higden.  of Gloucester.  
(24) I yield you unfeigned thanks, (Invincible Captain, and you, our companions in Arms) which here so resolutely witness your loves unto 
Ranulphs' Oration before the Battle Roger Hoveden.  me, upon my sole request, even to the hazard of your own lives. Sith then, I am the chief cause of this your peril, it well befits me, that I myself be foremost in the hazard, and give the first onset of battle against this faithless King; who made us a show of truce, only to take advantage for our ruins; and therefore both mine own courage, and the King's unjust dealing, give me cause to hope, that I shall forthwith break asunder the strongest array of his Army, and make my way through their midst, by dint of this my sword. It shall be argument of your prowess, to follow me, leading you the way, and to imitate me, giving you example. My thoughts already tell me, that even now I am breaking through his Battles, trampling on the necks of his Chieftains, and piercing with this my sword the very sides of the King himself. His speech though short and headdie, as more fitting a Soldier then an Orator, yet well suited with the time, and was seconded with great applause of the Soldiers: Whereupon Robert Earl of Gloucester, stepped forth and said.  
(25) It is not against right, most Noble Earl, that the honour of this days service, and first assault, 
Henry Hunt. Earl Robert's Oration before the Battle. Roger Hoveden. Henry Hunt. Polychron.  should be permitted unto you, in regard of the greatness both of your descent, and your martial achievement; but yet, if Descent be stood on, I myself am both the son, and nephew, of a Mighty King; if Valour, here now are many of choicest worth, of whom none living can challenge precedence for prowess. But other reason ought now to sway. For sith the King, contrary to his Oath made to my Sister, impiously usurped the Kingdom, he hath made a confusion of all things, both in causing the blood of many thousands to be spilled, and in making many Owners (as himself was) of that which was not their own, by depriving other of their rightful inheritance: These therefore thus disherized, aught of right (in assurance of help from their righteous judge and revenger) give first assault on their unrighteous oppressor; and God who justly judgeth his people, will (doubtless) look down from his heavenly habitation, and will not leave us succourless, whiles in a just cause, we impugn a most unjust Intruder. But one thing, (most resolved Captains and soldiers) I would have you through lie to consider, that through these Fens (which with so much a do you have passed) there is no way fit for escape: here must we either vanquish, or leave our lives, for hope of flight is none at all, nor is there any other way, left us now to go, but by our swords into the City: and (if I guess aright) even this, that we have no means to fly, will be to us the means (by divine assistance) to get the Victory; because they must needs trust to their Manhood, who see no hope to thrive by their Cowardice. Indeed, the Citizen's of Lincoln keep nigh to their houses, and in the brunt of the Battle, there will their minds be, and thither will their heels follow, whiles you victoriously shall keep the field. And consider farther with me, what kind of Captains they have: First Alaine Duke of Britain, he comes armed, not against you, but God himself, a furious person, spotted 
Alain Duke of Britain.  with all filth of sin, in malice unmatchable, who thinks it his greatest dishonour, to see any man excel him in cruelty: with him cometh the treacherous Earl Robert Mellent, the very craftes-master of fraud, in whose heart dwells impiety, guile 
Robert Mellent.  in his mouth, cowardice in his actions; high of mind, vainglorious in words, degenerous in performance; last in the fight, first in the flight. Next, comes Hugh Bygod, his name nearly sounding his perjury; who thought it not sufficient to break 
Hugh Bigod.  his oath with the Empress, but that he must be once again forsworn (as all the world doth know) that Henry at his death bequeathed the Crown unto Stephen, to the prejudice of his own daughter; a man (in a word) who accounts Treachery a Virtue, and Perjury a courtly quality. Among 
Earl Albemarle.  these Gallants marcheth the Earl Albemarle, a man of a singular constancy in evil; very ready to attempt, & very loath to leave any mischief; whose wife, through irksomeness of his unsufferable filthy qualities, is gone from him; & the Earl that keeps her, he cometh against us too, a notorious adulterer, and the Non-pareill of impurity, a true Soldier of Bacchus, a stranger to Mars; to whom the sight of all blood, except of the Grape, is very fearful. Then setteth forth Simon Earl of Hampton, whose deeds consist altogether in words, 
Earl Simon.  and whose liberality only in promises; for when he hath said, he hath done, and ye get no more. Lastly, you see here gathered a knot of Peers, all like to their Prince, accustomed to robberies, enriched with rapines, fattened with manslaughters, and all tainted with perjury You therefore (Noble spirits) whom great Henry advanced, and this Stephen hath cast down, whom Henry made wealthy, and Stephen hath impoverished, be now courageous, and upon assured confidence of your great valours, yea, of God's justice, seek both your just Revenge, which God even puts into your hands, on these ungodly wretches; and immortal Glory, which shall henceforward attend both yourselves, and your posterity for ever. If you are all of this mind, for executing this judgement of God now upon them, then vow yourselves unto God, and this his service; and forbear, nay rather forswear, to show your backs to your foes.  
At which words, all jointly lifting up their hands, and acclamations unto heaven, with a terrible shout abjured all thought of flight, and quickening up their brave spirits, advanced gallantly towards the enemy.  
(26) King Stephen, the mean while, was far from being idle, who also ordered his Army into three several Battalions: the greatest part and best 
King Stephens address to the Battle.  harnessed, whose horses he had sent away (perhaps also to deprive his men of all hope of flight) he appointed to remain on foot with himself, and certain of his Nobles, all under one Banner. The horsemen he disposed into two several wings, the one 
Math. Paris. Simon Dunel.  commanded by Alaine Duke of Britain, Hugh By god Earl of Norfolk, Simon Earl of Hampton, witthe two Earls of Mellent and Warren; and the other Wing was governed by William de Ypres the Fleming. Then the King, because his voice was not very pleasing or audible, commanded Baldwine Fitz-Gilbert, a man of great honour and prowess, to utter his mind unto the Army, who standing conveniently to be heard, spoke unto them as followeth.  
(27) All such as address themselves, and expose their lives, to the hazard of battle, have 
Henry Hunt. Roger Hoveden.  three things advisedly to be thought on: The equity of their cause; the Number of the Forces; the sufficiency of their men. The first, lest they endanger the state of their Souls; the next, lest they be overlaied with multitude of their enemies; and the last, lest while they presume upon numbers, they find them but fainthearted, to their utter ruin. But in all these, we know ourselves to be sufficiently furnished. The justice of our cause is, for observing the vow made before God unto our King, to withstand them that have falsified their faith, even to the hazard of our lives. For our Number, in Horsemen; 'tis not inferior to theirs; in Footmen we far exceed them: and for sufficiency, what words can equal the noble valour of so many Earls, Lords, Captains and Followers, trained up ever in the wars? But above all, the incomparable prowess and presence of our King, will be in stead of thousands to us. Sith then this our Lord, and the Lords Anointed (to whom you vowed your faith) is in field here amongst you; now perform this your vow unto God; assured, that the more constant you prove in this your Prince's service, and faithful against those faithless perjured persons, the more shall your reward be at the hands of God, and of him. Therefore be both courageous, and confident; the rather, considering against whom you fight: even against 
Earl Robert.  Robert the Base-born General, whose utmost worth is well known; for he can threaten much, and perform as little: a Lion's tongue, and a Hare's heart: his fair speech is his credit, his foul actions 
Earl Ranulph.  are his shame. Chester's Earl what is he? a man audacious, but without all judgement; heady to plot a treason, but still wavering in the pursuit of it: ready to run into battle, but uncircumspect in any danger; aiming beyond his reach, and conceiting things merely impossible; and therefore hath he few with him that know him, but leads only a rout of vagrant rascals: so there is nothing in him to be feared; for whatsoever he begins like a Man, he ends it like a Woman; unfortunate in all his undertakings; in his encounters still either vanquished, or if he chance (rarely God wot) on a victory, it is with far greater losses than the conquered. The Welshmen he bringeth, 
The Welsh.  are fitter for our contempt then fear: their rashness you may easily see, for it is naked and unarmed, who wanting both military Art and Practice, run headlong, like brutes upon the Hunter's javelins. The rest aswell Nobles (if such they may be termed) as common Soldiers, are but stragglers and runagates: of whom I would wish their number greater; for the more they be, the more successesse will be their service. You therefore (great Peers and Worthies) it now behoveth (and indeed it much behoveth you) to be very mindful, both of your Valours, and Nobleness: this day advance your prows to the height, and following the foresteps of your famous Ancestors, leave to your posterities both a noble pattern, and an everlasting renown. Your daily success of victories, should quicken your hearts this day to achieve bravely, and the continual miscarrying of our enemies, will quicken their heels to fly as speedily: and (I dare say) they already repent of their coming hither, and are by this time casting how to be gone, if the nature of the place would give them leave. Then sith it is unpossible for them either to fight, or fly; why come they hither, but even by Gods own appointment, to offer themselves, and all their provisions into your hands? and here you see their horses, their Armour, yea and their bodies, to rest at your pleasure: reach forth therefore your warlike hands to seize on that joyfully, which God hath freely brought you.  
Which exhortation he had scarcely closed, when the noiseof Trumpets, and shout of the enemies coming on, was Rhetoric enough to incite them 
The Battles ioin●…  to their tasks.  
(28) A sore battle was fought, and with equal success a long time maintained: for the band of 
Henry Hunt. Wil Par●…. Mat. Paris.  the disherited, whose particular wrongs whetted their courage, (and were therefore politicly placed in the front) broke terribly into the King's Vanguard; and chose William of Ypres into the Welsh, until the Forward of the King's horsemen 
Polydor.  began to shrink back, and (not without suspicion of treason) galloped away; when presently the Earl of Chester encountered the King's battle of foot, in whose strength he reposed most trust; but it being overlaid with Assailants, began also to faint and to fly, leaving the King enraged, both 
Ger. Dor.  with his friends faintheartednes, and with his foe's success. A very strange sight it was (saith Paris) there to behold King Stephen, left almost alone in the field yet no man daring to approach him, whiles grinding 
Mat. Paris. King Stephens great valour.  his teeth, and foaming like a furious wild Boar, he drove back with his battle-axe whole troops assailing him, & massacring the chiefest of them to the eternal renown of his courage: If but a hundred such had there been with him, a whole Army had never been able to surprise his person: yet as he was single, he held out, till first his Battle-axe broke, and after that, his sword 
Huntingdon. King Stephen taken prisoner.  also, with the force of his unresistible strokes, flew in pieces; and he now weaponless, and (by an unknown, doubtless, an un-noblehand) stricken down 
Ypodig. Neustr. Malmesb. Novel. lib. 2.  with a great stone thrown at him, was seized on by William of 
* Alias de Kain●…. Huntingdon.  Kahames, a most stout Knight, and by 
An. Reg. 6.  Earl Robert's command, preserved from any violence to his person, was carried prisoner unto Maud the Empress at Gloucester, & thence was sent bound unto Bristol, where in the Castle he remained in safe 
Math. Paris.  custody.  
(29) The Empress having thus got the Lion in her hold, triumphed not a little in her own fortune, 
The Empress absolute governor of the Kingdom.  & now as sole Sovereign of England's Monarchy, commanded all business, elected her Counsellors, and bestowed many dignities where she most favoured. Notwithstanding, that she altered not her style of Empress, or Queen of Romans, may appear by this her Broad-Seale ensuing; under 
Charta Matild. Imper●…ricis.  which she granted the custody of the Tower of London unto Geffrey de Mandevil, and his Heirs, covenanting with him therein, that she would not make peace with the Citizens of London, without the said Geffreis consent, because they were his mortal enemies: but this Earl being afterwards unawares apprehended in the King's Court at Saint Alban, could not be 
Geruas'. Dorob.  released, till he had surrendered both the Tower of London, and other his Castles to the King.  
Upon these happy successes of the Empress, the Statesmen stood not any longer for King Stephen, but their Faiths turning with his Fortunes, all of them surrendered their allegiance unto her; the Kentish only excepted, where Stephen's Queen, and William the 
Huntingd. l. 8.  Ypres, maintained his quarrel to the uttermost of their powers.  
THE TRUE SCULPTURE OF MAUD THE EMPRESSES BROAD SEAL, APPENDENT TO HER CHARTERS.  
(30) But the Empress conducted in State to Winchester, had the Regal Crown of the Kingdom 
Geru. Dor. The Clergy approves the Empresses title. Wil Malms.  there delivered her; no man more forward than Henry the Bishop, and Brother of Stephen, who upon the vowing to be ruled by his advise in affairs of Estate, being then the Pope's Legate, solemnly in a Synod of the Clergy, accursed all such 
Malmesb. Novel. lib. 2.  as withstood the Empressae, and blessed all them that assisted her interest: but both he, and his friends forgot not to add that wont traitorous clause of their oath, so long to keep faith to her, as she kept her Covenants with them: and so with applause of the people, she came to London, and after much persuasion and mediation (for that the Citizens 
The Empress received into London.  were very stiff against her) was received into the City with a royal Procession.  
(31) Neither was King Stephen thus defeated of England only, but Normandy also cast off the yoke 
Normandy falleth from King Stephen. Will. parvus.  of subjection: for Geffrey of Anjou, husband of the Empress, having some intelligence of this achieved victory, induced the Normans to incline unto him, by publishing the captivation of Stephen, unable now to relieve them, or himself; and David King of Scotland for his part was not behind, to set forward the claim of Lady Maud, assuming in her behalf the County of Northumberland.  
(32) Maud thus established, all now esteemed her as Fortune's dear darling, and beheld her as their only rising sun; the Prison walls overshadowing the Presence, feature, and favours of the now dejected unfortunate Stephen, whose sorrowful wife Queen Maud, incessantly solicited the 
Ger. Dor.  Empress in her husband's behalf, desiring his liberty, but not his Crown, which he was now contented 
Stephen desires liberty, and not the Crown.  to let her enjoy; and thereunto offered for pledges many great persons, who protested for him to the Empress, that he thenceforth would devote himself unto God, & either become a Monk or a Pilgrim: Henry of Winchester also became a 
Ypodig. Neustr. King Stephen would be a Monk or Pilgrim.  suitor unto her in the behalf of his Nephew Eustace, King Stephen's son, that the 
* Bo●…gne and Mortaine.  Counties belonging before to the Father, might be conferred upon the son.  
(33) The Londoners likewise having received her into the City as their Lady, thought now (as most do with new Princes) they might have what they would ask, and became her importunate Suppliants, that the over hard laws imposed by her Father, might now be remitted, and those of King 
The Empress not facile to grant suits.  Edward might wholly be in force. But she rejected all these Petitioners, out of pride, say some; but it may seem rather of policy, holding it safest, to passeaffaires of importance, not upon entreaty, but by due advice, and to govern the subject with a severe austereness, rather than an indulgent lenity. But this too regular strictness, which might have done well in a settled government, in this her yet 
Her stiffness incommodious.  green, and unsecured estate, proved not so behoveful. For first, Queen 
* King Stephen's wife.  Maud sent to her son Eustace, that their suits must be obtained only by war; willing him to make strong his party by the assistance of the Kentish: the Nobles 
The Nobles offended, fall off from her. Malmes. Novel. lib. 2.  likewise, Stephen's undertakers, repined, that they were so slightly regarded, or rather rejected: and the Londoners also storming at the repulse of their desires, devised how they might take the Empress 
The Londoners conspire against her. Nic. Trivet.  their Prisoner, and so redeem King Stephen, to whom their affections were ever firm: but she hearing of their conspiracy, fled secretly in the night, and took into Oxford, which in all her difficulties she ever found true unto her, out of their love, both to her cause, and to her Father; & threatening due revenge for her late wrongs, wrought it upon the Nobles in prison, and (more than was due or decent) upon Stephen himself, whom she commanded to be laden with Irons, and to be abridged of all princely services. 
Roger Hoveden.   
(34) winchester's high mind not brooking the Empresses denial of his suit, in behalf of his Nephew 
Ger. Dor.  Eustace, upon secret conferences with Queen Manned, by her lamentable entreaties, began to melt in his affection towards the distressed King his brother; & 
Malmesb. Novel. libro secund●….  in fine, resolving to try the uttermost for him, absolved all those whom before he had excommunicated, 
Henry of Winchester recalls his Excommunication.  pretending, that the Barons had all kept faith with her, but she had not kept touch with them; and thinking this a fit time to work for his brother, solicited the discontented Londoners in his behalf, and stored the Castles of Waltham, Farnham, and Winchester with Munition and men; mean while the Empress came speedily to Gloucester, to confer with Milo her chiefest friend, and presently again returning to Oxford (
* Idem loco citato.  which she chose for her Court and chief place of abode) was there maintained only 
The Empress maintained at Milo his charges.  at his charge, not having one days diet, or provision of her own; to requite which fidelity, and other noble services, she there created him Earl of Hereford.  
(35) Her forces recollected, & thither assembled, she went forthwith to the City of Winchester, accompanied with David King of Scotland her uncle, Earl Robert her brother, and many other Nobles; where sending for the Bishop being then in the City (whose aid she could hardly spare, and therefore was desirous of his reconcilement) though he mistrusted some peril, yet not daring to send a denial, returned the Messenger with this equivocal answer, that he would with all speed address himself, as if he had 
The Bishop of Winchester equivocateth.  meant to follow them: so forthwith issuing secretly out of the City, did indeed address himself to 
* Ego parab●… me. Will Malmsb.  work her ruin: for, sending for Queen Maude her son Eustace, the Londoners, and William Ypres, (afterwards created Earl of Kent) made strong his part, himself and friends abiding in the City, whiles the Empress and her Nobles defensed themselves in the Castle, not adventuring to go forth amongst 
Will. Malmes. Geruas'. Dorob.  so many their mortal enemies: and soon after, to work his wrathful will, knowing the Citizens to be more affected to the Empress then to him, commanded the said City to be set on fire, where in, the 
He fires Winchester.  Monastery of Nuns, above twenty Churches, 
* Alias The Covent at Hyde. Malmesb.  the Covent of S. Grimbald, and the better part of the City, were consumed to ashes.  
(36) Seven weeks thus spent, in this counter-siege 
Ger. Dorob. The Bishop of Winchester entrappeth the Empress.  of the City and Castle, the Bishop, to deceive the Empress, commanded peace to be proclaimed, and the Gates to be set open towards evening. The Empress then, who had endured such troubles and so long a restraint, greatly desired to change her lodging, and to recreate her perplexed spirits in some other place; so taking horse, accompanied with her brother, Reinold Earl of Cornwall, her servants, and many others her friends, besides Earl Robert, who followed behind with a troop of Nobles and Knights; presently at the bishops commandment, 
Malmsb. lib. 2.  she was pursued by his Soldiers, and many of her train wounded and taken prisoners; the Empress by good providence escaped into the Castle of Lutegareshall, and thence to the Castle Divize: where understanding that she was still in hazard to be surprised, she was contented, (as what will not necessity endure, & a woman's wit devise?) to be laid in a coffin bound fast with cords; and so, as if it had been her Corpse, carried in a horselitter 
The Empress carried as a dead Corpse. Wil Walsingham. Ypodigm. Neustr.  to the City of Gloucester: in which bonds of her own distress, she had good occasion to remember the chains of King Stephen's captivity. To such extremities were these two Princes at the self same time subject, that whiles they turmoiled for spacious Kingdoms, brought themselves to the very extreme wants, of air, and of elbow-room; but with such dalliance doth Fortune (we see) oftentimes follow her game, that she maketh even Monarches the Balls of her play, and tosseth them lastly into the Hazard, whence hardly they escape with safety of life. Yet this was not the worst; for Earl Robert her brother, whilst he was busier in providing for her safety, then for his own, was taken by his pursuers at Stoubreg 
Malmes. Ger. Dor.  with others; brought back to Winchester, and there presented by the Bishop unto Queen Maud, King Stephen's wife, who committed him to the custody of William Ypres, and he for more safety to Gloucester; but others taking sanctuary in the Nun's Monastery 
Earl Robert taken.  of Warwell were burned together with the place: Thus than the King on the one side, and the 
Malmes. lib. 2.  Earl on the other, were kept in safe custody; but the Queen labouring for the King's release, and the Countess for the Earls, many Articles were propounded, and many messengers employed: at length, this was thought fittest, that Stephen should be restored to his kingdom, and Robert under him to have the whole government of the Land; so that both of them should now jointly uphold that, which they (the two Ringleaders) by opposition had cast down. But Earl Robert as he was no whit dejected in mind, with any frown of Fortune whatsoever, so reserved he his fidelity to the Empress unstained, and unmoved either with fear or fair enticements, still refusing to capitulate for his freedom, but to 
Will. Malmes.  his Sister's liking; who likewise bore so brave a mind, that were her state never so weak, she would not consent nor give the least ear to any composition for the Crown.  
(37) Then was enmity increased, the Kingdom 
Wil Malmsb. An. D. 1142. The King and Earl Robert redeem each other out of prison. Roger Hoveden.  divided, and the people's hatred kindled in mainetaining the factions, all forerunning the ruin of the Land: Forthese two Chieftains wearied with irksomeness of irons, and hard imprisonment, made exchange the one for the other, without any farther mention of peace, and so studied not only to renew their former designs, but to increase the lands misery by more eager wars. Stephen in England wrought the people for him, & Robert 
* Malmesb.  taking pledges 
Math. Paris.  of the Nobles to attend and guard the Empress at Oxford till his return, went into Normandy to solicit 
The wars renewed.  Geffrey her husband for her defence. But the Earl having troubles with his own Nobility, and the Normans scarcely brought to any subjection, thought it not convenient by his own absence for a state in hope, to hazard that in hand; and therefore sent with Robert some strength of Arms, and with them his young son Prince Henry into England.  
(38) The Empress in his absence, had well fortified 
The Empress besieged in Oxford. Geruas'. Dorob.  herself in Oxford, whom Stephen (using the benefit of Robert's absence) followed with an eager pursuit, and wan the Suburbs even unto the City gates; then girt he the Empress with so strait a siege, (meaning never to give over, till he had now made her sure in his possession) that for two months whatsoever Strength or Stratagem could perform in assault or defence, was there put in practise, till at length great penury enforced to think of a 
Nic. Trivet.  surrender: but she, a woman (whose sex hath often 
Will. Neub.  deceived wise men) resolved once again to overreach 
Higden.  her foe by wit, whom she could not by force: whereto the time did fit her wishes; for being a winter, sharp above measure, the River Thamisis that runs by the City walls, was then congealed with a 
Walsingh. Ypodig.  strong crusted Ice, and besides a great snow did then 
Ger. Dor.  continue, and had covered the ground. Maud upon these advantages, put in practise a most dangerous attempt: for clothing herself, and some 
Math. Paris She escapes by a wile.  choice of her company, in white linen garments, to deceive the eyes of the Sentinels, issued secretly by night out of a posterne-gate, and passing the frozen 
Wil Malmsb. Simon Dun.  River, ran on foot, through ice, and snow, ditches, and valleys, for five miles, even to Abingdon, the falling snow still beating in their faces; and there taking horse, the same night got to the Castle of Wallingford, 
Ypodig. Neustr. Geru. Dorob.  to the great joy, and also admiration, of all that were therein.  
(39) In the mean while, Earl Robert, with Prince Henry, were arrived in England at Warrhame 
Prince Henry arriveth. Geruasius.  haven, and presently besieged the Castle there, (so to withdraw the King from siege of his sister;) but hearing of the happy escape of the Empress, came with young Henry unto his mother, whose sight made her forget the grief and sorrows that she had 
An. D. 1143.  long endured. Then was Oxford upon conditions yielded to the King; and Wilton fired by the bastard 
An. D. 1144  Earl Robert: The Tower of London, with the Castles of Walden, Pleises, and Lincoln, yielded to Stephen; 
An. D. 1145. Math. Paris.  the Castles of Warham, and Portland, yielded to Robert: The Earls of Chester, and Essex, surprised by the King; William Martell the great favourite, taken and imprisoned by the Earl. Thus sundry 
An. D. 1146.  years passing with variable successes to and fro, and every year heaping on each side, fresh calamities, to the great ruin of the whole land; the Empress, even 
The Empress and the Prince return to Normandy. An. D. 1147.  wearied with those wars and uncertainties of success, went into Normandy, choosing rather to be under the protection of her husband in peace, then to reign in England perplexed with troubles: and to the same end she had not long before, sent her young 
Ger. Dorobor.  son Henry to his father, who desired to have him rather heir of a Dukedom with safety, then of a Crown with daily hazard.  
(40) Stephen, that by a fresh surprisal of Randall 
Kings durst not enter Lincoln before King Stephen.  Earl of Chester had got Lincoln, and entering thereinto (which no King before him durst do, for that certain wizards had prophesied evilluck unto such) at christmas did there wear the Regal Crown on 
Geruasius.  his head, and after the Empresses departure, caused the Barons of England, to swear allegiance unto Prince Eustace his son; by which two compliments, he supposed all had been sure on his side; and the rather, for that the most faithful, puissant, and ever-renowned Earls, Robert of Gloucester, and 
Earl Robert and Earl Milo die.  Milo of Hereford the two great and glorious pillars, which had by many Conquests supported their Anioveians cause, were now conquered by death; and the rest of the Nobles, applying themselves to the Times, kept themselves quiet in the absence of these 
An. D. 1148. Prince Henry returneth into England.  Competitors; all which gave no little assurance unto Stephen's estate.  
(41) But Henry Fitz-Empresse, grown now from a Child, thought it best a while to leave Mercury, 
An. D. 1149 Ger. Dor.  (for it is said he was Bookish) and to follow Mars; so knowing his presence would prefer much his purposes (for men would be loath to hazard all for one, who himself would neglect all) hasted again into England, with an Army of valiant and choice Soldiers; to whom joined the discontented Earl of Chester, Roger the son of Miles deceased, with many more Knights and Gallants of the English: he therefore took into the North, and met with David his cozen, King of Scotland, of whom 
Roger Hoveden. Ger. Dor.  he was most honourably received, and solemnly sacred with the Military honour of Knighthood: and thence forward sought all occasions to provoke both King Stephen, and his son Eustace against him: and having settled some courses with certain Peers for the pursuit of his designs in England, he returned into Normandy to compose & set forward some other businesses, which might be available for these 
Prince Henry returneth into Normandy.  his ends.  
(42) Where long he stayed not, but that Geffrey his Father departed this life, and left him his Heir 
An. D. 1150  both of Anjou and Normandy; and the year following, he matched in marriage with Eleanor Duchess 
Math. Paris.  of Guien and Aquitane, lately divorced from 
Henry Hunt.  Lodowicke's King of France for consanguinity, and adultery (saith Paris) after she had borne him two daughters; Lodowick fearing issue-male by this marriage to the disheriting of his said daughters, 
Prince Henry marrieth Eleanor, divorced by K. jews▪  greatly impugned Duke Henry; and Stephen suspecting his greatness, now being Duke of Normandy, Anjou, Aquitane, and Given, both of them sought each way to impeach his peace: Lodowick, with Prince 
An. D. 1151  Eustace, in the parts beyond seas, and Stephen in England, to make sure his succession, sought to invest the said Prince Eustace with the English Diadem; both 
The Archbishop of Canterbury refuseth to consecrate Eustace King. Ger. 〈◊〉 Dorob. An. D. 1152. Henry. Hunt.  to prevent, and utterly deprive Henry Fitz-Empresse for ever: for calling a Counsel at London, King Stephen commanded Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury to consecrate Prince Eustace for their King; which he refused to do, and that by commandment from the Pope (whose holy See can deal on both sides, as makes most for their advantage) alleging 
Geruasius.  now, that his Father was an usurper, and perjured Intruder: whereupon the honest Archbishop fled into Normandy, and the King seized upon all his possessions. It may seem, that one cause of the Pope's inclining to young Henry's title, was to strengthen him against his enemy King Lewis of France, who 
Idem.  had highly offended his Holiness, for casting the Pope's Bulls (whereby he required the fruits of Vacancies of all Cathedral Churches in France) into the fire, 
K. Lewes casts the Pope's Bulls into fire.  saying, he had rather the Pope's Bulls should rest in the fire, than his own soul should frse in hell.  
(43) King Stephen thus defeated of his purpose, and seeing his Title questioned by the Church, who had before approved it, resolved to make it good by the sword: for winning the Castle of 
* Fortè Newberry.  Muby, fortified Malmesbury, and laid a straight siege unto Wallingford; against which, he erected the Castle Cranmerse, to stop the passages of their relief, or coming 
An. D. 1153.  forth. But Henry after he had calmed the boisterous storms of war, in the parts beyond 
Henry Fitz-Empresse comes again into England.  the seas, came over into England well appointed, unto whom also resorted many of the Nobility, who yielded up themselves, and above thirty strong Castles to the young Duke; now well furnished, hasted to raise the siege of Wallingford, and there undertook a great enterprise; for he encircled the Bestegers with a great and deep Trench, whereby he kept them from relief, as they did keep the Besieged.  
(44) Stephen following hastily to succour his men, (though with the less edge, for that he never sped 
Ger. Dorob. cap. 14 King Stephen and Fitz-Empresse  well in any assault of that Castle) pitched down his Tents, even near his enemy; and ready on both 
ready to join battle. Henry Hunt.  sides to give battle: the Winter storms were suddenly so troublesome, that nothing could be done; but those somewhat overblown, and the Armies scarce three furlongs asunder; as King Stephen was busied in disposing of his host, and giving direction for order of the battle, his horse under him rising with his forefeet, fell flat upon the earth, not without danger to his Rider; and thus did he 
Unlucky presages to K. Stephen.  thrice ere he left; which thing his Nobles secretly muttering, interpreted for an unlucky presage: when William Earl of Arundel, a bold and eloquent man, went to him and advised him to a peace; affirming the title of Duke Henry to be just; that the Nobility on both parts there present, were nearly linked in Alliances & Blood, and how these stood affected, was very doubtful; yea, that Brethren were there assembled, the one against the other, whereof must needs follow an unnatural war betwixt them, & of dangerous consequence, even to him that conquested. With these and the like allegations at last Stephen began to bend, and a parley f●… peace was signified unto the Duke. Henry already warm for the battle, and his thoughts fixed on nothing less 
A Parley betwixt K. Stephen and Fitz-Empresse.  than peace, could hardly moderate his youthful affections; yet at his friend's importunity, he yielded to confer with King Stephen.  
(45) The place for conference was so appointed; 
Ger●…. Dorobor.  that the river Thamesis parted the presence of these two Princes; so that from either bank they saluted each others, and after a long conference, agreeing on a truce, and upon fair terms of amity departed, 
A truce concluded. Math. Paris.  commanding all weapons and attempts of war to be laid aside.  
(46) But Eustace, who hitherro had attended Fortune for the Crown, and now hopeless to have 
Eustace K. Stephen's son like●… not the truce.  as his Father's Successor, was greatly displeased with this new moulded friendship, and in a fury departed the field, purposing to raise himself by his own means; and coming to Bury, urged the Monks 
john Textor.  of Saint Edmunds for money, to set forward his heady designs: But the wiser amongst them unwilling to be wagers of new wars (which though ill for all sorts, yet proved ever worst to the Clergy men's possessions) denied his request; wherewith enraged, he commanded his men to carry their 
Polycbr.  corn and other provision into his own Castle, situated hard by. But being set at dinner, we read of him (saith mine Author) that even the very first bit 
Ger. Dorob. Prince Eustace dieth.  that he put in his mouth, drove him into a frenzy, whereof shortly after he died; whose body was interred at Feversham in Kent.  
(47) The death of Prince Eustace so much advantaged Duke Henry, that thereupon (the truce in likelihood expiring) many fell off unto him, and many Castles were delivered, as Bertwell, Reading, Warwick, Stamford, and others; whereat Stephen was not a little displeased, and thinking to entrap the young venturous Duke, with a strong Army followed him unto Wallingford: But God himself looking 
Polydor.  down from heaven (saith Matthew of S. Alban) made there an end of those long calamities, by stirring the minds 
Math. Paris.  of chief men in the land to labour for peace: such was Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, and Henry Bishop of Winchester, who having troubled the realm 
The King and Fitz-Empresse accorded.  with fire and sword, moved now to repentance, wrought so effectually with his brother, that he inclined unto a wished peace, contented to adopt the Duke for his Son and Successor; and so coming both together to Oxford (a blessed sight to so distressed and distracted a Kingdom;) there did all the 
Geruas●….  Nobles do fealty to him, as to the undoubted Heir of the land; and the Duke to acknowledge this as a favour, yielded him the honour of a Father, and the royalty of all Kingly power during his life.  
(48) Notwithstanding, the clear Sunshine of these fair days, was somewhat darkened with a 
An. D. 1154 Prince Henry in danger by treachery.  cloud of treachery, and lewd attempts of the Flemings; who envying England's peace, upon Barham Downes, intended to surprise Prince Henry in his return from Dover, and presence of King Stephen In this conspiracy was William the King's son, though but young, who himself meaning to have one cast at the Crown, instantly before it should have been effected, was through the wantonness of his horse cast to the ground, and with the fall broke his leg; to whose assistance, whiles every one gathered and lamented, Henry upon secret notice of the treason hasted unto Canterbury, and thence to London, and 
Prince Henry goeth into Normandy. King Stephen dieth.  soon after over the seas into Normandy.  
(49) And Stephen now after he had reigned eighteen years, ten months, and odd days, departed this life at Dover, in the Monastery of the Monks, of an Iliacke passion, mixed with his old disease the emrod's, the twenty five of October, and year of 
Paris. Book of S. Albans.  Christ's Nativity, 1154. A most worthy Soldier, saith Paris and (in a word) one who wanted nothing but a just title to have made him an excellent King; in his ordinary deportment very devout; the fruits whereof we●… showed in erecting with sufficient endowments, ●…he Abbeys of Cogshall in Essex, of furnace in Lancashire, the houses of Nuns at Carew, and Higham, an Hospital at York, and the Monastery of Feversham in Kent, where his Queen, his son, and lastly, himself were interred: but since, his body for the gain of the lead, wherein it 
john Stow.  was coffined, was cast into the river. So uncertain is man (yea greatest Princes) of any rest in this world, even after burial; and restless may their bodies be also (who for filthy lucre) thus envy to the dead, the quiet of their graves.  

His Wife.  
(50) Maud, the Wife of King Stephen, was the daughter of Eustace Earl of Boulogne, the brother of Godfrey, and Baldwin Kings of jerusalem: her Mother was Mary, sister to Maud Queen of England, 
Ger. Do●….  wife of King Henry, her husband's Predecessor. She was crowned at Westminster upon Sunday, being Easter-day, and the two and twenty of March, in the first year of her husband's reign, and of Grace, 1136. and being Queen fifteen years, she died at Heningham Castle in Essex, the third of May, and year of Christ, 1151. and was buried in his Monastery at Feversham in Kent.   

His Issue.  
(51) Baldwin, the eldest son of King Stephen and Queen Maud (bearing the name of King Baldwin his uncle) was born in the time of the reign of K. Henry his father's uncle; and died in his infancy, during the reign of the same King. He was buried at London in the Church of the Priory of the Trinity within Algate, which was a house of black 
* The first Canon Regular in England was of this place Ann. 〈◊〉. and the Prior thereof was Alderman of London. Stows, Survey.  Canons of the Augustinian order, founded by Q. Maud, the first wife of the foresaid King Henry the first.  
(52) Eustace the second son of King Stephen, & of Queen Maud his wife, being the heir apparent to them both; when his Father was King, was created Earl of Bolloigne, which dignity was the inheritance of his mother. He married Constance sister of Lewis the seventh King of France, daughter of King Lewis the Gross: who afterward was remarried to Raimond the third, Earl of Tholouze: for Eustace died before her without Issue by her, the tenth day of August, in the eighteenth year of his Father's reign, and of Grace, 1152. He was buried by his mother in his Father's Monastery at Feversham in Kent.  
(53) William, the third and youngest son of King Stephen and Queen Maud, married Isabella daughter and heir of William Warren, the third Earl of Surrey, with whom he had that Earldom; he was in his Father's life time Earl of Surrey, Lord of Norwich and Pevensey in England, Earl of Mortayne, and Lord Eagle of Normandy. After his father's death, King Henry the second made him Knight, resumed those things that he held of the Crown, restored him to all that his Father held before he was King. And so he was Earl of Bolloigne, Surrey, and Mortaine, and being with him in his journey to Tholouze, died without issue, in his return homeward, in the month of October, the seventh of King Henry's reign, and of Christ jesus, 1160.  
(54) Maud, the eldest daughter of King Stephen and Queen Maud, was borne before her father was King, in the reign of King Henry the first, her uncle; 
Stows Survey. p. 105.  in whose time also she deceased, being but yongue, (though some report she was wife to the Earl of Millen) and was interred at London, with her brother Baldwin, in the Priory of the Trinity aforesaid, then commonly called Christs-Church, and now lately named the Duke's Place within Algate.  
(55) Marry, the younger daughter of King Stephen and Queen Maude, was a Nun, and Abbess of the Nunnery at Rumsey in Hampshire; notwithstanding, when her brother William, Earl of Bolloigne, was deceased without issue, she was secretly taken from thence, and married to Matthew the younger, son of Terry of Alsat, and brother of Philip Earl of Flanders, who in her right was Earl of Bolloigne. She was his wife ten years, and was then divorced from him, by the sentence of the Pope, and enforced to return to her Monastery, having had issue by him two daughters, which were Ide and Maude, allowed by the censure of the Church to be legitimate. Lady Ide, the elder, was married to Raymond of Damp-Martine, in her right Earl of Bolloigne; and Maude, the younger, to Henry Duke of Lorraine. 
His Natural Issue.   
(56) William, the Natural son of King Stephen, is mistaken of some to be the same William, that was Earl of Bolloigne. Others, who know that William Earl of Bolloigne was lawfully borne, do think that his father had no other son named William but him; wherein let William Earl of Bolloigne, the lawful son of King Stephen, be himself a lawful witness of the truth, who having best cause to know it, doth best prove it,; and in an ancient Charter of his, being written in those days, and extant in these, doth name him for a witness, and calleth him his Brother.  
(57) Geruais, another Natural son of King Stephen, begotten on a gentlewoman named Dameta, and borne in Normandy, was brought into England by his father, the fifth year of his Reign, Anno Dom. 1140. He was the same year, by his father's means, made Abbot of Westminster, and so continued for the space of twenty years: he deceased there the twenty sixth of August, in the sixth year of the reign of King Henry the second, the year of Grace 1160. and lieth buried in the South part of the cloister, within the said Monastery, under a flat stone of black marble, which is remaining there until this day.    

HENRY THE SECOND, DUKE OF 
Monarch 43.  
Henry second  NORMANDY, GVYEN AND AQVITAINE, THE FORTY THIRD MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN; HIS REIGN, ACTS AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VI.  
HEnry of that name the second, by the double interest of descent and adoption (as you have heard) succeeded in the Kingdom of England, whose Pedigree, (which Matthew Paris extendeth 
Ad A. D. 1135.  by the mother's side, in a right line up to Noah) and former fortunes, having already been touched; his counsels, acts, and other affairs of greatest importance, after the death of King Stephen come now to be handled.  
(2) He came not to the Crown unexpected, nor undesired; 
The great expectation of King Henry.  for the opinion of the man, and hope conceived of his future government, had the force to hold England in good obedience without the presence 
Math. Paris. Henry Hunt.  of a King, about six weeks, whose entrance like that of the Soul into the Body, did quicken, and enspirite the Realm, as then (in the person of England) this clozing verse, or Epiphoneme spoke: 
Henry Hunt.  
Spirituses, caro sum: te nunc intrante revixi.  
Thou, Soul; I Body am: by thee to life I came.  Neither did his presence diminish the expectations raised, but was saluted King with general acclamations, 
His access and Coronation. Ypodig. Neustr. Mah. Paris.  and with no less joy at Westminster by Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, anointed and crowned: the sum of whose first courses for settling his State was this.  
(3) Sundry Castles (nests of Rebels) he flatteth to the earth, some others he fortifies or resumes at 
His first actions. Mat. Paras.  his pleasure; chiefly such estates, as had been alienated from the Crown, as the hire and unjust reward of those who withstood his claim. Others write, that he promiscuously took all such lands 
Lib. Monast. S. Albeni.  into his own possession, as were by jurors found upon oath to have belonged at any time unto the 
Polyd. Vir. lib. 13.  Crown. Some Earls unduly created, he reduceth to private condition, and purgeth the Realm from 
Ps●…do-Comites, saith Mat. Paris.  sorrine Soldiers; chiefly from the Flemings, whose mercenary swarms most pestered the same, and had most infested him. And because Government is the Soul of State, and Wisdom the Soul of Government, he chooseth to himself a Body of Counsel out of the most eminent persons of both sorts: such was Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury; and for that self consideration, he laid the Chancellorship of England upon Thomas Becket, and held in special favour john of Oxenford, with sundry other 
Roger Hoveden.  Prelates of chiefest note: of the Laity, he had Robert Earl of Leicester, chief justiciar of England, Richard de Luci, jocelin de Bailull, Alan de Nevile 
Roger. Houed.  and others: but for a Cabanet-Counsellour at all times, he had his own mother, Matildis the Empress, one of the most sage and experienced Ladies of the World. Thus then furnished, and 
Math. Paris. ad A. D. 1155.  assembling a Counsel at Wallingford, he aswell for his own securing, as for the assurance of his 
Ger. Dorob.  Children, swears the Realm to the succession of his sons William and Henry, the one being in remainder to the other.  
(4) But quiet consultation did not take up the most of his time, even in the days of these Sunshining beginnings: for the reign of Stephen, a most gentle Prince (who thought, out of the necessity of his 
Lib. Monast. S. Al.  own estate, that it was not safe for him to be severe) having given way for many of the mighty, to maintain sundry insolences; these now feeling a restraint, began not a little to repine: but Hugh de Mortimer, wanton with greatness, and the most arrogant man alive, stuffed his Castles of Gloucester, 
Math. Paris.  Wigmore, and 
* Powel in hist. Camb. p. 222. mistakes a Bridge for a Castle. In old Records indeed Bridge-North, is called Bruge, which caused that error.  Bridgenorth with rebellious Garrisons; which Henry notwithstanding reduced to subjection, though in the siege of the last-named, not without imminent peril of his person, had not Hubert de S. Clare, cast himself between death and the King, taking the arrow into his own bosom to preserve his Sovereign's life. It bound Tiberius to Sejanus most of all, when a part of the banqueting Cave in which they were, suddenly falling, 
Powel writes that it was a Welsh man, who shot the arrow at the King, ibid.  Sejanus was found to have borne the ruin from the Emperor, with the peril of his life: but Sejanus survived that adventure, which our Senclere did not, save only in the better renown thereof, which deserves to be immortal, being an Act of piety, worthy of a Statue, with Codrus, Curtius, Manlius, or whosoever else have willingly sacrificed themselves for their Country, or for the Father of their Country, the King.  
(5) Henry thus having in some sort settled England, hasteth into France to King Lewis in the first year of his reign, and there did homage unto 
Roger Houed. Annal. p. 2.  him for Normandy, Aquitane, Angiou, Main and Tourain, which partly were his patrimony, and partly the inheritance of Elinor his wife.  
(6) His domestic enemies being subdued or appeased, he put his brother Geffrey by force to 
Math. Paris add an. Dom. 1561.  a pension, the sum whereof (if it be any thing to the purpose to know) was 1000 l. English, and 2000 l. Anjou by year, wring out of his possession all such territories, as by their Father's last Will 
Polyd. Uirg. in H. 2.  and Testament, were bequeathed to him in France. But Geffrey did not long enjoy the said annuity, or his brother's friendship: for in the third year, death brought a discharge, and Henry was disburdened of those payments. For his violence in taking away those lands, King Henry might allege he was eldest brother: but that allegation might be avoided with his own consent, which once he gave: but the great Elixir, called Reason of State, (though falsely so called, unless it be seasoned with justice, and Religion) hath so transmutative a faculty, as to make Copper seem Gold, right wrong, and wrong right; yea, when all Pleas fail, it will stand for good, while there are forces to support it.  
(7) This accord between the two brethren, being thus (howsoever) established, the King repairs into England, and at Chester enters amity with Malcolm King of Scots, on such terms, as his Grandfather 
Rog. Houed. fol. 281, pag. 2. Annal. par. 〈◊〉.  had done, yet Saluis omnibus dignitatibus suis, saving to himself all his dignities: and the said Malcolm restored to Henry the City of Karleol, Newcastle 
Math. Paris. Ypodig. Neustri. Hector Boetius. lib. 13. C. 1. saith it was at London.  upon Tyne, etc. and Henry restored to him the Earldom of Huntingdon in England. And, so justly dreadful did the growing puissance of this young Monarch appear to his greatest enemies, that Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, who had potent means to do mischief, rendered his Castle to be at his disposal.  
(8) The Welsh notwithstanding forsook not themselves, but did some memorable matters under conduct of the valiant Prince Owen against the English, in defence of North-Wales, and their Country's liberty, to the loss of the English, and 
Hist. of Camb.  extreme danger of the Kings own person, whose Standard royal was cowardly abandoned, and 
john Stow.  the King reported to be slain: for which Henry de Essex, the King's Standard-Bearer at that conflict, was afterward accused by Robert de Montford his near Kinsman, and in single battle within lists was vanquished at Reading, where the said Henry de Essex was shorn a Monk, and died. Matthew Paris 
Math. Paris.  relates the whole voyage of King Henry summarily thus: That Henry prepared a very great Army against the Welsh, with full purpose to overcome them both by land and sea; that he cut up the woods and forests, and laid open a way; that he recovered the Castle of Ruthlan and other fortresses taken from his Ancestors; that he repaired the Castle of Basingwerke, and that having brought the Welsh to his will, he returned with triumph into England.  
(9) After this, himself and his wife Queen Elienor being openly crowned upon Christmas day, (
* Roger Hoveden.  some say Easter day) at the City of Worcester; 
Math. Paris. Ypodigm. Neustr.  they both at the Offertory laid their Diadems upon the high Altar, vowing never to wear them after; 
Rog. Houed.  this being now the third time in which at three several places, Westminster, Lincoln, and Worcester, he 
Guliel. Tyr. Hoveden.  had been crowned. This devout act of his, did flow perhaps out of some such speculation as that of Canutus, who thought none truly worthy the name of King, but God alone; or that, upon which Godfrey of Buillion, refused to wear a crown of gold in Jerusalem, where our Lord and Saviour had been crowned with thorns. For this King had at times the pangs and symptoms of mortification and piety, and did herein acknowledge the only giver and taker-away of kingdoms God-almighty; putting himself and Realm, under the protection of that Majesty of whom he held paramount; and professing (as it were) that from thenceforth he would direct his actions to the glory of his omnipotent Master, which is indeed the only final cause of all true monarchy.  
(10) Not long after, having established his affairs in England, he crossed the Seas into Normandy: 
An. D. 1158. Mah. Paris ab A. D. 1158. usque ad A. D. 1163.  where successively sundry matters of importance fell out: as the seizure of the City of Nants in Britain after his brother Geffreis death; his journey to Paris, being invited thither by Lewis and his wife the Queen; the unprofitable siege of Tholouze laid by King Henry, where Malcolm King of Scots was 
Rog Houed.  in company with him; the unripe marriage of his son Henry to Margaret the French Kings daughter, whom Thomas Becket then Lord Chancellor had formerly conducted with very great State from Paris, by consent of parents for that purpose; the offence taken at those spousals by Lewis, for that the children were but infants, and that himself was a loser thereby; the war hereupon attempted by Lewis, fortifying Cha●…mount, which (the French having quit the Field by flight) King Henry recovered with advantage; the Armies of both these great Kings, being afterward at point (as it were) to join, dispersed upon reconciliation of the two Kings, by reason of a marriage concluded upon, between Richard, King Henry's second son, and Alice the French Kings daughter▪ All which and some other, not drawing with them any extraordinary sequel, nor offording much matter for civil document, must not preponderate the handling of things more rare and considerable.  
(11) For after these accidents, began the famous 
An. D. 1163.  controversies between the King and his Archbishop Becket, a man of an invincible stomach 
The great contention between the King and Becket Archbish. of Canterbury.  and resolution in his life, and after death reputed by some for a great Saint or Martyr; as is likewise noted of Henry, 
* Mat. Paris, & alis. Leg end. aur. in vita Tho.  that he was the most politic, martial, rich, and honoured Prince of all his time. This Prelate by birth a Londoner, (though his mother, a Sarazen, 
* Polydor. l. 13. but M. Fox denies it.  say some) by profession a 
* Gal. Wigorniensis saith he was Doctor Oxoniensis.  Civilian, was by Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, both made his archdeacon, and also placed about the person of Duke Henry, who being now King; advanced him in the very first year of his reign to be Lord Chancellor of England, in which high honour he carried himself like another King, and afterward upon 
Nubrigensis, l 2. c. 16. ut conregnare videretur. Geruasius ad An. 1154. Regis Rector & quasi Magister.  the death of Theobald, though the 
* Fox in Acts. p 264.  Monks objected against Becket, that neither a Courtier nor a Soldier (as 
* Nubrig. l 2. c. 16. Houcden.  he had been both) were fit to succeed in so high and sacred a function, yet the King gave him that Archbishopricke, partly in reward, and partly in further hope of his ready and faithful service. Which to be true, a Legender of his Miracles can best relate. Nonnullis tamen etc. Many (saith he) judged his promotion not 
Chron. de Passione & mirac. beati Th. MS. Fox. p. 287.  Canonical, because it was procured more by the importunity of the King, then by the voices of Clergy, or People; and it was noted as presumption and indiscretion in him, to take upon him to guide the Stern, who was scarce fit to handle an Oar, and that being skilled only in worldly affairs, he did not tremble to ascend unto that sacred top of so great dignity. Whereto agreeth the reports of two learned Monks who then lived, (for such Authors only we will herein follow, as shall be unpartial) 
* Gal. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16. Math. Par ●…ad An. 1163. permissione, Regia, etc.  one of which testifies, that the Pope about that time calling a Council at Tours (and the King giving Licence to his Archbishops and Bishops to go thither) Becket secretly surrendered his Archbishopricke, which he had received from the King's hand, into the Pope's hands. The 
* Nubrig. per operam, manumque Regiam. Geru. Dorob.  other saith, Becket himself confessed, that, not Canonical Election did call him, but public power drove him in, nor the will of God, but man's pleasure, placed him in the room. Howsoever, these being memorable arguments of the Kings exceeding love; let us now see how this great Prelate endeavoured to deserve it, or how he chanced to lose it.  
(12) Great and flourishing was the state of the English Church & Commonwealth at this season; the quiet of both which, the King studied & hoped to establish 
The causes of the debate betwixt the King and Becket.  by the undoubted assistance of his great favourite Becket, whose counsel & authority he knew might much further his princely designs, especially touching affairs of the Church, and abuses of Church 
Nubrig. loco cita.  men, which then were grown to a dangerous height: whereof let us hear the Monk of Nuborough speak: It was declared in the King's presence, how that Clergy men had committed above a hundred murders under his reign; 
Gul. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16.  wherewith the King highly offended, he was in punishing of them somewhat too vehement; but the blame of the Kings too much earnestness, must lie on the Prelates, in as much as they gave the cause thereof: for, whereas sacred Canons ordain, that Clerks found guilty, not only of heinous and grievous sins, but also of lesser, should be degraded, and thousands of such were in the Church of England, like innumerable chaff amongst a little good corn; yet very few such, for these many years have been deprived. The Prelates for sooth, while they bestir themselves, rather to uphold the liberties & dignities of Clerks, then to chastise, and cut off their vices, think they do God and his Church good service, in protecting from public Discipline such heinous offenders, whom (by duty of their places) they ought to correct according to the Canon's censure, whereby they through their impunity, having liberty to do what they list, have neither fear of God, (whose judgement they think is far off) neither of men in authority, sith on the one side their Prelates neglect to reform them, and on the other side, they are thus exempt by their order from the temporal jurisdiction.  
(13) This being the state of the Church and Realm, wherein some were so injured without remedy, and others so injurious without coercion, as if neither sort were in condition of Subjects; the King (who was a man of excellent Wisdom, Constancy, and Zeal) took especial care of quickening the 
Idem Nubrig. l. 2. cap 1.  public Discipline, and the rigour of ancient laws, which thus lay neglected; for which end he had settled choice Ministers of justice through all parts of his land▪ and upon complaints brought him by his Subjects of the remissness, and other defects of his judges, he accordingly by his princely providence applied remedies, and chastised the delinquents. The like remissness (to censure it no harder) was complained of in his Spiritual 
Hoveden. M. Fox.  judges, occasioned by a murder, committed by a Priest of Sarum Diocese, whom the Archbishop commanded to be deprived, & put into an Abbey, whereby he was freed from sharper punishment, intended by the King's justiciaries: with which (and some other like affronts of his Archbishop) the King 
M. Fox. p. 264.  conceived no little displeasure, as requiring, that justice should be ministered to all alike without partiality, & 
Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16. sine delectu.  seeing this apparently to tend unto the ruin of all royal government: the Archbishop on the other side, stood no less peremptory on the immunities of his Clergy and See: yea so far, as that he challenged 
Geruasius. ad An. 1163. c●… gestiret iura Cant. Ecclesiae revocare.  from the Crown (to the King's great offence) the custody of Rochester Castle and other Forts, which the King for securing his state had resumed into his 
Ibidem.  own hands.  
(14) This main controversy betwixt Regnum, & Sacerdotium, the Crown and the Mitre, Hoveden 
Roger Hoveden. ad An. 1163.  (who then also lived) thus summarily delivers: The King would that all such of the Clergy as were deprehended in any Robbery, Murder, Felony, burning of houses, and the like, should be tried and adjudged in his temporal Courts, as Laymen were: against which, the Archbishop's resolution was, that all Clergy men so offending should be tried only in the Spiritual Courts, and by men of their own coat, who if they were convict, should at first be only deprived of their office and benefice: but if they should again be guilty of the like, they should then be adjudged at the King's pleasure. The King finding himself to be hereby but a Demi-King, deprived of all Sovereignty over one half-deale of his Kingdom, and perceiving Beckets' stiffness, in thus contesting with his Sovereign, to be no way mollifiable by whatsoever his old favours, or fresh persuasions; notwithstanding resolved to put nothing in execution, which should not first be ratified and strengthened with consent of his Bishops; of whose ready assent to so just demands he had no cause to 
Nubrigensis.  doubt: who thereupon assembling at Westminster, the King, took both offence there, at the Archbishops thwarting his desires, and occasion also to establish sundry other Articles, which he called his Grandfather's Customs, peremptorily urging Becket to yield thereunto, without any such reservation 
Ger. Dorobor.  of saving in all things his order, and right of the Church, wherewith he would have limited his assent.  
(15) The points in those Ordinances which the 
Points which the Archbishop would not consent unto.  Archbishop principally stuck at, as 
* Ep. Tho. ad Alex: 3. PP. Ep. Th. ad Suffr. suos. apud Roge. Houed.  himself did set them down in his letters to the Pope, and his own Suffragan Bishops within the Diocese of Canterbury, were principally these; 1. That none should appeal to the See of Rome for any cause whatsoever, without the King's licence. 2. That it should not be lawful for any Archbishop or Bishop to depart the Realm, and repair to the Pope upon his summons, without the King's licence. 3. That no Bishop should excommunicate any one whomsoever, holding of the King in chief, or put any other of his officers under Interdict, without the King's licence. 4. That Clerks criminous should be tritried before seculardudges. 5. That it should not be lawful for a Bishop to punish any one for perjury or faith-breach. 6. That the Laity, whether the King or other, should hold pleas of Churches & Tithes, etc.  
(16) These points so nearly touched the Papal Sovereignty, and Church-Liberties, that the resolute Metropolitan mainly opposed his whole powers against them. Henry also persisted, as his Grandfather Henry the first had done, who having a 
* See before in Henry the first.  like war with Anselm his Archbishop, was so vehement therein, as he would not suffer him to return into England (though after some years banishment) unless he would absolutely bind himself to observe, not his Father's Customs only, but his brothers also, who were the two fatal Williams, the Conqueror and Rufus.  
(17) Many reasons moved Henry to attempt this 
Reason's moving King Henry to urge the Archbishop to assent.  business; as first, the enlargement of his Regal authority: Secondly, to exempt his State by degrees, from the dependency on any external Government, as lineally claiming both from a Conquest, and from absolute-soveraigne Antecessors, and so to introduce that free Empery, to which he saw no way lie open, but by subordinating the Persons and Causes of Churchmen to the secular sovereignty, in a few points first, and then in other. And that this was the secret, will not obscurely appear in 
* Act. & Mon. pag. 265.  that Article, which was summarily this: That Appeals should be made from the Consistory to the archdeacon, from him to the Bishop, thence to the Archbishop, and so to the King. Thus far M. Fox; but Matthew Paris hath more: That the King should command the Archbishop 
Math. Paris.  to end the suit, and that it should proceed no further without licence of the King.  
(18) A third reason was, for that he had by his own persuasions, and by the Counsel of one Ernulph a 
* Hou●…den.  Bishop, drawn unto his purposes the Archbishop of York, and all the other Bishops in a manner, who were now sure unto him, & ready to yield to his demands, which, they saw, did tend to the good of the State wherein they lived. Moreover, he was persuaded of great facility in obtaining his desire, both in regard of the 
* Epist. Th. apud Rog. Houed.  advantage which the Schism then upholden by Frederick the Emperor against Alexander the third did give, which might make that Pope afraid to lose or hazard his friends: as also for that the King, till he found the contrary, thought himself assured of his Thomas, whom (if 
* Ep. ad Th. apud Rog. Houed.  Gilbert Bishop of London said true) he advanced to that dignity against the will and liking, aswell of Matildis the Empress his mother, as of the Clergy and people.  
(19) Besides these and other reasons encouraging the King, Pope Alexander very desirous to 
An. D. 1164 A. Reg. H. 2. 10.  keep the King's love (though secretly wishing well to Beckets' attempts) sent one Philip his Almoner purposely to compose the controversy, by whom the Pope and Cardinals required the Archbishop to make 
H●…eden.  promise unto the King to the keeping his said Ordinances absolutely, and without any save or exceptions: whereupon Thomas seeing his scrupulosity thus disapproved by his Sovereign, by all his Brethren the 
Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16. calls him Hominem Scrupulosum.  Bishops, and by the Court of Rome itself, he road to Woodstock to the King, and there promised, that he would keep his said laws, bonâfide, & sine malo ingenio, in good faith, and without mal-engin. 
Rog. Houed.   
(20) The King afterward (supposing now all contradiction had end, & that Thomas would not waver in his faith) called an Assembly of the States at 
The Council at Clarendon.  Clarendon (of which place in Wilt-shire and not in Normandy, as 
* Mr. Fox.  some have mistaken, the said Customs called by the King, Auitae, were denominated) to collect and enact those Laws: where john of Oxenford sitting Precedent, Becket, relapsing again 
Math. Paris. The Archbishop violates his promise.  from his promise given to the King, said, that he had grievously sinned in making that absolute promise, and that he would not sin therein any more.  
(21) At which, the King was so vehemently stirred and inflamed, that he threatened banishment and destruction to him and his. But the Archbishop, having definitely resolved to undergo any peril, 
The Archbishop would not relent so far as to subscribe.  was yet so softened with the tears, prayers, and kneel of so great and honourable personages, as the Bishops of Salisbury, and Norwich, the Earls of Leicester, and Cornwail, and two knight's Templars, Richard 
Roger Hoveden.  de Hastings, and another, privately repairing 
Ger. Dor.  unto him, that before the King, the Clergy, and people, 
Idem.  he swore in verbo Sacerdotali, in the word of a Priest, and de plano, sincerely, that he would observe the 
Math. Paris.  Laws, which the King entitled Auitae, and all the Bishops, 
Guil. Nubrig. Hoveden. Geruasius.  abbots, Priors, and whole Clergy, with all the Earls, Barons, and Nobility, did promise and swear, the same faithfully and truly to observe and perform, to the King and to his heirs for ever. But when the King, not so contented, would have him (as every one of the Bishops had done before him) to subscribe, and affix his seal to an instrument, in which those Customs or Laws (being in number sixteen) were comprehended; 
Vide Geruasium, where they are all verbatim recited. Becks again starts from his word. Ger. Dor. Ibidem.  he once again starting from his faith, did absolutely refuse, alleging that he did promise it, only to do the King some honour, verbo tenus, in word only, but not with intent to confirm those Articles; neither could the example of the whole State move him, nor the credit of Rotrod, Archbishop of Rouen, (though sent from the Pope) compose the difference, because Henry would not otherwise agree then as the Pope did by his Bull confirm those Laws, which would not be granted.  
(22) Henry hereupon sent in embassage john of 
The King dispatcheth Ambassadors to the Pope.  Oxenford, and one Ridell, his clerks, to the Roman Bishop, praying that the Legatine power for England, might be committed to Roger Archbishop of York, that so yet he might at last bring Thomas under: but neither did this plot thrive: for that the Pope (knowing that the cause was his own more than Beckets') would not be an Author of any grievance unto him, (who in sorrow for that he had so yielded in promising, suspended himself from use of his priestly function, till upon suit he was 
* Mat. Paris.  repermitted) yet somewhat to gratify the king, he by his Bull granted 
Geruas'. Dorob. Hoveden.  a sleight authority; which when the King saw to be but superficial, and not well horned for his purpose, with great disdain, he sent the Bull back again to the Pope's stall.  
(23) There followed now upon Thomas sundry 
The Archbishop called to account  molestations: for first, he was 
* Rog. Houed.  condemned in damages for a Manor, which john de Marshal claimed; notwithstanding the Archbishop had enjoyed the same for a long time, without interpellation or disturbance. Then was there at Northampton, (where the king had summoned a Parliament) an account demanded of him for the king, to the value of thirty thousand pound, which came to his hand during his Chancellorship. Whereunto his answer was, 
* Mat. Paris. Rog. Houed.  That seeing he had formerly accounted, and that the king's eldest son Henry, on his Father's behalf, and all the Barons of the Exchequer, and Richard de Luci justitiar of England, had acquitted him toward the king of all accounts, and that he came free from all actions and dangers to the Archbishopricke, that now therefore he would not answer, as a Layman, having heretofore had so sufficient discharge: which refusal of his was aggravated with divers accusations laid upon him, as of contempt towards the king, in denying to come to his presence, being thereto commanded by him, & the like: whereto though he made excuses (reasonable enough, if true) yet the Peers and the Bishops condemned 
Mat. Paris. Geruasius.  all his movables to the King's mercy: and the Prelates perceiving the king's displeasure, to tend yet to some farther severity, premonished him to submit himself, for that otherwise the king's Court intended to adjudge him a perjured person, and also a Traitor, for 
Idem.  not yielding temporal allegiance to his Temporal Sovereign, as himself had sworn to do: and accordingly the Prelates themselves by joint consent adjudged him of Perjury, and by the mouth of the Bishop of 
Idem.  Chichester, disclaimed thence forward all obedience unto him, as their Archbishop. The next day, whiles the Bishops and Peers were consulting of some further course with him; Becket, not as yet daunted, 
Nubrig. Hoveden. Dorobornensis.  caused to be sung before him at the Altar: The Princes sit and speak against me, and the ungodly persecute me, etc. And forthwith taking his silver Crosier in his own hands, (a thing strange and unheard of before) enters armed therewith into the King's presence, 
Dorobornensis.  though earnestly dissuaded by all that wished him well: wherewith the King enraged, commanded his Peers to sit in judgement on him, as on a Traitor and Perjured person; and accordingly they adjudged him to be apprehended, and cast into prison. The Earls of Cornwall and Leicester (who sat as 
Hoveden. Geruasius.  judges) citing him forthwith to hear his sentence pronounced; he immediately appealed to the See of Rome, as holding them no judges competent: whereupon all reviling him with the name of Traitor, and the like; he replying, That were it not for his function he would enter the Duel or Combat with them in the field, to acquit himself both of Treason and Perjury, sped 
Geruas'. Dorob.  from the Court, and from thence without delay into 
Mat. Paris. An. D. 1164.  Flaunders, disguising himself under the name of Dereman.  
(24) The King on the other side, to leave nothing undone, whereby to achieve his desire, forthwith dispatched away Gilbert, Bishop of London, & 
Another Embas. sage from the King to the Pope  William, Earl of Arundel, to the French King, that he would not harbour, nor cherish one, that was fled as a Traitor; but prevailed not: for he, upon the contrary dealt with the Pope, That as he loved the Roman Church and the aid of France, so he would support 
Rog. Houed. Geruasius.  the cause of Thomas against the King: which whether he did it out of Faction, rather than Devotion, let others judge: for as we may easily think that the French would gladly incommodate the king of England: so this is not to be denied, that Lewis was 
* Mat. Paris. 〈◊〉 Rog. Houed. & alij.  often afterward a Mediator for peace, and undoubtedly held the man himself in great estimation both alive and dead.  
(25) The Archbishop growing thus in favour with the Pope, King Henry sends an embassage unto him of many great Personages, as Roger Archbishop 
The King sends Ambassadors to Rome against Becket.  of York, the BB. of London, Winchester, Chichester, john of Oxenford, William Earl of Arundel, etc. whose whole employment being prece vel pretio, by 
Geruasius  requests and gratifications to procure disgrace unto Becket, their final suit was, That the Pope would send 
Hoveden.  two Cardinals into England, fully to end the matter; but the Pope denied it, as holding it derogatory to his own absoluteness, saying (like God's Vicegerent at least) 
* Isay chap. 42. ver. 8. I am the Lord, this is my Name, and my glory will I not give to anyother, etc. Hoveden.  That is my own glory, which I will not give to any other; but when he is to be judged, I will judge him myself: For he knew the King of England was mighty both in speech and means, and that Legates might easily be corrupted, as being men, more thirsty after gold and silver, then after justice and equity: and the Pope and Cardinals wisely resolved (saith the Monk of Canterbury) that as, if this Archbishop were now upheld in his 
Ger. Dorobor.  cause, it would be a pattern for others in like case to resist Kings; so, if he should sink, no Bishops ever after would darc oppose themselves to their Sovereign's pleasure, and so the State of the Catholic Church would be shaken, and the Pope's authority be crushed.  
(26) The King having received this foil, and impatient of repulse, where his own subject was a 
The incensed K●…gs proceedings.  party, thought the indignity offered by the Pope unsufferable, and to let him understand how he took it, directs his Writs unto the Sheriffs in England, commanding them to attach such as did appeal to the Roman Court: the fathers, mothers, brothers, 
Math. Paris. ad Ann. 1164.  sisters, nephews, and neices, of all such of the Clergy, as were with the Archbishop; and to put them under sureties, as also to seize the revenues, goods, and chattels, of the said Clergymen. Again, by other his letters to Gilbert Bishop of London, he sequestered the profits and livings, which within his Diocese did belong to any of the Clergy, who were fled to Thomas, that (without the King's leave) they might have no part thereof. Last; to his justices he signified, that they should safe-keepe whosoever did bring any interdict into England till the King's pleasure were further known: he also caused the Church of Canterbury, and all the Archbishop's goods to be confiscated, grounding himself (as may probably be supposed) upon the judgement given against Becket at North-hampton, notwithstanding that the said sentence was expressly nullified by the Pope's 
* The Original 〈◊〉 self, I have seen in the custody of Mr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  Bull; and not only by word of mouth, as * Matthew Paris seems to mistake it. Neither was this all, for he banished out of the Realm 
* Ma●…h. Paris. Ann 1164. Rog 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Gerard Dorob.  all the kindred of the Archbishop, man, woman, child, and sucking babes; and for bad that he should be any longer publicly mentioned and prayed for in the Church as Archbishop of Canterbury.  
(27) The Archbishop on the contrary part (the contention being now whither the power Ecclesiastical 
An. D. 1166 Rog. Houed. Ep. Thom.  or Secular, should work most) did solemnly in France where he abode, excommunicate all such as obeyed, defended, or had occasioned the said laws, and Auitall Customs, and some of the parties by name, as Richard de Luci, Richard of Poictou, jocelin de Bailull, Alan de Ne●…ile, and other, who presently appealed; but the King having further notice, that Becket 
* Ger. Dorob. saith 〈◊〉 e●…isit.  after his public sermon, on a great Festival day, had solemnly threatened the like thunderclap against his Royal Person; either to terrify his adversaries, or to revenge himself, if any such sentence should be against him, gathered a mighty Army under 
* Geruasi●… saith ut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc.  pretence of subduing Wales, where yet he did little. The mean while john of Oxenford (who not only followed the King's cause stoutly, but also 
* Bale Ce●…t. 3.  writ a learned Book in justifying of it against Becket) prevailed so far at Rome, that two Legates à latere, should be sent into England, to reconcile the King and Thomas; but when they were gone, the Pope hearing that they were resolved 
* Geruasius.  utterly to confound the Arc●…shop, sent letters after them to rebate their absolute power, they being men (saith Geruasius) 
* Auram & aur●… 〈◊〉. Geruas'.  who too much thirsted after gold and glory.  
(28) When these two Cardinals came to Thomas, he refused to put his cause to them, unless 
Mat. Paris.  there were first a plenary restitution made to him and his of all that had been taken away: but being then counseled by them to submit himself to the king, his answer was, he would, saving God's honour, and the Church's liberty; saving his own honour; and his Church's possessions; and saving his own and 
Acts and Monuments pag. 284. Col 2. Ibid.  his friends right: being further demanded, whither (to resettle peace in God's Church, which he seemed only to desire) he would renounce his Bishopric, if the king would renounce his customs: he answered, The proportion was not alike: for that with the honour of his Church and his Person, he could not renounce his Bishopric; whereas on the other side, the King was bound, aswell for his Souls health, as for his honour, to renounce those ordinances. (will you know the reason?) because the Pope and he had condemned them. And so that design for peace was frustrate.  
(29) The King of England tempestuously storming at these affronts, and daily increase of new 
* Saluo honore Person●… suia sal●… 〈◊〉, sal●…d 〈◊〉, etc.  salves, wherewith like a guileful Chirurgeon, he 
Math. Paris. Roger. Houed.  still made the wound more to fester; menaced the Monks (which in their Abbey at Pontenei, had now for two whole years entertained him) to thrust all of their order out of England, if they durst relieve his enemy any longer: Whereupon they dismissing him, Lewis the French King took him to Sens with himself, where for four years he remained and was (if we may credit King Henry) a 
* Ger. Dor. Ann. 1167.  great instigator of the French King, and also of the Earl of Flaunders, against the King of England; 
* Cardinal litter. Fox. p. 284.  as was also by divers Evidences most certain; if the two said Cardinals told not a lie to the Pope: But, that the Peace was broken, and wars renewed betwixt the 
Geruasius. Maxime●… propter Thoma●…, ut cr●…di potest.  the two Kings, chiefly for Thomas his sake, Gervase the Monk himself doth record it as most credible.  
(30) Howbeit, by mediation at length, the two Kings were again reconciled, and at their friendly 
Geruasi●…s, 〈◊〉. 1169  
* A●…ud montem 〈◊〉.  interview, Beckets' well-willers advised him to submit himself in the presence of both kings, 
* Tacita omni conditione. Geruas'. ibid.  without any more reservations; which he seeming to yield to, presented himself very humbly, and referred the cause to the king, not now, Saluo ordine suo, but yet on a new point, Saluo honore Dei; wherewith the king exasperated, told the French king, such was the humour of the man, that whatsoever 
Idem.  disliked him, he would say it was against God's honour, and so would be never the nearer to conformity; with which, and other speeches, King Lewis offended with Becket, asked him whether he thought to be greater or holier than Saint Peter? and the Peers 
Idem.  of both Nations accused him of much arrogancy, as being himself the wilful hinderer of his own, and the Church's tranquillity.  
(31) Notwithstanding, the Pope forgot not his faithful Thomas, and therefore after he had graced 
An. D. 1168.  him with a confirmation of all the Privileges, 
Math. Paris.  and powers, which any of his Predecessors in that See did enjoy (to the daring and defiance as it were, of the kings utmost indignation) the king sent a letter into Germany, declaring that he would forsake 
The King goes about to forsake the Pope, and join with the Antipape.  Pope Alexander, and join with the Emperor, and Antipape. Whereupon, when the Bishop of Rome had commanded Gilbert Bishop of London to admonish the king to give over his courses, and customs 
The Bishop of London commanded to admonish the King.  preiudicious to the Church, the said Bishop obeyed, and in his answer sought to persuade the Pope to a connivency, and forgets not to justify his Sovereign, as That the King was ready to obey the sacred 
Rog. Houed.  hests of the Church, saving to himself his own & his 
The Bishop of London's defence of the King to Pope Alexand. 3.  kingdoms dignity: That, as for Appeals, he claimed that honour, by the ancient institution of his Kingdom, that is to say, That no Clerk should for a civil action depart the same until right could not be had in his Courts at home, and then he would hinder no●…an. That he did not banish the Archbishop of Canterbury, who might return at his pleasure, so as he would observe all those his Grandfathers customs, which once he had given his faith to do: That the King thinks himself greatly justified, in that he is willing to stand to the judgement of the whole Church of his own Kingdom, etc.  
(32) But when mediations, letters, messages, or other ways, would not prevail; the Pope admonisheth 
The Bishop of London excommunicated.  the King, that he meant no longer to restrain the Archbishop from revenging his own, and his 
An. D. 1169  Church's injuries with the sword of censure, and thereupon (for a beginning) the Archbishop excommunicates Gilbert Bishop of London, and proceeded so far with others, that there was scarce found in the Kings own Chapel and presence such as might 
Geru. Dorob.  perform the wont ceremonies.  
(33) The King both touched with his own wrongs, and tender of their case, who for his sake underwent that severity, animates Bishop Gilbert 
Comforted by the King.  with most loving offers to bear the charges of prosecuting his appeal against Becket, and desires the Pope to send him Legates which might absolve his excommunicated Subjects, and settle a peace, or else 
Ger. Dor.  he should be compelled to provide otherwise for his own security and honour.  
(34) Two Cardinals therefore, Gratian and Vivianus, coming into France to end the contention, 
Cardinal's attempt to make reconcilement.  return notwithstanding without possibility of doing good; for that Becket would not yield in any point to those Customs, at which he had once excepted, but with his ordinary limitations. At last yet by the pope's mediation, the two kings of England and of France met at Paris, whether the Archbishop repaired, and yet no peace ensued: for that 
Dorob●…rnensis.  the king refused the kiss of peace with him, and Becket would either have a sound and full peace, or none at all; where, though the king of England refused to satisfy any thing under the name of restitution, as being against his honour (because all restitution implied a wrong) yet in the other main 
Math. Paris.  matter of his Auitall Customs, offering to stand to the judgement, not of his own only, but even of the Parisian Divines, and Church of France; he came off from that conference with some advantage & 
The King offers his caus●… to be judged by the Divines and Church of France.  favour, in the opinion of the hearers.  
(35) King Henry (for all this) seeing no issue of his long disquietness, and unregall usages, understanding also that the Archbishop of Seins in person had solicited the Pope, to put the Kingdom of England under Interaict, (which is the prohibiting of the public 
Dorobornensis. A strange devise of Christ's Vicar to forbid a whole Kingdom to live like Christians.  use of Christ's Religion, & Christian Burial throughout the whole land) he being then in Normandy, sends forth his Edict: That if any man bring from the Pope or Becket, any letters of Interdict, he should prèsently suffer as a Traitor to the King and the State: 
Hoveden.  That no Clerk whatsoever go forth of the land without 
The King's Edict to match the Popes Interdict.  a Pass from his justiciaries, and none return again without letters of licence from the King himself. That none receive any message from the Pope or Becket, nor make any appeal unto them, nor hold any Plea by their mandates; That if any Prelate or Clerk, or Layman shall obey any sentence of Interdict, he and all his Kindred shall be forthwith expulsed the land, and all his goods escheated to the Crown. That all Clerks who have rents in England, return home within three Months, or else all their rents to fall to the King. That certain Prelates specified, be cited to answer in the King's Courts for interdicting Earl Hugh's lands. That Peter-pences be not paid to Rome, but reserved. Thus, (as Gervase the Monk lamentably complaineth) all from the eldest to the youngest throughout England were 
Geru. D●…r.  made to abjure obedience to Pope Alexander and Becket.  
(36) After all this, it came into King Henry's mind, to sweeten these his many cares with some solace, 
The King causeth his son to be crowned King.  and to crown his eldest son, yongue Henry, King of England, now in his own life time: A counsel not more temerarious, then infortunate: but of which yet he did hope to reap this consolation, that it was done in contempt of Becket (whose office it was to have crowned the King,) with some advantage also toward the perpetuation of the Auitall Customs, and that also without scruple of conscience, his son receiving the Crown without caution, to preserve 
●…p. Alex▪ Pap. apud Roge. Houed.  the Church's liberty, either by him put in, or by others exacted. Yea rather, an Oath ministered, and by the yongue King taken, to maintain those Auitall Customs to the uttermost.  
(37) This solemnity was performed, at Henry the father's commandment, by Roger Archbishop of York, (the anciently rival See of Canterbury) contrary to the Pope's express Inhibition, the father himself King Henry, being present thereat, though without any fortunate presage in coming, or cause of consolation in the action. For 
* Roger Hoveden.  he, in his inauspicious passage out of Normandy, arriving not without very great peril, at Portsmouth, the best and newest ship he had was sunk in the storms, and therein, besides Henry de Agnellis and his two sons, Gilbert de Sullemni, Mr. Ralf de Bealmunt, the King's physician and favourite, with about four hundred men and women more, were devoured of the working waves. And at the feast, the joyful father himself, carrying the first dish, and the Archbishop of York saying in pleasance to the yongue King: Rejoice my fair son, for their is no Prince in the world, hath such a servitor attending at his table as you. The unnatural 
Polyd. Uirg. in H. 2.  yongue man answered; why? wonder you at that? my father knows he doth nothing that misbecomes him, for so much as he is royal borne but of one side, but ourself are royal borne both by father and mother.  
(38) Add hereunto, that this unlucky Coronations triumphs, were celebrated with bonfires kindled by the furies in Normandy; which Lewis the French King invaded with fire and sword, because his daughter Margaret was not crowned aswell as the yongue King her husband: but the father speeding into those parts, quenched this flame with a promise to recrowne his son, and then his daughter Margaret should be honoured with like ceremonies. Thus the father's patience was exercised on every hand, and worse things were feared.  
(39) So now yet at last, in the seventh year of 
Math. Paris.  Beckets' banishment, another meeting was had at Sens, whither, the two great Kings, and the Archbishop 
The last meeting for a peace between the King and Archbishop.  of Sens, and Bishop of Nevers, being together, the Archbishop of Canterbury repaired, and the treaty of Peace was entered into, which at Ambois, in an other meeting (at procurement of Rotrod Archbishop of Rouen) was finished; and the Archbishop (knowing the King was terrified with the expectation of the foresaid imminent Interdiction) was restored to the King's favour, and permitted to have full use of his Metropolitan See, and all the profits thereof with the arrearages. Which conclusion, the King signifies to his son into England, whither the Archbishop returns, and lands at Sandwich: And thus the controversy between the King and his Archbishop seemed to be ended.  
(40) But the Archbishop had not been long in England, before he published the Pope's letters, by which, Roger Archbishop of York, and Hugh Bishop 
The Archbishop publisheth new censures.  of Duresme, were suspended from the use of their Episcopal function, for crowning the yongue King 
Math. Paris. Roger Houed.  in prejudice of the See of Canterbury; and the Bishops of London, Exeter, and Salisbury, cut off from the Church by censure, for assisting the said Archbishop at that Coronation; whom Becket would not, but under conditions, at the yongue King's request, absolve. Whereupon a great complaint was carried into Normandy, to the father King, 
* Polydor. Virg. l. 13.  by some of the Bishops: and in the mean time, the Archbishop Thomas, putting himself upon the way to visit the yongue King, at Woodstock in Oxford-shire, was commanded not to approach. 
Lib. Mon. S. Alb. MS.   
(41) At the news of these late censures, the father King was so sore displeased, that some words 
The king's wrath fatal to the Archbishop.  slipping from him, and arguing his great discontent, moved Hugh Moruill, William Traci, Hugh Brito, and Richard Fitz-urse, knights and courtiers, topost 
Ger. Camb. l. 1. c. 20. calls them Aulici Canes.  into England, and there in a fury, (without either warrant, or privity of their Sovereign) to murder the Archbishop (being then about 
* The printed Legend saith, he was 53 years of age.  forty and eight years old) in his own Church of Canterbury; which sacred Place, and Time, besides his high Calling, might have pleaded for pity, had not the men been wholly transported with barbarous rage. For howsoever we are far from their fancies, who, for his zeal to the Pope's Sovereignty, have so mounted him to the top of Martyr's glory, that not only the basest part of his Shrine was pure gold, and his 
* In the festivals of Christ's Nativity Scil. 〈◊〉. Natal●… Dominici, Nubrigensis. Erasmus. Guil. Cambd. Stow in H. 8.  old Shoe was devoutly kissed by all 
* Erasm. in Dial. de Peregrinat: Religionis ergo.  passengers, but also shameless and numberless Miracles are blindly ascribed unto him, and his 
* Lambert Peramb. of Kent, in Harbaldowne.  Blood almost matched in virtue with our euer-blessed saviours: yet we no less condemn their butcherly execution, who 
T●…per Thoma Sanguinem, quem pro●…e impendit, Fac nos christ scandere, quo Thomas ascendit.  (how great so ever his offence was against the King and State) had no lawful authority to bear them out, or acquit them, from the guilt of Blood.  
(42) To shut up this long contention (which, as you see, would not be extinct but by blood, nor take end but by his death,) because any censure of our own will be said to savour of Timeseruing, or State-pleasing, 
Guil. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16,  we will only annex the bare judgement of the forecited learned Monk of that time, who thus speaks. Indeed though most men's custom is, in those, whom they love and praise, to extol whatsoever they have done, (an argument of their great affection, but slender wisdom) yet in plain truth, those things, which the venerable Archbishop so acted, that no profit at all thence proceeded, but the King's wrath only was kindled (whereby so many mischiefs afterward arose) I do not think to be praiseworthy, though they sprang from a laudable zeal; as it was in the blessed Prince of the Apostles, who attaining the top of Apostolical perfection, taught the Gentiles by his example to judaize; for which the Doctor of the Gentiles 
* Galat. 2.  declares that he deserved to be reprehended, though he did it with a praiseworthy and pious intent. And in another place. The Archbishop was hot in zeal of justice, but whither fully according to knowledge, God 
Nubrig. l 2. ca 25.  knoweth, (for it is not for a man of my mean quality, rashly to judge of so great a man's actions,) but I think, the blessed Pope Gregory would have dealt more mildly, and winked at those things which might have been borne, without any hazard of the Christian faith, etc. and then concludes: Therefore, that which the venerable Archbishop than did, I neither judge that it is to be commended, neither presume I to condemneit, etc. For good men are so to be loved, or lauded by us, that we neither love nor laud those acts wherein they show themselves to be frail men, but only those things wherein without scruple we ought to imitate them: and therefore they are wisely and warily to be praised, that God's prerogative may be reserved entire to himself.  
(43) Some other learned men there were, who lived near to that time, whose censure was far sharper than that Monks: Such were some of those 
An. 1●…20.  Divines of Paris, mentioned by 
* Caesarius Dialog. l. 8. cap ●…9. ●…ale Script. Brit. Cent. 2.  Caesarius the Monk, who saith, The Question was debated to & fro amongst the Doctors, in the university of Paris, whether Thomas were damned or saved: amongst whom, Rogerius 
Fox. p. 289.  the Norman avowed, that he deserved death and damnation, for his contumacy against his King, the Minister of God: but Petrus Cantor alleged, that his Miracles were signs of his salvation, etc. An indeed if all be true, which 
* Monach. Cant. de miracul●… B. Thoma.  one man hath written in five books, containing his 270. Miracles, we cannot but acknowledge him, both the greatest Saint, and the merriest too, that ever got into heaven; so ridiculous are many things recorded of him. As that of Ailwardus, who for stealing of a great whetstone (which the Author that writes it, best deserved) being deprived of his Eyes and 
* MS. Pendend●… perhaps for Pudenda. Malmesb. de▪ Rog. l. 5.  Virilities, by sentence of Law; upon prayer to S. Thomas he had all restored again: Yea even a 
* The printed golden Legend. in v●…. Thom.  Bird, having been taught to speak, flying out of her cage, and ready to be seized on by a Sparhauke, said only, S. Thomas help me, and her Enemy fell presently dead, and she escaped, and (belike) reported it. Of which great power in this Saint, how can we doubt? sith we read, that even in his life time the * Virgin Marie herself was contented to be his Sempster, and sowed his shirt with red silk? Many of 
Ibidem.  which kind of follies, (if that word be sharp enough) might be here inserted, were not our present argument more serious, and these forgeries fit only for Monks to indite, children to read, and fools to believe.  
(44) The report of the tragical outrage on the 
The king's sorrow for the murder, and his difficulties thereupon. Math. Paris. Ypodig. Neustr.  Archbishop, coming to the old King, at Argenton in Normandy; there was no kind of sorrow, into which, (without respect to Majesty, or State) he fell not; and not without cause, as knowing how plentiful an Hydra of mischiefs (upon the opinion of his privity with the fact) would rise, if not prevented. But the murderers, fearing lest this their fact would displease the king, in whose revenge they 
Guil. Nubrigens'. l. 2 c. 25. Mat. Paris.  did it, fled into the North, and abode one whole year in the king's Castle of Knaresborough in Yorkshire; perhaps by favour of the yongue king: none of them dying for the fact, by way of justice, because, the Clergy exempting themselves from the bonds of civil Laws, the punishment of a Priestkiller (as by 
Nich. Trivet. vowel, and Holinsh. p. 99 Math. Paris. saith it was granted to Cardinal Petro 〈◊〉, by King Hen. Math. Paris, ad. A. D. 1176.  some it appeareth) was not then the death of the Body by execution of capital sentence, but of Soul by Excommunication, till about the twenty third year of this king, it was (at the instant suit of Richard Archbishop of Canterbury, and of the Bishops of Winchester, Elie, and Norwich) yielded, that such persons should also suffer loss of life.  
45 The king therefore, upon protestation to submit himself, to the judgement of such Cardinals, Legates, as the Pope should send to inquire of the fact, kept his Realm from Interdiction, though the king of France, the Archbishop of Se●…s, and Theobald Earl of Blois, had outgone his Ambassadors with their inflaming letters, containing the descripion of that Parricide.  
(46) Henry therefore, among so many perplexities rising out of the Archbishop's murder, saw no 
King Henry projects the conquest of Ireland.  way so ready for the calming his own perturbations; or for the averting men's thoughts from the consideration of that scandalous tragedy, as to undertake some great and noble enterprise, which now offered itself very seasonably. For Ireland, a very spacious and plentiful Island, and lying▪ commodiously for the uses of the English, burned in itself with civil divisions, kindled among the petty Kings and 
Girald. Cambr. de expug. H b.  Princes thereof: while Rotherick the Great, called O Conor Dun, Prince of Connaught, abusing his power and the advantage of the times, to the oppression of his Neighbours, sought to make himself the universal King thereof, having already invaded the Title & Style of KING AND MONARCH 
Annalib. Hiber. apud Cam. pa. 794. An. Dom. 1166.  OF IRELAND. And this his purpose was much advanced by the fatal and familiar error of proceedings in like cases: for the Irish Princes, either through distrust or pride, forbearing to unite their forces against the common enemy, while each provides for one, they are all as it were, overcome.  
(47) Moreover 
* Annalib. Hiber. Ibid.  Dermot Mac Murrgh (in that time of the Irish Pentarchy, or fivefold Kingdom) having secretly stolen away the wife of Rotherick (a 
Girald. Cambr. lib. 1. cap. 1. in Hiber. expug.  light woman, and consenting or plotting rather, & urging the rape itself) added to Rotherickes ambition, a just desire of revenge, for so notable, impudent, and public injury, so much the more odious in Dermots person, for that he was old: neither was this all; for the causes of this change were higher.  
(48) The only disposer and translator of Kingdoms is God; & in Ireland to move him to offence (without which no Kingdom is transferred) against the people thereof, all such sins abounded, as commonly forego the greatest changes: for not only the manners of the Nation were extremely corrupted, but the Christian faith itself decayed; barbarism overrunning the one, and 
* Polig●…mie, etc. Polydor. Vir. l. 13.  more than superstitions the other. But it may seem by some 
* Girald. Camb. Hib. expug. l. 2. c. 7. Edmund Campians Hist. of Ireland l 〈◊〉 c. 2. M. S. Rossus Warwic. MS.  Authors, that King Henry's particular inducements to that Action, were both an ancient title unto that Kingdom, derived from his ancestors (the kings of England) for many ages before him; and 
* Campian. l. 2. c. 1. MS.  many unsufferable wrongs (by their Piracies) unto the English Nation, buying and selling their Captives, and using Turkish tyranny on their ●…dies: which made the Irish Clergy themselves confess, that they had deserved no other, then that their land should be transferred to 
Idem. ibid.  that Nation whom they had so cruelly handled. Notwithstanding, king Henry, who knew how great and dangerous tumults the Popes had raised on small occasions, thought his way would be much easier, if he went onward with the Pope's good favour, which he easily obtained (so liberal is his holiness of that which is none of his) for à fee; viz. a penny yearly to be paid to Saint Peter of every house in Ireland. Touching which point, Rossus of Warwick 
●…lla Hadrian. apud Mat. Paris.  (no Protestant, I assure you▪) saith, That England's King is not bound to rely on the Popes grant for Ireland, 
Rossus Warwic. MS.  nor yet to pay that tax, because he had claim to that Kingdom by an hereditary right: and that the Pope had no temporal interest therein (as his favourites pretend) the often-mentioned Monk of Newborough can tell us, who saith, that Nunquam 
Gul. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 26.  externa subiacuit ditioni, Ireland was never subject to any foreign command.  
(49) God Almighty therefore did now put it into the heart of Henry, for the reforming of that kingdom, to make a Conquest thereof, having in his infinite wisdom before hand fitted all circumstances needful to concur, for inducing so wary and frugal a Prince to such an enterprise, which thus took beginning.  
(50) Dermot Mac Murgh, being in possession of his fatal Helen (the adulterous wife of Rothericke) was pursued so eagrely with the revenging sword of his enemy (who, howsoever wounded in heart with the abuse of his Bed, rejoiced in the colour and occasion ministered thereby, for him to seize upon the flourishing Provinces of Leinster) as he was driven to fly from place to place, and at the length to quit his kingdom also, the subjects whereof his tyranny and vices had unsettled, in their affections toward him. Thus desperate of help at home, his last deliberations were to draw in foreign aids; the necessity of his case requiring it; and for that purpose, finally 
Camb. pag. 730.  resolves to repair to the court of the wise and 
Giral. Camb.  potent Henry, King of England, being then in Aquitain: neither could Dermot but know, that it had heretofore been in Henry's designs, at such time 
Giral. Cambr. in Hiber. Exp. cap. 1.  as he meant to subdue it for William of Angion, his youngest brother, and also, because his present Dominions did half (as it were) environ it. In which hopes he was not deceived; for Henry listened thereunto very willingly, as to a thing which he had indeed 
* Mat. Paris. Ann. Dom. 1155.  some years before projected.  
(51) King Dermot therefore was heard in his suit. But, because the thing, as at that time, neither seemed great enough, for such a Prince as Henry 
Dermots suit for aid liked by Henry.  to undertake directly, nor as yet was held sufficiently discovered to his hand; that therefore the Ice might be broken by inferior means, and aswell the conveniences, as inconveniences, sounded to the depth, (without engaging the royal person, name, or power,) it was by the King's letters permitted to Dermot (the exiled Prince) to draw what 
* Giral. Camb. l. 2. c. 1. Hib. expug.  adventurers, or voluntaries, either the commiseration of his estate, or other respects, of piety, profit, or delight in arms, could allure to the action. Now whether it were, for that he, whose Countries lay toward the 
Dermots first succour.  coasts of Wales, (and within ken upon a clear day) by commodity thereof might entertain intelligence, aswell as traffic, with the inhabitants of those parts; or, for that the fame of their Chivalry did invite; or, for that his acquaintance at his arrival grew there first; or, for that these and many other circumstances met in this accident: sure it is, that Dermot raised his first, and principal succours from among the English Colonies there.  
(52) The Welsh had then in their hands a valiant Gentleman of Norman race, one Robert 
* Authors call him Stephenides.  Fitz-Stephen, 
Robert Fitz-Stephen.  who by Gilbert de Clare was entrusted with the defence of the town of Cardigan, but through 
* Camb. p. 518.  treachery the Town being surprised, Robert was also delivered up to Rhese ap Gruffin, Prince of South Wales, who would hearken to no other endentments of his liberty, but only, that he should for ever abandon his possessions in Wales. Whereupon (the opportunity of Dermots quarrel giving hopes of new fortunes) immediately he entered into contract with the Irish king, promising by a certain day to come to his succour, with as many Voluntaries, as his remaining fortunes, or the hope of the voyage could stir: which he 
* annal Hiber. apud Camb. & Giral. Cambr.  did accordingly perform, leaving it very disputable, whether with more success or courage. But Dermot well knowing that the fortunes of this Gentleman (to whose valour nothing seemed impossible) were unable to undergo the whole 
Richard Earl of Pembroke.  weight of the unknown work, had formerly dealt with that renowned Lord, Richard of the house of Clare, 
* He is commonly called (of his chief seat in Monmouth-shire) Earl of Chepstow or Strigil.  Earl of Pembroke, surnamed Strongbow: the man whom the Fate of Ireland did expect.  
(53) Dermotes persuasions to the Earl were of this kind: That the enterprise, besides the faculty thereof, was full of piety, honour, justice, and commodity: That it appeared so to King Henry himself, by whose leave he was free to 
The 〈◊〉 of Der●… persuasions  gather what forces he could: That he was driven out by the cruel ambition of Neighbours, & treachery of wicked Subjects. That Leinster was a Kingdom, and though but a part, yet clearly the best and richest part of Ireland. That multitudes offered themselves to his aid; but his cares were not only for a General to lead them, but for one to whom he might leave his kingdom also: That the Earl was he, as the only man, in whose person all the respects of birth, honour, bounty, valour, youth and fortunes did happily meet. That the Earl (in his conceit) did dwell but narrowly (considering what he was worthy of) pent-up in the straits of an Earldoms title, for whom a great Kingdom was not great. That they who would not allow Leinster for a kingdom, did forget, that England once was broken into lesser states; and if Dermot were not a King, neither then were Ella, Cissa, Vffa, Sigbert, Crida, and the rest in the Saxon seven-headed government: that the quantity of Dominion made more or less strong, but not more or less a King. That he was rightful King of Leinster, as Son and Heir to Murgh King of Leinster: that if he must forego his inheritance, it should be to such as had done him no wrong, and were worthy of it; to Richard Strongbow and his followers, and not to Rothericke and Rebels. That he was not unkinged, though vnkingdomed: that Eva his daughter (Eva the pearl and star of Ireland) should indeed be Eva to his enemies to bring upon them death, and just confusion: that yet in defeating the Tyrant Rotherick of his hopes by plan thing Earl Richard and his Forces, he should provide for his Country, not destroy it. That if it did fall out otherwise, yet his disloyal people had their just deserts, who objecting vices to their Sovereign, did themselves commit vile treasons. Indeed (quoth he) I was never such a King, as that I was not also a man.. But for those matters between God and me, here is now no place to account, for though his justice hath found me out, yet his mercy hath left me more friends at home, than the number & measure of my sins deserve: My quarrel is most just, as against most wicked rebels and usurpers: Restore me then (my Lord) by your puissance to my native soil, and my lawful rights therein: restore with me Religion and Discipline to the ancient splendour thereof, which was not greater in any Realm about us then in Ireland; reduce the stray, enlighten our ignorance, polish our rudeness, and let not such abundant matter of merit and immortal glory escape you. God himself will prosper the enterprise; holy Church hath long since approved it: and upon such Authors what can miscarry? And though in thy noble and Christian courage nothing can weigh so much, (and these I see work mightily) yet to satisfy all 
* The Irish phrase to use thou and thee.  respects, Thou shalt have far larger territories than here Thou canst possess, and goodly lands to distribute for reward among thy friends and followers. My last offers now shall not show a more desire to use thy forces, than a love to thy person & virtues. They are not trifles I propose, but that of which God himself doth seem to me to have laid the ground; seeing it is his holy will that thou at this time shouldst be without a wife. Know thou then, that I have that one daughter Eva, the heir of my Crown, and comfort of my age: let thine own eye tell thee how fair and worthy: this I dare avouch, that thou wilt think far broader seas well crossed, for view of so honest beauty: she in the first blossom of her youth, a virtuous virgin, and by both Parents borne of Princes, shall at thine arrival, with this right hand, be made thine, and with her after my death, my whole realm, and other my rights whatsoever: which were they infinitely more; (despise not such love, nor thealliance of one distre●…ed, but nevertheless a King,) I would repute them far too little for such a son in law: who though thyself as yet no King 
* This seemeth to be spoken, because his mother Isabel was Aunt (by the mother) to Malcolm King of Scots: Cambd. annal Hibern. Ann. 1169. Earl Richard agrees. , art come of Kings, and it is my whole and last ambition, that I may live to make thee one. The Earl accepted the conditions, resolute to set up Dermot again, and for that purpose bound himself by solemn contract, to the full performance of his part within a certain time.  
(53) Dermot having thus negotiated his affairs and set it in so good forwardness, while his friends in England prepared themselves and their Forces, lest he should seem to rely upon foreign aids, and so to diminish with them the reputation of his own valour and alliances at home; he sails back into his Country; carrying with him the promises of confederates, and there both by his presence and persuasions did the best he could to facilitate the entrance of the English; whose honourable entertainments, devotions, civility, riches, valours, wisdom, and victorious greatnesses he spared not to celebrate, as instruments advancing his own designs: which raised no little expectation, mixed with contrary affections of desire and fear.  
(54) The next year, when the season grew fit for an Army to take the field, Robert Fitz-Stephen 
Robert Fitz Stephen sailed into Ireland.  accompanied with Maurice Fitz-Gerald his half brother by the surer side, & 
* Trig●… Militi●…s.  a competent number of Soldiers, reposing (under God) their chief hope in their swords and courages, set sail for Ireland; & 
M●…sc. Clonmel. in Custod. Patric. white.  in the beginning of May came on shore, at a place called by the Irish, B●…nn (by the English at this day commonly, Bag and Bunn) which in our language 
An. D. 1170 They were Soldiers of all sorts 390. Stows Annals. ad An. Dom. 1170.  signifies Sacred: a word which (so much as names may be presages of things) did as it were hollow the attempt of the English with a lucky and gracious omination, whereof the Inhabitants at this present retain this rhyme. 
At the head of Bag and Bunn,  
Ireland was lost and won.   
(55) The next day after, Maurice de Prendergast also, with 
* Manuscr. Clo●…mel, ibid.  other men of Arms, and many Archers in two ships arrived there, being parcel of Fitzstephans Forces and Companions of his Fortunes, who joining themselves together, immediately marched to the City of Weisford under their Banners, and that in the greatest bravery they could, (the Knights and Men at Arms, in their 
* The name of Pendergast yet remains in Ireland: taken first (as seemeth) from a Town of that name in Penbrokeshire.  Coats of Arms & Colours) to draw thereby now at the first the greater reputation to themselves, and with opinion so gotten, to fill up the smallness of their numbere: in which manner assailing the City, the Irish therein rendered themselves, and in reward of the service, being also 
* Pendergasts, coa●… Armour, was Gules, a S●…ltoyr Vari●…, as my learned fri●…nd, M. Bolton (whose notes have given me much light in this King's life, and divers others) himself observed in the friars Church at Clonmell.  according to capitulation, and encouragement of others, who were to proceed in this war, Dermot, to whose use the English General had taken it, 
* Girald. Cambr. in expug. Hiber.  bestowed the City itself, and the Country about upon Robert Fitz-Stephen, at his pleasure to be disposed off: and there the first Colony of our Nation was planted, which hath ever since immoveably maintained their abode among innumerable changes in the world, retaining at this day the ancient attire of the English, and the language also itself, though brackish with the mixture of 
* Camb. p. 748. The first English Colony.  vulgar Irish, which therefore by a distinct name is called Weisford speech, current only in that City, & the County about.  
(56) But Robert Fitz-Stephan thus advanced, for 
weisford 〈◊〉.  his more assurance, began to raise a 
* Camb. ibid.  Town at Carrack, making the place which nature had already fortified, much more by Art defensible. This entry into Ireland being by him now made (under the name of Henry King of England) and the success exceeding hope, Richard Strongbow receiving advertisement from Dermot, and the new Lord of 
Earl Richard prepared for Ireland.  Weisford, of all occurrences; thought fit, first to dispatch 
* Annal. Hibern. apud Camb. p. 795. Raimund sent before with supplies.  some supplies to Fitz-Stephen, which about the beginning of May, under the conduct of Raimundle gross (a Gentleman of the Earl's family) were accordingly sent: and after Raimund the Earl himself in the same year set forth: His Forces were about 
* Annal. Hibern. apud Camb. p. 〈◊〉. An. 1171. C●…. Reg●… 〈◊〉 apud Cambd. M●…scr 〈◊〉. Annalib. Hiber. apud Cam. ubi perp●…am 〈◊〉. 11●…0. pro 1171. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ibid. ad An. 1185.  two hundredth men of Arms, and a thousand other Soldiers, with whom he came safe to Anchor in the Bay of Waterford, upon the Vigil of Saint Bartholomew, August, 23. Ann. 1171. Earl Richard the General, knowing that expedition did carry with it terror and advantage, presently marcheth to Porthlarge, (the Irish name of Waterford) and upon the very next day took the City by force, and sacrificed the armed 
Earl Richard's first a ●…mpts. Waterford taken  Inhabitants to the revenge of Dermot, so the rather to make room, and security for themselves, to the exceeding terror, and just dismay of all about, as they who found, that, howsoever the pretence was to resettle Dermot, the purpose was to seat the English for ever.  
(57) But Dermot, Author of this calamity to his Nation, resolute in his purpose, in full complement 
He marrieth the Lady Eua.  of his Contract, doth openly in solemn manner bestow his promised daughter Eva, upon the Conqueror in marriage, with his own right hand giving her in the Church: at which time, the famous Strongbow did not celebrate his particular Wedding-day, but the indissoluble knot of the Irish allegiance to the English Sovereignty, with the same Ring which circuled his wives finger, affiancing that Island to this our Country.  
(58) The Marriage performed, it was far from the mind of the Earl to spend much time in revels and feasts, but consults with his men of war what 
Earl Richard marcheth to Dublin.  was next to be done for the settling his Father in law King Dermot, and for finishing the Conquest which was now so happily begun, in two several parts of Ireland at once. Leaving therefore a sufficient Garrison to make good the places already gained, & to secure the landing of fresh supplies, he sets forward with his selected Companies, to whose victorious weapons the whole Realm lay open, so far forth, that Rotherick himself was very well contented (notwithstanding his lately usurped, & swelling title of Monarch of Ireland) to hold himself within the bogs and fastenesses of his peculiar Realm, the wild, and mountainous Connaught; mean while, Strongbow keeps on his way over the bosom of Ireland to the principal City thereof, Dublin, taking in (as he marcheth) all the places about, and securing himself by pledges, of their loyalty, or otherwise, as he saw most fit. In which journey, pleased with the delight and fertile situation of 
* C●…d. p. 75●….  Kildare, he resolved there to settle his abode, and to erect a seat to his posterity.  
The conquest of Dublin being speedily, and most happily achieved; not long after, Dermot Mac 
Dublin taken.  Murgh, Father in law to the Earl (whom the Irish for his affection to the English, call Dermot Ningall, 
Dermot King of Leinster dieth.  that is, Dermot the Stranger's friend) breathed his last at Fernys, dying, (
* Annal. Hiber. pr●…at.  plenus dierum.)  
(59) The fame of these successes wafting over the Irish seas, and coming to the King, made him resolve to pass in person thither, that he might have the honour of the Conquest: and not approving such forwardness in the Earl, who (as 
* Will. Par●…us. Nic. Tr●…et. Holinsh. p. 83.  some say) went against his express commandment, (and indeed 
* Giral. Cambr. cap. 13. lib. 1.  Giraldus, who lived at that time, calls his leave no better than an Ironical leave) and for that he knew not to what insolency such fair fortune might in time allure, as also for that they seemed to handle the Natives too rigorously; 
* Idem. lib. 1. c. 19  thereupon he forbids by his Proclamations, any vessel to carry any thing out of his Dominions into Ireland, and commands all English to return before Easter, and leave off their attempts, or their estates in England should be seized for the King. By which Edict these affairs were brought into fearful extremity, which was changed into better condition by the travel of Herucius de Monte Marisco, on the behalf of the Earl, and the adventurers, who finding the King in Glocestershire with an Army for Ireland, appeased his displeasure upon these terms: That the King should have the head City of the Kingdom, Dublin, with the adjacent canters, with all the Coast towns and Castles, the rest to remain to the conquerors to hold of the King, and of his Heirs, and so to be under his protection, as Subjects ought, and as they were before; which subjection it seemed to the King they meant to have renounced.  
(60) The King's goodly Navy lay in Milford haven, to which as he journeyed, he thundered against 
Giral. Camb.  the Welsh Nobility, coming to entertain him, for suffering Strongbow to depart: At last being embarked, he had a fair Gale which set him safe in Ireland with all his Forces at Waterford, where first he commits 
An. D. 1172.  to prison Robert Fitz-Stephen, whom the Citizens presented bound, having held him in custody, under 
King Henri●…s doings in Ireland  colour of doing good service, because he had entered Ireland without the King's particular leave; yet soon after the King released him, but deprived him of Weisford and the territories. Then takes he the homages of such petty Kings, and principal persons of 
Girald. Camb. lib. 1. H●…b. exp. Ca 31. 32. etc.  the Irish as repaired, dismissing them in honourable sort, meaning to win them by gentle, and not exasperating courses; and marching through Ossyrie to Dublin, he takes o Rotherick the King of Connaughts homage by Hugh Lacie, and William Fitz-Aldelm: last lie, at Dublin he kept his Christmas in Royal state, which to behold, very many of the Irish Princes came thither.  
(61) Mindful now of his duty to God, the Island being calm, and silent through the presence of such a mighty Monarch, the most noble King of England, 
Religion established by a Synod at Cashell.  and triumphator of Ireland (as 
* Idem. cap. 33 & 34.  mine Author styleth him) causeth a Synod to be holden at Cassils for reformation of the Irish Church, where amongst sundry other constitutions, to which the Irish Clergy did willingly submit, it was decreed, That all the Church-lands, and their possessions should be altogether free from the exaction of secular men, & that from thenceforth, all Divine things should be handled in every part of Ireland in such sort, as the Church of England handleth them. For (saith the Constitution) it is most just, and meet, that as Ireland hath by God's mercy obtained a Lord, and King out of England, so also that from thence they should receive a better form of life, and manners, than heretofore they used.  
(62) The King continuing his politic jealousies, and thinking Strongbow to be as yet too great, draws from his dependency Raimund, Milo Cogan, William Makarel, and other of the best Captains, & makes them his own by bounty. But before he could fully establish that Kingdom (the inseparable evil fate thereof, which would never suffer it to enjoy the blessed benefit of exact civility) other affairs which he esteemed more necessary, call him away, and therefore having left Hugh Lacie at Dublin, he sets sail for England upon Easter 
* Easter day after noon saith Math. Paris & Ypodigm. Neustr.  Monday, and landed happily at Saint David's in Pembrookeshire, from whence with all speed he posteth into Normandy.  
(63) In Normandy there attended for his arrival two Cardinals, sent as Legates at his own request, for taking his purgation concerning the death of 
Giral. Camb. Hib. exp. lib. 1. c. 38.  the Archbishop of Canterbury, whereof, upon oath that he was no way consenting to that cruel, and sacrilegious revenge, and declaring withal his infinite sorrow for having in his anger given occasion by rash words for others to do that deed, and giving further oath to perform enjoined penances, he was by them absolved. The condition of his absolutions were, That he 
Math. Paris. Sabellicus Ennead 9 lib. 5.  should at his own charge maintain two hundredth Soldiers for an whole year for defence of the holy land. That he should suffer Appeals to be made freely. That he should revoke all customs introduced to the prejudice of the Church's liberty. That he should restore and make up the possessions of the Church of Canterbury. That he should freely receive all such as were in banishment for Beckets' cause, etc. Not long after Thomas was canonised by Pope Alexander, and so not only the victory 
Mat. Westm. Nic. Tri●…es. Holinsh. pag. 83.  clearly given him against King Henry, but a triumph also.  
(64) Now began the womb of rebellion, and unnatural conspiracies to disclose the mischiefs which were ordained to exercise this right redoubted King and Warrior, ●…hatched here at home by the malice (some say) of Eleanor his Queen, at such time as he was absent in Ireland, so that as 
* Math. Paris  one writes, God stirred up the Kings own bowels against himself. Causes of this unhappy dissension, there were many: First a Queen and Wife, violently vindicative for wrong done unto her Bed by the King, who was immoderately addicted to variety of loves: then Ambition in an evill-naturd Child, and lastly, pernicious Actors and instruments, who, for their own ends, nourished this cursed mischief; so as if we should out of our stories recapitulate the several occasions taken by the son against the father, we should rather show you the colours, than the causes: For none of those causes which his Son pretended, seemed great enough with men that fear God, to bear out such continual divisions as followed.  
(65) The head of this conspiracy was very great, and justly very terrible: for on the side of King Henry the son, there were the Kings of France and Scotland, 
* Ypodig. Neustr.  Richard and Geffrey, two younger sons of the King of England, whom by their mother's persuasions they forsook, to follow the yongue King; David the Scotish Kings brother, Philip Earl of Flanders, (a Peer of France, and a potent Prince,) Matthew Earl of Boulogne, Theobald Earl of Blois, Hugh Earl of Chester, Robert Earl of Leicester, Hugh Bigot Earl of Norfolk, Roger Mowbray, and other great ones, in great numbers, so as nothing seemed wanting, but only a good cause, which (such as it was) Queen Elinor, like an Allecto, kept alive, so much as lay in her, with perpetual fomentations. And indeed the scope of these confederates did require no less a combination, it being to depose the Father, whom it pleased them (for countenance of their ungodly arms) to repute no King, because he had crowned his son.  
(66) Though nothing then could come more grievous, to the bleeding heart of a most loving father, than such a war; yet not to be unprovided, he (like a soldier) prepares himself, when fair means failed, and found multitudes ready to live, and die with him; the indignity of the unnatural revolt, did so much inflame all honest courages, which acknowledged him their Sovereign.  
(67) The particular accidents of the wars would fill a volume. At one time Normandy, Guien, and Britain were invaded by the confederates in France, and at the same time Cumberland by the Scots. But the King of England had friends in all those parts, and himself hearing that Vernuil was 
* Roger Hoveden.  besieged by the French King in person, he began at last to kindle, having, like a sleeping Lion, sitten still all that while, and (for that the place had, upon parlea, agreed to render if aid came not by a day) he arrived to their succour within the time, 
* Math. Paris. Ypodig. Neustr.  sending King Lewis word that he should get him forth of Normandy with speed, or he would without fail, come, and see how he did upon that very day. Lewis, meaning nothing less than to put his own Crown in danger, while he sought one for his son in law, (and therefore in all the warre-time, would never set up his rest upon a battle,) but willing otherwise to do to King Henry the father, all the harm he could, by countenancing the faction, and supporting the revolted malcontents with his best means, and knowing King Henry was a sour and terrible Prince when he came indeed to fight, immediately raised his siege, and with as much haste as he might, abandoned the place 
* Th. Wals. in Ypodig. Neustri.  leaving his Camp, tents, and warlike provisions behind, and retired into France.  
(68) And though King Henry, beginning now indeed to shake his dreadful sword, had many fair days of his enemies, mixed with some losses both of 
An. D. 1173.  men and other strengths, though not great, nor many, in regard of the overthrows which on his behalf were given: For that in Britain his forces had in battle vanquished Hugh Earl of Chester, & Ralph 
* Roger Houed.  de Foulgiers, and slain about one thousand and five hundred of their army; & in England, Reignald Earl of Cornwall, and Richard de Lucy, had in bloody battle 
* Math. Paris  overthrown the insolent Earl of Leicester, and 
* Poly●…. 〈◊〉.  entered the town of Leicest●… by force; and that he had the persons of the said 
* Ypodig. Neust●….  Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester, Ralph de Fulgiers, and very many other prisoners of especial note and Nobility; yet Lewis the French King moving a parlea, the father desirous to use the good fortune of war, to reclaim his rebels, was so willing to make peace, that he might seem to have outgone expectation in the quality of his 
* Hoveden.  offers, but through such wicked persuasions, as were used, prevailed not.  
(69) A violent firebrand in this division, was Robert Earl of Leicester, being matched with a Lady no less proud, and stomachous than himself; 
* Math. Pari●…. The outrageous and disloyal behaviour of the Earl of Leicester  who at this meeting, was not contented to have affronted King Henry the father, on the behalf of his yongue Lord, and Master the son, but (after many words of reproach) is said to have laid his daring 
* Roger Houed. Ho●…rsh.  hand upon his sword, with purpose to have strucken the King, had he not been withholden: (and where such spirits had to do, it is easy to guess what kinds of counsel were like to be embraced and pursued;) having forsaken the father, not for that the others 
* Ypod. Neustr.  cause was more honest, but for that (saith Thomas Walsingham) the father King, labouring to enlarge the regal power, sought to set his foot upon the necks of the proud and haughty.  
(70) But God, who meant to chastise the King, and not to deliver him up into his enemy's hands, 
The King's victory in England he being ab●…ent.  destroyed those hopes, that moved the sons to their unnatural attempts; for it was not long after, when news came into Normandy, that his faithful friends and servants, 
* Polyd. Uirg. Henry Hunt. Holinsh. ●…n H. 2.  Richard de Lucy and Humphrey de Bohun high Constable of England, together with the powers of Reignald Earl of Cornwall the King's uncle, Robert Earl of Gloucester, and William Earl of Arundel, not far from Bury, courageously encountered with the Earl of Leicester, and his 
* Gallos' quidam vocat.  Flemings, of whom above 
* Hoveden. and Polyd. Virg. sa●…h 10000 were ther●… slain.  five thousand were slain, or taken, and among the prisoners was the Earl himself, and 
* Math. Paris  his Amazonian Countess, whose persons at his commandment were not long after, brought over into Normandy.  
(71) This 
* Polyd. Virg.  great victory and other good success, did so much advantage the King, that Lewis 
Lewis King of France concludes a truce.  beginning to distrust the enterprise, sought for six months truce for himself, and had it granted: but because there were yet in England, two principal men, 
* Mat. Paris.  the Earl of Norfolk, and Roger Mowbray, which held out; having Leicester for their Randenou, and seat of war, with no small numbers of partakers, notwithstanding that Geffrey (the Elect of Lincoln, the King's base son) had taken two of Mowbrays Castles, and done other good service for his Lord and Father, the truce served the enemy for no other purpose but to breath, and to repair himself.  
(72) The father (of whom Lewis said, that, he seemed not to go, but to fly, he went with such celerity 
* Ypod. Neust.  from one place and Kingdom to another) in the mean while, recovers Xaincts from Richard his violent son, weakening that party by so much, and would have weakened it far more, but that advertisements came post, declaring such matter, as made him speed into Normandy.  
(73) Thither 
* Math. Paris. Great new dangers against the King.  came unto him out of England, Richard (the Elect of Winchester) sent with all haste by the King's justiciaries, to lay open unto him, the dangerous estate wherein the Realm at that time stood. For after that Philip Earl of Flanders had solemnly sworn to invade England, in supportation of yongue Henry's quarrel, sundry forces arriving and joining with Hugh Bigot Earl of Norfolk, had taken and spoiled the City of Norwich, and done otherwise much harm, whereby the yongue King and his faction had taken great encouragement, as if the die of war were turned, and aswell the yongue King as the Earl of Flanders, were come with forces to the Coasts, there to transport for England: 
* Rog. Ho●…d.  Moreover, Robert Earl Ferrer of Derby (who was fallen from the father) had suddenly entered upon Nottingham, burned the town, beaten out the King's Garrison, slain the people, and (enriched with spoil) retired to Leicester, whether about the same time, Anketill Malorie (Constable thereof) had also brought about two hundred prisoners taken at Northampton, which he (with slaughter of the like number of the Townsmen) had also suddenly surprised and taken: so that the Realm stood doubtful, and in extreme peril; to the increase whereof, William King of Scots (being deep in the confederacy) invaded England, dividing his Forces, himself with part wasting Northumberland, and Duncan (a very cruel Captain) with the other destroying the western Borderers.  
(74) The Father wonderfully stirred herewith, leaves Normandy in as good assurance as the time would permit, and sends before him to the Ships, Eleanor his own Queen, and Queen Margaret 
King Henry sails into Normandy.  his sons wife, his son john, etc. the Earl of Leicester and his Countess, with many other prisoners, and a mighty Army; but the wind changing, and he compelled to stay in harbour at Barbefleet in Normandy, where he had taken shipping, he is said (God touching his heart) to have uttered these words with much remorse, in the presence of all; If my purpose in this voyage be for the peace of the Clergy and people, and if the King of heaven shall vouchsafe to quiet and calm these troubles at my arrival, then for his mercy's sake we beseech him to send us a prosperous wind: But if he be against it, and hath resolved to visit the Kingdom of England with the rod of his fury, let him grant me never to touch the shore of that Country more. His Prayer thus uttered from the depth of soul, was secunded with a fresh perie of wind: whereupon setting sail, he arrived safe the same day with all his Navy at the Port of Hampton in England.  
(75) The next day he took his journey towards Canterbury, where (as it appeareth) the residue of his penance enjoined him at his Absolution, was to be performed. For, besides the forementioned conditions, the Legates enjoined him (saith the 
* Vita B. Th. l. 4. c. 5.  Author of Beckets' life) some other thing secretly, which came not to our knowledge; yea the 
* Epist. ad●… Archi. Raven. apud Hoveden.  Legates themselves wrote in their own letters, that he then promised to do (voluntarily, if ye list to believe it) some things which was not fit for them to lay open in writing. And well might they be ashamed thereof; but if it were so unfit to be written, how unfit was it to be imposed on such a Sovereign Prince? what it was, let 
* Rog. Houed. i●… H. 2 p. 308.  Hoveden report. The King coming towards the Church, where the late Archbishop was buried, clad all in woollen, went three miles barefooted, insomuch, that the very ground where he went, was bloody, as was evidently seen, much blood running from his tender feet which were cut with the hard stones. Neither yet was this the worst; for afterall this, He received Discipline at the hands of the Bishops, of a great many Priests, and of the Monks. Geruasius names Abbots also, whereby appears, that every several sort were to have a hand in that service. Matthew Paris can tell you more plainly what that Discipling was: viz. he 
* Mat. Paris. Ann. 1174. Walsingh. Nubrigensis. Capgra●…. Geruas'. Dorob. etc.  received the Discipline of rods on his ba●…esh, receiving of every religious man, (a great multitude of them being there gathered) 3. or 5. jerks a piece: whence we may easily believe, Baronius and his 
* Apud Baron. An. Dom. 1174.  Author spoke within compass, who acknowledge he received 80. lashes. To such height was the Papal tyranny and pride grown towards those, of whom God had said expressly, Touch not mine Anointed.  
(76) Yet some Monks of that age, attribute the happy and great success which ensued, to the reconcilement which King Henry thus made with God for the blood of Thomas, because it pleased God to deliver his enemy William King of Scots into 
* Math. Paris. Rog Houed. Ypodig. Neust. Hector Boetius. 13. li. c. 3. saith  the hands of his soldiers about that very time, & did also with storms beat back into France his disobedient son the young King, being now under sail for England, scattering the whole Fleet, and almost 
the King was taken, 13. lul. Ann. Dom. 1174.  sinking it with tempest.  
(77) The Kings other actions till his next return into Normandy, which was not long after, (because Lewis King of France, and his son in law the young King Henry, the head to which all this putrefied humour drew, with the Earl of Flanders had laid a strong siege to the City of Rouen) 
* Ypod. Neust.  Thomas Walsingham comprehends in these few words; He tamed his Rebels, put his enemies to flight, seized on their fortresses. And so having in a manner miraculously quieted the Realm, he takes with him the King of Scotland, the Earls of Leicester and Chester, with other his chief Prisoners 
* Rog. Houed.  (whom he afterwards first imprisoned at Caen in Normandy, & then at Faleis) but leaving his seditious wife behind him under strait custody, he arrives with his puissance in Normandy, which being understood in the Confederates Camp, the same 
* Mat. Paris Ypod. Neust.  broke up, and first setting fire on all the engines of war, retreated into France in such sort, that the English soldiers laid hold upon much munition and warlike furniture. Roger Hoveden (a very sure Author) saith 
* Rog. Houed.  that the confederates had only besieged Rouen upon one side, and that Lewis hearing that the victorious King Henry was within Rouen, did first send away the weak, and worst of his Army, and then deceiving the English with a solemn promise of returning the next day, to enter into a conference with the King about making a final agreement, did depart; so that Hoveden aggravates the dishonour of the retreat, with the note of faith-breach.  
(78) Let the greatness and felicity of this King 
The great felicity of King Henry.  be now but slightly looked upon, and it will appear, that no Prince of those times was hitherto so much bound to God for manifold favours as he. The King and power of France, after so many attempts with the young King of England, and all their forces, flying at his presence without any stroke strucken, the valiant king of Scotland prisoner, and the chiefest of his Rebels under his foot, England assured, Scotland dismayed, Ireland retained, Wales ministering soldiers, Normandy in possession, and all the coasting Regions, Britain, Angiou, Poictou, Main, Tourain, Limosin, Gascoign, Guien, etc. from thence as far as the Mountains which separate Spain from France, under his dominion; and the blessing of Peace shortly after ensuing, upon such terms as himself could reasonably wish, made him like another Solomon to be sought unto: his 
An. D. 1175.  Wisdom and Magnificence being in such high credit through the Christian World, that the Kings of Castille and Navarre chose him sole Arbiter in their debate, which to both their contentment he most wisely determined; and then 
* Mat. Paris. Ypodig. Neust.  at one time in his Palace at Westminster were seen together, the Ambassadors of Manuel Emperor of Constantinople, of Frederick Emperor of Romans, of 
* Rog. Hove.  William Archbishop of Triers in Germany, (a mighty Prince) of the Duke of Saxony, and of Philip Earl of Flanders. Moreover he had the government of France for a time, the Kingdom of jerusalem offered him, but refused, and two of his daughters married to the two Kings 
* Math. Paris.  of Castille and Sicily.  
(79) There was first therefore a truce taken betwixt the three Kings, Lewis and the two Henry's; wherein Richard (who stood out) was left to his Father's prosecution, who ●…ing himself thus destitute after many flashes ●…paration to resist, and great conflicts with hi●…e, put himself most humbly into his Fath●…●…cy, and throwing himself 
* Roger Hovede.  with tears 〈◊〉 obtained the pardon he begged, and 〈◊〉 ●…ion to his most inward grace and fauo●… 〈◊〉 ●…istan, fatherly, wise & happy Act; 〈◊〉 ●…ercome with this unexpected and 〈◊〉 ●…nes, never desisted till he had brought t●… young King to a final atonement, arms being laid apart upon all hands. The chief points of that wished peace were: 1. That Henry 
An. D. 1175. The Articles of Peace.  the young King with Richard and Geffrey his brethren should return, freed from all oaths of confederation, to the King their Father's obedience, as to their Lord and Father. 2. That Prisoners should be set at large without ransom on all hands. 3. That William King of Scots, the Earl of Leicester and Chester, Ralph de Fulgiers, & other, who had compounded for their ransom, before this conclusion, should have no benefit of this exemption. 4. That King Henry the Father should take assurance of loyalty toward him by hostage, or oath of such as were enlarged. 5. That King Henry the son should ratify that Grant which his Father the King had made to his son john, of some Castles, & yearly rents in England, etc. The Seal itself, wherewith the young king made this mentioned Ratification, we have here annexed.  
(80) Touching King William of Scotland, his forementioned compounding: our Historians all agree not, 
* H●…eden. Math. Paris Nic. Tri●…et. Walsingh. etc.  some saying more, 
* Polyd. Uirg. Hist. Angl. lib. 13.  some less: but 
* Hect. Boe. transla. lib. 13. cap. 5.  Hector Boetius (a Scotish Historian of some credit with that Nation) writes; 1. That King William was to pay 100000. l. Striueling for his ransom, the one half in present coin, the other 50000. l. upon time. 2. That for assurance of that sum the Earldoms of Northumberland, Cumberland & Huntingdon 
The points according to the Scotish Authors.  should rest in mortgage 3. That K. William should move no war against England for the retention of those lands. 4. That, for the moresecurity of the premises, the Castles of Berwick, Edenbrough, Roxbrough & Striueling should be delivered to the English.  
(81) In the mean while, King Henry according to Covenants, dischargeth out of captivity nine hundred sixty and nine men of Arms, taken in those late wars; and King Henry the son discharged above one hundredth; and having accomplished whatsoever might content or secure his Father, they prepared for England, where the joyous letters of their coming written by the Father, had begotten great and longing expectations in the subjects; which he did, (saith Paris) That whom the general danger of war had afflicted, the common gladness 
Math. Paris.  might recomfort. In their travail thitherward the confidence was such upon this fresh reconcilement, that one Chamber and table served both, for whom before one Kingdom was not wide enough. They landed at 
Rog. H●…ed. An. D. 1175.  Portsmouth upon Friday, 20. Maij, 1175.  
(82) The face of England at this present, was like that of a quiet sky and sea, no blast, no billow, no appearing sign of discontentment; which the better to continue, King Henry the Father accompanied with the King his son, omitted no office of a just and prudent Governor, visiting a great part of his Realm in person, consulting, ordering and enacting such laws and courses, as might most establish the good of Peace. Hence it came, that at London 
Constitutions at London the King's being present.  both the Kings were present in a Synod, in which Richard lately chosen Archbishop of Canterbury, did publish (
Geruasius. Rog. Houed.  with the King's assent) certain Canons for the better government of the Church of England, beginning thus; At the true fountain of all happy rule, that is to say, at the honour of God, and establishment of Religion & Discipline, etc. & amongst the 
Hoveden. in H. 2. fol. 310. Simony was loss of Patronage for ever.  rest, this one Canon in especial words is enacted, both by authority of the King & Synod, (and indeed worthy for ever to be in force) That every Patron taking reward for any presentation, should for ever loose the Patronage thereof. And the same Kings not long after being at Woodstock, in accomplishment of such holy purposes, by advise of the Clergy provided men to such Bishoprics, Abbacies, and principal cures as were vacant, where King Henry the Father forgot not his true friend john of Oxenford, whom he preferred to the See of Norwich.  
(83) From hence coming to York, he set those parts in peace; whither William King of Scots* repairing, sundry matters of importance were handled 
The Kings at York.  between the two Kings: as likewise afterward at Windsor (where the King had called a great▪ assembly of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal) Rotherick King of Connaught in Ireland (at the suit of his Ambassadors, the Archbishop of Thuamon and Toomund, & others of that nation, subjects to Rotherick) was received into protection & favour, and became Tributary: K. Henry being unwilling 
* Polyd. Virg. Parliament at Northampton.  to fish with an hook of gold, which in warring upon Ireland he should seem to do. In an other Parliament, not long after at Northampton, he caused England to be divided 
An. D. 1176. The first Iusti●…iars Itinerants. Holinsh. 〈◊〉 Hen. 2. Hoveden.  into six circuits, & to each Circuit three justiciars Itinerants deputed; and aswell to give his laws more free passage, as also the better to secure himself he threw to the earth sundry 
* Math. Paris. Roger Wend. Ma●…se.  Castles which had been formerly kept against him, as Leicester, Huntingdon, Walton, Groby, Stutesbury, etc. and had the rest both in his English and in his French Dominions committed to his disposition.  
(84) The young King 
* Rog. Houed. Polyd. Virg.  about these times discovered fresh alienations in his mind against his Father; who yet dissembling all, did arm notwithstanding upon the defensive, and replenished both England and Normandy with Garrisons, which drew the son the sooner to come in.  
(85) But the old King not unwilling perhaps (lest the brethren's concord might prove no better than a conspiracy against the Father) that his warlike Children should contend, 
* Tho. 〈◊〉. in Ypod. Neust.  did nourish deb●…te among them: Certain it is, that to divert the war from himself, he appeased his son the King with an increase of maintenance for himself, amounting in the whole to an hundredth pounds Aniovin by the day, and ten pounds of the same money for his wife the Queen: and whereas Alice (daughter of Lewis then King of France, who was married at three years of age to Richard (second son of King Henry) 
Polyd. Virg. in Hen. 2 call●… her A●…ela.  when he was but seven, and now demanded of King Henry the Father, to the intent that Richard her husband might enjoy her, the old King who was 
* Rog. Houed.  suspected to have deflowered her, for that time shifted of the delivery of her person, in such sort that peace was not hindered thereby.  
(86) But while the young King by his Father's 
* Rog. Wend. Math. Paris. Th' Wals. in Tpodig. Neustr.  instigation sought by force to constrain young Richard 
An. D. 1183.  to do homage to him for Aquitaine, and King Henry the Father for the same cause commanded Geffrey his third son, Duke of Britain (whom * some for his extraordinary perfidiousness in this service toward his Father, and manifold sacrilege, calls the 
* Rog. Hove.  Child of Perdition) to aid and assist his said elder brother; while also the jealous Father (out of the strife of his sons) sought his own safety, and in nourishing it, had by the treachery of the said sons been twice endangered, and had at both times been wonderfully preserved; and while the young King by profound dissimulations, plotted to bring both his Father and Brother Richard into subjection; behold the hand of God by taking away the young King at Martell not far from Linoges, where his Father lay at siege, gave an end to this odious, fowl and intricate contention.  
(87) Thus was his life cut off like a weavers 
King Henry the son dies in the flower of his y●…uth.  thread (say 
* Rog. Wend. MS. Math Paris. Them. Wals. Tpodig. Neust.  Authors) who had by dying cut of the hope of many: But whatsoever his life was, which God thus shortened at his age of twenty and eight years; certainly his death was not inglorious, but worthy to be set out in Tables at large as a pattern to disobedient Children: for his Father refusing to visit him (fearing his own life,) but sending his King in sign of forgiveness; the dying Prince most humbly with floods of tears kissing the same, made a most sorrowful confession of his sins, and fecling death approach, would needs be drawn (as an unworthy sinner) out of his own bed, and laid upon another, strewed with ashes, where his soul departed in a most penitent manner from his body; which being related to the Father, he fell upon the earth, weeping bitterly, and (like another David for his Absalon) 
Rog Houed.  mourned very much, O quam nefandum est, saith one most gravely: O how heinous a thing it is for sons to persecute the father! for neither the sword of the fighter, nor, the hand of an enemy, did avenge the father's wrong: but a fever and a flux with excoriation of the bowels. His body was buried (by his own desire) at Rouen; (which yet was not done without trouble, as if the factions, of which he was the cause in his life, did by a kind of Fate, not forsake him being dead; 
An. D. 1183  for the Citizens of Mauns having interred it, they of Rouen without menaces, and the father's express commandment, could not obtain it, who thereupon was taken up again,) but his wife Queen Margaret was sent back into France, and his surviving sons were once again reduced to due obedience, not any enemy daring to appear.  
(88) Who would not have thought, that this stirring Prince, should have had opportunity to end his days in peace and glory? but it was otherwise ordained by God, and ancient writers hold, he was principally scourged, for being drawn, by seeming reasons of State, to put off an holy enterprise, the occasion whereof, was laid as it were at his foot. 
An. D. 1184.  For Heraclius patriarch of Jerusalem, drawn with the supereminent fame of King Henry's wisdom, valour, riches, and puissance, travailed from thence into England, where, 
* Math. Paris Roger Wend.  at Clerkenwell by London, in an assembly of the States purposely called, the king made known to them: That Pope Lucius had by earnest letters, commended the lamentable state of the Holie-land, and the patriarch Heraclius unto him: That Heraclius (there present) had stirred compassion, and tears, at the rehearsal of the tragical afflictions of the Eastern world, and had brought with him (for memorable 
* Rog. Houed.  signs, that the suit was by common consent of the Country) the Keys of the 
Mat. Paris.  places of Christ's Nativity, Passion, and Resurrection; of David's Tower, and of the holy Sepulchre; and the humble offer of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, with the Ensign or Standard of the Kingdom, as 
* Roger Houed. fol. 358.  duly belonging to him, who was right heir thereunto, to wit, the son of Geffrey Earl of Anjou, whose brother Fulke was king of Jerusalem.  
(89) Nevertheless, (the King having, at leftwise 
King Henry refis seth the kingdom of jerusalem.  formally, adjured the Lords to advise him, that which should be most for his soul's health) it was thought fit, to aid the cause with money, but not to employ his person, north person of any child he had, which was the patriarchs last request; and thereupon (to the unspeakable grief of the said patriarch, and of the whole Christianity of the East) he refused the said Kingdom, and abandoned as noble an occasion of immortal renown, as ever any King of England had been offered; but gave leave 
* Rog. Houed. fol. 35●…  to all such as would, to take upon them the Cross and serve. This Heraclius is he who dedicated the Temple Church in London, as by this Inscription over the Church door in the Stone-worke doth appear.  
ANNO AB INCARNATIONE DOMINI 
An Inscription upon the Temple Church.  M. C. LXXXV DEDICATA HEC ECCLESIA IN HONOREM BEAT MARIE A DNO ERACLIO DEI GRATIA SANCTE RESURRECTIONIS ECCLESIE PATRIARCHA TWO IDUS FEBRVARII. Q ⁱ EAM ANNATIM PETENTIBUS DE INIUNCTA Si PENITENTIA LX DIES INDULSIT.  
(90) Thus the sorrowful patriarch being dismissed (not forgetting as 
* Ran. Higden. Polyd. Virg. in Hen. 2.  some do write, to thunder 
Heraclius departs  against the King for abandoning the cause) brought back nothing but discomfort and despair, the Western Princes (by the devils malicious Arts) being wrapped and knotted in mutual suspicions and quarrels indetermined, whereupon shortly after, ensued, with the loss of jerusalem, the captivity of Guido King thereof, and of innumerable Christians beside; whom Sultan Saladin, Prince of the Musulmans or Saracens, to the grief and disgrace of all the Christian world, did vanquish.  
(91) But, King Henry's mind was more fixed on 
An. D. 1185.  settling the state of his already-possessed Kingdoms, and therefore in a great Parliament, held at Oxford, 
Roger Houed. King Henry gives john his son Ireland.  (unto which came Rhesus and David, Kings of South-Wales and North-Wales, with other their chief Nobles, which all did there swear fealty to the King) he being desirous to advance his son john (whom he exceedingly loved, and commonly in sport, he called Sans-terrae) having assured upon him certain Lands and Rents in England and Normandy, did there very solemnly give him also the title & Kingdom of Ireland; for, (besides the foresaid Bull of Pope Adrian the fourth, who for sign of investiture had also sent a 
* Giral. Camb. lib 2. exp. Hib. c. 5. Hoveden.  ring of gold, which were laid up in the Records at Winchester) Giraldus (who lived in that age) tells us (to omit what he writes of one Gurguntius) that Guillomar King of Ireland, was tributary to the famous Arthur: that Baion (whence (saith he) the Irish came) was at that present under King Henry the second; and that the Irish Princes had voluntarily submitted themselves, as unto him who by the * Law of a social war, was become their Sovereign. But that Author had not seen belike, 
Ius Belli social, is that right, which accrues to Princes or States, who aid one another.  or did not remember (when thus he went about to prove a legal right in the King) what others write of 
* Beda.  Egfrides' ungodly spoils in Ireland, or of 
* Cam. pag. 730.  Edgar's Charter, in which is said to be contained, that he had under his rule the chief City of Ireland Dublin, and the greatest part of the kingdom also. But King Henry strengthening his other rights with Grants of the Popes, Adrian, and Alexander, obtained also of Vrban the third (for Lucive the third, who was Alexander's successor, would not gratify the the King therein) that it should be lawful for him, to crown which of his sons he would, King of Ireland, to whom he sent a crown of Feathers woven with gold, in all their Grants reserving to the Roman See, the Peter's pence, and rights; whereupon the King gave the same to his son john, whose Coronation (stung with the like before) his father only did delay, at such time as two Cardinals offered to celebrate that solemnity.  
(92 At Windsor, therefore his father giving him the 
* Chr. H●…b. apud Camb. pag. 795.  Order of knighthood (at which time he was about 
* Houed. fol. 359. pag. 1. & 2.  twelve years old) sent him forth with into Ireland, where the Archbishop of Dublin and the State, entertained him, but (by reason of such parsimony toward his soldiers as was used) he returned the same year without doing much, but not without having wasted the most part of his Army, in skirmishes with the Irish. His Style in his seal of Ireland (though Hoveden saith, his father made him Regem, a●…king) was only, Sigillum johannis filii regis Angliae Domini Hiberniae, Lord of Ireland.  
(93) King Henry, hearing now that his martial son, Earl Richard, had fortified in Poictou against him, and vanquished Geffrey Earl of Britain, 
* Hoveden. fol. 359. pag. 1.  prepares a puissant army, upon terror whereof, Richard came in, rendering up Poictou to his mother Elienor, (whose inheritance it was) at his father's commandment. The same year wherein the West was thus defiled with unnatural divisions, the East was likewise polluted with the cursed Apostasy of one Richard de S. Alban (whom we shame to think, was English) who renouncing the Christian belief (upon the patriarchs uncomfortable return) became a principal Commander under the Sultan of Babylon, Saladine, whom the Christians drove, with loss and slaughter of his army, from Jerusalem. But on the other side, revenge of disobedience still pursued 
An. D. 1186.  Geffrey, son of King Henry, who was in a 
* Idem. pag. 360. Militari conflict●… saith Hoveden.  Torneament at Paris trodden to death under the horse feet. A miserable end, and a fearful.  
(94) About which times, between the French and English all things stood unsure, now war, than peace, and war again, by reason that Philip (who had been crowned King some years before, during the life of Lewis) challenging the custody of Arthur, the Posthumus son, and heir of Geffrey Earl of Britain, and sometimes one thing, and sometime another, could not have his will: Whiles Earl Richard turning to Philip against his Father, but obtaining a truce for two years, such amity (if there be any amity among mighty Princes) grew between king Philip and Earl Richard, Heir apparent of England and Normandy, etc. that one bed and board served both. The Father perplexed, calls his son home, who pretending many griefs, as the detention of Alice his Spouse, the doubt of disinherison, and other things, stood out again; and again after a while submits to his Father. Then bursts forth Philip into Arms; and things so standing, the heavy news of jerusalem lost, flew into Christendom. When this City was formerly recovered by Godfrey of Bolein, an urban was Pope, a Frederick was Emperor, an Heraclius Patriarch; so now when it was lost, an urban was Pope, a Frederick was Emperor, and an Heraclius Patriarch.  
(95) Upon these news Henry and Philip meet, and 
An. D. 1188  for the honour of God, laying down displeasure, in presence of William Archbishop of tire, at which time some say a Cross appeared in the air, take upon them, as Soldiers of Christ, the badge of the Cross, and there the better to distinguish themselves, it was agreed that the 
* Roger Houed. fol. 365. Math. Paris.  French should wear read Crosses, the English White, and the Flemish Greene. And this determination was seconded with warlike preparations, levies of money, and institution of martial Discipline: all which notwithstanding nothing went forward.  
(96) At Richard began the breach of this honourable confederation, who taking revenge upon certain Rebels of his in Poictou, who brooked not his hard hand; one mischief drew another, and at the last both the Kings of England and France became parties to the quarrel, greatly against the mind of K. Henry, whose heart was firmly 〈◊〉 as it seems) to revenge the cause of Christ upon Sultan Saladine: for that in his 
* Epist 〈◊〉 2. add Patriar 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Rog. Houed. pag. ●…7.  answer to the Patriarch of Antioch, imploring aid, he concludes, That among other Princes himself, and son, rejecting this world's glory, and despising all pleasures whatsoever, and setting behind, all things which were of this World, would in their own person with their whole Forces by the favour of the Lord speedily visit him. And sure the state of those parts required it, Saladine having slain many of the Knight's Templars, and Nobles, and above thirty thousand footmen, with innumerable other in Cities and Towns by him subdued. Among all which grievous accidents, we cannot (to season sour thereby with sweet) omit one noble protestation made by the chief crossed Lords, Philip Earl of Flanders, the Earl of Bloys and other, who being required to take parts, made answer; That they would not contrary to their promise to God, put armour on, against any Christian, till they had done their devoir against Saladine.  
(97) In the treaties therefore between Henry and Philip; the demands of Philip on the behalf of Richard were such, and so unsafe for the King (as that all his subjects should swear fealty to Richard during the Father's life; but yet reserving their allegiance to the Father) that Richard apparently fell off, and became Liegeman for Normandy, etc. to Philip King of France; and at a new Treaty (by mediation of a Cardinal Legate) the demands of Philip being more hard than before, as that King Henry should not only settle the Kingdom upon Richard, but take john also with him into Palestine, or that otherwise Richard would not go (being jealous of his brother's grace with his Father): Henry would consent to none of those insolent propositions, but disdaining to seem to be enforced, they betook themselves on all sides to their swords.  
(98) The effect whereof was, that former good fortunes forsaking King Henry, he sustained many 
An. D. 1189. An. Reg. 35.  losses by the Armies of King Philip and Richard, & was driven out of Mentz in Main; (the city where he was born, & which he loved above all other places) by firing of the Suburbs before the enemy came, being casually consumed, he was glad to yield to such conditions as it pleased Philip to prescribe. It is written 
* Rog. Houed.  that at the meeting of these two Kings, the sky being clear, a thunderbolt stroke between them, and after a little pause coming together again, it thundered more terribly, so that Henry had fallen off his horse, but that his people sustained him; whereupon he came presently to an end, though it were to his unspeakable grief; his Kingly heart being used to give, and not to take conditions.  
(99) Fearful was the speech which King Henry, when he abandoned Mentz by reason of the fire, 
King Henry's death.  uttered against Richard; which was, That sith he had taken from him that day the thing that he most loved in this world, he would requite him, for after that day he would deprive him of that 
Holin●…. pag. 119. in 〈◊〉. 2.  thing which in him should best please a Child, to wit, his Heart. But after the peace concluded, (upon mediation) between the sides, another thing struck nearer; for finding the name of his son john first in the Catalogue of the Conspirators against him in that action, he bitterly cursed the hour of his birth, laying God's curse and his upon his sons, which he would never recall, for any persuasion of the Bishops and others: but coming to Chinon fell there grievously sick, and feeling death approach, he caused himself to be borne into the Church before the Altar, where after humble confession, and sorrow for his sins, he departed 
An. D. 1189.  this life. 
Accidents after his death, which was, when he had reigned 34. years 7. months and 4. days, being 63. years of age.   
(100) It shall not (in contempt of human glory) be forgotten, that this puissant Monarch being dead his people presently left him, and fell to spoil all he had, leaving him naked; of whom 
* Roger Hovede.  one saith truly and gravely, Verè melmuscae, etc. Surely, these flies sought honey, these wolves a Carcase, these Aunt's grain; for they did not follow the Man but the spoil and booty. Neither must it be unremembered, that the fierce and violent Richard (now heir of all) coming to meet his Father's body, royally adorned for the burial according to the Majesty of his estate; the very Corpse (as it were abhorring and accusing him for his unnatural behaviours) gushed forth blood; whereat Richard pierced with remorse, melted into floods of tears in most humble and repentant manner, attending upon the remains of his unfortunate 
He was buried at 〈◊〉.  Father to the Grave.  

His Wife.  
(101) Eleanor, the Wife of King Henry, was the eldest of the two Daughters, and the sole Heir of William Duke of Aquitaine, the fifth of that name, & the ninth in succession, son of Duke William the fourth, her Mother was Daughter to Raimund Earl of Tholo●…se, and her great Dowry was motive first to King Lewis, (who had two daughters by her, Mary and Alice) and after to King Henry, to marry her. There are of the 
* Serr●… in Le●… the y●…ger.  French Historians who report that king Henry had a former wife, and that she bore unto him Prince Henry: but Writers of our own affairs (and 
* Paulus 〈◊〉 in Lu●…ic. 7. who call●… her Leo●…ra.  some also of the French,) acknowledge but only Eleanor for his Wife. Certain it is, that king Henry's times were much famoused by two Women of much differing qualities; the one was his renowned Mother Matildis, whose Epitaph thus comprised part of her glory: 
Ortu magna, viro maior, sed maxima prole:  
Hic i●…cet Henrici Fili●…, Sponsa, Parens.  
Here Henry's Mother, Daughter, Wife dothrest:  
By Birth, much; more, by Spouse; by Child, most blessed.  The other was this Eleanor his Wife; the first cause of these bloody Wars, which long after continued as hereditary betwixt England and France, yea and the bellows of that unnatural discord, betwixt her husband and his sons. She much outlived her husband (as a bad thing sticks longest) being so happy as to see three of her sons, advanced to the Crown, and so unhappy as to see two of them in their graves: for she lived till King john's time.   

His Issue.  
(102) William, the eldest son and first child of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor his wife, was borne before his father was King, and while he was but Duke of Normandy, in the eighteenth year of the reign of King Stephen, 1152. and the fourth year after, (his father being then King, and in the second year of his reign) the Nobility of England swore unto him their fealty, as to the heir apparent of the Kingdom, at the Castle of Wallingford in Berkshire; but he deceased the year following, being the third of his father's reign, and the fifth of his own age 1156. He was buried in the Monastery of Reading at the feet of his great Grandfather, King Henry the first.  
(103) Henry, the second son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, being borne the last of February 1156. was their heir apparent, after the death of his brother William; was Duke of Normandy, Earl of Anjou and Magne; and was crowned King of England, at Westminster, by Roger Archbishop of York, the fifteenth of julie 1170. His wife was Margaret, daughter of Lewis the Younger, King of France, married to him at Nuburgh in Normandy, the second of November 1160. crowned Queen at Winchester, by Rotrocke of Warwick Archbishop of Rouen, the 21. of November 1163. and surviving him was remarried to Bela, King of Hungary: He died without issue, before his father, at Marcell in Tour●…ine, the eleventh of julie, the twenty six year of his father's reign 1182. and was buried in the Church of our Lady at Rouen.  
(104) Richard, the third son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was born at Oxford, (in the King's 
Ross●… War●…ic. & alij.  Palace there, called Beaumount,) in September the fourth year of his father's reign 1157. He proved a Prince of great valour, and was therefore surnamed in French Cuer-de-Lion; in English Lions-Heart: he was created Earl of Poyton, and had the whole Duchy of Aquitaine, for which he did his homage to King Lewis the Younger of France, in the eighteenth year of his father's reign 1170. yet afterward he conceived some discontentment against his father, and maintained wars upon him, but was reconciled again into his love, and succeeded him in his Kingdom.  
(105) Geffrey, the fourth son of King Henry, and of Queen Eleanor, was borne the twenty third of September, in the fifth year of his father's reign 1159. He married Constance daughter and heir of Conan Duke of Britain, and in her right was Duke of Britain, and did his homage to his brother Henry for the same Duchy, and received the homages of the Barons of the same: he died at Paris, in the thirty two year of his father's reign 1186. the nineteenth of August, and is buried in the choir of our Lady's Church there: he had issue Arthur Duke of Britain, borne after his father's decease, the heir apparent of King Richard, and by some supposed to be made away by King john; and also Eleanor called the Da●…sell of Britain, who died in prison in the reign of King Henry the third.  
(106) Philip, the fifth son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, may be mistrusted, to be mistaken by Antiquaries of our time, as misunder-standing the ancient writers, who mentioning the birth of Philip the King's son, might by good likelihood, be thought to mean, Philip son of Lew●… the Younger King of France, who was borne about this time, and was after King of the same Country. But Mr Tho●…as Talbot, an exact travailer in genealogies, hath not only set him down in this place, amongst the children of this King, but also warranteth the same, to be done with good authority: howsoever, it is apparent, his life was very short.  
(107) john, the sixth and youngest son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was borne in the thirteenth year of his father's reign, in Anno 1166. he was iestinglie surnamed by his father Sans-terre, in English without Land, because he was borne last, as if there had been nothing left for him: Notwithstanding soon after, he was created Earl of Mortaigne, and had moreover by degrees, the Earldoms of Cornwall, and Gloucester, the Counties of Derby and Lancaster, the Honours of Wallinford and Nottingham, the Castles of Tikhill, Marlborow, and Ludgarfall, with many other great signiories, and (above them all) was also Lord of Ireland, and at the last succeeded his brother Richard in all his-Dominions and was King of England.  
(108) Maud, the eldest daughter of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, borne in the third year of her father's reign, married to Henry, surnamed the Lion Duke of Saxony; Lothar that died young, Otho the fourth Germane Emperor, and William borne at Winchester, progenitor of the Dukes of Brunswick, who bore for their Arms, the Coat of England, with the two Lions, as King Henry his Grandfather bare, before the match with Queen Eleanor, and Maud married to Geffrey Earl of Perch: She survived him, and died in the first year of the reign of her brother King Richard, and was buried by her husband, in the Church of S. Blaze at Brunswick.  
(109) Eleanor, the second daughter of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was borne at Rouen in Normandy, in the eight year of her father's reign, 1162. She was married to Alf●…se, the ninth of that name, surnamed the Good, King of Castille in Spain, and had issue by him Sa●…ches, that died in his infancy: Ferdinando that died in his youth, Henry King of Castille after his Father, Blanch Queen of France, wife to King Lewis the 8. and mother of Saint Lewis. Berengar married to Alfonso king of Lion: Vrraca Queen of Portugal, and Eleanor wife of james king of Arragon.  
(110) joan, the third and youngest daughter of king Henry, and Queen Eleanor his wife, was born at the City of Angiers in France, in the month of October, the 13. year of her Father's reign, which was the year of our Lord, 1166. when she was eleven years of age; she was with great honour conveyed to the City of Palermo, and there married to William the second of that name, king of Sicil, Duke of Apulia, and Prince of Capua, upon Sunday the 13. day of February, 1177. and was crowned Queen the same day at the same place. She had a son by him named Boamund, whom his Father when he was returned from his Christening, created Duke of Apulia: but the child died first, and the Father after, leaving no issue. And she surviving, married again, and was the third wife of Raimund the fourth of that name, Earl of Tholouz, by him she had Issue Raimund the last Earl of that house, Bertrand Lord of Branquell, Montelore, and Saluiac, and a daughter married to Berald of Elbeine, Prince of Orange. 
His Natural Issue.   
(111) William the Natural son of king Henry, born of Rosamund, the daughter of Walter Lord Clifford; which Lady for her incomparable beauty was reputed (with allusion to her name) Rosamundi, the Rose of the world: the dear affection the king bore her, caused both burning jealousy in the Queen, and fatal ruin to herself, albeit the amorous king, for her secrecy and security, (but what walls will not a jealous eye pierce through?) had built for her a most artificial Labyrinth at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, with such cunning windings and intricate passages, as had not Fate, and heavens revenge on Adultery, showed the way, the enraged Queen had not so soon been rid of her Rival, nor that wanton Dame of her life. She was buried in the Nunnery of Godstow by Oxford with this Epitaph. 
Hac jacet in Tumba Rosa 〈◊〉, non Rosa munda;  
Non redolet, sed olet, quaredolere solet.  
(Rose,  
This Tomb doth here enclose the World's most be●…teous  
Rose, passing sweet ere while, Now ●…ght but edour vile.   
But Hugh (called the Saint) Bishop of Lincoln, thought the Hearse of a Harlot no fit spectacle for a Choir of Virgins to contemplate, & therefore himself in person caused her bones to be cast forth of the Church; which yet those chaste sisters afterward recollected, and placed there again with much honour, ●…cting a goodly Cross, thus inscribed to the honour of her memory: 
Qui meat hac, oret, Signumque salutis adoret,  
Vtque tibi detur requies Rosamunda, precetur.  
All you which pass this way, This Cross adore, and pray,  
That Rosamunas' Soul, may True rest possess for ●…ye.  The first Son which by her King Henry had, was the said William, surnamed in French, Longespee, in English, Long-Sword. He was Earl of Salisbury, in right of Ela his Wife, Daughter and h●…ire of William Earl of that County, son of Earl Patrick, by whom he had Issue William Earl of Salisbury, Stephen Earl of Ulster, Ela Countess of Warwick, Ida Lady Beucham of Bedford, and Isabella Lady Vescie: his son Earl William the second, had Earl William the third, Father of Margaret, Wife of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln: he died in the Castle of old Salisbury, and was buried in the Cathedral Church of the New City, in the ninth year of the reign of king Henry the third.  
(112) Geffrey an other Natural son of king Henry, was borne of the Lady Rosamund aforesaid: This man in his tender youth, was (by his Father's procurement) made Archdeacon of Lincoln, and after Bishop of that See, which he held above seven years without consecration. and then resigning it, in the year, 1181. into the hands of Richard 
Ger●…. Dorob.  Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Father; he was made Chancellor of England, and afterward 
An. D. 1181.  by his brother king Richard, he was advanced to the archbishopric of York, (being consecrated at Tours in France, An. 1191.) which See he governed with good approbation. But in the time of his Brother King john, he underwent many difficulties, by opposing the King's purposes, who therefore made seizure of his whole state, and An. 1207. he left the Land and after five years banishment, died, viz. Ann. 1213.  
(113) Morgan, an other Natural son of King Henry, is thought by 
* M. Ferrer.  some (because so small mention is made of him) to have been of no long life after his birth, and to have been borne of some woman in Wales, where this Christian name is most commonly used, and whither this King upon many occasions, sometimes resorted. But 
* Goodwin of the 〈◊〉. of Durham. john Stow in the life of King john.  some others (whose studious pains, deserve much thanks of posterity) report, that he was gotten on the wife of one Rodulph Bloeth (or Blewet) a knight, and lived both to be Provost of Beverley, and to be elected to the Bishopric of Durham, when coming to Rome for a dispensation (because his Bastardy made him otherwise uncapable) the Pope willed him to profess himself Blewets' lawful son, and not the King's Natural, promising to consecrate him on that condition: but he, using the advise of one William Lane his Clerk, told the Pope, that for no worldly promotion, he would renounce his father or deny himself to be of royal blood: so blind were some Prelates of those times, who esteemed spiritual functions, to be but worldly promotions.    

RICHARD THE FIRST, DUKE OF 
Monarch 44  
Richard I.  NORMANDY, GVYEN AND AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VI.  
RICHARD succeeding to his deceased Father Henry, brought forth that wonder, which a 
An. D. 1199 King Richard order his estate.  Writer ofthat age thus celebrated, 
Mira cano; Sol occubuit,  
Nox nulla secuta est.  
A Wonder strange I write, the Sun did set, yet was no Night.  Meaning, that though Henry were dead, yet the glory and happiness of the land was not thereby clouded, for that Richard was another Sunné, and in some respects far the more bright, and farther shining of the two; as having for honour of Christian Chivalry, wholly consecrated his warlike mind and actions to the service of God, and readvancement of the Cross of Christ, dishonoured by the Infidels in Asia: in which enterprise he was so fervently zealous, that from the time of his Father's death (in whose vows it had been) he 〈◊〉 scarce any thing else, disposing the affairs of his Estate (but not 
* R●…g. H●…ed. Mat. Paris etc.  carelessly, as some would impose) as of things which did but only under-serue, and conduce 
Rand. Higde●…. in 〈◊〉. 1.  to the main and principal end of advancing his saviours glory, whereunto he judged that action did tend.  
(2) Having therefore ordered his weightier businesses in 〈◊〉, and other his transmarine Dominions, & in ●…gland by his letters, set 
* Ger. 〈◊〉.  the Queen his Mother at liberty from that captivity, wherein her late husband the king had long detained her, (who sensible of others woe by her own, did afterward exercise many works of mercy in that kind) he cuts over hither, aswell to receive all the rights of Sovereignty, and to settle the same; as also to levy me●…nes for proceeding in his intended holy voia●…e, together with Philip king of France, and other Christian Potentates.  
(3) And though before his Coronation, most 
Kingly power before Coronation.  Writers do not call him a King; yet sure it is, that he and others did immediately, and unquestionably, upon the first accruement of the interest, (which was at his Father's last gasp) exercise all the offices of the royal power; for so he restored Robert 
Rog. Houed. fol. 374.  Earl of Leicester to his whole estate: So plain it is, that our Government allows not the dangerous convulsions, & empty spaces of an Interregnum, such as in mere elective States are common, if not continual.  
(4) But in nothing more could this noble Prince show his judgement (though he were otherwise 
* Ger. Dorobor.  Sagacis ingenij, of a sharp and searching wit) then 
King Richard's choice of friends and servants.  in this: That he banished from his familiarity, & (as my Author saith) hated all those of what profession so ever they were, who had forsaken his Father, and both retained, and enriched those other, who had loially stood for him against himself in all assays.  
(5) At his Coronation, which was most magnificently performed at Westminster, by 
* Radulp. de Diceto apud Too. Wals. in Ypod. Neustr.  Baldwyne Archbishop of Canterbury, the points of the Oath which he made to God, and the Kingdom of England, 
Chief matters at the Coronation▪ of Richard.  at the Altar upon the holy Evangelists, before the Prelates, Nobles, and whole people, 
* Rog. Houed. fol. 374.  were these: 1. That all the days of life he would bear peace, honour, and reverence to God, and holy Church and the Ordinances thereof: 2 That in the people to him committed, he would exercise right, justice, and equity. 3. That he would blot forth naughty laws, and perverse customs, if any were brought upon his Kingdom; and would enact good laws, and the same in good faith keep, and without mal-E●…gyn. Which oath being most solemnly taken, and the sacred unction performed; the Archbishop standing at the Altar forbade him, on the behalf of Almighty God, to assume that honour, unless he had a full purpose to keep what he had sworn: whereto Richard assenting, and with his own hands, humbly taking the ponderous Crown Imperial from off the Altar, in signification, as is probable, that he held it only from God; he delivers it to the Archbishop, who thereupon accomplished all the Ceremonies of Coronation.  
(6) Which Act was accidently han●…eld, and auspicated with the blood of many jews (though utterly 
〈◊〉 slain at the Coronation.  against the King's will) who in a tu mult (raised by the 
* So martial calls the multitude.  Ocean) were furiousliè murdered, which (though it were afterward punished by the Laws) might seem a presage, that this Lion-hearted King (as his byname Ceur-de-Lion did import) should be a special destroyer of the Enemies of our Saviour.  
(7) After counsel therefore (first mover in all worthy enterprises) Money was in his first, and chiefest cares; for raising whereof, to furnish the intended pilgrimage, he fold, mortgaged, estated, and by 
Richard p●…rueis for the Holy Land  a thousand princely skills) as if he should never 〈◊〉 come again, added incredible heaps to those huge sums, which he had scruzed out of Stephen de Turnham, his father's Treasurer (amounting to eleven hundred thousand pounds sterling, if some say true) all hoardward by King Henry. What could indeed be said enough for such a voyage? and it was a cogitation worthy so glorious a purpose, so to order his estate, as if he were not to return at all; because, looking-backe doth unbend and soften resolutions.  
(8) As for men and soldiers, the Prelates, Friars, and other Preachers, had stirred up innumerable, by their manifold exhortations (the Archbishop of Canterbury having 
* Gir. Ca●…b.  travailed through Wales in person for that purpose, going afterward with the King to Palestine, where also 
* Rog Houed. Math. Paris.  he died) in pulpits and private conferences, sounding nothing but the Cross and Passion of Christ, calling the world to revenge his cause upon the Pagans, and setting souls o●…re with vehement gestures, actions, and persuasions. But the ●…ngdome of England he ordered thus.  
(9) The only main danger of the 〈◊〉 ab●… 〈◊〉 in his brother john Earl of 〈◊〉, of whose ambition he was some what 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 
His pro●…on for 〈◊〉.  
* Geruasius.  knowing that King Henry, not long before his death, had intended the Crown to him: to conquer therefore his appetites, with bounty, and munificence; and to take away all murmuration in him, for want of Princely competencies, King Richard did as it were share the Realm with him, giving him six Earldoms, Cornwall, Dorset, Sommersette, Nottingham, Derby, and Lancaster, besides Castles, Honours, Manors, Forests, and much other riches, and finally, the Earldom of Gloster, with the Heir of that County to be his Wife, though the Archbishop of Canterbury forbade the Nuptials, alleging she was within degrees of consanguinity.  
(10) But lest, through evil nature or advise, Earl john should convert those so great gifts to the subversion of the bestower, He entrusted him with no part of the Regal power, as the Key, and secret of his proper safety: but laid the main burden of Government upon William Longchamp Bishop of Ely, 
* Mat. Paris. & al●….  chief justitiar, and Lord Chancellor of England, and Papal Legate, (a person out of all suspicion 
Roger Houed.  for aspiring to the Crown) whereby was conferred upon him, whatsoever either King or Pope could grant, for accomplishment of his authority; so that he might well be styled 
* Rex & Sacerdos. Mat. Par●….  Prince and Priest of England; as he was one, the most powerful subject for the time, that perhaps this Realm hath had: for, though the King had (as it were) joined with him in Commission, one Hugh Bishop of Durham, for the parts of England beyond Humber; yet, as it 
* 〈◊〉. li. 〈◊〉. c. 〈◊〉.  happened in the Consulship of Caesar and Bibulus, that nothing was reported of Bibulus, but all of Caesar, so did Long champ in a short time easily make himself sole and absolute, his sway burying in silence, the name, and endeavours, of his Colleague.  
(11) Thus the sum of command, or the Sovereign power itself, was in the Chancellor as Viceroy, but for defence and preservation of his justice, he * did subordinate or associate to those Bishops, 
Rog. Houed.  William Earl of Arundel, Hugh Bardolfe, William Martial, Geffrey Fitz-Peter, William Brunor, Robert de Wh●…tfield, Roger Fitz-Re●…rey, wherein he did show his love and care of the English Nation, as also of justice itself: for that many of these, were of the most honourable Peers of the Land (and not 
justice is best where it brings Honour rather than riches.  men bred-up or formerly enured to make justice, or their own Tongues venal, for a fee:) honour being the rule of their proceedings, and strength of private fortunes, with their Prince's favour, the pillar to sustain that honour.  
(12) There remained to provide for (before he left England) the neighbourhood of Scotland and Wales, which might otherwise make use of his absence to his prejudice: But Rhese ap Gruffith (of whom there is extant a short but elegant Panegyris) Prince of South-Wales (being already in amity) came as far as Oxford toward him; but because the King (who was there) came not in person to meet him (as his father King Henry had done) the Prince (notwithstanding Earl john the King's only brother, had conducted him from the Marches with special honour) took it in so high scorn and indignation, (for even the meanest, from whom service or love is expected, will again expect regard) that he forthwith returned into his Country, without once saluting the King; who by this neglect▪ lost Rheses' love, as, upon the like omission, and unrespectivenesse, Augustine (the too supercilious Monk) did lose the affections of the Monks of Bangor, Rheses' own countrymen, in another part of Wales.  
(13) As for william King of Scots (a very worthy 
Rog. Houed. The agreement between the two Kings of England. and Scotland.  Prince) he iourneied hither to King Richard into England, and here concluded a firm friendship, which he kept very religiously, even in the greatest troubles of King Richard, to the glory of himself and his Nation, and as some write, sent his Brother D●…d with 5000. Scots, to serve him in the sacred 
Hector 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 13. cap. 7.  w●…res. The chief points of their ●…tion were 〈◊〉. That for ten thousand Marks Sterling, (then 
Hector 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…000. 〈◊〉.  paid) the Castles of Rockesbrough, and Berwicke (cautionary Castles, or g●…ge places, for part of his ransom) should be restored. 2. That he should have all such deeds, instruments, and charters, made by him to the late King Henry, which had by constraint or duresse been obtained: and himself to be freed from all encumbrances, claims, or pretensions 
Hoveden.  whatsoever. 3. That he should have all such dignities, as his brother Malcolm held in England, (for which King William did there make fealty) and all such Lands as his Ancestors did hold of the English Crown.  
(14) The State of England being thus in the 
The agreement between the Kings of France and England.  main, and other mean points established, King Richard crossed the Seas into France to Philip king thereof, according to appointment, that from thence, with minds & forces united, they might set forward under the Ensign of the Cross; which after some stay (occasioned by the 
* Ger. Dor.  death of the French Queen) they did, upon these Christian and friendly terms; 1. That each of them preserve the others honour, and bear faith to him for life, and member, and earthly dignity. 2. That neither of them shall fail the other in their affairs; but that the King of France shall help the King of England to defend his land, even as he would defend the City of Paris, if it were besieged; and Richard King of England, shall help the King of France to defend his land, even as he would defend his City Rouen if it were besieged. This 
* H●….  being fairly engroft, and afterward ratified with oath, and sent by the kings themselves in person, the Earls and Barons swore in solemn manner, 
The agreement solemnly ratified on all parts.  that they would not trespass against their fealty, nor stir any war in either of the king's Dominions, so long as they were in that pilgrimage: on the other side, the 
* Math. Paris.  Archbishops and Bishops did firmly promise (in verbo veritatis, in the word of truth) that they would accurse and excommunicate all such as did transgress this agreement.  
(15) Thus (after some necessary stays) these two 
The Kings of France and Eng land set forward to the Holy Land.  the greatest monarchs of the West, set forward over land (toward the public service of Christianity) with such numbers as themselves thought best; which were so great, that having advanced (not without some little loss of people by the 
* Roger H●…d. Mat●…. Paris.  fall of the Bridge over the river Rhine at Lions, which broke by reason of the throng) beyond the said violent stream, they parted company; Philip passing over the Alps into Italy, and Richard to the Seaside at Marsilia, there to meet with his Navy, which being compact of all the chief Ships in England, Normandy, and other his French Dominions, was there appointed to attend.  
(16) But the voyage being very long, and King 
The City of Mes sana in Sicilia the Rende●…u of the Kings.  Richard coming to the Port before his Fleet, after eight days expectation there, waxing impatient of delay, embarked himself 
* Act & M●…n. pag. 314.  in twenty hired Galleys, and ten great hulks or Busses (a kind of shipping as it seems peculiar then to the Mediterranean seas) and set sail toward Messana in Sicilia, the Rendeu●…w of both the kings and of their Armies: in which passage, lying at Anchor (on occasion,) in the mouth 
Roger Wend. Math. Paris.  of the river Tiber not far from Rome, * Oct●…ianus, the Bishop of Hostia repaired unto him, desiring him in the Pope's name, that he would visit his Holiness; which the King denied to do, laying to the Pope's charge many shameful matters touching the R●…ish Simony, and Covetousness, with many other reproaches, allcadging that they took 700. Marks for consecration of the Bishop of Mains, 1500. Marks for the Legative power of William Bishop of Ely; but of the Archbishop of Bordeaux an inf●…ite sum of money: whereupon he refused to see R●…e. Thus (after sundry accidents and comings on land) hearing that his Navy was safe, he * stayed for them by the way, and then came 
Rog. H●…ed.  to anchor not long after (to wit, 23. of September) before the City of Messana, with so great a show of power, and sound of Warlike Instruments, and other signs of Majesty, in the sight of Philip and his French, and of many other Nations there assembled, that it struck horror into the Inhabitants, (saith Hoveden) and moved no small envy in the hearts of his confederates.  
(17) From this time forward, as it may seem (the Enemy of Concord feeding the malevolent passions of men with perpetual matter of debate) the king of France was never truly king Richard's friend in heart, but upon the same day (whither straightened in provisions or otherwise) he left the king of England; but by contrary wind was driven back before night, where (after many troubles and quarrels between the English and Sicilians) the two kings peaced again, and settled a new & as firm a league, as they could, during that martial pilgrimage.  
(18) Tancred was at that time king of Sicilia by 
King Richards Sicilian affairs.  usurpation, after the death of William, who had married joan sister of king Richard, whom (at that time upon displeasure and quarrel being prisoner) Tancred set at liberty, sending her in honourable manner to her brother, and did yield to sundry Articles, and also present payments of ample sums. Fear 
Rog. Ho●…ed. fol. 383.  wrought on both parts; for Richard being among strangers, and not very sure of the French, seized upon a strength of the Griffons (people much redoubted in those parts, till the arrival 
* Ide●… ibid.  of the English) & in a tumult took the City of Messana itself, where he displayed his En●…ignes, till for the French Kings love he was content to disaduance them, and to entrust the City to the Knight's Templars and Hospitalers, 
Act. & M●…. in R. 〈◊〉.  until Tan●…red had fulfilled all such things as Richard did challenge to be due, being many.  
(19) Upon great deliberation therefore, the Sicilian 
The accord between King Richard and King Tancred.  King made answer, that he had already paid to his sister, late Queen of that Island, a very great quantity of coin in recompense of her Dowry or jointure, and would satisfy all his other demands (concerning the Legacies intended by his Predecessor king William, to the Father of king Richard) as far as he ought according to the custom of that kingdom, and thereupon gave unto him for the quit-claime of his sister's jointure, twenty thousand ounces of gold: and farther to be acquitted of all other claims & pretences, as also in consideration that Arth●…r Duke of Britain, nephew & next heir of king Richard 
Arthur King Richard's next heir  (if Richard died without issue) should take to wife the daughter of K. Tancred, he paid him other twenty thousand ounces of gold, and of his own accord, and for King Richard's love, and for the love of the English Nation (which, saith our 
* R●…g. H●…ed. fol. 386.  Author, was then in greatest reputation through the kingdom of Sicily) as also to be the more assured of performance, he gave him other twenty thousand ounces of gold, 
Threescore thou sand ounce●… of gold given to King R●…chard.  beside afterward four great Ships, called Vrsers, 〈◊〉 fifteen Galleys.  
(20) King Richard on the other side, not to be wanting to any matter, which in honour and equity 
King Richard's sureties or Sponsors.  might be expected of him, besides letters Patents, he put in upon their Oaths for his sureties, two Archbishops, and two Bishops of his own there present, and twenty great Lords, and principal men his subjects, whose names because many of their posterities do yet stand) are here inserted out of the said letters Patents, as they are upon record in Hoveden.  
jordanus de H●…z his Constable, Wiliel●…us de Curci, Richardus de Camuilla, Girardus de Talebot, Robertus Sabluil, Guido de Cro●…n, Guarinus filius Geroldi, Bertramus deVerdun, W. Chamberlangus de Tankeruile, Robertus de N●…uo-burgo, Hugo Bardolf, Wigain de Cheresburg, Gilbertus de Wascuil, Hugo le Bruin, johannes de Pillar, Ama●…ri de Muntford, Andreas de Ch●…uenni, 〈◊〉 de Forz, Gaufridus de Rancu●…e, Ama●…ri Torell, and other not named.  
(21) Moreover for final assurance, he offereth that Pope Clement should undertake for performance 
The Pope King Richard's surety.  of his part in the said agreement; and that the said Clement would accordingly undertake, he requests him by most officious letters, giving him leave without any reluctation) to put his dominions (upon any his breach) under severest censures.  
(22) This peace and accord being happily thus concluded, King Tancred (having most royally and lovingly feasted the King of England for three days and three nights in a Castle of his) discovered, upon the way at Tavernium in his return, a foul and unprincely conspiracy of Philip (whom one of our Writers calls the vainglorious King) against the head and safety of King Richard; which coming to be 
* Ger. Dor.  scanned between the two Kings, the French charged the English with picking of quarrels; and added, that unless Richard married his sister Alice, according as he ought, having been contracted long before together, he would be his enemy while he breathed; whereunto King Richard (being pressed) did reply: That his 
* Rog. How. fol. 392 Act. and Mon. p. 316.  sister during the time of her abode in England, had a child by his Father Henry King of England, which he was ready to prove by many witnesses there present: so that King Richard had far more cause than a suspicion of dishonesty (which 
* john Stow. in Rich. 1.  some write) to refuse the marriage. This falling out so shamefully, Philip (upon certain conditions between Richard and him) left him at liberty to take a wife where he thought good, but never (as it may seem) forgave him his evil will while they two lived together.  
(23) And because acts of Christian remorse and humility are too rare among the Great ones of this vain world, it were a crime to pretermit the exemplar 
A Christian example of King Richard.  humiliation of this famous General K. Richard, at this time, who (to use my 
* Ro. Houed. f. 388  Author's words) inspired with divine grace, and studying to fit himself for the great attempt he had in hand, was stung at the soul with so just compunction for his sins, that calling before him his archbishops and Bishops into a Chapel, at the house where he was lodged without the walls of Messana; he blushed not to make a penitent confession of his manifold 
Holin. p. 12●…. col. 2.  excesses, humbly praying God of mercy, and them (as his subordinate Ministers) of Absolution; & God (saith Hoveden) respected him with eyes of Mercy, and gave him a penitent heart, so that from thenceforth he proved a man fearing God, eschewing evil, and doing good, 
* Ro. How. ibid.  O foelicem illum, etc. O happy he, who so falls, that he may rise more strong: O happy he, who after penitence, relapseth not into fault and ruin.  
(24) Whereupon addicting his mind to divine contemplations, & meditation of the christian Church, whose Champion now he was; he desired conference of one joachim (a Cistercian Abbot) whose great learning and deep understanding in the Scriptures, 
Ro. Houed. in Ric. 1 Paulus Aemilius in Philippo. 2.  with an opinion of a Prophetical inspiration, made him so famous over the world, that King Richard sent for him, being then in Calabria near Sicily, whom at his coming he heard preaching and expounding the Apocalypse of S. john, touching the afflictions of 
Houed p. 388.  the Church, and of Antichrist, which (saith he) was then borne, and in the City of Rome, and shall be advanced 
No new opinion that the Pope is Antichrist.  in the See Apostolic, of whom the Apostle said, he should extol himself above all that is called God; and that the seven Crowns were the Kings and Princes of the earth which obeyed him. Surely, near about this very time happened that in Rome, which might seem to give great probability to that Abbot's opinion, especially, if Emperors and Kings be truly called 
* Houed. p. 392.  Gods, over whom Antichrist also should extol himself: for in the same month that Richard left Messana, 
Psal. 82. v. 1. & 6.  was the Coronation of Henry the Emperor, and his Empress Constantia, in S. Peter's Church; where Pope Celestine, the very next day after his own consecration to the Papacy, sat in his Pontifical chair, 
Idem.  holding the Imperial golden Crown betwixt his feet: and the Emperor (as likewise the Empress) stooping low, received on his head the Diadem from the Pope's feet; and presently again the Pope strake the Emperor's crown with his foot, and dasht* it to the ground; signifying that 
Hovedens' printed Copy hath 〈◊〉, as if the Pope had thrown do●…e the Emperor, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is more probable with relation to cor. n●…. A D. 1191. The King of France le's ●…aile for the Holy-Land.  he had power to throw him (upon his demerits) out of his Empire: but the Cardinals catching up the crown, put it again on the emperors head.  
(25) The same day in which Philip & his French Forces set sail out of the Haven of Messana, arrived Alienor King Richards mother, accompanied with Berengaria his new intended Spouse, daughter to* Sanctius King of Navaire, whom afterward he took to wife in Cyprus; but his Mother after a short stay returned by Rome into England, leaving the young Lady with joan Queen Dowager of Sicily, both which accompanied the King toward the holy Land, his whole Navy being 
* Ro. Hou●…f. 392.  one hundred and fifty great ships, and fifty three Galleys well appointed for the war, and 
* Ypod. Neust.  many other Sails and Vessels: and (not to omit the same because it is recorded as a singularity) he had among all these, * thirteen Buces or Buscies, which had each of them three course of 
Mat. Par. ad A. D. 1191. Yood. Neust.  Sails to sail with: but no Writer (so far as we yet find) declares what numbers of Soldiers were in the English Army.  
(26) This Navy royal between the Isles of Rhodes and Cyprus, (for the honour and good of King Richard) was scattered by God with a terrible tempest, some one or two of which suffered wreck upon the Isle of Cyprus, whom 
* ●…Houed. King Richard's Navy scattered.  Cursac (or as other call him Isakius, Emperor of the Griffons) being a 
* Ypod. Neust. Math. Paris.  tyrant did spoil, and contrary to Christian Religion, (which was his profession, though 
* Houed. Ger. Dor. Hect. Boet. l. 13. cap. 7.  some mistake) and all honour and humanity, he would not (among other his unprincely, or rather barbarous behaviours) suffer the King's sister, and Lady Berengaria, with other of that tender society, to come into harbour, to their great discontentment and peril, a 
* Houed. fol. 39●….  Ship or two sinking there: but neither would God, nor King Richard forgive it him.  
(27) For the said unworthy Prince having thrice 
King Richard subdues the Isle of Cyprus. Ro Houed. Mat. Paris. Ypodig. Neust. Ger. Dor. Act. and Mon. p. 320. Holin. p.  refused to make restitution of his unlawful seizures and prisoners, was entered upon by the English, driven from the shores with great dishonour and slaughter; the City Limeszun left for a prey to the victors, and himself beaten again out of his Camp, and taken, and after an escape made by him, his only daughter and heir yielding herself, and her Father lastly coming again of his own accord (as despairing to lie hid) under custody, and thrust into fetters of gold and silver, the whole Island (with all the people, strength, and riches thereof) became subject to the King of England, and both Father and Daughter led away into captivity.  
(28) There arrived at Limeszun, to salute and honour King Richard within three days after his first victory, Guido King of jerusalem, Geoffrey de 
* Lusignian.  Lenizant his brother, Raimund Prince of Antioch, Earl Boemond his son, etc. offering their services, and swearing to be his against all men; with whose privity King Richard seized the flourishing and spacious Island of Cyprus, by antiquity celebrated as the very seat of Venus, which that it might so prove to himself, in the joyous month, he solemnly took to wife his beloved Lady Berengaria.  
(29) The person of the Emperor (for by that lofty title Writers call him,) was sent to Tripoli in Syria, under the custody of Ralph Fitz Godfrey, Lord 
* Rog Houed. pa. 392. Act. and Mon. p. 319.  Chamberlain to King Richard: his daughter was committed to the two Queens Berengaria and joan: the Island itself was entrusted to Richard de Camuile, and Robert de Turnham his Viceroys, with competent force and provisions, and the Islanders suffered to enjoy all such laws and liberties, as they held in the time of Manuel the Emperor of Constantinople, or (as now they call it) of S●…mboli.  
(30) This fame of Richard was much enlarged by his conquering a mighty 
* Rog Houed. Mat. Paris Ypod. Neust.  Argosy, called a Dromond, wherein were aboard one thousand and five hundredth Sarazens (though disguised under French Flags) furnished, besides all other provisions, with fireworks, barrels or cages of venomous serpents, and the like, for the use of the Saracens at Acon, (anciently called Ptolomais, to the siege whereof he was then sailing,) thirteen hundredth of which Miscreants, he sacrificed to Mars & Neptune, keeping the rest for ransom.  
(31) Philip King of France, (in hope perhaps to conquer Acon before the English could arrive, and to win thereby that glory entire) came safe before that City in Easter week; but as yet had not forced the same: at which time (that the Reader may observe the general disposition of the western Christians in those days) there engirded Accon (omitting the many great Prelates, Princes, Earls, and Honourable Cheifes) these Nations following; the Genoese and Florentines, the English under Hubert Bishop of Salisbury, afterward 
* Ger. Dorob.  Archbishop of Canterbury, Flemings, Almains, Danes, Dutch, Friselanders, Pisans, lombards, besides the Knight's Templars (collected out of all Nations) and beside the aids of the Asians: all which lay quartered at the Siege in order, as here they are placed, at that time in which the King of France arrived. But Richard King of England with his victorious and triumphant Navy (which when it went out of Cyprus, being much belike augmented* did contain 254. tall ships, and above 60. Galliots') brought terror & 
Act and Mon. p. 318.  dismay to the besieged, and comfort to the Christians, * upon the Sunday after Pentecost, being about the midst of june. 
Rog. Houed.   
(32) The siege was so vehemently plied, that (notwithstanding sundry dissensions between Philip 
The City of Acon rendered.  and Richard, the two competitors of glory in this voyage) after several breaches and assaults, the last whereof was made by the Pisans and English, upon the twelfth of july following, many offers of composition made by the Saladine, being utterly refused, the City of Accon was rendered to the Christians upon these conditions. 1 That Saladine (Prince of 
Mat. Paris Ypod. Neust.  Miscreants) should by a certain day restore the holy Crosse. 2 That he should set at liberty fifteen hundredth Christian Captives. 3. That the City with all the things contained therein should remain and be to the Christians. 4. That the Turks or Saracens should have their lives only saved, if these conditions were performed. 5. That they should pay twenty thousand Bizants, (pieces of gold) toward the charges of the Kings. * To take possession 
* Rog. Houed. fol. 395.  for the French, there was sent in Drogou de Merlou, and one hundredth men of Arms, and for the English, Hugo de Gurnay with the like number, who equally parted the City, goods, and people, between them.  
(33) And even now Philip King of France, aswell because the Earl of Flanders died at the siege 
King Richard upon certain conditions permits the King of France to depart Roger Houed. fol. 394. p 16.  without issue, whose countries he long had coveted, as for evil will to Richard, whose noble Acts so far outwent his, and because, as some * write, he had taken bribes of Saladine, meditates nothing but return, ask licence of King Richard to depart, being then but the tenth day after the City's surrender; so badly his envious eyes could, as it seemed, endure the splendour of his companions glory. The chief commanders of his Army hearing this, showing themselves true Frenchmen, and sensible of their obligation to God, and honour, with many tears besought him not to forsake that holy affair, ita impudenter, so shamelessly. In what Prince would not this have kindled a desire of a better resolution? But impotent passions carrying him, and miscarrying him, he persisted to get leave of Richard, who but two days before, would have had him swear to a stay of three years longer in that service; but he who had other cogitations far more unworthy of a King, would needs depart, giving his oath upon the holy Gospels, without which oath King Richard would not grant his good will. That he would well and faithfully keep the lands and subjects of the King of England, and neither do damage nor grievance to them by himself, nor suffer it to be done by others * till his return. 
R●…. Higd. in Polyer. lib 〈◊〉. cap. 27. Iu●… 〈◊〉.   
(34) The King of France thus leaving Accon, in the Castle whereof King Richard, his Queen and Sister were lodged, and the Duke of Burgunaie remaining behind with the French host, (to whom King Philip, not without sundry secret instructions, had with it committed a great part of his treasure) king Richard in the same day set forward upon a new enterprise; but it is true which one writes, * that by reason of the dissension between the Kings, which 
Ger. Dorob.  of them should seem the greater, little or nothing prospered; & just cause had King Richard to complain in 
* Rog Houed.  his letters, that Philip to the eternal reproach of himself and Kingdom, had foully forsaken his purpose and vow unto God.  
(35) But when the Saladine could not by any means obtain a longer day for performance of the said Articles of composition, he cut off the heads of all his Christian Captives; in revenge whereof King Richard brought out his Turkish Captives, (being about two thousand and five hundredth) and in the sight of the Saladines host caused their heads to be chopped off; the Duke of Burgundy doing the same to the like number, near unto the walls of Acon, seven only being kept alive by the Christian Generals, whereof Karakeys Salaadines' * foster Father 
Math. Paris.  was chief. But Richard proceeding in his undertaken action, and in his march to joppa, being set upon by Sultan Salaadine (who had put the Duke of Burgundy to flight, and slain the valiant jaques de Auennis, who only with a few in the Rearguard made resistance) so courageously encountered him, that the Salaadine with the loss of three thousand his choicest Soldiers was glad to turn his back and fly: whiles therefore this Champion is thus employed in the Holy-land, let us look back a little how the affairs of his Kingdom are managed at home.  
(36) john the King's brother, making use in England of such discontentments, as the incredible insolences, 
Disorders in England. Guil. de Newburgo. l. 4. c. 14. Rog. Houed. Mat. Paris. Nubrigens'. l. 4. c. 18  and intolerable tyrannies of the Chancellor (who carried himself both like a Pope and a King) had bred among the Nobility and people, to advance thereby his own designs, stirred against him (though strengthening himself like a General in the field,) so powerful opposition, that in the end, (upon warrant of a new 
* Houed. in Rich. 1 p. 391. Nubrig. l. 4. c. 18.  Commission sent from the King his Brother) he with the rest of the Peers suddenly thrust him out of all command, and shortly after most reproachfully (as it happened, for he fled, and was taken in a Courtesans attire, il beseeming a Pope's Legate) out of the Kingdom also, upon occasion, 
* Uelut delicata muliercula. Nubrigens'. l. 4. c. 17 Hoveden. p. 401  as of other foul demetites, so particularly of a sacrilegious and barbarous outrage, committed by the Chancellors command, upon the person of Geffrey Elect Archbishop of York (natural brother to King Richard and the Earl) on pretence that he entered England contrary to his oath given to his brother King Richard, where as he then came to take possession of his See, to which he was advanced by the 
* Nubrigens'. l. 4. c. 17. Hoveden, p. 399.  Kings own procurement, and by Queen Eleanors own travail to Rome in his behalf. And 
Hoveden in Ric. 1. p. 392.  albeit this punishment & shame deservedly followed the Chancellor's pride and oppression, yet in one main point of opposing the Earl's Ambition; (who sought to assure to himself the remainder of the Crown, which in right of blood belonged to his Nephew Arthur) his service to the State had been very commendable, if it had proceeded from loyalty of affection, and not from a swelling desire of greatness, which he hoped still to enjoy, if Arthur (a child) should succeed in the kingdom, whereas 
Guil. de Newburgo. l. 14.  he knew Earl john's advancement could not be without his apparent ruin.  
(37) But Philip King of France in all places labouring by 
* Guil. Nubrig. l. 4. 6. 25.  wrongful and unprincely aspersions to deface the renown of King Richard, though finding small credit to his words (because the man had done nothing himself) devised after his return how to trouble and endamage his friends dominions; and had effected it, if the Lords of France whom he solicited to that wicked work, upon pretence of the composition made with King Richard at Messana, had not (to their immortal glory) 
* Ro. Houed f. 408 Nubrigens' l. 4. 6 25.  refused to assist him therein, till Richard's return, aswell in regard of their own oaths, as because the sentence of excommunication was denounced against all such as did attempt to endamage him in his absence.  
(38) King Richard notwithstanding that the relation of these things greatly troubled him, gave not over as yet, but after sundry other matters of importance performed, did march up within the sight of jerusalem, where he skirmished with the enemy, & overthrew the Convoy or Caravan of the Salaadine, which came laden from Babylon, guarded with ten thousand men; whom King Richard valiantly encountering with five thousand selected soldiers, 
Mat. Paris saith they were 7000. Camels, and makes no mention of Mules or horses.  put most of them to the sword, and took three thousand Camels, and four thousand Horses and Mules, besides those that were slain, and so gained the rich spoil of all the Carriages.  
(39) After this, and many other worthy things done, as the rescue of joppa, and repulse of Saladine from thence, etc. the King indefatigable in his brave attempts, desirous to regain jerusalem, and the City Baruck, was abandoned in that enterprise by the Duke of Burgundy (who is * said to have been apparently corrupted with gifts from Saladine, and the 
Math. Paris in Rich. 1.  regiments of French under his conduct;) whereupon he was the rather persuaded by the Knight's Templars, and chiefs of the Christian host, not to refuse Saladines offers for a surceasance from hostility, considering that he had a purpose to return with reinforced numbers and means; that his present powers by divisions, by sickness, by battales were wasted, and that the dangerous estate of his own Dominions did require his presence, (the greatest motive, for he had supplies of money for his soldiers wages from Pope Celestine) by reason of some undue practices at home, and the rancour of King Philip his unreconcilable adversary abroad. Whereupon a truce was taken for three years, and Saladine repaid 
Sabellic. Enn. 9 l. 5 Polyd Virg. l. 14.  such charges as Richard had been at in fortifying Askalon, which was brought to the same estate, as in which King Richard found it.  
(40) But the King of England, though he had very far excelled all the Christian Princes in great exploits at that journey, because* he had neither conquered Salaadine, nor jerusalem, did mourn, 
Ger. Dor.  and parted pensive. In the holy-land he left Henry Earl of Champain, (who upon taking the said Baruck was to have been crowned King of jerusalem, which Guido had resigned) and he left Guydo de Lusignian (the late King of jerusalem in Cyprus, to whom he had passed it, in exchange for the other, to advance his Kinsman the said Earl of Champain; which upon that Title, the family of Lusinian for 
* Rog. How. f. 417.  many descents after did possess and enjoy. Thus Richard having ordered his affairs in the East parts, 
Poly Verg. lib. 14.  sets sail homeward. The Queen's Berengaria his wife, and joan his sister, with the Captive Lady, Daughter of the Cypriot Emperor, under the conduct of Stephen de Turnham (hearing of the Kings most heavy fortune) sojourned at Rome about six months, for fear of Richard's enemies, & afterward came safe by Marsilia in Poictou.  
(41) God, whose cause was only pretended in this voyage of the Christians, did not seem to approve the said truce; for he 
* Mat. Paris.  scattered the English with a terrible tempest, and the 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. 14.  opportunity of Conquest was so lost, that hitherto it could never be regained, and the King of England letting it slip when God had almost put the same into his hands, did miserably fall into his enemy's hands. Certainly, the name of Richard was at that time grown terrible to Saladine, who had received diverslosses, foils and overthrows at his haudes: Moreover, the Saladines whole estate being endangered by such of his own sect as reputed him a mere usurper, he could not long withstand the double impression of the Christian Chivalry, and of his own Allies and Countrymen; as indeed not long after* he died, leaving his Empire foully, but justly, distracted by civil confusions: whereas by this 
Rog. Houed. f. 414.  Truce the crafty Turk made the world see, that the powers of two so potent monarch had in a manner effected nothing; & Richard could never have time to return for accomplishment of his designs; for which all Christendom hath at this hour reason to be sorrowful, and hereofhimselfe* was very sensible, so that he would oftentimes cry out, that he 
Polyd Verg lib. 14  was not always wise, alluding to this occasion lost.  
(42) But the noble King, hoping to pierce with speed through Germany in disguise, took to him 
An. D. 1193  the name of 
* Mat. Paris.  Hugo a Merchant, the hair of his 
* Polyd Verg l. 14  head and beard grown very long, being the fitter to conceal him; but in his journey over land, was 
Rog. Houed. f. 408.  near to Vienna unhappily discovered by the profuseness of his expenses; when he saw he could not escape them, 
* Math. Paris.  in contempt of his fortunes, he put on royal garments, and refused to yield but 
* Ger. Dor.  only to the Duke himself, who came with joy as to a prey which he sore longed for: but the rascal multitude 
* Hardings' Chr. cap. 138.  cried things worthy of themselves, calling him (O barbarism) Traitor, and some saying, stone-him, some cut off his head, & others hang him: and because the inhumanity of this usage may be suited with rhymes as rude and ragged, you shall in such hear the cause of this archdukes malice, growing first at Accon, where the Author speaking of King Richard saith; 
He gate it soon with his great Ordinance,  
And on the walls his Banners full high set,  
The King's Arms he set up also of France,  
And King Guyes Arms of jerusalem well bet,  
The Duke of Oistrich Limpold without let,  
Set up his Arms after above them all,  
Which King Richard did cast down from the wall.   
(43) And though it is certain that this Author feigns not this fact, for that some such matter (and 
Pretences for the detinue of King Richard.  told by * some with more disadvantage to Richard's cause) is by others 
* Mat. Paris ad An. D. 1192. Ger. Dor. who writes that the Archduke set up his Standard in the chief place of the City of Acon to the injury of King Richard. Guil. de Novobur. go. lib. 4. cap. 24 & lib. 5. cap. 16 This description fitteth a like sect now in the west.  related, yet the gravest Authors agree (that next to the common envy at his virtues) the greatest pretence was the murder of the marquess Conrade committed at tire, by two cursed Assasines, a* certain sect in the East, living under a Senior or Ruler, whom they honour as a Prophet, by whom they are sent forth to murder such Princes as favour them not, promising themselves the reward of immortality by obeying him in all things, though with the loss of their own lives. Of which barbarous fact Henry the Emperor, and Leopold the Archduke (whose near kinsman Conrade was) would seem to believe that Richard was the Author, though therein they touched his princely reputation and integrity, * most injuriously, for that the chief of that sect by their own 
Ypod. Neust. p. 455. Edit. An, D. 1603 The copy of the said letter see Nubrig l. 5. cap. 16  public * letters (written with the blood of the shellfish called Murex, wherewith Scarlet used to be died) acknowledging the fact, declared the true cause thereof, which was a particular Act of injustice in Conrade himself: There wanted not sundry other pretences, as in such cases is usual, as * that Richard had entered league with Tancred King of Sicilia the emperors enemy, and that he had thrust the Cypriot 
Mat. Par. ad An. Dom. 1193.  (their kinsman) out of the Empire, and kept his only daughter Captive. But this booty, being too great for a Duke, the Emperor got into his custody, meaning to coin much gold and silver out of his most unjust affliction, by sharp imprisonment: which could not make him in any act or speech, or gesture of his, show beneath the Majesty of a victorious Prince and King of England.  
(44) The dismal news thereof flying through the world, presently disclosed who were sound or 
The face of England in her King's captivity.  unsure; sorrow and dismay was every where among his own: 
* Ger. Dor. Rog. Houed. f. 40●…  His careful mother and other his fast friends swear the realm to be true to King Richard, watch the coasts, and provide for the security of the State with singular vigilancy, assuring the Cities & good Towns with Bulwarks, Walls, and Munition. On the contrary, Earl john being (by the 
The attempts of john King Richard's brother  cunning inveigling and suggestions of his brother's professed foes) not only put out of all hope of his releasement, but also incensed against him for intending the Crown to his Nephew Arthur, entered into an unbrotherly attempt against his Sovereign Lord; the sum whereof, take in the words of Thomas Walsingham, who saith, that john with promises alured many to him through the whole Kingdom, 
Ger. Dorob. Rog. Houed. Math. Paris.  did carefully and speedily fortify his holds in England, and passing the seas, entered into league with 
Tpod. Neust.  the King of the French, that he might utterly put his Nephew Arthur, Duke of Britain from that hope, which the Britain's had conceived of his promotion. The 
* Rog. Houed.  Normans giving any way to his disloyal practices, he swears fealty to Philip King of France (his brothers most mortal enemy) and also that he would take to wife the Lady Alice King Philip's sister, though polluted by his own Father, and for that cause rejected by King Richard. Out of Normandy he posts into England, solicits Peers and people, and was loyally resisted: but he not quieted so, labours to stir the Scot and Welsh to join in an invasion with him: the French and Flemings assuring them that his Brother King Richard would never be set at liberty: but William King of Scots would neither give assent, nor countenance to such undutiful practices, or rather madnesses. 
Ger. Dor.   
(45) In this most perilous time the valour and loyalty of the City of Rouen (the choicest of Normandy) did most clearly show themselves to the everlasting commendation thereof: for Philip coming before it with a puissant Army solicited them to revolt, promising mountains. In stead of answer 
* Rog. How. f. 412.  they set open the gates, telling him that he might enter if he would, for no man hindered him: but the 
* Ger. Dorob.  vainglorious King being better advised, (for the inhabitants, yea & the damsels of the City, whose heads were polled like as men's, powered molten pitch, and such like matter upon the besiegers) 
Martial women in ●…oan.  retreated from the walls, and marched away confounded: and being certainly advertised that the Emperor and King Richard were agreed, he sends over to Earl 
* Rog. Houed. f. 414  john, bidding him look to himself, for the Devil was now let loose. He thereupon crossed over the seas to Philip, who * excited him to usurp the Kingdom of England. 
Lanquet ad A. D. 1191.   
(46) Nevertheless by Queen Elianors negotiation (who in person traveled to the Emperor) the 
The Articles of King Richard's liberty.  King her son was come to be assured of his liberty upon these conditions. 1. That he should pay to the Emperor one hundredth thousand Marks sterling. 2. That he should pay fifty thousand Marks of like money to the Emperor and Duke. 3. That he should marry his Niece, (sister to Arthur Duke of Britain) to Duke Leopolds son. 4. That the Emperor should secure him, till he were under sail with a forewind. 5. That he should set the Cypriots person at liberty, and deliver his daughter to the Duke of Austria, who was her uncle, and should deliver 67. hostages for assurance of all.  
(47) But to colour this unreasonable and unprincelie extortion, the Emperor by his Imperial Charter gives unto King Richard, Province, and sundry other ample territories, containing 5. Archbishoprickes, and thirty three bishoprics (sometime parcel of the Empire, but both then and a 
King Richard crowned King of Province, etc.  long time before out of possession) & thereof crowns him King, writing magnificent letters into England, with such like offices.  
(48) Now when King Richard (who had won to himself wonderful honour and respect, even of 
A new and foul treason of Earl 〈◊〉 discovered.  the covetous Emperor, by the proof of his innocency, and by his most noble and constant carriage) did expect his liberty at an assembly or diet, where the greatest Princes and States of the Empire were in person, to wit, The three Archbishops of Mentz, Colon and Saltzburg; The three Bishops of Worms, Spire, and lieges; The three Dukes of Swave (the emperors brother) Ostrich, and Lwain; The Count Palatine of Rhine, etc. which had undertaken for the Emperor, whose officers had already received the greater part of the ransom: behold even then the Emperor shows a willingness to break off, producing the letters of Philip King of France, and of john Earl of Morton, in which they offer an huge sum etc. too impious and devilish to speak of: but the Princes who had undertaken to King Richard for good dealing, went to the Emperor reproving him for his avarice, who would so dishonourably traverse and start back from the agreement: 
* Ro. Houed f. 418. In january saith Nubrig. di●… Parisi. B. Mariae, saith another.  upon the fourth of February therefore being Friday, the archbishops of Mentz and Coleine restore him 
* Rand. Higden in Polycr. lib. 7. cap. 28. Fabian.  after fifteen months imprisonment, to Queen Alienor his mother, free from the Emperor, all that were present weeping thereat for joy.  
(49) This Archbishop of Coleine was he, who entertaining the King in the Dominions of his archbishopric; with great joy for his deliverance did celebrate divine service in this manner: Now know I truly that the Lord hath sent his Angel and taken 
Roger Houed.  me out of the hand of Herode, and the expectation of the common people of the jews, etc.  
(50) And indeed it was God's Angel did it: for after all this, whiles the King stayed for a wind, and other preparations at the Seashore, the Emperor repenting him of his release, sent speedy guarders to 
Nubrigens'. l. 4. c. 41  apprehend him again, vowing he should never be freed from bonds whiles he lived; but some secret message (as Prince's Courts never want Spials) speedily premonished him, and so by a very little time 
Mat. Paris. Ypod Neust.  he prevented his surprisers, landing happily at Sandwich, in April the Sunday after Saint George's day: where in stead of all other triumphs, or particulars of joy for his return, we will content ourselves with only one, as sign of the rest. When the King drew near to Rochester, the venerable new Archbishop of Canterbury Hubert (who had been with him 
The joyful meeting between the King and Archbishop.  at Accon in the Holy-land) went joyously forth to meet him; whom when the King saw, he dismounted from his horse, and having bowed his knee, fell 
Ger. Dor.  upon the earth, in like sort the Archbishop lay right against him; at the last both of them rising from the ground, they ran into each others arms, comforting themselves with mutual embraces & weeping with joy.  
(51) The justice of a true history will not suffer us here to forget, in what sort the injustice of this unnoble captivation of Richard King of England, was 
King Richards wrongs revenged upon the Duke of Austria.  punished by God, and on God's behalf. The Duke of Austria's Country, and people, being visited with these five plagues, Fire, Water, Barrenness, Worms, 
Mat. Paris. Ro. Houed f. 4●…5.  & Pestilence: the Fire, casually burning his Towns; the River of Danubius drowning ten thousand of his Subjects, in an overflow; the earth waxing dry and 
Panui. Cestr. Polichr. l. 7. c 27.  sear; the Worms destroying such fruit and grain as grew; and the stroke of Pestilence killing the principal Nobles and Gentlemen of his Dominions: The Duke for all this continued obstinate like another Pharaoh, swearing to cut off the heads of K. Richard's Hostages, unless all Covenants (though extorted by cruel Duresse) were exactly and speedily performed. Baldwin de Betun (one of the Hostages) is sent to the King with this bloody message; but before his return, upon S. Stephen's day in Christmas, the Duke 
* Ger. Dor.  spurring his horse in sport upon a Castle of snow among youths, which were counterfeiting a siege, and an assault, with the slip of his horse, broke his foot in such sort, as it came to be* cut off, and within a while feeling himself perishing upward, 
Tpod. Noust. john Stow in Rich. 1. Holin. pag. 147 ad A. D. 1195.  so that his death was certain, could not be absolved of his Bishops from the sentence of Excommunication which had by the Pope been denounced, till he and his Lords had sworn to release all the said matters between the King of England and him; but his son after his death refusing the performance, his Father's body lay stinking above ground eight days, for that no clergy man durst bury it, being but conditionally absolved, till the son did yield to the performance; yet (if* some may be 
Polyd Virg l 14.  credited upon his bare word) the son did voluntarily condescend, and not upon this compulsion.  
(53) But albeit the Emperor 
* Mat. Paris ad Ann. Dom. 1196.  to declare himself 
King Richard's injuries revenged upon Henry the Emperor.  wounded with some remorse for his ungodly violence, or to engage others in the impiety, gave three thousand Marks of King Richard's ransom to make silver Censers through all the Cistercian order, who generally refused the gift, as parcel of an accursed spoil (for as for those* seventy thousand marks, 
Roger Houed. fol. 431.  which he forgave to King Richard, with as bad a purpose (being to hinder peace between him, and the French) as he had taken the other unjustly, they are not to be accounted as restitution, but as the wages of sin); revenge forsook him not, being pursued by his own wife (the Heir of the Crown of Sicilia) in revenge of some cruelties done to her Countrymen; and after reconcisement with her, falling dangerously sick, he died at Messana, excommunicated for King Richard's cause. And albeit he had in his life time sent his Chancellor out of Burgundy, of purpose to offer King Richard recompense for the injuries he had sustained, and although Constantia the Empress had sent the Archbishop of Messana (while the emperors body lay above ground without burial) to Pope Celestine in humble manner, praying Christian burial, yet 
* Rog. How. f. 440.  unless the money which he had extorted from the King of England were restored, he could by no entreaties obtain it: which accordingly was promised.  
(54) Neither were the King of England's afflictions unprofitable unto him, for they gave him occasion to reform his life, taking home to him his Queen Berengaria, whose society for a long time he 
* john Stow in R. 1  had neglected, though she were a royal, eloquent, & beauteous Lady, and for his love had ventured with 
* Rand. Higden in Polycr. lib. 7. cap. 26.  him through the world.  
(55) King Richard after his joyous return into England, having at the Abbey of Saint Edmunds, in 
King Richard's doings after his return. Mat. Par. Ro. Houed. f. 392.  performance of his vow (as may seem) offered up the rich Imperial Standard of Cursac, Emperor of Cyprus, which he took among the spoils of the Griffons Camp: thence he marched, and took in by surrender such Castles as the servants of his brother john (believing that the King was not returned) held against him; but Henry de Pumeray, who had fortified Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall, hearing for certain that King Richard was come, died for very fear. And now, forty days of summons 
Houed. fol. 418.  being expired, which were allowed to Earl john, & Hugh Bishop of Coventry, for making their appearance, to answer to such heinous matter as was prepared, and they not appearing, john was adjudged by the Peers and States of England, to have forfeited all that he might forfeit in the Realm, and the Bishop to be punishable by the Ecclesiastical censures, as he was a Bishop, and likewise as an Officer of the King, by the Laity. Richard afterward bestirs himself to draw in money more greedily, than did become so great a Majesty, wherein yet (saith saith one) he was rather to be pardoned then accused, 
Math Paris.  for that he was presently to lead a mighty Army against the French.  
(56) But first of all, to wipe away both the sadness and contumely of his late restraint, for a better fortunes beginning, he caused himself to be crowned again at the City of Winchester; which celebrity was honoured with the presence of William king of Scotland, who bore a sword before 
* Rog Hove. f. 420 Hect. Boat. l. 13. cap. 8.  King Richard: between which two Princes, there* followed great amity and tenderness of love; then being granted to him, and his successors Kings of Scotland, a certain pension, with sundry other allowances, 
Ro. Houed. f. 419.  and princely attendances, from the first day of their friendly entrances at any time into England, till their return.  
(57) The King likewise caused a new broad Seal to be made, requiring that all Charters granted under his former, should be confirmed under this, whereby he drew a great mass of money to his Treasury, subscribing such renewed Charters thus: This was the tenor of our Charter under our first Seal, which because 
juter Chartley 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉. D Rob. Cotton Equi●….  it was lost, and in the time of our being captain in Almain was in the power of another, we caused to be changed, etc. Some have observed, that as this Richard was the first of the English Kings who bare Arms on his Seals, as appeareth by the 
* Wherein are 2. Lion's rampant combatant: well ●…ting that Ceur-de L●….  former: so was he the first who carried in his shield, three Lions passant, borne ever after for the Regal Arms of England. And whereas we see here the Moon in her full, which in the other was but a Crescent, (which is the Turkish Ensign,) it may seem to be done Emblematically, in that sense, as we read of another Prince (who going against the Turks) gave a Crescent with this word, Plenior redibo, I will return more full. The true draft of this second Seal we have here annexed.  
(58) A good 
* 〈◊〉. Ypod. N●….  Author reports, that after this, the King being at dinner at Westminster, and receiving advertisement of the siege laid to Vernoil, by his restless enemy Philip of France; swore that he would never turn his face, till he had gotten thither with his Army to fight with the French; whereupon he caused the wall to be cut through, (the sign of which breach appeared 
* In 〈◊〉 days who ●…ued under Henry 5.  above two hundred years after) never resting, till with an hundred great Ships he had crossed the seas from Portsmouth into Normandy, where the only rumour 
Ro. Ho●… f. 421. Mat. Paris.  of his approach made the French King raise his siege, and without stroke or sight of his magnanimous 
Ypod. Neust.  Enemy, (but not without loss and shame) to quite the field.  
(59) Neither was his clemency less than his courage, whereof needs no greater testimony, then 
King Richard forgives his brother john.  when upon Earl john's 
* Nubrigens'. l. 5. c. 5  dutiful submission, & his mother's intercession, he so freely forgave him, as that he calmly said, 
* though Walls: in Ypodig. Neust. fol. 456.  Would that thy fault may so be forgotten of me, as that thyself mayest keep in memory what thou hast done. and 
* Houed. fol. 428.  afterward restored his possessions unto him; the Earl from that time forward becoming his 
* Nubrig l. 5. c 5 Ran. Higd. in joh. li. 7. c. 29.  true Knight, & doing him very noble services, (especially against the French who had seduced him) as a loving brother, & faithful Leegeman, whereby he made amends for his former excesses, and fully recovered the hearty affection of his Lord and brother.  
(60) There were after this sundry skirmishes, take of Prisoners and Towns, and conferences between the French and English, moved belike, by such as religiously tendered the effusion of Christian blood, so as no great matter was yet effected; that which was, being rather by 
* Ger. Dor. Ypod Neust.  Stratagems and starts, then by battle; but within * thirty seven days after the French men's flight from Vernuil, King Richard (in revenge of that desolation which the French King had brought upon the City of Eureux, where he neither spared age, sex, nor Church) coming to Vendome, with purpose to surprise the King of France, had the spoil of the French Camp, their King (a thing almost incredible) now the second time flying without battle. Many of the French were slain, and taken, together with 
* Ypod. Neust. fol 456 Nubrig. l. 5. c. 2.  much treasure, the 
Rog. Houed. f. 421.  Chapel royal, the Indentures of such as had left Richard to serve King Philip, and all the * tents, carriages, and other furnitures for war: and from hence marching in Poictou and Engolisme, he had such successes (howsoever the silent partialities of foreign Writers smother them) that 
* Rog. How. sol. 422  himself wrote over to his dearest Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, That by God's favour, who in all things considers the right, he had taken Tailburg, Marsiliac, and all the other Castles of Geoffrey de Rancune, the City of Engolisme, and all the Castles and Territories of the Earl thereof, and almost three hundredth Knights, or men of Arms, and about forty thousand armed Soldiers.  
(61) We will not here overpass, that which Hoveden reports, (being an example of Christian repentance in Princes) of a poor Hermits coming 
A. D. 1195. Ro. Houed. 428.  to this noble Monarch, and preaching to him the words of eternal life; and bade him be mindful of the subversion of Sodom, and to abstain from things unlawful, otherwise (saith he) the deserved vengeance of God will come upon thee: The Hermit being gone, the King neglected his words: but not long after falling sick, he more seriously bethought 
King Richard's amendment of life and daily exercise.  himself, and afterward waxing sound in soul, as well as body: his daily exercise was to rise early, & not to depart from the Church till divine service were finished: whereupon (saith Hoveden) how glorious it is for a Prince to begin and end his actions in him, who is beginning without beginning, and judgeth the ends of the earth. Moreover, he bountifully relieved every day much poor both in his Court and Towns about: and restored gold and silver vessels to such Churches, from which to pay his ransom they had been taken away.  
(62) After this passed sundry interchanges betwixt the French and English, sometimes of wars, with wastes and spoils, sometimes of truces with interviews and Parleys; in one of which, the Lady Alice, (cause of much mischief) K. Philips sister, was restored (according to the contract of Messana) to her brother, who forthwith bestowed her in marriage, upon john Earl of Pontif. In the mean while the Kings sought to make friends upon all sides; but King Richard by his munificence, and other means, drew from King Philip a mighty party of his nearest neighbours: 
* Rog Houed. pa. 436.  Baldwin Earl of Flanders, Raimund 
Polyd Virg. l 13.  Earl of Tholose (to whom also King Richard gave in 
* Mat. Paris.  marriage, his sister joan Queen of Sicilia) the * Champanois and others: so that Philip was feign to trust wholly upon himself: for whereas he had lately married the sister of the King of Denmark, of purpose to use the Danish shipping against the English, that affinity proved enmity: for the 
* Nubrig. l. 4. c. 26 Vide ibidem, with Picardus his notes. Nubrig. l. 5. c. 16.  next day after his wedding, he put her away, pretending (besides * other things) that she was of too near a propinquity of blood; albeit most untruely, as her brother, the King of Denmark proved before the Pope, though he could not be heard, the King of France more prevailing, either by fear or favour.  
(63) About this time, john the King's brother & 
An, D. 1197  Markadey Captain of the Brabanters, called the 
* Ro. Houed. f. 438  Rowtes, had made an incursion up to Beavois, where the Bishop, being also an Earl of the Royal Blood, and the eleventh Peer of France, valiantly fight, was 
* Ot Rutters who s●…ued on any side for wages, therefore called by Hoveden, nefanda gens, and accursed in the Lateran Counsel. Ger. Dor. Guil. Nubrig. l. 5. c. 30.  taken in the skirmish, armed at all points, and bravely mounted; on whose behalf the Pope (upon the Bishop's humble suit, * pleading the Clergies immunity) wrote somewhat earnestly to King Richard, to set his very dear son, for so he called the Bishop, at liberty; The King in a kind of pleasant earnestness, caused the Habergeon and Cuirasses of the Bishop to be presented to the Pope, with this question (alluding to that of * Jacob's children to their father, concerning Joseph's garment,) 
Gen. 37. 33.  
* Holin. in Rich. 1.  Vide an tunica filii tui sit an non, See whether it be thy 
Mat. Paris.  sons coat or no. Whereupon the Pope replied, that he was neither his son, nor the son of the Church, and therefore should be ransomed at the Kings will, because he was rather judged to be a servitor of Mars, than a Soldier of Christ. Whom the King of England (in 
* Nubrig. l. 5. c. 30.  revenge of many evil offices, especially in the time of his captivity with the Emperor) handled sharply. The Bishop at length waxing impatient, writes a passionate letter to the Pope; whose answer in part is here set down, for that it notably defends the King of England. If (saith the Pope) thou hast had ill success, it is no marvel, 
The Pope's answer to the Bishop. Holin.  for putting off the peaceable Prelate, thou didst put on the warlike Soldier, and rashly tookest a shield in stead of a cope, a sword for a Stole, a Cuirass for an Albe, an Helmet for a Mitre, a Lance for a Bishop's staff, perverting the order, & course of things: neither meant you (as you allege) to repel violence but virtue, nor did you fight for your Country, but against it: for of your France we can now publicly pronounce; Woe to that land whose King is a 
* Child in discretion, not in years, for Philip was old enough.  Child. For your King was strictly bound by corporal oath to the King of England, not to damnify his territories, etc. at least wise till his return from the journey of his Pilgrimage: nevertheless, contrary to his faith and oath, he without all shame seized by force the good towns of the said King, and cruelly wasted his Dominions with hostile hand: but that King returning at last out of captivity, manfully encountered your King, not reposing his hope in multitude, but in Almighty God, etc. Humility therefore against pride, right and equity against wrong, measure and modesty against intemperance and arrogancy, have certainly hitherto fought for the King of England, etc. We have notwithstanding directed our supplicatory letters to him on thy behalf, etc. for in such a case we neither can nor ought command, etc. Mean while bear your bands and sorrows patiently, etc.  
(64) While thus sundry warlike matters passed between the English and French, the King of England increaseth his side with new associates, Arthur Duke of Britain, the Duke of Lwain, the Earls of Gynes, Boloine, Perch and Blois with others: and * Hoveden 
Houed p. 443.  recites three several times within a short space, in which the King of France was driven with loss and dishonour out of the field by King Richard, beside the loss of Saint Omers, of Air, and of other Towns won by Baldwin Earl of Flanders, and besides the waist of the French Dominions by many invasions. But the greatest of the three victories was the second, which King Richard gained at the battle between Curceles and Gysors, where the K. of France himself fell into the river of E'the, the bridge breaking under him, with the throng of people which fled for their lives before the English Lion: neither was he easily saved (twenty of his men of Arms being drowned by that ruin) but before he could be drawn out, water had gotten into his belly.  
(65) This was a famous victory; for besides a long Catalogue of great names extant in Authors; there 
The famous victory of guysor's.  were taken by the King's Army, 100 Knights and Servitors on horseback, and footmen without 
Houed. Math. Paris. Ypod. Neust.  number, besides thirty men of Arms, and other inferior Soldiers not countable, which Markadey (General of the Rowtes) had for prisoners. There were also taken 200. great horse, whereof sevenscore had barbs, and comparisons armed with iron. King 
Ger. Dor. M. S. Rog. Wend. M. S King Richard's warlike handiwork. In his letter to Philip Bishop of Durisme. Ro. Houed f. 445.  Richard in his own person did most nobly, for with one spear he threw to the earth Matthew de Mummerancie, Alan de Rusci, and Fulke de Giseruall, & took them. So have we vanquished the King of France at Gysors (saith the King) howbeit we have not done the same, but 
* Die●… & mon Droit: the motto of the English Kings seems hence to be derived.  God and our right by us: and in this fact we did put our own head and kingdom in hazard above the counsel of all that were ours. Howsoever therefore the French or others may slubber over such a noble journey, we have not doubted upon so good warrant to record the same.  
(66) The war continuing still, many virtuous men laboured to make a final accord; and the new Pope Innocentius the third, having proclaimed a new undertaking of the Holy-warre 
* Ro. How. s. 447  sends a Cardinal Deacon to atone the two mighty Kings of France and England. At length Articles of peace were drawn; but Richard (being far before hand) was nothing hasty to conclude, and therefore put it off, till his return from Poictou, whether he went to chastise his rebels, though * some say, he did then conclude the peace. 
Math. Paris.   
(67) At this interview or treaty, Philip King of France, 
* Mat. Paris.  (the sour of strife, though he sought peace) showed to King Richard a deed, in which Earl john 
An. D 1193 Rog. Houed. f. 449  newly yields himself Liegeman to King Philip, against his brother. A wonderful thing (saith Hoveden) that Richard should believe it (being perhaps but a Copy of that device or trick, if it were a device which they once had jointly put upon the same john, as in the end of King Henry the second you heard) who thereupon forthwith disseised the Earl his brother every where. But the Earl having searched and learned the cause of the King's sudden displeasures, (whose love he had before redeemed with many loyal services) He sends two men of Arms to the French Court, who should on his behalf, in what sort soever, defend his honour and innocency, against any his 
Houed. ibid.  accusers: but there was no man found in that Court, neither King nor any other, who would undertake the proof or maintenance thereof; whereupon ever afterward Richard held his brother more dear, and gave less credit to King Philip's words.  
(68) But now ensued the fatal accident, which drew the black cloud of death over this triumphal and bright shining star of Chivalry, the unworthy occasion of which misadventure makes it the more lamentable; which notwithstanding, for a document to the Great ones, against the outrage of Avarice and Cruelty, God suffered thus to fall on him. Widomare, Viscount of Lymoges having found a great * horde of gold and silver, sent no small portion thereof to King Richard, as chief Lord, with 
Houed. f. 429.  which being not contented (as pretending that treasure troue, was wholly his by virtue of his prerogative royal, or else misliking that the Viscount should make the partition) came with a power to a Castle of the viscounts called * Chaluz, where he supposed the Riches were; the Garrison of which place 
This Chaluz the Engl●…sh d●…d call Castle Galliard saith Fabian.  offered to yield the same, and all therein, if only their lives and limbs might be saved: but he would not accept of any conditions, bidding them defend themselves as they could, for he would enter by the sword and hang them all. It grieves me to think that such a Prince should so forget himself: but behold the severity of God's judgement. An Arbalaster (or Archibalista) standing upon the wall, & seeing his time, charged his steel bow with a square arrow or quarrel, 
* Ger. Dorob.  making first his prayer to God, That he would direct that shot, and deliver the innocency of the besieged from oppression. Whereupon discharging it, as the King was * taking a view of the Castle 
Roger Houed. Mat. Par. Ypod. Neust.  within the danger and distance of such an Engine, & the King (
* Gerard Dorob.  upon hearing the bow go off) stooping with his head, was mortally wounded in the left shoulder; the anguish & peril whereof was extremely augmented by the butcherly and unskilful hand of the Surgeon, who having drawn out the wood 
Houed. calls him Carnifex.  and not the 
* Ro. Wendover.  envenomed iron, 
* Rog. How. f. 449.  mangled the arm with cruel incisions before he could prevail; the pain whereof hastened his end.  
(69) Concerning the name of this tragical Archer, there is so much variety, as that we could willingly take that uncertainty for a warrant to silence it: being loath to ennoble him with our pen, it being a thing worthily punishable with uter oblivion, to have shed (though defensively or but casually) the blood of such a King. Matthew Paris 
* Mat. Paris  in calling him Peter Basilij, seems to allude to some ominous conceit in Basilii (which with the Greeks signifies a King;) him Thomas Walsingham follows therein, as Matthew Paris followed * another: there want not * some who 
Ypod. Neust. Rog. Wendover. Ger. Dor.  also give him a third name; but Hoveden who delivers this accident, as all the rest of this King's life, in the most probable and fullest manner, calls him Bertram de Gurdonn, applying unto him certain 
* Constitit ante pedes 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉, etc.  verses of Lucan, in commendation of his unapalled constancy, when he came before King Richard: where thou mayst perhaps (for satisfaction of thy mind, with beholding some revenge) desire to know what became of the Actor. After that the Castle by continual assaults was taken; and (by the King's command) none left alive but he (as being reserved 
* Rog Hove. s. 44●…  perhaps to some more shameful death) the king (upon a christian magnanimity) for gave him the fact, which the party (without show of dismay) did neither deny nor excuse, but alleged the necessity of his case, and the justice of God's work in it, for that the king had slain his Father and two Brothers with his own hand: being hereupon set at liberty, and one hundred shillings sterling given him by the king: Markadey (Captain of the Mercenary Rowtes) after the 
Idem fol. 450.  king was dead, took him, flayed him quick, & then by hanging ended his life.  
(70) King Richard feeling the approach of certain death, disposed his worldly estate, thus: to his brother 
King Richards will.  john he gave the kingdom of England, and his other dominions, with three parts of his Treasure, 
Houed. fol. 449  commanding such as were present to swear him fealty: to his Nephew Otho king of Almain, he bequeathed (as it 
* O●…nia 〈◊〉 sua, saith Houed.  seems) all his goods and chattels, money excepted, and the fourth part of his said treasure he gave to his servants, and the poor. And having thus discharged his last cares toward the world concerning his transitory state, he prepared himself for the presence of God, strengthening his soul 
* Rog. Wendo. Math Paris.  with hearty contrition, confession, and participation of the holy Sacrament: commanding further, that when he was dead, 
* Ro. Houed.  his bowels should be buried at Charro●…, among the rebellious Poictovins, as those who had only deserved his worst parts: but his Heart to be interred at Rouen, as the City, which for her constant loyalty had merited the same; and his Corpse in the Church of the Nunnery at Font-Ebrard in Gascoigne, at the feet of his Father King Henry, to whom he had been sometime disobedient: and God affording him gracious leisure till he had thus disposed of all; the venomous vapour ascended to his heart, and drove the spirit forth, with whom (say * Author's) the glory and honour of Military skill expired. 
Mat. Paris.   
(70) There hath been an opinion, or fancy, that this King was called Cordelyon, because he encountered a Lion in prison at the emperors Court: but (saith 
* Fabian.  one very truly) these are fables imagined by English tale-tellers to advance their King Richard, as the Britain's, by the like, advanced their King Arthur. The like device (though more lofty and Mathematical) may theirs seem, who conjecture, he was called so of the famous 
* And yet a Star he gave in his devise, as is seen in both his Seals.  Star called Cor Leonis. But how the conceit of killing of a Lion should come up, as i●… is not worth the while to inquire, so certainly, Hugo de Nevile (one of King Richard's special familiars) is recorded to have slain a Lion in the holy-Land, driving first an arrow into his breast; and then running him through with his sword: whence perhaps that achievement is transferred from the man to the master; and the story applied to the byname of King Richard, whereof the true reason is that which * Thomas Walsingham mentioneth, saying; That for the magnanimity of his 
Ypod. Neust.  heart (grossitudinem praestans, saith an 
* Ger. Dorob.  other, meaning, as it seems, that his material heart itself, was big and massive, which 
* Math. Paris, in Rich. 1. and his Epitaph. Neustria tuque 〈◊〉 Cor inexpugn●… Regis.  another also saith was inexpugnable) this King was both by the English & Normans styled Caeur de Lion.  

His Wives.  
Alice the daughter of Lewis the seventh, King of France, by Queen Alice daughter of Earl Thibald of champaign, is by 
* Mr. Ferrer.  some reputed the first wife of King Richard, though indeed she were 
* A●…ilius.  only contracted to him (being both children) and committed to his Father; but when he demanded her, his father refused to deliver her, or she to come to him, or both: Wherefore being King, conceiving displeasure against King Philip her brother, and more than suspecting 
Hoveden.  her continency with his own father (by whom he alleged she had a child) he refused to take her: yet 
* Mat. Paris p. 113  gave a hundredth thousand pounds to Philip, pro quieta clamantia, to be quite freed from her. She became the wife of William Earl of Ponthieu, and had issue Queen joan of Castille, the mother of Queen Eleanor, wife to King Edward the first.  
Berengaria the second wife of King Richard, was the daughter of Sanches the fourth of that name, King of Navarre, son of King Garcie▪ the fourth: her mother was Beatrice daughter of Alphonso, the seventh King of Castille, called the Emperor of Spain. She was conveyed by Eleanor the king's mother unto the king in Sicily, and married to him in Cyprus, whence she accompanied him to the Holy land. The king (upon what cause we find not) neglected her company for a while, but upon more settled thoughts, he resumed her again to his love and society, but had no issue by her.   

His natural Issue.  
Philip, the natural son of king Richard, seemeth to have been begotten, while he was Earl of Poytou, 
Mr. Ferrer.  of a Gentlewoman Poytovin, and to have had of his father's gift a town in Poytou named Sumac, to have taken also his surname, and title of the same town; and to have been the Progenitor of a family of Gentlemen of the same surname & title, in the same Country.  
Isabel (by * some who mention not Philip at all) is reputed the Natural Daughter of king Richard, 
Mr. Millet.  (whose mother the Author nameth not) and that she was married to Leoline Prince of Wales.  
Three other Daughters, (Bastards no doubt) 
King Richards three Metaphorical Daughters.  he is said to have, of whose names and matches we will report as we find recorded. Whiles he was in France employed in his wars against king Philip, Fulco a French Priest, came unto him, telling him he had three very bad Daughters, which he wished him to bestow away from him in marriage, or else God's wrath would attend him: when the king denied, he had any daughter, yes (quoth the Priest) thou cherisest three daughters, Pride, Covetousness, and Lechery. The king apprehensive of his meaning, called his Lords there attending, and said: My Lords, this Hypocrite hath found that I have three Daughters: which I maintain, viz. Pride, Covetousness, and Lechery, which he would have me bestow forth in marriage; and therefore (if any such I have) I have found out most fit husbands for them all. My Pride I bequeath to the haughty Templars & hospitalers, who are as proud as Lucifer himself: My Covetousness I give to the white Monks of the Cisteaux Order, for they covet the Devil and all: But for my Lechery I can bestow it no where better than on the Priests and Prelates of our times, for therein have they their most felicity. Doubtless these marriages proved so fruitful, that their issue hath now overflowed all kingdoms of the earth.    

JOHN DUKE OF NORMANDY 
Monarch. 45  
An. 1199.  GVYEN AND AQVITAINE, etc. THE FIRST, STYLED LORD OF IRELAND, THE FORTIE-FIFTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VIII.  
THe lustre of Diadems, and Sovereignty, so dazzleth the eyes, and bewitcheth the hearts of ambitious beholders, that whiles they fondly 
Greatest happiness not in greatest dignities.  deem the greatest content to be in highest Titles, running after a seeming Happiness, they often cast themselves headlong, and whole Kingdoms, into irreparable ruin; as the calamities, which after the death of the noble Ceur-de-Lyon, lighted on the Pretenders to his Crown, and on this miserably distracted State, will yield us too rueful a Precedent. To the full acting of which Tragedy (for such it was, and so we must now present it in this our Theatre) concurred 
The principal Actors in K. john's tragical reign.  as principal Actors, the two (though these Patients rather, as the issue proved) unfortunate Corrivals for the Crown, john Earl of Moreton Brother to the late King, and his Nephew Arthur, the 
a Born after his Father's death, who died at Paris 1186. Cal. Aug. Ypod. Neustria. Giraldus, Hib. expug c. 22.  Posthumous son of Geoffry Duke of Britain, the Earl's eldest Brother: their two Female (and therefore more emulous and restless) Solicitors, Queen Eleanor and Lady Constance, each ambitious of their own, in their sons advancements: their two revengeful Abettors, Otho the Emperor for john, and Philip King of France for Arthur: thereupon, the two unjust Intruders on the Crown; Lewis the 
Philip the 2. of France.  French Kings Son, and Innocentius the Pope, the one by unprincely forces, the other by unpriestlie 
Innocentius the 3.  fraud: and lastly, their two sorts of treacherous Instruments, of the Laity for the one, and Clergy for the other; all which, like so many Tragic fire-breathing Furies, set this State in so horrible combustion, as that the 
b In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 other 〈◊〉.  smoke is not as yet, so many ages after, quite allayed.  
(2) Earl john (the very Centre in which those 
Earl john's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 Kingdom.  calamities met,) had from his infancy been fed with high and royal hopes, as 
c Quem tenerrime diligebat. Guil. Nubrig.  being his Father's only darling, from whom he had the 
d Gerald Hib. expug. l. 2. c. 31.  possession of the Irish, and 
e Ger. Dorob. M. S.  intendment also of the English Kingdom: and in his brother's time (
f Guil. Nubrig.  whose return from the holy wars all men despaired) had by gracious deportment towards the Subject, obtained an 
g Rog. Houed. in Ric. 1.  oath of Fealty to himself, in remainder, in case his brother should die childless: having now therefore the way to those his designs made smother by the 
h Trivet. M. S. Roger Houed. Ypod. Neust. and all, except wilful Polydor.  last Will of King Richard, and 
i Rog. Houed. & alij.  allegiance of his Nobles then attending; (for these courses may facilitate, but not make a just claim;) we may not think, that either he was cold now, for the accomplishment of 
The titles of both competitors.  that, which so hotly he had before pursued, or so nice, as to neglect a Kingdom, upon scrupulous points of Titles and Right. 
k jure propinquitalis, & Testamento Successor. Walsing. Ypod. Anno 1199. Trivet.  Propinquity of Blood pleaded for john, as 
l jure communi Paul. Aemil in Philip. 2.  Lineal descent for Arthur, the King's Brother being nearer than his Brother's son; but john, who knew that the weaker use to argue their Titles, whiles the stronger hold the possession, resolved to try the strength of his claim by no other Law then of Arms; and therefore, being at time of King Richard's death in those foreign parts, he 
Earl john's helps for the Kingdom.  makes it his first care to fasten to himself, by present 
m Rog. de Wendover. M. S.  largesse, and large promises of future favours, (the usual Rhetoric of Competitors) all the Stipendiary Soldiers, and other Servitors of his deceased Brother. To win himself the like assurance of love at home, and 
n Rog. Houed. in joh.  to settle (it it might be) an universal quiet, he 
o Math. Parisians. Hist. Maior.  forthwith despeeded into England (there to concur with Queen Eleanor, his experienced mother) three of the choicest men of the State, Hubert Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, William Marshal a potent Peer, and Geoffry Fitz-Peter the great justiciar, 
Earl john's Agents.  by whose several interests, the three States of Clergy, Chivalry, and Commonalty, might best be either alured to him by favours, or awed by fear; himself, the while 
p Wendover M S. in joh.  posting to Chinon, where King Richard's great Treasure was kept; as knowing that he should hardly get or keep a Crown by Forces or Friends, if he wanted Coin & Crowns, to win and hold such needful Aiders.  
(3) The Treasurer, though 
q Hoveden in joh.  himself with his Store, Castles, and Fidelity, thus assured to the Earl, 
Duke Arthur's Adherents.  had yet a powerful 
* Thomas de Fu●…nes.  Nephew, the Castellan of Angiers, wholly 
r Paris Hist. Ma●…or  devoted to Duke Arthur, to whose use he yielded up that City and Castle, with whom also 
s Idem. The beginnings of hatred betwixt Earl john and the Provincials.  sided the Nobility of Anjou, main, and Turaine, surrendering those large Territories, as to 
t Rog. How. in john.  their liege Lord, jointly avowing it to be the 
u Iudici●… & consuetudo, ib. Mat. Westminst. saith judicium, Ius & consuetudo  Law and Custom of those Signiories, that the heritage which was to accrue to the elder Brother, if he had survived, should descend unto his Son. But Constance Arthur's mother, no less 
x Polyd. Verg. l. 25  desirous to be Regent to a King (for her son was but 
y Walsing. Ypodig. Born An. 1187. die Paschae, his father dying before in August.  twelve years young) than Queen Eleanor 
z Solainuidia, etc. Polyd. ibid.  disdainful to go below a Duchess, did not dare to build her high hopes on so low grounds, for that such subordinate Princes as favoured her cause, might easily be corrupted by fair means, or crushed by foul: and therefore upon news of King john's successes in England (for with general applause and 
a Hoveden. john proclaimed King in England.  homages he was now proclaimed King,) distracted with violent and womanlike Passions, Ambition of her sons Right, Rage for his Wrong, Fear of his Safety, and (not the least) Emulation that Queen Eleanor (whose Prudence and Grace with the English, had 
b Polyd Virg. l. 15  swayed exceedingly) should effect more in a wrong, than herself in a just cause; 
c Rog. de Wen. MS Constance committeth Arthur to Philip King of France.  she flies to Turon to the French King Philip, (to seek a Wolf to whom she might commit her Lamb,) to whose Protection she wholly surrenders his Person, his Cause, his Countries. Philip 
* Maguisicis verbis, etc. Polyd Verg. l. 15.  pretending (as Princes use) atender care of his neighbour Prince's state, but 
d job. de Serres in Phil. August.  meaning indeed out of so wished a prize, to raise advantage to his own, forthwith (
e Nich. Trivet. MS. The beginning of hatred betwixt K. john & King Philip.  without regard of Truth, or Truce sworn to King Richard) reenforceth all Arthur's Cities and Castles with his French Garrisons; some of which had scarce put their foot into Maunz, but 
f Math. Paris, King john taketh and ruineth Maunz.  King john was at their heels, to provide them their last lodging, sacking that City, and demolishing it to the ground, for a terror to all others, which after fealty once sworn unto him, (as 
g Rog. Hoveden.  they had done) should dare to revolt.  
(4) Queen Eleanor, who having settled England in 
Queen Eleanor comes to her sons aid.  Peace, was now come over to forward her son in the Wars, and was 
h Wendover, MS. Mat. Paris.  present at the surprising of Maunz, is 
i Hollensh. Polydor.  censured to have too much sharpened his edge against her Nephew Arthur and his friends, out of her implacable disdain, and Envy towards Constance her Daughter in-Law, and appears no less; for the King passing thence into Anjou, left there his 
k Marchadiune cum ruia sua. Rog. Houed. Queen Eleanor taketh & ruineth Angiert.  Captains and Forces with his mother, who made Angiers participate the Fortunes of Maunz, the City ruined, the Citizens captivated; whiles himself coming to Rouen, 
l Mat. Paris.  was there by the hands of Walter the Archbishop, in the Cathedral Church with great pomp on Saint Marks Festival, girt with the 
m Gladio Ducatus. Nic. Trives. M S.  ducal Sword of Normandy, and crowned 
n Hoveden. King john crowned Duke of Normandy.  with a Coronet of Golden Roses, (taking his Oath for faithful administration in that Dukedom) which was the pledge or earnest of his unquestionable admittance to the English Diadem, which every day now expected him. Neither yet may we think, albeit King john's 
l An. aetat. 32. Walsing. Ypodig. The fittest age, as a. Sam. c, 5. v. 4. David was 30. year old when he began to reign.  mature & experienced age, his homebred, and well known education, his reannexing of Ireland's Kingdom to England's, made his person more gracious than Arthur's, that yet his Agents all this while in England found no rubs in their way, before 
m Rog. Houed. King john's hindrances how removed.  all the Earls, Barons, Burgesses & freeholders could be induced to disclaim Arthur's apparent Right, and to swear fealty to King john against all men living: yea, many of the 
* Ric. Earl of Clare. Ranulph Earl of Chester. William Earl of Tucesbury. Walram Earl of Warwick! Wil de Mowbray, etc. Pretence of liberties, the plague of the State.  English Peers (who through their last King's absence, and others connivences, had habituated in them a conceit of uncontrolled Greatness, which they miscalled Liberties and Rights, under veil whereof, they after drew, not only undue restraints upon the regalty, but also infinite calamities and massacres on the people, whose good they pretended,) in the great Assembly at Northampton, yielded only to swear a 
* Sub bac conuent●…ne, Houcd.  Conditional Fealty, to keep 
n Rog. Houed. The first seed of the ensuing troubles.  Faith and Peace to King john, if he would restore to every of them their Rights: which was the first seed of disloyalties, which after grew to so great a height. Thus howsoever, all domestic difficulties overblown, and Queen Eleanor 
o Vergil. hist. l. 15.  left in Aquitane to provide against Foreign, King john arrived at 
p In Sussex. 8. Cal. jun. Houed. john crowned King of England. True honestly is only true, policy.  Shoreham, and the next day comes to London, preparing for his Coronation to be at Westminster, the morrow following being Ascension day.  
(5) Strange it was to consider, (if ought be strange in State-plots) how men, otherwise very prudent, transported once with Wordly, and seemingpoliticke respects, can so wilfully cloud their Reason, as to attempt those things, which leave both a present stain on their Souls, and a lasting disreputation both of their Integrity and Wisdom, wherein so much they glory. For what else did Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, the man so 
q Mat. Paris.  famoused as the 
r Singularie Columna stabilitatu. ibid.  Pillar of the commonwealths stability, & 
s Vir profunds pectoris, Incomparabilis sapientia ibid.  incomparable for deep-reaching Wisdom, when in that sacred and celebrious Assembly of 
t Omnium qui Coronationi interesse debuerant, Wendover, M S.  all the States, addressing for the royal Inauguration, he added to those Lay-Peeres Conditionals, his Clergy-Sophismes, and 
u The second root of ensuing treasons.  second Seede-plot of Treasons; persuading them by a cunning, but disloyal speech (which yet 
x Polydore forgeth a sleight speech of hisowne brain, and holinsh. as idly follows him. Archbishop Hubert's Sophistical Oration verbatim.  some by transforming, have more deformed) that the English Crown was merely Arbitrary and Elective at the people's devotion? That 
y Mat. Paris. Hist. Maior.  they all in discretion were to know, how that no man hath Right or any other fore-Title to succeed another in a Kingdom, unless first (with innocation for Grace and Guidance of God's Holy Spirit) he be by the Body of the Kingdom thereunto chosen, and be indeed some choice man, & picked out for eminency of his virtues; by the Precedent of Saul, the first Anointed King, whom God made Ruler over his own people, though neither the Son of a King, nor yet of any Regal descent. So after him likewise David the Son of 
z Printed Copies read Semei falsely for Ishai, 1. Sam. c. 16.  Ishai: the one for being valorous, and a parsonage fitting royal dignity, the other, for being Holy and Humble minded. To 
a The examples do not show it: for they were of God's particular commandment, which was not now.  show that so he, whosoever in a Kingdom excelleth all in Valour and Virtue, aught to surmount all in Rule and Authority: yet so, as that, if any of the Offspring of a deceased King surpasseth others, it is fit jointly to consent in election of such a one. Thus he spoke (as he professed) in favour of john, who then was present, whose most illustrious Brother King Richard dying without any Heir from him descending, Him they had all (first imploring the 
b He ascribes that to the Holy Spirit, which after he confesseth to proceed from his own devise.  Holy Ghosts assistance) as being a Provident, Valiant, and 
c For, his Father, and two Brethrens, Kings, his Mother, Queen, first of France, after of England: Arthur nothing so.  undoubtedly-noble Prince, unanimiously Elected, as well in regard of his Merits; as of his Royal Blood. So unjust a speech from so great a Person, could not but move both Offence and Wonder to many, even to john himself, who doubtless meant to stand to 
d john de Serres, in Phil. August.  his right of proximity by blood: 
e Mat. Paris. N●…●…usi ambigere.  but they durst not then and there move Questions thereof, as afterward 
f Idem, ibidem.  some did, to whom he gave a reason of it, as strange as the speech itself; saying, 
g Rog Houed. Mat. Paris. Hubert forecasts to bridle the King.  that he was assured by some divining foresight, that King john would work the ruin of the Kingdom, and that therefore, to 
h Giraldus Camb. saith he was Principis frenum. See vit. Archiep. Cant. in Hubert.  bridle him from so doing, he had affirmed his Admission was to be by Choice, and not Hereditary Succession: implying that as by Election he got the Crown, so by ejection on demerit he might as justly lose it. But for that present, the Ceremonies all pompouslie accomplished, (where 
i Rog. Wendover, Triplici Sacramento involutus Rex. King john first doth reward his three Agents.  three Oaths were ministered to him; To love Holy Church, and preserve it from all oppressors; To govern the State in justice, and abolish bad Laws; Not to assume this Royal honour but with full purpose to perform that he had sworn:) the first act and bounty of his kingly Power, was to reward those, whose hands had lifted him to it, making William Martial and Fitz-Peter, Earls of Pembroke and Essex, and the Archbishop, Lord high Chancellor; who seeming 
l Rog. Hoveden, d●… gloriaretur in potestate illa.  to glory in that addition of honour, was told by the Lord Bardolf, that the height of archiepiscopal dignity was such, as it was ever reputed a great advancement for a Chancellor to be 
archiepiscopal dignity.  made Archbishop, but none for an Archbishop to be made a Chancellor.  
(6) The King's Enemies, 
m Polydore, Francus re●… dissimulanit.  who kept their heads in, whiles he was there in Arms, found opportunities to impeach him, while he was here settling his Peace: the 
n Pol. Verg.  French King in Normandy surpriseth the City Eureux, & recovers the County of Main; the Britain's regain the City Angiers with other strong holds: the news whereof caused King john with all speed 
o From Shoreham to Deep, (13. Cal. july.) Nich. Trivet.  to pass the Seas, to give stoppage to that current; where on his arrival, his Army of 
p Rog. Houed.  Friends and Voluntaries was so increased, that King Philip was soon content to take 
q In Crastinum Assumptionis, Houed. ib. A Truce with the French.  truce for fifty days; on expiration whereof, an Interview was agreed on to establish a lasting Peace. But Philip a 
r With Henry the second, and Richard, vide supra. Double dealing most unseemly in a Prince.  long time noted of doubling, (ill beseeming any, but chiefly a Prince) the 
s Crastine Ass●…. Math. Paris.  very day before the two Kings should meet, giving Duke Arthur the 
t Militari Cing●…lo, ibid.  Belt of Knighthood, and taking of him Homage for the Signiories of Anjou, Poytou, Turaine, maine, Britanny, and Normandy, he made him faithful vow, to yield him powerful helps, for acquiring those possessions. Neither was King john behind him in that kind of prevention, when Philip Earl of Flanders, the French Philip's professed Enemy, 
u Feria 6. aunt Assumptionem. Hoveden.  coming to Rouen, and dissuading King john from trusting any French friendship, did there swear unto him both 
x Rog. Wend●…er, MS. A League betwixt England and Flanders.  faithful Help and Homage. Yet the two Kings keeping touch for the day, though not for the purpose of amity (and yet making fair show of that too) held Parley betwixt Butavant and 
y Hoveden, which Wend●…er and Paris call Wail●…. An Interview of the Kings of England and France.  Guletun, 
z Wend●…er.  two days by Commissioners inter-current, the third by presence and privatie, that not one of their Nobles or Attendants (who on each side lay far aloof for the space of an hour) understood any passages betwixt them. This much yet came to notice by after relation, that 
a Rog. Hoveden.  King Philip then required for Himself the large Country of 
b 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, Wogesin. Houed V●…ocasinum. Poly●…r. V●…o-Casium. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. King Philip's unreasonable demands.  Veulguessine, pretending that Geoffrey Earl of Anjou granted it to Lews le gross, for aiding his Son King Henry the second against King Stephen: and for Arthur, all Poictou, Anjou, main and Turayne: both which immoderate demands with others, King john (conceiving with 
l 1. R●…g. 2 22.  Solomon, Why doth he not also ask for Adoniah the Kingdom?) 
m N●…t, nec 〈◊〉, Par●…. The Parley ends in discord.  neither would nor ought to grant unto him; whereby their amities intended, ended in more hostile defiances. But Philip's capitulating then for Arthur, was only perfunctory and complemental, as his own words, (and afterward his actions) bewrayed; when being questioned by his Favourites of his implacable 
n Rog. Houed.  hatred against King john, who had never harmed him, professed it was only, for that he had (not, defeated Arthur, but) possessed himself of Normandy, and the other Demaines, without ask him leave, or offering him Homage.  
(7) The flames thus on all sides breaking forth the stronger, by how much the more they had been for a time kept in, 
o Hoveden.  many Earls and Barons of France (who formerly adhered to King Richard) became Homagers to King john, they swearing, never without his assent to revert to Philip, and he, never to make Peace with Philip, but they therein to be concluded. In the heat of which sidings (if not before) a 
p Math. Paris.  chief adherent of the foresaid Earl of Flanders (now colleagued with King john) being the Bishop Elect of Cambray, fell into the hands of the French, at which time also 
q Of whom, see in Richard the 1. 〈◊〉  Philip Bishop of Beavois, (a great French Peer) was held in prison by King john; and neither of them willing to forego their mitred Champions, 
r Mat. Paris.  Petrus de Capua, the Legate, interdicted France for the one, and Normandy for the other, till they, as persons sacred & inviolable, should be dismissed: yet King john (whose Person and Title the Pope and Papals as yet much tendered) had the favour to wring out of his prize, 
s Paris, Hoveden, saith but 2000  six thousand Marks for his release, and an Oath, never whiles he breathed to bear Arms against any Christian. 
t Nic. Tri●…et. M. S Rog. Hoveden.  This Legate in King Richard's time, had made agreement with King Philip for a five years Truce, which expiring with Richard's last breath, he still laboured to establish it betwixt the now Kings: but King Philip's great heart would not so come down, which was likely to have cost him dear. For pursuing whither his Fury (a bad guide) did lead him, after his 
King Io●… pursue●… Philip from place to place.  siege of Lavardin (
u Rog. Hoveden fol. 452.  Whence upon King john's approach with his Army he fled to Maunz, and thence again fled, King john coming thither;) seized the Castle of Balun (which belonged to Arthur) and to prevent his enemy (as is likely) 
x Rog. Houed.  he leveled it unto the very ground; which fact Duke Arthur's 
y Princeps Exercitus Arthuri, H●…cd. ●…8.  General, William de Rupibus wrathfully expostulating with King Philip, as having done therein contrary to Covenants with his Lord Arthur, he as scornfully answered, that he 
King Philip's wrongs to Arthur  would not for his Lord Arthures' pleasure, forbear his own, in doing as himself listed, with such forts as he took. The General seeing Arthur was but the outward mask, under which Philip revelld for his hidden ends, 
z Mat. Paris. Rog. Houed.  seriously persuaded his Lord to reconcilement with his uncle King john, and rather to hazard his hopes on the clemency of a Generous Foe, then on the guiles of a false hearted Friend: & so making his peace with King john, he presently yielded up to him both Maunz, & (with Lady Constance) 
Arthur reconciled to King john.  the young Duke also, the important matter of so great contentions. But Heavens were not so propitious to these Reconciliats', as so to hold them long: some Philippines buzzing such needless 
a Rog. H●…d.  terrors of Imprisonment into the Noble Child's ears, that the next night, Fear giving wings to his flight, 
Arthur flieth from King john.  as Love did to his Mothers, (for leaving her husband 
b Paul. 〈◊〉 saith Guydo was her second Husbband▪ but it appears otherwise by Hoveden and others.  Ranulph Earl of Chester, she was amorous of, and married Guido a gallant Gentleman, who then fled with her,) they escaped into Angiers. Arthur neither sure of K. Philip, nor sure to K. john, had now cast himself betwixt two Millstones; but (howsoever) Philip meant the greist in the end should be his.  
(8) The breach betwixt these two great Kings, 
King P●…lip and the Emperors ha' tread, increaseth the malice betwixt King john and Philip.  was the more irreconcilable, by reason of the hatred betwixt King Philip and the Emperor 
c Otho the fourth son of Henry Duke of Saxony, and Maud daughter of K. H. 1.  Otho, King john's Nephew, whose advancement to the Empire (himself perhaps 
d Rog Houed. f. 457.  aiming to it) Philip still endeavoured to impeach, 
e Mat. Paris.  not regarding that the Pope (whose power Kings then regarded only, while it made for their purpose) had thundered his Anathema against all his Opposers: and Otho in 
f Mat. Paris.  gratitude to King Richard, who 
g Mat. Westmin. An. 1198.  procured him the Diadem imperial, and in tender regard of his uncles honour, sent him advise, 
h Rog. Houed. f. 452. The Emperor offers his aid to K. john.  not to hasten any final atonement with the French King, for that himself would bring him his utmost Imperial assistance. Notwithstanding, by the Cardinall-Legates assiduous interceding, a Truce was concluded till the 
i Idem. ibid. An. 1200. The King's interview again.  Feast of Saint Hilary: at which time, the Kings coming to a Treaty betwixt Wailun and Butavant Castles, 
k Rog de Wendover, M. S. Paris. Houed. Articles of atonement.  it was agreed: that Lewis the Heir of France should marry King john's Niece, Blanch, Daughter of Alfonsus' King of Castille; that King john should give for Dowry the City and County of Eureux, with sundry Forts in Normandy, and thirty thousand Marks in silver; vowing also not to aid his Nephew Otho with men or means to attain the Empire: & further, 
l Nich. Trivet. MS  promising to leave (if he died without Issue) unto Lewis all the Territories he held in France; all which Articles were 
m Vide Chartam apud. Houed. p. 463  formerly engrossed, but finally concluded betwixt Butavant, & Guletun (the 
* Houed. f. 456.  one, K. john's, the other, King Philip's Castle) the 
n Paris. 11. Cal. jul.  Octaves of Saint john Baptist, when, these Counties were actually surrendered to Philip; the Lady Blanch 
o Walsing. Ypod. A. 1200.  espoused to Lewis his son; Duke Arthur (Philips once vowed, but now unualued charge,) yielded over, and made 
p Home Io●…annis. Houed.  Servant and 
q Ypod. Neust. Loco cit. King Philip yields up Arthur to King john, against his vow. The Emperors two Brethren sent to King john.  Homager to K. john for his own Dukedom; whom yet his uncle was content to leave with King Philip, who had now so left him, and erst had upheld him, only as the bait of his own advantage. If Princes can be thus unprincely degenerous, what trust can men repose in base vassals? King john hereupon proved much more steadfast to Philip, then either Philip was to him, or himself to Otho the Emperor, who sending his two Brethren Henry Duke of Saxony, and William (surnamed of 
r Houed f 456.  Winton) to demand the Counties of 
s Eboraci, saith Houed perchance for Ebroica, 〈◊〉.  York and Poictou, with the Treasure and jewels which 
t Nich. Trivet, in Rich. 1. M. S.  King Richard bequeathed him: King john denied to yield thereunto, 
u Rog. Houed. King john's care of his oath to K. Philip.  only in regard of his Oath which he had passed to Philip, to yield no kind of aid to the Emperor. And further to testify, (yea further than he ought) his faithful meaning to preserve entire this amity with Philip, 
x Wendover. Houed, f 457.  by his advise he divorced 
y So called by Wendover, Paris. Mat. Westminst. Houed, etc. but our Heralds (Glover, Milles, Ferrer, etc.) call her Isabel.  Hawisia his wife, as too 
z Grandchild to Rob. base-brother of King john.  near of Blood, by sentence of the Archbishop, and Bishops of Bordeaux, Poictoirs, and Xanton, and by the Archbishop's hands espoused Isabella, 
a joh. de 〈◊〉.  Heiretrice of Ailmar Earl of Angolisme, a fair young Lady, but 
b Ypodigma.  dedestined to another bed.  
(9) This Final Concord (so 
c Apud Houed.  called, but not proving so) with Philip, who now acknowledged john the 
d Ibid. f. 463.  rightful Heir of King Richard's Crown, gave him more leasur, to receive peaceably all 
e Idem f. 457.  Submitties, and bring in forcibly all 
f ib. f. 458.  out-standers of those his transmarine Dominions, and after to look home to the affairs of his Kingdom, from which he had been (and we there following him,) too long absent. Yet in the heat of those foreign employments, he on occasions had his recourses hither to settle his State-affairs, and 
g Ib. Consuet. 〈◊〉. 463.  Crownerevenewes; to enact wholesome 
h Idem f. 439.  laws for foreign and domestic Commerce; to collect an 
i Houed.  Aid for his nieces great Dowry, and Martial uses; which later (being three shillings on every 
k See the description of Huntingdon shire.  Carrucata,) though his first and only Subsidy since his coming to the Crown, caused much heartburning; especially by means of his 
l Son of H. 2. by Rosam●…d.  own brother Geoffrey Archbishop of York (touching whom the King was 
m Houed. f. 453  forewarned, that he would bring a Sword, & not Peace into England) who bearing himself too bold on his blood and place, 
n Wendover. M S.  forbade the Collectors of that Aid in his precincts (though it were 
o Wendo.  granted to the King generally for all England) and also being required by the King to attend him into France, to conclude the Peace, and his nieces Espousal, he very undutifully denied his service. The King 
p Causa multiplex 〈◊〉. Paris.  justly moved with those his disloyalties, caused all his Temporalities to be seized on by his Sheriff; whom therefore Geoffrey (adding fresh fuel to the fire) did solemnly excommunicate, caused the King's Officers to bear blows, and interdicted the whole Province of York. So partial, and unhistorical, is the report of 
q Polyd. Virg. l. 15.  one; (a Stranger by birth, but more strange for bold untruths) who feigns the only incentive of such indig nation in the King, was that Prelate's reprehension of his Rapines on the people. For (to give a further taste of that Author's 
r Gra●…, l. 3.  vehement fond malice, justly so taxed) what ancient judicious Writers call an 
s Wend. Houed.  Aid necessary for Wars, that he enstileth Rapines and Spoils; where they make john his Brother's Heir by Will, he makes Arthur; they say he was a 
t strenuous Ani●…sus. Houed. Cambrens.  valiant man, he saith he was a Coward; where they make him 
u Houed.  pursuing, and Philip flying, he chargeth him to have made only plaints, when he should have drawn swords; where they charge the Peers for 
x Su●… detrectantibus Militiam. Trivet. MS.  drawing back from his Wars, he makes them the only Hasteings, and john the Hinderer; briefly, if a 
y Polyd. l. 15.  fire-shooting Meteor appear above, it portends heavens fury on john; if the 
z ibid.  watery Element overflow, it bodes john's fury on his Land. But surely that part thereof, which fell on Geoffry, it was (you see) not undeserved: notwithstanding, upon the King's 
* 8. Id. Octob. Paris.  return into England, and Geoffreys to his more loyal carriage & submission, his Peace was made, at the very time, & for the more celebrity, of Queen Isabella's 
* Dominica ante festum Dionys.  Coronation, with whom the King himself was 
* Paris. Hoveden.  again crowned at Westminster by Archbishop Hubert.  
(10) The Pomp of that solemnity ended, the King resolved of ending a long depending controversy with King William of Scotland, who formerly 
The Interview of the Kings of England and Scotland.  (before john was proclaimed King) had challenged, as 
a Hoveden.  his patrimonial Right, the Counties of Northumberland, and Cumberland; and afterward seeing he got but words and delays, was ready, (King john being then in France) with an hotter and more forcible argument, to win, what he could not crave: but being in dark 
b At Dunferli●…. Hoveden.  devotion all Night at Saint Margaret's Hearse, the still true 
c She was Grandchild to King Edmund Ironside, and wife to King Malcolm 3. of Scots.  English-hearted Queen persuaded him by a Dream (for certainly it was no other) not to infest England her native soil; who thereupon sent back his Army. But now he cometh with a more friendly train, upon King john's sending to him, in Honourable 
d Hoveden.  Embassage, the Earls of Huntingdon and Hereford, King William's Brother and Nephew, his three Sons in Law, Lacie, Vescy and Ros with others, to desire him to give him meeting at 
e So Hoveden, Walsing. Westm. but Hector and Polydore by error say at London.  Lincoln, where accordingly they both 
f 11. Cal. Decemb. Houed.  meet with kingly courtesies; and the next day, King john to auspicate his Temporal affairs with Spiritual devotions, (and yet to show what he thought of some superstitious follies of those times) went 
g Idem.  undauntedly into the Cathedral Church, being much dissuaded by many, (for Monkish Impostures persuaded many it was very ominous for a King to enter that, and certain 
h As Saint. ●…iswides Church in Oxford.  other places) and there offered a golden Chalice on Saint john's Altar, which 
i King Stephen before dared to enter the City. Paris. in Steph.  no King before him durst do. Where his Devotions performed, the two Kings (in presence of 
* Cant. Dublin. Raguse.  three Archbishops, thirteen Bishops, the King of South-Wales, with a multitude of English, Scottish, French, and Irish Princes and Peers,) ascending the top of that conspicuous & high 
* Now called Boar. ●…ill.  hill, on the North side of the City, did there in a glorious solemnity, swear amity and faithful love, 
k Trivet. M. S. Walsing.  upon the Crosier of Archbishop Hubert.  
(11) That Spectacle so royal to the beholders, was seconded with another no less Honourable to K. john, (for Humility in such great ones is more glorious than their glory,) when the King having lately left Hugh Bishop of Lincoln (called the Saint, for 
The funerals of Hugh Bishop of Lincoln.  the opinion of unfeigned integrity, though 
l See Polydore l. 15.  blemished with some obstinacies, and surcharged with Legends of 
m In Wendover. Paris. & Legend. of S. Hugh.  feigned Miracles) at London very sick, (where himself with gracious care 
n Paris hist. ●…ai.  went to visit him, and both confirmed his Testament and promised the like for other Bishops after,) now hearing he was 
* Negligent Polydore saith he died, An. 1207. Reg. job. 6.  dead, and his Corpses then bringing into the gates of Lincoln, he, with all that princely Train, went forth to meet it; the 
o Rog. Houed.  three Kings (though the Scottish was to depart that very day) with their royal Allies, carrying the Hearse on those shoulders, accustomed to uphold the weight of whole kingdoms: from whom the Great Peers received the same, and bore it to the Church Porch, whence the three Archbishops and Bishops conveyed 
The manner of Bishop's funerals in those days.  it to the Quire, and the next day (it there lying the mean time 
p Mat. Paris more Pontific●…, p. 197. King john's great humility.  open faced, mitred, and in all Pontifical Ornaments, with Gloves on his hands, and a Ring on his finger) interred it with all solemnities answerable. Yet here the King rested not to give proof, in so great a height, of his lowly mind, and then benign (how ever afterward averted) to the Clergy; when twelve Abbots of the Cisteaux Habit (whose 
q See holinsh. in K. john. The Cisterians deny aid to K. john.  whole Order had displeased him, by refusing to give Aid towards his great payment of thirty thousand pounds) 
r Houed. f 462.  came now to Lincoln, and all prostrate at his feet, craved his gracious favour, for that his Foresters had driven out (for so the King had given command) of his Pastures and Forests all their Cattle, wherewith themselves, and Christ's poor were sustained. The King touched with remorse on 
K. john's facility to pardon offenders.  so venerable a troup of Suppliants, (though so great offenders) commanded them to rise, who were no sooner up, but the King 
s Rog. Houed. ib.  inspired with divine Grace, fell flat on the ground before them, desiring pardon, adding, that he not only admitted them to his love, & their 
* The great wealth of that Order consisted in cattle and wool.  beasts to his Pastures, (a special favour which Kings had granted that Order,) but would also build an Abbey for men of their sort, (if they would design some choice seat) wherein himself meant to be enshrined. Neither did he promise then more than he performed, nor were those wily Humiliates regardless of choosing a delicate plot for the purpose, where he built a goodly Abbey of their Order, deservedly for the pleasance of the place, named 
t The Beauteous place an Abbey in Hampshire by New-F●…rest.  Beaulieu, and of 
u valued (at the dissolution under H. 〈◊〉.) at 428. l. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. d. q▪ yearly.  rich Revenue, and excessive Privilege; continuing long of great renown, as a Castle of refuge inviolable; our Ancestors thinking it most heinous sacrilege, thence to draw any, though wilful Murderers or Traitors: wherein the Founders of such unsanctified 
x Cambden●… Hampshire.  Sanctuaries, & Temples of Mercy (so they called them) throughout this Kingdom, seemed rather to take Romulus for their Precedent, them Moses, who granting favour to casual Manslaughters, yet 
y Exod. 21. v. 14  commanded wilful Murderers to be drawn from the Altar to the slaughter.  
(12) By what degrees, men not only of such reputed-religious habit, but also of the Secular-Clergy, fell afterward more and more from such favours of 
The first breaches betwixt the King and his Clergy.  the King, and he from theirs, a man that will not purposely wink, may easily behold, both sorts standing so stiff on their persons, and their possessions Exemption from Regal command, that whiles the 
a Apud Mat. Paris, pass●….  Pope could have all for any superfluous employment, 
The Clergy stand on a threefold exemption. 1 Of their Persons. 2 Of their ponssessions. 3 Of their Prelacies.  the King could get nothing, though his Kingdom were in hazard, as you heard by the disloyal obstinacies both of the Archbishop of York, who denied the King his personal attendance, and those Cisteaux Monks, whose Coffers were thus locked against him. The like pretended Exemptions of their Clergie-Prelacies (as well as of their Persons and Purses) wrought also like offences, both with former Kings, and now with King john, who on the death of Bishop Hugh, resolving to confer by gift, (as his 
b See in K. Henry the 1.  Ancestors did, and 
c Successit 〈◊〉 de Oxe●… in 〈◊〉 Norwic. job. de Grace. D●… Io●… regis. How. f. 458 〈◊〉 Hereford. Rex ●…dit ●…gydip ibid.  himself elsewhere lately had) that See, on some whom either merit or affection had endeared to him, (the rather, because 
d Mat. Paris▪ in Guil. 2.  men of those places, in those days, were usually their Sovereign's bosom-Counsellors) 
e Rog Houed.  he was with peremptory affronts withstood by the Cannons there, who very bold on the Popes up bearing, recked very slenderly their Princes displeasing. It is not unlikely that Archbishop 
Offence taken by the King against Archb. Hubert of Cant.  Hubert (lest Canterbury might be thought inferior to York in daring boldness,) as being Papal legate, in secret bolstering them had a hand, though closely carried in a glove: for that the man, who lately, 
f Rog. Hoveden.  gloried the King was wholly his, now finding he had not the sway he expected, and thought he deserved (by obligement of his first Agency about the Crown,) not only studied to make up that by his Legatine Glory which he wanted by his Prince's countenance, but further, 
Habe●… hollow heart to K. john.  (as 
g Polyd. Verg. l. 15  one who thinks he extolles his virtue, paints forth his disloyalty) he repented now, more than any thing in all his life, that he had so advanced King john to the Crown. Certes, about this time, he showed slender respect to his Sovereign, (for as God is in 
Hubert resisteth the King's chiefs officer.  his, so are Kings dishonoured in their Ministers disgraces) when being prohibited by Fitz-Peter, the King's great justitiar and Minister (in the King's absence) of regal command, 
h Hoveden.  from holding a General Council of his Province, (never used to be held, but by Sovereign permittance) his pleasure scorned to take any countermand, but from him especially, who, in 
i Archiepiscop●… in Regno a Rege secunda perso●…. Mat. Paris.  calling his inferior, by 
* As fellow agents for the King's advancement. Hubert outbraves the King himself. An. 1201.  joint deserts towards the King, but his Equal, was now, in nearness and fastness to the King, become far his Superior. But what speak I of confronting a subordinate power? did he spare to out-beard his Sovereign himself? It seems no. For having notice, the Feast of the Nativity now approaching, that the King intended with his Queen, at Guildford to keep that feastivity with great magnificence; he whose Palace ordinarily, for Splendour, multitude of Attendants, and sumptuous entertainments did strive with the Kings (as one of his own 
k Mat. Parker in Antiq. Ecc. Aug. in vit. Hubert.  Successors avows) thought this a fitting time, to show, both his great state, and little regard of his Prince's discountenance, by 
l Mat. West. Quas cum Rege a pari contendens.  paraleling to the Kings, his own sumptuous preparations, 
m Wend●…, M. S  with rich attires, and costly gifts for his Attendants at Canterbury. The King (as Kings brook not to be braved by Subjects, nor is it wisdom for dissavourites to do it,) moved 
n Mat. Paris.  with great indignation, thought the man had too much riches, & too little Discretion (which seldom lodgeth in the brain, where Pride dwells in the Heart,) and therefore to abate somewhat the one, and learn him more of the other, having first been in the 
o St●… ●…eth in saying he then went into Ireland.  North parts to gather money for his better uses, he meant not to lavish it in keeping his Easter, which he chose rather to do at the cost of Hubert the 
p Mat. Parker Antiq. ●…cc. Aug. Godwin. in. vit. Hubert.  Rich; & not to spare him, who spared not himself, he there increased that great expense with a greater, of His, and his Queen's solemn 
q Rog. Wend●… M. S.  crowning again on Easter day, in the Cathedral Church; where, in am of his expense, Hubert had the formal honour to set on their Crowns, but yet not the grace to sit near the King's Heart.  
(13) Such being the first overtures of hart-bur ning betwixt the King and his Clergy, which after 
The first br●…ches 〈◊〉 the king and his Lay Peers.  by additament of daily fuelling, braced forth into a more fearful flame; the Lay-Peeres were so far from labouring to quench it, that they made it the fiercer: for these bellows of Rebellion, which before their Homages did condition for their Rights & Liberties, were not all this while sparing of their breath, to inflame other Nobles with the like heat of fury. Hell itself (whence all Rebellions spring, and thither fall again) could not wish a fitter occasion to broach and actuate such a mischief. For the 
r Rog. H●…d.  Poyt●…ins with King Phillps connivence, (taking advantage of King john's absence, and Springs approach) were up in Arms, dislodged his Garrisons, beleaguered his Castles; tidings whereof recalled King john's thoughts from his Domestic pomps, to his Transmarine Affairs; for the present, he gave command to his 
* War●…. de Clapi●… 〈◊〉.  Seneschal of Normandy to attempt on them some Counter-seruices, to withdraw the Seigers, (whom also King Philip, 
s Houed. f. 465.  hearing King john was in person coming over with an Army, forthwith recalled,) and published his general 
t Apud Tenk sburie, die Ascensionis. Paris.  summons, that his Earls, Barons, and all that held by Knights-seruice, should be ready at Portsmouth with Horse and Arms, on Whitsonday then instant, to cross the seas with him. The tumultuous Earls knowing, that the King then needed 
Liberty's the cause of contention.  their present helps, and therefore might be forced to any Capitulations, in a conventicle held at Leycester, by a 
u Hoveden.  joint conspiring, sent an audacious message to the King, that they would not attend him, unless he would first restore their rights; with which disloyal refusal, the King justly incensed, 
* Malousus con●…lio. Houed.  by some men's to praecipitate advise, (considering the hazardous time which needed a salve rather than a corrosive) seized into his hands some of their Castles, to prevent their further attempts, of some he took their children for pledges, and others, whose Purses were likely to do him truer service than their owners, he 
x Wendover. M S.  released upon payments. At which prefixed time, he dispatched before him William Earl of Pembroke, and Lord Roger Lacie with 
y Houed.  two regiments to join with Normandies' Seneschal. What a 
* Rog. Hoveden.  grave Author judged of those bold Barons here, and other turbulent Great-ones then abroad, may be gathered by this; that as soon as mention fell in of those refractory Lords, he straight fell off, to show how in that very year, Pope Innocent then reigning in Rome, Saffadine the Turk in jerusalem, 
* By Houed. so named, but Alexius by Nic. Trivet.  Alexander the 
z Nic. Trivet. M S showeth he deprived his brother Cusath of Empire and eyes not of life.  Fatricide in Constantinople, (for so he yoketh those three together, with some others following them;) the great Doctors preached, that then was the time (
a Apoc. 20. v. 7.  prophesied by Saint john) when after a thousand years restraint, the Devil was let loose, to seduce the Nations like a 
b v. 2. & 8.  Serpent, and trouble the world like a 
c Ibidem.  Dragon: which how true it proved in this our Nation and little-World, (in whose Tragedy the Devil also, amongst the 
d Supra § 1.  first named Actors, comes now to play his part,) the Diabolical ensuing practices, both of fraud and fury, will hereafter demonstrate.  
(14) The King, though thus disfurnished of his principal home-helpes, yet 
e Houed. f. 465  entrusting the custody of the land, especially those Southern parts, with 
f Parker in vit. Arch. Cant. erreth in saying it was Hubert the Archbishop, whose name was Hubert Walleri.  Hubert de Burgo Lord Chamberlain, and receiving to 
g Houed. f 465.  full reconcilement (for more security of the Northern,) Geffrey Archbishop of York, whose 
h Ibid.  Churches large Privileges than he ratified; without delay at Portesmouth he put forth to sea, with Isabel his Queen, though in sundry Bottoms, and with differing success, a 
i Hollens.  sudden gust disparting the Fleet, whereby the King was driven back on the Isle of Wight, but the Queen 
k Mat. Westmin. Walsing. and yet Houed. saith, Prosperis ventis ganisa.  with much ado, arrived safe in Normandy, whom soon after the King followed thither. Upon whose arrival, the French King 
l Paris Hist. minor M S.  perceiving the power of his adversary, presently condescended to another personal (but very 
m Nemine conscio Houed.  private) Parley; wherein each gave and received such reciprocal satisfaction in their desires, that thereupon, not only the former bonds of Amity seemed to continued strong, butwere also more strengthened with a new knot of 
n Wendover. M S.  Association, wherein sundry great Lords of either side were by indentment of Writing, made sureties to the counterpart, with condition, that whither of the two Kings did first violate the Covenants, all his cautionary Lords should be released of their allegiance to him, and become Leegemen and Assistants to the Prince offended. And that the world might take more notice of their combined loves, they 
o Houed f. 471.  both agreed to contribute to the Holy-Warres, (which now began to be on foot) the fortieth part of the whole Revenues of their Crowns; sending their 
p Epist. 〈◊〉 Apud Houed. f. 471.  letters abroad into their Dominions, to encourage all their Nobles & people, by their examples to do the like. With which intercourses, & other compliments, three days being spent betwixt them, King Philip the deeper to serve himself into King john's good opinion, (the 
* Tuta frequensq via est, per Amici fallerenomen.  surest way to overreach another in any commerce) by entreaty obtained his company, first to S. Denises Palace, 
q Hollias.  where he entered with a pompous Procession of the Clergy, and lodged with royal entertainment by the King; and the next day, to Paris, where he was received with 
r Ypod. Neust. Holins'.  very rich Presents of the City, and great applause of all sorts, to see so noble arguments of affection betwixt two so great princes, lately so mortal enemies: where the French King betaking himself to a more private mansion, left his own palace to accommodate and honour England's King. After some days there bestowed in princely delights, and entertainments, King john conducted forth of the City by King Philip, and parting with mutual attestations of love never to be parted, took his journey towards Normandy, in full hope to enjoy thence forward the contentment of quiet to himself, and peace to his Dominions: but those windy hopes soon changed with his change of the air.  
(15) For whiles at Chinon he was royally entertaining Queen Berengaria his 
a K. Richard's wife  sister (whom 
b Rog. Houed.  he there also bounteously satisfied in performing the 
A new conspiracy.  jointure promised her by King Richard, giving her thecCity and Signiory of Baion, two Castles, and their Demaines in Anjou, with a thousand Marks yearly for term of life,) and at 
c Mat. West. Ann. 1202.  Argenton in Normandy, where he kept his Christmas, was solacing himself with his fair Queen Isabel; the Earl of March, Hugh, surnamed Le-Brun, a 
d P. Aemyl. in Phil. 2.  Peer of great power and alliance, to whom Isabel was first promised (though for her 
e Nondum aunos nubiles attigerat. Hoveden.  unripe years he never bedded her) inflamed with love of her, who was now thought worthy to be a Queen, 
f Aemil. lo. citat.  drew on other Poictovine Nobles, to think that he was unworthy to be a King, who wrongfully had taken her 
g Houed. saith her father gave her to King john. fol. 457.  from him, and would, if not prevented, do the like in time with them. So, 
h Ypod Neustriae.  once again young Arthur, whose former hopes were all cold, is rekindled by these firebrands, and set up by their malice, to supplant his uncle, but by heavens Decree, to overthrow himself, howsoever the 
i Mills his Catalogue of honour in Richmond's Earls.  Britain's, than fascinated with his ominous Name, dreamt that the ancient Great Arthur was risen again in him, and that the Translation of the English Kingdom was now 
The French king breaks amity with K. john.  by him to be effected. Neither was the 
k Wendover M S.  French King, for all his late painted pretensions of love, deaf to their suggestions, who laboured to incense his hatred against john; whereto he had these further inducements; that King john might quickly wax too potent a Neighbour in that Continent, if his quiet and power were not timely rebated; that now the means to work it, were more than before, the 
l Rog. Houed.  English Peers being alienated in affection from him, for denying their claimed Liberties; but chiefly, that the 
m Nico. Trivet, M. S.  profit (such base ends can some propose of so Noble a Band) which he hoped for by his amity (being the 
n Walsing. Ypod.  enjoying of those Signiories in the Continent, if he died sans Issue) was now in a manner cut off, Queen Isabel beginning to give apparent hopes of some fair fruit from so fair a stem. Thus whiles Earl Hugh out of his love, Duke Arthur out of Ambition, King Philip out of Avarice, (ah that the noblest person should have the basest end,) but all out of Hatred, were contriving King john's ruin; he was farthest from suspicion, when nearest his danger, and yet they, who thus were forwardest to undermine his Greatness, were themselves foremost to be crushed with the weight thereof. 
another interview of the two kings.   
(16) But these sly Serpents shrouded in secret their envenomed heads, till the warmth of the 
o Mat. Paris. hist. min. M. S. saith in Lent.  Spring (a time suiting for martial mischiefs) called them forth; when King Philip (having newly cast his skin, and as most able, so was 
p Mortali armatus odio. Wend. M. S.  most willing to break the way) desired another interview with King john: who coming thither (the 
q Nich. Triu. M S. Mat. Paris saith it was near  place was twixt Vernon and Lisle Dandale) with expectation 
〈◊〉 Castle.  of some fruits of those lovely courtesies which their last meeting seemed to have engrafted; he there found that this last winter had nipped all those fair blossoms. For Philip, 
r Hist. min. Paris. MS.  forgetful of all former Compacts, and 
s Tr●…et. M. S.  pretending some imaginary wrongs, in outrageous manner 
t Mat. West. W●…douer, M. S Paris hist. min. M. S.  required him without delay to redeliver into Arthur's hands, all his Transmarine dominions, Normandy, Turayne, Anjou, Poictou; or otherwise as Lord Paramount of those Countries, which john held by Homage, he peremptorily 
u Walsing. Ypod.  cited him personally to appear in 
* In qumdena Paschae, ibid.  Easter Term at Paris, there to 
x Nich. Trivet. M. S.  answer what should be laid to his charge, and to abide the Arrest of his Court of justice. The colour on which he thus did cite▪ him, was (say 
y Ralph Cogshall. john Stow.  some) King john's sharp repressing of some rebellious attempts of Hugh le brun the former year, whereof the Earl complained to King Philip, as to the chief Lord. King john much amazed to see, not only honey so soon distempered into gall, but the French King also turned into an Apparatour, 
z Hist. maior. Mat. Paris.  disdained both his Citation and Commands, as very unnoble for England's King to accept, or the French to offer; neither indeed did Philip thus put the matter to daying, as intending any such legitimate proceeding, but only to make his adversary secure of any other assaults, then by Pettifoggers. For whether it be true or no, 
a Ralph Cogshell. john Stow.  that King john for his non-appearance, was by sentence of the French Peers adjudged to lose all his Territories in the Continent: certain it is, that 
* Die sequenti, say Mat. Westm. & Rog. Wend. M. S.  no sooner was the Conference with indignation broken off, but Philip (he had before prepared to effect what he had projected) with power and fury assails Butavant Castle, whose Turrets (high-reared by 
* Stows Annals  King Richard) he 
b Hist. minor. Mat. Paris. MS.  leveled with the Foundations, and thence suddenly like a flash of lightning, began to involve the 
c Mat. Westm. King john forceth King Philip to raise his siege.  neighbouring parts with ransaking and ruins, till giving an assault, (which had held him eight days) to the Castle of Radepont, King john coming to the rescue, forced him with shame to speed away. To repair which dishonour, 
d Confusus recessit. Wendover. MS.  and to impair the English forces by distraction of employments, returning to Paris, he there 
e Paris. min. hist. MS.  appoints for Arthur (to 
* Stows Auncles.  whom he had now affianced his younger daughter) both certain selected Nobles to be protectors to secure and guard his person, & also bands of Soldiers to attend his command, amongst which were 200. the 
f Mat. Westminst.  choice Knightsof France; all which in 
g Mat. Paris hist. maior.  very pompous Troops followed him, (with Philip's 
h Paul. Aemil. in Philipp●… 2.  directions, and also supply of 
i The. Walsing.  great sums of money) into Poictou, to reduce those parts to his Allegiance; which was no hard matter to effect; the greater part of Commanders there (being fore-wrought) expecting nothing more, and the better part suspecting nothing less, than these perfidious assaults.  
(17) Queen Eleanor Regent of those provinces, attended with a 
k Mat. Paris. hist. min.  very slender guard, yet strong enough for days of quiet, (which both her 
l Magno nat●… 〈◊〉, Aemil.  Age did now desire, and her 
m Idem.  Homage done to Philip, and Philip's fair shows to her did promise;) having no speedier notice of those incursions, than the unpleasing effects thereof, (for on Arthur's good successes, 
n Paulus Aemil.  K. Philip proclaimed him Lord of those Dominions) betook herself into Mirabeau, one of the most tenable towns in 
o 〈◊〉 saith Andeg●…s agri 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Poictou, sending to King john, (whose force●… were then in 
p Mat. West.  Normandy and 
q King john's letter, see holin. Queen Eleanor besieged in Mirabe●….  maine, repressing or preventing Philip's attempts) for present aids. Which yet could not so speedily come, but Arthur (who knew that upon seizure of such a prize as Eleanour, he might draw her son to any conditions) had prevented them, besieged her, and 
r john S●…rres Paulus Aemil.  possessed himself of her town, though not of her person, as 
s A●…il. Polyd.  some by misunderstanding have misrelated. For she 
t Westmin. Paris  retiring into the Castle, made it good against her Grandchilds' incessant battery; about which, whiles he, with his 
x Paris. 〈◊〉.  continual supplies of Poit●…ine 
u Paris 〈◊〉, MS.  and 
y Mat. West.  Anio●…ine princes, was 
z Paris. 〈◊〉. MS.  indefatigably busied, King john's Army near at hand (for his expedition both by day and night to his mother's rescue, is recorded as 
a W●…douer, MS King john's letter in holin.  admirable) brought the news of their own approach; which caused 
b Mat. West.  the great Army of the Leaguers so industrious before to impeach others, no less solicitous now to defend themselves. Both Armies 
c Wendo. M. S.  martially ranged, & Arthur's Battalions not only 
d Paris hist. 〈◊〉. MS.  undauntedly, but also very 
e W●…douer.  pompously coming on to the shock, the fight proved 
f Mat. West.  most fierce and terrible, each side resolving, by reason of both the Competitors presence in the field, that the End and upshot of all their designs, depended on that days succese: which in the end by the fortunate 
g Paris. hist. 〈◊〉.  prowess of King john and his English, fell disastrouslie on Arthur, his French, and other Assistants, who after a 
h Polydore,  great slaughter made amongst them, 
i Trivet. MS.  turning their backs to him, from whom they had before turned their Faiths, took their flight 
k Mat. West.  towards the Town, to shelter their lives within those walls, which so late the Seat of their triumphs, became now the cage of their captivation, and the Tomb of all Arthur's ambitious hopes, though himself so unhappy as to survive them: for 
l Wendover. MS  together with the tumultuary flyers, the victorious King & his Army entered, renewed a 
m Mat. West.  most bloody fight, repossessed the Town, freed his mother, enthralled his Enemies, and recovered all the provinces which had revolted.  
(18) This victory was so glorious to King john, and so dreadful to his Enemies, (for King Philip's two chief confederates, 
n Paris.  Arthur and Hugh Brun, 
o Litera K. job.  Raymund, Father to Guido the husband of Constantia, 
p Rog. Wend.  all the Peers of Poictou and Anjou, 
q Litera Regis.  above 200. French Knights and others of command, besides the vulgar multitudes were taken prisoners) that both then King Philip, though very hot in the siege of Argues in Normandy, presently cooled and 
r Mat. West.  confounded with news thereof, broke up his fortnight's siege, and returned home; and since, the French fawning favourites, and King john's maligners have sought to extenuate the matter, averring against 
s Wend. Paris. Tri●…et. W●…lfing. West.  all truth of record, that it was exploited 
t So Aemelius,  before the French were come to Arthur's aid, and 
u So Polydor.  when all his Soldiers were both unarmed and unordered. But, as others highly extolling king john's valour herein, 
x Trivet. Walfing.  interpret those foredoomes of Merlin to have been meant of him, 
y M●…rlini V●…ticinia.  that he should he crowned with the head of a Lion, should cut out the tongues of Bulls, and lay iron chains on the backs of r●…ring Beasts (and indeed he 
z Wend●….  chained them hand and foot, and so conveyed them away in Carts, a kind of riding till then unusual with them,) so King john himself, 
a Litera Regis apud Hollins.  duly acknowledging the greatness of God's goodness therein, sent his Letters to all his Barons wheresoever (thereby to encourage the loyal, and hold in awe the tomultuous) inciting them so render all praise unto God for so admirable a work, and so gracious assistance: and soon after 
b Paris 〈◊〉. MS.  he dispersed his noblest Captives into sundry Castles in Normandy and England; Arthur's sister Eleanor, called the damosel of Britain, being 
c Yp●…digma. Neustr.  committed to Bristol Castle, where she 
d She lived till 1241. Paris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 3  long lived with 
e W●…lfing. Anno 1203.  very honour able usage. And though the king's displeasure was justly incensed against her brother Arthur, for so frequent wavering in his faith, yet meaning to try all means of winning him who had thus lost himself, 
f Holl●…sh.  he sent for him (being then at Falaise in the custody of 
g 〈◊〉.  Hubert L. Chamberlain) and entreated him very gently, promising him all honourable respects, if (as yet) he would resolve to forsake the French kings amity, and frame both his mind for hearty love, and his Actions for peaceable observance towards him, his uncle and Liege Lord. Which exceeding clemency, the ill-advised young Gentleman (for what wisdom is it to show pride where we need mercy, and to give threats beyond possibility of performance?) 
h Mat. ●…st.  requited only with arrog●…nt and undutiful language, furiously obraiding the king with violent and fraudulent detention of the English Crown, which menacingly he there required of him, and alother King Richard's Countries, as his lawful inheritance, affirming with an Oath, that unless he did forthwith restore them, he should not long line in peace. With which incorrigible pertinacy the King provoked, as seeing no place left to better hopes, 
i Mat. Paris.  committed him to stricter custody 
k Stows Annals  under Robert de Veypont, in the Castle of Rouen.  
(19) The Britain's fury and conspiracies, which King john hoped to abate by this their Prince's durance, 
l Rad. Cogshall.  were thereby much more augmented; like Serpents, most struggling with their trains, when they feel their head in pressure. Which moved the King, who was now returned into England, (and in triumph of his late victory, 
m Wendover. MS  wore his crown again at Canterbury at the cost of his former host) to take advise of his Council touching his troubled affairs, whose sentence was (if we will credit the 
o Rad. Cogshal.  reporter) that Arthur should lose his eyes. But the escaping of such tortures, is by 
p Holins'.  some ascribed to the commiseration of Lord Hubert; by 
q Paul. Aemyl.  others, to the mediation of Queen Eleanor, who interceded with her Son for her Grandchild as long as she lived, which was not long; deaths unpartial hand (and 
r john de Serret  grief of heart, some say) laying that great & prudent Queen, (the wife of 
* Lewes of France & Hen. of Eng.  two mighty Kings, and mother of 
* Hen. Rich. john. 3. sons of H. 2.  three) where Princes and Peasants are all equals. Her Nephew much behind her in age, soon overtook her (if not 
s By Paris it seemeth she outlived him.  outwent her) in destiny; whose death divulged on King john's return from England, 
t Paris. min. hist. M. S.  gave his maligners fresh coloured occasion, both to molest his quiet, and to distain his estimation, as if he had not only been the Causer, but also the executor of it with his own hands.  
(20) As the Tongues of Parasites are no true scales to weigh the worth and virtues of Great men; so neither 
King john slandered about Arthur's death.  ought we to judge of their (or any man's) blemishes, by the deforming pencils of Envy or Rancour; with one of which, no eminency, either of place or of virtue, was ever unattended. And that this bloody aspersion on the King, came from no other fountain but malignity; such as then lived, and might therefore best know the truth, and were also (as Monks gnerally were) his most bitter Taxers, and therefore far from saluing his infamy with partial falsehood, can best witness. It was (saith 
u Paris. hist. min. MS.  one) by certain persons avowed that Arthur attempting to escape secretly out of hold, was by casualty drowned in the River Seyne (on which the Castle of Rouen is seated;) and yet the Frenchmen, the King's mortal enemies (and therefore plenary credit not to be given them) give it out, that he was murdered by the King's command, yea and by his own hands: thus by the malice of slanderers, England's King became not a little defamed. With whom other the approvedst Authors accord (though differing in the 
* Some saying he died of grief, some of wilful abstinence from food.  manner of his death) that this imputation sprang only from the 
x Trinet. Walsing.  French emulation, as since it hath been kept on foot, only by 
y Serres. Aemylius, Polydor.  French, or Italianate spirits; 
z Sabellicus Ennead. 9 l. 5.  one of which hath not blushed to charge King john with murdering of his own Brother King Richard, and 
b Paris ad Ann. 1241.  another with killing Arthur's sister, who yet outlived him 24. years; so shamelessly will the pen blur the truth of Actions, where it's once dipped in gall against the person. But sharper showers then of tongues (which being undeserved, are 
a john Harding. Chron. c. 142. erring also in his Sister's name, saying: Thus slew he both Arthur and Isabella, To joy the Crown of England, as men tell.  to be unregarded) were sequels of arthur's death: it seeming to give new life to King john's troubles, & King Philip's hatred, which yet once again must go masked under the robe of justice. For Philip cities john as Duke of Normandy, to appear at a set day, to be tried upon point of 
c Mat. West.  Treason by his Peers; Constance Arthur's mother (well brooking her name for her immutable hatred to King john) is made the 
d john de Serres.  plaintiff, requiring justice of Philip, as both their Sovereign; King john not appearing, is condemned 
e Paul. Aemil. in Philipp●… 2. The Peers sentence upon King john.  of a traitorous outrage, for that careless of his oath made to the French, he though an uncle, had murdered his elder brother's son, being an Homager to the French, and that within the French Territories; without any legal course, nor by cognizance of those to whom it appertained; whereupon he is adjudged to be held an enemy to the French State, to forfeit all his Signories which by Homage he held of the French, and those to revert to the Crown of France, and a reentry to be made by force of Arms, if any deny possession. Thus now the second time, by solemn sentence the King & Peers of France disherited and condemned King john, though absent, unheard, neither confessing, nor convicted of the Action; albeit at that time 
f Ex Combdeni Brit. in Richmundiae Comit.  he sent them his royal promise to come, (if they would give him public faith and safe conduct for his coming & returning) and answer at Paris touching the death of Arthur, though he was his Leegeman, had sworn him fealty, had violated the same, had raised a rebellion, and was taken in battle. Upon which grounds, if King john had caused the pretended execution on so capital a Complotter both against his Life & Crown; and one, who had caused so much bloodshed of his people, and more would if he had escaped; in 
g Ingenia Regum prona ad formidinem, Sallust.  which cases Princes are and aught to be very jealous; what understanding Statist can justly condemn him, or justify the French injustice? Especially it being questionable, and even then 
h Cambd. loco citato.  much debated, Whether the Peers of France were competent judges on a King anointed, and so their superior, the King of England and Duke of Normandy being but one person, & maior dignitas absorbet minorem, the greater dignity was to swallow up the less. But when the will of a Ruler, is a rule, or ruled-case to his judges, no other could be expected then by these Peers was performed.  
(21) Neither did they here stay; but (as in most 
Ann. 1203.  States, the Acts and Decrees advantageous to the Princes, are carefully pursued, though others seldom or coldly executed) that heady sentence was 
i joh. de Serres.  seconded with as hasty force, on Philip's part, and on johns (if some Authors say true) as much neglected. It is no rare thing to see Princes (because on their safety depends the State of their Kingdoms) often suspicious of dangers where there is no cause; but it is unexcusable in them, under a show of resolution to be secure, where they see their Person or State may be near unto hazard. An intelligent man would think, that whiles so vast indignities were in hatching (yea and now on wing) by so insatiate enemies, King john had been whetting his revenge, levying his forces, strengthening his confines, combining his friends and Allies, so to regret their pride and malice, who thus proceeded to unstate him of that 
k Paulus Aemil. in Phil. 2.  goodliest portion of France, 
l job. de Serres saith ab An 885.  part whereof for above three hundred years had been the inheritance of his Ancestors. But whether it were the 
* Male filijs infatuatus. Wendover.  bewitching dalliances of his fair Isabel, with whom he was in arms, when he should have been in Arms as 
m Paris hist. min.  some Authors tax him; or his deceived expectation of Aides from his Barons, as 
n Apud Wendo.  himself alleged; or promised redress by the Pope, as the 
o Ypod. Neust.  sequel showed: too true it seemeth, that beginning his Christmas at Cane in Normandy with festival pleasures not unfitting the season, he continued them so unseasonably and unreasonably too, that he gave both to the 
p De Serres.  French leisure to execute their Peers sentence, and 
q Paulus Aemil.  to the Britons and Poytovins, an edge to prosecute their old rebellions, now new-quickned with the loss of their young master: whereby his strongest Towns and Castles daily fell away, either by force of Assailants, or treachery in defendants, or on despair of needful aids.  
(22) Treachery as it was foremost (for it gave beginning and means to the rest) so did it most in undermining King john's possessions, which stirred him to take sharp revenge 
r Th. Walls.  by hanging up all his Hostages of Poyton for their Countrimens' treasons. But such a death (though of all other most disgraceful) is not so hateful to a Spirit truly ennobled, as is the stain of dishonour, especially for Treachery or Cowardice: from either of which I wish I could with truth acquit 
s S●…r. de Quincy. Rob. Fitzwalter. Paris. hist. ma.  those two great Barons (whose names we will here forget) to whom King john entrusted the defence of the famous Castle called Vall-de Ruill; who no sooner saw King Philip 
u Rog. Wend. M. S.  engirding it with his great host, and mounting his Engines of battery against it, but eftsoons, before one stone of the walls was shaken, or any one of their men had lost the least hair of their heads, they dishonourably surrendered the Fort (a matter of very great consequence) to King Philip's pleasure: who though abundantly pleased with the deed, yet so 
x Mat. Paris.  contumeliously (but most justly, and princelike) recompensed the Doers, for Traitors always become odious, though the Treason becommodious,) that, for so base a part he commanded them to be fettered in chains, and basely entreated in close prison, till they had dearly redeemed their liberty, though they could hardly their reputation. Another noble Baron, 
* Hugh Gur●…y. Polyd. l. 15.  Captain of Castle Galliard (which being built on a very high Rock over Seyne, 
y Ypod. Neust.  King Richard had made impregnable) by his undaunted prowess, and 
z Pol. Virgil.  great slaughter made upon Philip's host, lying 
a Walfing. Aemil.  6. months in siege about him, was far from any suspicion of dastardy; but yet 
b Wendover. M. S.  escaped not the blemish both of ingratitude and infidelity, in that at length he not only yielded up that Castle to the enemies, but also 
c Mat. Paris. ●…a. hist.  secretly by night brought them into the Castle of Montfort, which he betrayed unto them, not weighing his faith to his Liege Lord, who had bestowed on him that Castle, with all the honour and domains thereto belonging. Otherwise for his first surrender, his case had been more excusable, the famine (an unresistible enemy) in the Castle being so great, that, as the 
d Paul. Aemil.  French Recorders themselves confess, when the Women and others of the unserviceable sort were put forth for sparing of provant, and being betwixt the Castle and the Enemies, found pity and relief of neither, in the sight of them all a Woman great with Child was delivered, and her infant presently eaten up. Amongst those, and other of King john's revolting Barons, like so many falling Stars, if we should pretermit that fixed and bright Star of unmovable fidelity and resolution, the Lord 
* Constable of Chester.  Robert de Lacie, we should be guilty of high offence against true honour; who having received of his Prince the custody of the goodly Castle Rocke-Andely (
e Rog. Wed. MS.  which was builded also by King Richard) 
f Paris. ad Ann. 1204.  did bravely bear of the siege and power of King Philip and his host almost a whole year; in which space, though by their continual batteries and underminings 
g Wend. MS.  a great part of the walls were flatted, yet they could never make entry upon him, but were repulsed with slaughter, till his provision of victuals being now spent to the last hour, he called his Soldiers together, encouraging them, after so long proof of their Manhood not to faint now in the last Act; but to consider, that though it were better for them to die by famine, then to live with reproach of false or faint-hearttednesse, yet it is more noble for soldiers to die fight, then famishing, and together with their own lives, to sacrifice to their Country's honour the blood of their slaughtered enemies. Whereupon fiercely 
* Pridie Non. Mart. Paris.  sallying forth with his Resolutes, after a bloody shambles made in the midst of his beleaguers, he was by multitude overborne and taken; but 
h De Wend●…. MS  in regard of his exemplary faith and prowess, in maintaining his charge by King Philip's express command, (a second princely and prudent fact, to discipline his Subjects by thus entreating his foes,) he was honourably used, and 
* Sub libera custodia, Paris.  without r●…int of a prisoner.  
(23) But as the fact of this Peer was peerless, so was this Clemency in that King, but rare and unaccustomed towards such Cheiftains as stiffly outstood his assaults; 
i Paris. hist. ●…a.  some of whom formerly he had caused to be dispiteously dragged at horse-heels, for the terror of others. Of which indignities, & other irksome extremities, (the inseparable companions of war) endured by his people, when King john had notice by Messengers sent unto him for relief and aids; no marvel is it, if 
k Polyd Uirg.  his grief were above belief or measure, finding himself utterly destitute of means to relieve their wants, or his own losses; albeit for the time he bore it out with a manly show, saying, 
l Virg. l. 15.  that these were but the French pilfer, of which he meant in due time to exact an account with interest. For what else could he do? The Normans (to omit those others in open Rebellion) 
m Mat. Paris. ma hist.  either wholly fallen away from him, or but dissemblingly adhering to him; his 
n Paris. min. hist. MS. in ipso ar●…culo deseruissent.  Barons from home, failing him at his need; his 
o Wend. MS.  Nobles there about him, being under pretext of a speedy coming again, returned into England: by which means the King 
p Paris. hist. ma.  was left very dispeopled, having only a small train, which could in so great a need do him but very small service: but that these important and unportable matters 
q Mat. West.  did no whit move him, nor could retrieve him 
r Wend. West.  from the bosom of his too-dear Enchantress, (which occasioned some to think him infatuated with 
* So●…ilegijs vel male●…s. ibid.  sorcery) is a thing past capability of belief.  
(24) The King thus disfurnished of all helps, Innocentius, the stirring Bishop of Rome, made fair 
The Pope interposeth betwixt the two Kings.  show to salve these temporal wounds with a spiritual plaster; which doubtless made King john more secure than stood with his good: for, 〈◊〉 in so great distresses, there was no foreign Prince fitter for the King to combine with, then Otho the Emperor, his own Nephew, and Philip's professed enemy: so the Pope on the one side beginning to bee-iealous of Otho's greatness, mistrusted the concurrence of two such great friends, and therefore undertook to umpeere the debates betwixt those two great Enemies: and King john on the other side, willing to make use of the Pope's favour, durst not yet comply with any, whom his Sanctitude any whit disfavoured. His Legates for this business, were the Abbots 
t De Cas. Marij, & Trim ●…ontium. Ypodi●….  of Cafmer and Troisfons: his motive, that 
u Polydor.  these dissensions 
The Pope's Nunce●….  of Christendom weakened the wars against Turkey: his colour, 
x Paul. Aemil.  that this contention being a matter of faith-breach (as of Leagues, Oath and Covenants) the cognizance thereof did properly appertain to his sacred judicature; whereof he made so little doubt, as that the 
y Aemilius in Phil. August.  very letter then sent to the French Peers, is to this day registered for 
z 〈◊〉, De●…tal. l. 2. Tit. 24. de iureiur. c. 29.  a pontifical decree: and this audacious Law then by Innocentius first brought to the world for current, 
* Blon●… Decad. 2. l. 6.  That whensoever one Prince is delinquent against another, the correction thereof appertains to the Pope. Their Commission was, 
a Tr●…t. MS.  to call the Bishops and Princes of both Kingdoms, for settling a Peace; to inhibit all hostility; to reserve the further trial of the Right to the Pope as 
b joh. de Serres.  Sovereign judge; 
c Ypod. Ne●…st.  to enjoin that all Religious places by the wars destroyed, or impoverished, should be restored to their due State; 
d P. Aemil.  if either of the Kings should be refractory, his whole Kingdom presently to be put under Interdict. Philip, albeit the Pope was then offended with him upon other terms, (for that he 
e joh. de Serres.  imposed towards his wars a tax of certain tenths upon his Clergy, (against the Pope's will) alleging it was necessary that out of their private abundance, they should bear a charge in the common preservation,) yet knowing the Pope had need of his friendship about settling the Empire, he meant so long to side with the Pope's authority, as the Pope would stand with his commodity, & repining to have so fair a prey taken out of his talents, made bold●… to despise both the commands and the curses: yet this he did 
Walfing. Polyd.  in smother fashion than he had done once before, when he rigodrously punished all the 
g Tri●…t. MS. ad An. 1201.  Bishops and Prelates, whom, for consenting to such a Papal censure, he turned out of their Sees and dignities; for now, he 
h Gagui●….  appealed from the sentence for a fashion's sake, 
i Polyd●….  but yet violently proceeded with his wars, and 
k Wend. MS.  did swim with the full current▪ of his victories. The waves whereofso fast surrounded King 〈◊〉, that 
* Grast●…, 〈◊〉.  fearing also further treason of his own men, he thought good, till some better days would shine upon him, (especially winter season enforcing surcease of wars) to abandon the place of his injurious foes, to expostulate in England with his perfidious friends.  
(25) For that was the first work he did, alter his arrival, (
l Paris. hist. ma.  which was at Portsmouth on Saint Nicholas day in December) when 
m Ma●…. West.  laying to the charge of his Earls and Barons, that in his wars they suffered him to be destitute of requisite aids, and 
n Wendo●… MS. Paris. min. hist. MS.  had left him in the midst of his enemies, by which their defaults, he was thus despoiled of his Castles and Countries; thereupon, by 
o Paris. hist. 〈◊〉.  advise of Hubert Lord Archbishop, and Lord Fitz-Peter Chief justitiar (who knew these were no 
p Ao●…d M●…. Westmin. occasiones cavillatorias.  forged cavillations) he put them and other delinquents to their Fines, (for his Wars made him desire their money more than their lives) wherein these two great Counsellors were 
q Wend. MS.  overseers for the receipts the one for the Clergy, the other for the Laity) of both whom they received no less sums of curses, then of Coin. The like repining among the people, (who judge of the goodness of a King only 
An. 1204.  by sparing their purses) ensued on the grant of a large Subsidy (two Marks and half of every Knight's Fee) in a Parliament 
* In cras●… circumcisionis. Paris.  presently after held at Oxford, where the King & Peers convening about redress of those remediless mischiefs, the issue (
r Rand. Cogshal.  as seemeth) was, that Ambassages should be addressed into France, two Prelates, Canterbury and Norwich, with two Earls Marshal and Leicester, to treat from the Body of the Kingdom, touching those Provinces, which being incorporated with England's Sovereignty, could not without apparent injustice▪ be abstracted from a Nations common interest, upon coloured pretences against any particular. Philip, having 
s Mat. Parri,  upon King john's departure thence used his whole Forces and wits, to weary, or to win divers other Cities & Forts; which had till then stood faithful (for which purpose he also employed sundry 
t Polydor. l. 15.  instruments, themselves first corrupted, that they might corrupt others to defection, with great rewards and greater promises,) he meant not now to re-commence Questions of Right, having already near decided that point by the point of his sword: yet because he was to deal with a mighty Nation, he would not abruptly refuse to capitulate, and yet again by proposal of 
u Stow. Hollins●….  conditions exceeding either Reason of Possibility, he dammed up all passages to peaceable agreement: 
x Rad. Cogshal●…. Stows annal.  his 
King Philip's demands.  demands were to have either Arthur, whom he knew to be dead, redelivered into his hands alive, or else, his Sister Eleanor in marriage with all those Countries in that Continent: but those Statesmen easily perceived that Philip's heart, aimed farther than his tongue, and that with Eleanor he hoped to purchase a higher dowry, even the English Diadem, whose claim glided down from her brother to her; which perchance was the secret ground of his 
y holinsh.  Oath, that he would never linne to pursue that quarrel, till he had deprived King john of his Kingdom.  
(26) This embassage was not only thus issueless, but produced also effects tending to further irritation: for this seemeth to be the time when 
a annal Hibernia, apud Camb. in Hris.  Philip sent a braving Champion, to justify by Duel before the States here in England, what his Master had done in France against their King in open war; and 
b Campians hist. of Ireland. l. 〈◊〉. c●… 3  though it was not deemed expedient to jeopard a Title of such weight on the Arms and Fortune of one man; yet it was resolved the Challenger should not pass unanswered, whereto none was held fitter than john Curcy Earl of Ulster, (for 
c annal Hiber.  rebellion and denying his homage to the King, condemned to perpetual imprisonment in the Tower,) a man of Giantlike limb and strength, and of some dispositions not despicable, if they had not been savaged with a too careless rudeness: which appeared not only in his 
d Ibidem.  wild speeches, touching the King's misusage of his Nephew Arthur (which 
e Campion hist. of Ireland, john Stow Anna.  some by error allege as cause of his indurant durance,) but even now, when the king demanding him, whether he would combat in his quarrel? 
f annal Hib.  No, (quoth he) not in thy quarrel, nor for thy sake, but for the kingdoms right I will fight to the death. Against which day, whiles he repaired with large diet his impaired limbs and sinews, the Frenchman hearing of his excessive feeding, and strength answerable thereto, thereby fearing he had been some Monster of Nature, rather than a man, he secretly sneaked away 
g Campian la. citat.  into Spain ashamed to show his face in France again Curcy finding the King gracious, was hereupon released, and 
h annal Hib.  is said (if this be not to digress) to have crossed the seas for Ireland fifteen times, and evermore beaten back to the shore: 
l Compian ibid.  (acknowledged himself herein justly punished of God, never again to see his own seat, for displacing God out of his, when he converted the Church of Prebendaries in Doan consecrated to the blessed Trinity, into an Abbey of Monks, to the honour & name of Saint Patrick, 
k annal Hib.  whose Image was erected in a stately seat, wherein before the Trinity was deportracted, which was thence rejected into a private Chapel. The 
l Ibidem.  Irish relate, that the two Kings being afterward together (belike when they made the next truce in Erance) King Philip hearing Curcy to be in the English Camp, entreated to see some experience of his so much feared and reported strength: where a Helmet of excellent proof 
The great strength of C●…rcy.  full farced with Mail, being set upon a great wooden block, the Earl lifting his trusty Skeyne, first louring round about him with a dreadful aspect, cloven so deep quite through the steely resistance, into the knotty wood, that none there could draw it out but himself, who did it with ease, and being asked by the Kings, why he frowned so irefully before the stroke; he told them, that he then intended if he had failed of his blow, to have killed them all, both Kings and others the lookers on.  
(27) But what Philip could not in England by one Champion, he accomplished in Normandy by many; where having a 
m Paris. hist. ma.  mighty power attending him from City to City, yet he thought fair words would be for himself both cheaper and safer, and with the Provincials more forcible than force itself; especially, where such troops of armed Orators were at hand, and where golden preparatives had made way with the chiefest. Philip told them, 
n Wendover MS  their late Lord had quite forsaken them, and that therefore himself, as their supreme Liege came to provide that his own Countries might be indemnified, desiring, them lovingly to admit and embrace him as their Lord, sith now they had no other to protect them from skath; but menacing withal, that if they forced him to use force, they should die no other death then hanging, or to be flayed alive: with which fawn and fears, though many well munified places were fetched off without any resistance, 
o Walsing. Ypod. Nest.  their Captains violating their faith to curry favour with the French; yet Rouen, the 
p Polyd. l. 15.  place ever honoured for fidelity to the English Crown (and 
q Supra in King Richard's reign.  therefore worthily selected by King Richard to be the Shrine of his Leonine Heart,) was better fortified both in affection and munition, then to wane upon parties. Which neglect incensed Philip to turn his Oratory into Battery, (it being the chiefest City, and therefore of greatest consequence for consumating his victories,) which he continued in a most fierce & 
r Pol. Virgil. l. 15.  horrid manner of siege, the space of two months; but finding it to be with small advantage, he fell again to 
* D●…is & promissis ad defectio●…em, Ibid.  golden Eloquence, attracting some in special with present pay, and all in general with 
s Paul. A●…il.  promises of future enjoying all their wont laws, and liberties without impairment of any their commodities whatsoever: advising them 
t Polydor.  not to reject those proffered conditions, which ere long they would gladly get, when they should not be granted. The Roanists, seeing their dangers, feeling their wants, fearing their ruins, yet desired respite till King john might know their State: who finding himself at home as ill bestedde as theirs abroad, his Barons 
u Rog. Wend. Suis detrectantibus militiam.  refusing to follow the wars, returned them answer, he could not presently relieve them. Whereupon the 
x Paul. A●…il. is Phil. August.  Great men who could sway the multitude with cheaper reasons, than Philip's open hand had swayed with them, persuaded them to weigh, that in truth they were all originally Frenchmen, though now called Normans, of that 
Rouen lost, circa omn. Sanct fest. Mat. West.  noblest and richest part of all France, and the French king being Supreme Lord thereof, there was no cause at all of continuing this new hostility, but very many of renewing that antic amity.  
(28) The 
y Caput totius Normaniae Rothomagum, Polydor.  Head, yea and Heart of all Normandy thus fainting; who can expect that those few inferior members, yet untainted should so continue long? neither did they. So as eftsoons all that Dukedom, one of the goodliest gems in the 
Normandy fallen from English allegiance.  English Diadem, and disbranched from France 
z joh. de Serres. so that Aemyl. much erreth in saying Rollo had it but 270. years before.  since the year eight hundred eighty five, was again rend away, ingloriously for them who lost it, injustly by them who got it, but perfidiously by such as should, and might have kept it. For whatsoever necessity then, or malice since hath laid on the King; this Eulogy, and memorial thereof, written by 
a Waling. Ypod. ad An. 1203. Trivet. MS.  unpartial pens, will stand indelible on his Subjects, A rege Angliae, Normannia fraudibus suorum alienata, England's King lost Normandy by treachery of his own people. And no less treacherously dealt Philip with them, when he had caught them with the trap of his glozing proffers (as such Princes more usually then princely, square their promises to others liking, their performances to their own) causing without delay their Cities goodly walls 
b Trivet. MS. Walsing.  to be utterly demolished, and giving strict charge that they should never be built up again. The other neighbouring Countries, Main, Turaine, Poictou, who were all forerunners in the rebellion, would not be now behind in the final revolt; Angiers in this more happy, that she fell away by others falsehood, not her own, when standing on her guard, 
c Ypod. Neust.  William de Rupibus clad his choice Soldiers upon their armour in the habit and other furniture of market-men, who so getting access into the City gates, made easy entrance for a greater host; which soon after became absolute Lords of all Anjou.  
(29) Woeful experience had now taught King john a lesson fit to be learned of all Princes, whom the fawning world enstyleth most Mighty, that this 
Ann. 1205.  their might is not only liable to the check and dispose of that Highest all-ruling power, who unthrones them at his will; but even depends of the waving humours, and wills of those 
* Involuntate obsequentium potest●…s Principum. Trivet. MS. dNic. Trivet. MS  inferior vassals, of whom they think themselves unresistible Commanders. But King john was not unsenfible either of his foreign dishonours, (though as ᵈ often as he endeavoured to redeem it, by levying any Army, suitable to so great a design; so often was he crossed by his own Nobles) or of those his domestic affronts; which notwithstanding, by counsel and assistance of his better affected, & truer hearted friends and subjects: at length 
c Cirea Pentecost. Paris. f holinsh.  he gathered a Royal Host and a mighty Navy, (therein 14000. Mariners some say) with full resolve to revenge his wrongs, and repair his losses. Which great enterprise managed with unmovable determination (for now with full sails, and fuller hearts at Portsmouth they were ready to embark) brought to the King's further knowledge, and to the worlds, who had been all this while the secret underminers of his fortunes, and hinderers of his employments. For Hubert 
g Wend. MS. Paris. hist. min. M. S.  the Archbishop, and Papal Legate with many others, (amongst whom, 
h Cogshall,  some find William Marshal Earl of Pembroke numbered) thither comes unto the King, and flatly 
i Wendover. Paris  forbids him to proceed in the voyage. Some 
k Cogshal. holin.  Writers have laboured to conject the true cause and reasons of this audacious Prohibition; but if we consider on the one side the Pope's use of Philip's Forces, to counterbalance if need were Oaths greatness; on the other, the interest which both the Pope and 
* Hub. de nimia familiaritate Philippi suspectus 〈◊〉. Paris.  Philip had in Hubert's affection: we may without Hubert's 
l Supra S.  divining Spirit pry into the mystery of his secret workings, as an Archbishop, and now open command as a Legate to hinder King john, for fear of hindering King Philip.  
(30) But whatsoever was the reason, Hubert was the Instrument that so resolute projects, so 
m Cogshal. Stow.  inestimable charges, so necessary an action fell suddenly to the ground, whereby, besides the self mischief which therewith fell on the King, many fresh grudge accrued unto him, for suffering himself to be thus violently repulsed from so behoveful a purpose. The Archbishop and Marshal as principals were rewarded with the 
n holinsh.  curses of the dismissed multitudes, as the just fee for their unjust counsel; and the King himself was so little pleased with so unexpected a countermand, that albeit at the present, (either awed with the authority of the Papal Legate, or with the weight of his coloured motives, or with hazard which he might leave behind him) he durst notwithstand it; yet 
o Ibidem.  the very next day, checking himself for overprizing the command of any man, above the value of his kingly honour and state, he 
p Rog. de Wend.  resolved to recollect his disparkeled troops, and to 
* Idi●…us julij Paris.  put forth to Sea. To which end, taking order for his Nobles to follow, they gave him leave 
q Mat. Paris. ma. hist.  with a small company to waff up and down two days in expectance of their attendance, till seeing them more obsequious to Hubert's command then his, (
r Mat. Paris. hist. min. MS.  the Archbishop also sending his Inhibition after them on the sea) he was forced to come again to land. How a King of any royal sparkle, could brook such Sea-and land-Tempests, without disgorging his Kingdom of the causers thereof, I cannot conceive; and yet so unevenly doth some men's judgement poised, whose affection guides the Beam, that this defeating of the King's weightiest affairs, is censured as 
s apud Mat. Par.  too light to deserve the punishment which ensued, when the King put many of his Earls, Barons, Knights, yea and Clergy men to a grievous pecuniary redemption for thus refusing to follow him for recovery of his Inheritance.  
(31) The Archbishop though their Ringleader, 
Archbishop Hubert dieth at his Manor of Tenham, Paris,  might well have been exempted from this judgement, by his passage to a higher, dying, (if 
t Windover, Paris  some err not) the very same week, either of 
u Polydo.  grief, or of a 
x Vit. Arch. Cant.  fever, which killed him in four days: but the 
y Ibidem,  king forthwith in person at Canterbury seized upon all his wealth and possessions, showing himself 
z Paris. hist. ma.  right joyful, that now he was rid of him, whom men suspected of too familiar practising with the French King; & saying, 
a Mat. Paris. min. hist. MS.  he was never a King till now, by reason of Hubert's too presumptuous daring to cross his royal resolutions as late he did. But this joy and hope of happier 
b Idem,  days, was soon choked and buried in the same Tomb with Hubert; out of whose Ashes sprang 
Archbishop Hubert's end the beginning of greater troubles to King john.  up a root yielding more, and more bitter fruits, than King john had as yet tasted, by how much more lamentable are the wounds which are in the bowels and heart of a State, than those which only light on the skirts or more remote members. The first seeds of which fast growing mischiefs, were to the eye, (as are the beginnings of all kingdoms ruin) very small and contemptible, and the Sowers of little better regard, being but Cloistered monks, who craftily 
The Monks of Canturbury the seedmen of England's troubles.  factious to advance a private friend, (which once mounted into Hubers chair, might befriend them again,) they gave a deadly blow, both to themselves; their Sovereign, and the State in general. The 
* 〈◊〉 Paris min. MS, Wendover MS.  younger heads amongst them (whose unexperience makes them in acts of Societies more forward and daring) having secret notice of Hubert's death, 
c M●…. Westmin.  meant by a slight (whereunto they doubted not to find the Pope's furtherance) to defeat their Sovereign's interest in that Election, (and perchance in all other, ever after) of a Primate for the See of Canterbury, the most important place of his Kingdom. 
* Trivet MS. 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉,  Reginald, the Subprior of their Covent, One (as you shall hear) fitter for their projects, then for that place, was the man they chose, and that at 
d Wend. MS. Paris West. etc.  midnight, when singing Te Deum, they lifted him first upon the High Altar, and after into the Metropolitan chair. They ought to have first obtained the King's assent, and leave to elect, and therefore to prevent both his 
e Paris. hist. 〈◊〉.  interposing and displeasure, till it were too late for him to redress the wrong; the same night they caused their Elect to enter 
* Prastita cautione i●…toria, Westmin.  caution by oath, never to carry himself as Archbishop, nor to make it known to any man living, till he had further especial warrant from them, upon proof of the success it might find at Rome, whither forthwith they sent him for his dispatch.  
(31) Reginald taking Flaunders in his way, was both so 
f Vit. Arch. Cant.  proud, 
g Wendou. MS.  perjurious, and 
h Westmin.  impudent, (the virtues of their most choice man) that he could never conceal the purpose of his journey, and boast of his dignity from any man's Ears, nor from their Eyes the Conuentuall letters ratifying the same. Whereof when the Covent had notice, vehemently incensed against him who had thus divulged their secret, and providently casting how to evade the King's offence, 
i M. Fox mistaketh saying, it was the next day after Reginald went, also Polydore, Holinsh and Mills saying, it was not till they heard from Rome.  out of hand they despeeded certain of their Crew, to crave both 
k In vit. Arch. Cant.  pardon of their fact, and licence for choice of some worthier Primate. There was then in high grace and employment about the King, john Grace Bishop of Norwich, a 
l Godwins' Catal.  man of great wisdom, learning, and Integrity, (qualities truly befitting that high place) whom the King much desired to advance, commending him, as one 
m Paris. hist. ma.  most dear unto him, and of his secretest Counsels (of 
n Gra●…, holin.  which, some say, he was Precedent) most behoveful for the Commonwealth, for Himself, and them: which message from the King faithfully delivered, 
o Wend. MS.  all of them glad thus to redeem the favour, which they had hazarded, with unanimous consent elected him; and sending for him from York (where he was in the King's affairs) the 
p Mat. Westm.  King himself graced his entrance into Canterbury with his presence in great pomp; and the next day, the King with a multitude of People assembling in the Metropolitan Church, the Prior did there publish his Election solemnly, and in due form performed; where the Monks carrying him with Te Deum to the high Altar, did forthwith enthronize him in the Chair of his Primacy; The King there in presence of them all, giving him actual possession of his Temporalities. This loving correspondence betwixt the King and his Clergy, gave great hope of more blissful fortunes henceforward unto them both; but the Infernal Author of debate, and his chief Agent, took a hint hereby to intrude a Tyranny both upon Clergy, King and all.  
(32) Little thought false Reyner what was doing at Canterbury, whiles he was trotting to Rome; whither when he came, and showed his letters of Ratification to his Holiness and his Cardinals, 
q Wendover MS  he received this short answer, that it was a business which asked mature deliberation and better informations; the Pope soon finding, that the Subprior was too slight an instrument for him to work with, and for King john to be wrought with, and therefore bethought him of some fitter hammer for so hard an anvil. But sundry stops were in the way, which wisely and by degrees were to be removed. The first was (which Reginald in likehood had imparted to hasten his own dispatch) that the Bishops of the Province claimed a joint interest with the Monks, in choice of their Primate: a point which could no way suit with the Pope's advantage, because Bishops were generally much obliged to their Sovereigns, and so likely still to Elect a Royalist, whereas Cloystermen, professing ignorance of worldly affairs, and obedience to one Superior, might more facilly be swayed to bend as the Pope would bow them, in preferring his creatures. Which was the Motive (we may suppose) of the Pope's 
* Dated 6. Id●… 〈◊〉.  letters, soon after sent to the Suffragan Bishops, exhorting them by 
r Paris hist. 〈◊〉.  sacred example, and precept of filial obedience, to desist from vexing, like undutiful sons, their Mother Church with such vnd●… claims. The Bishops notwithstanding, who knew themselves in sacred writ to be styled Fathers, would not thus acknowledge the Monks for their Mothers, till I●…centius to his light Reasons added the weight of his Keys, and by his power swept both that and other rubs out of his intended way. For the King keeping his Christmas 
An. 1206.  at Oxford, (attended as it seemeth by his Bishops) 
〈◊〉 Mat. Westmin. Wendover MS. Paris. hist. min. MS.  meaning not to pretermit any fair means to work the Pope's inclination towards the new Elect, he sent for 
t Mat. Parri, hist. ma. add an. 1207.  twelve of the Monks, whom with some other of his own Clerks (which carried his letters to the Pope) he put in trust for transacting this business at Rome; allotting them very bountiful expenses out of his Exchequer for their whole journey. They to leave with the King (who knew well the trains of Rome, and the overreaching fetches of Innocentius,) a pledge of their duty, and assurance of his hopes, 
u Ibidem.  entered with him 
x Prastito juramento, ib.  a covenant by oath, that no man, nor means should remove them from him, whom the King & themselves had already appointed. The Bishops sent 
y Mat. Westmin.  the same time their Procurators also, to plead their right of Co-election; so as, four obstacles stood at once in the Pope's way, (the two elections of the Monks, and the two claims of the King and Prelates, he for his Royal assent, they for their joint consent, in the choice) which all must be done and voided before the Pope can have his full forth.  
But because these will ask long time for contriving, (which moved his Holiness to adjourn the hearing to the very 
z 12 Calen. jan. We●…r. Paris  end of the year,) we will see the while how the King and State of England is employed.  
(33) The dorre, which deceased Hubert did put upon K. john and his late design, gave both K. Philip advantage, to take surer footing in his new possessions, and King john greater stomach and edge to recover his old. The last task (almost) of the one, and hold of the other, was Chinon a place of great strength, but in nothing more, then in the ever-trusty valour of her Captain, Roger Lacie; who (if 
a Polydo.  some mistake him not in steed of 
b holinsh.  Hubert de Burgo) being redeemed from the French, resolved here to give Philip another taste of his prowess, and King john of his fidelity; had not others faithless fear defeated his brave resolution. For the besieged having 
c P. Virgil.  no rest night or day, from a long and incessant battery, their Commanders invincible constancy against yielding, which enheartned the better sort, dismayed the base, as more prising their ease, than their faith or fame; some of which by night slipping over the walls, so instructed the enemy of all secret advantages to possess the town, that by a sudden assault, both it and Lacie (more worth than it,) was again surprised. Here seemed to have been the Garland of Philip's conquest; had not news been thither brought unto him of some new risings in Britain, where Guido, the husband of Constantia, Arthur's Mother, (sensible belike 
King john strengtheneth himself with new Leaguers.  of the false-grounded wrongs offered to King john, under pretence of Arthur,) 
d Paul. Aemil.  returned gladly both into Amity and a strong league with the English: and with him also Savary Malleon, and Almerick Lusignian, 
e Polyd. Aemil.  two Peers of heroic valour and great command, whom King john of his 
* They were taken when Artbur was. 〈◊〉  prisoners, had made by prudent and lovely usage his trusty friends. The French King fuming to see his unjust intrusions thus prejudiced, (especially by Arthur's own father in law) was hastening from Chinon into Britain, to work revenge on them, whose exemplar equity should have been his mirror of amendment; England's King on the other side, was no 
f Polid.  less heartened with this new consideration, 
g Mat. P●….  levying once again a puissant Army, which he 
* 7. Id. julij.  landed at Rochel, being the only noted place, which in all these turmoils and mutabilities of Fortunes, kept herself entire from entrance either of enemy, or of disloyal thought.  
(34) The King having his Army much augmented 
King john's successes.  
h Paris. hist. 〈◊〉.  with great concurses of his best-affected Provincials, marching confidently forward, subdued a great portion of that Country; till coming to Mount-Alban, a 
l Wend. MS.  Castle of much renown, (as being repuputed 
k Westmin.  inexpugnable, and now the Rendeuou of his most potent enemies, and all their flower of Chivalry, he gave a terrible assault thereto for 15. days together; where at last his 
l Paris.  Englishmen valour was so adventurous in scaling the walls, and both giving and taking blows unportable, that in those few days he entered Conqueror into that very place, 
m Mat. Westmin.  which Charles the great, could not get with his seven years siege. The 
n Wend. MS.  multitude of Nobles therein taken was so great, that he sent into England a bedroll of their names, for a memorial of so great a victory. Which auspicious beginnings he seconded with no less expedition, providence, and prowess, in the siege of Angiers, where on his first approach, he 
o Les Annales de Franc. Polyd.  gave present instructions to his main Army, suddenly to environ the whole City, & by assault to seek entrance at the walls on every side, whiles himself and his selected band, with fire and Engines would assail the Gates; where with great celerity, and no less hazard than hardiness, breaking through, he became Lord of his own. But whatsoever were the Citizen's demerits, piteous it was, that their offences, and the Conquerors wrath, lay so heavy on those stately walls, as 
p Paul. Aemil. Polydor.  to throw them flat to the ground; which hasty doom, (it being the 
q Idem.  cradle of his birth, and City of his chief delight,) he as hastily (and very dearly too) repented, when with excessive expenses he encircled it again with a beauty far beyond the former. These fair successes, humbling all the Country before him, cleared his passage into Picardy, whither King Philip was now converting all his power to oppose himself against the violence of this Torrent: which 
r P. Aemil.  now more facilly he might stop, having in his way by laying secret ambushments, laid hands upon Duke Guido, 
* Infidijs excepti.  Savary, and Almericke, King john's principal hopes, as they were busily advancing his present affairs: by which surprise, though the English forces missing their Provincial aids, were greatly impaired, yet their 
* Fractus animo Anglus, saith Aemil.  great hearts were not much amated, as the Frenchmen 
s Polyd. Uerg.  found, when both the Armies near approaching over night, the next morning alacriously they addressed to the fight, and with great spirits on each side expected the Signal. Notwithstanding, the day likely to prove dreadful with expense of blood, upon earnest interceding of 
t Mat. Paris.  foreign Prelates and religious persons, who undertook equably to compose all things; both Kings condescended to a two-yeeres 
* Infesto om. Sanct. Westmin.  Truce, King john chiefly out of affection to his Captive friends, whose liberty was foremost in the conditions.  
(35) Having thus settled those Countries in far better terms than last he found them, he embarked 
K. john returns to England.  for England; where he laid not aside a careful (though distasteful) providence, for still bettering those his successes: for which ends, whiles from his Subjects (both Lay and Clergy) he 
u Wend. MS.  gathered money, 
Ann. 1207.  the Sinews of war, he lost their affections, the joints of Peace; whereof Geoffrey Archbishop of York (his Natural and unnatural brother) was a principal incentive; who 
x Mat. Paris. hist. Min. MS.  solemnly cursing all the kings receivers within his Province, fled secretly out of the land. Which pervicacie, 
* Paul. Aemil.  a bitter enemy of K. john, yet bitterly taxeth, saying, 
y In Phillppo Augusto.  the English Bishops were far from that dutiful observance towards their Sovereign, which the French Bishops performed to theirs, at whose command they maintained Soldiers in his wars against King john, acknowledging they were so bound to do, as often as the King pursued the wars in person; though now also they did it, where he was not in person. And indeed how hollowhearted to the State those money-murmurers were, their 
* Mat. Westm.  own friend bebewraieth, showing, how with curses they wished, and prayed to God, that these exactions might never have any good success, though they knew it was purposely for preserving a main part of the Kingdom. A disloyalty the more unsufferable by the King, knowing that but a 
z Paris.  very little before, the Pope's Legate, Io. 
* Io. de Florentia. Trivet MS.  Fiorentinus, nicknamed 
* Paris, a ferendo, holinsh.  Ferentinus, for bearing away so much money,) had 
a Mat. West. Mat. Paris. MS.  gathered of the Clergy a huge mass os money which in full chests he conveyed to Rome. Yet all these domestic grudges abated not the King's due care, nor yet his good hopes, which were soon after much augmented by the encouragements of Othoes Imperial presence, 
b Idem.  who in person arriving here in England, to project for his own and his uncles wars, was with great joys met by the King, and conducted through London 
The emperors entertainment.  by night, where all the City was seen in her glory, & all the streets adorned with richest hangings, beautified all along with the lustre of pendant Crowns, and burning lamps: who after some days of royal entertainments, hence departed not unfurnished with helps to defray his wars.  
(36) Whiles King john is thus busied about his 
The Pope's beginning of wrongs towards King john.  open hostilities, Pope Innocentius is plotting his secret Stratagems against him at Rome: where, like unto that 
* Q●…abco inter Nolan. & Neapolit. arbiter.  other old Roman, who, being chosen umpere touching some march-lands betwixt two neighbour Nations, unpartial to either, 
c Cicer. office l. 1.  adjudged it from them both to the Roman State; so he now, being Arbiter betwixt the King, Bishops, & Monks, concerning their choice, he means to defeat them all, and 
* Hoc decipere est non indicare. ibid.  adjudge the right of disposing thereof to his Romish See. Therefore, at the 
* 12. Cal. jun.  fore-limited day of hearing, his first care was, that the 
d Paris.  Bishop's lips for ever should be sealed up, (notwithstanding their 
e Wendover. M. S.  allegations of Law, Reason, Decrees, and Practise,) from intermeddling in choice of their own Primate. Will you hear the main reason? because himself, and some other Popes would have it so. Which definitive sentence being 
f Dated 〈◊〉. Cal. jan. Paris.  sent to the Prelates into England, it was thought a point of prudence also, to 
g Mat. Paris.  prepare the King and work him pliable before hand, to entertain that which was to follow: which must be done by amiable lines, and gems, wherewith he knew the King was much delighted. His Present, being 4. gold Rings, 
The Pope's present and letter to King john.  with four precious stones, an Emerald, sapphire, Ruby, & Topaz, he so vainly & childishly (though 
* john Stow in Annal.  ignorance enstile it eloquence) celebrateth in his 
* Epist. Innocent. apud Paris.  Epistle, for their number, form, and colour, that no man will question whether it were dictated with an Apostolic Spirit. The Ring's Roundness must remember the King of Eternity; the Quadr at number of Constancy, and of the four Cardinal virtues, justice, Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance; the Golds price, of Wisdom; the Emeralds greenness, of Faith; the sapphires brightness, of Hope; the Rubies readiness, of Charity; the Topazes clearness, of operative Sanctity etc. Which, though toys, were yet accepted as pledges of love for a while, till at last, the King finding by the sequel, they were but baits to beguile him, esteemed the Pope's Gold as dross, his jewels as 
* Ge●… Gemi●…. ib.  jewish frauds, and his love as most rancored hatred. For shortly after came to his notice, the most indignious injury, which the Pope meant to obtrude upon him and his Kingdom, having not only hunted both Reynard and Grace out of their holds, but also imposed upon him, for the chief place and managing of his State, one whom he reputed a chief and dangerous Enemy to himself and it: which thus was fetched about.  
(37) The Monks freed from the Bishops impugning, were hot now in the strife amongst themselves; the 
g Paris.  one side against Reyner's election urged, it wanted Royal assent, the greater and sounder part of Electoro, due solemnities, due 
* Being by night.  time: the other, against Norwich, that no second election could be validous, unless the former were first annulled. Both their Reasons pleased well the Pope; who (as prepossessed judges often use) made show of 
h Wend. MS,  great diligence in pondering the Plead, whereas himself long before had resolved on his Sentence; which was, that by Apostolical definitive doom, neither of the Elects should ever be capable of that See. So great rubs hath the Pope with so little breath blown out of his way. The man whose advancement all this while he had aimed at, was now commended to them, who must be there presently chosen for their Primate, Stephen de Langton, a Cardinal, English by birth, 
i apud Mat. Par. hist. ma.  French by education and affection, one of so 
k Mat. Paris. min. hist. MS:  transcendent power in the Roman Court, that the Pope was thought not for love, but for envy, (as being himself eclipsed by his necrenesse) to have wished his service in some remoter dignity. But the Monks ill apaid with what was done already, and very tremulous to enter matter of new intrications, alleged against all further courses, that 
l Mat. West. Paris  no Canonical Election could be there made, they having consent neither of King nor Covent; at which word the Pope snapping them up, bade them know, that 
* Nor, Wendover MS. Westminster saith vos as of the Monks.  he had there plenitude of power over the Church of Canterbury; and beside, that no consent of Princes used to be expected in Elections celebrated where the Pope was: he therefore charged them under pain of his high curse, (a terrible bugbear in those days) there presently to choose him for their Primate, whom himself thought good to nominate unto them. Thus trembling under the crack of his Thunderbolt, they (all 
m Idem,  excepting one Helias de Brantfield (whose constancy shall perpetuate his memory,) durst not sor fear but elect him, though very unwillingly, and with murmurations: whose 
* 10 Cal. jul. Paris 25. Mat. Westmin.  Consecration followed by the Pope's own hands at Viterbium, and his earnest recommendation by the Pope's 
n Rog. Wend. MS.  flattering letters, to the King's favourable acceptance. And this was the unblessed beginning of those new miseries which brought the King to his ending, and his Kingdom to un-reportable calamities; all which, little did his Holiness or his Charity reckon of, so his desperate Policy might take effect. Yet not unduly fell those judgements on many Princes of those times, who neglecting the domestic execution of Supreme justice, suffered their Subjects, at so high a rate both of expense and travels, to buy such arbitrary and dangerous forms of a foreign, and falsly-named justice.  
(38) Two very presumptuous Laws hath 
o Blandus Decad. 2. l. 6. Pope Innocentius his three strange laws.  one observed to have been first hatched by this lawless Pope, the one occasioned by King john's and Philip's formet strife, that Prince's delinquent must be liable to correctionfrom the Pope; the other, upon the choice of the Emperor, that wherein elections voices are equal, or concord wanting, the Pope may gratify whom he please: unto which we now may add a third no less arduous & insolent, that the Pope may strike up Elections, both where, and of whom, and with, and without what consent him listeth. Which lewd obtrusion, that it galled the King to the quick, we need not marvel, if we balance in one scale, the Pope's mere will and pleasure; in the other, the dishonour to 
The wrongs offered unto King john.  thè King (thus to be triced out of that, which so vehemently, and with his own presence he took care to see effected;) the prejudice to his Crown, to be defeated of Sovereign assent; the hazard to the State, to have his 
* Publi●… inimic●…; Regi Franc. ffamiliariss. Mat. Paris. hist. min: MS.  Enemy. (a Phillippine, and French favourite) the 
* In regno secundum, ibid.  chief man over his English: beside wrongs more particular; as both the disgrace to his best-deseruing Counsellor, the disloyalty of the Monks, first, to choose without his licence, then to mock him with a second choice, next, to beguile him with oaths, after to travail upon his excessive charge, and lastly to do, and undo all, with their perjury. With all which so far the King's patience surfeited, that he began on them to disgorge his wrath, who with him began these affronts; proscribing first all those Monkesas 
p Mat. West●….  Traitors, and afterward writing his 
q apud 〈◊〉, & Paris.  letters to the Pope, with relation of those great wrongs to Himself, and exceptions to Langton; vowing immutably to stand for his own Elect, and to die in defence of the Liberties of his Crown; putting the Pope in mind, that Rome reaped more gain from England, then from all the Trans-alpine Regions; threatening also, if he were now crossed in this, he would stop all from crossing the Seas to Rome, nor would any longer emendicate their foreign justice, sith his own Kingdoms, so abounded with Bishops and learned men of most accomplished perfection in all professions.  
(39) If, when this King's Father uttered some such threats to Gratian the Pope's vassal, he then replied 
r Paris. in H, 2,  Sir do not threaten us, for we fear no menaces, because we are of such a Court as useth to be imperious over Emperors and Kings, (which as a remarkable apothegm, 
s Baron An. 1169.  Baronius sets forth in greater letters;) we may then guess, how this great Lord of that Court did himself brook such tart salutations. Nay the effects bewray it: when in his sublimed 
t Literae Innocentij apud Paris.  Reply, he snebs the King for comminatory obrayding, and contumacious malapartness; and threatens him, that if he do not, by referring himself wholly to his good pleasure, seek to deserve his Grace, he should plunge into those difficulties, whence he should hardly ever get forth; intimating, that himself (being unworthy vicegerent to him, unto whom every knee in Heaven, Earth, & Hell must bow,) must in the end needs have the upper hand; and that to resist him is to oppugn God himself and his Church, for which glorious Becket spilled his blood. These were indeed bloody words; to affright the King with expectance of more such blows, and bloody stripes from Rome, as had lighted on his Father. And he threatened no more than he acted; for thereupon, he 
u Wend. MS.  sent 
An. 1208.  his doubled Apostolical command, the one general to all the Prelates, for submitting and adhering resolutely to Langton, the other, to some 
* BB. Lond. Ely, Wigorn.  particular Bishops, for 
x Paris. hist. ma.  conventing the King, and Interdicting his whole Kingdom, if him they found still contumaciously rebelling. Neither was he more insolent in the command, than they in the execution, whereby (on 
y The Monday in Passion week, Paris. on Easter day, saith Polyd.  a day ill suiting so unchristian an Action) this flourishing Church (though the King had sworn their banishment, and confiscation if they did it) was deprived of the very face of Christianity for many ensuing years; as if, not Innocentius Christ's Vicar, but julian his professed Enemy, had mured up the doors of the Christians Temples for despite of their 
Chron. Angl. MS.  God.  
(40) But this Highpriest had forgotten what another 
* Caiphus, john c. 11. v. 50. 2 Rog. Houed. 456.  taught him, and ᵃ he himself sometimes thought, about interdicting France for their kings offence; that better it was one should suffer then a whole Nation perish: whereas now, for the Kings only crossing the Pope's good pleasure, God is censured to lose his worship, and all the People to hazard their souls, 
* Vide apud Wend. & Paris  living almost like Infidels, without God's service and blessed Sacrament, yea and dying 
* More Canum. Mat. Paris.  like dogs tumbled into every ditch. But what? did such woeful effects fasten only on the Laity? The Clergy bore their part too; whom the flames of the Kings justly incensed wrath did so scorch, that his Dominions were too hot for their abode: for, their 
b Mat. Paris.  persons he proscribed and sent packing to the Pope, their revenues, he confiscated their bishoprics, Abbeys and Priories; he deputed to laymen's custody: their women (for such as had not wives, had Lemen) were dearly ransomed: and every where they suffered wrongs without ordinary protection of justice. Whereof, though our 
* Hollinish. Stow. etc.  vulgar perfunctary Writers produce no other reason, but the only overflowing of the King's gall, as if first stirred by some few delinquent Bishops, through furious revenge it overwhelmed the whole Clergy; yet indeed these were but the due chastisements of their generally disloyal hearts. As (to instance) when the King sent his 
c Ex libro S. Alban 〈◊〉 vita job. Abbot. MS.  mandate to S. Alban, that not regarding the Pope's command in the Interdict, they should continue the celebration of God's service; the Abbot calling his Monks into the Chapterhouse, persuaded them to obey God rather than Man (meaning the Pope rather than the King) and to bear resolutely the King's anger, 
* Debit Deus 〈◊〉 quoque ●…nem. a cunning speech indifferently touching the King's end or his anger.  whom God in due time would bring to an end. What marvel then, if the Clergy carried so generally with this stream of a foreign usurped power, against God's service, and their Sovereign's godly desire, and due authority, were likewise generally involved in that reward of their disloyalty. And yet, even in the Clergy, many of eminency detested these cruel and irreligious courses of the Pope; 
d Mat. Paris, Godwins' Catalogue. of BB. Lib. S. Alban. in vit. Abb. joh. MS.  Philip the Bishop of Duresme, and his Successor, with the Bishops of Norwich and Winchester, heartened the King to contemn the Papal curse; the 
e Mat. West.  Cicestertian Abbot's (neglecting the Interdict) continued their divine celebrations, till the Pope suspended them for their contempt; Alexander 
* Balam.  Abbot of the Benedictines, a Divine of 
* Literatum plenitudine imbutu●…, Mat. West.  exquisite learning 
f Wend. MS.  published in his Sermons, that their present calamities were no reproach to their Sovereign's proceedings, but due rewards of the Subjects heinous trespasses, because kings ought to govern, yea and strongly bridle all disobedient Subjects whomsoever; but as for Popes they ought not to intermeddle in the civil affairs, and regiment of any Princes over their vassals, seeing Peter himself received no power, but only in matters appertaining to the Church. And though the 
* He was deprived of his dignity and livings.  Pope were revenged on him for his plain truth, and some Monkish humours have aspersed other such men with bitter reproaches, yet what may be thought both of these the Pope's courses, & of such his opposers, a late jesuit (no partial man to Princes) showeth, saying, 
g Persons against Cooks, part, 2. c. 9  that many, and godly wise men at that time did wish, that Pope Innocentius had not stood so hard with King john in such a point as this was, for contenting him with a person grateful unto him in that See. And no marvel they so wished, seeing that was the grand cause of such infinite confusions, factions, and wrongs, hurrying so indignly the Prince, Peers, Clergy & Commons; the very contemplation whereof to all godly wise men must needs be ghastly and rueful: yet welfare those Anathématizing Bishops, the Instruments of all these evils, who patiently endured under the name of Exile, 
h Paris. Omnimodis viuent●…s in delicijs.  to live the while abroad in all variety of delights.  
(41) Such perplexities in the People could not 
Ann. 1209.  but breed as great hatred and hazards to the King; who therefore to prevent the issue of such discontents, (which though causeless, yet kindling in the multitude prove often unquenchable,) he 
i Mat. Paris. Westmin.  required of his Nobles new Oaths of allegiance, pledges of such as he most suspected, and homage of all Freeholders, 
k Paris. hist. ma.  even of twelve years old, whom he dismissed with a kiss of peace. Misdoubting also the Pope's further intent to absolve his Subjects from their due allegiance, he gathered about him (by 
* Supra in H. 2.  example of his Father Henry on the like ground) a mighty Army for all occurrents. The terror whereof he first displayed in the North, offended (saith 
l Trinet MS.  one) with 
* Not Alexander as Polyd. mistaketh.  William King of Scotland, for marrying his daughter to the Earl of Boulogne; for receiving (saith 
m Paris hist. ma.  another) Fugitives, and enemies of his State: for throwing down (saith a 
n Mector Boet. l 13  third) a Castle built by King john against Berwick: but whatsoever were the breach, the close was amiable, each accompanying other to York, where King Williams 
o Boet. ibid.  two daughters were promised to King john's two sons, and 
p Wend. MS.  delivered as pledges of united love, with a 
q Paris. hist. mi. M. S. but Wendou. MS. saith xi, (not ix.) millia.  gift of nine thousand marks. The dread of this his power so glided out of the North into the West, that upon his return, the 
r Mat. Paris.  Princes of Wales, and others rich & poor came to him at Woodstock (the like thing never heard of before) to do him homage. But all these links of allegiance were soon cracked by another thunderclap 
The King excommunicated by name.  (from Rome) of Anathema on the King by Name, with strict injunction for all men to abandon his presence: 
s Rog. de Wend. MS.  which sentence being sent to be divulged by the Bishops and Prelates in England, all of them for fear or favour of the King, were content to neglect the Pope's command, and let the Apostolic process escape without execution. The fame yet thereof was in all men's mouths, but came first (as seemeth) to the King's Ears, 
t Paris. hist. ma.  by a servant of his own Exchequer. Geoffrey Archdeacon of Norwich, who secretly persiading his fellow-officers, that they were boundin conscience to relinquish the King's service, gave them example himself by leaving his duty and charge; for which hote-braine trick, he was put in a 
* Ca●…d Plumbed, Paris.  Cool of lead, the weight whereof (as a punishment of his levity) soon hastened his end in prison: but the greater and wiser sort, both of 
u Westmin. Ann. 1210.  Nobles and others, continued their due attendance on their sovereigns Court and person, without 
* Non obstante Senten●…a, ibidem.  regard of the censure.  
(42) Those Romish furies thus infesting all at home, gave also courage & opportunity to ill-affected members further off; some of which in Ireland having 
The King settleth the State of Ireland.  surfeited long of the King's Indulgence or absence, 
x Gyrald. in Proem ad Reg. joh.  began now to play the Kings themselves. The noble spirit of this Prince in his tender years 
y Idem Hibern. expug. l●…. c. 26.  made choice (on bended knees to his Father, in presence of Heraclius Patriarch of jerusalem) rather in devotion to conduct an Army against the Turks, then in Ambition to take possession of that goodly Kingdom. But being now possessed thereof, and intending (by a kind of compensation for his losses in France) to annex and assure that Kingdom to the English Crown, he resolves with a powerful Army to quell the disturbers, and reform the disorders, of his first, and long unuisited charge. Whose approach such fame and dread did forerun, that 
z Paris. hist. ma.  more than twenty Petty Kings of that nation hastened to Dublin, there to honour his 
* 8 Idus julij, Paris.  arrival with their submissive attendance, homage and oath of allegiance; others, either upon confidence of their good holds, or diffidence for their ill deserts, flying his presence, and some of them, the Country. The 
* Walter & Hugh the sons of Hugh. Campians hist. of Ireland,  two Lacies (whose only praise was, that they were the sons of a nobly-deseruing Father) having been, through ambition of Sovereignty, the fountain of dangerous garboils, (
a annal Hib. Campians. hist. of Ireland.  tyrannising over the Commons, and making away such of the Nobles, as stood either in their light, or in the King's favour) fled into France, where they lived in 
* S. Tauri●….  an Abbey as poor Gardinars, until the Abbot descrying by their deportment some state above their habit, upon penitent humility reconciled them to the King. The Lord William de Breuse, (a 
* Hist. Cambr●…a.  Baron lately of great command and wealth in the Marches of Wales,) showed not the like penitence, nor found the like grace; who, upon 
* Wend. MS.  refusal to deliver his son as a pledge of his fidelity, sped into Ireland to fly the kings wrath, and now, to avoid his pursuit, fled also into France, than the common Sanctuary of all traitorous fugitives; but 
* Famished (some say) in Windsor Castle.  sharp revenge overtook both his Son and his Lady (taken in a strong Castle of Meth) whose virulent and railing * tongue had more exasperated the fury of the King (whom she immodestly 
Paris.  reviled as a Tyrant and Murderer,) then could be pacified by her strange present, 
* Old Chron. of Flaunders. Helli●….  (four hundred Kine, and one Bull, all milk-white, except only the ears, which were red,) sent unto the Queen.  
(43) But 
b Ypod. Neust.  Catalus, the unquiet King of Connaught, trusting to his own Forces, King john subdued by strong pursuit: 
c Walsing. Paris. annal Hiber. Campian. hist. of Ireland.  and after all carried him captived in triumph, imprisoned the English Fugitives, took pledges both of English and Irish Inhabitants, punished by death malefactors, turbulent persons by ransoms, established all their Laws, Coins, and Officers, to the English form, and deputed (which was worth all) a wise, stout and upright 
* Iusticiari●… Paris.  Governor over them, the Bishop of Norwich, Langtons' competitor: thus settling on that barbarous Island so noble and ordered a face of government, as was the stay thereof in those tumultuous times, and a pattern even to more peaceful ages to imitate. By which both glorious and 
* Red●… 3. Col. Septemb.  speedy conquest and reformation, he better merited that Style of Ireland's Lord, then when it was confirmed to him by a Crown of 
* Walsingham. Ypodig. So the Pope sent Tyrone a Ph●…nix feather Cambden. in Hiber.  peacocks feathers from the Pope, at what time (long before) he enjoyed it by his Father's gift, as his Broad-Seale (here not unfit to be annexed) will show.  
(44) The Banks of King john's estate, were not 
An. 1211. King john subdueth Wales.  unlike to those in Grounds ill-neighboured with an encroaching Sea, where before one breach is well made up, another no less dangerous is laid open: which endless turmoils kept his Body still in Action, his Mind in passions, and his Prowess in ure. The vast expenses of his Irish expedition were no sooner repaired (by a 
* 140000. l. whereby they redeemed their possessions from laymen's custody, Lib. S. Albon, MS.  great tax charged on all the Conuentuall houses) but Lewylin Prince of North-Wales, with his great spoils on the English Marchers, made new matter of charge and exploit for the King; 
d Hist. of Cambria.  having, to prevent due revenge, caused his Wallians to convey all their cattle and better substance to the scarce-accessible refuges of Snowdowne Hill. These difficulties much more whetted and excited the King's resolution; neither had the virtual power of the Pope's fulmination as yet so blasted his good fortunes, but that hence also he 
e Ibidem.  returned in great Triumph, as Conqueror of all Wales, where, with wonderful celerity and valour, he 
f Paris. hist. mi. MS.  subdued all their Princes and Chiefs, whom he received upon Oath, homage, and hostages, with an absolute 
g Hist. of Camb.  grant of all their Inland unto the King for ever. Notwithstanding, perceiving that 
h Pol. Virgil.  very many slipped away for dread (at least for colour) of the Pope's curse, from those his martial and other civil services, (though 
i Paris. hist. ma.  he punished by fine all such Revolters) whereby his person could never be free from danger, nor his State from trouble; he resolves (seeing the Pope unflexible, & unsensible of so many Christians calamity) at length to relent from his vowed stiffness against the Pope's Elect, in hope so to settle his own and his subjects tranquillity, though with unsufferable indignity to himself. In his 
k Rog. de Wend. MS.  return from Wales, two Nunces from the Pope, Randulph a Subdeacon, and Durand a Knight Templar, meet him at Northampton to make the atonement: 
l English Chron. MS. compared with Paris his min. hist. MS:  whereto he was so propense, that he accorded to assure under his Seal, that Archbishop Langton with the Bishops, Monks and others, should be restored both to his favour, and to their possessions; that, holy Church should have all the Franchises, as in Edward the Confessors time: that he would never take any thing of holy Church against the owners will: but, because he 
m Rog. Wend. MS.  would not also make full satisfaction for all confiscations, and other emoluments received of the Clergy, (nay, he could not 
The Kings offers rejected.  having expended all his treasure in his continual wars,) the Clergy and their Factors (the Legates) more prising their private gain, than the weal public of their Native Country, contemned the sweet proffer of peace, & exposed all to the bane of a revengeful contention. For hereupon they did not only 
n English Chro. MS.  denounce the curse upon the King by name (which the Prelates before durst not do) and upon all other who conversed with him; but, as if he had most 
o Paris. hist. ma.  contumaciously contemned quietness, by their relations they incensed 
The Pope absolves the kings people from allegiance.  the Pope (too proclive of himself to set forth his own greatness) to put on him a far more indignous wrong and contumely than Interdiction, by 
p Paris min: MS,  absolving all Kings and People, poor and rich, having dependence on him, from all Fealty and Subjection to him.  
(45) This being the third step, whereby, both 
Ann. 1212.  the Pope ascended to the height of his usurped power, and merciless revenge, and the Subjects 
* Paris hist. min. MS.  daily descended from their loyal observance, made king john more circumspect to strengthen himself, both with an Army no less faithful than powerful, & also with the love of his Neighbour-Princes. King William of Scotland, 
q Hector Boet. ●…13  at this time infested with a dangerous rebellion, (stirred up within his Kingdom by one Gothred, 
r Lib. de Bernwel  laying claim, under colour of some antiquated title, to his Crown) being himself infirm with age, sent his son Prince Alexander into England, to crave assistance of King john, who (by his own princely love and readiness, to demerit theirs,) resolving with his Army in person to chastise the disturbers of his trusty Confederate, before his setting forth, did 
s Paris. hist. ma.  on the Table in a solemn feast, (which he kept in the Hospital of Clerken-well) adorn Prince Alexander with the belt & Order of Knighthood; and 
t Lib. de Bernwel.  afterward with his host vanquishing the Rebels, advanced their Chiefe-leader far higher than his own Ambition expected, and left that 
Cothred hanged by King john.  Kingdom in a settled peace. But whiles he is thus kindly careful in suppression of another's Rebels, 
Fruits of the Pope's curse.  his own at home are as unkindly vigilant to undermine his State; the Pope's Absolution, like magic spells, having let loose many tumultuating Spirits, which will not easily be laid again. For the 
* Mat. Paris.  Chiefs among the Wallians, whom neither breach of their 
28 Welsh hostages hanged at Nottingham. Paris.  Oaths, nor loss of their noble hostages, (* which soon after perished for their parents sins) could deter, suddenly fell off from the King, and fell on his Subjects with 
u Wend. MS.  much slaughter of men, burning of Towns, and surprisal of Castles: whereof, whiles the King meaning to take sharp revenge, was on his way at Nottingham with an unresistible Army, letters of great speed and secrecy were delivered to him (as he sat at meat) from his faithful and grateful friend the Scottish King, & instantly others from his daughter joan, Prince Lewylins', Lady, both giving him intelligence of imminent Treasons 
* Mat. Paris.  plotted by sundry of his Peers, who meant either to murder him, or betray him to the butchery of his foes. Which dreadful notices from so true-harted Informers, could not yet affright his manly heart, till coming to Chester, he there understood by sundry other Intelligencers, that his Nobles 
Idem.  held themselves quite discharged from his allegiance; and knowing that they wanting fidelity, he himself could not but want security, he dismissed his host, took hostages of his Barons, pursued the detected Conspirators, and 
* Fitzwalter, Vesci, Ridel. apud Paris. & Trivet. MS.  the three principal of them flying the land, he prosecuted their persons, demolished their Castles, and confiscated their possessions. But many of as vile and virulent affections they left behind them, as that 
* Apud Mat. Par. Wendou. & alios.  traitorous Act of those Nobles bewrayed, who sent to Philip of France their sealed Charter, promising to settle on his head the Crown of England, if he would come to receive it. And that the minds of the vulgar should, not be unpossessed with like expectation of john's uncrowning, the prophecies of an 
* Peter of Pomfrait. Wend. MS.  Heremitical wizard (foretelling, that on the day of Ascension, King john should be no King) were buzzed into their ears. Whether by Gods inspiring, or the devils, these were revealed, 
* Polyd. Verg an magicis artibus.  some do doubt; but he that considers the quotidian impostures of these times, and the secret machinations of the Pope, the French King, and the English Barons, all for divers ends, complotting against King john, will easily perceive both what use there was of suborning such a Prophet, to deter the popular maynie, from sticking to the King, and to beguile their credulity, as if the thing were to be done, by God's fore-appointment, and ordinance, and also 
* Wendover. Paris  that his punishment by death as a Traitorous Impostor, was no other than he deserved.  
(46) Neither is the Pope's revenge thus appeased, some higher greeces yet remain, on which his Greatness, and greatness of his holy rage must display itself: the underprops whereof (a thing almost incredible) were not only Englishmen, but English Bishops also. For Stephen Langton with the BB. of London and Ely (thirsting after revenge though with the destruction of their Country, & bloodshed of innumerable their Compatriots) going to Rome with complaints on the King, 
y Paris, Trivet. Westmin. Polydor.  made humble supplications to the Lord Pope, that he would vouchsafe in a touch of pious compassion, to support the English Church, being at the point of ruin. At whose earnest solicitation, the tenderhearted Pope (grievously lamenting the desolation of the Kingdom 
Sentence of deposition of King john.  of England,) decreed by solemn sentence: That King john should be deposed from his Kingdom, and that the Pope should provide some other, who should be deemed worthier to succeed. To effectuate the former clause, Innocentius eagerly pursued the latter, sending speedy letters to (whom but King john's most mortal enemy?) Philip King of France; 
z Rog. de Wend. MS.  requiring him to undertake the labour of the dethroning King john, with no less reward then pardon for all his sins, 
The Pope bestows john's Crown of Philip.  and enjoying of the English Crown to him, and his heirs for ever. A goodly large patent both for a Spiritual and Temporal Kingdom, which (more like Mars his Priest, than Christ's Vicar) he means to seal, with a deluge of Christians blood. For not thus yet satiated, he transmits' his Letters general: 
a Paris. hist. ma. Wendover. MS.  To all Potentates, Soldiers, men of war of all nations, to sign themselves with the Cross, and to follow their Captain Philip for the dejection of King john, assuring all that their assistance (whether in Person or Contribution) shall be no less meritorious, then if they visited our saviours Sepulchre. That this Pope under colour of such Crusadoes, did formerly cloak his own Avarice, his 
b Wendover MS Mat. Paris. ad an. 1202.  own Monks aver; but here he cloaks therewith both his Pride, and a far more savage vice, the thirst, not of men's gold but of their blood. In which service with King Philip, he used the same English Prelates for his Negotiators, which were before his Solicitors thereunto; with whom also he sent his Factor Pandulph; 
c Mat. Paris.  giving him in private, secret instructions how to manage every particular of the whole design, to the most behoof of the holy See. 
The French king prepares for England.   
(47) The French King likewise receiving 
* Mense jan. Paris.  from the Archbishop and his Associates (in a 
d Rog. de Wend. M. S.  council) the Apostolic sentence; was very apprehensive of that employment, whereto not so much the Papal command, as his 
e Mat. Paris.  own ancient malignity, and the English Barons traitorous requests, had prepared him, both which he was now 
f Trivet. MS.  willing to mask with the speous pretext of justice and devotion. Under which colours he had 
* Octavis Paschae.  speedily marshaled an immense Army at Rouen, & drew a mighty Navy richly furnished to the mouth of Seyn, 
* Wend. MS.  all his Dukes, Earls, Barons, Knights, & soldiers being summoned to the exploit under pain of high Treason and disherizing, who therforeboth in fear & hope of spoil came flocking without number.  
(48) A preparation of so great importance, that all Christendom took notice of, could not long be hidden from King john; whose care, by reason of 
King john's preparation for resistance.  his now doubled opposition (foreign & domestic) could be no less for his own and his Kingdom's safety, than was his Enemies for impugning both. Wherefore his Summons being 
* 3. Martij. Paris.  sent to all his officers both for Sea and land, for speedy furnishing both of a Navy, & an Army, equivalent to encounter so powerful an Invasion, such 
g Wendo. MS.  innumerable multitudes swarmed to Dover, and other harbours for landing, that the Chiefe-leaders for want of provision, dismissing the rest, 
h Paris. hist. ma.  encamped at Barham-Downes, only with 60000. choice, valiant, and well appointed men, who, if they had carried all one mind, and true affection towards their King, and safeguard of their Country, there breathed not any Prince under heaven, whose assault England had not been able to repel. And being no worse appointed for a Sea-fight, his intent was to grapple first with the French Fleet, 
* Wend. Paris.  making no doubt of sinking them all: so secure and confident was he in expectation of all Invaders. In which brave address, whiles both shores of the Sea are thus belaid with both those Kings puissant Armies, the one waiting for the Enemy, the other for fair winds, and more forces, behold Pandulphus (the Pope's Pragmatic) having 
Ibidem.  first desired safe conduct of King john, arrives at Dover, to put in execution those 
i Mat. Paris.  secret Instructions which his Lord (who made his advantage of the Foxe-skinne, as well as of the Lions) 
* Papa formam evidenter expressit Paris.  had expressly prescribed. He there unfoldes to the King, the innumerable multitude both of King Philip's ships, and of his soldiers Horse and Foot, (all in readiness to pass, and yet more expected to follow) to bereave 
Pandulphus persuasion to King john.  him of his Kingdom by Apostolical authority, and to enjoy it himself with his Heirs for ever. That with him were also coming all the English Exiles, both Clergy and Lay, they, by his forces to repossess their estates (maugre the king) and he from them to receive allegiance, as from his sworn Subjects. That he had the fealty of almost all the English Peers obliged to him by their own Charters; which made him distrustlesse of attaining easily his wished success: which calamities (the more unsufferable, because imposed by his insulting enemy, and his own Subjects) he might yet evade and retain his Crown, which by Sentence he had already lost, if penitently he would submit himself to the Church's judgement. Doubtless the straits whereinto the King saw himself plunged, were very dreadful; so many deadly enemies abroad to assault him, so few trusty friends at home to guard him: which drove him into this sad cogitation 
k Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  that those his perfidious Peers would now with their followers abandon him in the field, or betray him over to the Sword of his Enemies. Yet not unlikely other motives also might forcibly persuade him to relent: the remembrance of the Emperor Otho whom this very Pope (not without foul blot of 
l Paris. hist. ma.  Injustice and 
m Mat. Westm.  Levity) had both eagerly advanced, and furiously dis-empyred; the boundless furies of the Crusado promulged against him, wherewith this Pope 
n As Serres showeth in Ludon. 8. touching the Albegois, and Paris touching Otho, etc.  used to overflow, as with a merciless Ocean, all such Princes as withstood his will, which once broken in would never end, but with the end and ruin of all. Thus thinking it better to yield to the time, with assurance both 
o Wendover. MS.  of his Crown, and of the 
p Mas. West.  Pope's favour, then desperately to hazard Life, Crown and all, to his immortal foes; he redeems his safety on such conditions, as tiable, that with money either paid or promised, he might be wrought like wax and made pliable to all wicked actions. Thus having the true length of the Pope's foot, he fits him accordingly with rich presents, and golden promises, craving (by such moving Rhetoric) not his aid only, but his Curse also against the Archbishop and Barons, who so uncessantly distressed him. But Innocentius (forward of himself without any Motives, to put in ure those his Papal virtues, and the execution of his late-usurped power,) upon the first gladsome news of England's Vassalage to his See, had presently dispatched for England an Agent of greater port than Pandulph, a Subdeacon, Nicholas Bishop of Tusculum, 
The Pope's Legate cometh into England.  with no meaner credence and instructions for preserving what the Pope had guilefully gotten, than Pandulph had to purchase, what he ambitiously gaped for: by whose 
b Circafestum S. Michael●…. Rog. Wend. MS.  arrival the King seemed to be possessed of those his desires, before his golden letters arrived at Rome to crave them.  
(54) For this Legate was infected with the like itches (
c Paris hist. min. MS.  Ambition and Avarice) as his Master, and 
The new Legate sticks close to king john.  therefore King john knew how to demerit his fastness and love, by supplying him with like 
d Donatina preciosa, ibid.  ointments; whereby the Archbishop and Barons soon perceived, that the Legate was 
e Summo opere regi placere, etc. ibidem.  wholly Regal, and the King Papal; which jealousy made both their Actions more distasteful. The overt and professed end of his coming, being to release the Interdict, he first tampered a little to accord the King and Prelates upon covenants of Restitution; towards which, though the king offered ten thousand marks, yet the Prelates (
f Mat. Paris MS.  repining at the Legates 
* Pl●… 〈◊〉 parti, regia, etc. ibid.  partiality to the King in approving that offer,) 
g Nic. Trivet. MS.  chose rather to suffer the whole land to groan under that unchristian, and truly-styled Curse, 
* Cler●… interdict●… relaxari ●…lente, usque satisfactum esset ad plenum. ib.  then to defalcate any jot of their covetous demands. Under which colour, the Pope's Agent, (a fit helue for such a hatchet,) broke his mind to the King of a more secret & principal cause of his Legacy, which was 
h Wend. MS.  for the contriving of a more validous and unexceptionable conveyance of his Kingdoms to the yoke of Romish Sovereignty; pretending doubtless, (as Pandulph had done) that 
l Westmin. Trivet MS.  he could never be safe or quiet, but under the powerful protection of the Pope's wings. What just exceptions the World might take to the former Grant, his Holiness was not ignorant; it 
Exceptions to the first grant.  being an Act in the King, both of manifest* Perjury 
1.  against his oath at his Coronation, and also of Constraint, 
2.  * circumvention, and * Fear; he being driven thereto by the Pope himself, who had set up 
3. 4.  both the French power, and his own Barons against him; an Act of one * actually excommunicate, as also were the * Witnesses conversing with 
5. 6.  him in that action, whereto, as neither the * next Heirs, nor the * Clergy, nor * Body of the Kingdom, 
7. 8. 9  gave any consent, so an * open disclaim thereof was made by the very 
k Archbishop of Dubleyne.  Principal man there present, 
10.  in the name (as is likely) of all the rest: and that all was engrossed with so many gross * untruths, as 
11.  if done most voluntarily; without any fear or force; in 
Gross untruths prescribed by the Pope in that grant. The Pope renounceth his first Charter, & seeks a new.  a general Assembly of the Barons; only by a divine inspiration, and because the King had nothing fit to pacify God for his sins, but the giving away of his Kingdoms: Well might the Pope blush at these shameless abusions; and therefore if now the King, standing on calmer terms, can be wrought to ratify his former Grant, though the dealing Bee more fraudulent, yet the Act will seem more colourable, because savouring of less constraint, and more free devotion. But if we look with an unpartial Eye, we shall see both the plight of King john, and the action 
King john's present condition.  of Innocentius, still like itself: the Interdiction still burdening his land; his Barons more molestious to him then foreign foes; his Prelates greedily grating on him to impoverish his means; his Archbishop stopping all proceedings against foreign or homebred enemies; and if he had thwarted the Pope's command herein, he foresaw far greater storms at hand, than he had hitherto escaped. Thus in desire to settle his kingdoms quiet for his own time, and in hope, perchance, that his Successors would (as since by divine blessing they have) vindicate 
The new Charter to the Pope.  it again from such an enforced slavery, he condescended to renew his 
* Dated 3. Octo.  Charter of Subjection, knowing belike that his express 
* Saluis nobis & ●…aeredibus. See the Charter. Mat. Paris, Westmin. etc.  reservation to himself and his Heirs, of all due administration of justice, all Liberties, and Regalties, (as being excepted out of the Grant,) was forcible of itself to make it unforceable. For how hath he his wont power of justice, who was supreme, and is made subordinate? how his wont liberties, who was absolute, & is made Homager and Pensioner? how his fore-used Regalities, whom another may name, and command as his vassal? Yet this Charter, adorned with a Golden Bull, (fit for the Roman 
* Phalaris tortured men in a brazen Bull.  Phalaris, whereas the former was but sealed with wax) was at a meeting in Saint Paul's Cathedral Church (
l Paris. hist. maior.  pretended for other businesses about the Interdict) presented for more authentic solemnity at the High-Altar, where, in the King and Legates presence, the Archbishop of Canterbury, himself also both a Cardinal and a Legate 
The Archbishop of Canterbury appeals against the King's subjection.  (in this, acting the office of a stout Patriote, and noble Prelate, as the Archbishop of Dublein had done at the first Grant,) stepped forth, and in the 
* As appeareth in Mat. Paris. ad An. 1231. juri & appellationibus Steph. Cant, and in Rossus Warwic.  name of the whole Clergy and Kingdom, 
m Paris. hist. min. MS. saith also Procaciter. ad Ann. 1214.  boldly and earnestly presented 
n Paris. hist. ma. in Henrico 3. ad Ann. 1231. Rossus Waruicanus.  at the same Altar in solemn manner, his Appeals against that Charter so execrable to the whole world, as likewise formerly 
o Paris. hist. min. MS.  he had used all possible endeavour to divert the king's hart from that subjection to the Pope and Court of Rome. That the Peers of the land accorded with the Archbishop in the Appeal, (and more than in Appeals) both the Kings own 
p Dated at Dover, 5. Septemb. Citat. in respon ad Apolog, Bellarmin. cap. 3.  letters to the Pope saying, they openly professed, that they forcibly made head against him, because he had so enslaved his land, and their own bitter exclamations against it, so frequently in 
q In Wendover, Paris, Westmin. & alij.  Authors reiterated, do demonstrate: and yet both the Archbishop and other Barons, are so cunningly named in the Pope's 
r In Original. in custod. R. Cotton Baronetti.  Transcript, as if they had not only been present and witnesses at the doing, but also approvers of the deed. What comfort then had Innocentius of renouncing his old Charter, and thus shuffling for a new? Surely but little, it seemeth; especially when he saw both his own Creatures in England thus oppugn it, and Christian Princes abroad; yea King john's 
* King Philip & the Peers of France.  mortal enemies, who not only denied, that England (notwithstanding this Transaction) 
s Paris hist. min. MS.  was any patrimony of S. Peter, and condemned the Pope for holding an error so pernicious to all Kingdoms; but also vowed to die before they would yield, that any King can of his own will, make his Kingdom Tributary, and his Nobles slaves to others. By which universal detestation, of this the Pope's usurping, it is not improbable (though for the present he flourished the Transcript thereof, which he sent into England, with the 
t Ex originali Transcript. Dat. Octob. 3. 1214.  Preface of Christ, and Melchised●…h being Kings and Priests, and that therefore in one person of Christ's Vicar, as the Soul and the Body, so both Kingdom and Priesthood did now concur,) that yet ere long he was no less ashamed of this latter, then of his former Charter. Whereto well suiteth his testimony, who writes that a 
u Author. Eulog●…. Citat. in Tortura Torti, per Epis. Cicestrens.  Parliament was held at London the year 1214. Where the Archbishop sat as Precedent with all the Clergy and laity: wherein by commandment of the Pope, the Charter, Fealty, and homage by which the King was obliged to the Pope, was absolutely released on the 7 day of july: which if be true, no marvel if the Court of Rome cannot produce, though often challenged thereto, this Charter whereof so much they vaunt. Notwithstanding some unquiet Spirits, aspiring long after to the Papacy, though pretending (perhaps) the 
x Mat. Paris. hist. mai●…r. An; 1245  Original Charter was consumed at Lions (where the 
y idem ibid.  Pope causing, some say, his own Conclave to be set on fire, so have a pretence to extort a contribution from the Prelates there in council, the fire went farther than 
* Could the Pope rule Purgatory fire, and not this.  he meant it should) they made some flourish to 
z See Parliament Rolls, temp. ●…d. 1. & Ed. 3.  renew their claim of homage and pension, till in a General Parliament, the Prelates, Lords, and Commons, severally and jointly 
a An. 4. Ed. 3. Parl●…ament Rolls. No. 8.  enacted, that for somuch as neither King john, nor any other King, could bring his Realm and people to such thraldom, but by common assent of Parliament, (the which was never 
The like answer to this was made, Ann. 3. Ed. 1. Rot. Claus. m. 9 〈◊〉 Schedule.  done,) and that in so doing he did against his Oath at his Coronation; besides many other causes of just exception; if therefore the Pope thence forward should attempt any thing therein, the King with all his Subjects 
See Cambden in Hibernia, p. 732.  should with all their Forces and powers resist the same, and rather hazard all their lives and livelihood, then endure that usurpation. If Pope Paschall (in the 
b Hoveden in Henry. 1.  time of King john's grandfather) having with much solemnity made some grants to the Emperor Henry, and confirmed them with an 
c Florent. Wigorn. ad an. 1111.  Anathema, with the 
d Houed. ib.  oaths of thirteen Cardinals, and with 
e Idem. ib.  religious receiving of the blessed Sacrament; yet, because such grants were thought prejudicial to his See, 
f Paris in H. 1. Houed.  solemnly disclaimed his own Act, and such his doing was approved by a Clergy Council, as pretended to be done 
g Boetius Florentius.  by fear: how much more justly might King john's Successors and his State, by such approbation of their grand Council, free themselves of those servitudes wherewith by another's unjust, forced, unwarrantable Act, they were supposed to be enfettered?  
(55) Though the Archbishop were so unkind against the Pope (the Advancer of his Fortunes,) as to give by his appeal so fatal a blow to his desired 
An. 1214. The Pope's displeasure against Stephen Langton.  Crown, yet the Pope was not so ingrace as to die in his debt; as quickly he found in 
h Mat. Paris, hist ma.  another Appeal which he made to the Pope against his Legate, for that he, relying on 
i See Innocentius his letters in Paris.  Apostolical indulgence, not only disposed of all Spiritual dignities to 
k Regijs nutibus, Paris. hist. min. MS.  such as best liked the King, but also to his own 
l Idem.  Italians, and Kinsmen, though absent, unknown, unsufficient, unworthy, yea, and some 
m Ibidem.  unborn. Which Legatine 
* Legati Tyrannis. ibid.  Tyranny unsufferable in a Christian State, though Simon Langton (the Archbishop's brother and Proctor) urged earnestly before the Pope, yet the Legates Agent Pandulphus, so displayed both the archbishops ferventness in using suck 
* Contra factam subiectionem procaciter appellasse. Paris. MS.  eager persuasions and appellation against the King's subjection, and the Prelate's 
* Rigidos & avaros, 〈◊〉 Mat. Paris. hist. ma.  avarice, in their unreasonable exactions for restitution from the King; being the most benign, modest, and humble Prince that his eyes ever beheld; that his Holiness not only conceived 
n Paris, hist. min. MS.  exceeding hatred against the Archbishop and his cause, but sent also his Authentic Letters for repealing the Interdict, upon restitution only of 13000. Marks 
* The King had paid 27. thousand before, and was to make it up 40000.  more to the Prelates (the King before had voluntarily offered them 100000) and that but by equal portions of 
o Nic. Trivet.  five years payment. But the King, who knew the Pope's pleasure before these letters came to impart it, having found that his French affairs had sustained unreparable impeachments by his hitherto enforced delays, 
p Wendover. MS.  entrusting his Kingdom to the Legate and Earl Marshals custody, was with his Forces passed into Poictou, (whiles in his absence, the relaxation of the Interdict, after 
q 6 Annos menses 3. 14. dies.  more than six years continuance, was by the Legate in a Parliament solemnly promulged) where his Successes were so fortunate, that 
r Lit. Regis joh. apud Wendou.  it being powerfully subdued, great hope was conceived the other Provinces would follow. Whence breaking with 
s Mat. Paris.  like victories into Britain, being there at the point to give 
t Rog. Wend. MS.  battle to Lewis the Dolphin, his everfaithlesse Poyctovins suddenly 
u Paris min. MS.  forsook him, and made him forsake his purpose. But a greater impayrement of those his hopes, was the 
x Paul. Aemil.  defeature of his Confederate Otho the Emperor, at the renowned Battle of 
* Ad Po●…tem de Bovines. 6. Cal. Augusti, Paris. MS.  Bovines, where King 
y Paris hist. 〈◊〉. See in Aemylius this battle at large.  Philip, stricken from his horse by the hand of Reginald Earl of Boulogne, had there with his life ended the quarrel, if a faithful Soldier had not covered him with his own Body, and bravely sacrificed his life, to save his Sovereigns; who thereupon recovered both his footing, and the victory. The heavy news whereof, concurring with his Baron's outrages at home, drove King john on 
z 〈◊〉 8000. 〈◊〉. Paris MS.  dear conditions, to capitulate on a five years Truce, and return to bridle them at home, whose attempts he ever found most dangerous, 
The Barons new d●…sloyalties.  when he was most busied abroad. For under a 
* 〈◊〉 gratia. Wendover, MS.  pretext of Devotion (the usual mask for Treachery the Barons assembling at Saint Edmunds 
a Mat. Paris. hist. ma.  did every man on the high Altar severally swear, to renounce their sworn fealty to the King, and pursue him by Arms, till they had enforced his consent to the Charter of liberties formerly by the Archbishop recommended to them. Which 
An. 1215.  when 
b Wend. MS.  afterward they came in person to challenge of the King, as a part of his Oath taken at his Absolution; he 
c Mat. Paris.  seeing both their forces and affections addressed for violence, was enforced with gentle language and promised satisfactions, to desire, till after Easter, mature deliberation on so important a matter; in which breathing time, both in policy, he took new oath of loyalty through all the land, and 
d Idem.  in devotion, undertook the Vow and Sign of the holy Wars, choosing belike to die against faithless Turks, rather than to live amongst such unfaithful Subjects. But neither Oaths, nor holy vows 
e Literae Innocentij apud Wend. & Paris.  (than esteemed the supreme privilege of protection) could be sufficient Bucklers to protect against such desperate attempters; who at the prefixed week of Easter, preparing themselves not for a Conference, as with their Prince, but for a Battle, as against some hostile power, trouped together at Stanford, with 
f Paris. Wend. MS.  an Army inestimable for number, whose 
* Coniurati principalem consentane●…m habuerunt Stephanum, ibid.  very principal Abetter and conspirer was Stephen the Archbishop, the more pernicious person, because (to hide his false entendementes) most assiduous in attendance about the King. And 
g Idem.  him the King selecting to send to the Baron's Army (who were come on as far as Brackley, not far from the King, residing now in Oxford) to know the contents of their desires; he brought a 
h Rog. de Wend. MS.  Schedule of their claimed liberties, with a message of their resolutions, if presently he sealed not a Charter thereof unto them, they would compel him thereto by forcible entrance on all his possessions. Whereat his great heart 
* Cum 〈◊〉 indignatione. ibidem.  highly disdaining, he demanded, why they also demanded not his Kingdom? those their exactions being grounded on no colour of reason, and swearing never to enslave himself to them by such a concession, he dismissed his Archbishop to return them his peremptory answer.  
(56) Neither were the Barons less resolute in performance of their vow and message, appointing 
The Barons in open rebellion.  for Head unto that huge and heady rout, Robert Fitzwalter, whom they enstyled 
i Rog. Wend. MS.  The Marshal of God's Army and holy Church: who first assailing Northampton Castle, after fifteen days fruitless fury, departed to Bedford, whose 
* Will. de Bello. Campo.  Castelan being a Confederate gave them easy entrance; but the Londoners (displeased with the King for burdening 
k Mat West.  them with taxes) not only admitted them, but 
l 〈◊〉 n●…ncijs. 〈◊〉.  invited them by request, to enter their City by night: where having that Key (as it were) of the land in their dispose, they by their 
m Wendo●…r. MS.  threatfull letters not only drew most of the Nobles from the King, but also had almost locked him out of his Regal Seat. To prevent which outrage, by gentle messages entreating of the Barons a place and day of meeting, who thereto designed 
* Betwixt Windsor & Stanes.  Runingmead, (
n Glover Catalogue of honour. p. 954. but Mat. West. saith quod interpreta●…, Pratum 〈◊〉.  since called Counsel-mead, for such consultations of State,) they thither came 
o Rog. de Wend. M. S.  with armed multitudes out of all the Kingdom beyond all number, that the King, 
p Paris. hist. ma.  seeing his power far inferior unto theirs, was constrained to 
* 15. a●…e Junii. Paris.  grant them their uttermost desires, not only for Liberties, (specified in 
* See these Charters at large in Wend & Paris.  Magna Charta, and Charta foresta,) but also for a kind of sway in the Government, by twenty five selected Peers, to whose commands all the other Barons also were bound by oath to be obsequious. Thus one of the greatest Sovereigns of Christendom, was now become the 
q Paris.  twenty six petty king in his own Dominions; as appeared that very night, when all the rest following the pompous stream of the new upstart-kings, left their Sovereign 
* vix 7. 〈◊〉. Wend●…. MS.  only with seven Gentlemen to attend him. What marvel, if high disdain hereof pierced his swelling heart, sitian both bodily & ghostly: and not only forgave 
obey he gave a Legacy, Decem Libra●… terrae. Paris.  gladly all his mortal persecutors (holding that a matter, though very difficult to flesh and blood, yet salutary to the Soul) but also sent command to Henry his son to do the same: to whom he caused all present, to 
t Idem.  swear fealty, as to the Heir of his Crown, and sent his letters to all his Officers abroad, exhorting them to assist him. And 
u Ibidem.  thus he commended his soul to God, and his Body to be buried in Worcester Church, where the Bishop solemnly interred it, by the King's 
He died on S. Luke's night, 14. Cal. Nou. Godwins' Catalogue of ●…B.  appointment, near the Body of Wolstan, a sainted Bishop renowned for constant fidelity to his Prince against the rebellious Nobles of 
* In the Reign of William Rufus  his time: with which kind of men, King john's government had been miserably encumbered.  
(62) This, being the Catastrophe of his Tragical Reign, might also have been the close of his Story, 
The manner and cause of King john's sickness.  had not the suddenty of his death, exacted some search into the cause of his sickness. Such Authors as touch the matter but in general, content themselves with saying, he died of a 
a joh. de Walsing●….  grief, or a 
b Polydor.  fever, or a 
c Tho. Otterborne  flux, or a 
d Mat. West.  surfeit; but those who have entered into the particulars, insist on such a Surfeit, as whereof both grief, fever, and flux were most probable effects and Symptoms. For coming (say 
e Chronicle of S. Alban, MS. Sundry English Chronicles, MS. Caxtons Chron.  they) from the Washeses to Swinshed Abbey, (being of the Cisleaux Order, which of old he had much incensed) he added new matter of offence, as he sat at meat, when, in speech 
f English Chron. MS.  of his enemies too large provision, he swore, if he lived but half a year longer, he would make one halfpenny loaf as dear as 
* As dear as 12. ob. Lecestrensis. as 12. d. Otterborn ●…s 20. d. Polychrö. ●…s 20. t. Caxton.  twelve: which to prevent, a Monk of that holy habit, whither in love to Lewis, or hate to the King, or pity on the Land, presenting him with an envenomed Cup, (whereof the King commanded him to be his Taster) became the Diabolical Instrument of his own and his Sovereign's destruction. This relation, delivered by Monks, and men of Monkish humour, as a thing so undeniable, that they avow (at what time they wrote this) 
g Chron. of S. Alban, MS. Caxton & alij.  five Monks in that Abbey did sing for this their Brother's soul specially, and so should whiles the Abbey stood, which if it had been forged every Child might easily have refuted; and the rehearsal of all circumstances thereof, (of the King's speeches, of the Monks conference with his Abbot, of his preparing the drink with a Toad in the garden, of his dying in the Firmary) might deserve credit with the greatest patrons of Monkery; yet 
h Parsons in his Warn-word, Enc. 2. cap. 15  one of them (as if by acquitting Simon of Swinshed, all 
* Yet Iacob●… Clemens a Monk did kill Henry 3. of France.  other of such Orders were cleared from assasinating of Princes) striveth eagerly, to asperse some late 
* M. Fox his Martyrolog; Sir Francis Hastings his Ward-word. Parson's censure of Fox's pictures in his Mart.  Relaters hereof, with the blots both of malice & forgery. Wherein is the malice? in adding to the narration, Pictures also of the fact, so to move hatred to Monks and their Religion,; whereas of truth, either Monks, or men of that Religion, were the very first, who not only so depictured, but also lively and richly depainted it in their 
i Where the king is limmed with his Crown and rich robes, fitting at a banquet and four Monks in their habits coming to him, whereof one presents him with the poisoned cup. Uide MS. of S. Alban i●… Bibli●…theca Archiep. Cant.  goodliest Manuscripts. Wherein then the Forgery? in adding to Caxton, that 
k Parson●… ibidem.  his Abbot gave him absolution for the same before hand, there being no such matter at all, nor any mention thereof in the story? No? let the very story speak; 
l Caxton●… Chron.  The Monk went to the Abbot, and was shriven of him, and told the Abbot all the King had said; and prayed his Abbot to assoil him, for he would give the King such a drink that all England should be glad thereof and joyful: th●… yode the Monk into the Garden, etc. Yea farther, 
n Lecestrensis.  one Monkalleadgeth, an inducement for the Abbot's assent thereto, for that the King had sent for the Abbot's sister (a fair Prioress) with purpose to have deflowered her. Yea, but the Story itself is charged with 
o By Parson's loco Cit●….  novelty, the first author thereof being but An. 1483. and all other former Writers making no mention of it. This if true, were somewhat, and doubtless, it is as true as the former: for how could he be the first Author, when not only 
p Born in the reign of Henr. 3.  Ranulph the Monk of Chester, 
q Cl●…t, A. 1336  john of Tynmouth, and 
r He ended his story An. 1420.  Thomas Otterbourne the Francistan Friar, recorded it as 
* 〈◊〉 vulgata.  a fame generally received; but sundry other ancient stories, as john of Lichfield, the Monk of Leicester, & Scala Mundi (to omit other 
s Hist. de gestit Reg. joh. MS. in custodia D. Rob. Cotton. English Chronicles, MS.  nameless Authors before Ann. 1483,) so confidently avouch his poisoning at Suinshead, that unpartial 
t joh. Maior. Georg Lillius Caxton & alij.  afterwriters, though friends to Monkery, made no scruple to believe it. And why should they not, sith an 
* K. Henry the 3  Author, more ancient and unexceptionable than all the rest, (even king john's Son and Successor in his Kingdom) averred it, 
u Paris. hist. ma.  when, the Prior of Clerken-well saucily telling him (being then in that house) that as some as he ceased to do justice towards his Prelates, he should cease to be a King; the King enraged with his traitorous threat, replied; What? mean you to turn me out 
K. Henry 3. acknowledgeth his Father was murdered.  of my Kingdom, and afterward to murder me, as my father was dealt with?  
(63) But not to trouble ourselves with refuting a Goose's gaggling against Foxes true relation; easy it is to observe the hatred of Monks against that King, both in thus procuring his death then, and his 
Monkish slanders against K. john.  dishonour (a second death) in their slanderous inventions ever since. For, whereas he 
x Rog. de Wend. MS.  writ by some of his Bishops to certain foreign Princes, for aids against his faithless Rebels; the Monks charge him, that he counterfeited his bishops Seals, and writ abroad, that all Englishmen were become. Infidels and Apostates from Christ's faith, and therefore such should come to subdue them and take their possessions: 
y Mat: Paris.  when he said, a Stag which he killed, had never the less fat, though he never heard a Mass; they charged him he doubted of the Resurrection of the dead; 
z P. Vergil.  and in saying, he never sped well after his yielding to the Pope, that he said he was unfortunate since he was reconciled unto God: that, 
a In Record. Turr. London.  when he gave leave to a servant of his own, to enter any religious Order, he gave him leave to be of what Religion and Faith he list. That moreover, 
b Mat. Paris.  he offered his Kingdom to a Sarazen, and would embrace the Turkish faith, though this tale were told by one Robert of London (a 
c Lib. S. Alban. MS. in vit. joh. Abb.  wicked masspriest, or rather a Monster, 
d M. Paris.  having a face like a jew, with one arm long, and another short, his fingers deformedly growing together two and two,) with such senseless improbabilities, as, 
e Ibidem.  that he found that Moorish King reading of Saint Paul's Epistles, and that he refused the Kingdom of England being offered him, with the like. That lastly 
f Paris. A. 1226.  it was revealed to a Monk, King john was in Hell; though a Poet for so saying, is by M. P. (
g Idem in vit. johan.  who ●…de no doubt of King john's salvation) censured for a 
* Reprobus versificator. Paris. in vit. joh. K. john's princely des.  Reprobate. These all are demonstrations of so incredible hatred, as should rather alleviate their Author's credit, than the Kings; whose Reign had it not fallen in the time of so turbulent a Pope, so ambitious Neighbour- Princes, so disloyal Subjects, nor his Story into the hands of exasperated Writers, he had appeared a King of as great renown, 
His Acts of devotion.  as misfortunes. His works of devotion inferior to none; as his Foundations declare at 
h Nic. Trivet. MS  Beauley, 
i Cambd. Brit. in Berkshire.  Farrington, 
k Cambd. Brit. in Wiltshire.  Malmsbury, and 
l Campian hist. of Ireland, l. 2. c. 1.  Dublin, and that other for Nuns, at Godstow by Oxford, 
m Trivet. M. S. Walsingham. His civil Acts.  for which, some have interpreted that prophesy of Merlin as meant of him; Sith Virgin gifts to Maids he gave, Mongstblessed Saints God will him save. His Acts and Orders for the Weal-public were beyond most: he being either the first, or the chiefest, who appointed those noble Forms of Civil government in 
o Hoveden. Polydor. Stow.  London, and 
p Ex Record. & Charti●… Civitat.  most Cities, and Incorporate Towns of England, endowing them also with their greatest Franchises; The 
q Cambd Brit. in Striueling.  first who caused Sterling money to be h●…re coined; The 
r Cambd, Brit. in Ordinib●… Ang.  first, who ordained the Honourable Ceremonies in Creation of Earls; The first, who 
s Houed. Paris, Vit Arch. Cant. in Hubert:  settled the Rates and Measures for Wine, Bread, Cloth, and such like Necessaries of Commerce; The 
u Wendover MS. Paris.  first, who planted English Laws and Officers in Ireland, and both annexed that Kingdom, and fastened Wales to the Crown of England, thereby making amends for his losses in France. Whose whole course of life and actions, we cannot shut up with any truer E●…loge, then that which 
u Rog. H●…ed. MS. Cit ●…ex hist. 〈◊〉 Eulogi●… apud Fabian & Fox.  an ancient Author hath conferred on him: Princeps quidem Magnus erat, sed minus foelix; atque ut Marius, utramque fortunam expertus; Doubtless, he was a Prince more Great then happy, and one, who, like Marius, had tried both sides of Fortune's wheel.  

His Wives.  
(64) Alice, the first wife of King john, was the eldest of the two daughters, and heirs apparent at that time of Humbert the second, Earl of Maurien, now called Savoy: her Mother was Clemence daughter of Berthold the fourth, Duke of Leringen, who had been the divorced wife of Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony. This marriage was in their childhood concluded by their Parents at Mountferrant in Avernus, in February, Anno, 1173; he should have had with her, her Father's Earldom, but all altered by her untimely death; and after ensued the death of her Mother, the new marriage of her Father, and issue male of the same, whereof the Dukes of Saxony are descended.  
(65) Isabel, his second wife (by 
* Hoveden in K. john.  some called Hawisia or avis) though the 
* See glovers Catalogue of Honour, p. 363. & p. 134.  youngest of the three Sisters, yet was in regard of this marriage, the sole Heir of William Earl of Gloucester, son of Earl Robert, the Natural son of King Henry the first; her Mother was Hawis the daughter of Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester. She was married unto him when he was Earl of Mortaine, in the first year of his brother Richard's reign: and after ten years having no issue by him, was (the first year of his Reign) divorced from him, under pretence of Consanguinity, and married to Geffrey Mandevill Earl of Essex, and lastly, to Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent; but died without any Issue by them.  
(66) Isabel also his last wife, was daughter and heir of Aymer Earl of Angolesme; her Mother was Alice daughter of Peter, Lord of Courteney, fifth son of Lewis the Gross, King of France. She was married unto him in the first year of his Reign, & crowned by Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, 8. Id. Octob. Anno 1200. and surviving him, was married to Hugh Brun Earl of March, and Lord of Lusignian and Valence in Poytou, to whom first she should have been married, but yet (as seemeth) continued her affection to him till now. By him she had divers Children, (greatly advanced by the King, Henry 3. their half brother, and as greatly maligned by his Subjects) Hugh Earl of March and Angolesme, Guy of Lusignian, slain in the battle at Lewise, William of Valence Earl of Pembroke, Aymer of Valence Bishop of Winchester, Geffrey of Lusignian L. of Hastings.   

His Issue.  
(67) Henry, the eldest Son of King john, and Isabella his last wife, was borne at Winchester, 1. October, 10. of his Father's Reign, Anno, 1208. K. john dying at Newarke, (
* Mat. Paris. Wendou.  whither he was broughtina Horselitter from Swynshead,) the Baron's malice was ended, their offence amended, Lewis of France rejected, and the young Prince seated on his Father's throne.  
(68) Richard, his second son by the same Queen, was borne the next year after Henry; by whom afterward he was made Knight, created Earl of Cornwall, and appointed Earl of Poytou. After the death of William Earl of Holland, Emperor of the West, he was by the electors chosen to succeed him in the Empire, and crowned King of Romans, & of Almayn at the City of Acon in Germany, by Conrade Archbishop of Coleyne, Maij 27. being the Ascension day, Anno 1257. deceasing at the Castle of Berkhamsted, April 20. Ann. 1271. the 13. year of his Empire, his body was buried in his Monastery of Hails in Gloucestershire, but 
* R●…ssus Warwicanus.  his Heart at Oxford in Reuly Abbey (founded by him) under a Pyramid of admirable work. He had three wives, the first was Isabel daughter of William Martial Earl of Pembroke, widow of Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester; by whom he had issue, Henry slain at Viterbo in Italy, and john, both dying without Issue. His second wife was Senches, (daughter of Raimond Earl of Province, & sister to Queen Eleanor his brother's wife) who was crowned with him at Acon, and had issue by him Edmund Earl of Cornwall, and others. His last wife was Beatrice, Niece to the Archbishop of Coleyne, who seemeth to have survived him, and to have no Issue by him.  
(69) joan, the eldest Daughter and Child of K. john and Queen Isabel his last wife; was the first wife of Alexander the second, King of Scots, married unto him in York, Junii 25. Anno 1221. who returning into England to visit her Brother, deceased at London, and was buried in the Nunnery at Tarent in Dorsetshire, 4. Martij, in the 21. year of her Brother king Henry's reign in England, and the 23. of king Alexander her husbands in Scotland, Anno 1236.  
(70) Eleanor their second daughter, was first married to William Marshal the younger, Earl of Pembroke: and after his decease without issue, and seven years Widowhood remarried to Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester, (son of Simon Earl Montfort in France, by Amice Daughter of Robert Blanchman Earl of Leicester) who maintaining the Baron's wars against King Henry her brother, was slain at the battle of Euesham, in the 19 year of her brother's reign, 1265; after whose death, she and ●…er Children were forced to forsake England; she died in the Nunnery at Montarges in France. Henry her eldest son, was slain with his father at Eueshan: Simon, the second, was Earl of Bigorre, and ancestor to a Family of Mountford's in those parts of France. Almaricke, her third son, was first a Priest, and Treasurer of the Cathedral Church in York, and after a Knight, and a valiant servitor in sundry wars beyond the Seas. Guy the fourth Son was Earl of Angleria in Italy, and Progenitor of the Mountford's in Tuscaine, and of the Earls of Campo bachis in the Kingdom of Naples. Richard the fifth son, remained privily in England, and changing his name from Mountford to Wellesborne, was ancestor of the family of Wellesbornes in England. She had also a daughter named Eleanor, borne in England, brought up in France, and married into Wales to Prince Lewellen ap Griffith.  
(71) Isabel, their youngest daughter, was born, An. 1214; when she was 21. years of age, she was married (being the 6. and last wife) to the Emperor Frederick the second, at the City of Worms in Germany, 20. of july, 1235. She had issue by him, Henry appointed to be King of Sicily, and Margaret wife of Albert, Landgrave Thurin: she was Empress 6. years, and died in Childbed, Decemb. 1. of her husband's Empire 31. of her brother's reign 38. Anno, 1241.  
(72) jane, or jone the daughter natural of King john (by Agatha Daughter of Robert Ferrer, Earl of Derby) married to Lewin Prince of Wales. Anno 1204. her Father gave with her the Castle & Lordship of Elinsmore in the Marches of Southwales; she (like a most loving Child) gave her Father secret intelligence of the Treasons intended against him by the Welsh and English.  
(73) Geoffrey Fitz-Roy, a base son, who transported some Soldiers into France, when Archbishop Hubert forbade the King his father to go thither.  
(74) Richard, who married the daughter & heir of Fulbert de Dover, who built Chilham Castle in Kent, which Castle he had with her, and had Issue by her, of which some families of good esteem are descended.    

stant Lords, at Newarke, where the General assembly for that service was appointed. The whole Army 
Mat. Paris.  after the Musters, rested there some days, which they spent not in vanities, but in devotions & receipt of the Sacrament, humbling themselves before the offended Majesty of God; and so all of them (saith Paris) being prepared, resolve either to return victorious, or to die in defence of their country, their Sovereign's right, and their own Liberties, and possessions, all which seemed now to lie at stake. To give them the greater edge and spirit, Wallo with great solemnity accurseth Lewis and his 
Lewis and his followers accursed.  Coadjutors; and thus the Army marcheth towards Lincoln, and the Lewisians there in siege of the Castle: the King himself being left with a strong guard at Stow (about eight miles short of Lincoln) accompanied 
Molinsh.  with Wallo and others, there without peril of his person to attend God's pleasure, in the event of the enterprise.  
() Upon their approach, if the Counsel of 
* ●…er de Quincy & Robert Fitz. Walter.  some English Lords had been followed, the Lewisian Army had issued forth of the City, & given them battle in the open field; but the Earl of Perch (the French General) thinking the King's party to be greater than it was, for that the Noblemen and Bannerets thereof had each of them two Ensigns, the one born with themselves, the other advanced among the 
The policy of K. Henry's friends in their march.  Carriages, which doubled the show of their numbers; they did thereupon change that course, closed the Gates of the City, and plied their endeavours against the Castle more fiercely than before. The Earl of Pembroke therefore lets Falcasius slip in at the Castle-posterne with his arbalesters, whiles others break up the South-gate of the City, at which the King's Army most courageously entering, and they of the Castle sallying out in Flank of the Enemy, scattered and utterly defeated the Lewisians. The Earl of Perch their General, being environed with the Royalists, and willed to render himself, swore that he would never become Prisoner to any English: upon which refusal he was run through the sight of his helmet into the brains, and so died without speaking any word. In this conflict (being 
The fearful end of the Earl of Perch.  on Saturday in Whitson-weeke) the force of natural propension was apparent; for notwithstanding the fiery resolutions of the King's People, yet when 
The King's Army hath a strange victory, called Lewis Fair.  they saw the faces of their kinsmen, friends & countrymen on the other side, that fury relented so strongly, that the most part of the revenge fell upon the Horses, and not upon the Horsemen, whom only they laboured to make their Captives. The whole riches of the Lewisian Camp, & of the City of Lincoln, became the booty and spoil of the King's Army, whereupon this discomfiture was called Lewis Fair; Neither did the Clergy of the place escape, for the Pope's Legate had commanded that they also should be rifled to a penny, as persons excommunicated in partaking with Lewis. The Chase was but coldly & feignedly followed upon the flying Barons, otherwise not a man could have escaped; wherein 
Rog. de Wend. M. S.  yet the chiefest Barons were taken, with about 
* Mat. Paris.  400. Knights, besides esquires, and of other sorts without note or number, though 
* Walsingham. Ypodig. Neust.  some say that this number of Knights were slain, & matrons and women of the town flying by boat, which they had no skill to govern, were drowned. Such as escaped the fight were not therefore past the danger; for the Country people fell upon them as they fled, killing great numbers, so that almost all the footmen took up their last lodgings before they could reach to London, where Lewis was. The Marshal of France, the Chastellan of Arras, and about two hundredth 
The perilous e●… state of Lewis.  Knights came safely thither, but were not otherwise then sourly welcome of the Prince, who laid upon their cowardice the loss of all the rest. His fear of being taken Prisoner justly increasing, he fortifies London by the best means he can, and dispatcheth Posts into France for more relief. This great victory was much the stranger, if (as 
* Wend. MS. Paris hist.  some write the fame went) that only three were slain upon both sides, the Earl of Perch, one of Du-Brents Knights, and an obscure fellow belonging to some, or other of the Barons.  
(8) The King's Governor after the victory road presently with the gladsome tidings in the height of speed to the King and Legate, who with tears of joy gave God thanks. But the noble Earl not leaving his work imperfect, seeks to embarre Lewis from foraging about London. Mean while by the diligence of Lady Blanch the wife of Lewis, Eustace the ruffianly Apostata, (who of a Monk becoming a 
* Ypod. Neust.  Demoniac) was now upon the Sea with a fresh supply of men and munition bound for London; But God was no better pleased with these, then with the other scatterlings at Lincoln. For the English Navy, having the wind of the French, sunk divers 
Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  of their ships by tilting at them with the iron prows or beaks of their Galleys; using also vnslaked lime in dust or powder, which they threw into 
Eustace and the French succours defeated at Sea:  the faces of their enemies, and blinded their sight: so were the hopes of Lewis for any present succours absolutely frustrated. Eustace himself, found after long search, and drawn out from the bottom of the Pump in a French ship, at Dover had his head cut off, though 
* Stow in Henry 3  some say he was slain by Richard, a base-sonne of King john. The news of which success being brought to the King, did not more rejoice him, than they wounded Lewis, for the loss was not only great in men, but in all sorts of riches and provisions. To give now no rest to Lewis his declining fortunes, the Earl of Pembroke with a mighty Army besieged London, and Lewis therein, aswell by Water as by Land; seeking to drive him by penury 
London besieged.  to render the City. It came to capitulation, and in an Eyelet in the River of Thames, not far from Stanes, the King, Wallo the Legate, and William Marshal the King's Governor, met with Lewis & the Barons to finish the Peace: for Lewis had promised to do as Wallo and the Earl would devise, so that it might not tend to his dishonour or scandal: Heads or Articles of the agreement which Lewis swore upon the Gospel to perform, were, 1. 
Articles of peace between Henry and Lewis.  That Lewis, the Barons, and other his partakers should stand to the judgement of the Church (whose censures they had now some years contemned) and from thenceforth be and remain true to the same. 2. That he and his should forthwith depart the land; never to return again with a purpose to do harm. 3 That he should do his best to draw his Father to make restitution of all such things in France as belonged to the King of England, and that Lewis when himself was King should quietly part with them. 4. That Lewis should immediately render to King Henry all holds and places taken in the war. On the other part, the King, the Legate and the Earl swore; 1 That the King should restor▪ to the Barons and others, all their rights and inheritances, with all the Liberties formerly demanded of his Father. 2. That none (of the Laity) should suffer damage or reproach for taking part on either side. 3. That Prisoners should be released, etc. Whereupon Lewis with his adherents was formally by Wallo absolved from the sentence of Excommunication, and so they ran on all sides into embracements, and parted in the kiss of Peace. The 
* Doct. Pow. hist. Cambr. p. 278.  Welsh, who had held with the Barons, were left out of this Conclusion, being thereby laid open to spoil. Thus was Lewis 
* job. Til. Chron.  driven out of England, whom the Earl of Pembroke brought to the Seaside, and the Realm was cleared.  
(9) There are 
* Paul. Aemil. in Phil. 2.  who write how that Lewis had a great sum of money paid him for restoring the Hostages; but Mat. Paris whom 
* holinsh. in H. 3.  some cite to that purpose, affirms no such matter in any printed Copy. Reason surely is utterly against it; for when even the life of Lewis was after a sort in King 
Lewis had no money granted to him by this composition.  Henry's hand, with what sense can it stand that the King should set all the French free without ransom; and ye●…●…imselfe pay money for the Hostages? which also were not his, but the Hostages of his enemies the Barons; so that, if money were due, it must have come from them, not from the King, who both in honour and profit was rather obliged to the contrary. Writers of that very time do in plain wordssay; The Poverty of Lewis was such, that he was 
Rog. Wendover. M S. Math. Paris. The same Math. Paris. at A. D. 1227. Saith that King Henry charged the Londoners for having given Lewis 5000 marks at his departure forcing them to give him as much.  compelled to borrow five thousand pounds of the Londoners, to set him out of England: and therefore that other seems nothing else but a vain gloze to salve the honour of Lewis, who was plainly driven out of England, after so high hopes with loss, sorrow, and eternal disgrace, which the French are so sensible of, that they scarce seem to write of the whole action, otherwise then 
* Enguer de Mon. Gagwin. Paul. Aemil. job. Tili. An. 1218.  laying the misfortune of Lewis upon the Baron's mutability.  
(10) The Realm of England purged of those foreign dregs, was not therefore presently freed from other manifold encumbrances, such as after so great a tossing of all laws and things divine, and human, do ordinarily float up and down, like the froth & working of a troubled Sea. For divers men presuming upon their former services to the State, or thinking the old bad world would either continue still, or soon return, if justice grew confident against Trespassors, or for what other corrupt motives soever, did dare intolerable things. The 
* Rog. de Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris.  principal Lords of this misrule, were William Earl of Aumarl, Falcasius de Brent with his Garrison Soldiers, Robert de Veipont, with others, who having had the Castles and possessions of certain Bishops and Great men, either to keep in trust, or otherwise by iniquity of the times converted violently to their uses; did still withhold the same, both against the minds of their lawful owners, and the King's express Prohibition. Among others, Robert de Gaugi defended the Castle of Newarke (being the Fee of the Bishop of Lincoln, as was also the town itself) against the King's Army, conducted by the 
* So ancient Writers call him and well might.  Great Marshal Earl of Pembroke, for eight days, and did not first yield the place, before (by mediation of friends) the Bishop paid to Gaugi one hundredth pounds. There was in that great Earl, a perpetual care to conclude things without bloud-shedde, wherein shined his Christian piety and moral wisdom, there being no other so safe way to settle disordered humours. The greater was his loss both to the King and State by his death 
* An. 1219.  soon after ensuing, whose 
* In the Temple-Church in London.  monument yet remaining, doth not so much eternize his memory, as that well-deserued 
* Paris ad an. 1214. saith. Geruasius de Melkel●…y made these verses.  Epitaph, the Epitome of his noble virtues; 
Sum quem Saturnum sibi sensit Hybernia, solemn  
Anglia, Mercurium Normannia, Gallia Martem.  
Ireland's Saturn, England's Sun am I,  
The Mars of France, and Normans Mercury.  He left behind him five Sons, all Earls of Pembroke successively, and dying without issue; his five Daughters advanced by great marriages, brought as great advantage to their husband's issue, by the inheritances of their issueless brethren.  
(11) The King (governed after Marshal's death, by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and such 
* holinsh, p. 202  other, 
Ann. 1220. An. Reg. 5.  whom the Bishop had procured to join in administration of public affairs) seeming now to have a settled and calm estate, resolves (for good hopes sake) to be crowned again; which was performed by Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster 
King Henry crowned again.  with the attendance and confluence of all the Prelates, Peers, and People. Upon the* Saturday before his Coronation, the 
* Mat. Paris. Walsingham. Westminster Church enlarged by Henry 3.  new work of the Abbey Church at Westminster, (Paris calls it the Chapel of our Lady,) was begun, whereof the King himself in person laid the first stone, as if he meant the world should know, his intention was to consecrate his future actions to raise the glory of God. This calm but new beginning, was almost 
Ann. 1221.  as speedily distempered and disturbed by sudden storms; by reason that, while the King kept his Christmas with great royalty at Oxford, in the company of the Prelates and Peers of England, William de Fortibus, Earl of Aumarl, incited by Falcasius de Brent, and the like riotous Gentlemen, suddenly departed from the Court without leave, & (whither it were upon discontentment, because the King had against the Earls will the last year taken 
* Wend. M S. Paris. hist. ma.  some Castles into his hands, or out of an evil ignorance how to live in quiet) he mannes the Castle of Biham, victuals it with the Corn of the Canons of Bridlington, spoils the Town of Deeping, and under show of repairing to the Parliament, seizeth on the Castle of Fotheringhay, committing many other furious riots in contempt of the King, and breach of his peace; many 
* Ypodig. Neust.  others in other places following his lewd example. Yet at length the Earl coming in under the conduct of Walter Archbishop of York, was at the suit of Pandulph (who succeeded Wallo in the place of Legate) pardoned; and the like hurtful clemency was extended toward his Complices and Retinue, whom the King (in regard belike of some former better deserts) set free without punishment or ransom. And to prevent any further disturbances of that nature, Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, for his rare integrity and fidelity (approved in all King john's troubles) was also made governor of the King's Person, and Chief justitiar of England, with the general allowance of all the States. What need the land than had of a severe proceeding, we may judge by this, that Foulk de Brent held the Earldoms of Northampton, Oxford, Bedford, 
Mat West.  and Buckingham, with the Castles and Holds; Philip de Marc, the Castles of Peke and Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Darbishire; and others detained other portions, without any other right, then that which the iniquity of the late tumults gave.  
(12) It was no small addition to the troublesomeness of this time, that certain 
* D. Pow. hist. Camb.  Lords of Wales, and (as 
* Mat. Paris.  some say) Prince Lewelin himself, desirous to rid their Marches of the English, rose in Arms, & laid siege to the Castle of Buelt, which invited king Henry to draw thither with an Army; but the work was made easy by the voluntary departure of the Welsh; upon the fame of the King's approach: which appearances of some ensuing stirs, moved the king to think of strengthening himself with faithful alliances; and not long after, Alexander King of Scots came to York, (who in the year 
* Ro Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. hist. ma.  before had met King Henry at the same place) and there took to wife the Lady joan King Henry's sister; and Hubert de Burgh, in presence of both the Kings married the Lady 
* Polyd. Vergil.  Margaret sister to Alexander; Boetius 
* H●…t. Scot 13.  saith, that two great Lords of England married two sisters of King Alexander at that place. About which time, 
* Tho. Walsing. in Ypod. Neust.  Isabel Queen Dowager of England, without the leave of her son the King, or of his Council, crossed the seas, and took to husband the Earl of March in France. The young King supposing his estate at home now somewhat settled, and his eyes beginning to grow clear-sighted by the benefit of experience, forgets not to look about his affairs abroad; and first sends 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. 16. holinsh. p. 203.  Savarie de Malleon to be his Lieutenant in Aquitaine, where yet the English held the greater part, and dispatcheth Ambassadors to Philip King of France, for restitution according to the Articles with Lewis: whereunto 
Rog Wend. and Mat. Pa●…. place this embassage at An. D. 1223.  answer was made that nothing ought to be restored which by right of war had been achieved; but (as it seems) there was a Truce for 
* Ypod. Neust.  four years agreed upon between the two monarchs, concerning the County of Poictou.  
(13) The State both of Church and Commonwealth in those troubled days, seem to have much resemblance; every man daring to attempt in either, what his own audaciousness would suggest, or others connivency permit. But Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury (who himself was lately the ringleader of disorders both in State and Church) is now become very diligent in his Provincial Synod at Ox-  
to, in rage of this unexpected revocation, like a brave Roman threw the Pope's letters into the fire, yet durst not disobey the Contents. And whereas the message itself had been scanned and sifted to the very bran, both here and in 
* In Concilio ●…ituricensi. Mat. Paris.  France, and judged to savour of so universal an oppression, as might cause a general discession from the Church of Rome; the King in presence of his Prelates and Peers, turned off the Pope's covetous demand with this thrifty answer: 
The King puts off the pope's demands. Mat. Paris.  The things which the Pope would persuade us unto, do stretch themselves as far as the Christian world is wide, and because England is but an Out-Angle thereof, therefore when we see other Kingdoms give us an example, he shall then find us the more forward to obey.  
(21) That difficulty so avoided; the King was earnestly bend to make a voyage in person to the aid of his brother Earl Richard, who pursued the affairs of Gascoigne; which though by the late Earl of Sarisburies' death it received some maim; yet by the fortitude and counsel of other noble persons, it did still prosper. This intention and desire was staid by the receipt of letters out of France, which declared the Earl his brother's health, and the good success of affairs. The King (some say) among his Counsellors of State, had one William de Perepound a great ginger, who foretold that Lewis King of France should not prevail; and this affirmation did the rather withhold him at that present. There is who 
* Polyd. Vergil. l. 16. Mat. Pa●…is.  writes, that King Henry (upon the Pope's letters) forbore to attempt any thing in France at that time, lest he should hinder Lewis, who was then upon an enterprise against the remains of the Albigenses in Languedoc, Province, and the parts about. These men were traduced for Heretics, and 
What kind of Heretics the Albigenses of Waldenses were. Frater R●…ynerius, de Ualdensibus.  so condemned by the See of Rome; but what their Heresy was, a * Friar (who writes against them,) reports, saying, they were of all other the most pernicious Sect; for antiquity, some holding they were from the Apostles time; for generality, there scarce being any Nation where they are not; and lastly, for show of piety, in that they live justly before men, and believe all things touching God aright, & all the articles of the Creed, 
* The Master heresy of the Albigenses.  only they blaspheme and hate the Church of Rome. No marvel if this horrible heresy did trouble his Holiness; and therefore, whereas his Predecessor, and himself had kept much ado in Christendom, to excite men to take the Sign of the Cross, and war against the Turk, (which the Friars did persuade men unto, teaching, that 
* Apud Auentinum.  whosoever were polluted with any heinous offence, as Parricide, Incest, Sacrilege, he was presently acquitted both from the sin, and the punishment of it, if he thus took the Cross upon him,) now, because the Earl of toulouse, and his people entertained the foresaid Heresy, the Cross, and holy wars 
The holy wars denounced against Christian Princes.  were by the Pope denounced against them. Of which Earl yet let us hear the judgement of another 
* Math. Paris.  Friar then living. Those (saith he) who thus took the Wars and Cross against him, did it more for fear of the French King, and the Pope's Legate, then for zeal of justice; it seeming to many a wrong thus to infest a faithful Christian man, and one who with many tears desired the Legate to examine the faith of every one of his Cities, and if any one held against the Catholic faith, he would punish him, according to the judgement of the Church, and if any City should resist him, he would enforce it to make satisfaction. As for himself, he offered to be examined by the Legate touching his faith, and if he were faulty, he would make satisfaction to God and the Church. But all these things the Legate scorned, nor could that Catholic Earl find any favour, unless he would for sake his Inheritance, and abjure it both for himself, and his heirs for ever. These were the Heretics against which Lewis was now employed by the Pope, and King Henry the while 
* Math. Paris.  commanded to surcease from impeaching his holy enterprise. Wherein Lewis had spent a month in the siege of Auinion, and endured (for all his sacred Cross) marvelous losses, by a terrible plague dedevouring his Army, by a strange kind of venomous flies, dispatching many, by a sudden drowning of 
The Pope's cross attended with few blessings.  a great part of his Army; and lastly, by being himself 
* Mat. Paris.  poisoned by 
* The Earl of campaign, and the Pope's Legate, were publicly charged of adultery with Lewis his Queen. apud Mat. Paris.  one of his Earls (an unchaste Rival of his Bed) though it was given forth of him (as 
* Ranalph●… O●…terbourne & alij. Roger Wend. M. S. Math. Paris.  of his late Enemy King john, whom some think that Lewis his friends did make away) that he died only of a Flux.  
(22) The news of the French Kings death seconded with sure relations of sundry discontentments, and open factions under the young King (who was but 
* Til●…us. Aemylius. Walsing: saith 14. Paris. scarce 10.  about twelve years of age) bred an hope in King Henry's mind, that now the time was come, wherein he might recover those ancient inheritances which his Forefathers held in France: and to advance his hopes, he had his mother Queen Isabel (wife to the Earl of March in those parts,) an earnest solicitor. Peter Duke of Britain was the principal man who took offence that himself had not a chief hand in directing the young King Lewis; 
Likelihoods for a war with France.  but his prudent mother Queen Blanch 
* Paul. Aemil. in jud. 80.  weakened his party by drawing his brother Robert Earl of Dreux from him; and albeit the Duke had repaired the breach, by affinity with the Earl of Champain, (one of the twelve Peers of that Realm, to whom the Duke marrieth the Lady Blanda his daughter and heir,) yet was the Earl driven by a short war to continue quiet. The Duke hereupon casts himself upon King Henry; Sed sera auxilia Anglica, the English aids come slowly saith Aemylius. 
Aemylius.  These and the like inducements moved the King to send Walter Archbishop of York, with others, to the chief men of Normandy, Angiou and Poictou, that by large promises they might procure them to acknowledge Henry for their King, or by partake, facilitate their reduction to the English Sovereignty; who accordingly prosecuted their employment.  
(23) These opportunities for that design, moved the King to bethink how to gather money, to 
An. 1227. The King begets enemies at home by raising money to make war abroad.  furnish so chargeful an enterprise; whereby while he sought to provide to recover that which was lost, he ministereth occasion to hazard that which he had. The only great man in Court now was Hubert de Burgh: For the King protesting himself of age to govern without a Tutor or Protector, did principally confer with him about all his most weighty affairs. Hence grew more envy against Hubert, and peril to the King. From 
* Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  the Londoners (besides the granted aids of a fifteenth, which all degrees were subject unto) he wrung five thousand Marks, for that they had (as was alleged) to his prejudice, 
The King perhaps had this sum for the things which Fablan saith he granted. The Charters of liberties revoked and canceled:  given Lewis the like sum. In the Parliament at Oxford, by advice of Hubert his Lord Chief justice, he revokes the Charters of Liberties, which now for about two years had been practised through the Realm: pretending, that at the time of their Grant the King was under age, and had then no liberty either of his person or Signature; though otherwise, the royal power of the English Monarchy never pleads pupillage or minority. It served the turn for the time, and all men were feign to pay, what Hubert's 
* Mat. Paris. Peace in France frustrates the English designs for France.  pleasure was to assess, for obtaining the new Seal. The fortune of such Arts, whereby they were wont to fill Princes Treasuries, was not always without repentance to the Authors, and Authorisers. The Clergy was compelled (under pain of Papal Censures) to pay the Fifteenth, not only for their temporal goods, but also for their Ecclesiastical; and yet in the end, (after so much tossing of the People,) the King's Ambassadors return out of France, without having effected that which they went about, so that the whole enterprise quailed. For Queen Blanch by sweet and prudent courses, so prevailed among the factious, that there was left no place for Henry to take sure hold upon. The Duke of Britain (who expected the English succours not till the Spring,) was so nearly priest, and almost oppressed, with a winter war, that he thought himself beholding to his brother Robert Earl of Dreux, for procuring his peace though it were with such a condition, as ever after, left upon him, the byname of Mauclerk or Maledoctus. He 
* Mat. Paris, ad An. 1234. Scriptores Brit. apud Paul. Aemil. in Ludou 9  acknowledged the Duchy of Britain, to be the Fee of the Crown of France, and that by right it ought to hold thereof; this acknowledgement, because against all apparent truth and Record, procured to him that Byname. Such conclusion at this present had King Henry's French designs. Our 
* Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat: Paris. at A. D. 1234.  ancient Authors write, that this dishonourable homage was done long after, and with an halter about his neck, at such time as the King of England refused to go in person to his succours, but offered four Earls, and other competent Forces, which he refused, as harbouring a revoit in his bosom, and turned Pirate.  
(24) The evil will which the other great Lords secretly harboured against Hubert, (whose Envy the King's favour in 
* Yet Walsingham names him Earl of Kent before that Ceremony of girding him with the Sword.  creating him Earl of Kent had lately increased,) now openly discovered itself, upon this occasion. Richard Earl of Cornwall, the King's brother, (lately returned with honour out of Gascoigne,) had seized into his hands a certain Manor, then in the tenure of one Waleran a Dutch-Gentleman, (to whom King john, for his good services had formerly given it,) which he alleged was parcel of his Earldom of Cornwall. The King hereupon directs his letters to his brother, commanding him to come immediately, and show a reason of his fact. He doth so, and without any pleaders help defended, as just, the seizure which he had made, concluding, among other words, that he was ready to stand to the judgement of the King's Court, and Peers of the Realm. When the King, and the Chief justitiar heard him name the Peers of the Realm, they (suspecting his bent that way) were exceedingly offended; and (said the King) either restore the Manor to Waleran, or thou shalt depart out of the Kingdom, never to return: at which peremptory sentence, the Earl boldly (but too rashly) answered; that he neither would give his right to Waleran, nor without the judgement of the Peers depart the Realm. The 
* Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  Earl in this heat returns to his lodging; thence (upon surmise that Hubert had persuaded the King to lay hold on him) he posts to Marlebourgh, where finding William Marshal the young Earl of Pembroke, 
The Barons in Arms at Stamford.  he enters into a fast confederacy, ratified by oath; and Ranulf Earl of Chester is easily drawn to make another. Letters thence flying about to all their friends, at Stanford there assembled unto them, the Earls of Gloucester, of Warrenn, of Hereford, of Warwick, Earl Ferrars, many Barons, and an huge multitude of armed men. Their strengths being in likelihood able to bear out their dare, they address a bold message to the King, by which they require him in lofty Phrase, to make present amends to his Brother for the wrong he had done; the fault whereof 
The Barons rebellious message to the King.  they imputed not to him, but to the chief justitiar: and that if he did not without delay restore the Charters of Liberties, which he had canceled at Oxford, they would drive him by dint of sword to give them therein competent satisfaction. The King seeing it no safe time to deny their requests, appoints to meet at Northampton in August next; where the Earl of Cornwall (upon his Associates resolute demand of the King) had large amends of any injury sustained, his Patrimony being augmented with large accessions. The moderation and equanimity of the King (terrified by his Father's example) peaceably finished this contention (the matter of the Charters being for the time hushed, as seemeth) which might otherwise have cost many thousand lives, and have hazarded the ruin both of King and kingdom.  
(25) That danger was not a little augmented 
The Welsh in Arms.  by the insurrections of the Welsh. The King had given the Castle of Mountgomery to his most trusty Counsellor Hubert de Burgh; the Garrison of which place, issuing out, meant to stock up the Trees, and shrubs, which grew near upon an highway leading through a great wood of 
* Quinque Leuc●…rum. Mat. Par●….  five leagues long, that travailers (ordinarily there spoiled) might pass more safely. The Welsh not suffering that waste, violently assailed the Workmen, and not without slaughter on both sides, drove them into the Castle; which drew the King (who even in little matters used to make one) to come thither in person, who, with a competent strength, gives not over, till he had with fire, and other force, consumed the whole Forest. From whence he pierceth farther into Wales, and consumes with fire a place called 
* Rog. Wend. MS Math Paris. Ceri saith D. Powel in Hist. Cambr.  Cridia; where whiles the King is building a Castle to bridle them, 
* Mat. Paris.  Lewelin drew thither his forces, where many were slain on both sides, and a man of special worth William de 
* Hist. Cambr.  Brausia (or the Bruse) by the Welsh intercepted, as he went to forage in the Country; 
* Rog. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  many great persons there in the King's Army being secretly confederated with Lewelin. By which treacherous practice, victuals grew so scarce, that the king was compelled to yield to a very dishonourable peace, the conditions whereof were: that the King should raze to the ground the new Fort now almost finished; that 
* This William was afterward hanged by Lewelin for lying with his wife, as is reported i●… Mat. Paris. ad An. 1230. though elsewhere he saith it was by reason of Hubert de burgh's letters to Lewelin. Mat. Paris. ad An. 1232.  William de Bruce should still remain Prisoner till the Welsh thought good; that Lewelin should give the King toward his expenses three thousand Marks.  
(26) These home-bredde garboils thus appeased; whereas Ambassadors had formerly repaired to the king out of Gascoigne, Poictou, and Normandy, to offer him their services for recovery of those his inheritances, if himself would come in person with a royal Army, he about Michaelmas is now ready at Portsmouth for the exploit; whither all his Nobles were come with so great a multitude, not only out of England, but out of Ireland, Wales and Galloway, as none of his ancestors ever had. Many were the motives which encouraged the king to this attempt, but none greater than the busy workings of Queen Dowager his mother. Lewis king of France had created his brother Alfonse Duke of Poictou, commanding the Lords of that Country to do their homages to him; one of these was Hugh Earl of March, now husband to Queen Isabel, who because she had once been the Wife of a King, and now the Mother, disdained that even her present husband, though but an Earl, should do homage to a Subject, and thereby herself (bearing the style of a Queen) seem inferior to the Lady joan, wife of Duke Alfonse. The Earl was hereupon 
Queen Isabella's practices for her Son against the French.  drawn to a refusal of homage; and the like spirit she had breathed into the hearts of the princely family of Lusinian, whose Ancestors had been Kings of jerusalem and Cyprus. Nor thus contented to have plotted a party, for her Son among the French, she is charged to have sought by poison to make riddance of Lewis himself, and that her Agents for that purpose were discovered, and executed. But 
Queen Isabel falsely charged.  Aemylius shall pardon us, if we herein credit not his judgement, as also in thinking her the Author of suborning Assasines to murder the King; for that we find him singular therein, the 
* Nich. Guilles Chr. Fran.  received opinion being, that they were sent underhand by the Saracens out of Asia, to take away the danger which they foresaw was coming, in regard King Lewis was so devoutly addicted to Christian piety, and the hatred of Mahomet's Infidelity. There were also at the same time great Divisions among the 
The noble form of war among the old English praised by strangers.  French Nobility; but the English (saith Aemylius himself) wrought not by treachery, but after the manner of fair war, which they first by defiance denounced, and then did openly prosecute with sword in hand.  
(27) The King of England being thus provided of men, munition, and other necessaries fit for the field, and now ready to embark; there was not shipping sufficient to transport half the Company. 
Earl Hubert in the King's displeasure.  Which enraged the King so far, that turning himself to Earl Hubert, (upon whom he charged the blame,) he called him rank old Traitor, affirming,  
that he had of purpose been slack herein, as in other things, in regard of five thousand Marks, with which the Queen Dowager of France had (as he said) embribed him, and withal ran at him in great fury with his drawn sword, but Ranulph Earl of Chester and others stepped between, and saved the King from so foul a blemish, who soon after received him into grace again. But that assembly was dispersed by the arrival of a 
* Mat. Paris calls him Henry Earl of Britain, Walsing. Peter Duke of Britain.  great man out of Britain, a principal confederate with the English against Lewis, who showed the unseasonable time of the year, and other reasons; and the enterprise thereupon adjourned to the Spring. So after Easter he transports from Portsmouth with a full Army into Britain. 
Ann. 1230.  The 
* The great humility and charity of K. Henry. Ypod. Neust.  same day in which he set sail from England, himself did in person, visit the poor and feeble, and dealt large Alms, not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous. The success of this voyage is so diversly reported, that without prejudice to an observant Reader, it might be all left out. Much certainly was not done. The King of England's purpose 
* Rog. de Wend. MS.  was to have marched through Britain (where many received him) into Poictou; and as 
* Polyd. Vergil. li. 16. Lib. Statu●…. ad A. R. 20. Hen. 3  some write he did so, and took homagein Gascoigne. To impeach this passage, the King of France lay with a great Army at Angiers, and the King of England at Nants in Britain, expecting the repair of more force. Fulk Paganel a noble Norman, with about 
* Polyd. Vergil. l. 16. saith but forty.  sixty valiant Knights persuaded the King of England, it was easy for him to reduce Normandy to his obedience; but Hubert de Burgh diverted the King from acceptance of that enterprise. The Normans therefore made an ill journey and an unlucky, for 
* Mat. Paris.  they prevailed not with King Henry, and for their conspiracy were disseised at home by King Lewis. But whether it were by loss in battle (wherein, if any battle were at all, some say the 
* Paul. Aemil.  French had the better, taking about four thousand of the English,) or otherwise, this is agreed on, that after the waist of infinite Treasures, and the great diminution of his numbers, the King of England returned 
* Roger Wend. M. S. Math. Paris. Walsingham. in Ypodig. Neust.  without accomplishment of his purpose; leaving for the defence of Britain, the three great Earls of Chester, Pembroke and Aumarl, with forces answerable.  
(28) It is not unlikely that the dangerous rebellion of the Irish, hastened his return; for the King of Connaught and his Irish, seeing the King and the Earl of Pembroke (who as Heir to the great Strangbaw 
The Irish attempting to recover their Country from the English, miscarry.  had goodly possessions in those parts) wholly embusied in the enterprise of Britain, had invaded the King's people, with a purpose and hope, utterly to expel and amove our Nation from among them: but their devices proved mischievous to themselves, that rebellious King himself being taken Prisoner, not without the loss of many thousands of the Irish. The Welsh also soon after brake out again, whose Prince Lewelin, (in revenge of those Welshman's heads, which Hubert de Burgh had cruelly caused to 
An. 1231.  be strucken off in cold blood, and presented to the King,) had burnt certain Churches and Gentlewomen in them; for which, at 
* Math. Paris.  Oxford in the presence of the King, all the Nobility, and Clergy, he was solemnly excommunicated; and the King there gathering a great Army, in person went to repress the Welsh, though not without loss.  
(29) Another Garboil thereafter no less disturbed the whole land, the 
* Math. Paris.  Insolency of the Romans (who were charged to have wrought innumerable confusions and infinite grievances to the King, his Kingdom, Peers and People) stirring up multitudes through the Land, by a common consent, to seek by force to shake off the importable yoke of their oppressions. It was alleged by these reformers, 
* Idem ibid.  that they had under hand the King's Letters Patents, the Lord Chief justices assent, the Bishop of London's countenance, and the sheriffs aid in sundry Shires, whereby the armed troops took heart every where, violently to seize on the Romans Corn, and their other wealth; which booties they employed to 
* Rog. de Wend. M. S.  good purposes, and for relief of the poor, the Romans the while hiding their heads, for fear of losing them. And though the King, on the Pope's complaint thereof, seemed to mislike the outrage, yet had the King himself no less cause to be moved with the insolency of the Pope, than were his subjects of those Popelings. For that very time the See of Canterbury being void, Ralph Nevil Bishop of Norwich was elected by the Monks, and gladly approved by the King, whose 
* Mat. Paris.  most faithful Chancellor he was, an unshaken pillar of truth, doing right to all without delays, especially to the poor, without declining to the right hand or the left. But the Pope being told he was a Royalist, and one that would join with the King and whole Kingdom (who now all struggled to shake off the Pope's servitude,) and would to the death stick to that law, and those Appeals, which Stephen Langton solemnly before the Altar in Saint Paul's Church urged against King john's submission to the See of Rome; his Election (as being a person very dangerous) was presently pronounced void. Whereupon the Monks choose a second, and him the Pope misliked, for being too old, and soft spirited, than a third was elected, a man of eminent learning, a Student in the University of Oxford, and him also the 
Antiquit. Britamnica in vit. Edmunds  Pope rejected; never resting till they had chosen Edmund of Abington, a man more pleasing to the Roman palate. But the King seeing the Great Emperor Frederick, even this very time whiles he 
Mat. Paris. in Hen. 3.  was winning the Kingdom of jerusalem from Infidels, so Turkishly in his absence deposed from his own Empire by the Pope, upon a private spleen; no marvel, if in this his unripe age, and distracted government, he feared to draw on himself by any opposition, so merciless an enemy. So that for the time these indignities were winked at in these parts: in France also by the wisdom of 
* Paul. Aemil.  Queen Blanch, and mediation of the Archbishop of Reims, and Philip Earl of Bollein of one part, and the Earls of 
Three years truce with France. Ro. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. An. 1232. The memorable dejection of Earl Hubert.  Britain and Chester on the other, a three years cessation from mutual hostilities was ratified by oath, between the French and English.  
(30) Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, Chief justiciar of England, having with few rubs hitherto, enjoyed the most inward love and favour aswell of this King, as of King john, seems now to have run the Stage of his best fortunes. For the King (upon occasion of such inroads and spoils, as the Prince Lewelin continually made in the Marches of Wales) being advertised by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and certain other of the Council, once for all to give an end to those braves and insolences of the Welsh, complained; that he was not able, in regard of his wants; saying, that his Treasurers told him, all the rents of his Exchequer would do no more then scarce maintain apparel, household and ordinary Almsdeeds. This was not unknown to the Bishop, and the rest of that faction, who watched this opportunity of purpose to lift the Earl of Kent out of favour: wherefore they boldly answered the King: that if he were poor he might thank himself, who gave away to others such Honours, Custodies, and Dignities, 
The causes of the Kings wants seen into.  as were vacant, alienating them from his estate; that he was only to be called a King in name, rather than for any riches which he had; that his Ancestors, magnificent Princes, abounding in all sorts of worldly glory, and wealth, heaped to themselves inestimable treasures, out of no other means, but the Rents and Profits of the Kingdom.  
(31) The King stung with this just reprehension, began (by their instructions) to call the Sheriffs of Shires, Bailiffs, and other his Officers to a straight account, for all such receipt, as appertained to the Exchequer, thrusting some out of their places, and wring out of all their full 
* Polyd. Verg. lib 〈◊〉. Wendover. MS.  sponges, store of coin, till he satisfied himself both for the arrearages and interest. Out of Ralph Briton 
* Mat. Paris. Pol. Verg. l. 〈◊〉.  Treasurer of his Chamber he screwzed a thousand pounds, and also put him from his place, into which (by the Bishop of Winchester's suggestion, who now predominated in Court) he substituted Peter de Orivail a 
* Wend. MS.  Poictovine, the bishops 
* Mat. Paris.  Nephew or Son, if Paris say true; and so, saith he, the King's coffers otherwise empty and lean, were by these means stuffed again, though not to their full surfeit. For these were but preparatives to a farther scrutiny and ransack, intended against the Earl of Kent, whom (upon the 
* Wendover. MS.  bishops suggestion) the King removed from the 
* Mat. Paris.  Proto-Iustitiarishippe (or high office of his Chief justice) and put in his place Sir Stephen Segrave a Knight only in name. Then is a strict and captious account demanded of the Earl of Kent, for all such things as he was in any sort chargeable with; as, 1. For such receipts or debts, as were due to King john, or to this King Henry himself: 2. For 
The principal cords in the scourge prepared for the Earl of Kent.  the mean profits of such lands, as the King was seized of, from the day of the death of the first great William, Earl of Pembroke, his justitiar and Marshal, whither those lands were in England, Wales, Ireland, or Poictou: 3. For such Liberties or free Customs which the King had in Forests, Warrens, Counties and else where, and how they were kept or alienated. 4. For such things as the King lost by Hubert's negligence: 5. For the wrongs and damages offered to the Roman, and Italian Clerks, and to the Pope's Nuncios against the King's will by authority of Hubert, who would take no order to correct the misdoers, as by virtue and nature of his place he was obliged: 6. For the many escuages coming by Carrucages, gifts and presents, or for the rents of Custodies belonging to the Crown.  
(32) To all which heads, the Earl answered, that he had the Charter of the King's Father, by 
The Earl of Kent's defence disallowed.  which he was freed from giving any account either for things passed, or to come, and that he had given such proof of his fidelity unto King john, as he would not endure to hear him make an account. Peter Bishop of Winchester replied hereunto, that such a Charter after the death of King john had no force, and therefore the Father's Charter, and grant of Privilege, was no reason why he should not stand accountant to the Son. This defence for money dangers in this sort traversed or avoided, they laboured to draw 
Articles or càlumniations of treason objected.  him in for his head, by charging him with sundry Articles sounding treasonable; as, 1. That Hubert had dissuaded the Duke of Austria from matching his Daughter with the King who sought it; 2. that he had hindered the King from entering upon foreign lands to him belonging, whereby the King, Peers, and People consumed their Treasures vainly: 3. that he had enticed the Daughter of the King of Scots (whom King john had entrusted to his custody, meaning himself to marry her) & traitorously defiled the noble young Lady, whom he married in hope to be King of Scotland in her right, if she survived her Brother: 4. that he had stolen out of his jewel-house a precious stone of wonderful value, 
A precious stone to make a man invincible, if you l●…st believe it.  whose virtue was to make him who had it, invincible in Battle, & that he gave that stone to Lewelin prince of Wales, the King's enemy: 5. that he by his letters had caused Lewelin to hang William de Breuse.  
(33) The Earl much preplexed with these accusations (whither true or false) could hardly obtain a short respite to make his answer: Thus; that 
The Earl takes Sanctuary:  Hubert (say 
* Wendover. Mat. Paris.  the Monks) who for love of the King, and defence of the Kingdom, had provoked the hatred of all the great Lords, now being forsaken of the King, is left sole and solitary, without friends or comfort. Only Luke Archbishop of Dublin, never fosooke him, but with prayers and tears besought the King on his behalf, but could not be heard against so great opposites, on so great pretences. When the cry was thus up, and that the world saw it was no superficial displeasure, into which the Earl was fallen with the mutable King, there rise forth many accusations (savouring of much malignity) round about, upon hope to oppress & bury Hubert under them 
Other malicious Articles objected.  for ever; as, 1. that he had poisoned the two noble Earls of Salisbury and Pembroke; 2. that he had also procured Falcasius de Brent, and Richard Archbishop of Canterbury to be made away; 3. that by Sorceries and Enchantments, he had drawn the King to favour him above all other; 4. that in the victory gotten against the French by Sea, he forcibly took many Prisoners from the King's Sailors, and made his benefit of their ransoms, contrary to right, and that he had spoiled and disinherited many; 5. that he had without trial unjustly put to death Constantine, for which excess the Citizens of London 
The hanging of Constantine objected.  required justice against the said Hubert. The King hereupon makes Proclamation through the City, that all such as could charge Hubert with any wrong; should repair to Court, and there receive immediate redress. This strange course of proceeding did so appall and terrify the Earl, that he forthwith fled to the Priory Church of Merton in Surrey, where among the Canons, he sheltered his head 
The Earl of Kent takes Sanctuary.  for a time.  
(34) The King with his Prelates and Peers meeting at Lambeth, at the 
* On Holyrood day, 14. Sept.  day appointed for Hubert's answer, he (being made to believe that the King would put him to a most soul death) durst not appear, or peep forth of his sacred refuge. The Londoners were assembled in Arms (by the kings command) to the number of about twenty thousand under banners displayed to drag the Earl out of Sanctuary: but upon the Earl of Chester's wiser Counsel, the prey was taken out of the hands of a bloody multitude (who mortally hated him for Constantine's death) and they returned again to their City. The Archbishop of Dublin still performing the office of a true friend, overslips not this occasion, and by his importunity obtained day for Hubert, till about Twelfe-tide than next ensuing, and the King for his assurance, during the Interim, gives him letters Patents. Hubert thinking himself secure for the present, is now upon his way toward his wife at the Abbey of Saint Edmund in Suffolk, but his enemies so prevailed by their suggestions, that Sir Godfrey de Crancumb Knight, with three hundred armed men, was sent to apprehend the Earl in Essex. He having intelligence of their approach, fled into a Chapel at 
* Fab. Cone. MS.  Brentwood, 
The Earl again takes Sanctuary.  which adjoined to his lodging; from whence those rough Soldiers haled him (he holding in one 
* Rog. Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris.  hand a Crucifix, and in the other the Sacrament) and sent for a Smith to make for him shackles of iron. But when the Smith understood, that it was for Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, he refused, uttering such words (if Matthew Paris do not Poetize) 
The honest and noble mind of a poor Artificer.  as did well show that honourable thoughts are sometimes found in the hearts of men, whose fortunes are far from honour; for having first drawn a deep sigh, he said; 
* Addit●… M. Par. ad Wendou.  Do with me what ye please, and God have mercy on my soul; but as sure as the Lord lives, I will never makeyron shackles for him, but will rather die the worst death that is. For is not this 
A pithy speech of that Artificer.  that most loyal and courageous Hubert, who so often hath preserved England from being destroyed by strangers, & restored England to England? He who faithfully and constantly served his Sovereign Lord King john in Gascoigne, Normandy, and else where, that he was compelled to eat the flesh of horses, whose high courage even Enemies admired? he, that so long defended Dover Castle, the Key of England, against all the exquisite sieges of the French, and by vanquishing them at Sea, brought safety to the Kingdom? What need I rehearse his excellent doings at Lincoln and Bedford? Let God be judge between him and you, for using him so unjustly and inhumanly, repaying good with evil, nay, requiting his most excellent deserts with the worst recompense that can be. But Sir Godfrey, and his black band regarded not such speeches, but otherwise binding the Earl hard, they set him on horseback, and so conveyed him to the Tower of London.  
(35) This breach of Sanctuary being made known to Roger Bishop of London (whose Diocese it was) he confidently tells the King, that if the Earl were not restored to the Chapel, he would excommunicate all the Authors of that outrage. The Earl is accordingly restored: but the Sheriffs of Essex and Hertford, at the King's commandment, 
The Earl restored to the Sanctuary from whence he was taken.  with the powers of their counties besiege the Chapel so long, that at last (they having cast a Trench about it that none might go in or out) the Earl was compelled to come forth and render himself, bearing all things with an equal mind, as▪ one that had a clear conscience before God, which he professed to have. While the Chapel was thus beset round, 
* Ro. Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris.  the King's indignation was so violent, that he forbade all men once to make mention of Hubert in his hearing. No marvel then if it be said, that the Prince's indignation is death. The Archbishop of Dublin nevertheless was not dejected, but with 
The Archbishop of Dublin a faithful friend to Hubers.  prayers and tears besought the King, who remained as yet inexorable, Hubert's enemies possessing his soul and senses. Hubert therefore is again imprisoned in the Tower. There was no sacrifice as it 
The Earl's treasure delivered to the King.  seems could appease the King's i●…e, but that of the Earls Hoord of gold, and other riches, which the Knight's Templars had in their custody upon trust, & without Hubert's consent refused to deliver. Hubert therefore willingly yields; which when the Depositaries did give up, the value seemed incredible. This hoarding perhaps was Hubert's crime, whereof being thus purged, he had hope to recover out of these deadly pangs and convulsions of fortune, and himself to be made capable of curing. Well, the king obtains this precious booty, but his enemies would have his blood also; saying, sith he was convicted of theft and fraud, it was meet he should die a most shameful death. It seems, they thought, that the very finding of so much treasure was a conviction of fraud in the getting, and that the King must be interpreted to have lost, whatsoever the Earl had gained. But the displeasure of the King was mollified with this golden balm, for he answered them thus; Hubert from his childhood hath (as I have heard) faithfully enough served my uncle King Richard, 
The King relenteth towards the Earl, and will not take his life.  and my Father King john, and if he have done ill towards me, he shall never therefore die an evil death. For I had rather be reputed a foolish or a negligent King, than a cruel Tyrant, or a bloody man toward him, who hath long served me and mine ancestors; nor will I weigh more his evil deeds, which are not as yet manifest, nor proved true, than all his good deeds, which are plainly known to the Realm, and to us all. Hereupon Hubert had all such lands granted unto him, as either King john had given, or himself had purchased. There undertook for him to the King (as sureties) the Earls of Cornwall, and Warrenn, Marshal & Ferrars, and himself was committed to the 
* In Wiltshire.  Castle of devices, there to abide in free Prison, under the Custody of four Knights, belonging each of them to one of these four Earls. This Court-storme thus in part overblown, let us take our standings, to view what other weather followed, and what countenance of things in this Kingdom did next present itself to the world.  
(36) The King being naturally, as it seems, addicted to repose himself upon some one man's counsel, was now wholly swayed by Peter de Rupibus 
An. 1233. An. reg. 17.  Bishop of Winchester, who had therefore wrought the Earl out of grace, that he might solely reign, and predominate in the gentle King. Which the better to effect, the Bishop procures him to displace the 
* Wend. MS.  English Officers, and in their rooms to surrogate Poictovines and Britons; who coming over to the number of about two thousand, he stuffs his Castles with them; and (in brief) did as it were wholly entrust himself, his treasures, strengths, and the Realm to them. So that 
* Math. Paris ex Reg. Wend. juditia commit●… 〈◊〉, leges, ex legibus, pax discordantibus, instit●… 〈◊〉.  judgements were committed to the unjust, Laws to the Outlaws, Peace to Wranglers, and justice to wrong-d●…ers. Such as would have prayed redress for these abuses, were interrupted, and put off by the Bishop of Winchester. Among them who were removed from their places in Court, was one Sir William de Redune a Knight, and Deputy Martial to Richard Earl of Pembroke. This was to the Earl very displeasant, which joined with 
The king by advancing strangers discontents his Nobles.  a consideration of the public cause and danger, he associates unto him certain of the great Lords (as was the fashion of those Lording times, upon every discontent,) and in the Company of them advanceth confidently to the King, whom in the hearing of many he reproveth; for that he had, through sinister advise, called in the Poictovins, to the oppression of the Realm, of his natural subjects, of their Laws and Liberties: humbly therefore he beseecheth him that he would speedily reform such abuses, which threatened the imminent subversion both of the Crown and Kingdom: which if he did not, himself and other Lords, would so long withdraw their attendance, as he entertained Strangers. The Bishop hereunto makes answer; That the King might well and lawfully call in what Strangers himself thought good, for the defence of the Crown and Realm, and such, and so many of them, as might be able to compel his proud and rebellious people to due obedience. When the Oracle would 
The English Peers confederate against the strangers.  speak no otherwise, they departed from Court greatly discontented; firmly promising one to the other, that in such a cause which did so touch them all, they would like men stand together while any breath was in their bodies.  
(37) Those who were now most potent about the King, nothing sorry for the discontentment of so great a Peer as the Earl Martial, but counting it a part of their strengths, to use the regal power toward the weakening of the English, nourish in the King his aversion. The minds of men sufficiently inclining of themselves, to doubt the worst upon such divisions, had their fear increased by sundry prodigies of strange thunders and rains, but especially of four red Parhelions (or resemblances of 
Five Suns in the sky in April. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  the Sun) besides the Sun itself, (appearing about the parts of Hereford and Worcester) from morning till night in the Skies: and indeed much trouble immediately ensued aswell in England as Wales, & Ireland. The Poictovins, and other Strangers thus bearing the sway, so as the King's person went guarded with troops of such, the Earls and Barons being by the Kings command summoned to another Parliament at Oxford, refused to come. While 
The Barons contemn the king's Summons.  the King was there, one 
* Paris calls him Bacum. The frank speech of a Preacher.  Robert Bacon, who used there to preach before the King and Prelates, freely told him, that if he did not remove from him Peter Bishop of Winchester, and Peter de Rivallis, he could never be in quiet. The King did hereupon a little come to himself, & Roger Bacon a Clergyman also of a pleasant wit, did second Robert's advise, telling the King that 
* That is, Rocks and Stones.  Petra and Rupes were most dangerous things at sea, alluding to the bishops name, Petrus de Rupibus. The King therefore (as he had the happiness in his mutability, to change for his more security) taking that good advise of Scholars, which he would not of his Peers, summons a Parliament to be holden at 
* In july.  Westminster, giving the world to know withal, that his purpose was to amend by their advise, whatsoever ought to be amended.  
(38) But the Barons, considering that still there arrived sundry strangers, men of war with Horse and Armour, and not trusting the Poictovine faith, 
The Barons second contempt of the king's command.  came not, but presumed to send this traitorous message to the king, that if out of hand he removed not Peter Bishop of Winchester, and the Poictovines out of his Court, they all of them, by the common assent of the 
The traytero●… errand to the king.  kingdom, would drive him, & his wicked Counsellors together out of it, and consult about creating a new Sovereign. The king (whom his father's example made more timorous,) could easily have been drawn, to have redeemed the love of his natural Liegemen, with the disgrace of a few strangers; but the Bishop of Winchester and his friends infused more spirit into him. Whereon, to all those whom he suspected, the King sets down a 
* In August next.  day, within which they should deliver sufficient pledges to secure him of their loyalty. Against that day the Lords in great numbers make repair to London, but the Earl Martial (admonished of danger, by his sister the Countess of Cornwall) flies back to Wales; and chiefly for want of his 
* Rog. de Wend. MS.  presence nothing was concluded. The King not long after is at Gloster with an Army, whither the Earl and his adherents required to come, refused; the King therefore burns their Manors, and gives away their inheritances to the Poictovines.  
(39) This Rebellion had not many great names in it, but took strength rather by weight then number: 
The Earl Marshal in Arms.  the known Actors were the Earl Marshal, the Lord Gilbert Basset, and many other of the inferior Nobles. The bishops Arts 〈◊〉 ●…luckt from him, the King's Brother, and the two Earls of Chester and Lincoln, (who dishonourably sold their love 
* Mat. Paris.  for a thousand Marks,) and otherwise, as it seemed, secured the rest: nevertheless, these may well be thought, not to have borne any evil will to their now forsaken confederate, the Earl Martial, who took himself to handle the common cause; certainly he handled his own safety but ill, as the event shall demonstrate. The Earl hearing these 
Confederates himself with Lewelin Prince of Wales.  things, contracts strict amity with Lewelin Prince of Wales; whose powers thus knit together, by advantages of the Mountains, were able to counterpoise any ordinary invasion. To the King's aid, Baldwin de Gisnes with many Soldiers came out of Flanders. The King now at Hereford in the midst of his Forces, sends from thence (by Winchester's counsel) the Bishop of Saint David's, to defy the Earl Martial; how far soever this word defy extends itself, sure it seems that the Earl hereupon understood himself discharged of that obligation, by which he was tied unto the King, and freed to mak●… his defence. The King notwithstanding after some small attempts, and better considerations, did 
* Rog. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  promise and assume, that by advise of his Council all that was amiss should (at a 
* The Sunday after Michaelmas. Hubert de Burgo escapes into Wales.  day appointed) be rectified and amended. About which time, Hubert de Burgo, having intelligence that the Bishop of Winchester (who was a Poictovine) 
* Thom. Westm. Roger Wend. Mat. Paris.  plotted his death, escaped out of the Castle of devices (where he was prisoner) to a neighbour Church, but was haled from thence by the Castle-Keepers. The Bishop of Sarisbury (in whose Diocese it happened) caused him to be safe-restored to the same place, from whence by the Earl Martial, and a 
* Ypod. Neust.  troop of armed men his friends, he was rescued and carried into Wales.  
(40) The King, at the day and place appointed, holds his great Council or conference with the Lords; but nothing followed for the peace of the Realm; it was not an ordinary passage of speech, which happened there between the Lords, and the Bishop of Winchester. For, when the English Bishops and Barons humbly besought the King, for the honour of Almighty God to take into grace his natural Subjects, whom (without any trial by their Peers) he called Traitors: the Bishop (offended it seems, at Peers) takes the words out of the King's mouth, and answers; That there are not Peers in England, as in the Realm of France, and that therefore the King of England, by such justiciars as himself pleaseth to ordain, may banish offenders out of the Realm, and by judicial process condemn them. The English Bishops relished his speech so harshly, that with one voice they threatened to excommunicate and accurse by name the King's principal wicked Counsellors; but Winchester appealed; then they accursed all such as alienated the heart of the king from his natural subjects, and all others that perturbed the peace of the Realm.  
(41) The Earl Martial, this while had by force resumed a Castle, which he had a little before surrendered to the King, which stirred the King to gather his forces at Gloucester, and thence to advance towards Wales. But the Earl had politicly barred the Country of all Provisions, for man and beast, that the King was feign to strike aside to Grosmont Castle; where the Earl, with his Confederates and the 
* D●…ct Pow hist. Cambr p. 289.  power of Wales, so awaited their time, that assailing the King's Camp unawares, there were taken about five hundredth horse, with the Sumpters, riches, and carriages of the Army; upon which loss (his men also greatly scattered) the King leaving 
* Viz. joh. de M●…nmouth. Ralph. de Thorney.  two noble Gentlemen with the Poictovins, to make good the Marches against the Welsh, returned more empty and inglorious then before. The Earl found them work, whom the King had left behind; and (as he was a man of no less courage then deep wit,) whereas Baldwin de Gisnes (the valiant Flemish knight) with a thousand Horsemen, thought to have surprised him, who having but a tenth part of that number, came to view the Castle of Monmouth; the Earl alone defended himself against 
The Earls great courage and agility.  twelve of his enemies; and when his horse was cowardly slain by them, he pitched one of them by the leg out of the Saddle, and leapt into it himself, never giving ground till his Arruie came to the rescue, and obtained a fair victory, with the slaughter and captivation of many Poictovines and others. His other exploits in and about Wales, were not few nor unfortunate; if it were not only in this, (as what indeed could be more grievous or unglorious to a noble mind?) for that his Sovereign was upon the contrary side.  
(42) The King about this time, to strengthen his life and State, with the prayers of Beneficiaries, and other devoted affections, founded the 
* Now the Rolls in Chancery Lane, Stows Survey.  house of Converts, where such as forsook the judaical Superstitions, had provisions for maintenance under a sober rule and ruler; he also erected and endowed a 
* Saint john's Hospital by Magdalene College, the first stone whereof was laid by the ●…ing himself. Rossus Leolines' opinion of K. Henry's almsdeeds. Mat. Paris, D. Powel. hist. Camb. pag. 292.  famous Hospital at Oxf●…rd, both for the entertainment of Foreigners and Pilgrims, (who thither much frequented,) and for relief also of such as were diseased: So that Leoline Prince of Wales, (the Earls chief Confederate) when he was threatened sore, if he would not live in quiet, did not speak more magnificently of charity, then honourably of the King; I more fear (quoth he) the almsdeeds which the King doth, than all the men of war which he hath, and the whole Clergy, put together.  
(43) The Earl Marshal increasing in strength and hatred against such as were the King's reputed Seducers, makes spoil and booty on their possessions, 
An. 1234. An. reg. ●…8.  and joining with the power of Leoline, puts all to fire and sword, as far as Shrewsburie, part whereof they burned to Ashes, and sacked the residue. The 
* Rog. Wend.  King then at Gloster for want of sufficient Forces, departed thence (greatly grieved) to Winchester, abandoning those other parts as it were to waste and ruin. It therefore seems, that he was not 
The King gives way to the fury of the rebellious.  grown stronger or richer, by the displacing of Hubert Earl of Kent, and the rest, and by taking new into their rooms, who commonly bite and suck hard till they have glutted themselves, (if at leastwise there be any satiety in avarice) whereas the old officers, having provided in a sort for the main chance, have the less reason to be grievous.  
(44) Therefore the Lion's skin not being large enough for the Bishop of Winchester, and his factious purposes, they piece them out with the Fox's case; an inevitable stratagem is devised. The Earl Martial had in Ireland all the ample Patrimonies of his Grandfather, the famous Strangbow. To make that member of his strengths improfitable, if not also pernicious, they devise certain letters directed to Maurice Fitz-Gerald (Deputy justice of 
A practice to ruin the Earl Marshal.  Ireland) and other principal men, who held of the Earl. In them they signify, that Richard, once Marshal to the King of England, was for manifest treason by the judgement of the King's Court, banished the Realm, his Lands, towns and Tenements consumed with fire; other his Hereditaments destroyed, and himself 
The pestilent tenor of the letters.  for ever disinherited; that if upon his coming thither, they did take him either alive or dead, the King did give them all the Earls lands there, which now were forfeited by virtue of his Attainture; and for assurance that the said gift should continue firm and good, they, by whose advise the King and Kingdom were governed, faithfully undertook. To these letters (which the Monks call bloody) they caused the King to set his Seal, as they themselves also (being eleven) did theirs; upon receit of which lines, the parties signify back under the seal of secrecy, that if the Contents of those letters were confirmed by the King's Letters Patents, they would perform that which was desired. The Letters patents be made accordingly, and 
* Ro. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  having fraudulently gotten the Great Seal from Hugh Bishop of Chichester, Lord Chancellor, who knew not thereof, they make them authentic with the impression.  
(45) The King's mind therefore being still exulcerated towards the Earl Martial, he grievously charged Alexander Bishop of Chester, that he had 
Alexander Bishop of Chichester cleareth himself from disloyalty.  too much familiarity with the Earl, affirming that they sought to thrust him from his throne; the Bishop to clear himself from so heinous a scandal, puts on his Episcopal habit, and solemnly pronounceth all those accursed, who did but imagine a wickedness of so foul a nature, against the Majesty or person of the King: and thereupon by the intercession of other Prelates, he was received into grace. The King was 
The English Bishops deal with the King about redress of the common evils.  then at Westminster; where Edmund the Archbishop of Canterbury elect, with other his Suffragan Bishops, bewailing the estate of the kingdom, present themselves before him, telling him, as his loyal Liegemen, that the Counsel of Peter Bishop of Winchester, and his Complices, which now he had, and used, was not found nor safe, but cruel and perilous to himself and his Realm. First for that they hated and despised the 
Objections against the Bishop of Winton and the Poictovines.  English, call them Traitors, turning the kings heart from the love of his people, and the hearts of the people from him; as in the Earl Martial, whom (being one of the worthiest men of the land) by sowing false tales they drove into discontentment; 2. that by the Counsel of the same Peter, his Father King john first lost the hearts of his people, than Normandy, than other lands; and finally, wasted all his treasure, and almost England itself, and never after had quiet; 3. that if the Subjects had now been handled according to justice and law, and not by their ungodly counsels, those present troubles had not happened, but the kings lands had remained undestroyed, his treasures unexhausted; 4. that the King's Council is not the Council of Peace, but of perturbation; because they who cannot rise by Peace, will raise themselves by the trouble, and disinherison of others; 5. that they had the treasure, Castles, Wardships, and strengths of the Kingdom in their hands, which they insolently abused to the great hazard of the whole estate, for that they, made no conscience of an Oath, Law, justice, or the Church's censures. Therefore we, o King (said they) speak these things faithfully unto you; and in the presence both of God and man, do counsel, beseech, and admonish you, to remove such a Council from about you, and (as it is the usage in other Realms) govern yours by the faithful and sworn Children thereof. The King in brief answered hereunto, that he could not suddenly put off his Council, and therefore prayed a short respite, till their accounts were audited. Meanwhile the behaviours 
The outrages of the Marshalline faction.  of the Marshalline faction (having this backing at Court) grew more and more intolerable: for while the King was at Huntingdon, the Lord Gilbert Basset and others, set fire upon Alekmundbury, a Town belonging to Stephen de Segrave, the flames whereof were seen of the owner, being then with the King at Huntingdon. They also took prisoners upon the Welsh Marches, and according to the Law of War (which, saith one, is 
* Quae exlex est. Math. Paris.  lawless) did put them to their ransoms.  
(46) Nothing had hitherto preserved the King 
The King facile●… in taking and leaving favourites.  more, then that he could, without great grief forego any favourites, if he were nearly pressed; the contrary quality whereof hath been the cause of final desolation to so many Princes. For albeit the choice of Counsellors ought to be free, yet by common intendment, they should be good; or howsoever 
Of Prince's Counsellors and Favourites.  they are, or are not, it is madness to hazard a Crown, or lose the love of an whole Nation, rather than to relinquish or diminish a particular dependent. The rights of amity ought nevertheless to remain inviolable, but in such distance, that the public be not perverted, nor interuerted for a private. The King therefore, in this point not unfortunate, commanded Bishop Peter to betake himself to his residence at Winton, without once meddling in affairs of State; but against Peter Rivallis 
The king removes the Bishop of Winchester and others from his Council. England purged from Poictovines.  his Treasurer, he was so vehement, that he swore, he would pluck out his eyes, were it not for reverence of holy Orders; commanding also their Poictovines to depart the Realm, never to see his face more.  
(47) Then are the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishops of Chester and Rochester sent into Wales to pacify things there. But the invincible Earl Martial had now crossed the Seas into Ireland, to take revenge for the spoils and disseisures, which his hired enemies had made in his lands there; by whose plots, according to that secret agreement, he was finally taken, and died of a wound given him in 
The Earl Marshal dieth in Ireland.  the back, as he with admirable manhood defended himself. His Body was buried in Kilkennie, (which pleasantly-situated Town our Sovereign, King james erected into a City,) where himself in his life had appointed, in the Oratory of the Minorites: in which Town, as yet some small tokens of this great name are remaining; for in the East window of the Abbey-Church of S. john Baptist, and in the Abbey of S. Dominicke, the ancient Armouries of 
* Party per pale, Or & vert, over all a Lion rampant, gules.  Marshal, Lord of Kilkenny, are yet extant. The Patrimony of this Earl was shared by the Contractors according to the purport of the Letters patents: but when the King heard of his death, he (to the wonder of all that were by) broke forth into tears, bewailing 
The king laments the Earl's death.  the loss of so brave a Knight, affirming that he had left no Peer behind him in the Kingdom. A blessed King, saith Paris; to love even those who had offended him.  
(48) The Archbishop of Canterbury with the 
Ann. 1235.  other Bishops, repaired to the King at Gloucester, upon their return from Leoline Prince of Wales, who pretended he could not conclude, till the King had received into grace such of the banished Nobility, with whom himself had been confederated during the late displeasures. The King hereupon 
The king calls home his rebels.  moved with Pity, sends forth his Proclamations, that all such as were outlawed or proscribed, should be at Gloucester upon a certain day, there to be received into the King's favour again, and to have restitution of their inheritances; but lest they might suspect any evil measure, it was ordered that they should be in the Church's protection, and come under the safeconduct of the Archbishop and the other Prelates. Thither at the time and place limited doth Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent (and lately chief 
Hubert de Burgh is reconciled.  justiciar of England) repair; upon whom, by mediation of the Bishops, the compassionate King looks graciously, receiving him in his Arms with the kiss of peace; in like sort was the Lord Gilbert Basset, and all others of that fellowship, received into favour, their several livings and rights fully restored; and both Hubert and Basset admitted to be of his Council. And, that nothing might be wanting to make the joy universal; Gilbert, Brother to the late Earl Martial, had the whole Earldom 
Gilbert brother to the late Earl Marshal hath his brother's lands & honours.  conferred upon him with all the lands and rights thereof wheresoever, notwithstanding the foresaid treacherous conveyance; whom also the King made Knight at Worcester, and delivered into his hands the Rod of the Marshalship, according to the custom. Howbeit in all these points the King may seem but to have temporised (as thereto driven by over-bearing inducements) or else greatly afterward to have changed his judgement, because he openly at one time 
* Math. Paris. ad An. 1239.  called the said Richard a bloody Traitor, and caused this Gilbert to be forcibly kept out of the Court upon a Christmas day.  
(49) Upon this reconcilement the practice, by which the late great Marshal was destroyed, and his possessions dismembered, came to light; the copy 
The practice to destroy the late Earl Marshal openly read.  of the letters, which had been sent into Ireland, being by commandment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, openly read in the presence of the King, the Prelates, Earls and Barons. It moved tears in all of them; the King with an Oath affirming that he knew not the contents of the said letters, though by the urging of the Bishop of Winchester, Rivallis, Segrave, Passeleu, with other of his Council, he had caused his Seal to be put unto them. At the sound of Summons to make their several appearances, the Malefactors take Sanctuary, the Bishop and Peter de Rivallis in Winchester Church, Segrave in Leicester Abbey, Passeleu in the new Temple, and others otherwhere. In the end, upon the intercession of Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury, who piously endeavoured to extinguish all occasions of further dissension in the Kingdom, and undertook they should have a lawful trial, the delinquents appeared at Westminster before the King, who 
* Rog. de Wend. M. S. Math. Paris.  sat in person with his justiciars upon the Bench. Peter de Rivallis was first called (for the Bishop came not,) whom the King shot through with an angry eye, saying; O thou Traitor, by thy wicked advise, I 
The king sits in Westminster with the judges on the Bench.  was drawn to set my Seal to these treacherous letters for the destruction of the Earl Martial, the Contents whereof were to me unknown; and by thine and such like counsel, I banished my natural Subjects, and turned their minds and hearts from me. By thy bad counsel, & thy Complices, I was moved to make war upon them to my irreparable loss, and the dishonour of my Realm, in which enterprise I wasted my treasure, and lost many worthy persons, together with much of my royal respect. Therefore I exact of thee an account aswell of my treasure, as of the custodies of Wards, together with many other profits and escheats belonging to my Crown. Peter denying none of the accusations, but falling to the ground, thus besought him. My Sovereign Lord and King, I have been nourished by you, and made rich in worldly substance, confound not your own Creature, but at leastwise grant me a time of deliberation, 
The king himself gives sentence on the Bench.  that I may render a competent reason for such points as I am charged with. Thou shalt (said the King) be carried to the Tower of London, there to deliberate till I am satisfied. He was so, Stephen de Segrave, the Lord Chief justice (whom the King also called most wicked 
The Bishop of Winchester went to Rome, for he was in Pope Gregory's Army, against the mutined Romans, say both Wendover and Paris, ad An. 1●…35.  Traitor) had time till Michaelmas to make his accounts, at the Archbishops and other Bishop's humble entreaty; and for other matters, he shifted them off from himself, by laying the blame upon such as were higher in place than he: into whose office of Chief justice, Hugh de Pateshull is advanced. The like evasion Robert Paslew had, by leaving the fault upon Walter Bishop of Carlisle, who was above him in the Exchequer: and thus were these civil enormities reform, not without reducing store of Coin to the King.  
(50) As those continual turmoils, and plagues of the Sword, much afflicted the land, so this was the third year, wherein God inflicted also for sin, the plague of famine, whereby the poor did miserably perish, there being no Samaritan to pay for their 
The divine virtue of charity actually commended by God.  barbouring, or to anoint their wounds with the oil of consolation. Our Authors, to make manifest, how odious the merciless heart is in the sight of God, relate a story of that time with protestation, that they do it, left so memorable an example should be in time forgotten. Certain 
* Of Alboldes●… a village in Cambridgeshire.  poor, while as yet the Corn was green, plucked the ears in the common fields, to sustain their lives; whereupon the Owners call on the Priest, to curse all such as had so done: but one in their company adjured 
A miraculous conf●…sion of hard heartedness toward poor Christians.  the Priest in the name of God to exempt his corn from the sentence, saying, it pleased him well, that the poor driven with famine, had taken his corn, and so commended that which they had left to God. The Priest, compelled by importunity of the rest, was entered into the sentence, when by a terrible interrupting tempest of thunder, lightning, wind, hail, and rain, all the cornfields about were desolated, as if they had been trodden down with Horse and Cartes; that no kind of beast or fowl would feed upon the corn thus laid. But (as say our Authors out of the 
* Mat. 5. 7.  Scripture) seeing 
* God hath a care of the liberal.  they who are piteous find mercy, that honest and compassionate hearted man, found all his corn and grounds (though interlaced with theirs,) altogether untouched and unharmd. Whereupon (say they) it is more clear than any light, that as glory to God on high is sung of Angels, so there is peace on Earth to men who are of goodwill. This dearth was in 
* An. 1235. An. reg. 19  France and Gascoigne aswell as in England. A jewish impiety may well be annexed to want of Christian Charity. There were brought before the King at Westminster seven jews, who circumcised a Child, and purposed in contempt of 
The jews conspire to crucify a child.  Christ and Christianity) to have crucified him in Easter at Norwich.  
(51) These now calmer times, were made more happy, by the marriage of the Emperor Frederick 
The Emperor marrieth the king's sister.  with the Lady Isabel, the King of England's sister, a beauteous young Lady about twenty years of age. The messengers arrived in March with the emperors letters, closed under a Seal of gold; and there were sent to conduct her over, the Archbishop of Colein, and the Duke of Louvain. The King brought her to Sandwich with about three thousand horse in his train; and being imperially furnished with all worldly abundance, she took shipping in May, and in one days and one night's space arrived at Antwerp, a City of the Empire, & was every where most magnificently entertained; her sweet humility, and excellent beauty, drawing 
The magnificence of the Nuptials.  all to love and honour her. At the solemnity of her 
* At Worms in August.  marriage were present three 
* Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris.  Kings, eleven Dukes, thirty Marquesses & Earls, besides the number of great Prelates. On whether superstition, or observation, of the Emperor is noted at this marriage, that he forbore the Empresses company, till a certain hour, which his Wizards or Astrologers 
Marriage consummated by calculation of the Stars.  had assigned, and in the morning he caused her to be carefully tended as a woman with child, and sent word to his brother the King of England, that he should have a son, so skilful or confident he was; and God did favour his judgement, for it proved so. This Imperial affinity gave a 
* Rog Wendover in hist. MS. in Biblioth D. Roberti Cotton. Baronetti.  worthy Historian occasion here to display and emblazon the Majesty and glory of the English Princes; but amongst them all, none were higher advanced than the Children of King john, one of whose sons was now a 
* K. Henry 3 of  King, the other afterward chosen to be an 
* Richard king of the Romans.  Emperor, and one of his daughters a 
* joan Queen of Scots.  Queen, this other (here mentioned) an 
* Isabel.  Empress. And here doth Wendover end his history, to whom we have hitherto been beholding for his labours, sorry we can enjoy his good company no longer.  
(52) There were spread through England about this time certain Roman Usurers called 
* Quasi Capientes ursi, devouring Bears, quoth Paris.  Caurfini, who had entangled the King himself, most of the great men, and all others as had to deal with the Court of Rome, in their cunning snares. Their first entrance into England was some few years past, when the Pope requiring the 
* Mat. Parid.  tenth of all movable goods in England, Ireland and Wales, towards his wars against the Emperor Frederick, sent Stephen his Nunce hither to collect it, 
* Idem ad An. 1227  who brought with him that race of devouring-monsters under human shape, called the 
* Ibidem.  Pope's Merchants, under colour of Richard late Earl Martial) to commit that 
* Math Paris 〈◊〉 seth this word.  assassinate upon him. This execrable wretch having been a Courtier, and one of the King's 
* Polyd. Virg. lib. 16. Armiger quidam literatus, saith Par●…, but pag 566 ●…hesame M. Paris a●…th his name was Clement, and a Clerk.  Knights, supposing to have found the King in his own retiring Bed, had about midnight gotten in at the Chamber window; but God (in whose special protection, the lives of Princes are) disappointed him, for the King was elsewhere in bed with his Queen. Nevertheless he gave not over, but with naked knife in hand, sought up and down in some other Chambers. One of the Queen's 
* Margaret Biset.  gentlewomen (sitting late and very devoutly at her book by candlelight,) at sight of the furious villain, with her shrieking noise wakened the King's servants, who starting out of their Bed, laid hands upon him; & afterward 
The Traitor drawn in sunder with horses.  he was drawn in pieces with horses at Coventree. And worthily: for (as 
* Holinsh. p. 123.  a vulgar Chronicler hereupon saith truly,) in wounding and killing a Prince, the Traitor is guilty of homicide, of parricide, of 
* Because Kings are anointed.  Christi●…ide, nay of 
* Because in holy Scriptures they are called Gods.  Deicide. William de Marisco, who was said to be the instigator of this Treason, knowing his danger, became a Pirate & fortified the Isle of Lundey in Severn, where he did much mischief, the situation of that little Island being 
* Mat Paris. ●…d A. D. 1242.  inexpugnable. At length he was surprised therein, and sixteen of his Complices, who all of them after conviction were put to death at London. William to the last gasp denying his privity to the former treasonous attempt of killing the King. About the time of the King's danger at Woodstock, the Legate was in very little better case at Oxford, where being at first honourably by the University 
Paris.  entertained in Ousney Abbey, the pride of his Romans there proved so intolerable, that a troop of the younger Students, provoked therewith to arm themselves, not only slew the Legates own brother, but would have done the like with the Legate himself, whom they termed an Usurer, Symonist, Rentraker, 
Idem.  Money-thirster, perverter of the King, subverter of the Kingdom, enriching strangers with spoils of the English; but he lurking in the Belfry, at midnight escaped over the river (not without danger of drowning) and fled to the King for his protection. For which outrage, the King sending the Earl of Warren with an armed band, 
* In Walling ford Castle.  imprisoned about 30. of the offenders, and the Legate interdicted the University, till all the Bishops of England (purposely 
* 16 Junii. Lo●…ini. Paris.  meeting in a Synod) pleaded for the University, as being the second of Christendom: to whose importunity the proud Legate would not condescend, unless all the Bishops would yield to go on foot with the Students from Paul's Church to the Legates house, (which was about a mile,) who there ungowned and unshod, should humbly crave absolution; which accordingly they performed.  
(60) The Legate was (not long after) called home by the Pope, 
* Mat. Paris.  upon notice of the scandal daily 
Ann. 1239.  given in England, by the unsatiable avarice of the Romans: but by the earnest workings of the King, who feared lest his great ones would rise against him, he was detained as a necessary evil to establish the good of Peace. For it was in a manner taken up for a fashion among the Lords, to glorify themselves with the senseless multitude, by seditiously disparaging and taxing the King's discretion and government, being far too gentle and amiable for spirits so perverse and insolent; which might well force his loving nature, to seek kindness and advise among strangers, seeing he could not have it for any his deserts among the home-born. 
Great faults in the Lords towards the King.  A great reason why (perhaps) he did some few things rashly and passionately enough: it being a thing forcible to distemper a very wise man, to have so many imperious censors to observe his actions, and few to humble their abilities to obsequious services, all bearing themselves rather like Tutors or Controllers, then like Subjects or Counsellors. About which time, one William an ordinary Calumniator, and accuser of great men to the King, was for that impious practice condemned to die; though he sought to piece out his days by the help of new appeachments and false criminations; but that being discovered, he 
Worthy justice done upon a Court-Rat or Promoter.  was hanged upon a Gibbet in London. Now also the King began to smell out the undirect and false dealing of his beloved Legate, whose familiar friend (Peter Saracen) being taken Captive by the Emperor, and to pay 10000 l. Sterling for his 
Math. Paris.  ransom; the shameless Legate counseled the king to bind himself and his Crown for that payment. Whereby the King perceiving what toils were laid to entrap him, (the Romans not caring what loss happened to the Kingdom, so they might be gainers) (wore in great rage, that it repented him he had ever admitted the Legate into the land, to dissipate the wealth thereof. But the Bishops of the land meeting in Council at London, to redress the oppressions of the English Church, told the Legate flatly, that the Romans importunity had so long exhausted their church-good, that they would no longer endure it. These English repentances seem somewhat too late; but that providence which the King of Scotland soon after used, was, as more tempestive, so more commendable, when meeting the same Legate (for now into Scotland he is going to gather coin) he denied him entrance into his Kingdom, telling him, he was the first Legate which ever entered that Kingdom; yet by entreaty to save the Legates credit, he was permitted; first making a declaration, that his entrance should never go for a Precedent of any after; whereto the Legate should put his Seal at his departure; but having gotten what he came for, he suddenly stole away without leave of the King, and carried his writing with him. By all which vile and indign usages, a man might think the Church of Rome did purposely strive to draw the hatred of all nations against her; especially, sith (as we showed) the greeks were fallen from the Roman union, so now the Church of Antioch had both excommunicated the Pope, the Church and Court of Rome, and challenged 
Allegations for Antioches' Primacy above Rome.  the Primacy above the Pope and the Roman Church, as being an ancienter See, wherein S. Peter first sat Bishop for seven years; and more excellent and dear, sith there Peter lived with love and reverence, whereas both he and Saint Paul were continually persecuted in Rome; which Church was now also defiled with Simony, Usury, Avarice, and other heinous offences.  
(61) But (doubtless) it was worthy of reproof in the King; that after so manifold trials of faith and constancy in Hubert Earl of Kent, he should 
Hubert Earl of Kent tossed with a new Court-storme.  now again afflict his honourable old-age with reviuall of accusations, when he rather ought to have tendered him as a Father. Among other the Articles (engines of vexation) which the King bend against him, these were 3. new ones, by which any reasonable man may take a scantling of the rest. 1 That Hubert had taken the money out of the barrels which were sent for the relief of Rochel and Poictou, and 
Strabo.  stuffed them with sand. 2. That to dissuade a great Lady from marriage with the King, he had said the King 
A strange description of a king.  was a squint-eyed fool, a lewd man, and a kind of leper, deceitful, perjured, more fainthearted than a woman, only terrible to his own friends; and utterly unfit for any fair or noble Lady's company. 3. That at Wodstocke, when the King was alone, he rushed in with a naked knife to murder him: Which and many other accusations the Earl did modestly and clearly refute. But with the last (being most wicked of all) he was so grieved, that making low obeisance to the King, he could not forbear to say, that he was never traitor to his father, nor to him, which by God's grace did well appear in the King: as if he should have said, (quoth Paris) That if the Earl would have been a Traitor, the King had never obtained the Crown. This seems to have been a public trial, upon a Suit or Action of trespass, brought against the Earl by the King in the King's Bench, at which trial the King himself was also present. But howsoever the Earl answered, he was condemned to give to the King 
* Ypod. Neust.  four his 
* Mat. Paris.  dearest Castles, Blanch Castle, Grosmount in Wales, Skenefrith and Hafeld; and then also (as it seems) he was 
* Cambden Brit. in Kent. this man died An. D. 1243.  deprived of his Title of Earl.  
(62) After so many mischiefs patiently brooked, at last the King upon receipt of letters from 
An. 1240.  the Emperor (whom as his brother in law, he was loath to offend,) commanded Otho the Pope's Legate, in regard of the great enmities between the Pope and Emperor, to depart out of England. 
England a most Christian Country.  There was also straight commandment given to the Italian Usurers, to leave the most 
* Mund●…ssimam terram. Paris.  pure earth of his Realm (meaning that his own people was most innocent and free from such a sin,) but (saith 
* Paris.  one, who durst write any thing he thought) by giving the King money, which is too much used to justify the wicked, they for a great part remained still, as loath to forsake such fat pastures. And the Legate himself also stayed so long, till the Pope by wily inducements and 
* Imperatoris liter●… apud Paris.  forged calumniations had drawn the King, both to relinquish the Emperor his brother in law, and to suffer the Papal Excommunication to pass here against him, and money also to be gathered to his impeachment. A brief taste of all the Pope's proceedings against this glorious Emperor, we may take from the Nobility of France, who 
An. 1241.  (when the Pope offered the Empire unto Robert the French Kings brother) in their grand Council refused to accept it, charging the Pope with the Spirit of audacious rashness, for deposing the Emperor, not convicted of any fault, and whom a General Council only ought to censure, not the Pope, to whom no credit ought to be given, being his Capital Enemy. For that themselves knew he was a virtuous and victorious Emperor, and one who had in him more religion than the Pope had Our Legate Ottho (who now at length is gone) was no sooner departed, but Peter of Savoy the Queen's Uncle arrived, to whom the King gave the Earldom of Richmond, and entertained otherwise most magnificently. This and the like largesse to strangers, drew on the King much evil will, who also in favour of his Queen, procured her Uncle Bonifacius to be chosen Archbishop of Canterbury in place of 
* Edmund a Saint, thoughdying an Exile in detestation of the Pope's oppressions.  edmund, who weary of his life in England, by reason that he could not redress the Pope's detestable exactions and oppressions, made choice of a voluntary Exile at Pountney in France, where he died with the honour and opinion of a Saint.  
(63) The King's employments hitherto have (almost wholly) been taken up either in the impatiency 
An. 1242. A reg 26. The King goes to recover Poictou.  of civil disturbations, or in the too-patient sufferance of some foreign grievances, nourished within his Kingdom; which gave him perhaps little leisure, mind, or means, to pursue any transmarine design. But now better provided with money, then with men, (and yet not sufficiently with money) he takes ship immediately after Easter towards Poictou, where the Earl of March (now husband to Queen Isabella his mother) expected his arrival. He committed the Government of the Realm in his absence to the Archbishop of York. Thirty Hogsheads or 
* Cadum.  Barrels fraught with sterling money were shipped for that service. There also went with him Richard Earl of Cornwall, (who was returned with much honour out of the Holy-land not long before) and seven other Earls with about three hundredth Knights, besides other soldiers. To resist the English, the King of France (who 
The French Kings preparations to resist.  had given Poictou to his brother Alfonse) assembled an Army royal of four thousand men of Arms, excellently well appointed, and about twenty thousand choice Soldiers; with a thousand Carts to carry their other necessaries. King Henry understanding that the King of France lay before Frontenay, (a Castle belonging to the Earl of March,) seeking to force it by assaults, sent a messenger of defiance to him as a breaker of Truce. Lewis a most just and valiant P●…ince, denied that ever he broke the truce, but that the King of England by ma●…ntenance of his Rebe●…s, did rather seem to i●…ringe the Peace. Nevertheless he offered (so as the English would not protect his enemies the Earl of March and others) to give him Poictou, and a great part of Normandy, in satisfaction of his 
* Vide s●…pra at his de●…ing from England.  Father's Oath, and moreover, to enlarge the last truce with a longer term of years. These so honourable, safe, and profitable conditions, by the practice of the Poictovines (who feared the French Kings indignation would prove too heavy for them to bear, if the English abandoned their cause) were unfortunately refused.  
(64) When the French King heard hereof, it repented him that he had humbled himself so far; telling his Lords, that he neither feared his cozen of England, nor all his forces, but only that Oath, 
A most Christian fear of the Christian King.  (for restoring of the lands in France) which his father made when he was in England. This scruple did so trouble the King's mind, on the behalf of his dead Father, that he would admit no comfort till one of his Lords told him, that the King of England, by putting Constantine Fitz-Arnold to death, for having spoken some words in honour of King Lewis (his Father) had first broken the truce. This satisfied the French. That whole business is thus concluded by 
* Io. Tili. Chron.  Tilius; Hugh Earl of March overcome with the pride and persuasions of his wife ●…sabel, would not do homage to Alfonse the French Kings brother: for she was a cause to draw the English thither, where things thriving on his part but meanly, Hugh is constrained in the end to do both homage and fealty unto Alfonse. This only must be added, that he did unfaithfully provide for his private safety without the knowledge of the King of England, at such time as he 
* Math. Paris.  pretended otherwise.  
(65) This treachery lost the King all Poictou, for whereas he principally took care for money, 
Isabel Queen D●…ger forgeth writings to draw her son the King into France Mat. Par. p. 570  presuming upon the Earl for men, when it came to the point, the Earl was not only not provided, but swore by the throat of God, he never promised any such matter, and denied he had set his Seal to any writing concerning such promises, and that if any such sealed writing were (as the King and his brother the Earl of Cornwall affirmed) their mother his wife had forged it. They were now in sight of the French Host before Tailbourg in Xainctoing when this improvident expostulation was made. The King of England manifestly seeing his peril, and having by his brother Earl Richard's mediation (whom many of the French did greatly honour because he had by composition 
Poictou lost by the Eng●…sh.  been a mean at his arrival to free them from the Saracens in the holy-land,) raised his camp by night, and retreated with much more hast then good speed. Not long after this, the fair City of Xainctes in Xainctoing, upon displeasure conceived by the Citizens against the King, because he had given the same to the Lord Hugh his half-brother (son to the Earl of March) first contrived a perfidious 
Xaincts' also and Xainctoing  revolt so closely, that if first the said Lord Hugh, and then Guy de Lusinian his elder brother, had not in good time signified the danger, the King and all the English had been surprised by the French. There was none (among all the mutable Poictovins) found respective of honour and loyalty, but only one called Hertold, Captain of the famous Castle of Mirabell, who in great sorrow repaired to the King of England, praying counsel and assistance, where the King with a downcast look gave him this answer: Thou dost see (o Hertold) that my forces are scarce sufficient to defend myself. Our Lord and 
The French Earl of March compared by the King to judas. Hertold an example of loyalty.  Saviour was betrayed by his Disciple judas, and therefore who shall be safe? Behold the Earl of March, whom I took and reverenced as my Father, hath given a pernicious precedent. I have trusted in a staff of reed, and the splinters thereof have wounded my hand. Thou art the only man who haste behaved thyself honestly: whatsoever therefore thou dost tossesse of mine by any just title, take it to thee as thine own, I give it thee: Provide other-  
want could make him forget his magnificence, and bounty, he caused the East-part of the great Church at Westminster to be taken down, and by advise of expert Workmen newly to be builded and joined to the West. The effect of the King's expedition into Wales was, that after he had 
The effect of the king's journey into Wales.  fortified the Castle of Gannocke in North-Wales, upon the passage into Anglesey, and by the Irishmen wasted that fertile Island, he was himself enforced by sharpness of the weather, and for want of victuals to return about the end of October, having taken all courses he could to starve the Welsh, forbidding the Irish upon pain of death to bring any relief into Wales; and left that they of Cheshire, or the neighbour parts should give them any succour, he so spoiled them of all their provisions, that they were scarce able to feed themselves; and if the Welsh compelled by famine ventured out of their strengths or fastnesses, in or about Snowdon, the Garrison Soldiers of Gannocke were ready to intercept and kill them; and on the other side the Lords of Brumfield and Powys, though Welshmen, 
* Hist. Camb.  held with the King, so that they were miserably straightened. The King pawned his jewels to his brother Richard at this journey for 3000. Marks, which holp to piece out the charge thereof. Paris hath a long list of great names, which dying about this time, left neither name, nor issue to preserve the memory of their Greatness; but none so strange as of the Marshals, five brethren of them successively Earls of Pembroke, and all dying issueless; which he attributeth to the judgement 
A judgement of God on a withholder of church lands.  of God, for the iniquity of their Father, and of themselves, who would never restore certain Manors, which their Father in warre-time had taken in Ireland from the Bishop of Ferus, an holy Irish man, who often required restitution, and for want thereof, did put them under God's curse and his. 
* Gyr●…ld. Cambren.  One doth indeed observe, that the Irish Saints are vindicative; but certainly the examples of punishments for Sacrilege, and violent extortions are terrible in holy Scripture; and most fearful was the sentence itself which Gods Prophet pronounced against Ahab for 
* 3. Reg. cap. 1. vers. 21.  Naboths' vineyard; agreeing with the very plague which this year fell upon the house of Martial.  
(72) The Pope's fury was now so much inflamed against King Henry and the English, for so disgracing 
An. 1246. A. reg. 30.  him publicly in the General Council, 
* Mat. Paris.  that he used lofry threats, if once the Emperor were quelled, to tame England also; and whetted on the French King, to enter on the land, promising him all the helps of the Church and Papal power. But the just King, not 
The French King rejecteth the Pope's motion as unchristian.  only refused so unjust an offer, (as having no title to England, themselves also knit by kindred, and by truce, their Queen's being sisters, the attempt bloody for Christians, etc.) but further ratified the former truce, and enlarged it with the addition of more years, because King Lewis was prepared to make war against the Infidels, which voyage King Henry would not hinder, but advance. And that nothing might disturb the peaceful life, with which the King of England was most delighted, David Prince of Wales departed out of the vale of the dying, (as Paris elegantly 
David Prince of Wales.  saith) into the vale of the dead. The King seeing all things quiet and safe about him, doth now convert his whole cares to the reformation of the inward maladies of his dominions, calling the estates of the land together for that purpose. To whom he there delivered in writing, sundry 
* Articuli super Gr●…amin. apud Paris.  Articles of the grievances and oppressions of his Kingdom and the Church. 1. that the Pope extorts great Contributions of the Clergy, without the King's assent, against ●…he rights and liberties of the Kingdom. 2. that Patrons cannot bestow Church livings on fit men; but the Pope gives them to his Romans, who can speak no English, (●…r celebrate divine service, nor preath, nor keep hospitality, nor c●…e for souls, etc.) but only beggar the Land with carrying away the Coin. 3. that the Pope's Provisions and Pensions are unsufferable. 4. that Englishmen are d●…awne forth of the Land to end their causes. 5. that the Pope by his non obstante overthrows Oaths, Customs, Charters, grants, Statutes, Privileges, Rights, etc. whereupon, the King, Bishops, Nobles, Abbots, and Priors, did all write 
* See their several Letters in Paris.  their several complaints to the Pope, requiring speedy redress of those infinite wrongs to the King, the Kingdom, the Clergy, the Nobles, and the People, who would rather die, than thus daily endure those oppressions. Notwithstanding sundry Prelates (either out of ambition or fear) underhand furthered the Pope's desires, when secretly he craved an annual tallage of the Clergy for maintenance of his Soldiers; and that the State should take no notice thereof, the Pope caused his Agents to make them 
* Math. Paris.  swear not to reveal this their Contribution to any man living for the space of half a year. Yet the King came to the knowledge thereof; and sent forth his writs, forbidding under great penalty that the money should be carried forth of the Land. This the King's displeasure was much augmented upon the return of his messengers from the Council of Lions, who related how proudly the Pope rejected the just complaints of the State, saying, the King himself did Frederize, and holding his People as Schismatics. Which incensed the King to publish his Proclamation in Every City and Town, that none of his subjects should dare to contribute any money to the Pope: but it came to no effect, for that some 
* 〈◊〉 Episcoporum. Mat. West.  Popizing Bishops and ambitious Clerks (of his Council) fearing the Papal threats, where no cause of fear was, drew him to leave his purpose womanly, which he manfully undertook.  
(73) The Bishop of Worcester (a principal worker herein) was said to 
* Paris.  have had authority from the Pope to interdict the land, which perhaps was it which the King so greatly feared, and which the Monk said, was not worth the fearing. The Earl of Cornwall also with others (who favoured not the Emperor frederick's cause) laboured to change the King's mind, so that the wont extortions were as current as ever; insomuch that a 
* johannes Anglicus.  Cardinal truly told the Pope, that England was to the Pope as Balaams' Ass, which being so often wronged, spurgalled, 
England the Pope's Ass.  and cudgeled, it was no marvel, if at length she opened her mouth to complain: and for themselves and their Roman Court, they were like Ishmael, 
* Genes. 16. 12.  every man's hand against them, and theirs against every man. But if we should so often insist on the relation of this kingdoms 
Ann. 1247.  distresses, as the pope's endless Corrasions from year to year, and the States remediless complaints give us occasion, we should but cloy the Reader with rueful matter, which 
* Mat. Wes●…. Math. Paris. joh. London, etc.  Monks themselves have mournfully and copiously indited unto us, and set forth the too servile affections of our own Ancestors, who still entered new consultations about the disease, but never brought the medicine unto a perfect receipt. For upon fresh angariations from Rome, the King 
* In Crasti●… Purificationis.  again assembles his State to think of redress, 
* Ibidem.  the commonwealth, as well of Laity as Clergy, being brought to the point of utter desolation, as the like was never heard in any age, whereof they again made their lamentable complaint to the King, whose duty it was to protect the land from such wrongs and dangers. Their only remedy was, again to write letters to the Pope, which slender means he could as slightly put off; and though (to stop the clamour for the present) he promised never to send any Legates into England, but on entreaty of the State, yet daily did he send his raking Clerks, with the power, though not the Title, and Ensigns of Legates, both into England and Ireland, so to delude the King, and still purloin his Subjects.  
(74) The State of the Kingdom still requiring 
An. 1248. A. reg. 32.  reformation, there assembled again at London certain Prelates, Earls and others, at the King's commandment, where after so much purloining by others, now the Kings own errand and affairs was to get money for himself. But they (who gave such way to the Pope's collections) were now all close-handed, and open mouthed; for, besides their undutiful upbraiding the King with some oversights, 
The seditious Nobles exposlu▪ l●…te their gree ●…ances with the King in stead of granting money.  they untruly and seditiously charged him to have done contrary to the example of his magnificent Predecessors, in that his chief justice, Chancellor and Treasurer were of his own choosing, and not by the Common Council of the Realm, as they ought. The King inwardly touched herewith, yet seeing no other help, promiseth redress and change for the better. Whereunto they answered; that they would expect a while with patience, and as the King shall carry himself toward them, so will they perform their ●…beysance to him. So the meeting was adjourned from that Candlemas till Midsummer; at which time also there was nothing done, but all parts rose discontented. The cause of that discontentment was, for that the King, instead of satisfying their audacious demands, answered them, That they sought to bridle him at their surly pleasures, proudly forbidding that in him, which was lawful for themselves. For that every private man may use, what, and whose Counsel he list; every master of a family prefer or remove what officers in his house he list; which yet they sancily denied unto him, their Lord and Sovereign, as if Servants and Vassals were to rule their Lords; whereas indeed he is no King but a servant, who must bow at others beck. That therefore he would neither place nor displace either Chancellor, justiciar, or Treasurer as they thought good. Nevertheless he required money at their hands, to recover such foreign lands as concerned aswell them as him, to see it done. Hereupon the Parliament broke up, and the King was left to furnish himself otherwise so well as he 
The king driven to sell his jewels and Plate to the Londoners.  could, even by sale of his jewels, Plate and other precious stuff, after a dishonourable manner.  
(75) The affairs of Gascoign (which one Guasto 
A. D. 1249. An. reg. 33.  de Biard had greatly troubled) by the manhood and wit of Simon Earl of Leicester were now brought 
Simon Earl of Le●…cester returns with honour out of Gascoign.  into better quiet, which made his presence (being returned, as it seemeth for more supplies, which went again with him) very acceptable in the Court of England. The King intending to furnish that enterprise afresh against the coming spring time, left no means unthought of, which either by Art or strong entreaty he could use, to replenish his exhausted Coffers. In which he embased too much the Royal name and dignity, telling some (and perhaps truly) whose bounty he craved, that it was more alms to aid him with money, than one that went begging from door to door. Meanwhile the king neglects not his administration of justice; for, whereas the whole County of Hampshire swarmed with felons and murderous robbers, himself so ordered the 
Hampshire purged of thieves by the King himself sitting in judgement.  matter, sitting in person in Winchester Castle, that the infamy and danger of those places were cleared by hanging the Offenders; many of which were very wealthy, and some the kings own servants. Walter de Clifford also (a Baron of the Marches of Wales) for enforcing an officer (whom he had otherwise 
A. D. 1250. A. reg. 34.  handled badly) to eat the kings writ, wax and all, ran so far into the king's displeasure thereby, 
Walter Clifford makes an officer eat the kings writ, wax and all.  that while he lived, he was made the less able to feed himself; paying to the king a very great sum of money, and hardly escaping without confiscation of his whole patrimony. The king desirous to be friends with the Citizens of London, to whom of late he had been overhard, publicly reconciled himself unto them, whom for that cause he had commanded to appear at Westminster, and there immediately received the badge of the Cross at the hand of Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury; but whatsoever his intention was, it never came into action on his part. In the mean time contrary to his Forefathers example, he so much abridged the expenses of his house, and his Alms, that he underwent 
The king lesseneth the charge of his Household.  some dishonourable imputation. Nevertheless he wisely wound himself out of many a Merchant's debt; whereto he wrung great helps from the jews, (as the ordinary Clippers and defacers of his Coin,) and the forgers of seals and Charters; from one of whom he had at times drawn thirty 
Thirty thousand marks wrung from one jew in a few years.  thousand marks Sterling, besides two hundredth marks in gold.  
(76) It seemeth an inseparable quality in his nature, to be extremely violent, in doing whatsoever he had a mind to do, and that sometime without the due respect to secular Majesty; as in the Course he took for advancing his half-brother Aethelmare to the Bishopric of Winchester. For not contenting himself to have sent his messengers to the Covent by them to work the election, he came thither in person, where the Chapter being set in the Cathedral Church, he entered, and placing himself in the Precedents seat, makes to them 
The king prea●… ch to the Covent.  a speech in the nature of a Sermon, taking for his Theme those words of David: justice and Peace kiss each other. Whereon he showed them, That, whereas justice belonged to him, and to such as had the rule of Nations, and to the Clergy calmness and Peace, both these should that day kiss together, if they elected his brother for their Bishop: For which he gave them many reasons, but concluded, if they did otherwise, they should feel his Princely displeasure. When therefore they published to the King their Choice, they did it with this reservation (because Aethelmare was to remain under the title of the Elect of Winchester, for that he was not a Priest) if such an election might stand by law, or lawful favour. But the Pope, who meant to make his advantage hereof, as well as the King, exacted of him for confirmation of the same election, five hundredth Marks of Church revenues, to be passed over unto the Earl of Burgundy's son a child; which makes 
* Paris.  the Monk to break forth into this bitter lamentation; O Pope, the Chief of Fathers, why dost thou suffer thus the Christian world to be defiled? worthily, worthily, therefore art thou 
* The pope was now fled from Rome for fear of the Emperor.  driven out of thy own City and See, and like a runagate and another Cham, art enforced to wander up and down. o God, thou God of just revenge, when wilt thou drawforth thy sword to imbrue it in the blood of such oppressors? Though in these universal abuses, the Pope would neither redress himself nor others, yet God raised up a stout and learned Prelate, Robert Grostest, Bishop of Lincoln, who undertook to reform the Monks and Friars; but they (who knew R●…e was from the beginning 
* Livy.  Asylum Latronum) appealed to the Pope. Whereupon the aged Bishop going to his holiness, told him that all offenders escaped, by his opening his bosom to such as brought him bribes; who snapping him up with angry Countenance and speech, sent him home with reproach. The Pope was at this time at Lions, where not long after the Council breaking up, Cardinal Huge made a Sermon of farewell to the Citizens; wherein, amongst other benefits which the Pope's lying in their City had brought them, he told them this was a 
* He calls i●… 〈◊〉 profitable Al●…s. deed. Paris.  Principal, that whereas at their coming there were three or four Whore-houses in the Lions, now at their departing they left but one, but indeed that reached from the East-Gate of the City to the West. Whereby we see, France had some part of the Pope's Alms, as well as England.  
(77) The King now wholly intent upon increase of treasure, neither gave any rich presents according 
An. 1251. A strange description of the King's par●…mony or poverty.  to the ancient Custom of England, and also shorteneth yet more the allowances of his household and entertainments, without any regard to majesty or rumour. And to spare his own charge the rather, he invites himself sometime to this man, and sometime to that, but no where contenting himself with his diet & hospitage, unless both he, his Queen 〈◊〉 son Edward, yea and chief favourites in Court, were presented with great and costly gifts, which they took not as of Courtesy, but as due. This was the unhonourable face of the King's estate at that time. But in the depth of his wants and rigour of his parsimony, he could not shut up himself against the suits and advancement of his Poictovines and Pr●…ncois, so that it was become a common murmur in England; Our inheritance is converted to aliens, and our houses to strangers. The matter seemed the more grievous, for that their pride and violence were intolerable. About this time the clause Non obstante (brought in first by the Pope) was taken up in England by the King, in his grants and other writings, as 
* Notwithstanding any former commandment.  Non obstante priore mandato, Non obstante 
* Or former privilege.  antiqua libertate, etc. This our ancient Author calls an odious and detestable clause: and Roger de Thurkeby justitiar, fetching a deep sigh at the sight thereof, cried out both of the times and it, saying, 
* Mat. Paris.  it was a stream derived from that sulphureous fountain of the Clergy.  
(78) Another of the King's justiciars, and a learned Knight, Sir Henry de Bath, (whose Lady, because herself was well descended, filled him with pride,) was so confidently greedy, the better to satisfy her ambition, that in one circuit, he appropriated to himself above two hundredth pound lands. Corruption in justice (which must needs be suspected to be there, where excessive wealth is gotten by the Officers of justice) is but a sandy groundwork of a vainely-hoped greatness, and may well be reputed in the number of crying sins; and this moved a Knight, Sir Philip de Arci, to appeach him 
Sir Philip Darey appeacheth Sir Henry Bath a bribing judge of treason.  before the King, both for unfaithfulness in his office, and treason against the King. The King had no hold of himself, after he was once thoroughly kindled. Bath knows it, and therefore writes to his wives friends to come strong in his defence, that the King should not dare to call him to his trial; yet withal he seeks all secret means how to appease the King; who understanding of this combination, was the more inflamed. The Earl of Cornwall his brother could not appease him; no, not though he knit up his intercessions with these minatory words; We must not forsake Gentlemen in their right, nor in preserving the peace of the tottering Kingdom. In March there was holden a Parliament 
The disorderly weak and violent carriage of trial●….  at London; there the King caused Bath to be sharply prosecuted. Thither Sir Henry Bath repairs, strongly attended with Knights and Gentlemen of his own friends, and his wives, to daunt the edge of justice, which he deservedly feared. The accusations were many, (for all men were called to say what they could against him,) and among all, these two, most heinous: that he troubled the whole Realm, and stirred all the Barons thereof against the King, so that a general rebellion was to be feared, (which one of his fellow-Iusticiars did openly testify:) that he had for reward discharged a convicted Malefactor out of prison without punishment, in prejudice of the King, and to the peril of his associate justiciars. The King was so enraged herewith, that seeing no other way to punish him, being so strongly backed, he mounted into an higher place than before, and cries out, Whosoever kills Henry de Bath shall be quit of his death, and 
The King proscribe●… Sir Henry Bath.  I here do acquit him; and presently departs. Nevertheless, although he left behind him many men, who would have readily executed the King's terrible doom; yet by the wisdom of Sir john Mansel, (one of the King's private Councillors) they were restrained. His words are worthy to be remembered; Gentlemen, an●… friends, it is not necessary for us 
Sir john Mansel stays the King's servants from kill Bath.  to put that presently in execution which the King hath in his anger commanded. It may be when his wrath is overblown, he will be sorry he said it. Moreover, if any outrage be done to Bath, lo here are his friends who will take all sorts of revenge. Sir Henry escaping thus from so present a danger, found means upon promise of 
* Two thousand Marks.  money and great mediation of friends, to obtain his peace & safety; for at thi●…me, justice and all things grew saleable. The northeast part of Wales was committed to Alan de Zouch, who had it in Farm for eleven hundredth Marks yearly, whereas john de Grace (whom he supplanted in the place) paid but five hundredth: so 
* Additam. ad Math. Paris. An. 1252.  miserable Wales was let out to such as would give most.  
(79) Alexander the third, succeeding his Father in the Kingdom of Scotland, coming in Christmas to York, there espoused, though very young, 
Alexander the third King of Scots espouseth the Lady Margaret.  the Lady Margaret, daughter to King Henry. There were present the two Kings in person, with a most choice multitude of either Nation, the English being in number above a thousand Knights, beside greater States, as Prelates, Earls and Barons, and of the Scots about six hundredth Knights and Gentlemen, all of them well appointed. There was also two Queens, the Mother of the Bride, (who was to be Queen) and the widow or Queen Dowager of Scotland, who for that cause was returned out of France, attended upon in royal manner with many Lords and Gentlemen of France. The Scots were lodged in one place of the City by themselves. Upon Christmas day the King of England gave the order of Knighthood to the King of Scots, and at the same time to twenty others richly appareled. Upon the next day the princely couple were espoused. Take a scantling of the cheer and multitude of guests by this. The Archbishop of York, who was Prince (as it were) of the Northern 
Six hundredth Oxen spent at one meal.  parts (and the common host of all that most noble fellowship, which cost him about four thousand marks) gave toward that feast six hundredth fat oxen, all which were spent in the first general service; and whatsoever the vain 
* Mat. Paris.  Stage-play of the world might afford either for pomp or delight, was there all enjoyed. More worthy to be remembered, than that magnificent gluttony, (the natural vice of these our Nations) was the orderly and no childish action of the young Bridegroom, in reconciling Philip Lovel (whom King Henry had lately fined and discourted for taking Bribes) to the King his Lord. K. Alexander undertaking the business, and finding 
The young King of Scots a suitor to the King for bringing Philip Lovel into favour again.  a fit time, presents himself to the King of England upon his knees, holding up his hands, neither would he rise, though earnestly requested, but with a gesture which seemed to draw tears of joy and love from the eyes of such as 
* Circumsedentium  sat round about, prosecuting his intent, saith; My Lord King, your Majesty knows, that though I myself am a king, and through your goodness honoured with the girdle of Knighthood, yet that I am withal both a Child, aswell 
The most witty and princely in●…inuations of the young king, to the king his father in Law.  in age as in knowledge, and also an Orphan, my father being dead, and my mother leaving me, though at your sending for, she is now pleased to be present; therefore from henceforth, and for ever after, I here do take you, both for Father and Mother, that you may supply both their wants, and with your paternal care help & protect all mine insufficiencies. The King scarce able to refrain from tender tears, or to hold down his throbbings, said no more but only this one word, Willingly. The princely Child replied thereupon: I will make experiment of that, and know it by proof; seeing you have graciously heard me hitherto, in trying whether I shall reap the effect of my first suit. 
Philip Lovel reconciled to the king.  Then he declared his request, and had it; so that Lovel was afterward Treasurer.  
(80) The State and fidelity of the Gascoignes was so desperately shaken and plunged by the revenges which Simon de Montford (to whom the king had given the government of their Country for six years,) had exercised upon them, for that they had accused him to the King of tyrannous & proditorious dealing, and affirmed, that his name ought 
Simon Earl of Leicester rather to be called Sinon, as the Gascoigns said.  rather to be Sinon then Simon, that but for the vent of their wines, (in which respect their subjection to England was very beneficial to their Commonweal) it was thought they would generally have revolted. But the King though ready thus to lose Gascoigne, would yet needs hope to obtain Normandy, and his other lands in France without blows. The King of France (whose conscience was wonderfully tender and sincere) had indeed written out of Palestine to that purpose, as thinking King Henry's title was better than his own: but the French, among whom their King's misfortunes in the loss of Damiata in Egypt, (which was wholly 
* Per Papa auarisia●… to●… 〈◊〉 infortunium. Paris  ascribed to the Pope's avarice, who for money released those who should have aided him,) had brought him into less regard than his excellent virtues merited, did universally and constantly refuse, adding, that before the King of England 
The Kings hope to recover Normandy frustrated.  should have any more land among them, he must pass through a thousand sharp Lances, and a thousand bloody Swords when the Lances were burst. On the other side, the King of England was but in little credit with his people: for, whereas (by an agreement between the Pope and him,) the Tenths of the Clergy through England during three years should have been received toward his charges in his pretended journey to the Holy-Land, yet in a general assembly at Westminster very few were drawn to give their names to that service, notwithstanding that two Bishops and the Abbot of Westminster laboured in their Sermons all they could to stir the people to that martial Pilgrimage, and though the King himself in all their view took a most solemn oath, that within three year he would set forward; the only reason of their unwillingness growing upon suspicion, that he only sought (as the Pope had given him example) to draw by this colour the treasure of the Realm into his hands. This their diffidence of sincerity in him, made him the rather incline to foster and favour strangers, & that with a kind of pervicacie, though himself by manifold neglects of his word, had worthily bred that diffidence.  
(81) The King could more hardly find followers in such an enterprise, for that his people had no 
The common opinion of the King's design for the holy Land.  conceit of his valour, but said: What reason encourageth him, who was never trained up in Martial discipline, nor hath managed an horse, nor drawn a sword, nor charged a staff, nor shook a Target; to hope for a triumph over the Saracens, against whom the Chivalry of France hath miscarried? or wherefore dreams he of recovery of more land, who could not keep that which he had in for rain parts? concluding, that he was a man only borne to drain their purses, to empty his own, and to multiply debts. This was the opinion of men, & behind his back; but not only of men, for Isabel Countess of Arundel, widow of Henry Earl of Arundel, a young Lady receiving the repulse at the King's hands in a matter which she alleged to be 
A perilous bold Dialogue between the Countess of Arund. l and the King.  hers in equity, durst say thus to his face: O my Lord King; why do you turn away from justice? we cannot now obtain that which is right in your Court; you are placed as a mean between God and us, but you neither govern us, nor yourself, neither dread you to vex the Church diversly, as it hath not only felt in present, but often heretofore. Moreover you doubt not manifoldly to afflict the Nobles of the Kingdom. The King fired at so free a speech, with a scornful and angry countenance, answered with a loud voice; O my Lady Countess? What? have the Lords of England, because you have tongue at will, made a Charter, and hired you to be their Orator and Advocate? whereunto the Countess replied: Not so my Lord, for they have made to me no Charter, but that Charter which your Father made, and which yourself confirmed, swearing to keep the same inviolably and constantly, and often extorting money, upon promise that the Liberties therein contained should be faithfully observed, you have not kept, but without regard to honour or conscience broken. Therefore are you found to be a manifest violator of your faith and oath. For where are the Liberties of England so often fairly engrossed in writing? so often granted? so often bought? I therefore though a woman, and all the natural loyal people of the Land, appeal against you to the Tribunal of the fearful judge, and Heaven and Earth shall bear us witness, that we are used unjustly, and God the Lord of revenges right us. The King abashed at these words asked her, if she did not look to obtain her suit upon favour, in regard she was his Kinswoman? whereunto she answered: That seeing he had deni●…d that which the Law gave, how could she hope to obtain her suit by favour? Therefore (said she) I do appeal to the presence of Christ, against also those your Councillors, who bewitch and dull your judgement, and draw you out of the path of truth, gaping only after their own commodity. But the King (saith Paris) remained incorrigible, and the Lady lost both her charges, hopes and travel.  
(82) Thus harsh were the former years to the King and Kingdom: let us see what more gentle 
An. 1253. An. reg. 37.  or rougher accidents rise unto us in the next. But it then the first little better appears; for the King having bought out the time which Simon de Montfort had in the government of Gascoigne (which now he gives to Prince Edward) was truly advertised, that Guasto de Biard was turned Spanish, and laboured 
The king of Spain claunes Ga●…coign.  by all the means he could to pluck that part from the English obedience. Alfonse K. of Spain, claimed the same by virtue of a Charter made thereof by Henry the second, confirmed by Richard and john Kings of England. Simon Earl of Leicester thus displaced, to let the world see that he would not 
Simon Earl of Leicester refuseth high honour in France to avoid the suspicion of disloyalty to England.  for any preferment incur the suspicion of disloyalty, refused most honourable offers, which, (after the death of Lady Blanch, Queen Dowager, and Rectrix of France,) the French Nobility made him, if he would with his counsel and Force help to sustain that Monarchy, while Lewis their king was absent. In the mean time the king of England (all old matters being buried in oblivion, upon hope of future amendment) for advancement of his martial Pilgrimage had large aids granted him in Parliament; but upon condition that he should now at last, once for all, submit himself to govern by a Law, not at his pleasure, confirming the Charters of Liberties, against the breakers whereof a most solemn curse was pronounced by the king's assent. The Archbishop, Bishop, and the rest of the 
Magna Charta confirmed, help●… the king to money.  Prelates pontifically appareled, pronounced that curse with Tapers burning, which when they had thrown away upon the pavement, where they lay extinguished and smoking, the King (having laid his hand on his breast all the while,) swore to keep all Liberties upon pain of that execratory sentence; as he was a Man, a Christian, a Knight, and a King 
The king's oath to observe that confirmation.  anointed and crowned. The businesses of Gascoigne soon after called him to a nearer war, whether upon his promise made to the Gascoigns, he set sail, leaving his son Prince Edward, and his kingdom to the government of his Brother, the Earl of Cornwall, and the Queen his wife: his arrival there giving a light and stay to all the affairs thereof. Such Holds as held against him he reduced to obedience, but with too faulty a Clemency sparing most open Traitors, whereas if an Englishman had offended, he was sure to smart for it, and that rather more than less.  
(83) His fear now was, lest the Gascoigns should draw in the Spaniards, and relinquish his Sovereignty. 
The king requesteth the king of Spain's sister to be given for wife to his son Edward.  To prevent this, he very prudently and seasonably sent Ambassadors to Alfonse King of Spain and Castille, to desire that the Lady Elinor his sister, might be given in marriage to Prince Edward. The motion was well approved, and besides that they brought Letters Patents from the King of Spain, in which, among all other Clauses it was contained, that the King of Spain did quit his claim and whole right, which by virtue of any Grants from Henry, Richard and john Kings of England, he had, or 
The King of Spain quitteth his claim to Ga●…coigne.  aught to have. Hereupon he sends both for his Son (whom the king of Spain desired might be conveyed to him, only with a noble intent to see and do him honour) and for his wife the Queen. Among other Acts of sincerity and love, Alfonso sent to the King of England good advise: that, after the example of good Kings and Princes, he should be 
The king of Spain's advise to the king of England.  a Lamb toward his Subjects, and Seruitour●… 〈◊〉 Lion to Aliens and Rebels. Simon Earl of Leicester with a gallant Troop of Soldiers offered his service to the King, who admiring the Earl's charity, received him with all joy possible: at which reconcisiation to a better estate, and to govern them, who have willingly 
His most noble protestation.  elected me, for their Lord, in modest, just and honourable manner. These words exhaled joyful tears from off many of the hearers, and the Ambassadors returned to deliver the news of this acceptance, who from thenceforth was King of Romans, that is Emperor elect, which title is used till they receive the Crown imperial; though to all other purposes he is Emperor, so that King of Romans seems 
The king of Romans what and who.  to answer to the Title of Caesar, which under the ancient Roman Emperors was given to the heir apparent of the Empire or Coadjutors. After the Germane Ambassadors were gone, the King permitteth his brother to send some over to sound the truth of the Electors and People's affections, which 
The English tongue in the days of Matthew Para agreeable to the Dutch.  (in regard the English were originally Germane, and by late affinity incorporated, and for that English (saith Paris) was in a sort agreeable to the Almain tongue) they found entire, and with that certitude return. The King of England hereby seemed to have his designs for recovery of Normandy, greatly strengthened, the Almains and French hardly brooking one the other; but howsoever, sure it is that his brother the new King, had occasion to spend the golden Oil, which was so long in gathering, to maintain the light of this Imperial lamp; and without question he might be liberal, for he was reputed to possess so much ready coin, as would every day for ten years afford him an hundredth marks upon the main stock, without 
The huge sums of ready money which Richard King of Romans had of his own at his Election.  reckoning his rents & revenues in Germany, and the English dominions. The Earl 
* 6. Cal jun. di●… Ascension●….  was soon after crowned King of the Romans, at Aquisgrave, by Conrade Archbishop of Colein, with great pomp & solemnity.  
(90) In the mean time, while his brother's royal preparations were in hand, the King being for a weeks space at the Abbey of S. Alban, certain masters of Oxford brought a great complaint against the Bishop of Lincoln, for some encroachments upon the 
* Contra antiqua statut●… & libertates. Paris.  ancient liberties of that University, to whom the King was gracious and assigned a day; & Matthew Paris, whom the King in honour of his learned pains, admitted every day to his table, and Chamber, said to him upon this Complaint; 
* Mat Paris. in hist: ma●…ori. The University of Oxford the second School of the Church next Paris. protected by the king  My Liege, for Gods love have a care of the shaken State of the Church. The University of Paris (the Nurse, and mother of so many holy Prelates) is not a little disquieted. If as the same time the University of Oxford should be disturbed, which is the second School of the Church, yea the fundamental base thereof, it is greatly to be feared, lest the whole Church do fall to ruin. Whereunto the King made answer, God forbid that should happen at all; but chiefly in his days. Which the Parliament then at hand, he accordingly provided for, to their contentation. The memory of the King seems by this to have been excellent, for beside that he recounted to Paris all the Kings of England which had been Canonised Saints, all the Prince's Electors, and great Princes of Germany and France, he called to mind the names of about two hundredth and fifty Baronies in England.  
(91) At this Parliament, (which was exceeding great) holden at London, the King in sight and view of all the people, brings forth his younger son Edmund attired like an Italian of Apulia, (which Country 
The King commend●… the cause of his son Edmund for the kingdom of Sicilia.  is a member of the Kingdom of Sicilia) and used this speech: Behold here good people, my Son Edmund, whom God of his gracious goodness hath called to the excellency of kingly dignity; how comely and well worthy he is of all your favours, and how cruel and tyrannical 
Note that by this it appears Edmund was not deformed a●… Henry 4. did afterward allege.  they are, who at this pinch, would deny him effectual and timely help, both with advice and money. The sum of all was to draw a vast contribution from the Clergy for achievement of this shadow (it proved no better) into his Coffers. Nevertholesse he obtained a grant of above fifty thousand Marks, upon covenant that the liberties of the Realm should be really and finally once for ever established: which was done. There were present in this Parliament six Archbishops, Canterbury, York, Dublin, Colin, Messana in Sicilia, and Tarentum in Apulia. The politic Germans knew what they did in choosing Richard their King, for they saw a cloud of gold and silver would dissolve itself into showers among them at his arrival; and all elections of strangers turn to their profit, because none is chosen that relies wholly upon the rents of the Empire.  
(92) It was a worthy care in this King, that when 
A. Do. 1258 A. reg. 42.  by the provision of his brother Richard King of Romans, there arrived in the river of Thames fifty sail of Germane Ships, laden with corn to relieve the great dearth, which then reigned through the Land, he caused proclamation to be made, That no Citizen of London should buy any of that corn to store up, which they were wont to do, to the intent they might sell it the dearer afterward, to such as wanted. But no warning, 
The practice of Londoners to engross corn forbidden by the king.  prayers, advises, nor sense of wants were able to make him frugal of his expense; whereby he was miserably straightened, neither would the Laity in Parliament contribute anything, but (hammering some great attempts in their thoughts) in plain words concluded, That they neither would, nor could any longer endure such (they called them) extortions. Moreover they there uttered many grievances, and Simon Earl of Leicester complained of the dishonour and injury done him by William de Valence, calling him Traitor; so that against the Session to be holden upon prorogation, he, the Earl of Gloucester, and Marshal, confederated themselves and (pretending the fear of strangers the King's favourites,) determined to come strong to Oxford at Saint Barnabas day. 
The Barons combine.  They also sent messengers to the King of France, praying at least so much assistance, as that he would not hinder the good purpose which they held of ordaining and settling the troubled estate of England. They had also taken order to watch the 
* Mat. Paris. pag. 940.  Ports against strangers. Thus they prepared to abate (as it seemed) or banish the loftiness and insolency of Poictovines and of other Foreigners, by whom the King was powerfully lead, for they despaired of redress at his hands, who like another Proteus (as Paris saith) took all shapes upon him to serve his turns, and then slipped out at his pleasure, no promises, or ties being strong enough to hold him. These were the beginnings of bloody evils, and the seedesparks of those factious fires which afterward broke forth, from the sight and sense whereof, many thousands were taken by death, whose mortal stroke of pestilence raged over England, specially among the poor through scarcity of food.  
(93) When the time appointed for the Parliament at Oxford was come, the seditious Earls and Barons (with whom 
* Pontifices, ne dicam Pharisai, etc. Mat. West.  sundry Bishops had taken Counsel against the King the Lords anointed) repaired thither, and sternly propounded sundry traitorous Articles to the King, to which they required his assent. The chief points were, That the King would unfeignedly keep and observe the Charter of liberties, which he had so often granted, and sworn to maintain inviolable; That such a one should be in the place of Chief justitiar who would judge according to right, without respect to poor or rich, etc. Then they renewed their confederacy, solemnly swearing, That neither for life nor death, nor love nor hate, they would be arawne 
The Barons take an oath among themselves.  to relent in their purpose, till they had cleared England (in which themselves and their Forefathers were borne) from upstarts and aliens, and had procured laudable Statutes. Those turbulent Nobles had yet a further plot, than all this; which was first broached (saith Mat: Westminster) by the disloyal Bishops, which 
Mat. West.  was, that 24. persons should there be chosen, to have the whole administration of the King and State, and yearly appointment of all great Officers, reserving only to the King the 
* Primos accubitus in canis etc. Mat. West. Ibidem. The provisions of Oxford.  highest place at meetings and salutations of honour in public places. And because they would not be crossed in their purposes, they * came exquisitely armed and appointed, that so the King and his Aliens should be enforced, if they would not willingly assent. To all these their ordinations the King and Prince Edward was enforced to swear, for fear of perpetual imprisonment, the traitorous Lords having by an Edict, threatened death to all that resis●…ed Whereupon all the Peers and Prelates took their Corporal Oath to be faithful in this their infidelity, and made all who would abide in the Kingdom, to swear they would stand to the trial of their Peers: the Archbishops and Bishops solemnly accursing all that should rebel against it. The 
* Mat. West. Mat. Paris.  Monks themselves detesting this impudent treason, ask with what forehead, especially Prelates, durst thus impair the Kingly Majesty, expressly against their sworn fidelity to him? This conjuration they so prosecuted, that when William de Valence the King's half-brother, denied with Oaths to render up any Castle which was given him, the Earl of Leicester, and the rest of the Barons answered, they would either have his Castles or his head. This violent proceeding so terrified the Poictovines, that suddenly they left Oxford, and shortly fled into France, where also the Barons had made them odious. Hugh Bigod, brother to the Earl Martial, was made chief justitiar. The people, seemed wholly theirs, which made the Barons so rough and peremptory in all their conferences, that when the Lord Henry son to the King of Almain, refused to combine or take their oath, without his Father's consent, they roundly bade him know, That if his father himself would not hold with the Baronage of England, he should not have a furrowre of earth among them. And lest any thing which might tend to their security, should seem to be omitted, they using the King's name, commanded London to stand upon her guard, by keeping their City's gates carefully shut, & by maintaining strong watches night by night, upon pretence of danger to the Realm through the practices of strangers, and after they dispatched thither certain fit Agents, who in the Guildehall made known their commission, which was directly to understand, whether they would i●…utably adhere to the Barons and obey 
The City of London ●…oines with the Barons to red●…sse the kingdom.  their constitutions, by manfully aiding and effectually supplying them in the common cause. Whereunto the Citizens condescended, binding themselves thereunto under the public seal of London.  
(94) The Barons did as yet forbear to declare, what those reformatorie Provisions should be, because the Earl of Gloucester (a principal man among them) was in danger of death, whose sickness did perplex & suspend their proceedings, & the manner of his malady did put them in doubt of their own safeties, making them grow in distrust of their Cooks, their butler's, and sewers, for the Earl his body breaking out into pustules, and his hair, nails, teeth and skin itself, falling away, was (as many others, of which some died) thought to be poisoned. But whither they were or no, the Poictovines and strangers had the blame laid upon them, to make them the more odious to the Commons. But the Earl partly recovered his health in time by the benefit of medicines and diligent attendance. The 
* Mat. Paris p. 951.  poisons were said to have been tempered in the house of Elias a jew afterward baptised. The King himself perhaps would not have been sorry, if that he, Simon Earl of Leicester and some few others of the Barons had been with God, for howsoever his body was among them, yet his heart was not at quiet, which in this wise well appeared. For being in the month of june upon the river of Thames in his barge, the air suddenly grew dark, and there ensued a terrible shower with thunder and lightning, of which the king impatient commands himself to be set on land at the next place which was Durham house, whereas then, the Earl of Leicester lay. The Earl being thereof certified 
The King fears the Earl of Leicester more than thunder and lightning.  came out to entertain him, saying, Sir why are you afraid? the tempest is now past: whereunto he answered with a severe look: I fear thunder and lightning above measure, but by the head of God, I do more fear thee then all the thunder and lightning of the world. Whereunto the Earl replied: My liege, it is injurious and incredible, that you should stand in fear of me, who have always been loyal both to you and your Realm, whereas you ought to fear your enemies, such as destroy the Realm and abuse you with bad Counsels. The Barons therefore remaining firm in their first purpose, send messengers abroad to will all such as had been wronged by the King's halfe-brothers and other Poictovines and strangers to present their grievances to the Barons, and to prosecute them. Moreover (because sundry other petty-tyrants of the English nation, encouraged by their example, had exceeded their limits, in oppressing their inferiors) they procured the King to 
Commissioners to certify what oppressions in every County.  appoint four Knights Commissioners in every shire, to inquire of all such injuries, and certify the same under their seals within a certain time limited.  
(95) The Barons in the mean time neglect not their enterprise, at whose instance (principally of 
Officers put from their places.  Hugh Bigod the new chief justitiar) Philip Lovel the King's Treasurer, for abuses committed in the King's Forests and game about Stony-Stratford, and many Officers of the Exchequer, were likewise removed, to give room to such as the Barons better liked. The Sheriffs likewise of Shires, their practices, and extortions, were diligently seen into, and it was 
The abuses of Sheriffs noted and provided against.  ordained, that as well the givers as takers of bribes should be severely punished. The welsh seeing these ●…und proceedings in England, the peace & reflorishment whereof they feared, laboured for reconciliation but could not then obtain it.  
(96) Richard King of Romans, having a desire to 
A. Do. 1259 A. reg. 43. The King of Romans suspected of the Barons, arrives in England 〈◊〉 takes an oath.  see the King his brother, and his lands in England, not without a purpose to bring an Army, or such a number of men as might greatly strengthen the King against the Barons, as they suspected, was advertised that they provided for his resistance aswell by land as sea. This made him, his wife, and son, to lay aside that purpose, and to arrive in a private manner at Dover with a small train, in which there were only two Earls, and about nine Knights. The king met him with great congratulation at the Sea side, but nor King, nor he could be suffered to enter into 
The King not suffered to enter his own Castles.  Dover Castle, because (forsooth) it was the principal Key of England; for the safeguard whereof they openly exacted an Oath of him at Canterbury in this manner. The holy Gospels being laid upon the Pulpit in the Chapterhouse of Canterbury, the Barons reverently brought in thither the Kings of England and of Almain; than Richard Earl of Gloucester (for Simon Earl of Leicester was gone with others into France, to deal with the King and States thereof about a perpetual league) standing in the midst openly, and in humble sort calls Richard King of Romans unto him, by the name only of Richard Earl of Cornwall, who obeyed accordingly, to whom he distinctly ministered the Oath following: Hear all men, that I Richard Earl of Cornwall swear upon the holy Gospels, to be faithful and forward to reform with you the Kingdom of England, hitherto by the counsel of wicked men too much deformed. And I will be an effectual coadjutor to expel the 
* Then the Barons too.  Rebels and troubles of the Realm, from out the same. This oath will I observe upon pain to forfeit all the lands I have in England. On the other side (had the King known how to use it) there fell out such dissension between the Earls of Gloucester and Leicester, that Leicester departed from England discontented, saying, he took no joy to live among men so mutable and deceitful. Nevertheless such means were used, that these two chief Captains of the Barons, broke not forth into any farther division. Thus whiles the Barons using the King's name, disposed of all things, and Simon de Montfort Earl of Leicester, was gone with others to transact with the French about an indissoluble league; the King himself through desire not to 
* Polyd. Vergil. lib. 16.  be interrupted with foreign matters, if war should rise at home, or through want of money or better advise, was induced (if not betrayed) to an act of little honour, though it carried with it the face of profit and settled quiet.  
(97) For (the affairs of the realm thus strangely 
The King sails over into France to demand restitution of Normand●…e.  managed) the King in person sails over into France, there to demand a peaceable restitution of such Signiories as Philip & Lewis (Father of this Lewis) had injuriously withdrawn from his father King john. The French replied, that no restitution was due for many respects, specially, because the 
* Guil. Gemeticens'.  ancient grant made to Rollo the first Duke of Normandy, was not voluntary, but extorted by fear and force of Arms, in the days of the weak state of France. The King having 
* Ypodig. Neust.  no disposition to recover his claims by battle, and destitute of money wherewith to wage an Army, but principally for that his own Peers and people stood on their guard against him, did 
* Pol. Verg. l. 16.  unwillingly ratify a conclusion; the Articles whereof were, that the King of France should quietly hold the Dukedom of Normandy, and Earldom of Angiou (
* Paul. Aemil. john Tilius. Ypod. Neust. Mat. Paris.  Main also, Tourain and Poictou) for 
* Polyd. Verg. saith 15 0000. Crowns in hand, and 10000 Crowns yearly, in name of Tribute.  three hundredth thousand small pounds of Tourain, and upon promise to receive other lands to the yearly value of twenty thousand pounds. Polydor saith, that the reputed limits of the English Pale in France, were from thenceforth the river of Charent in Xanctoing, and the mountains Pyrenaees; and that he should peaceably have Angoumois, Quercy, and Limain, being Countries marching upon Gascoigne, in am of the rest, yet so as the King of England should 
* john Tilius.  hold them of the Crown of France by homage and fealty. Upon these Articles the king acquitted, and for ever renounced all his challenge to Normandy & the other lands, and thenceforth abridged his Style, and changed his Seal, using a Sceptre in place of a Sword: whereon these Monkish and mockish verses were written. 
Est M. CCLIX. utinam concordia, foelix,  
Andegavis, Pictauis, Neustria, genterelictâ  
Anglorum, dantur tibi France, Sigilla novantur,  
Nomina tolluntur, fugit Ensis, Sceptra geruntur.  
M CCLIX, God grant firm peace thou fix,  
Poictou, Angiou, Normans, to France range yond,  
New Seals are made; old Styles forsaken,  
Down laid the Blade, Sceptres up taken.   
(98) The King (at these unworthy rates) having secured himself from the French, labours to vindicate 
A. D. 1260. A. reg. 44.  the Regal power out of the usurping Barons hands (whose over-toppings at home had driven him to those foreign indignities,) alleging, that the Oath which his son and he had taken at Oxford, was void, in regard it was compulsory, that the Barons also, who pretended the profit of the Realm, sought only their own honour and gain, 
Ann. 1261. An. Reg. 45.  contrary to their decrees. For his more security 
* Polyd. Vergil. l. 16.  he takes the Tower of London, preparing force by the help of his brother King of Romans. There followed a grievous perturbation of the Realm, although at this time it broke not forth into the extremity, Arms being laid down for a little space. Edward the King's eldest son would not traverse the oath he had made at Oxford, but held with the 
* Ypod. Neust. A. D. 1262. An. Reg. 46.  Barons for the present. The King, the Queen, and his selected friends, still remain upon their guard in the Tower; where he (in the year before) had burst 
The King seifeth the ancient stock of the Crown.  up the locks of the ancient Depositum, or dead stock of the Crown, to employ against the Barons. Peace was notwithstanding brought about again by the Queen's special diligence; and Dover and Rochester Castles (whither he went in person) are delivered unto him. This makes him resolve to pursue the Barons; the rather also for that the French King (who much condemned the Barons unjust courses) had promised his assistance. Henry therefore thrusts out the Baron's Chancellor, & Chief justiciar, placing Walter Merton & Philip Basset, men of much more loyal affections in their rooms. The Barons hearing of this, hasten in Arms to Winchester, where the King was, who (having intelligence by his faithful Clerk, Sir john Mansel) got back into the Tower of London. The King of France was made Umpire 
The Barons drive the King from Winchester.  in the quarrel. The 
* Addit. ad Par.  cause was heard at Amiens, where he gave judgement with the King of England against the Barons, pronouncing all the Statutes 
A. D. 1263. An. Reg. 47.  and Acts made at Oxford, to be utterly void: provided nevertheless, that the Charter of Liberties which King john had made to the English nation, should in no sort be thereby infringed. This proviso animated Simon Earl of Leicester, and the Barons, 
Simon Montfort in apparent fault.  to maintain all the Statutes of Oxford, (because they were pretendedly founded upon that Charter) notwithstanding that just judgement which King Lewis had given. The secret confederacy with Lewelin Prince of Wales, ministered to the Barons no little encouragement; who about this time wasted the Dominions of Prince Edward in the Marches of Wales. This judgement of the French King did much disadvantage the Barons, of whom divers being drawn with persuasions, gifts, and promises, revolted from Simon Montfort. There was now a taking of Towns and Prisoners on all hands. Prince Edward (who now was wholly for his Father in despite of the Barons) takes the castle of Bristol, and fines the City at a thousand pounds. Simon Montfort executeth his greatest revenges upon the Queen's friends which were Aliens, not sparing the Kings. Marching forward, he recovers Gloster 
A. D. 1264. An. Reg. 48.  castle, enters Worcester and Bridgenorth; lastly, surpriseth the I'll of Ely, subduing that fastness or fenny strength to the Barons use. Sir john Mansel the King's councillor, fearing the event of things, flies secretly from the Tower where the King was. Henry son to the King of Almain, was after this taken by the Barons. Meanwhile Prince Edward fortifies Windsor Castle with strangers. Mutual weariness at length begat a desire of peace, and the 
* Additam. ad Mat. Paru.  King had yielded that the Statutes of Oxford should stand: but the Queen was utterly against it, not without cause; for it did enfeeble the arbitration which the French King had made. The Queen's opposition in this point was known to the Londoners; which put the base sort into so lewd a rage, 
An intolerable villainy offered by rascals to the Queen.  that she being to shoot the Bridge from the Tower toward Windsor, they with dirt and stones and villainous words forced her to return. Prince Edward under the conduct of the Bishop of Worcester, came from the Castle of Bristol (by reason of quarrel between his men of war and the Burghers) and contrary to his promise entered into Windsor Castle; but afterward going forth to meet Simon Montfort at Kingston upon Thames, with purpose to offer peace, the said Simon got Windsor Castle, & would not permit him to depart. At London yet in a Parliament, matters were pieced again, and the King's side grew stronger daily.  
(99) There were with him his brother King of Romans, his son Edward, William de Valence (whom Prince Edward had brought out of France) john common 
The Scots aid the King.  of Scotland with a multitude of valiant Scots, (whose King was Henry's son in law,) john de Balliol Lord of galway, Robert de Brus, etc. with whom he marcheth from London to Oxford, where the Rendevou of his friends and forces was appointed. 
The king takes Northampton & many chief 〈◊〉.  The King meaning to make that place (where his chief blow was given him) his chief seat to consult for remedies, dismissed thence all the Students, by reason of their multitude, 
* W. Rishanger MS. i●… Bibliotheca D. Rob. Cotton Baronetti.  being above 15000 (saith William Rishanger who then lived) of those only whose names were entered into the Matriculation book, amongst whom being so many young Nobles, the King doubted how they might be affected to the Barons. Whereupon many of them went to Northampton, where then the Barons were strong; and thither the King coming with his host, and breaking in at the Towne-walles upon Passion Sunday, encountered his enemies, amongst whom the 
* Chron. M. S. Fox in 〈◊〉. holinsh.  Students of Oxford had a Banner by themselves advanced right against the King, and they did more annoy him in the fight, than the rest of the Barons: which the King (who at length prevailed) had vowed sharply to revenge, but that his Councillors told him, those Students were the sons and kindred of the Great-men of the Land, whom if he punished, even the Nobles who now stood for him, would take Arms against him. The King there took Simon Montfort the younger, and fourteen other principal Barons and 
* Milites vexilliferos.  Knights Banerets, forty other Knights, besides esquires, etc. Encouraged with this success, he advanceth the Standard royal toward Nottingham, burning and wasting the Baron's lands wheresoever he came. To divert this tempest, Simon Montfort hasteneth to London, and attempts the taking of Rochester Castle, which john Earl of Warren defended for the King: who coming to raise the siege, takes Kingston Castle, which belonged to the Earl of Gloucester; then unexpectedly falling upon such as maintained the siege of Rochester, while Simon was absent, kills very many, and scatters the rest. Then seizeth he the Castle of Tunbridge, and therein the Countess of Gloucester, whom, notwithstanding he nobly set at large, as professing not to war against Ladies; from thence the Cloud of power borne upon the wings of indignation, speeds to Winchelsea, and receives the Cinque-Portmen to grace, settling at last in Lewis, where himself rested in the Priory, and his son in the Castle, whither the Barons sent letters to him, protesting their loyal observance to his person, but all 
The Baron●… letters.  hostisity to their enemies which were about him.  
(100) But the King flaming with desire of revenge, sets slight by these vowed (but feigned) fidelities; and 
The king's letters  returns a full defiance as to Traitors, professing that he takes the wrong of his friends, as his own, and their enemies as his. The King of Almain, Prince Edward, 
The king of Almains letter, & Prince Edward's.  with other of the King's chief friends, sent their like letters of defiance. The Barons, loath to let it come to the hazardous and unkind trial of steel, (though 
The Barons send the second time.  they then encamped about six miles from Lewis,) not acquitting themselves in this repulse, iterate their message, with an offer to pay to the King thirty thousand pounds, in satisfaction of such hurts as their people had done through the Realm; so as the Statutes of Oxford might stand. The king of Almain (whose honour they had touched, and spoiled part of his inheritances) hindered all hearkening to any their offers.  
(101) It came to a battle; wherein Simon de 
Simon Earl of Leicester takes the kings of England and of Almain in the battle at Lewis.  Montford commands his traitorous Army to wear white Crosses on breast and back, to show they fought for justice; great was the effusion of blood on both parts; chiefly of the Scots upon the King's side, & of the Londoners upon the Earl's side; whose Battalion, (lead by the Lord Segrave,) Prince Edward most furiously charged, and had the execution of them for about four miles, which he pursued the more bloodily, in revenge of the extreme disgrace which they had offered upon London Bridge to the Queen his Mother, and after that the Garrison of Tunbridge follows, and slew many at Croyden. But while the Prince spent himself in that revenge, his Father (who, having his Horse slain under him, had yielded himself prisoner to Simon de Montfort) his uncle the king of Romans, and others great Peers were taken, and the whole hope of that day lost. There fell in all on both sides, about five thousand. Prince Edward returning from the slaughter of the Londoners,  
ed at Westminster on the Northside of the high Altar, under a fair monument of stone, with his Portraiture, and the arms of him and others of his house, and many noble houses of that time.  
(108) Richard the third son of King Henry and Queen Elinor, (bearing the name of his uncle Richard, King of Romans Almaign,) deceased in his youth, and lieth at Westminster, interred on the southside of the Quire.  
(109) john the fourth son of King Henry and Queen Fleanor, (bearing the name of King john his grandfather,) deceased young, and at Westminster his bones lie interred with his brother Richard.  
(110) William the fifth son of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, is mentioned by Thomas Pickering, (a Priest of the monastery of Whitby in Yorkshire, who lived in the time of King Henry the sixth, and wrote a large Genealogy of the Kings of England, and their issues,) ' and that he dying in his childhood, was buried within the new Temple, by Fleetstreet in London.  
(111) Henry the sixth son of King Henry and Queen Eleanour, is also reported by the same Pickering, to have died young, and to be buried at Westminster.  
(112) Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, borne the twenty sixth year of her Father's reign. 1241. was the first wife of Alexander the third, King of Scotland, married to him at York, An. 1251. by whom she had issue, Alexander and David, (who died both before their Father without issue,) and Margaret Queen of Norway, wife of King Erike, and mother of Margaret the heir of Scotland, and Norway, that died unmarried: she was Queen twenty two years, lived thirty three, deceased before her husband, in the twenty third year of his Reign, the first of her brother Edward's in England, and was buried at the Abbey of Dunferinling in Scotland.  
(113) Beatrice the second daughter of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was borne at Bordeaux in Gascoigne, june. 25. An. 1242. of her Father's reign 27. At the age of eighteen years, she was married to john the first Duke of Britain, (son of john the last Earl of the same,) and had issue by him, Arthur Duke of Britanny, john Earl of Richmont, Peter, and Blanch married to Philip, son of Robert Earl of Artoys; Eleanour a Nun at Amsbery, and Marie married to Guy Earl of Saint Paul: when she had been his wife twelve years, and lived thirty years, she deceased in Brittany, in the first year of the Reign of her brother King Edward, and was buried at London, in the Choir of the Grey Friars within Newgate.  
(114) Catherine the third daughter of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, was borne at London, An. 1253. of her father's reign 37. Novemb. 25. being Saint Katherine's day, whose name was therefore given unto her, at the font, by Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, her mother's uncle, who christened her, and was her Godfather. She died young and at Westminster her bones lie interred, with her brother Richard and john, in the space between the Chapels of King Edward and Saint Bennet.   

EDWARD THE FIRST, LORD OF 
Monarch 47  
Edward 1.  IRELAND, AND DUKE OF AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTIE-SEVENTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER X.  
EDward, who followed K. Henry in wearing the English Crown, but far 
Ann. 1273.  outwent him in all regal virtues, was abroad at the time of his father's death, still pursuing his high desires for the Holy Wars: wherein what he performed, (being yet but a Prince,) against the public enemies of Christians, it shall not be impertinent to touch, before we come to his actions as a King; having already remembered, with what valour and felicity he had subdued his Father's domestic enemies, settled the peace of his Kingdom, and re-established the rains of Sovereignty in his Father's hands, which those potent Rebels had formerly extorted.  
(2) King Lewis of France, whose persuasions had inflamed this noble-spirited Prince to associate him in this glorious quarrel, having first set forth for the enterprise, lay now in siege of Tunis in Africa; where Prince Edward with all his forces arriving, the French King (greatly rejoicing in his wished 
Prince Edward at Tunis in Africa.  presence,) together with the King of Navarre, and other Princes of his Army, went forth to meet him, and received him in the kiss of Peace. This place which they beleaguered, was (as then) not great, yet by reason of the situation, 
* Paul. A●…yl. in Lud. 9  it greatly impeached the Christians in their passages through those Seas; being built out of the scattered ribs, and wasted ruins of that mighty and famous City Carthage, rival once in Majesty and Ambition with ancient Rome, as contending with her about the Empire of the World. Therefore to secure the Mediterranean Seas, it 
〈◊〉 Mat. Par.  was thought necessary to begin that enterprise for Asia, with this in Africa; but not long after Lewis yielding up his holy Soul to God at the siege, and sickness (by reason of the heats in those Regions, for it was August) raig of homage) to seize upon the whole Fee of the said Prince, marched with an Army into Wales; his good fortune there was accidentally augmented by a prize, which four ships of Bristol took about the Isles of Silly, wherein the daughter of Simon Montfort late Earl of Leicester, (who, according to a secret contract between their friends, went to be given in marriage to Lewelin) and Aimericke her brother were surprised, but she found honourable usage of the King her near kinsman.  
(11) Meanwhile, Lewelines affairs, by the manhood and diligence of Pain de 
* Alias Cam●…rcijs  Canusijs, and others, 
A. D. 1278.  who had taken West-Wales in, & brought it to the King's peace, thriving but poorly, and the said Prince feeling the foundations of his safety beginning manifestly to fail, and shrink from under him, 
* Lanquet. in Epit. Chr ex Tho. Walsing.  sued for peace, and had it upon such terms, which in likelihood were not (as 
* Hist. ●…ngl. l. 17.  Polydor Virgil would have it seem) granted by King Edward, lest he should lose his cost, and care, by warring against bogs and mountains. In the conditions of Peace (which was procured 
* Fabian.  with great difficulty) the most remarkable (as carrying the show of a far greater riches in the possession of the Welsh, even at that time, than some preiudicated can easily believe) 
* David Powel. Pag. 334. & 335.  were these. 1. That the Prince should pay to the King for his peace and goodwill, fifty thousand pounds sterling, the 
* Thom. Walsing. in Edw. 1. and in Ypod. Neust.  payment whereof, should be in the Kings will and grace; that is (as we conceive it) how much thereof the Prince should pay or not pay, and when. 2. That the said Prince should have the Isle of Anglesey in Fee-farm of the King, to him, and to the lawful issue of his body in general tail, for five thousand Marks ready money, for 
* Or in Garsuma, as some use the word.  gressom, or a fine in hand paid, & the yearly rent of a thousand Marks. The rest of the articles (being about eight,) amounted to so much as a plain Conquest, or dissolution of the Principality of Wales, after Lewelins' death, who was to enjoy the same, during his time upon conditions.  
(12) Now whereas the said Lewelin had three Brethren, David (whom King Edward favoured) Owen, and Roderick, it was enjoined to him at this conclusion (made by the Lord Robert Tiptoft, and certain other 
* Da. Pow. p. 336  Commissioners, upon either side appointed) that he should appease and satisfy his said Brethren: but because David was afterward a principal Actor in the calamities which fell upon himself, his house, and his Country, we must not neglect to speak somewhat particularly of him. This Gentleman for some causes, 
* Tho. Wals.  flying into England from his Brother Lewelin, for his faithful service to the State of England, was there honoured (contrary to the manner of his Nation) with the order of Knighthood, and received also, by the bounty of King Edward, for his maintenance, the Castle of Denbigh, with lands to the yearly value of one thousand pounds, and the Daughter of the Earl of Derby (being then a Widow) to wife: with all which bounty, the King did but entertain a revealer of his secrets, as 
* Fabian. in Ed. 1. An. 1279.  some (not improbably) do affirm. The State of Wales thus composed, and the Castle of 
* Da. Pow. p. 336.  Aberistwith (which seems to be the same, that by 
* Tho. Walls. Fabian.  another is said to have been built in West-Wales at Lampader Vaur) being built by King Edward for assuring those parts, the King (as he was munificent, and royal) the more to tie Lewelins' faith, gave unto him the Lady, of whose surprise at Sea we have mentioned, to be his consort, honouring the Nuptials with his own presence, and his Queens. And whereas Alexander King of Scots came about the same season into England to treat with Edward concerning important affairs, and had formerly sent to the Welsh wars, certain aids of the Scots, the said Alexander being jealous (on his Country's behalf) that those aids might be interpreted, to have been sent upon duty, obtained letters testimonial from King 
Scottish aids protested not to be sent of duty to K. Edward, but of love. An. 1282.  Edward, declaring that they were not sent of duty, or in respect of service due.  
(13) Though King Edward were thus desirous to gain the Welsh-Nation rather by his largesse, than puissance, having so honourably used Lewelin, he could not yet retain their hearts; for whether it were (which 
* Da. Pow. p. 336.  some, to amove the note of ingratitude, & turbulence from them, affirm) for that there was partiality used by the English officers in distribution of justice upon the Marches, or (which seems to some as likely) for that they aspired in vain to their ancient liberty (being miserably seduced with certain 
* Poly. Verg. l. 17.  blind prophecies) the Welsh betook themselves afresh to Arms: for David himself, whom the King had laden with so many benefits and graces, became to them a principal leader, and to give them full assurance of his fastness to their cause (reconciling himself to his brother the Prince) he suddenly and treacherously upon Palme-Sunday seized the Castle of 
* Tho. Walsing.  Hawardin, surprising Roger de Clifford, a noble & famous Knight, whom the King had dispatched into those parts, as justiciar of all Wales, and slaying such unarmed men as offered to resist that violence, whence marching, he laid siege together with the Prince his brother, to the Castle of 
* Ruthlan. Da. Pow pag. 337.  Rodolan, doing many outrages, and killing all such as they could reach, yea some (as it is said) whose ransoms 
* Arc●…. of Cant. apud Da. Powel. Pag. 339.  they had taken, though against Lewelins' mind. And while King Edward spent his Easter at the Vises in Wiltshire, and afterward visited the Queen his mother, who lived in the Nunnery at Ambresberie, the Welsh, under divers Captains, had taken sundry of the King's 
* Tho. Walsing.  strengths and Castles in divers parts. There are extant the 
* Da. Pow. p. 336.  Copies of certain grievances, exhibited to john Archbishop of Canterbury by the Welsh, at such time as of his own accord (so say the said Copies) he interposed himself (without the King's leave) to settle their quiet; which Articles in show, (for the answers of the English are not set down) contain indeed sundry great abuses; but the fate of Wales had now involved them all in a desolating war, and made them uncapable of relief. For after the Archbishop had traveled in person to the Prince of Wales, being then in 
* Tho. Walsing.  Snowdon, and returned without any Conclusion made, 
* Antiq. Brit. in vit. job. Peckam.  coming unto Oxford, he there sent out the lightnings of 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 17  excommunication against him and his seduced adherents: We say seduced, because they did capitulate in such sort, as if they had been able to make their party good.  
(14) But though the old British Principality was now to expire, yet it must be confessed, that as Lewelin 
A. D. 1283.  had an end unworthy of his blood, being rather unfortunately slain, then otherwise, so on the other side the same happened not without revenge: for at one encounter in open field, Gilbert Earl of Gloster lost William Valence (a younger cozen of the Kings) slain in the fight, and four other Knights, though at the same time also, many of the Welsh left their bodies dead upon the earth, together with the victory to the English: but the day certainly which they had of King Edward himself, may not be forgotten, in which the Welsh slew the 
* Tho. Walsing. King Edward repulsed by the Welsh.  Lord William de Audeley, and the Lord Roger Clifford the younger, and got fourteen Ensigns from the English Army, K. Edward being enforced to enter into the Castle of Hope for his safety. These things, though not contemptible, but rather certain deceitful favours, usual when the ruin of a Nation is by God decreed, could not uphold the cause. For first the Prince, having upon some occasion withdrawn himself with some few others from his Army, which then was in the land of Buelth, was set upon by two principal Gentlemen, john Giffard, and Edmund de Mortumar, with their Forces, and there by the hand of one 
* Dan. Pow. p. 374.  Adam Francton was run through with an horseman's staff, who at the first being unknown, had his head strucken afterward off, and presented to King Edward, at whose commandment it was 
* Tho. Walsing.  crowned with ivy, and set up for a certain time upon the Tower of London.  
(15) This (saith the 
* Pag. 374.  History of Wales) was the end of Lewelin, betrayed by the men of Buelth, who was the last Prince of Britain's blood: and with him (
* Polych. li. 7. Tho. Walsing.  whom one Versifier calleth the Captain, the praise, the law, and light of Nations, and another defaceth with as many ignominious attributes) the liberty of that people did also die. For it was not long but that King Edward subdued in a manner all Wales, & reserving to himself the Coast-Towns & strengths toward the Sea, distributed the Inland Countries to the Lords his followers: therein prudently following the counsel of Augustus, who thus under pretence 
Cambden. in Comitat. Flint.  of defence for the Provinces, had the bridling of all their forces at his pleasure. Nevertheless the whole flame was not as yet extinguished, for David the Prince's Brother, and 
* Polych. l. 7. c. 38.  chiefest firebrand in this fatal 
An. D. 1284.  combustion, was at large: who being taken & brought to King Edward at the Castle of Ruthlan, could not obtain admission to his sight or speech, but was amanded, and sent Prisoner to Shrewsburie. Thither the King, having settled the State of Wales, repairing to a Parliament which he had summoned, there to be kept after Michaelmas, caused David (having first had a Legal trial 
* Tho. Walsing. ad A. D.  before certain justiciars for that cause appointed) to be severely put to death, by 
* Ra●…l. Cestr. in Polych. l. 7.  hanging, heading and quartering, whose head was set up at London, and his quarters in four other principal Cities of England, to the terror of all ingrateful and disloy all persons. The Welsh line thus thrust from the Principality, King Edward upon Saint Marks day had a son borne unto him in Wales at Caernaruon, who also was called Edward, and reigned after him; and that with the birth of a new Lord, the Welsh might be enured to 
A. D. 1285.  new laws, the King established (by example of K. john his Grandfather in Ireland) the English laws and offices among them.  
(16) But the King that he might not seem forgetful of his French affairs, repaired into France, where he obtained sundry favours, though they 
A. D. 1287.  continued not long, and sat in person there with the French King in his Parliament at the City of Paris, as a Lord or Peer of that Realm, in respect of such lands as he had in those parts. Nor may 
A. Do. 1289.  here be forgotten an Act of singular munificence, and charity in this renowned King, for the redemption 
Tho. Walsing.  of Charles Prince of Achaia, son and Heir of Charles King of Sicilia, who had some years before been taken in a battle at Sea before Naples, by the Galleys of Sicilia, fight on the behalf of the King of Arragon: for whose speedier enlargement, K. Edward disbursed thirty thousand pounds sterling, and gave his own Knights in hostage, till Charles had sent in his two sons, Robert and Lewis, as pledges to Alfonse king of Arragon: which done, 
Pol. Verg. l. 17.  King Edward returned into Gascoigne, and there took upon him the Cross, in full purpose to finish the journey which once he had undertaken, and had in part performed against the Saracens.  
(17) In the mean time, to purge England (whither he was now returned) from such corruptions, 
King Edward confiscates the jews, and fines his justiciars.  and oppressions, as under which it groaned, and not neglecting therein his particular gain, he banished the jews out of the Realm, confiscating all their 
An. 1290.  goods, leaving them nothing but money to bear their charges. And whereas they by their cruel usuries had one way eaten his people to the bones, & his justiciars (like another kind of jews) had ruined them with delays in their suits, and enriched themselves with wicked corruptions, he (like a father of his Country) put all those from their offices who were 
An honourable way to enrich a King.  found guilty (and they were 
* Tho. Walsing.  almost all) and punished them otherwise in a grievous manner, being first in open Parliament convicted. The particulars whereof, by reason of the most just and commendable example, 
john Stow ex Adam. Merius. Chron. Dunst. etc.  we will not think needless (the order of naming them only changed) to recapitulate here. Sir Ralph Heugham, Chief justice of the higher Bench, 7000. marks. Sir john Lovetot, justice of the lower Bench, 3000. marks Sir William Brompton justice, 6000. marks.  
S. Solomon Rochester, chief justice of Assizes, 4000 M.  
S. Richard Boyland, 4000 Marks.  
S. Thomas Sodentone, 2000 Marks.  
S. Walter de Hopton, 2000 Marks.  
S. William Saham, justice, 3000, Marks.  
Robert Littelburie, Clerk, 1000 Marks.  
Roger Leicester Clerk, 1000 Marks.  
Adam de Stratton (beside other riches incredible) 32000. Marks. But with one Sir Thomas Weyland the King's 
* Stow in Edwa. 〈◊〉  chief justice, (being found belike most false) he dealt far more sternly, for he not only seized upon all his movable goods and jewels (which he had done to others) but also upon his immovable, and banished him moreover out of the Kingdom. At which time the King constrained all his justices to swear, that from thence forth they would take no pension fee or gift of any man, except only a breakfast, or the like present. O divine and still necessary severity, only able to break the pernicious combination of men that under the profession of law & offices of justice make merchandise of honour, justice, law, and conscience, which cannot in the end but ●…ring forth ruin, and confusion.  
(18) That tempest now, which * Thomas Ersilton, a Scottish Rhymer, is said to have obscurely prophesied, 
Scottish affairs, Hect. Bo. trans. lib. 13.  alluding to the troubles of Scotland by reason of King Alexander's death; happened about these times; which raised so great, and bloody contentions, that it had almost blown up the regality of that kingdom by the very roots. For when, by the violent fall from his horse, King Alexander had most unfortunately lost his life, that Realm was woefully destitute of any apparent heir, sundry persons standing in competition for the same. These things were thought to be foreshowed from heaven by many 
* Hect. Bo. lib. 13.  fearful presages, as extraordinary Meteors, Floods, Fires, and Pestilence. But King Edward intending to sway that affair, and being upon his way toward the borders, the death of his royal consort, and Queen, which he lamented while himself did live, called him back to the celebration of her funerals: as her excellent 
A. D. 1291.  virtues did well deserve: To our Nation she was a loving mother, & (saith 
* Walsing.  one) the Column, and pillar (as it were) of the whole Realm. In her honour the King her husband (who loved her above all worldly Creatures) caused those many famous 
* As Charing Cross, and at Waltham, S. Alban, Dunstaple, etc.  trophies, or crosses to be erected, wheresoever her noble coarse did rest, as it was conveyed from Lincolnshire to burial in Westminster. Nor could any thing, but the respect to other weighty matters, now presently in hand, withhold our pen from paying to her memory a far more copious commendation. 
A. D. 1292.   
(19) Those mourning offices as mournfully performed, the King repairs into Northumberland, whither the greatest, and sagest persons of the Scottish nation being come, 
* He●…. 〈◊〉. li. 14.  themselves having sought to him, Edward makes claim to the superiority of Scotland, and requires that the Competitors would quietly assent to his award, alleging that the Crown of that Realm was held of him: for more credit to which assertion he vouched sundry 
* Marian. Scot W●…. Mal. Henry Hu●…. Ro. Houed. etc.  books, and actsses, whereunto the Scots replied, 
* Tho. Walsing. in Edward. 1.  That they were ignorant, that any such superiority belonged to the King of England: neither could they make answer to such things without a King the head, upon whom it lay to hear such a denunciation, and protested, that other answer they ought not as then to give, in regard of their Oath, which after the death of Alexander their King they had made one to the other, and the same to keep under pain of excommunication. Whereupon the King delivered to them his letters Patents, in which he acknowledged, that the coming of those Scots, on this side the water of Twede, should not be at any other time urged to prejudice them, for coming again into England: that is, That their example should not so be drawn to an argument of King Edward's right over them, as if they were to come again upon duty; so prudently jealous were these Patriots of their Country's liberty.  
(20) The names of the Competitors were these, according to Walsingham: Erick, King of Norway; who appeared by his Attorneys; Florence, Earl of Holland; Robert le Brus, Lord of Annandale; john de Balliol, Lord of Galway; john de Hastings, Lord of Abergevenny; john Coming, Lord of Badenaw; Patrick de Dunbar, Earl of March; john de Vesci, on his Father's behalf; Nicholas de Sules; William de Rosse. These all peaceably 
Tho. Walsingh. Ranul Higd. Polychr. lib. 7.  submitted themselves, for so much as concerned their several titles to the Scottish Crown, to the final award and arbitration of King Edward, passing thereof an authentic Instrument unto him; who having given caution to restore the realm of Scotland, (within a certain prefixed time,) to that party to whom the Crown thereof should be adjudged, had seisin delivered to him, the better to put the sentence in execution, or (say the writers of that nation) they giving him 
Bellendens transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  power to constrain the parties to stand to this sentence. The whole carriage of which weighty business, being so diversly related and censured by the writers of both nations, (though for the present it be not material, both Kingdoms now blessedly acknowledging one absolute Superior) we will so trace the steps of truth in a middle way, as resolving neither to impeach the action of that glorious umpire, nor prejudicate the right of our noble sister nation. The State of Scotland now was not without manifest peril; for the Scots 
* Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  denying that their Kingdom was in any point subaltern to the Crown of England, and King Edward either persuaded that it was so, or resolving and plotting now to make it so, would not neglect the advantage of this 
* So Boniface calls 〈◊〉 in his letters to king Edward.  Akphalisis or want of a known head in Scotland.  
(21) Upon full ventilation therefore and scanning of all rights, the main doubt rested upon Lord Brus and Balliol, for the residue might seem rather to affect the honour of having pretended title in blood to a Diadem, then to have colour to contend with either of them. Great was the advise, and deliberation (as there was cause) which King Edward took therein, for not trusting to his own judgement, he caused (saith 
* Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  Hector Boetius) twelve of the best Clerks or learned men of Scotland, and twelve of England to concur as Assessors with him in that great decision.  
(22) While this weighty cause was in debatement, 
A. D. 1293.  there fell out deadly strife between the English and Normans, occasioned by one of them casually slain by the English; which mischief the King of France forwardly nourished, as thirsting for the duchy of Gascoigne, which best he might attain by troubling the foreign affairs of King Edward, whom they saw now entangled at home in so weighty employments. Whereupon the Normans slew sundry of the English, and hung up one upon the mast of a Ship, whom they had taken at Sea: but, ere long after, threescore 
A famous Sea-victorie of the English against the Normans  English ships encountering with two hundredth sail of Normans, laden with wines, after a most bloody battle (wherein many 
* Thom. Walsingh. ●…aith 1500.  thousands of the French were slain) took, with their whole fleet, their full revenge, and brought them into England.  
(23) At last yet King Edward returning to Berwicke, having with him the said twenty four Assessors, 
Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  as it were a jury of either nation, 
* Edwardi 〈◊〉 ad Pap●…m apud though Walsingh.  and, with the good will and assent of the Scottish Lords, gave solemn judgement with Balliol, as being descended of the eldest daughter of David, Earl of Huntingdon, a 
judgement gi' ven by king Edward.  younger son of Scotland; whose issue (the line of the elder brother being extinct) was to inherit, without question. But the strife being between the descendants of the said David, of which the Lord Robert Bruce was also a principal, reasons of importance were produced, which drew many men's judgements, 
lib. 14. cap. 1.  to incline to him, as having a nearer interest to that Crown. But according to the sentence, Balliol was solemnly crowned King of Scotland upon S. Andrews day, and, in Christmas following, repaired to King Edward, 
A. D. 1294.  at Newcastle upon Tyne, and 
* Hect. Boet. transl lib. 14. Cap. 2.  there (against the minds of many Scots) did homage unto him for the whole Kingdom of Scotland.  
(24) Meantime the French King pursued the revenge of the Normans, demanding restitution, and citing King Edward judicially to appear to answer such wrongs, as were done in Aquitaine: who, (desirous to settle his own affairs at home, or, as some write, 
* Polychr.  eager upon a match for himself in France) while he discovered either his unwillingness to appear in that kind, or to war, suffered himself by a French devise, to be merely deceived, and put out of his possession of Gascoigne, to the great mischief, and disadvantage of the English: whereupon K. Edward highly incensed, called a Parliament at London, where john king of Scotland was present; and had the full consent 
A. D. 1295.  of the whole Realm, to regain that honestly by the sword which was craftily gotten away by a cunning trick, 
* Ypod. Neustr.  renouncing to the French his homage for Aquitain. Wales also was at the same time full of troubles; but the fires of rebellion, there rashly kindled, were, not long after, quenched with the blood of the Actors, and thousands of their Complices.  
(25) Balliol having thus obtained the Crown 
A. D. 1296.  of Scotland, and finding his party, by the homage which he had made to King Edward, much impaired among the Scots, who greatly repined thereat; for regaining their loves, 
* Tho. UUals.  attempted a secret combination with the French against the English; which Edward ignorant of, and 
* Hect. Boe. li. 14.  requiring him by virtue of his homage to aid him with all his powers against the King of France, 
* Tho. Walls.  discovered (by Balliol's delays, and traverses) the said conspiracy. Whereupon he advanced forward against the Scots with a puissant army to Newcastle upon Tyne: The first blood which was drawn was of the English, of whom, the Scots 
* Tho. Wals. Polyd. Verg. lib. 17. saith but one hundredth.  slew almost one thousand in a village under the leading of one Robert de Ros, who had fled from King Edward: The City of Carlisle likewise was assaulted, and the County of Cumberland spoiled by seven Earls of Scotland, and their companies, which to Edward was not greatly displeasing, (as was said) for that the first hostile acts were done by them, whom he had a full purpose to subdue, that at last he might be sole in Albion; which, had not God reserved for other times, we might wonder he effected not.  
(26) King Edward therefore presented himself 
A. D. 1297.  before the strong Town of Berwick with a mighty host, there to auspicate his entrance to a conquest of Scotland; and, after summons sent to the Town, abode one whole day, without offer of violence: The Townsmen refusing to render, had a victory of the English Mariners, who rashly entering, with twenty and four Ships into the harbour, were repelled with the loss of four of their vessels, which was soon revenged by the forceuble taking of Berwick, where 
* Tho. UUalsingh. Berwick taken by king Edward.  Hector Boetius saith, there was exercised great 
lib. 14.  cruelty by the English. In the Town, the Flemish Merchants (who were smothered by the English with fire) had a very strong house in the manner of a Tower, from whence they leveled, at the entering of the English, with darts, and javelins, one of which casually slew Richard of Cornewal, a gallant Gentleman brother to the Earl of Cornwall, which, in an army heated with former contumelies, for the Scots upon the slaughter and repulse which they had made of the English mariners, published certain rhymes in derision, as 
(
* Fabian.  What wenies King Edward with his Longshancks,  
To have won Berwicke, all our unthancks? etc.)  together with the remembrance of many fresh shrewd turns, might stir up bloody effects. After the Town was thus taken, the Castle after stood not long out, but rendered itself. 
* Tho. Walls.  Sir William Dowglas, captain thereof, was detained prisoner, and (as 
* Fab.  some write) Sir Robert Bruce: others were suffered to depart, upon oath, to bear no arms from thenceforth against the King of England. The loss of this important 
Berwick the key of Scotland.  Town, and Castle was very great, for it was the key, and common Bulwark of Scotland.  
(27) While the English, at this place, were busy to cast a very deep ditch, to hinder the sudden inroads of their enemies, john King of Scotland sent two religious men to the King of England with 
* Tho. Wals.  letters; in which, alleging that he was by Oath bound to defend his own kingdom, and people, he renounced his homage, and fealty, as extorted by violence, and void in itself, being made without assent of the three estates of his Realm. The resignation was admitted, King Edward commanding his Chancellor to record the same for perpetual memory, as a justification of his proceedings.  
(28) The Scots hereupon, under the conduct of the Earls of Bucquhan, Menteth, Strathern, Ros, Athol, mar, and other of their nobility, made an incursion into England, whence with the spoils of two religious houses, and other booties they returned: But Patrick Earl of Dunbarre came to King Edwara submitting himself; and the Castle of Dunbarre (by this submission being under King Edward's protection) was regained by Scots: For recovery, or surregaining whereof, the King sent john Earl of Surrey, and Sussex, and William Earl of Warwick, who were entertained with battle by the Scottish nation, of whom the English, 
* Tho. Walsingh. Hect. Bo. l. 14. Fabian.  after cruel fight, obtained a victory of great importance, the chase holding about eight miles, in which the slaughter was not small. The siege of Dunbarre being reinforced. King Edward had it yielded unto him, at his coming, wherein were taken three Earls, six or seven Barons, besides many knights, and Esquires, which were all sent prisoners to diverse Castles of England, and (if some say true) not put to the sword (as Hector transported perhaps with hatred to Edward writes) contrary to his word, and faith given.  
(29) King Edward knowing as well how to use a victory, as to get it, having a present spirit upon all advantages, and turns of fortune, takes the Castle of Rocksbrough, and (for a final end to this affair) marcheth to Edinburgh itself (the chief Town of Scotland) which 
* Hect. Boet. l. 14. Polyd. Virg. lib. 17 Tho. Walsing.  was shortly rendered: Then took they Striueling also, and drove Balliol to the 
* Bellind. transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  Castle of Forfar: where john Coming Lord of Strabogie submitted himself to King Edward. About this time there came to the English camp great numbers of Welsh soldiers, with whom he relieved many of the English 
Welsh aid against Scotland. Irish aid against Scotland.  footmen, tired with service, sending them back into England. Thither also came the Earls of Ulster with bands of Irish.  
(30) The King of England prospering thus, passeth with his army over the 
* Tho. Walls.  Scottish Sea, where while he kept the feast of Saint john Baptist 
* Polyd. Ver. li. 17.  at Perth (or Saint john's Town) there came messengers from Balliol, and the Lords his factors, to sue for mercy, which was granted upon condition, that they should render themselves to him as his subjects. 
* lib. 14.  Hector Boetius saith, that after this agreement (wherein 
* Tho. Walls.  Anthony Bishop of Durham was used) john Coming brought Balliol, void of all kingly habiliments with a 
The Balliol resigns.  white rod in his hand, to the English camp at Montros, where he resigned his whole right that he either had, or might have to the Crown of Scotland, into king Edward's hands, and made thereof a formal Charter in French, and at the same time also (for fear of life) gave his son Edward for hostage, and assurance of his fealty; by which final disclaim, the Lord Bruces right might seem now unquestionable. But this resignation being thus made, king Edward returns to Berwick, where 
* Bellind. transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. ca 3.  all the Nobles of Scotland (at a Parliament there holden) were sworn to be loyal, and true subjects to king Edward for ever after: and 
* Tho. Wals.  hereof a solemn instrument was sealed by the said Lords (of whom john Coming of Badenaw was first) bearing date at Berwick in the twenty fifth year of the reign of their Sovereign Lord King Edward.  
(31) john the late King, was sent to the Tower of London, and there was honourably attended, having liberty for twenty miles about. The Scottish Lords were confined within Trent, over which River they might not pass toward Scotland, upon pain of life: The custody of Scotland was committed to john de Warrenn, Earl of Surrey and Sussex, and the Treasurershippe thereof to Hugh de Cressingham, but William de Ormesby was ordained justiciar, with this particular commandment, that he should take the homages and fealties of all such as held lands of the King. And the more to show his purpose, utterly to dissolve the distinct Regality of Scotland, and to unite it to the English Monarchy, as he had done Wales. he took out of Edinbrough the Crown, Sceptre and Cloth of Estate, offering them up at 
* Fabian.  Saint Edward's shrine in Westminster, if the Author mistake not, for at Saint Thomas at Canterbury, 
* Tho. Walsingh.  he offered up Balliol's Crown saith another; and (besides many other Acts tending to the abolishment of the Scottish Name, which 
* Bellind trans. lib. 14. cap 7.  Hector relates, as the burning their Records, abrogating their laws, altering their forms of divine service, and transplanting all their learnedst men thence unto his University of Oxford,) he took out of the 
* though UUals.  Abbey of Scene the 
* Cambden in Scotland. 〈◊〉. 709. saith it was a stone enclosed within a wooden Chair.  Marble Chair, in which the Kings of Scotland were wont to be crowned, and sent the same to Westminster, for Priests to sit therein at Celebration. This Chair is the same upon which was engraven, the famous Prophetical Distichon: 
Ni falat fatum, Scoti quocunque locatum  
Inuenient lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem,  
If Fates go right, where ere this stone is pight,  
The Regal race of Scots shall rule that place.  Which by whomsoever it was written, we who now live, find it happily accomplished. But these great Acts of this year brought to the Commons of England small commodity, upon whom the charge of the wars lay heavily, and it is not often found, that the people gain much by their Prince's Conquests.  
(32) The force of Scotland with a greater force being thus for the present broken, who would suppose, 
An. 1298.  that it could once again have lifted up the head, and that chiefly by the particular virtue of a private man, as it after happened? which he had the more opportunity to do, for that the King of England was diversly diverted by occasion of wars in Gascoigne for recovery of his own, and for aid of his friends in Flanders, whom the French did afflict in hostile manner. The Captain of the revolted troops in Scotland, was one William Wallace (the son of 
* Bellendens transl of Hect. Boet. l. 14. c. 4.  Sir Andrew Wallace of Cragie Knight, though some 
* Tho. Wals. Polyd. Verg. lib. 17  upon hearsay, write contemptibly of his course of life, as of a public robber) who, by the assistance of such as were outlawed, for refusing to do their homage to King Edward, drove William de Ormesby (the King's justiciar) out of Scotland. Which King Edward hearing, discharged john Coming of Badenaw, and the Earl of Bucquhan from their confinement, to the intent, that he might by their endeavours, the sooner settle matters, but withal he gave john de Warren Earl of Surrey commission to levy an Army: and the king (loath to be hindered from his other destinations) easily yielded to such requests as were propounded on the Scots behalf for that time. The voyage which he had then in hand, was to transport from Winchelsea an Army, to assist the Earl of Flanders his confederate.  
(33) England at this time was not without great discontentments, which Humphrey de Bohun Earl o●… Hereford and Essex Constable of England, and Roger Bigot Earl of Norfolk, Martial of England, did countenance; for present satisfaction whereof, the King yielded (among other things) to confirm Magna Charta, and Charta de Foresta, and that there should no Subsidy nor taxation be levied upon the people, without the consent of the Prelates, Peers, and people. But before this time, and while the King was absent out of the land, the Scots under the leading of William Wallas, put to 
* Tho. Walls. Hect. Boet. lib. 14. Polyd. Vug. l. 17.  flight, the Earl Warren and all the English Forces which were with him, taking them at advantage, as they were passing over a narrow Bridge, near unto the Castle of Strivelin: the slaughter of the English was not small. There Hugh de Cressinghamm Treasurer of Scotland for King Edward, feel in battle, whose dead body for special hatred borne unto him, the Scots did slay, dividing his skin among them. The King hearing of this overthrow, commands the Lords of England by his letters to be ready to assist the said Earl Warren (his Custos or Guardian of Scotland) with their Forces, in the Octaves of S. Hilary at York, and also to proclaim such of the Scottish Lords as came not thither, enemies of the State; but they kept themselves within Scotland, and came not. Whereupon the English Captains marched to the rescue of the Castle of Rocksbrough, whence William Wallace fled upon notice of their approach to raise his siege. But King Edward (advertised of these accidents) having taken a truce for two years with the 
A. D. 1299  King of France, by mediation of Bonifacius the Pope, who interposed himself (non tanquam judex, sed amicabilis Compositor, saith Walsingham, not as a judge, but as a friendly Composer, made haste into England, where his presence was extremely wanting: but in his way home, at a Town called 
* Tho. Wals.  Ardeburg, all the Scots almost, which he had brought with him to serve in the Flemish wars, forsook him, and went to Paris.  
(34) After his arrival in England, he summoned a Parliament at York, giving the Scots a day to appear thereat; which they not doing, nor acknowledging that they ought to do, he entered with a mighty Army into their Country, his Navy laden with victuals coasting along; which by contrary winds being holden off for a time, put the Scots the rather in hope of victory, by reason of the scarcity of provisions among the English; but three days before the Scots appeared, the ships came, and plentifully refreshed the fainting soldiers. Hereupon the king led forward his people, and upon the next morning, a terrible shout being heard from the Scottish host, the English ran to arms; but the king's horse (affrighted with the sudden tumultuous noise) as he was putting foot in stirrup, threw him to the earth, and striking with the hinder heels, broke two of his ribs; who nevertheless upon the same horse proceeded in person to the battle. Willam Wallace, who had won to himself, by many his hardy enterprises a singular opinion among the Peers, and people, having set his Scots in array (whose numbers far exceeded the English) used every where this short speech unto them in stead of Orations, I have brought you to the King, hop gifyee kun. For their more security, he had 
* though Walsingh. The bloody ourethrow at Pawkirke.  fixed between them and the English, certain Pales or stakes, bound together with ropes, which the English Vanguard broke down, and came to strokes. The first which fled, were the Scottish Horsemen, leaving their Infantry, or battles of foot, open to that great destruction which followed, the victory resting clearly to the English.  
(35) Our Scottish 
* Hect. Boet. l. 14.  Author writes, that by reason of emulation against Wallace, the Scots burning in mutual hatred, made the enterprise easy to their enemies; which as it may be very true, so certainly there was scarce any battle between the two Nations, in which more Scottish blood was spilled then in this, for thereof 
* Vnivers. Cousin. lib. 2.  Sebastian Munster seems to mean, saying, that there were slain threescore and ten thousand, which though we take not to be the true number, (for some have 
* Tho. Walls. Ypod. Neustr. Reu. Cest. Polychr. lib. 7.  threescore thousand, 
* Fabian, & Harding.  others not so many) yet shows it that the slaughter was vast, as it could not otherwise be, the Scottish footmen valiantly 
* Polyd. Ver. lib. 17. Hect. Boet. l. 14.  fight as it were to the last man. Blood worthy to have been shed on both sides, against another kind of enemy, than Christians, the deformity of which effusions may justly represent to us the blessed estate of our now settled union. This victory was obtained by the English upon Saint Mary magdalen's day, at a place called Fawkirke: from which William Wallace, opening his way with his Sword escaped. The Welshmen deserved ill of the King at this journey, for that they foreslowed to charge upon the palisado, or fence of the Scots, in hope (the English being vanquished, which by the inequality of their numbers, they presumed would happen) that themselves might jointly with the Scots, execute upon King Edward the hatred, which they bore him for the 
* Tho. Walls.  evils he had brought upon their nation. After this victory the King took sundry places, and returned into England by Carlisle.  
(36) The two years truce formerly taken between the English and French, was now, by the 
A. D. 1300.  interceding of Boniface Bishop of Rome, turned to a settled peace, who (among other things) brought it about, that K. Edward should marry the French kings sister Margaret, and Edward the king's son, the same king's daughter, though (saith Walsingham) he advanced not the good of his Realm by this match in any point. To this affinity were added the greater strengths of a domestic quiet, for the king (whom wars had together made renowned, & aged) graciously & wisely yielded to confirm such grants of laws and liberties, as the Earls and Barons (the pretended conservators of the People's interest,) did declare, were by his promise to be confirmed to them at his return from Scotland: and which he accordingly did, in a Parliament holden at London, upon prorogation, in Quindena Paschae, where for their fuller satisfaction he 
* Tho. Wals.  left out this Clause in the end, Saluo iure coronae nostrae, saving the right of our Crown: and what at this time was wanting, he made up afterward in a Parliament at Stamford.  
(37) But that he might not seem willing to deny the Pope any just request, or not to know the 
The Balliol set at liberty.  sweetness of an others freedom, he delivered to the hands of the Pope's Nuntios, john the late King of Scotland, (upon their assuming for King Edward's indemnity,) whom they conveyed to his inheritance in France, where (upon every side unfortunate) he remained as under the note of a false seducer, and of a perjured person in king Edward's judgement, and with out any part of his regal office over the Scottish nation; who found that the peace which King Edward made in other places, did but turn to their more grievous affliction; for albeit they had gotten Strivelyn by surrender of the English, and began with an immortal desire of their ancient Liberty, to assemble again under William Wallace, yet the time was not come of their deliverance; for King Edward (according as it was formerly appointed,) having accomplished his marriage with the French Kings sister at Canterbury, made it his whole affair, to finish the annexation of Scotland to the Crown of England.  
(38) He therefore accompanied with his son, and a dreadful Army, pursued the matter so close, that whereas the Scots had gotten together again in exceeding great numbers, under their several Captains, (whose 
* Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  Envy had caused Wallace to give up all such authority, as the commonwealth of Scotland had formerly granted unto him, for preservation of their freedoms,) and flying before King Edward, whose fortune in war had worthily made him terrible; that day (in Walsinghams' judgement) had been irrecoverably fatal to the Scottish name, if the English had been able to have followed them in their Armour, over their bogs and mountains, or that the Welsh had with their natural nimbleness supplied the same. Sure it is, that Edward held himself so fast in possession, that he neither would grant the Scottish Lords their Balliol to reign over them, (which they requested saith Walsingham) nor suffer them to redeem such lands of theirs, as he had given to the English among them.  
(39) Armes failing, and the Scots having made their way in the Court of Rome, procured inhibitory 
The Pope interposeth his authority for the relief of Scotland.  letters from the Pope, which were brought by one Lumbardus into Scotland: but the King swearing a 
* Per sanguinem Dei.  terrible oath, said, that he would not desist. Nevertheless the Scots, after a few days, requested the King to let them live in peace till they had taken counsel of the Peers, and of the King of France, threatening that otherwise the Pope would take the matter upon him. But the King with a disdainful smile answered: Have you done homage to me (as to the chief Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland) and now suppose that I can be terrified with swelling lies, as if (like one that had no power to compel) I would let the right which I have over you to slip out of my hands? Let me hear no more of this, for if I do, I swear by the Lord, I will consume all Scotland from sea to sea. On the other side, the Scots did boldly enough reply, That in this cause they would shed their blood for defence of justice, and their Country's liberty.  
(40) About this time the King made his son Edward, (who was borne at Caernaruon) Prince of 
The constancy of the Welshman's love to the first English Prince of Wales.  Wales, and Earl of Chester, which so greatly contented the Welsh, because (in regard of his birth place) they held him as one of theirs, that when all friends did afterward forsake him (as the following reign will show) they always stuck most loyally unto him, expressing wonderful love and affection, and bewailing his heavy fortunes in woeful songs, which neither the dread of his enemies, nor length of time could ever make them to 
* Tho. UUalsingh.  forget.  
(41) But, in the matter of Scotland, the King not to seem altogether to neglect the Court of Rome, addressed thither the Earl of Lincoln, and the Lord Hugh de Spenser with manifold complaints against the Scots, and justification of his own proceedings; how beit at the Pope's request, he granted them truce from Hallowmas to Whitsuntide. This very year, Cassan King of Tartars gloriously slew one hundredth thousand Turks in a battle upon the plain of Damascus, and was baptised thereupon, as acknowledging the victory to come from the son of God: the joy whereof filled England, as other the parts of Christendom.  
(42) The justice of the English Arms against the Scots, being now again directly impugned by the 
A. D. 1302.  Papal letters, comprehending sundry arguments on the behalf of that Nation, King Edward in a Parliament at Lincoln published their contents, and by consent of the whole representative body of the Realm, returned a copious defence of his whole proceedings, with protestation, first, that he did not exhibit any thing as inform of judgement, or trial of his cause, but for satisfaction of his holy Fatherhoods conscience, and not otherwise. But whereas the Pope had required the King to stand to his decision for matter of claim, he writes, that thereunto he would make no answer, as having left that point to the Earls and Peers of his land: who with one mind directly signify, that their King was not to answer in judgement for any rights of the Crown of England before any Tribunal under Heaven: and that (by sending Deputies or Attorneys to such an end) he should not make the said truth doubtful, because it manifestly tended to the disinherison of the said Crown, which with the help of God, they would resolutely, and with all their force maintain against all men. So 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. 17. A. D. 1303.  ceased that Action, and the sooner also, for that Bonifacius had much to do at home, by reason of some great controversies between the French and him. Mean time Sir john Segrave, Lord Segrave, a renowned Soldier, was sent Governor or Custos into Scotland, with an Army, after the Truce expired, which at the French Kings instance, King Edward had yielded unto for a time; john Cumin, who had also been a Competitor for the Crown, was chosen by the Scots 
* Hect. Boe. lib. 14.  for their Governor.  
(43) We may not here overpass a victory (at Rosselin) which the Writers of that nation celebrate, wherein the English were by them overcome, howbeit 
A. D. 1304.  there is in our Writers much variety in that relation. It is the saying of Hector Boetius, that the English were about three for one, our ancient and later authors say that the Scots had far the 
* Thom. Walls. Abington. Tolyd. Virg lib. 17  more people; he affirms, that it was in the plain field, ours that it was 
* Thom. Walsingh.  an Ambush; he that the Scots did put to flight, and took the spoils of three whole battles, in either of which were 
* Bellind. transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. cap. 6.  10000 English, ours, that the Scots by reason of their multitudes did only overbear the Vanguard, from which the nearest of the other battles was 
* Pol. Virg. lib. 17.  four miles off. All agree in this that the Lord john Segrave (Ralph Confrey saith Hector) who had the point or vanguard of the English (whose General he also was) by dividing his army into three parts for their better relief, weakened so his whole force, that thereby, and his unadvised forwardness (impatient to stay for his other powers) he gave occasion to the Scots of such a victory. They had also taken the person of the said Lord General, but 
* Abington.  Sir Robert de Nevilc, who with others was at divine service, hearing thereof, came with his troops of horse, rescued Segrave, slew many, put many to flight, and brought away back the rest of the prisoners, without 
* Tho. Walsing.  the loss of any one man of his own. The said Scottish Chronicle makes no mention of William waleys, at this discomfiture of the English, but gives the whole glory thereof to Cumyn, and to Simon Fraser: whereas we attribute all to waleys, and make no mention of the other, with far less wrong to the immortal deserts of waleys; for he undoubtedly, was the only man, who kept up Scotland, till near the time of deliverance.  
(44) The Scottish Nation (as 
* Bel●…endens transl. lib. 14. Cap. 6.  Hector reports) had for their warrant in conscience, and justification of resistance, the Pope's judgement, who upon ripe deliberation in their matter, decreed (saith he) that the Scots had just action of battle in defence of their liberties against King Edward: who not much esteeming the doom of that Oracle, upon the other side was persuaded he might proceed to subdue them wholly to his dominion: and therefore, (upon report that the Scots were not only up in Arms) but encouraged to greater attempts by this late success,) came in person with a dreadful host, piercing therewith 
* Belindens transl●…. lib. 14. cap. 6.  through all Scotland, from one end thereof to the other; from Rocksbrough to Catnes, which is the farthest point in the length of that Land, being about three hundredth miles: whither he marched by small journeys, not an enemy appearing with power to impeach him. For they, unable to make head, being so continually wasted, did either for their safety betake themselves to the woods, and Mountains, with their waleys, or wholly submitted themselves, 
* Hect. Boet. lib. 14. cap 〈◊〉.  swearing to be true to king Edward, there being in all Scotland but one Castle (the Castle of Striueling) which stood out, and that also (upon King Edward's return from catness) was 
* Tho. Walsing.  absolutely surrendered to him; and therefore no great cause, why Hector should call King Edward false Tyrant for committing the Captain and Garrison of that Castle to sundry Prisons: So that had not God in his eternal providence, favouring the liberty of that people, ordained some inaccessible places, and natural strengths, where no Army could march nor be maintained, the Scots had in all likelihood perpetually undergone the same fortune, which we the English were brought into, for want of the like, by William the first, and his Normans:  
(45) Therefore let profane discourses (with their Father Epicurus and Lucretius) blush and tremble, as often as they shall dare to insin●…ate any thing against God's wisdom in the Fabric of the world, as if the Craggy, and desert places, thereof, had no use in nature, when (omitting all other reasons of their being) the conservation of kingdoms, and nations was thus by them effected. We had an 
* Mat. Par●….  Herward in the conquerors time, as well as the Scots had a waleys in this; and we might perhaps at this hour have been without French mixtures, if God had provided our Country of such Wastes, and deserts as either they or the Welshmen did enjoy, who for many hundreths of years, after the ruin in Saint Peter's Church at Westminster, the twentieth day of November, in the first year of his Father's reign, Ann. Dom. 1272. in the same place, and under the same Tomb where his brother john lies with his picture also in the Arch above it.  
(60) Alphons, the third son of Edward and Queen Elinor was borne at the Town of main in Gascoigne, as his father and mother were in their return towards England from jerusalem, November 23. in the second year of his father's reign, 1273. he deceased at Windsor, August 4. in the twelfth year of his age, 1285. and was buried at Westminster in Saint Peter's Church by Saint Bennets Chapel, where his body lieth under the Tomb of his Brothers, john and Henry, his Image also there portrayed with theirs.  
(61) Edward, the fourth son of King Edward, and Queen Elinor, was borne April 25. in the thirteenth year of his father's reign, 1284. at Caernaruan in North-wales, and after the death of Lewelin ap Griffith, in regard of the place of his Nativity, was by his father's Creation, with the consent of the Welsh made Prince of Wales, the first of the sons and heirs apparent of the Kings of England, that bore that Title, which afterward became ordinary to most of the rest: he was also Earl of Ponthieu and Chester, and being made Knight by his father at London on Whitsunday, in the thirty fourth year of his Reign, 1306. succeeded him the same year in the Kingdom of Wales.  
(62) Elinor, the eldest daughter of King Edward and Queen Elinor was borne at Windsor in the fiftieth year of King Henry her Grandfather, she was married with all Ceremonies of Proxy to a Deputy for Alphons King of Arragon, son of King Peter, who deceased A. Do. 1292. before the solemnisation of marriage, leaving his Kingdom to his brother james, and his new wife to another husband, who was married at Bristol in the two and twentieth year of her father's reign, 1293. to Henry the 3. Earl of Barrie, whose Earldom lay in the East-borders of champaign in France. She had Issue by him Edward Earl of Barrie, from whom descended the Earls and Dukes of that Country, whose inheritance by Heirs general devolved to the Kings of Arragon, and from them again to the Dukes of Anjou that were Kings of Sicill. Henry another son of hers was Bishop of Troy's in Champagny. Helen her Daughter was marrird to Henry Earl of Bloys; and joan to john Warren Earl of Surrey, she was his wife five years, and deceased 27. of her father's reign, A. D. 1298.  
(63) joan the second daughter of King Edward, and Queen Eleanor, was borne in the first year of her father's reign, 1272. at a City in the holy land sometime named Ptolomais, commonly called Acon and Acre, where her mother remained during the wars that her father had with the Saracens: She was, at eighteen years of age, married to Gilbert Clare called the Red, Earl of Gloucester and Hereford, by whom she had issue, Earl Gilbert slain in Scotland without issue; Eleanor, married first to Hugh Spencer (in her right, Earl of Gloucester,) and after to William Zouch of Ricards castle. Margaret, first married to Peter Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, after to Hugh Audeley Earl also of Gloucester; and Elizabeth Lady of Clare, married first to john son and heir to Richard Burgh, Earl of Ulster in Ireland, mother of William Burgh Earl of Ulster, and Grandmother of Elizabeth, Duchess of Clarence; secondly, to Theobald Lord Verdon, and lastly, to Sir Roger Damary. This joan survived her husband, and was remarried to Sir Ralph Monthermere a Baron, father to Margaret the mother of Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, of whom the now Viscount Montacute is descended; she lived thirty eight years, and deceased in the first year of her brother King Edward's reign, and is buried at the Friar Austin's in Clare.  
(64) Margaret the third daughter of King Edward and Queen Elinor, was borne at the Castle of Windsor in the third year of her father's reign, and of our Lord, 1275. When she was fifteen years of age, she was married at Westminster, july 9 in the eighteenth year of herfathers reign, A D. 1290. to john the second, Duke of Brabant, by whom she had issue Duke john the third, father of Margaret, wife of Lewis of Mechlin Earl of Flanders, and mother of the Lady Margaret, the heir of Brabant and Flanders, who was married to Philip Duke of Burgundy.  
(65) Berenger the fourth Daughter of King Edward & Queen Elinor, was born the 4. of her father's reign, An. 1276. as john Eueresden the Monk of S. Edmundsburie in Suffolk, hath recorded in his book of English Annals, but other mention there is none, but only from him: whereby it is likely that she did not live to be married, but that she died in her childhood.  
(66) Alice the fifth Daughter of king Edward and Queen Elinor, is by Thomas Pickering of the Monastery of Whitby, (who wrote the large Genealogy of the Kings of England and their issue) reported to have deceased without Issue.  
(67) Marry, the sixth daughter of king Edward and Queen Elinor, was borne at Windsor, April 22. in the eight year of her father's reign, 1279. and at ten years of age, A. D. 1289. September 8. she was made a Nun in the Monastery of Ambresberie in Wiltshire, at the instance of Queen Elinor her Grandmother, who at that time lived there in the habit of the same profession, although her Parents were hardly induced to yield their consents to that course.  
(68) Elizabeth, the seventh Daughter of king Edward and Queen Elinor, was borne at the Castle of Ruthland in Flintshire, in the thirteenth year of her father's reign, An. 1284. When she was fourteen years of age, she was married at London to john the first of that name, Earl of Holland, Zealand, and Lord of Freezeland, who died within two years after without Issue, and she was remarried to Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, Lord of Breknoke, and high Constable of England, by whom she had Issue john and Humphrey, both Earls successively after their Father; Edward, that died in Scotland without issue; and William, who being created Earl of Northampton, while his Brothers lived, after their deceases, was also Earl of Hereford and Essex, Lord of Breknok and high Constable of England, and father of Earl Humphrey the tenth of that name, and last of that house, who died without Issue male: she had also by him two daughters, Elinor married to james Butler Earl of Ormond, and Margaret to Hugh Courtney the first, Earl of Devonshire. She was this Earl's wife fourteen years; lived thirty three, deceased in the ninth year of the reign of king Edward her brother, A. D. 1316. and was buried in the Church of S. james, at the Abbey of Saffron Walden in Essex.  
(69) Beatrice, the eight daughter of King Edward and Queen Elinor, bore the name of Beatrice Duchess of Britanny her father's sister: she is by some Genealogists mentioned to have lived till she was marriageable, but yet no mention being made of her match, it seemeth she died unmarried.  
(70) Blanch, the ninth daughter of king Edward, and the last of Queen Elinor, is so mentioned by Thomas Pickering, and some others, but not at all by Thomas Ebraham a Monk, who made a Pedigree of the Kings of England, but she is by the rest reported to have died in her childhood.  
(71) Thomas, the fifth son of king Edward, and the first of Queen Margaret his second wife, was borne at a little village in Yorkshire called Brotherton, june 1. in the nine and twentieth year of his father's reign, Ann. 1300. he was created Earl of Norfolk, and Earl Marshal of England, which Earldoms the last Earl Roger Bigod, leaving no Issue, left to the disposition of the King his father. He had two wives, of which the first was Alice the daughter of Sir Roger Hails of Harwich in Suffolk, by whom he had issue Edward, who married Beatrice the daughter of Roger Mortimer the first, Earl of March, but he died before his father without Issue; and two daughters, Margaret twice married, first to john Lord Segrave, by whom she had Elizabeth Duchess of Norfolk, wife of john Lord Mowbray (from whom the mowbray's & howard's Dukes of Norfolk, and Earls Marshal descended;) secondly, to Sir Walter many a Knight of Cambray, and by him had Anne wife of john Hastings the elder Earl of Pembroke, and mother of Earl john the younger, that died without Issue; his youngest daughter Alice was married to Sir Edward Montacute, and had by him three daughters, Elizabeth and joan married to Walter and William two of the ufford, and Maud that died unmarried. The second wife of this Earl Thomas, was Mary the daughter of William Lord Ros, and widow of Sir Ralph Cobham, who surviving him without Issue by him, she was married the third time to William Lord Brerose of Brember.  
(72) Edmund, his sixth son by Queen Margaret, was borne at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, August 5 in the thirtieth year of the reign of his Father, A. 1301. He was created Earl of Kent, and married Margaret daughter of john, and sister and sole heir of Thomas Lord Wakes of Lydel in the County of Northampton, by her he had Issue two sons and one daughter: Edmund his eldest son was Earl of Kent after his father, and died under age without wife or issue: john the younger was Earl also after his brother, he married Elizabeth the daughter of the Duke of Gulike, and died like vice without Issue; His daughter was joan, for her beauty called the fair Maid of Kent, first married to William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and from him divorced, and remarried to Sir Thomas Holland, in her right, Earl of Kent, and by her, father of Thomas, and john Holland Duke of Surrey, and Earl of Huntingdon: and lastly, she was the wife of Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince of Wales, and by him, mother of King Richard the second. This Earl Edmund was beheaded at Winchester the 1●…. of March, in the fourth year of King Edward his Nephew.  
(73) Eleanor the tenth daughter & fifteenth child of King Edward, and the last child of Queen Margaret his second wife, was borne at Winchester the sixth day of May, in the five and thirtieth, and last year of her father's Reign, being the year of our Lord 1306. she deceased in her Childhood, and was buried in S. Peter's Church at Westminster, by her brother john, Henry and Alfons, under the monument before named with her picture over it.   

EDWARD THE SECOND, LORD OF 
Monarch 48  
Edward II.  IRELAND, AND DUKE OF AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTIE-EIGHTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XI.  
THat the Mind is not derived from Parents, certainly the second Edward (called of Caeernaruon) might (if nothing else) abundantly show, being of a most valiant, wise and fortunate father, an unlike son; yet not to begin our description of his courses, with prejudice of his person, we will so temper our style, that by his own actions sincerely related, rather than by any verbal censures the man may be judged. This cannot be denied, that whereas from the Conquest till his time, England though it endured (by God's just judgements) many bitter, sad and heavy storms through some headiness, ambition, or other sicknesses of mind in the Princes thereof, yet had she Men to sway and govern her, and those distempers were as the perturbations incident to vigorous dispositions; whereas under this Edward, who could neither get nor keep, it seemed to endure the levities' of a Child, though his years, being about twenty and three, might have exempted him from so great infancy of judgement, as his reign discovered.  
(2) Never came Prince to the crown with more general applause than he: so great hopes of doing well, his Victorious father, Edward of 
* Thom. de la Moor.  Winchester had left upon him, besides the right of succession, whose last warning and terrible adjurations you have heard: with the 
* Tho. Walsing.  utter contempt and breach whereof, to the destruction of himself, and his friends, he in a manner auspicated his government.  
(3) After that Edward had in his best manner provided for the 
* Pol. Virg. lib. 18.  affairs of Scotland, where (at Domfrees) many of the Scottish 
* Hect. Boe. lib. 14 Bellind. his tran. lib. 14. cap 9  Lords did their homage to him, as they had to his Father; the first task which he gave of his future behaviours at home, was a rigorous revenge taken by him upon Walter de Langton Bishop of Chester, Treasurer of England, and principal Executor of the last Will of the deceased King, whose body was not as yet interred, but by the care of the Executors, conveyed with funeral pomp to Waltham, and (after sixteen weeks) to Westminster, where under a plain monument the same at this present rests. The bishops crime was a kind of good freedom, which he used in the late King's days, in 
* Thom. Walsingh.  gravely reproving the Prince for his misdemeanours, and shortening his waste of coin by a frugal moderation; and particularly, 
* Fabian. A. R. 28. Edw. 1.  for that he had complained of Peirs Gaveston, whereupon ensued Prince Edward's imprisonment, and the others banishment, and therefore coming now to the Crown, he arrested the Bishop by Sir john Felton Constable of the Tower, and imprisoned him in 
* Wil Packington apud john Stow.  Wallingford Castle, seizing upon all his temporal goods and 
* The Abbot of Saint Alban was compelled to pay great sums which he ought to the Bishop, and the king acquitted him. Lib. Monast. S: Alban. MS. A. D. 1309.  credits, there being not a man in the Realm who durst speak a word on his behalf, (so great displeasure he had conceived, seeking utterly to ruin him) till afterward by means of the Papal authority, he was restored, and in a faint sort reconciled.  
(4) The thing which suited best with his youthful affections, to wit, the marriage of young Isabel, daughter of Philip the Fair, King of France, he performed with wonderful magnificence at Bolein, at which solemnity were present besides all others, The King of France Father to the Bride; The King of 
The meeting of 5 Kings and 4 Queens.  Navarre his son; The King of Almain; The King of Sicill; Marry Queen of France; Margaret Queen Dowager of England, her daughter; The Queen of Navarre. There was also present (as no Sunshine but hath shadow) 
* Tho. de la More.  Peirs of Gaveston, the beloved Minion of this Edward, whose reentertainement the dying King had so seriously forbidden, whom notwithstanding, together with his own new wife, he brought into England.  
(5) This fatal favourite of this young King was a stranger borne, but a 
* Tho. Wals.  Gentleman, and (in regard 
Peirs de Gaveston described.  of good service done by the Father of Peirs in Gascoigne, 
* Ypod. Neust.  brought up (at old king Edward's own appointment) with this Prince: from whom not to derogate in any point, as if he had without some appearances of worth and value embraced Peirs, it is certain (by that which a 
* Tho. de la More  Knight and servitor of this very King hath left written) that he had a sharp wit in a comely shape, and briefly, was such an one, as we use to call very fine; Neither yet was he unhardie in Arms, but of commendable performance, whereof (saith de la Moor) he gave proof against the Scots, (to whom 
* Be●…ind. transl. lib. 14 cap. 9  he was alike hateful as to the English) till he was recalled to satisfy such as (saith their Courtier) did envy his graces, and good success; but of his Christian or moral virtues (which only make men truly commendable) there is great silence in Authors, though not of his vices, whereof we shall have occasion enough to speak hereafter.  
(6) At the Coronation of the King and Queen, (which the Lords would have impeached, had he not promised reasonably to 
* Act. & Mon. p. 459.  satisfy them about Gaveston) none was 
* Tho. de la More  near to Peirs in bravery of apparel, or delicacy of fashion, which (and for that the King gave him 
* Tho. Walls.  S. Edward's Crown to carry in that pomp,) greatly increased the offence of the Lords against him: But he that (having a King to back him) knew no other means to extinguish hatred, but by daring it to the uttermost, spared not afterwards to scoff and reproach the principal Peers, 
* Tho. Walls. in fine Edw. 1.  calling Thomas Earl of Lancaster, Stage-player; Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke, joseph the jew, because he was pale and tall; and Guy Earl of Warwick, the black dog of Ardern: all whom, and others, he at a 
* Idem Tho. Walsingham in Edw. 2.  Turneament by him proclaimed and holden, handled vilely.  
(7) But King Edward was daily more and more possessed with the familiarity of Peirs, who to establish his interest in the unprudent Prince, by sensualities and riotous practices, filled the Court 
* Polyd. Virg.  with buffoons, parasites, and the like pernicious instruments, drawing Edward from the thought of all great enterprises, in accomplishment of his father's will, or discharge of his particular duty, to all sorts of unworthy vanities, and sinful delights; while himself in the mean space reveled in all outward felicity, wasting the riches of the Kingdom, or converting them to his private uses. For (fearing belike that the time might come again to undergo banishment) he transported much treasure into foreign parts, and much he had to transport; for not only by the 
* Tho. Walsingh. lib. S. Alban. MS  sale of his favour with the King, to which there was no speeding approach but by Gaveston, (who used to peize the gifts, more than the causes) but also by the king's prodigality, he had whatsoever could be powered upon him: for (though it might seem incredible) he both gave him his jewels and ancestors treasure, and 
* Chr. Dunstab.  even the Crown itself of his victorious father; not sticking to profess, that (if it lay in him) he should succeed him in the kingdom.  
(8) The Lords (who for reverence of the King sat down by their private injuries, in hope there would 
A. D. 1311. Peirs de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall banished for ever  be a season, in which their Sovereign might by timely and sweet admonitions recover the use of himself,) not thinking it tolerable to be now any longer silent, (and the rather, lest that Peirs, farther abusing his greatness, should 
* Tho. Walsin.  bring in Foreigners, not only to the prejudice of the English laws and customs, but of their authority also and places,) prevailed so much with the King, in a Parliament holden at London (where sundry provisions concerning the liberties of the people, and execution of justice, were enacted, and by corporal oath confirmed by the King himself,) that among them, the decree of Gavestons' perpetual banishment, was by the king (overcome with a mere necessity for satisfaction of the Kingdom, to whom the said Earl of Cornwall was odious) unwillingly suffered to pass; and the king was thereupon regratified with a Subsidy of the twentieth part of the subjects goods. The king also took his Oath not to revoke the said Earl of Cornwall from banishment (if it may be called a banishment) wherein 
* S. Th. de la More  he had the kingdom of Ireland entrusted to his charge, and for the securing thereof against rebels, was furnished with men & money by the king.  
(9) Yet forgetting, that those affections, which 
The Earl of Cornwall revoked.  oftentimes deserve praise in a private person, are subject to much construction in a public, and neglecting both his deceased fathers so solemn adjurations, and also his own oath, as careless of the sequel, he calls Earl Peirs home, with whose love he was most fond, and most passionately transported, and (as if he had received some divine benefit) gave him most joyous welcome at the Castle of Flint in North-wales, and 
* john Stow. Tho. Walls. Tho. de la Moor.  bestowed upon him for wife joan of Acres, Countess of Gloucester his sister's daughter, resolving with himself to retain his Gaveston, maugre all his Earls and Barons, or (for the love of him) to put his Crown and life in peril when time should serve. In which, whether the king or his favourite showed less discretion, it is not at the first sight easily determinable; it being as unsafe for the one, with so offensine behaviour, to affect immoderate show and use of grace, as for the other, to the injury of his name and realm to bestow the same.  
(10) The contemptibilitie and vanity of this effeminate argument detains us longer, then for the 
Is the third time banished, and returns.  quality thereof were fitting, did not so much mischief issue out of it. For Peirs (of his own nature insolent) being thus (above reason, or his own dareings) advanced to alliance with the blood royal, was so far from all amendment, as he rather seemed to strive to outgo himself in his former courses, consuming so much of the king's treasure and means, that he had 
* Tho. Walsingh.  not wherewith to defray ordinary charges, or to pay for the necessaries of his Court. The young Queen also took herself not to be a little wronged by this ungracious man's predominancy, & thereof sent her complaints to the king of France her father, which concerned injuries in the highest kind, as in her bed (the King being drawn by Gaveston to 
* Act & Mon. p. 460. Fabian.  adultery) and in her honour and 
* Tho. Walsingh.  maintenance. Whereupon the Peers of the land, animated by the King of France, so confidently dealt with Edward, that his Earl now the third time did abjure the Realm: but (the King of France and his enemies making foreign parts unsure for him to abide in) he returned in Christmas to the general perturbation of the Kingdom, and to his own certain ruin, for that the Barons (his adversaries) had gotten him banished with this Proviso, 
* Act. & Mon. 461 colom. 1. Tho. Walls.  that if at any time afterward he were taken in England, he should be forthwith apprehended and suffer death. But an Angel from heaven could not seem more welcome, than this most faithful friend (as that 
* Tho. de la More.  Courtier calls him) was unto King Edward, who 
* Continuator Trivet. MS.  forthwith advanced him to be his principal Secretary.  
(11) Upon report of Gavestons' return, the chief Lords, aswell Ecclesiastical as temporal (Walter Bishop of Coventree excepted, 
* Tho. Walls.  who allowed the King's affections towards Gaveston; and procured him to break the former agreements, which were made and sworn in the Parliament at London,) consulted upon a desperate course of reformation in this point, and made choice of Thomas Earl of Lancaster to be their leader. This Thomas was son of Edmund Earl of Lancaster, Leicester and Ferrer, second son of Henry the third King of England, and in right of his wife (after her father's decease, which happened about this time) Earl of Lincoln, Salisbury, and (besides many other great Lands in Yorkshire, Cumberland, and Wales) he had the Earledom of 
* john Stow.  Artoys in Picardy, so that without comparison he was the greatest subject of the Kingdom.  
(12) The Issue of which combination before we pursue, we may not here in our way overslip a strange alteration both here in England, and in all Christendom, by the universal extinguishment of the Order of the Templars, wrought about this time by the procurement of the French King, who being so gracious with Pope Clement, that formerly 
* Nic. Trivet add an. 1306. In those days it was thought the Pope might be an heretic.  he sent Ambassadors to crave of his holiness with great importunity, that the bones of his Predecessor Pope Boniface might be burnt as being an Heretic; so now also he so far prevailed with him, that in the Council at Vienna this so highly esteemed Order, was upon clear proof of their general odious sins, and scarce credible impieties, utterly abolished through Christendom. The French King 
* Fox Martyr●…log. pag. 460.  caused 54. of that Order, together with their Great Master to be burnt at Paris; and though that King hoped to convert all the Lands of that Society to his sons use, whom he intended to make King of jerusalem; yet the Pope and Council annexed their possessions to the Order of the Knight's Hospitalers, called commonly Knights of the Rhodes. Notwithstanding, in England (where such Papal commands went not always for laws) the heirs of the donors, and such as had endowed the Templars here with lands, entered upon those parts of their ancient Patrimonies after the dissolution of the Order, and (saith our 
* Tho. de la More.  Courtier) detained them until not long after, they were by Parliament wholly transferred unto the Knights of the Rhodes, 
* john Stow. Ypod. Neust.  or of S. john of jerusalem.  
(13) King Edward was now at York, and Earl Thomas, according to that which had been concluded among the combined Lords, who resolved to 
A. D. 1312.  try all extremities, rather than any longer to endure Peirs Ga●…eston, (as being persuaded while that King-bane breathed, peace could neither be maintained in the Realm, nor the King abound in treasure, nor the Queen enjoy his love) sent humble 
* Thom. Walsingh  petitions by honourable messengers to their Sovereign, requesting him to deliver the man into their hands, or to drive him from his company out of England. But the self-willed King 
* Act. & Mon. pag. 461. col. 1.  preferring the dearness of one stranger before the love of the whole Realm, would not condescend.  
(14) Afterward, Peirs (whom 
* Polyd. Virg. li. 18  the Earls pursued with an Army) being 
* Chron. R. Auelburie. Tho. de la More. Tho. Walls.  entrusted for his safeguard to Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke, was left by him but one night at a Village or Manor called Dathington between Oxford and Warwick, (being a place neither 
* Tho. de la More  far enough off, nor strong enough) pretending to have conveyed him on the next day to the Castle of Wallingford, the said Aimerie in the mean space departing to lodge with his Countess, who lay hard by: but, the said Aimerie conniving thereat (as our 
* Tho. de la More.  Courtier chargeth him, who also writes, that he took a solemn oath before the king to do his best to safeconduct Gaveston, the king purposing in the mean time to labour his peace with the Lords 
* Ran. Cestr. l. 7. c. 41.  upon any conditions) Guy Earl of Warwick with his people surprised him the same night, and took him to his Castle of Warwick, where in a place called Blacklow (afterward 
* Act. & Mon. pa. 462.  Gaveshead) his head was stricken off at the commandment 
* Tho. de la More.  and in the presence of the Earls of Lancaster, Warwick, and Hereford, 
* Tho. Walls.  as of one that had been a subverter of the laws, and an open Traitor to the Kingdom. In which bold attempt, themselves (who yet pretended so much standing for the liberties of the land,) did most unadvisedly infringe a Capital branch of the same Franchises, in putting to death an Earl, and so dear a friend of the Kings, 
* Continuator Nich. Trivet.  without any judicial proceeding by trial of his Peers, which caused a lasting hatred betwixt the King and his Nobles.  
(15) There wanted nothing now to King Edward but present means to revenge the blood of his friend, or rather of his halfe-selfe, the lack whereof did increase the sorrow he took for his death; which being well known to the Lords, they resolved not to lay down Arms, till they had provided for their security, and the performance of all such points, as concerned the temperament of the Regal power, that (under colour thereof) the Nobles themselves might finger some part of the Sovereign government. The King was then at London, and the Lords at Dunstaple: but by the continual interdealing of the Prelates, and of Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, who stood neutral, the kindling displeasures were for the present allayed, upon condition that the Lords should restore to the King all such things, once belonging to Peirs Gaveston, as they had taken at Newcastle, which they accordingly did.  
(16) King Edward nevertheless, as if his soul were overcast with some black cloud, continued 
Edward of Windsor borne.  mourning, till it pleased God to enlighten the world with the birth of a young Prince, whose noble Acts did afterward redeem all the blemishes wherewith his Father's infelicities had darkened the brightness of the English name, and at this present cleared the mind of the sorrowful King his father: for 
* Ran. Cestr. lib. 7. cap. 41. Fabian.  upon Saint Brices' day, Isabel his Queen brought forth her first son at Windsor, which caused great rejoicing through the Kingdom. Her French kindred and friends (which were there in good numbers of either sex) & among them as chief, the Queens own brother, Lewis the French Kings son, would have had the Infant at his Baptism named Lewis, but the English Lords would 
* Act. & Mon. 462. Col. 1.  not permit, who therefore was after his Fathers and Grandfather's name, called Edward. This was he who afterward raised the honour of English Chivalry to so high a point, by his famous victories in France and elsewhere.  
(17) The evil will which the King bore in his mind against the Barons for their overruling his affections, and the death of Gaveston, by sundry bad offices and sycophancies of the 
* Tho. Walls.  French at Windsor was rubbed so hard upon, that it grew raw again before it was half healed. Therefore in a Parliament at London the king sharply charged those presumptuous Lords with their contempt against him in the spoils they had committed at Newcastle, and (which most afflicted his languishing spirit) in taking, and wickedly killing Peirs Gaveston. To all which, they stoutly answered, 
* Act. & Mon.  that they had not offended in any point, but deserved his royal favour, for that they had not gathered force against him, but against the public enemy of the Realm, etc. How beit, to prevent the feared mischief of civil Arms, by the working of the young Queen, of the Prelates, and Earl of Gloucester, the Lords in open Court at Westminster humbled themselves to the King, praying grace; and the King granted to such of them, as would desire the same, his gracious pardon. The whole house of Parliament seeing the king's wants, of their own accord granted a Fifteenth; & all parts hereupon returned with joy and peace, but not long after the Lord Guy de Beauchampe Earl of Warwick, who in this Parliament was appointed to be of Privy Council with the King, deceased, being (as by the Baron's well-willers 
* Tho. Wals.  it was said) empoisoned by such of the King's secret friends as did malign him.  
(18) The mischievous effects of the King's former misgovernment, began now most perillouslie 
A. D. 1313. Scottish affairs.  to discover themselves. For the Scots his neighbours, who could not be ignorant of all such griefs and maladies as festered in the heart and entrails of England, had long since made their timely use thereof, adhering so to the undaunted Bruce, that by degrees he had gotten a great strength, and was again publicly received, and obeyed for King of Scotland, from most places whereof he 
* Tho. de la Mor. This according to Hector Boeti●…, lib. 14. happened A. D. 1309.  drove the English, and (in contempt of Edward) committed great spoil by slaughter of People, burning of Towns in Northumberland, and other Acts of hostility. The principal charge of Scotland for King Edward had been entrusted to the Lord john Cumin a Scot, Earl of Bucquhan, whom 
* Hector Boet. l. 14. Geo. 〈◊〉.  King Robert had vanquished in battle, and was now (while Edward sat bewitched with most unworthy languishments) grown potent, sending his Brother Edward Bruce to besiege the Castle of Strivelin, which was in the hands of the English.  
(19) The King of England awakened out of his slumbers with these Alarms, marched thereupon with a very great Army toward the said Castle. It 
An. D. 1314. King Edward with a mighty Army in Scotland  pleaseth Hector Boetius (putting off, as it were the Historian) to report marvelous things of the numbers of Soldiers which came with King Edward in this journey; for (if he say true) there were not fewer than one hundredth and fifty thousand horsemen, and as many thousand footmen; and that we may not suspect the multitude to be far greater than either the cause required, or the realm of England could well afford, he informeth us, that besides the English there were in his aid at this time, Hollanders, Zelanders, Brabanders, Flemings, Picards, Boloners, Gascoignes, Normans, with much people of many other Regions; and that besides these three hundredth thousand men of war, there were infinite families with their women, children, servants, and household-stuff: but because other Writers do ingenuously grant, and contain probable matter enough for the honour of the Scottish Nation in this journey, we will as near as we can, (being things to us neither up nor down, in regard of the long time since these hostilities happened,) truly and freely, though briefly inform ourselves hereof.  
(20) The Earls of Lancaster, Warren, Warwick, and Arundel (the greatest Peers of the land) 
* Tho. Wals.  refused to attend their King in this service, for that he had delayed to ratify the points of their desired liberties, and provisions for the pretended better government of England, by himself so often consented unto. In which as their loyal affection cannot be much admired: so it is certain, that King Edward hereby undertook that voyage with far the less force either of men or counsel. Nevertheless his host was great enough (if numbers did sway in such affairs, more than religion, discipline, and valour,) to have effected more than itself did suffer. But King Edward and his people rather seemed to go toward a Wedding or a Triumph, then to a battle, 
* Tho. de la Mort Tho. Walsingh. Polyd. Verg lib. 18 Bellind. the Scotish transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. cap. 11.  adorning themselves with all sorts of riches, gold, silver, and the like toys, in a kind of wanton manner, correspondent to the humour of the Prince whom they followed.  
(21) In this journey it was made manifest, what true and sober valiancy could effect against light bravery and insolency. King Robert lodged with his forces (being inferior in numbers to the English) not far off, where was nothing but a religious, 
* Hect. Boet.  devout and modest care, quickened (after manifold calamities, with a most noble desire to recover the liberty of their Country, and to settle the same into the hope whereof they were the rather erected by a fresh victory, which they had obtained that day upon certain of the English 
* Tho. UUalsingh. Hect. Boet. lib. 14.  horsemen. King Edward on the contrary part nothing esteeming so slight a presage, resolved upon the very next (being Midsummer, or Saint john Baptists day) to take a terrible revenge upon the Scots: but how to effect the same the care was not excessive; for in his Camp, 
* Th. de la Mo●….  Wassail, and Drinkehaile were thundered extraordinarily, as accounting themselves sure of the victory: which kind of impiousselfe-trust, if God Almighty did not sometime scourge with just and terrible confusions, what outrages would not be executed.  
(22) far otherwise the Bruces Army: which by his commandment spent 
* Bellind. trans●…. lib. 14 cap. 1.  the evening in making humble confession of their sins, that they might (saith our Author) be ready on the morrow to receive the blessed Sacrament, as accordingly they did: Moreover to leave nothing undone which might advance their cause; the Scots had digged before their Battalions, certain 
* Hect. Boet. lib. 14 ca 11.  trenches or dikes 
* Tho. de la More  three foot deep, and three foot broad, which (having fixed 
* Hect. Boet. l●…. q●… supra.  sharp stakes in them with their points upward) they covered so with 
* Th●… la Mo●….  hurdles, that footmen treading warily) might pass, but not troops of horse. Next to God's anger against the English, (whom courtly Pride and Sloth had now effeminated) this stratagem was the cause of their ruin: for whereas they reposed much upon their Cavallerie, in these Pit-falles, the fury of their charge was intercepted and broken, the riders being miserably slain by the Scots, whom King Robert marching foremost on foot, had presented most courageously to the enemy.  
(23) The King of England not altogether careless, neither yet by his care able to do much (as 
The English overthrown at Bannock●…bourne.  one whom God was not well pleased with) had ordered his battles with some advise, but upon the dismal and unexpected discomfiture of his horse in those mischievous holes or ditches, was enforced, (after some troubled resistance) to leave to the Scots the greatest victory that ever they had before or after. 
* Tho. Wals●….  Hardly could K. Edward be drawn to fly: the courage which it became such a Monarch to have then first disclosing itself, till by his friends he was enforced to seek his preservation by that more necessary than noble means, and with him (besides others) the Lord Hugh Spencer (whom our 
* Tho. de la M●…. U●…s 〈◊〉.  Courtier calls a ●…aint hearted Kite) betook himself to like remedy.  
(24) All things proved unfortunate to the English in this journey, for when they perceived their Cavallerie thus miserably overthrown in the ditches, they shot their arrows compass, with purpose to kill or gall such Scots as came to the execution, but did them little or no harm, as they who were armed in the foreparts, and in stead of that, 
* Tho. de la Mo●….  slew their friends, whose backs being toward them were unarmed.  
(25) The loss fell much upon the Noblest, for there were slain in this Battle, 
* Hect. Boet. l. 14. Tho. de la Moor. Ypod. Ne●…st.  Gilbert Earl of Gloucester (a man of singular valour and wisdom) the Lord Robert de Clifford, and besides other Lords, about 
* Tho. Wals.  seven hundredth Knights, esquires, and men of Armouries. Of the rest the slaughter could not be but great, though much the less, in regard the Scots fought on foot. Hector saith, that there were not slain fewer than fifty thousand English, no Writer else, that hitherto we can meet with, exceeds the fifth part of that number; the riches gotten by spoils and ransoms of the English, were doubtless very great. Among the number of prisoners, the principal was H●…y de Bohun Earl of Hereford, but recovered af●…rd by exchange for King Robert's wife, who all this while was detained in England. This battle was fought at Banocksbourne near Strivelin in Scotland.  
(26) From this overthrow King Edward escaping to Berwicke, King Robert (who to his great glory, as having himself been trained up among the English, used such as were taken prisoners with singular 
* Ypod. Neust.  humanity) sent thither to him the bodies of the Earl of Gloster, & Lord Clifford, that they might receive honourable interrement among their own friends. But Edward (under whose unfortunate leading the English name sustained so great dishonour and damage) withdrew to York, resolving (therein only Princelike) to assemble new force, and either to be revenged, or to die. But 
* Polyd. Ver. li. 7. cap. 41. An. D. 1314.  all enterprises and attempts of that nature miscarried, for above twelve years after; insomuch that great fear reigned among the Northern English, who lay open to the first brunts and violences of the Scots, over whom many fair days shone. And to augment the calamities of the North, many of the disloyal English 
* Tho. Walsingh. Ypod. Neust.  conspired with the enemy, and jointly spoiled the west parts of Northumberland, nothing being secure, but that which walls defended.  
(27) God, to humble the English, who through long prosperities had forgotten both themselves & him, drew not back his heavy hand so; for seldom 
A. D. 1315. The woeful estate of England under the three plagues of Sword, dearth and pestilence.  hath so terrible a famine been heard of here, as succeeded to this overthrow: so that for moderation of prices, a Parliament was assembled at London: but (saith Walsingham) as if God had been displeased at the said rates (which not long after were repealed) 
though de la More. Tho. Walls.  things grew scarser day by day: and the dearth was generally such, that upon Saint Laurences Eve, there was scarcely bread to be gotten for sustentation of the Kings own family. This famine which lasted about two years was accompanied with much mortality of people.  
(28) But neither the dishonours taken in Scotland, nor innumerable afflictions and discontentments at home, made Edward suspend the celebration of his Gavestons' funerals; whose Body with great pomp he caused to be transferred from the place of his 
Gavestons' funerals.  former burial, (which was among the friars Preachers at Oxford) to Kings-Langley in Hertfordshire, where he in person with the Archbishop of Canterbury, four Bishops, many Abbots, and principal Churchmen did honour the exequys, but few were present of the Nobility, whose great stomachs would not give them leave to attend. Somewhat also to sweeten these general acerbities, Lewelin Bren and his two sons, were brought up prisoners to London, having burnt many towns upon the Marches, and committed some murders with their Welsh adherents. 
A. D. 1316.   
(29) Meanwhile the state of the Kingdom was miserable, there being no love betwixt the King and the Peers, nor any great 
* Tho. UUals.  care in him or them of the common affairs; nevertheless they assembled at a Parliament in London, where no great matter was concluded: for the famine and pestilence increased. The famine was grown so terrible, that horse, dogs, yea men and children were stolen for food, and (which is horrible to think) the thieves newly brought into the gaols, were torn in pieces, and eaten presently half alive, by such as had been longer there. In London it was proclaimed, that no corn should be converted to Brewer's uses, which Act the King (moved with compassion toward his Nation) imitating, caused to be executed through all the Kingdom; otherwise (saith Walsingham) the greater part of the people had died with penury of bread. The bloody flux or dysentery caused through raw and corrupt humours engendered by evil meat and diet, raged every where, and together with other maladies brought such multitudes of the poorer sort to their end, that the living could scarce suffice to bury the dead.  
(30) The King was now in so great dislike and 
An. D. 1317.  distrust with the Lords and Barons, that they would not appear at Clarendon, where he held a great Council. To augment this fatal aversion, a certain Knight belonging to john Earl Warren, stole away from Caneford in Dorsetshire, the wife of Thomas Earl of Lancaster (chief of the Lords faction) not without the King's consent (as it was said) and brought her to the said Earl Warrens Castle at Rigate, with great pomp, and in despite of the Earl; whom one Richard de Saint Maurice, a wretched, lame, and bunchbackt Dwarf challenged for wife, pretending that he was formerly contracted, and had lain with her, which she (the greatest and noblest Inheretrix of her time) did openly confess, to her immortal infamy, incurring alas (saith Walsingham) the public note of a most filthy strump●…t. This deformed Elf (having mighty seconds) durst hereupon claim the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury as in her right, and in the mean time, the name and honour of Thomas the great Earl was baffold, as it were, by a light and wicked woman.  
(31) The parts of England beyond Humber, were now more and more afflicted; for such as till then had opposed themselves against the Scots in defence of the Country, perceiving all things left at large, in stead of Protectors became Tyrants, 
* Tho. Walsing.  saith our Author; of defenders, destroyers; and of valiant Champions, treacherous Chapmen; so that as between the hammer and the anvil, the Scots upon the one side, and these false English on the other, all was lamentable, and brought in a manner to nothing: and this face of things continued there about four years.  
(32) Neither did the King seem to have any will or power to relieve the common calamities, but rather to convert his whole both wits and forces upon revenges against the Lords, who under pretence of their extorted provisions, manifestly withdrew their loves, service and duties from him. wherefore feeling himself thus weak and disfurnished, he besought the spiritual assistance of Pope john the two and twentieth; who thereupon sent certain Cardinals to set all things in quiet without bloodshed. Between the King and Earl of Lancaster they established a peace, who, in a 
* Tho. de la More.  certain plain near Leicester met, embraced and kissed each other; but when they could not work the like with the Scots, they put that Country under Interdict.  
(33) For they (as it is the manner of prosperity) 
An. D. 1318 Edward Bruce king of Ireland vanquished by the English, and slain.  after the victory at Banocksbourne, which clearly got them Scotland, did begin to bethink themselves of gaining new Empire in Ireland. Thither Edward Bruce Brother of King Robert had passed with an Army, procuring 
* Bellind. 〈◊〉. lib. 14. cap. 12. Tho. Wals.  himself to be crowned King thereof by favour of some of the Irish Nobility, whom nevertheless about three years from his first entrance, the English under the conduct of the 
* Th. de la More.  Archbishop of Armagh, and of john Lord Brinningham 
* Pol. Virg. lib. 1●….  justiciar of Ireland, valiantly encountered, where, together with his late usurped Kingdom, he lost his life. There were slain in that battle many honourable Scots, besides the new King Edward, and above 
* Tho. Wals.  five thousand others: his head was cut off 
* Tpod. Neust. Polyd. V●…g. lib. 18  at Dundalke (saith Walsingham) but Hector Boetius writes that he was slain in the battle itself. Thus did God temper one with another, and the just rejoicement which the Scots had conceived of their so happy victory over the English at Banocksbourne, was soured with this loss.  
(34) But King Robert (as a most expert and vigilant Prince) did not suffer this joy to continue long to the English, for by practice with one 
* Hector. Boet. lib. 14. Tho. Wals. Pol. Virg. lib. 18.  Peter Spalding to whom King Edward had entrusted the keeping of Berwicke, he recovered it from the English, saith 
* Cap 17.  Harding, By treaty, with Peace, Spalding, and treason; after it had remained twenty years in their possession; which when King Edward thought to have won again, the Scots diverted him from the siege, with incursions and slaughters of his people in other parts of England, not failing much of surprising the Queen in a village not far from York, where she sojourned during the siege at Berwicke, the plot being laid, and drawn▪ between the Scots and some perfidious English, whom King Robert had movied for that purpose. But Spalding after the treason done had the reward of a 
* joh. Stow. Harding c. 172.  Traitor, for King Robert put him to death.  
(35) To give some breathe after these so manifold troubles, a truce was agreed upon and confirmed 
The beginning of civil wars.  between the two Kings of England and of Scotland, for the space of two years, which brought forth confusion and not refreshment. For thus it happened; The King upon the commendation of the 
* Tho. de la More  Lords themselves, had made Hugh de Spenser Lord Chamberlain, who being at the least of equal insolence, vices, and ambition to Gaveston, so wrought that he succeeded in short time to all the graces of familiarity and power which ever Gaveston enjoyed, as in like sort to all his hatred and envy. Hugh his father an ancient Knight, the better to strengthen his sons courses, was likewise employed, and grew in special favour with the King, who afterward also created him Earl of Winchester, but the father in manners unlike to the son, was ruined rather by a natural tenderness, than any malicious will. The son, as he was of shape most lovely, so the very spirit itself of pride and rapine, carried him to all sorts of intolerable behaviours and oppressions, that Gaveston might with good reason seem to be wished for again. Against these two, who wholly swayed the unfortunate King, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, 
The Spensers banished.  and in a manner all the Barons of the Kingdom, (who meant the King should love none but with their leave) did swell with such impatience, that (not contented with the waist of their lands) they never rested till (by the terror of civil Arms) those two favourites (father and son) were banished; they thus revenging under public pretexts both public injuries and 
* Tho. Walsin.  their own.  
(36) In all contentions which happened between the King and his Lords, Queen Isabel had ever hitherto 
A. D. 1321.  been a maker of Peace, doing therein worthy offices, but the evil stars of the Earls of Lancaster and Hereford would not suffer her to continue any longer so: for the Queen being denied lodging one night at the Castle of Leedes in Kent, which belonged to the Lord of Badlesmere (one of the Earl's faction) she withdrew her good conceit, and was an author to the King of presently revenging that dishonour, who upon her complaint, came in person with many thousand Soldiers before the Castle, took the 
* Holinsh. p. 331. col. 2.  Captain, and put both him and all the men therein to shameful death. Moreover, longing to be righted against the Lords for their late insolences, marched on to Circester taking many Castles, and besieging others: The Lords (who little suspected any such sudden assaults) providing in the mean time for their defence.  
(37) Thither repaired to him (at his commandment) Hugh Spenser the son, who had hovered upon the Sea, expecting from thence the success of 
King Edward pursues the Lords. Polyd. Verg. li. 8. A. D. 1322.  things upon the land. The Lords, who had fallen from their Sovereign's good conceit, and wanting now their wont Mediatri●… the Queen, lay open to all the mischief which enemies could work them by the King, who (as taking his regal power and authority to be in danger) resolved wisely and manfully, to die in the quarrel, or to bring the Lords to be at his commandment. Mean time the judgement given against the Spensers was reversed as erroneous, and their revocation decreed at London by the 
* Tho. de la More.  Archbishop of Canterbury and his Suffragans.  
(38) The Lords not all of a like temper began to misdoubt, and many of them forsook their Chief; (the Earl of Lancaster) and rendered themselves to the King, or were apprehended; among which were the two Rogers Mortimer, who were committed 
* Tho. Walsingh. Tho. de la More.  to the Tower of London, and others to Wallingford Castle. The faction weakened by this defection made head in the North, under the Earl of Lancaster, who now was to sight for his life. Thither the King marcheth, and with the only show of his Army, made the Earl to fly from Burton upon Trent, whose forces in their retreat or flight behaved themselves outrageously.  
(39) But God's heavy displeasure, and the Arm of the King's power left them not so: for at Burrowbrigge, Humphrey de Bohun was slain by a Welshman, who thrust him into the body with a Spear from under the Bridge; and the Earl of Lancaster himself with other principal men, Barons and knights, to the number of above 
* Th' de la More.  fourscore and ten were taken prisoners, by a man of small fortunes, Andrew de Herckley Captain of the City of Carlisle, and Sir Simon Ward, 
* Tho. Wals.  Captain of York, who with great forces out of those parts, stopped their farther passage at Burrowbrigge, as the King's forces took all safeguard from them behind.  
(40) The third day after their apprehension, the 
* Tho. Walsing. Execution of Nobles.  King in person being set in judgement at Pontfract, and with him Edmund Earl of Kent, Aymerie Earl of Pemb●…ke, john de Warren Earl of Surrey, and among 
* Holinsh. p. 330 col. 2.  others, the Lord Hugh de Spenser the Father, as also 
* Ypod. Neust.  Hugh Spenser his son; the Earl of Lancaster was brought before them, and had sentence pronounced against him 
* Tho. de la More.  by the said Andrew de Herckley (created afterward Earl of Carliel) and the King's justiciar, the 
* holinsh. p. 331. col. 1.  Lord Maplesthorpe, as against an Archtraitor; nevertheless, for reverence of his blood (being the Kings near Kinsman) drawing and hanging were remitted unto him, but his head was stricken off the same day without the Town of Pontfract.  
(41) Nor satisfied herewith, the King gave full way to revenge, putting to shameful death, by drawing, 
* Act. & Mon. p. 463. col. 2 john Stow.  hanging, and (as some write) 
* Tho. Wals.  quartering in sundry places, all the Barons (the Lord Roger D'amarie only excepted, who died of his natural death) with sundry Baronet's and Knight's taken at Burroughbrig and elsewhere. The Lord Badlesmere (at whose house this tragical fire began) was executed at Canterbury. And that so great and mighty a man as Thomas Earl of Lancaster, should not seem to die without a bloody complement suitable to his condition; there were hanged and quartered upon the same day at Pontefract 
* Holinsh. p. 331. col. 2.  five or 
* joh. Stow.  six Barons; and the next day at York were hanged in iron chains, the Lords Clifford, Mowbray, Dey-uill; and others afterward 
* Act. & Mon pa. 463. col. 2. Fabian.  in other places, to the number in all (though all of them not Barons) of 
* Continu. Nich. Trivet. MS.  twenty and two, the chiefest Captains of the Realm suffered death for their disloyalties. Threescore and twelve Knights 
* Tho. de la Moor saith but about 18. and 5. banished.  more were dispersed into sundry prisons, who (saith De la Moor) upon fines paid had afterward their Liberties.  
(42 (As for the said Thomas Earl of Lancaster, there are so many reasons why he cannot reasonably 
The quality of Earl Thomas described.  be judged either a good subject or a good man, that we may worthily wonder why some at that time should repute him a Saint. Certainly, the wise and discreet old Writers are not so opinionated of him; but note his private life for 
* R●…l. Higden. Mo●…st. Cestren●… Polych. l. 7. c. 42.  vicious, himself to be nothing 
* S. Th. de la More & Polych. ib.  valorous, and of the public 
* Thom. Walsingh.  not well deserving, omitting his contumelious behaviours toward the King his Sovereign Lord in his discomforts, which as Walsingham forgets not to relate, so thinks he that the like was worthily used toward that Earl himself, who, when he was brought prisoner to Pontfract (his own Castle but then surrendered) the whole multitude derided, and called him in scorn King Arthur: by which name he was designed (as 
* Holinsh. p. 329. col. 2.  some write) in the Scottish cipher intercepted, proving a conspiracy with Scots: but the very shop, where his and the other Barons original Treasons were forged, was the Parliament house, wherein from time to time, they forced on the King presumptuous and treasonous Ordinations, whereby the Peers challenged, 
* Continu. Nich. Trivet. MS.  not only to reform the King's house and Council, and to place and displace all great Officers at their pleasure, but even a joint interest in the Regiment of the Kingdom together with the King, which William Inge (a judge of the Common-Law) with other like sticklers, traitorously persuading them to be according to Law.  
(43) Of his ill deservings toward the commonweal (who for the good thereof could not digest any indignity) let this be a kind of demonstration: for when King Edward having by straight siege brought 
though Walls. ad A. D. 1319.  Berwicke near to terms of yielding, chanced once to break forth (after his vain manner) into these words; The Lord Hugh Spenser shall be captain of the Castle, when it is taken: the Earl forthwith with others of his affection abandoned the service: by reason of which departure, it was thought that Berwicke was not as then obtained, 
* Continu. Nich. Trivet. MS.  and that the enemy thereby had great advantage in all their attempts. The names of such Barons (besides Banerets, and some few others of special note) as perished by hatchet and halter for this business, as out of so great variety of Writers we could now gather them were, 
At 
* joh. Stow. Chron. Wil Risanger. apud Wal●….  Pontfrait, 


Thomas Earl of Lancaster.  
The Lord Warren Lile.  
The Lord William Tochet.  
The Lord Thomas Mandute.  
The Lord Henry de Bradburne. 
Thom. Walsingh.   
The L. William Fitz-willian the younger.  
The Lord William Cheyney.     
At 
* john Stow.  York. 


The Lord Roger Clifford, son of that Robert Lord Clifford, who was slain by the Scots with Gilbert Earl of Gloster, at the battle of Banocksbourne in the service of this King.  
The Lord john Mowbray.  
The Lord josceline Deynuile.     
At Gloster. 
The Lord 
* holinsh. p. 331. col. 2.  john Gifford-   
At London, 
The Lord 
* Tho. Walsingh.  Henry Teyes.   
At Windsor, 
The Lord Frances de 
* Holinsh. p. 331. col. 2.  Aldenham.   
At Canterbury, 


The 
* Tho. Walsing.  L. Bartholomew de Badlesmere,  
The 
* holinsh qu. supra, and Fabian.  L. Bartholomew de Ashburnham.     Never did English earth at one time drink so much blood of her Nobles in so vile manner shed as at this, which, whatsoever could be pretended (as doubtless their offence was capital) yet all was taken to be done as in the quarrel of the Spensers only, nor was it unrevenged, as will appear: in the mean space their enemies not contented with their blood, procured also the 
* Fabian. Holinsh. p. 332. c. 1.  confiscation of their estates and inheritances.  
(44) King Edward thinking that this exploit had made him terrible aswell to the Scots, as it had done to the English, marcheth with a mighty host into Scotland, from whence not long after (for want of victuals 
King Edward endangered by the Scots. ) he was compelled to return without the honour of any achievement, and being 
* Tho. de la More. Tho. Wels.  upon his return, was suddenly by Scots assailed in the night, very narrowly escaping in his own person, and with a few saved himself by flight, leaving his 
* Tpod. Neust.  treasure & furniture for pillage, and so came sorrowful to York. john de Britain Earl of Richmond, was taken prisoner by the enemy, and the rest of the Country defaced with destructions as far as to the walls of that City.  
(45) Thus 
* Tho. de la More  passed this year, to the English full of loss, reproach, and lamentation, by reason of their intestine discord and the shambles of their Nobles: to the King infamous, and hateful also for his unfortunate journey into the Northern parts, etc. But these bloody and tempestuous winds blew some to profit; for 
* Fabian.  during the space of about five years after, the fortune of the Spencers hugely increased, and the Queens decreased, who (for her relenting toward the Lords, & expressing some dislikes of these ranckly-growing weeds) was grown to bear a share in the persecution. And that these with such like violent men working upon the King's inclination, were the only Authors of that sharp revenge taken upon the Lords, for their particular and inglorious enrichment (for what else can we call the same, since that they betrayed thereby their Sovereign's Crown and Life to speedy destruction?) let it by this in part appear, and move the world the rather to pity the seduced.  
(46) Among them who were condemned for rising with the Earl of Lancaster, there was one of a 
A. D. 1323. Ki●…g Edward most bitte●…ly upbraids the Earl of Lancaster's death.  mean Family, for whose life nevertheless, because he had once served in Court, and was pleasing to some of the Grands, or Potent favourites therein, many interceded, and pressed the king so far on his behalf, that he broke out into these 
* Walsingham c●… them verba imperij.  most vehement words; A plague upon you, for cursed whisperers, malicious backe-biters, wicked counsellors, entreat you so for the life of a most notorious knave, who would not speak one word for the life of my near Kinsman, that most noble Knight Earl Thomas? Had he lived, we and our whole Realm should have had special need and use of him. This fellow the longer he lives, the more villainies he will commit, as having already filled my Kingdom with his desperate outrages. By the soul of God he shall therefore die the death he hath deserved.  
(47) By this than it is evident, that these tragedies against the Lords were exploited by others; in which it is plain that this King (otherwise so devout to God, so noble and so full of natural good propensions) was fatally overwrought by wicked counsel; though he therein be inexcusable, for good nature (as we call it) cannot satisfy for public errors. But the condemned man was forth with put to death accordingly; the King being most highly offended, that none had entreated him on the Earl's behalf, whom (saith Walsingham) he did in wardlie love. Nevertheless, he had not long before created the elder Spenser Earl of Winchester, and decked the plume of his fortunes with a toppe-feather taken out of the said late Earl of Lancaster's estate, that is to say, with the Castle and honour of 
* Tho. Walsin.  Donington, parcel of the Earldom of Lincoln. Having thus far showed the original of the mischief, we will hasten now to the last Act or Catastrophe of our Edward's tragedy, only we will first remember some intercurring matters.  
(48) You have heard before, how that the Cardinals sent from the Pope, had (in favour of the English) put Scotland under Interdict; wherefore King Robert now at last dispatched the Bishop of Glascow, and Thomas Randolfe Earl of Murrey to Rome, for obtaining release and absolution, but they returned without effecting it. Whereupon King Robert moved to have a truce for thirteen years, which King Edward accordingly granted, and the Pope 
* Pol. Vir●…. lib. 1●….  then absolved the Scots. The matters of Scotland seemed thus to be sufficiently provided for during that time, and the rather for that somewhat before the motion for truce, the King had caused the newly created Earl of Carlisle Andrew de Herkley to be degraded, hanged, drawn and quartered for treason, which he was convinced to have entered into with the Scots, upon 
* Tho. Wals.  whom he had before done special services, as having for that cause the Castle and City of Carlisle committed to his government. The truce with Scotland being thus confirmed, the King makes his progress through the 
* Ypod. Neust.  Counties of York and Lancaster, and the Marches of Wales, from whence the late seditious had their nourishments, taking wise & careful courses for ministration of justice there, and prevention of like inconveniences, by punishing their Authors severely. And justices 
* Chron. Dunst. apud john Stow.  void of all corruption, were appointed elsewhere.  
(49) In the mean space, the new King of France Charles the fifth, a most earnest enemy to the English 
A. D. 1324. An. Reg. 17. The I. Roger Mortimer escapes out of the Tower  men's possessions there, sought occasions of quarrel with King Edward, who while he consuled at home how to order that affair, the young L. Roger Mortimer, one whom the Devil saith our 
* Tho. de la More  Courtier) reserved to kindle new dissension with, and to stir up a most miserable civil war, having corrupted his Keepers, or (as some others write) having potioned them with 
* Ypod. Neust.  a sleepy drink, escaped out of the Tower of London, getting over clearly without any impeachment into France.  
(50) The Spensers both father and son, the one thus created Earl of Winchester, and the other Earl of Gloucester, aspiring to the fullness of command, and desirous to leave nothing in their eye, which might stumble their sway with the King, failed not to beget immortal enmities both against themselves and the King. The Queen took their carriage so heinously, because (besides other things) they had abridged her means of maintenance, (while themselves abounded in all riches and magnificence) as she complained 
* S. Th. de la More  That the daughter and sole heir of the king of France was married to a gripple miser, and that being promised to be a Queen, she was become no better than a waiting woman, living upon a pension from the Spensers.  
(51) Thus was the matter, and as it were, the embryon, of their common destruction laid, and begun in the impotency of a woman's will, to help out the which with shrewd drifts and directions, they increase her side with Adam Bishop of Hereford, by stripping him out of all his Temporalties as a Traitor, for that he had supported the Mortimers in the Baron's quarrel. This Adam (saith our Knight) was a man of most subtle wit, and in all worldly policies profound, daring to do great things and factious withal, who for this cause conceiving deepest hate, and therefore easily growing dear to the Queen, made a great secret party. To which Henry Burwash Bishop of Lincoln, who (for like causes) had been kept from his temporalties (about two years) joined himself. Neither would the Spensers' avarice suffer them to weaken the multitudes of their enemies, for they sold the King's gracious favour to such as had been in the Baron's quarrel, at so great rates that they by granting away lands and Manors to the said Lords Spensers for their pardons etc. very many of the Nobles were impoverished. To be short, the royal power being in the hands of the Spensers, and Roger Baldock Chancellor, or of their Creatures and Favourites; this other faction had the general discontentments of the Realm to work upon for their advantage.  
(52) The King thus guiding himself, and having sent his Brother Edmund Earl of Kent (upon 
An. D. 1325.  notice of the first troubles) with Forces into Gascoigue, who gave some little stay for a time to the French proceedings, till they might otherwise be provided for, it came to this point at last: that whereas the King had a purpose to have gone in person into France, the Spensers who were afraid to be severed from his person, the only reverence whereof they knew to be their safeguard, and yet not daring to attend him thither, or stay behind, 
* Tho. Walsingh.  persuaded the King contrary to the minds of all the rest, that the Queen (who sought it) should go and negotiate her husband's affair in France. She did so; and whereas before her departure, things were in great extremity between the two Nations, insomuch that all the French were banished out of England, not they who were attendant on the Queen herself in nearest place being spared, all matters by her negotiation and suit were quieted; upon condition that King Edward should give to his son Edward of Windsor (afterward King) the Duchy of Aquitaine, and Earldom of Pontine, for which the king of France was pleased to accept his said young nephews homage.  
(53) This was done, and the Prince sent over for that purpose to his mother, to the utter undoing of the King his Father, and of all his favourites. For the heir of England being in foreign parts, among the contrary faction, all the consultation was (under colour of ruining the Spensers,) to accomplish farther matters. The Prince, having (at Boys de Vincens) done his homage for that Duchy and County to his uncle Charles de Valois King of France, was (as also the Queen his mother) sent for back by the King about Michaelmas; but the Queen's conspiracy being not yet ripe, she deferred to obey, detaining her son still.  
(54) There went over with the young Prince, among many others, Walter Stapleton, Bishop of 
Polyd. Verg. li. 18.  Excester, who perceiving into what familiarity the Lord Roger Mortimer was grown with the Queen, which 
* Tho. Wals.  seemed greater than either stood with her honour or duty, and seeing both him and other of the King's enemies, and fugitives enjoy that privacy in counsel, which was assigned to himself, who was now (as being none of theirs) 
* Th. de la More.  excluded, returned secretly (though unsent for) into England, faithfully (as it became a good man) declaring his knowledge.  
(55) The King now clearly beholding his error in his dangers 
* Polyd. Ver. li. 18 The Queen and Prince proclaimed Traitors.  solicited the King of France to send home his wife and son, but that not succeeding, he caused them 
* Tho. Walls. Polyd. Verg. lib. 18. Fabi●…n. Their death plotted by the King.  openly in London to be proclaimed enemies of the Kingdom, banishing them with all their adherents out of the same. For his more assurance also he caused the Ports to be most narrowly watched. Finally, to draw all his dangers to a short dispatch, there was (as was supposed) a plot laid for 
* M. Fox. Act. & Mon. p. 464. col. 1.  making away the Queen and Prince, but God's will was to frustrate it.  
(56) The Queen, on the other side, fearing that the 
* Ypod. Neust.  Spensers' gold had laid trains to blow her whole proceedings up in France, kept herself out of the way, till with the Prince, the Lord Roger Mortimer, and other their adherents, they were safely gotten into Henault: There might be some other reason also and necessary to move Queen Isabel to depart out of France, beside the doubt of that kind of corruption in the Peers thereof: as to turn off a war from thence being her native Country, which for her cause was afflicted in the Sea-strengthes thereof; for Sir john Oturwin, Sir Nicholas Kiried, and Sir 
The English scour the narrow seas.  john de Felton, with the Navy of the Ports, and of other places, had by commission from the King so scoured the narrow Scas, that they within a short time brought into England as lawful prize, 
* though Wals.  an hundredth and twenty Norman ships or vessels. Moreover, whereas those two Bishops which the Pope had sent, were returned sorrowful out of England, not only without doing any good on her behalf, but also without hope of doing any, she might easily be persuaded that the sword must do it, or nothing.  
(57) But in Henault she found most honourable and loving welcome of the Earl, where, therefore 
An. D. 1326. A. reg. 19  (without the consent or advise of the Peers of England) she insured (saith our 
* Tho. de la More.  Author) that delight and terror of the whole world, her son, being then about fourteen years old, to Philippe the said Earls daughter, and with the money of her portion waged soldiers out of Henault and Germany, to transport into England. There her friends expected her arrival daily, of which the Bishops of Hereford and Lincoln were not meanest: Her men and Navy being now ready, she with her son the Prince, the Lord Edmund Earl of Kent his uncle, 
* Harding. c. 176.  Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke, the Lord john of Henault, the Earl of Henaults brother (a valiant Gentleman) the Lord Roger Mortimer, and many other Englishmen of name and note, with above two thousand and seven hundred Henowayes and Germans, under the leading of the said Lord john, arrived at Orwell in Suffolk upon the Friday before Saint Michael's day.  
(58) Her arrival being reported to the King (who was, poor Prince, not only destitute of friends and 
The king's proceedings after the Queen's arrival.  means, but as it seems, of courage, and counsel also) it did not at first seem credible. The truth appearing, he demanded assistance of the City of London, whose answer was, That they would honour with all duty, the King, the Queen, and Prince, but would shut their gates against foreigners, and traitors to the Realm, and with all their powers withstand them. In this answer the King and his few friends reposing no assurance, he committed an error worse than that former of sending his son out of England, by retiring himself into the West, with his inseparable favourites the Spensers, Baldock and others there, to raise a force against the Queen: but before he went, he left his other son, the Lord john (called of Eltham) in the Tower of London with the Countess of Gloucester, the King's Niece, wife to the younger Spenser Earl of Gloucester, committing the Tower itself to Sir john de Weston, who was well provided of men and victuals. He commanded all men also to destroy and kill the Queen's partakers, none excepted but herself, her son, and Edmund Earl of Kent, the King's brother by the Father, and that none, upon pain of death, and loss of all that they might lose, should aid or assist them: and that he should have a thousand pound, who did bring the Lord Mortimer's head. Thus took he his last leave of London, and in a manner also of his Rule or Domination.  
(59) On the contrary part, there repaired to the Queen the Earl Martial, and Henry Earl of Leicester, the Bishops of Lincoln, Hereford, Ely, and of Barons, Knights, and armed Soldiers no small multitude, whom aswell to retain, as to draw more, letters and rumours flew about, declaring (though falsely) that the King of France had in the aid of his sister sent so many Dukes, Earls, and others, that England could scarce suffice to feed them. This, for such whom the opinion of warlike strength would win: but those whom show of Religion might move, it was as cunningly, and as falsely spread, that the Pope had excommunicated all such as did take arms against the Queen, and (the more to 
Thom. de la Moor.  countenance the fiction) that two Cardinals employed about the Premises, were seen in the Queens Campe. Then was it proclaimed that the causes of her coming were to deliver the Realm from the misleaders of the King, which were named to be the Spensers, Roger Baldock Bishop of Norwich, Lord Chancellor and their Fautors; all others to be 
Ypod. Neust.  safe, and that nothing should be taken from any other subject without true payment; but finally, that he who brought the younger Spensers head should have two thousand pounds. These things first thus ordered, the Queen with her son and whole power pursues the King (as it had been agreed by the Council of war) taking first her way to Oxford: where the 
* Tho. de la Moor.  whole University being called together, in the presence of the Queen, the Prince, Roger Mortimer and the rest of that troup, the Bishop of Hereford (the Queen's bosom Counsellor) preaching to them on this Text, 
* 2 Kin. c. 4. v. 19  My head, my head acheth, delivered to them the reasons of the Queens coming with her Army, concluding (more like a Butcher then a Divine) that an aching & sick head of a kingdom, was of necessity to be taken off, and not to be tampered with by any other physic.  
(60) The Londoners in favour of the Queen, and hatred of the Spensers committed sundry outrages, 
The Londoners for the Queen.  besides bloody sacrilege in cutting off the Bishop of Excesters' head, and some others (whom the King had made Guardian of London) in their popular fury, among the which one of them was a Citizen of their own john le Marchal, who had been of the younger Spensers acquaintance. The Tower of London they get into their possession, placing and displacing the Garrison and Officers therein at their pleasure, under the name of the Lord john of Eltham, the King's second son, whom they proclaimed Custos of the City, and of the Land. They also set at liberty all prisoners, which by the popular Queen's commandment was done through the whole Realm: and all banished men and fugitives were revoked; who all 
* Ex Hist. quae Brut. dicitur. MS  flocking unto London, brought no small increase to her forces.  
(61) Whither in the mean space doth woeful Edward fly? what force, what course, what way takes he poor Prince? O fearful condition of so great a monarchs State, when a Wife, a Son, a Kingdom are not trusted, and those only are trusted who had nothing strong, but a will to live and die with him. The Queen passing from Oxford to Gloucester (onward to the siege of Bristol Castle) grew all the while in her strengths like a rolled snowball, or as a River which spreads still broader from the fountain to the Ocean, 
* Verg. Aene. 3  vires acquirit eundo. For thither repaired to her (for the love of the young Prince) the Lord Percy, the Lord Wake, and others aswell out of the North, as Marches of Wales. But Edward (having left the Earl of Winchester, the elder Lord Spenser, in the Castle of Bristol for the keeping thereof) meditates flight with a few into the Isle of Lundie in Severne Sea, or into Ireland, & while he wandereth about not finding where to rest safe, his royal credit, name, and power, (like a Cliff which falling from the top of some huge rock, breaks into the more pieces, the farther it rolls) are daily more and more diminished as they scatter, till now at last they are come unto a very nothing. After a week therefore spent upon the Sea, Sir Thomas Blunt forsaking him, and coming to the Queen, he came on shore in Glamorganshire, where with his few friends he entrusted himself to God, and the faith of the Welsh (who indeed still loved him) lying hidden among them in the Abbey of 
* Ypod. Neust. Tho. de la Moor.  Neath.  
(62) Now had the Queen and her son (for his name was abused to all sorts of turne-seruings) 
The elder Spenser put to death.  taken the elder Lord Spenser at the Castle of Bristol, who (without any form of trial) was cruelly cut up alive and quartered (saith de la Moor our Knight) being 
* Tho. Walls. Historia quae Bruti dicitur MS.  first at the clamours of the people, drawn and hanged in his proper Armouries upon the common Gallows without the City: but his grandchild Hugolin stood so valiantly in defence of himself within the Castle of Kerfilli, that he had his life and the lives of all his assistants saved.  
(63) The King not appearing, Proclamations were every day made in the Queen's Army, declaring, 
Proclamations recalling the king.  
* Tho. Wals.  That it was the common consent of the realm that he should return, and 
* Act. & Mon. p. 465. col. 1.  receive the government thereof, so as he would conform himself to his people. This (whether Stratagem or Truth) not prevailing, Henry Earl of Lancaster the late Earls Brother, Sir William la Zouch, and Rhese ap-Howell a Welshman, who all of them had Lands in those parts where the King concealed himself, were sent with coin and forces to discover and take him. The Queen and her people lay in the City of Hereford, the Episcopal See of that great 
* Tho. de la Moor calls him, Omnis bui●…s mali Architectum, but the Actor was doubtless Roger Mortimer. The Prince Custos or high keeper of England.  Arch-plotter of her courses Adam de Orlton, where by advise and consent of the Lords, her son the Duke of Aquitaine was made High-Keeper of England, and they as to the Custos of the same, did swear him fealty. And here also the Bishop of Norwich was made Chancellor of the Realm, and the Bishop of Winchester Treasurer.  
(65) What will not money, diligence and fair words do; with corrupt dispositions, even to everting of all bands of either religious or civil duties? By such means therefore the desolate, sad, and unfortunate King, 
* 16 Calend. Decemb.  came into his cozen of Lancaster's hands, and with him the younger Lord Spenser Earl of Gloucester, Robert Baldock Lord Chancellor and Simon de Reding, there being no regard had to the detention of any other. The King was conveyed by the Earl from the place of his surprise to Monmouth, to Ledburie, and so to the Castle of Kenelworth belonging to the Earl of Leicester, who was appointed to attend him, that is, to keep him safe. The other three, Spenser, Baldock and Reeding were strongly guarded to Hereford, there to be disposed of at the pleasure of their most capital enemies.  
(66) Before whose coming to satisfy Roger Mortimer, the Lord Edmund Earl of Arundel, and two Gentlemen Daniel and Micheldene were beheaded at Hereford: The Lord Mortimer was so high in the Queen's favour, that she could do no less (as wee may suppose) then gratify him with a few hated heads. But (Mortimer) there will be a time, when the cry of this, and other blood sacrificed to thy private revenge (while thou abusest the public trust) will never give over the pursuit, till it hath deservedly drawn thine in am thereof.  
(67) The Lord Spenser and the rest, 
* Continu. Nich. Trivet. MS.  on whom William Trussell the judge gave sentence of death, 
The younger Spenser put to death.  being now drawn to Hereford▪ the said Lord being clad in his coat-armour, was most despitefully dragged to the place of execution, where being first hung upon a gallows fifty foot high, he was afterward headed, and cut into quarters; they who brought him to the Queen, having the promised sum of two thousand pounds distributed among them for reward. His head was set up at London, and his quarters in four parts of the Kingdom. Simon de Reding was hanged ten foot lower than he in the same place.  
(68) This Execution (saith Walsingham) was done 
M. Fox Act. & Mon. pa. 465. col. 1.  upon a Monday in revenge of the death of Thomas Earl of Lancaster, whose blood was likewise shed upon a Monday. Robert Baldock late Lord Chancellor was committed to the keeping of the Bishop of Hereford, who after a time caused him to be brought up to Hereford-house in London, where the tumultuous people (not without the Bishop of Hereford's secret approvement as was said) took him violently away, and (though he were a Priest) thrust him into Newgate, where they used him so unhandsomly, that albeit they had no accusation, but only for being faithful to his Sovereign, wherewith to 
* Tho. de la Moor  charge him, he not long after died in prison; to whom (saith De la Moor) might be applied that of Quintilian, 
* Whosoever is killed by torment, overcomes the Tormentor. An. D. 1327. An. Reg. 20. & ult. King Edward yields to resign his Crown.  Torquentem vincit quisquis occiditur.  
(69) The mournful King being at Kenelworth Castle, there repaired thither the Bishops of 
* S. Th. de la More  Winchester, Hereford, and Lincoln, 
* Tho. Wals.  two Earls, two Abbots, four Barons, 
* Polych. lib. 7. c. 43.  two justices, three Knights for every County, and for London, and other principal places (chiefly for the five Ports) a certain chosen number, selected by the Parliament, which then the Queen and her Son held at London. The Bishops of Winchester and Lincoln (as it was agreed upon) came thither before any of the rest, aswell to give the King to understand what kind of Embassage was approaching, as to prepare him by the best Arguments they could to satisfy the desire, and expectation of their new moulded commonweal, which could only be by resignation of the Crown, that his Son (whom the body of the then confused State had elected) might reign in his stead.  
(70) When they were admitted to his presence, (the Earl of Leicester being by) they together so 
Reasons to persuade his resignation.  wrought him, partly with showing a necessity, partly with other reasons drawn out of common places, thoroughly studied for that purpose, that (though not without many sobs and tears) he finally did not dissent, if his answer were truly reported (which 
* Hist. Bruti MS.  some doubt of; unto the Parliament. 
* Tho. de la More  For they told him that the Commonweal had conceived so irreconcilable dislikes of his government, the particulars whereof had been opened in the general assembly at London, that it was resolved never to endure him as King any longer. That notwithstanding, those dislikes had not extended themselves so far, as for his sake to exclude his issue, but that with universal applause, and joy, the Commonweal had in Parliament elected his eldest son the Lord Edward for King. That it would be a very acceptable thing to God, willingly to give over an earthly Kingdom for the common-good and quiet of his Country, which they said could not otherwise be secured. That yet his honour should be no less after the resignation, than it was before, only him the commonweal would never suffer to reign any longer. They finally durst tell him, that unless he did of himself renounce his Crown and Sceptre, the people would neither endure him, nor any of his Children as their Sovereign, but disclaiming all homage and fealty, would elect some 
* Polyd. Ver. li. 28  other for King, who should not be of the blood.  
(71) The whole Company sent by the body of State (if it may be called a Body which then had no 
* Tho. de la Moor.  Head there) from London, where it attended their return, being placed by the Bishop of Hereford, according to their degrees, in the Presence Chamber at Kenelworth Castle, the King gowned in black came forth at last out of an inward room, and presented himself to his vassals, where (as being Privy to their errand) sorrow struck such a chillness into him, that he fell to the earth, lying stretched forth in a deadly swoon; The Earl of Leicester, and the Bishop of Winchester beholding this, ran unto him, and with much labour recovered the half-dead king, setting him upon his feet. As rueful & heavy as this sight was, we read not yet of any acts or effects of compassion expressed towards him at this present; so settled (as it seemed) was the hatred and aversion. The King being now (we cannot say) come to himself, but to the sense of his misery, the Bishop of Hereford declares the cause of their present Embassy, and running over the former points, concludes as before, saying, (as in the person of the commonwealth) That the King must resign his Diadem to his eldest son, or after the refusal suffer them to elect such a person as themselves should judge to be most fit and able to defend the Kingdom.  
(72) The dolorous King having heard this speech, broke forth into sighs and tears, and being (saith his 
* Sir Tho. de la Moor his servant.  most favourable reporter) more ready to sacrifice his body for Christ's cause, than once to behold the disinherison of his sons, or (through his occasion) the perpetual disturbance of the Kingdom, (as knowing, saith he, that a good shepherd should give his life for his flock,) made at the last his answer to this effect. 
* Pol. Virg. lib. 18  That he knew that for his many sins he was fallen into this calamity, and therefore had the less cause to take it grievously: That much he sorrowed for 
* Tho. Wals. Thom. de la Moor.  this that the people of the Kingdom were so exasperated against him, as that they should utterly abhor his any longer rule and sovereignty: and therefore he besought all that were there present to 
* Polyd. Verg li. 18  forgive and spare 
Tho. Walsin.  him being so afflicted. That nevertheless 
* Tho. de la More.  it was 
* Tho. Walsingh.  greatly to his good pleasure and liking, (seeing it 
* Tho. de la More.  could none other be on his behalf,) that his eldest son was so 
* Tho. Wals.  gracious in their sight and therefore he gave them 
* Tho. de la Moor  thanks for choosing him to be 
* Tho. Walsing. Polyd. Verg. lib. 18.  their King.  
(73) This being said, there was forthwith a proceeding to the short ceremonies of his resignation, which principally consisted in the surrender of his Diadem and Ensigns of Majesty, to the use of his son the new King. Thereupon 
* Th. de la More.  Sir William Trussel (as being a judge who could fit them with quirks of law to colour so lawless and treasonable a fact) on the behalf of the whole Realm renounced all homage, and allegiance to the Lord Edward of Caernaruon late King.  
(74) The form of that renunciation, as being obsolete, you shall have in the like 
* Polychr. lib 7. c. 43  obsolete words of Trevisa, which was this; I William Trussel, in name of all men of the land of England, and of all the Parliament Procurator, resign to thee Edward, the homage that was made to thee sometime; and from this time forward now following, I defy thee, and prine thee of all royal power, & I shall never be tendant to thee as for King after this time. Which being done, Sir Thomas Blunt Knight, Steward of the household, by breaking his staff, resigned his office, and declared that the late King's family was discharged.  
(75) Edward being thus dekinged, the Embassy road joyfully back to London to the Parliament, with the resigned 
* Tho. Walls.  Ensigns, and dispatch of their employment. Here (for that this seems the last hour of his reign and kingly state) we will make a stop, referring you for the rest to the next King's life, under whose name and abused authority they were acted.  
(76) Notwithstanding, we may not forget in all these doings to call to mind, who it was that sat at the helm of State, overlooking, and overswaying Queen, Prince and all; to wit, the most ambitious and vindicative man living, Roger Lord Mortimer of Wigmor: for, as for the 
* Tho. Walsingh.  Queen, when she was (God knows how far guilty,) advertised of her husband's dethronization, she outwardly expressed so great extremity of passion (notwithstanding that at the same time she was told of her sons surrogation) as if she had been distraught in her wits: which the Prince her son (then about fifteen years of age) beholding, he made an oath, never to accept of the Crown against his father's good will; and thereupon it was (saith Walsingham a Writer worthy of belief) that the said Embassy was sent to Kenelworth Castle, (where the now no more a King remained) to work his assent, whose answer thereunto (saith 
* Hist. Bruti. MS.  another) was by those Messengers related at full, and fuller than in truth it was sent by the King; but the Peers then in Parliament made their use thereof, in procuring such a Prince to take the rule of them, whom they hoped, by reason of his tender years, themselves should be able to rule and overmaster.  

His Wife.  
(77) Isabel, daughter to Philip the Fair, King of France (sister to Lodowick Hutin, Philip the Long, and Charles the Fair, all Kings of France) was married to Edward the second, at twelve years of age, in our Lady Church of Boulogne, the 22. of january, 1308. She was his wife twenty years, and his widow thirty, and lived threescore and three years. She died at Risings near London, the two & twentieth of August 1357. and was buried in the midst of the Gray-Fryers Choir in London, the 27. of September following.   

His Issue.  
(78) Edward (surnamed of Windsor) the eldest son of K. Edward and Queen Isabel his wife, was born at the Castle of Windsor, the thirteenth of October, the year of Christ, 1312. and the sixth of his father's reign: he was created Prince of Wales, and Duke of Aquitane, in a Parliament holden at York, Anno 1322. and in the troubles of the Realm and absence of his Father, in an assembly of Lords met at Hereford, and in presence of the Queen, was made L. Warden of England by a common decree: unto whom all the Lords made their fealty, in receiving an Oath of Allegiance to be faithful and loyal unto him as to the Lord Warden of the Realm: and shortly after, the Father deposed, he was crowned King of England, by the name of Edward the third.  
(79) john (surnamed of Eltham) the second son of King Edward and Queen Isabel his wife, was borne at Eltham in Kent, the 15. of August, and year of Christ, 1315. and at twelve years of age was created Earl of Cornwall in a Parliament, Anno 1327. and third year of the reign of King Edward his brother: he died in Scotland unmarried, in the flower of his youth, the tenth of his brother's reign, and year of Christ, 1334.  
(80) joan the eldest daughter, and third child of King Edward and Queen Isabel, was borne in the Tower of London; she was married being a child at Berwick the eighteenth day of july, in the fourth year of the Reign of King Edward her brother, 1329 to David Prince of Scotland, son and heir apparent of King Robert Bruce, whom he succeeded within one year after in the kingdom, being but seven years of age, and was the second King of Scotland of the name of David; she was his wife twenty and eight years, and being come into England to visit her brother, she deceased here without Issue, in the two and thirtieth year of his Reign, 1357. and was buried at the Gray-Fryers in London.  
(81) Elinor, the second and youngest daughter, & fourth child of King Edward and Queen Isabel, was the second wife of Reynald the second, Earl of Gelder, married unto him with a portion of fifteen thousand pounds 1332. being the sixth year of the reign of king Edward her brother, who being the Vicar general of the Empire, to the Emperor Lewis of Ban●…r, created him first Duke of Golder: she had issue by him Reinald and Edward both Duke's successively after their Father without Issue; the later of them leaving his Duchy and his wife to his Nephew William Duke of Gulik his half sister's Son.    

EDWARD THE THIRD, KING OF 
Monarch 49  
Edward III.  ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, etc. THE FORTIE-NINTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XII.  
THe sickness and wounds which the commonwealth 
The happy change under King Edward 3.  sustained by the reign of the late deposed king, upon the change of her Leech and Physician, recovered not only health and strength, but beauty also and ornament; and the elements themselves, which in the former times seemed to suffer and sympathise with the public grievances of the English, grew 
* Ranulph. Cest. Thom. Walsingh.  gracious and propitious to the use of man, the Air becoming more healthful, the earth more fruitful, as if Nature herself were privy to the worth of the succeeding Prince. But this his worth did not display itself, until he had plucked the sway of things out of the hands of the Queen his mother, and of that aspiring danger and tempest of England, Roger Mortimer who wholly possessed her.  
(2) This Edward of Windsor, being not fifteen years of age, when (without any guilty thought in him) his throne was thus established upon his Father's ruin, took the beginning of his reign by public sanction at the 
* Tho. Wals.  twentieth day of januarie, and by direction of such as sought to colour their treasons against their deposed Sovereign, proclaimed his peace in these words. Edward by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to N. N. our Sheriff of S. Greeting. Because the Lord Edward our Father, late King of England, by the common Council and Assent of the Prelates, Earls, Barons, and other the chief men, and the whole Commonalty of the Kingdom, did voluntarily remove himself from the government thereof, willing and granting that we as his eldest son and heir, should take upon us the rule and regiment of the same, and we with the counsel & advise of the Prelates, Earls & Barons before said, yielding therein to our father's good pleasure, and will, have taken upon us the governance of the said Kingdom, and as the manner is, have received the Fealties and Homages of the said Prelates and Peers. We therefore desirous that our peace for the quiet and calm estate of our people should be inviolably observed, do will and command you, that presently upon sight of these presents, you cause our Peace to be openly proclaimed through your whole Bailywicke, forbidding all and every one on our behalf, under pain and peril of disinherison, and loss of life and limbs, not to presume to violate or infringe our said peace, but that every one pursue or follow his actions, and complaints without any manner of outrage, according to the laws & customs of our Kingdom▪ for we are ready & always willbe, to administer full right to all & singular complainants, aswell poor as rich in our Courts of justice. Witness ourself, etc. in the 
* 1 Februa.  Calends of February upon sunday being Candlemas Eue.  
(3) Upon the Candlemas day itself, the young King receiving the Order of Knighthood, by the 
King Edward provided for wars with Scotland.  hands of the Earl of Lancaster, and upon the same day the Crown of England at Westminster, Walter Archbishop of Canterbury performing the offices accustomed therein, judged nothing to be sooner thought upon then to recover the honour of his Nation upon the Northern enemies, whom his unexperienced youth, and their former happiness had emboldened; in which preparation while he was busied, the Queen his mother, and her Mortimer, forgot not other things tending to their own benefit and assurance.  
(4) First therefore there was procured for the Queen mother so great a Dowry, that the young 
Mortimer's high practices.  King had scarce a 
* Ypod. Neust.  third part of the Kingdom left for his maintenance; which excessive estate, in title the Queens, in the use was Mortimars, and from this treasonable defalcation and weakening of the royal means, he sinewed his own devices with authoritity and riches; so that his hatred against Spenser was not on behalf of the Commonweal, but for that any one should abuse it for his private but himself. Lastly, when they had certain intelligence, that sundry great persons and others, as the whole order of Friers-preachers, took pity of the late King's captivity, and seemed to consult for his deliveranco, they knowing that by recovery of his former estate, their just confusion must follow, they resolved to strength●…n (as men supposed) their other impieties with murder.  
(5) For albeit the Queen in her outward gestures pretended nothing but sorrow for her Lord & husband's distress, yet in stead of bringing to him her person (which the deposed Prince did wonderfully 
* Tho. de la More  love) she only sent unto him 
* Tho. UUals.  fine apparel & kind letters, but contrary to the laws of God and man, withdrew herself from nuptial duties, bestowing them (as the fame went, which will blab of Princes as freely as of meaner Dames) upon the bloody Adulterer Mortimar, fathering her absence upon the State, which (she feigned) would not suffer her to come unto him. The desolate Prince was hereupon taken from Kenelworth Castle, by express order from the 
* Grafton.  young King, at their procurement, for that the Earl of Lancaster (Lord of that piece) was suspected to pity too much his calamity. He was delivered by 
* Grafton.  Indenture, to Sir Thomas de Gournay the elder, and Sir john Mattravers, two merciless and most unworthy Knights. 
Tho. de la More.   
(6) These two Instruments of the Devil, having conducted him first to the Castle of Corf, then 
The late King Edward murdered.  to Bristol, and lastly in great secrecy, and with more villainous despite, than it became either Knights, or the lewdest varlets in the world, as (out of Sir Thomas de la Moor, you may read at large in the collections of 
* Annali.  john Stow) to the Castle of Barkley, where after many vile devices, executed upon him in vain, they 
* Hector. Boet. & ●…mnes.  more than barbarously murdered him.  
(7) Never was the fallacy of pointings, or ambiguity 
A bloody fallacy or Sophism.  of Phrase more mischievously used to the destruction of a King, or defence of the Contrivers, then in this heinous Parricide, for it is said that a bloody Sophism conceived in these words was sent; 

* Tho. de la Moor  Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est  
To shed King Edward's blood  
Refuse to fear I count it good.  Where the Comma or pause being put after Nolite, bid them not to make him away, but after timere, insinuates a plain encouragement to the fact.  
(8) The Sphynx who is said to be the Author of 
The Actors forced to fly the Country.  this ambiguous Riddle, sent by the Lord 
* joh. Stow.  Mortimar, was Adam de Torleton, who 
* Lanquet. Grafton. Fabian. Tho. de la Moor.  utterly denied any such intention, when the Murderers for their own justification, produced the writing itself under Queen Isabella's Seal, and the seals of the other Conspirators, and therefore the said Bishop Adam was the cause, why Gorney and Mattravers were with terrible menaces shaken up, pursued and outlawed, who more pursued with the memory and conscience of so heinous a Tragedy, fled out of England. Gorney after three years banishment, being discovered at Massels in France, and apprehended, was conveyed back, but had his head taken off at Sea, in his passage, 
* Tho. de la Moor Tho. Wals.  lest he should reveal too much at his arrival, but Mattravers lay hidden in Germany a long time, doing penance.  
(9) This Parricide was committed about S. Mathews day, and (that you may note what confidence 
The murdered Edward's body laid to view.  they had in their Art of secret murder, as also an ordinary mockage of the people in like cases) the noble body was laid forth, and 
* Walsingham.  many Abbots, Priors, Knights, and Burgesses of Bristol and Gloucester were sent for to see the same; upon which, although there appeared no manifest outward sign of violent death, but the skin all over whole and unbroken, yet the cry of murder could not so be smothered, but the means and manner came to light. This happiness certainly the poor Prince had, that after his imprisonment he reform his life in so pious & Christian sort, that it gave occasion when he was dead of disputation, whether 
* Ranulp. Cest.  he were not to be reputed a Saint, even as (say our Authors) there was 
Tho. Walsing. Fabian.  the like Question concerning Thomas Earl of Lancaster, though beheaded for apparent Treasons. His body 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 18  without any funeral pomp was buried among the Benedictins in their Abbey at Gloucester, and so (saith 
* Tho. de la Moor.  our passionate author) the stately height of the Angel's Kingdom received this Scholar, and Disciple of Christ, thus rest and spoiled of his English Kingdom.  
(10) The young King was now upon the borders of Scotland with a puissant Army, where also the 
The Scots environed, escape.  Queen mother, and Mortimar, with many other Nobles were present, and having environed the Scots (who had pierced into England with invasive arms) in the woods of Wiridale and Stanhope Park, made 
Adam Merimouth Holinsh. Act. & Mon.  sure account of a certain victory; but by the treason of the said Lord Mortimer (as afterward was laid to his charge) they were suffered to escape out of that mischief, and the young King with grief returned inglorious after an huge waste of treasure, and peril of his own person.  
(11) For while the English host thus held the Scots, as it were besieged Sir james Douglas in the dead of night, with about 
* Froishard. Ypod. Neust.  two hundredth swift horse assailed the Kings own Pavilion, and miss so little of killing him, that a Priest his Chaplain a stout and 
Hector Boet.  loyal man was slain in his defence, and Sir james escaped back without hurt, but not without honour for his bold attempt. In the Scots Camp 
* Fox in Acts & Mon.  one noteth, that the English found five hundredth great Oxen and Kine ready killed, a thousand spits full of flesh, ready to be roasted, five hundred cauldrons made of beasts skins, full of flesh, over the fire seething, and about 
* Hect. Doct.  ten thousand pair of raw-leather shoes, the hair still upon them. In King Edward's Army were (as 
* Grafton  some write) thirty thousand Archers, and five hundredth good men of Arms, which perhaps is one of the greatest hosts that you shall lightly read to have been of our Nation, and the reason was, for that the world conceived such hope of the young King, that many more went 
* Tho. Walsin.  voluntary then constrained. All which puissance was notwithstanding thus eluded.  
(12) About this time died strucken with lepry, Robert Bruce King, and recoverer of Scotland, and the 
A. D. 1328. Tho. Wals●…n Edw 3 Hect. Boet. writes that King Robert died 7. jun. A. D. 1329. An. reg. 24. whom we have therein reason to believe  most approved Warrior of the world in that age, by whose loss it was soon found, how much the virtue and fortune of one man are worth in any Nation. But before he died, that peace was made with the Scots by the means of the Queen and the Lord Mortimer, which is so much dispraised by our Writers, and in the end proved capital to the principal Actor Mortimer.  
(13) For at this treaty it was that the King (then in his Minority) sealed Charters to the Scots at Northampton, 
The peace with Scotland at the Parliament of Northampton.  whose contents were contrived by the Queen, the said Lord Mortimer, and Sir james Douglas, without the privity of the English. There was also delivered to them that famous Evidence called the 
* Act. & Mon.  Ragman Roll, and the King acquitted them of 
Tho. Wals.  all 
* Geor Buchan. Hect. Boet.  claim and pretence of right to the Superiority of Scotland, rendering back sundry jewels taken by the English from the Scots, among the which was one special, called the Black Cross of Scotland. There was it also granted, that 
* Fox. Fabian. Grafton.  all Englishmen should lose their lands in Scotland, unless they would inhabit upon them, and become liegemen to the King thereof, besides many other things to the high discontentation (as was the humour of those times) of the English Subjects. Moreover, under the specious colour of restitution of damages, King Robert was to pay to King Edward thirty thousand Marks sterling, with which (as the meed of treason) the Lord Mortimer was afterward publicly charged, and for the same, and other his crimes was executed as a Traitor. Finally, upon the seventh of july, David Bruce Prince of Scotland, a child of seven or eight years old, and son and heir to King Robert, married joan, sister to K. Edward at Berwicke: by which peace the English were made-obnoxious to some reproaches, the Scottish Nation in scorn, calling the said Lady, jane Make-Peace.  
(14) And therefore saith one of this part of King Edward's reign: that drawn aside with evil advise, by reason of his age, he committed many foul errors in 
E. S. lib. 3. commentariol. de rebus gestu. Brit.  State, at the beginning of his Government: which is also the general opinion of all our Writers, whereunto this verse is by 
* Vowels. Holinsh.  some applied; 
Vae pueri terrae, saepissimè sunt ibi guerra,  
Where Children Rulers are,  
There oft is woe and war.   
(15) There died likewise about this time Charles the Fair, King of France, (to whom King Edward had not long before done homage for his Duchy of Gascoigne) the third and last son of Philip the Fair, King of France, by whose decease the Crown of that noble Kingdom, devolved to this our Edward King of England in right of his mother Queen Isabel: And because upon this 
* Polyd. Verg.  Title king Edward did afterward claim the said Crown, we will here once for all instruct you in the justice thereof.  
(16) Three sons there were of King Philip the Fair, (to wit, Lewis Hutin, Philip le long, and Charles the Fair) who all successively reigned in France one after the other; and none of them leaving any Issue, at such time as king Edward made his claim, the whole right seemed to be in Isabel the only Child of the said Philip which had any issue, for an other sister which she had died an Infant.  
(17) The case thus seeming plain, was not for such accepted by the French, who received to the Crown Philip of Valois, whose father Charles of Valois was younger Brother to Philip the Fair, advancing the Brother's son before the daughter's son, not following the propinquity or descent of blood, but the meliority of sex, upon which ground they had also freshly put by joan daughter of Lewis Hutin, preferring Philip le long her uncle. The French in bar to her interest, pretended a fundamental law or entail, by which 
* ●…ex Sa●…ca. which law▪ as their greatest Lawyers since acknowledge, no whit concerneth the French Crown. Ho●…tomanni Francogall●…a. cap. 8.  no woman was inheritable to the Crown of France, and in defence of that opinion withstood King Edward afterward with so much loss and calamity, though that very law made Edward's title the stronger (
* Chart. Original. Ed. 3 de iure suo in Reg. Gal.  as himself truly pleaded) he being the Male, albeit his right descended by the Female.  
(18) This Title to so glorious a Monarchy though it accrued to the English, by this match with Queen Isabel, yet doth Walsingham 
* Ypod Neust. & 〈◊〉 E●…w. 2.  freely pronounce; That neither that affinity, nor any other contracts with the French, was ever available or brought any benefit to England: which opinion as it may seem strange, so will it answer a wise Readers pain in the fruit, to observe through the course of our stories, whether the said grave Writer had just occasion so to speak or no. Another conceit there was of this Edward's 
King Edward marries Philip the Earl of Henaults daughter.  marriage with Philippe the Earl of Henaults daughter, which about this time was consummated, though Philip de Valois (king of France by intrusion as our Annals repute him) was her uncle, her mother being his own sister.  
(19) There stood now at home against the stream of the Queen, and her Lord Mortimer's absolute sway, some great personages, who did not wholly allow their doings, among which was the King's uncle, Edmund Earl of Kent, whose death they shortly procured. Meanwhile the more to despite and dare their overlookers, Roger Mortimer was created Earl of the Marches of Wales, at a Parliament holden at Salisbury: at which time also john of Eltham the King's Brother was made Earl of Cornwall, and the Lord Butler of Ireland Earl of Ormond. From whence the Lord Henry Earl of Lancaster, and sundry other of the Peers, seeing the King 
* Tho. Walsing. in fine Edw 2.  trodden (as it seemed to them) under foot, did absent themselves, meditating civil arms for redress, who notwithstanding (by the labour of Simon de Mepham Archbishop of Canterbury) was reconciled: This Archbishop very worthily also excommunicated all such as had any hand in the sacrilegious parricide of that 
* This worthy Prelate founded Exeter College, and also Hart-hall in Oxford.  noble and loyal Prelate Walter Bishop of Excester, or any ways violated him, their aiders, complices or abettors whosoever. But after the Coronation of Philip the young Queen, in another Parliament at Winchester, the said Earl Edmund was condemned for conspiring to deliver his brother, late King of England, 
Edmund Earl of Kent the King's uncle put to death by practice  whom (likely enough by Mortimer's practice) he was drawn into an absurd belief to be still alive. Thus, for devising to set a dead man at liberty, this noble Earl Edmund the king's half uncle had his head strucken off, though from 
* Tho. Wals. Harding.  Noon till five at night, he stood at the place of death without the Castle-gates, none being found to behead him, till a base wretch of the Marshal-sea was sent, and did it: so little conscience did the malice and ambition of his potent adversaries make of shedding the Royal blood, which by God's juster judgement was not long unrevenged.  
(20) To supply which loss to the regal stem, with a very large amends, the young Queen Philip 
An. D. 1329. The Black Prince borne. Adam Merim.  at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, upon 15. june, being Friday, brought forth her first begotten son, the amiable and famous Edward, bynamed (not of his colour, but of his dreaded Acts in battle) the Black Prince. King Edward not long after with a small company went into France, and did homage to Philip de Valois for his Duchy of Gascoigne.  
(21) Nemesis, or rather Gods vengeance with swift pace did now approach and summon Mortimer to a bloody account; for the young King addicting himself 
The fall of Mortimer.  to serious thoughts, and putting on the Man before his years required, easily saw his own peril in the others potency. The Queen his mother (to the common dishonour and grief of the Kingdom) being generally bruited to be with child by Mortimer, he upon ripe advise suddenly and adventurouslie surprised the proud man at Parliament holden in Nottingham; with whom were taken the L. Geoffrey Mortimer his son, and Sir Simon de 
* Bedford saith Adam Merimouth Bereford saith Holinshead. Burford saith Stow.  Bedford, who all three were sent prisoners to the Tower of London, under a strong guard. Which done, the king by common consent of the Parliament took into his hands his mother's excessive Dower, & put her to a narrow pension of 
* Adam Merim. Ypod. Neust.  one thousand pounds by year, circumscribing her within as narrow 
* Holinsh.  limits for her abode, but doing her yearly the honour and comfort of once or twice visiting her, though otherwise scarce thinking her worthy of life, in regard of her privacy with Mortimer, and his many heinous practices.  
(22) Oh, what enchantments are Honour and Power to the minds of men! how suddenly, and how strangely do they blow up the same with the contempt of others, and forgetfulness of themselves? Certainly the frail estate of man's constitution is clearly seen in this high Lord, who drunken with felicity, and fearing neither God nor man, fell into utter confusion when least he feared. The probable manner whereof is worthy the relating. There was 
The manner of Mortimer's surprise at Nottingham.  in the Castle of Nottingham (and at this day is) a certain secret way or Mine cut through a rock, upon which the said Castle is built, one issue whereof openeth toward the river of Trent, which runs under it, and the other venteth itself far within upon the surface, and is (at this present) called Mortimers hole; through this, the young King well armed, and 
Uide Io. Stows Annals.  strongly seconded, was conducted with drawn sword, by some his trusty and sworn servants, (among which was that brave Montacute, whom his virtues under this King raised to the Earldom of Salisbury, etc.) up to the Queen's Chamber, whose door (so fearless is blinded affection) was unshut, and with her was Mortimer (the king's Master as the rumour spread him) ready to go to bed, whom with the slaughter of a Knight, and one or two that resisted) they laid hold upon. This was not reputed a slender enterprise, in regard that in Mortimer's retinue were not fewer (they say) then one hundredth and fourscore Knights, besides esquires and Gentlemen.  
(23) The causes for which he was condemned in open Parliament at Westminster, these ragged 
* Myrrh. of Mag.  verses following comprehend, which without any disparagement to their maker's judgement, might very well have been in Prose, but for brevity and change we have here inserted them. 
Five heinous crimes against him soon were had,  
First that he caused the King to yield the Scot  
(To make a peace) towns that were from him got.  
And therewithal the Charter called Ragman;  
That of the Scots he had bribed privy gain.  
That through his means Sr. Edward of Carnarvan,  
In Barckley Castle most traitorously was slain.  
That with his Prince's mother he had lain,  
And finally with polling at his pleasure,  
Hadrobd the King and Commons of their treasure.  But the most barbarous murder of the king's father, and specially the dishonourable peace and contract with the then professed enemies of England, were principally insisted upon as heinous treason. He was after sentence ignominiously drawn to Tyburn, the common place of execution, than called the Elms, and there upon the common Gallows was as ignominiously executed, hanging (by the king's commandment) two days and two nights, a public & gladsome spectacle. There died with him Sir Simon de Bedford Knight, & john Deverel Esquire, aswell for expiation of the late King Edward's death, as in complement, as it were of so great a man's fall, whose lives do seldom, or never perish single.  
(24) Now came Scotland's turn about to suffer again most grievous losses and afflictions, an ordinary effect of children's government, whether Children in age, or in discretion: for the Lord Edward Balliol hearing of King Robert's death, and the tender age of King David as son and heir of that Balliol, to whom king Edward the first had adjudged the Scotish crown, with such voluntaries as he could raise (though his Father the Lord john had 
* Hector. Boet.  released his claim to king Robert, and though King Edward in favour of his sister joan Queen of Scotland, would not openly at first 
Ypod. Neust.  support him) embarked himself in Yorkshire, and invaded 
Hect. Boet.  that Realm, where, upon his landing, he slew Alexander Setoun at Kingorn, and about nine hundred others, putting the rest to flight. Not long after (that no mischief might come alone) near to the water of Ern, at a place called Dupline, where the Earls of Mar and March, with two puissant armies 
The Balliols' two victories against the Scots.  of Scots, for the defence of their young King David lay encamped, the said Lord Edward (whose small numbers, not exceeding three thousand English, the Earls as securely and as fatally contemned, as the English under Edward the second had contemned the Bruce and his Scots) obtained of them a wonderful victory. Boetius (who never, or rarely, leaves any overthrow purely to the manhood of the English) will needs have this discomfiture effected by a Camisado, the Balliol and his English with others passing the water of Erne by a Ford in the night, when the enemy little suspected it.  
(25) The slaughter even by his report was miserable: for there were slain (saith he) the Earls of 
The great slaughter of Scots at Dupline or the water of Erne.  Marre and Carrack, and three thousand of the Noble, beside Commons. Our 
* Adam Merim. Tho. Walsing.  Writers agree that this Ford was passed in the night, but that the fight endured from sun-rising till three of the Clock afternoon, and that, besides the Earls of Marre, and Carrack, three other Earls, Menteth, Athol, and Murrey, twelve Barons, eight hundredth knights and men of Arms, beside above thirteen thousand other, lost there their lives. Of the English there were only slain thirty and three 
* Scutifers.  esquires: so that not without cause this victory was attributed rather to power divine then human.  
(26) Yet this was but the beginning of farther 
The Balliol crowned king of Scotland.  calamities to the Scotish Nation, which was in itself divided into factions, the one for Bruce, the other for Baliol. The Lord Edward making use of his good fortune, got himself to be crowned King of 
Hect. Boet. Georg. Buch.  Scotland at Scone. But king David Bruce with his Queen fled into France to Philip de Valois, who reigned there, & entertained them with much compassion and honour, giving them Castle Galliard for the place of their abode, till fairer fortune shone. Meantime the Scots sustained new damages; for a prime man among them, the Lord William Douglas, was taken prisoner by the English, not without loss of many his men. Before which time by 
* Adam Merim. Tho. UUals.  no honourable means the new King of Scotland was driven to seek his safety by flight into England.  
(27) King Edward considering those foils which his father had endured, and the opportunity of the 
Berwick besieged by the English.  time, neither holding himself liable in honour to that contract made on his behalf by the predominant sway of his mother and her Paramour Mortimer, as wherein he took both himself, and the rights of his Crown to have been wronged in his minority, which in point of government he was more bound to respect then his Sister's estate, and for that he was informed that the Town and Castle of Berwicke belonged to the Crown of his Realm; he raised his power, and having with him Edward the new-crowned of Scotland, he laid siege to that Town and castle in May. But before he did this, there is who writes, that he summoned his 
Rich. Grafton:  brother in law King David to do homage and fealty unto him, which when David would not yield to do, nor confess he ought, no more than his father King Robert, he made that a ground for the justice of his war, as reputing the Acts and releases at Northampton void.  
(28) To the rescues of Berwicke, Archimbald 
King Edward's victory at Halydon-hill.  Dowglas Earl of Angus, Governor of Scotland for King David, came with a puissant Army, and gave King Edward battle at Halydon-hill, where with a lamentable slaughter of his people he was vanquished and slain. This battle devoured in a manner all the remainders of the Scottish Nobleses which preserved itself at Dupline by retreat, or by absence from that field. There 
* Hector Boet.  perished besides Archimbald, the Earls of Ros, Sutherland, and Carrack, three sons of the Lord Walter Steward (whose issue afterward reigned in Scotland, when war and death had made way to that line, by extirpation of the Male-Competitors in the races of Bruce and Balliol) and at least fourteen thousand others, with the loss (say some) of one Knight, and ten other Englishmen. Our 
* Adam Merim. Walsingham.  Writers affirm that the Scots were at this battle, threescore thousand strong, and that there 
* Ypod. Neust.  were slain eight Earls, 1500. horsemen, and of the common Soldiers five and thirty thousand; which is not improbable, for so much as Hector confesseth they were stopped in their flight, and put to the sword upon all sides without mercy.  
(29) Hereupon Berwicke was rendered, which the King of England detained as a supposed parcel 
Berwicke rendered  of his Patrimony, and dismissed the Balliol to the government of the Scottish Kingdom, with sundry Lords and others of the English. And now the bloody tallies and cruel scores seemed even between the two puissant (though then unkind) neighbour-Nations, and Edward thoroughly redeeemed the dishonour sustained at Banocksbourn by his late father, delivering his younger years from that contempt, in which his enemies might otherwise have holden him, as they had done at the entrance of his reign, playing upon the English with triffs and Rounds; of which this one is every where noted; 
Long beards heartless, Painted hoods witless,  
Gay coats graceless, make England thriftless. 
Fabian.    
(30) As for the subornation of poisoning Earl Thomas Randal, and the hanging of Sir Alexander Seton's two sons, contrary to faith and law of Arms, at Berwicke with the like stains which 
* Hect. Boet.  one would feign leave upon this victorious Prince, we have found no colour of warrant but his own liberty of avouching, which therefore our freedom of not believing him shall as easily take away and cancel. Neither would we so far have touched this jarring string of discord between these two Nations, but that each out of their own harms of old, may have the more true sense of their felicity, by their new harmonical concordance.  
(31) After that the 
* Hect. Boet.  Nobles of Scotland had unanimously confirmed Balliol in the kingdom thereof, and sworn unto him faith and allegiance 
An. D. 1333.  at Perth, he repaired to the King of England at Newcastle upon Tine, where he 
* Adam Merim. Ypod. Neust.  submitted to Edward King of England, as his Father had done to Edward the first, and with the like success; for by occasion of such his submission, our Writers say, the Scots (as before they had done) fell off again, Which aversion, or defection was augmented upon 
* Hect. Boet.  private quarrels, and titles of inheritance to lands of great value, between powerful Competitors, and by other particular revenges, to which a people so continually exercised in fight and battles were not slowly prone.  
(32) Notwithstanding all which (the Balliols' party having once had all the Holds of Scotland at 
Edward King of England again in Scotland with an Army.  their commandment, 
* Hect. Boet.  five only excepted, Dumbritaine, Lough●…ijm, Kildrummie, Vrwhart, and the pile of Lowdon) Edward king of England having with him the Balliol, and a sufficient Army, prevailed so much, that there was no appearance of rebellion; whereupon he took back with him the Lord Edward Balliol late crowned king of Scotland (of whose stead fastness he was (saith Hector) always jealous, & returned, leaving 
* Adam Merim.  David Cu●…in Earl of Athol, governor for the parts beyond the Scottish sea, with sufficient force and authority (as was judged) to take in such strengths as yet stood out, but needed not his royal power or presence for their expugnation.  
(33) The King of England hoping now that all was well there, had news brought unto him not 
The Lord Robert Stewart against the Baliol.  long after, at the Parliament at London, that the Scots were out in Arms again; whereupon he obtains aid of money from his Subjects for repressing their attempts, promising to go against them in person. 
* Hect. Boet.  The Lord Robert Stewart, son of the Lady Mariorie Bruce, daughter of King Robert (upon whose line the remainder of the Crown of Scotland had been estated) was the man that first lifted up the head of his Country in this dangerous, sad, and desolate condition (though put into action upon a private injury done unto him by the Earl of Athol) to whom divers did adhere, though the quarrel seemed properly to be the said L. Roberts, for that if the Bruces were cut off, his hopes perished in them. The Earl of Murray and he were then chosen governors for King David's party, but by reason of the diligence and power of David Earl of Athol, they were not able as yet to convene, or effect any thing against the English. nevertheless it was not long before they slew the said Earl David. At this Parliament the King of England purposed to 
* Adam. Merim.  go upon his own charge into the Holy-Land, and to send the Archbishop of Canterbury to deal with 
King Edward's overture for the Holy Land.  Philip de Valois King of France, for appointing a certain time, wherein they two with their united forces, might take their voyage thither, from which the desire of obtaining the Crown of France, upon the forementioned title, did quickly divert him.  
(34) Meanwhile, in accomplishment of the Parliaments 
The King of England once more with an Army in Scotland.  expectation, King Edward after 
* Ypod. Neust.  Michaelmas marched again into Scotland with an Army, and sent his Navy to the Forth: The Seaforce whereof▪ spoiled the Coasts on both sides of the Forth, or Scottish Sea, and putting on land in Saint Colms, they spoiled the Abbey; which Sacrilege, 
* Lib. 15. Sacrilege punished.  Hector notes was severely punished, the whole Fleet being battered with tempest, and some of the ships perishing. At another time also the like sacrilege being perpetrated there, (he saith) that the ship wherein the unlawful prize was, sunk suddenly to the Sea-ground without any tempest. The King himself coming to 
* Hect. Boet.  Perth, to order the Scottish affairs, whiles he abode there, the Earl of Murray one of the Governors was taken Prisoner, who was after 
* Fabian out of the French Stories. Grafton.  delivered upon Exchange for the Earl of Namur, (whom the Scots by like Art had taken) or as Hector will have it, for the Earl of Salisbury.  
(35) By the mediation of the French, the Scots 
* holinsh. A. D. 1334. King Edward the fourth time in Scotland with an Army.  had a short truce granted them. But about the end of May, the King sent his cozen the Lord Henry, son to Henry Earl of Lancaster, with a great Army to the aid and service of the Lord Edward Balliol King of Scotland, which wasted all the Countries about Perth; where, while they lay, the King with a very small Company came suddenly unto them, and from thence pierced farther one way then ever his Grandfather Edward had done, suffering fire & death (the common furies of war) to work upon all that might suffer destruction to establish a Conquest. He marched up as far as 
* Adam Merim.  Elgin and Buquhan, and in his return to Mar, 
* Hect. Boet.  burned the Town of Aberden, in revenge for 
* Adam Merim.  Sir Thomas Rosselin, a Knight, whom the Townsmen thereof had slain. The Lord Robert Steward had great lands in those 
Bellind. trans. of Hect. Boet. lib. 15. cap. 7.  parts, for Murrey and Buquhan were his, which also  
the young Prince Edward, many Earls and great Captains, with a gallant Company of men of war, 
* In july.  sailed to Antwerp, whom Lewis the Emperor met at the City of Colein, where amity was confirmed, and King Edward was constituted his Lieutenant, with full authority to govern in his name on this side Colein. By reason of which vicegerency King Edward 
* Fabia●…  made out his commandments, and did many things to his advantage and profit. Howsoever it neither lasted long (for Lewis within a while dishonourably revoked it,) and did undoubtedly scarce quit the cost: for the bravery of that meeting was so exceeding great, as Edward easily won the general opinion of a very noble & puissant king. 
* Histor. lib. 19  Polydor writeth, that Edward refused not the office, yet would not exercise the same, because he would not displease Pope Benedict, whose enemy the Bavarian was.  
(49) This Emperor (whom belike the Pope hated, for being as proud as himself) took it ill, 
The King of England's prerogative. T●…. W●…lsin.  (as report went) that the King of England humbled not himself (at their meeting) to the kiss of his foot. But it was answered; that the King of England was a King anointed, and had life and member in his power, and therefore ought not to submit himself, so much as an other King that was not anointed. After his return to Antwerp with his new power, he seriously prosecuted his affair of confederation with the Lords and people of Dutchland, among whom (with great love and favour) he and his royal family abode above an whole year. The principal Nobles which entered into this league against the French were these. The Archbishop of Colein Prince Elector; The Duke of Brabant; The Duke of Gelderland, (who had married the Lady Isabel King Edward's own sister, and about this season was of an Earl created a Duke; The marquess of Gulick, etc. And finally, the Hanse towns.  
(50) The Flemings, being the most necessary part 
* Polyd. Ver. li. 19 An. D. 1338. The first quarteting of the French Armouries with the English.  of this association, in regard of their nearness to the French, would not engage themselves in an offensive war against the Crown of France, unless King Edward would first assume the Title and Armouries of that Realm, as the only lawful King thereof. This 
* Adam Me●…m. Tho. Wals. in Edward. 3. Ypod. Neust.  Proposition was thoroughly debated, and the law of Arms allowing it, he with the common assent of the Flemings and others, took the Style, and quartered the Flower de Lize with the Leopards, or Lions of England, as here we see annexed; albeit we see his former Seal also adorned with two Lize or Lilies; whether in token of his mother's French descent, or as a covert note of his own right to the Frenchcrown it is uncertain.  
(51) Polydore 
* In Guli●…l. 1. l. 9  Virgil must have a wary and favourable Reader, or he will be thought to be of opinion, that William the Conqueror bore his Leopards quartered, than which nothing is more untrue, nor more unlikely. Others again may suppose, that we have not here described them according to their right bearing, as certainly according to their present bearing we have not; but the truth is, the golden Lilies of France, which now are borne in triangle, were in those days born, and advanced Semi.  
(52) And whereas the Armouries of France are placed here in the dexter and more honourable quarter, 
The Arms of England set before those of France at the first. Sir Robert Cotton hath such a seal of Q. Is●…bel.  yet there are probabilities, that it was not so at this their first conjunction. For in the* Seal of Queen Isabel (this King Edward's mother) the Armouries of England, as being the Armouries of the husband's line (and therefore to have precedence) were marshaled where now the Flower de Luce's shine. But whether to gratify the French, or because that was the more ancient and greater Monarchy, they were in this Kings reign disposed as here we see.  
(53) When King Edward had thus assumed the Title and Arms of that Realm, he published the same under his seal, setting the name of England first, and sent his Letters Patents to the frontiers of the enemy's Dominions, fixing them upon the doors of Churches, aswell to declare the right and reason of his doings, as to exempt such from the danger of the coming storm, who upon this notice would acknowledge him their Lord and rightful Sovereign. These proclamations or admonishments thus divulged, he burned and spoiled the North parts of France up as far as 
* Adam Merim. Tho. Walsing.  Turwin, though the time of the year were very unseasonable, and contenting himself therewith for a beginning, gave place to the sharpness of Winter, returning to the Queen his wife at Antwerp where he kept a royal Christmas. In which City this year was Lionel (afterward Duke of Clarence) borne.  
(54) His affairs growing ripe in those parts, he leaves his Queen and Children in Brabant, as an assured pledge of his return, and about Candlemas ships himself for England; where in a Parliament 
King Edward's pardons and grants in am of his subjects contributions.  at Westminster, he obtained liberal aids for supportation of his intended Conquest. In am of which loving assistances, he granted a general large pardon both for trespasses, and of all Aides for making his son Knight, and for marriage of his daughter during all his time; forgiving also all arrearages of Farmers and Accountants till the tenth year of his Reign, and all old debts due to any of his Predecessors. Finally, he confirmed that famous Magna Charta, and of the Forest with some other.  
(55) There was no talk now but of conquering France; Musters taken throughout the Kingdom, Armourers and trades of war (to be cherished even in the securest peace) were full of employment, and the desire of battle waxed fervent every where. Mean while to hold the world in suspense of the success, God distributed the fortune of attempts diversly. Bordeaux (the capital City of Aquitaine, and then English) gave an excellent testimony of her 
A Strategem of the loyal.  loyalty, nor less of martial wit and valour. For the French Army coming before her, she to abuse their hope, set open her gates, and displayed upon her Towers the golden Lilies, as if she were theirs; but the French which securely entered, found little good hospitality. Sir Oliver de Ingham was Captain and Lord Warden there for King Edward, who with his Garrison-Souldiers, and aid of the inhabitants, slew of them great multitudes, and preserved Bordeaux. But in the opposite parts, William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and Robert Vfford Earl of Suffolk, 
* Tho. Walsin.  after many honourable deeds performed for advancement of King Edward's affair, were by the French taken Prisoners, while presuming too much upon their courages and fortune, they * ran too far into their danger, at the Town of Lile in Flanders.  
(56) But King Edward being ready now to repass the Seas, had certain intelligence that the 
Gagiun. Serres.  French lay in wait about Sluice in Flanders, to intercept him with a mighty Navy of 400. ships; who therefore prepared accordingly, intending to open his way by force. He set sail from Harwich upon Saint john Baptists Eve, toward the Coast where his enemies attended, strengthening himself 
Tho. Wals.  with the Northern Navy of England, which the I. Robert Morley brought unto him, so as he had in all about two or three hundredth sail. His battles 
A very great victory at Sea obtained by King Edward.  having the advantages of winds and sun, he set on the French with incredible fury and force, in the very mouth of the Haven of Sluice upon Midsummer day, where began a most bloody and terrible fight, the end whereof set the Garland upon King Edward's head. Himself was 
* Serres, Holinsh.  wounded in that fight, and lost 
* Rich. Southw.  four valiant Knights (Monthermer, Latimer, Boteler, Poynings) with sundry other of his English slain therein. But the slaughters of the French party were lamentable, for thirty thousand are confessed to have perished, not half of their ships escaped untaken or unsuncke. A greater glory than this, the English are scarce found to have achieved at any battle at sea.  
(57) The Crown of France seemed already to be placed upon King Edward's Temples, so much was attributed to this great victory, but such a Conquest was not the work of one day. Which King Edward well understanding, refreshed his victorious Army, and augmenting it with his Confederates forces (which repaired to him on all sides) marched forth, having one of the most puissant hosts that ever any King of England led, as wherein were near an hundredth thousand Soldiers English, and Dutch. He had also in his Company the Dukes of Brabant and Gelder, and many other potent members of the Empire, and (as 
* Serres.  some write) the imperial Eagles displayed in the head of his Army, as he that was Vicegerent of the sacred Roman Empire. In this wise he approached the Northerly parts of France, where exposing all to spoil & fire, he sat down with his whole Forces about Turney, meaning to take in the same, aswell to be a seat of War, as place of sure retreat and refuge.  
(58) Philip, though justly grieved with his woeful loss sustained at Sea, yet to encounter, and crush so great an evil in the first approaches thereof, had provided such an Army, as beseemed the Majesty and greatness of that renowned Kingdom. Writers speak of an hundredth thousand fight men assembled under his command, and that besides Princes, Dukes, Earls, and other illustrious Persons, there was the valiant old King of Bohemia, and 
* Pol. Virg. lib. 19  Lewis king of Navarre. K. Edward hearing the same, drew forth his people into the open field with purpose to give battle:  
(59) It may seem a thing greatly tending to King Edward's glory, to remember the 
* Tho. Walls.  offer which he sent to King Philip before he laid his siege to Turney. In which, without saluting him by any other title then of Philip of Valours, he challengeth him, for avoiding the effusion of Christian blood, to fight with him hand to hand in single battle; or (if that misliked) then each to bring an hundredth to the field, and try the event with so small an hazard; or otherwise, within ten days to join full battle with all their forces near to Turney. Whereunto Philip made no direct answer, neither with his honour could, alleging that the letters were not sent to him, the King of France, but barely to Philip of Valois. Nevertheless, he gave him to understand, that his meaning was to beat him out of France, having hope in Christ (from whom he derived his power) so to do.  
(60) The honour of the war in those ages cannot be enough commended, in which the noble old forms of hostility were put in practice, by defiances, Heralds, and public assignations of day and place of fight, and not by skulking surprises and underhand stealths, more nearly resembling highway robberies, then lawful battle.  
(61) These two huge hosts (which had they been united for the good of Christendom, might have worthily made the Turk look pale) being now in sight, and the cloud of war ready in a manner to dissolve itself into showers of blood, do nevertheless without one stroke fall off, and return to their several Countries, not without the wonder and reioicement of peaceable men, but not of the English and Germane Soldiers, who propounded to themselves death with glory, or riches by Conquest and victory, who now had scarce their wages.  
(62) It is not meet that the name of that person who did perform so blessed an office, should be concealed. It was a woman of honour (but at that time a professed 
* Serres.  Nun in the Abbey of Fontenels) the Lady jane of Valois, sister to this Philip, widow of William late Earl of Henault, and mother to King Edward's wife; her charitable endeavours were strongly holpen by 
* Ypod. Neust.  two Cardinals, who solicited peace together with her. Great interest of mediation she had in either respect, here a brother, there a son in law, and she failed not to ply them both. The Truce was concluded; the rather for that King Philip was advised from all parts, not to set his whole fortunes upon the Die and chance of a Battle. And Edward (on the other side) meaning nothing less, than not to have prosecuted the war upon the encouragement of his late Sea-victorie, was so destitute of money through the fault of his Officers in England, as he was the sooner drawn, if not enforced to embrace so honest a colour of returning from the siege of Turney; which nevertheless did but defer the miseries of France, not determine them: & whereas that glory, which the upper hand in this journey would have brought, could not have been pure and mere unto him, because the Dutch (whose aid he used) would have claimed no small share therein, the English Chivalry only had the name and burden of such great Acts as after followed.  
(63) The chief Articles of the truce were; That it should endure till Midsummer day than 
The chief points of the Truce.  next ensuing, and that the Prisoners should be set at liberty without any ransom on both sides, upon condition to render themselves again, or pay their several ransoms, if peace were not in the mean time concluded. By virtue of this treaty and truce, the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk were delivered. Here it troubled our 
* Walsingham.  Walsingham, that King Edward should be left so destitute, and needy by the avarice or fraud of his officers at home, as for that respect to give over so fair an opportunity, by which he might as it were by a continued line, and by insisting and pressing upon the steps of his late suc-  
friend to life, gave life notwithstanding about this 
The most noble order of the Garter instituted  time to an invention, which as for the present it served (he having so great use thereof for his French enterprises) as a vehement Incentive to martial valour, and a golden band of unity, so the same is continued with likelihood of perennity, and multiplication of splendour in these our days. It was the foundation of the English order, worthily called the most noble order of the Garter. The causes why our Edward erected it, are not evident, though there could none be greater or better, than those before recited; Honour expressed by external and illustrious ensigns, devised by a victorious Author, and appropriated 
A. D. 1350. An. Reg. 24. The Patent of the foundation bears date 22. Reg. Edw. 3. saith Stow, who nevertheless placeth the first feast thereof at this year.  to a fellowship of most exemplar and eminent persons, being in nature like a flame, to kindle in the apt and worthy, all heroic affections. The vulgar opinion is, that whatsoever the remoter causes were which moved to this foundation, the near cause, or the occasion was, a Garter of his own Queen (or as 
* Cambd. Brit. in Barksh.  some say) of the Lady joan, Countess of Salisbury (wonder of that age for shape and beauty) which slipping off in a dance, king Edward stooped and took up. Such of the Nobles as were present, smiling, and 
* 〈◊〉 cavillationibus, Polyd. Verg. l. 19 in Edw. 3.  playing in sport with that action of the Kings, as amouros, he seriously said, it should not be long before there should Sovereign honour be done to that silken tie. Whereupon he afterward added the French Motte, or Symbolical word HONI SOIT QVI MALY PENSE, aswell in complement of the whole invention, as in retort or check of his Courtiers sinister suspicion. Polydor Virgil troubleth himself to make an Apology for the coarseness of this Original, if (without injury) an office of honourable love in so renowned a Monarch, may undergo the note of coarseness; but the same Polydor among his other defences theref truly saith; 
Nobilitas sub amore jacet.  There want not some who conjecture, that he entitled it the Order of the Garter, for that in a battle wherein he was victorious, he had given the word Garter, for the word or sign. But if credit may be attributed to the original 
* Pe●…es D. Gulliel 〈◊〉 Dethick, Equitem auratum, oli●… Garter, principalem Armorum Reg●…. Cambden in Brit.  Book of the Institution, the invention is deduced from times more ancient, and that when Richard the first King of England, set forward against the Turks and Saracens to Cyprus and Acon, and waxed weary of longer delay, while the siege of Acon was with wonderful care protracted, courage at the length (by the coming of S. George among them as it was thought) quickening in him, it came into his mind to tie about the legs of certain his choice Knights, a Garter or small thong of leather, the only stuff fit for such a purpose, which he had then at hand, to the intent that they (as it were by joint consent) being mindful of future glory, if they were victorious, might be stirred up, to demean themselves nobly after the example of the Romans, with whom that variety of Crowns or Garlands given for sundry causes as honourable Ensigns to the Soldier was in use; to the intent, that by such incitements, they might shake off sloth, and the spirit of courage might rise, and break forth the more fervently.  
(80) And into this opinion of stirring up virtue thereby, the 
* Cambden.  Author of the Britannia seemeth to pass, where he saith, that King Edward the third founded this Order, to 
* Vt militarem vir●…em honoribus, praemijs atque splendours decora●…et  adoru Martial virtue with honours, rewards and splendour.  
(81) There was in the Castle of Windsor (the ordained seat of the Order now first to be consummated) before King Edward did accomplish his intention, in honour of God, 
* Camd. ubi supr●…  our Lady, and S. George, a 
* Stow in Edw. 3  Chapel erected by King Henry the first, and other Progenitors of Edward, with an allowance for eight Canons, to whose College this Prince added a Dean, fifteen Canons more, and twenty and four poor impotent Knights, with other officers and servants, as appeareth by his Charter. These were to pray for the good estate of the Sovereign and Brethren of the most noble Order. The Sovereign and Knights themselves had their particular laws and constitutions, which they were by solemn oath bound to observe, of which one 
* Polyd. Verg. in Edw. 3.  was, That they should defend and assist one the other: which afterward made Alphonse Duke of Calabria receive the habit of that Order with so exceeding reverence at Naples, as erroneously thinking himself secured thereby from the French, who claimed that Kingdom. But that custom of mutual assistance (saith 
* Hist. Angl. lib. 26. in Hen. 7.  Polydore) was then worn out of use, and discontinued every where; for those Italian Potentates who (within the memory of Polydore) being driven forth of their Country, and imploring aid of those orders, whereof themselves were companions, found no supporture, either from the French or Burgundians, who had formerly elected them. Besides laws and Officers, King Edward also devised particular Ceremonies & distinctive habits and ensignements, whereof the principal was the azure Garter, wherein the French Motte of the Order was wrought in letters of gold, and the Garter itself fastened a little under the left knee with a buckle of gold, in 
* In Concordiae symbolum, saith Camden.  token of Concord. There are special Manuscript Books of the Constitutions, and other things peculiar to this Order, to which (this place being not aptly capable of their recapitulation) we must refer the curious. Saint George the 
* joh. Canta●…z Imperat. Constant. in Apolog. 3  esteemed pattern of Christian fortitude, is entitled to the Patronage of this Order, & the beauteous Chapel in Windsor Castle (where his 
* 23 Apr.  day is yearly celebrated) consecrated by King Edward to his memory. The fortune of this invention hath been such, that the most mighty Princes 
* Camd. quà supra.  of the Christian world have thought themselves most highly honoured, in being chosen thereunto, so that there have been about two and twenty foreign Emperors and Kings (besides many others of most noble quality) since the first institution thereof, elected and admitted Companions of the Garter. The Kings of England are in their several times Sovereigns of the Order, and the whole number of Knights is circumscribed in twenty and six, whereof the Sovereign is one. The names of the first twenty and six (who are also styled Founders of the Order) you shall find intabled in our Map of 
Folio 28.  Berkshire.  
(82) Our Edward 
* Polyd. Verg.  having thus honoured S. George's memory, assigned to his Image mounted in Armour upon Horseback a silver Shield with a cross Gules (
* Fair. Qu. C●…. 1 lib. 1.  the dear remembrance of his dying Lord) and 
* Pol. Virg. in Ed. 3.  appointed his Soldiers to wear white coats or jackets, with a red Cross before and behind over their Armour, that it was not only a comely, but a stately sight to behold the English battles, like the rising Sun to glitter far off in that pure hue; when the Soldiers of other Nations in their base weeds could not be discerned. The glory therefore of this Order seemed such to one, no 
* Epitha. Thamis. apud Cambd.  unlearned Poet, that in an Apostrophe to Windsor, speaking of the Garter, he breaks forth into these scarce hyberbolical verses. 
- Cappadocis quanquam sis clara Georgicirc;  
Militia, etc.  
Far spreads thy fame, wherewith S. George's knights  
Hath made thee glorious; where rich-robed Peers,  
Whose manly legs the golden garter dights,  
Combine that light which through all lands appears.  
That now Burgundians scorn their Fleece of Gold;  
The French, th' Escalopt Collar setwith grace;  
Their Crossed weeds, Rhodes, Elba, Alcala, hold  
As worthless: all matched with thy George, are 〈◊〉.   
(83) Let us not dwell too long in the lesser things: It was the month of julie, and King Edward was now upon the Sea with about a thousand 
* Serres  Sail. No man is said to know whether he bent his course, so well he could trust himself, and so wisely free his Counsels from the possibility of discovery. 
King Edward in France with bloody colours. Froissard.  He went not to war by rote, but by book; Wisdom was Herbenger and marshal of his valour; who shall say he knew not how to conquer? It was not long but he came to anchor in the Haven of Hogy Saint Vast, in Constantine, a great cape of land or penile in Normandy. His 
* Giou. Villain.  land forces did muster twenty and five hundred horse, and thirty thousand foot, most of which were Archers. The lights, and glories of his Army, were the Prince of Wales (then about sixteen years old, who was then by his father knighted) many brave Earls, Lords, Knights, and expert Chiefs, the English going cheerfully, as having gotten such a King as answered their warlike dispositions. The Earl of Huntingdon had charge of his Navy: himself takes severe revenge for the blood of his friends upon the Norman Towns and people, protesting he sacrificed them 
* Serres.  to Clisson, Baro, Percy, and the rest. Their heads were set upon the chief Gate of Carentine, for which cause he slew all that could be found therein, and turning the whole town into Cinders gave it to their funeral. He took the populous and rich City of Caen, & with his dreadful host burning and spoiling round about, marched up almost as far as the very walls of Paris, braving King Philip so near.  
(74) Who had not slept all this while, but was 
* Polyd. Verg. & omnes.  purveyed of one of the fullest armies which ever were seen in France. King Edward's people rich with spoil seemed not unwilling to return. They were now in the enemy's Country between the two good rivers of Sein and Some, for they had passed the Sein at Poissie, whose Bridge (as all other between Rouen and Paris) had been broken down by the French, and now (notwithstanding any opposition) in a short space repaired. It was thought fit to seek passage out of these straits, which could not be by Bridges, for they were broken by the French. This search for passage, was by the enemy interpreted a kind of flight, and Edward could not but be willing to nourish their temerity, to draw them on securely to destruction by such a seeming fear.  
(85) The river of Some, between Albeville and the Sea, at a low water hath a passable and gravelile ford, known by the name of Blanch Taque; this was discovered to him by one Gobin a prisoner. But the French King (best acquainted in his own Country) to impeach this passage, had before sent thither a Norman Baron of special note, one Godmar du Foy, and a 1000 thousand horse with at least 6000. foot; but Edward, (whom as obstacles made impetuous, so nothing could dismay,) enters himself into the Ford, 
* Serres  crying, He that loves me let him follow me, as one that resolved either to pass, or die. Who can tell the efficacy of such a General's spirit, but they, who have had the happiness to follow under the conduct? The passage wan, and Du Foy defeated in a manner, before he was almost fought with, (the incomparable courage of his enemies appalling him,) he brought to King Philip fewer by a pair of thousands, than he carried forth, besides terror, and an evil sign of that which followed. The English, who knew not what it meant to run away, but were before resolved to live & die with such a Sovereign, had reason now much more to resolve the same.  
(86) King Edward was near to Crescie in the 
The great battle of Crescie.  County Ponthieu, lying between the rivers of Some and Anthy (which unquestionably belonged unto him in right of his mother,) there most vigilantly provides he for his defence. King Philip, set on fire with this disaster, precipitates to battle for accomplishment of God's anger against France; being the rather drawn, by the unruly vanity of his huge multitudes, (for by what other words do * an hundred 
Serres saith but 60000.  or sixscore thousand men deserve to be called?) who never left overtaking one the other, till the view of the English banners and battles put them to stand. We profess that the nature of our undertakings will not brook descriptions at large; you shall have it as we may, that is, as remembering, that innumerable great achievements rest behind, somewhat impatiently attending their relation.  
(87) Therefore, the holy name of God first rightly 
The English put into battle.  invocated, King Edward, without showing the least sign of perturbation, but full of an Heroic assuredness, had ordered his people in three battles, with their wings and succours. The Vanguard disposed into the form of an Hearse, where the Archers 
Frolssard.  stood in front, and the men of arms in the bottom, was under the young Lion of Wales, Prince Edward, and with him many of the prime and sagest Captains: Beauchamp Earl of warwick, Godfrey of Harecourt, 
Holinsh. Graston.  The Lords, Stafford, Laware, Bourchier, Clifford, Cobham, Holland, etc. In the second battle were, The Earls of Northampton, and Arundel; the Lords, Rosse, Willoughby, Basset, Saint Albine, Multon, etc. The third and last battle was commanded in chief by King Edward himself, with the residue of his Nobles and people. In every one of these battles, beside the wings, were a just proportion of men at arms and Archers, but nothing so thin and few as some of our 
* Grafton!  writers allege, who mention not above 9000. all together, who were at least thrice as many in their whole numbers, and not without need.  
(88) King Edward closed his battles at their back, (as if he meant to barricado them from flying,) by felling and plashing of Trees, placing his carriages there and other impediments whatsoever, having commanded 
* Grafton.  all men to put from them their horses, which were left among the carriages. Thus all 
Not an Englishman on horseback in this battle.  ways of safety by flight being prevented, the necessity did undoubtedly double their courages. Thus placed to the best advantage, King Edward visiteth the ranks in person, riding upon a pleasant 
* Froissard.  Hobby, (having only a white rod in his hand, as if he would chastise fortune,) between the two marshals of his field; whose very presence, with a few seasonable and unenforced words on behalf of God and his right, in steed of long Orations, did inspire the faintest hearts among them with freshest vigour and alacrity.  
(89) Our writers describe not unto us the quality or face of the ground of Crescy where this battle was determined (though very much doth depend upon choice of place,) neither the exact figures, or several numbers of every several battle, their distances, wings or other warlike forms, nor finally what palisado, trench, or other devise was in this or that quarter used, to keepe-off and break the furious charge of men of Arms, before they came at the Archers, principal workmen at this bloody journey. 
The culpable ignorance and negligence of Generals.  But thus lamely are things commended to Posterity, where the Actors themselves take no care to see the particulars orderly and according to the truth delineated; but either are unlearned, or give themselves to the bodily fruition of their passed travels, rather than to exercise their minds in profiting themselves and others by such relations as are made with life and art. This we find, that the place of the Englishmen battles was the Town of Crescie, and Forest, and therefore apt with small labour to be made inaccessible, or at leastwise difficult for horse to enter upon; that also the English battles were marshaled to the most advantage for giving succour one unto the other; and that there were 
* Poly. Verg lib. 19  Shields or Pavises to shelter our Archers from the Genoese shot.  
(90) By this time King Philip (whose countenance is 
* Grafton.  said to have changed thereat,) was in sight of the English. He had with him the two Kings of Boheme and Maiorea, and almost innumerable other great Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons and Gentlemen of inferior mark bearing arms; nor those only French, but very many of them Almains and Dutch, lest you should suppose, he had drawn away Lewis the Emperor from the friendship of K. Edward, to little purpose. The 
* Serres.  night before the battle, there alighted in the French host, with intention to lop off one branch of Laurel from the tree of victory (though it fell out to be Cypress and Taxus) Amie Earl of Savoy, with a thousand men of Arms; so that all things seemed to concur to nourish fury for a sudden ruin. We need not describe the order of the French, where disorder was a principal Actor: The 
* Holinsh.  King of Bohem, and Charles Earl of Alenzon, King Philip's brother German, had charge of the point or vanguard, King Philip himself was in the main battle, and the Earl of Savoy had chief command in the Rear.  
(92) That is almost ridiculous, which 
* Serres.  one writes 
The Auriflambe of France, and Dragon of England.  of the etymology of the Oiliflame (as he calls it) advanced at this battle, as a sign of taking none to mercy, no more (as he saith) than Oil doth use to extinguish fire; when indeed it was an hallowed 
* Sir Tho. de la More, apud john Stow.  Banner of red silk, whereof the French had a wonderful 
* Gag●…. Elements of Armouries.  high conceit, as of that which was sent from heaven, and called Oreflame or Auriflames. King Edward on the contrary side, is reported for sign of like rigour, to have erected there his unconquered Standard of the Dragon-Gules. Lewis of Luxemburg, the most valiant old King of Bohemia, being either blind or very badly sighted, hearing in what goodly order the English (like sober Spartan soldiers) attended the charge, said plainly (contrary to their overweening judgements who had given out of their flight,) Here will the English end their days or conquer. And even as the first wounds were ready in a manner to be given and taken, behold, God, to let them know he was awake, and that there was one above to whom so many thousands should within a few minutes appear, to give an account of their whole lives till that present; he caused the black clouds to pour down upon them store of funeral tears, enarching the air with a spacious 
* Serres.  Rainbow, and discharging sundry tire and peals of thunder: the Sun also, at the same time drawing near to set, would gladly have hid his face, by thrusting it under a partill 
* holinsh. Froissard.  Eclipse; but God (who meant good to the English) would not suffer him to withdraw his more necessary office, so that freed from that temporary shadow, he shone directly into the Frenchman's eyes. At the same time also 
* Walsingham.  shoals and clouds of baleful Ravens, and other birds of prey and ravine, as foreshowing the harvest of carcases at hand, came flying over the French host.  
(93) The sign of battle being given by King Philip, and entertained with shouts and clamours, all things showing the horror of war, Drums & Trumpets sounding to a charge, Banners flying in the wind, and every where shining weapons, menacing brave extremity, reason herself acknowledged it only safe to leave them to their brute faculties, passion and fury, and the event itself to God. The French calamities began at their Genoese, who under 
* Gio Villam.  Carolo Grimaldi, and Antonio Dorta their Colonels, being all of them Crossebowmen, were to open a way for the French horse with their shot. This was the success of their service: Their Crossbow strings wet with the late rain, their bodies weary 
The Genoese defeated.  with a long march, their ranks (after the English had intercepted upon 
* Polyd. Virg. l. 19  targets their first volue,) filled with innumerable gaps, occasioned by the 
The Earl of Alansons furious temerity.  fall of their fellows slain, or overthrown with home-drawne arrows, were lastly most outrageously scattered by Charles Earl of Alencon, at whose commandment (derived from K. 
* Serres.  Philip himself) his horse gave in among them, to drive them by plain murder from the honour ofhaving the point, upon only pretence that they hindered their race. This hot young Count (contrary to good discipline,) had also otherwise unjustly discontented and disgraced them, even when they were ready to join in battle, whose bodies (being as most write about twelve thousand) by bearing the first brunt might have been of great use, if in nothing else, but in serving as butts and quivers, to take into them the chief first storms of the English arrows. Whereas now 
The first confusion of the enemy  they themselves were not only thus most miserably trodden under foot, and put to the sword, but many of the French Gallants by that occasion mingled among them, were overthrown by the English arrows, who equally pursued the destruction both of French and Genoese, shooting thickest where the tumult and confusion were greatest. Some 
* Grafton.  rascals also following the English Army, as they saw opportunity, stepped in among them, and holp to cut throats, sparing neither Lord nor lozel.  
(94) The French men of Arms half out of breath with headlong haste, and terribly disordered 
The French horse charge the English battalions.  with the perpetual storms of singing arrows, were now at handstrokes with the Prince's battle; neither was it long, but that the shining Battle axes, 
Battle.  swords, lances, and other weapons of our nation had lost their splendour, being covered with human gore, which having thirstily drunk out of enemy's wounds, they let fall in bloody tears. The fight was sharp and fierce: but to what purpose serves writing, if the high resolution of the king of Bohemia should be unremembered? he (as only 
The king of Bohemia's high resolution and death.  seeking an honourable grave for his old age) put himself into the first rank of his own horsemen, and with full random charging the English, was slain with sword in hand, the troop of his faithful follower▪ with their slaughtered bodies covering him even in death. There lay this Trophea of the English Chivalry, by whose fall (evidently seen in the ruin of the Bohemian Standard,) his noble son, the Lord Charles of Boheme (lately elected Emperor, whilst Lewis was as 
* Lanquet.  yet alive) was wisely warned to provide for himself, the matter appearing desperate. For now was Philip himself in person, with the full power of his Army, come to the reskues of his brother and friends, who were hard at work (while they had breath) about their dreamt victory, but finding the metal infinitely more tough which they had to deal upon, than they could possibly have supposed, were beaten to the earth in great numbers. The young Prince nevertheless was not without danger, though now the second battle of the English, for preservation of their Prince, dashing in among the enemies, fought most courageously.  
(95) Therefore King Edward himself was sent unto, whose battle hovered like a tempest in a cloud, 
King Edward refuseth to aid his son the Prince.  over which, upon the hillock of a Windmill, with his helmet on, (which never came off till all was done) he judiciously watched, beholding the whole field, and ready to enter into the conflict when just necessity should invite. You shall hear a most noble answer: The messenger dispatched from the Earl of Northampton and others, 
* Paul. Aemyl. in Philip. 6. Serres. Holinsh. His most noble answer.  upon a tender respect to their young Prince's safety, having declared to the King, that the Lords required his presence, for that his son was in danger, 
* Paul. Aemyl. in Philip 6. Serres. Holinsh.  he bade him return and say; Let them send no more to me for any adventure that may befall, while my son is alive; but let him either vanquish or die, because the honour of this brave day shall be his, if God suffer him to survive.  
(96) The Messenger returned, and though he brought not men to their succours, he brought such accession of courage and spirit, as he that should say that King Edward failed them at their need, should neither understand what belongs to magnanimity, nor the effect of such a check from so excellent a General: who nevertheless, was maturely watchful over the good of his child and people: on the other side King Philip (whose quarrel it was) 
King Philip's person far engaged, escapes by ●…light.  did not forsake the duty of a noble Chief: but so long contended in his own person, till his horse was 
* Serres. Ypod. Neust. Adam Merim  slain under him with arrows, himself * twice dismounted, and wounded both in the neck and thigh: but then the Lord john of Henault, Earl of Beaumond, (who had long since quit King Edward's service) sets him again on horseback, and the 
Serres saith, that King Edward came at last to the battle, and with his coming made an end thereof. The former words sent to his son (which are also in Serres) insinuate nothing less.  French (out of a loyal desire to his preservation) cried to retire him out of the fight, who rather seemed willing to end his days in so noble company: which voice was as it were the upshot and last Gasp of that most cruel conflict, where none as yet were taken to mercy upon any terms.  
After their King had preserved himself, the whole power of the French gave away, and sought to save itself by flight, whom the English, warily fight upon the defensive, and loath to hazard such a victory, by breaking their ranks to pursue the enemy too far in the night time, (which now was come upon them,) suffered them to be holden in chase by their own just fear, contented to make good their 
holinsh.  ground, by standing still upon their guard according to true discipline. For they saw not as yet the bottom of their danger, and knew that there were so many escaped, as might well serve to overwhelm their Army with their multitudes.  
(97) King Edward seeing the coast for the present clear of all his enemies, advanceth with his untouched 
King Edward and the Prince meet.  battle towards his victorious son, & most affectionately embracing and kissing him, said; Fair Son, God send you good perse●…erance to so prosperous beginnings; you have nobly acquit yourself, and are well worthy to have the Governance of a Kingdom entrusted unto you for your valour. To which the most chivalrous of young Princes replied in silence, most humbly falling on his knees, before his triumphant father.  
(98) Here there may be some controversy, whether the exemplary manhood of the English, or their 
The modest and wi●…e behaviour of the English.  singular piety, were more to be commended: but who will not infinitely prefer the latter, chiefly in Soldiers, among whom it is usually most wanting? Great was the victory, great was their prowess, & great the glory; but they like true Christian knights and Soldiers, forbore all boast, referring the whole thanks and honour of their preservation to God the true Author thereof. The night was so very dark, as if it had mourned for the day times bloodshed, therefore they made 
* Gr●….  store of fires, lighted torches, and candles, carefully tending their wounded companions, and modestly rejoicing in their own fair adventure.  
(99) But the next morning presented new work; for such a mist having overspread the earth, that they could scarce see hard at hand, yet were 
* Ypod. Neust. Holinsh. The French are again encountered and utterly broken. Paul. Aemyl. saith that the English set up French Banners, and by that stratagem drew them to destruction.  new swarms of French abroad, who came from sundry Cities and good towns, as Rouen, Beavois, etc. to have joined with King Philip in the designed spoil of the English; these being met with by King Edward's people, were in sundry places overthrown and slain, and multitudes of such as had lost their way in the last flight, were severely put to the sword, as the English chanced upon them, 
* Froissard.  where they lay lurking in hedges, bushes, and byways: The Earls of Northampton, 
* Wil Northbr●…gh apud Rob. de Auesbur●….  Suffolk and Norfolk, 
* Ypod. Neustr.  had the execution of the French which fled from this last overthrow, for the space of about nine miles English from the ground where they encountered.  
(100) There was leisure now to take an account of the slain; which upon the enemy's side amounted, not only in the number to very many, but in their quality to very great. For search hereof, king 
The field viewed by Heralds.  Edward caused certain principal commanders, & three Heralds, (who by the Coat-Armours might judge of the persons, it being then a thing perpetual and solemn not to fight without those signs of Noblesse,) to take an exact view of the field, who about supper time returning, made report to the King, that they found the dead bodies of 
* Grafton.  eleven great Princes, and of Barons, Knights, and men of Arms, above 
* Wil Northb. Serres.  one thousand, and five hundredth. Among the owners of such bodies as were beaten to the Earth upon the first day, these are worthily reckoned chief: The 
* Serres. Polyd. Virg. l. 19:  King of Bohemia, the 
* Sir Tho. de la More, apud john Stow. Harding.  King of Maiorca, 
* Serres.  Charles Earl of Alencon, brother-German to King Philip, the Duke of Lorraine, 
* john Stow.  the Duke of Bourbon, the 
* 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  Earl of Flanders, the 
* Wil Nort●….  Earl of Savoy (both great Princes,) 
* Serres 〈◊〉 also reckon●… 〈◊〉 Earl of ●…ys 〈◊〉 at this bat●…, who was alive sundry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the Dolphin of Vi●…nois, son to Himbert, the Earl of S●…erre, and Hareconrt (whose brother Godfrey in pity of his house, his two Nephews being slain with their father, forsook the King of England after this battle, and returned into Grace with the French,) the 
* Wil Northb.  Earls of Aumarl, Nevers, etc. six Earls of Almain; beside others of great account of all sorts. Upon the second day, the Grand Prior of France, who with his Archbishop of Rouen, had on the behalf of their Prince and Country put on Arms. Of the Commons, in 
* 26 & 27. A●…g. A. D. 1346.  both of these black days, there fell about thirty thousand, and some say, four times more in this last, then in the other.  
(101) We find not one man of honour, or note slain upon the English side, so that this victory may safely be accounted among the wonderful. The 
* Polyd. Verg.  spoils of the Enemy's bodies and carriages, King Edward gave wholly to his well deserving soldiers. The rule of their safety (they being in a most populous enemy Country) would not permit them to use much courtesy to others, as that which might have proved cruelty to themselves, but upon the second day they took many 
* Wil Northb.  prisoners, though none of great name, for they were spent in the day before. It pleased the conqueror to proclaim a truce now for three days in the Country about, that the people might come in to bury their dead; but the bodies of the most noble, he himself caused to be conveyed to Monstreal, and there (in his March towards Calais) interred.  
(102) Thus by God's favour, and the unresistible force of the English Archers, (who in a manner did 
* Polyd. Verg.  only fight) was King Edward put into a full and peaceable possession of a perfect victory; which after he had one night only enjoyed in the Forest of Crescie, he dislodged with his conquering host, & marched strait toward Calais, which 
Calais besieged.  he 
* Serres saith 30 September. A. D. 1346.  presently invested, having decreed never to rise with his Army from before it, till without assault he had carried the same. For which cause he entrenched and fortified his Camp on all sides, built up 
* Grafton.  Sheds covered with Reed and broom, and other places and offices as to dwell in, and stopping all relief by Sea, (whereof he was Master) with his Navy. There commanded in Calais for the French, Sir john de Vienne, 
* Serres.  Martial of France, and the Lord Dandreghan, with a very strong Garrison, who concluded like good men of war, to try all extremities, rather than to surrender the Piece, which was so strong, that to assault the same, otherwise then with famine had been frivolous. These great Captains seeing King Edward's resolution, thrust forth of the Town (for sparing of food) their poorer people, above fifteen hundredth; whom he, like a true Christian Prince, turned not back upon the Town, but relieved for God's cause with fresh 
King Edward's Charity.  victuals, and two pence sterling each; permitting them freely and securely to pass through his Camp, to his great glory, and (undoubtedly) profit also, having their hearty prayers for his happy success, and God for paymaster, and rewarder of such his Beneficence.  
(103) Many ways were thought upon by king Philip to raise this obstinate siege: two principal; 
The French devise to succour Calais.  an Army of French to fight with King Edward, and a diversion by invasion, wherein the Scots (their perpetual allies) were forward. Both in their several times, were put into execution. That of the Scotish invasion was first, but with such success, as well declared it was Gods will (all people having their increasings, zeniths, and declinations) that the English name should now be brought to the vertical point thereof, without any thing being able to resist it.  
(104) For David the second King of Scots, to grasand old Crowns. The Pope sending a Messenger from Auignion, with an overture to intercede for a peace, had answer, that the message must be sent to the King his father, for he co●… not meddle without commandment from him. Mean while he disposed of things without impeachment, and returns laden with honour and spoils to Bordeaux, where the winter being spent, he sets forth to new adventures. He had in his Army about eight thousand brave, expert, and well disciplined Soldiers, and with them advanceth through Perigort, & Limosin into the bosom of France, up to the very gates of Burgess in Berie; the terror of his name flying before to his great advantage. Thus satisfied for the present, he wheels about with purpose to return by Remorantine in Blasois (which he took) and so through the Country of jurain, Poictou, and Saintoin to his chief City Bordeaux. But john King of France (hasting to go beyond his father in misfortune) having assembled a complete host, followed, & about the City of Poitiers overtook the invincible Prince.  
(115) When the Armies (with the odds of six to one against the English) were embattled, two Cardinals 
The English victory at Potiers, 19 Sep. 1356.  sent from Pope 
* Serres, Polyd. Verg●… saith his name was Innocentius.  Clement, laboured (as they had done before) to take up the quarrel without stroke, whereunto the Prince was with reason yielding enough, but King john fatally presuming on his advantage, propounded such conditions, as if in a manner the Prince of Wales had already been at his command; which with just indignation were rejected. It came hereupon to a most bloody trial, where (if ever) the Prince and English gave full experiment of their valour; for after long conflict and absolute discomfiture of all the 3. French battles, (the least of which exceeded all the Prince's numbers) the King himself valiantly fight, and Philip his 
* Serres.  youngest son (who with such boldness and zeal defended his distressed father, as it purchased unto him the Honourable surname of hardy) were taken 
The French king taken prisoner.  prisoners.  
(116) The English whose valiancy was most conspicuous, were the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, Oxford, and Stafford, the Lords Cobham, Spenser, Audley, Berkley, Basset, etc. of Gascoigne, subjects to the Crown of England, the Capital de Beuf, the Lord Pumier, Chaumont, with others of lower title, but not of unequal valour. 
* Froissard.  james Lord Audley wan immortal renown at this bloody battle, where he received many wounds, and shared the Prince's gift of 500 Marks land in Fee simple, to his four esquires, who had continued with him in all the brunt and fury of danger. It is the misfortune or glory of the French Nobles, that in all great battles the loss falls heavily upon them. In this most disastrous overthrow, there fell 
* Serres.  fifty and two Lords, & about seventeen hundredth Knights, esquires, and Gentlemen bearing coats of Arms: The chief Lords were Peter of Bourbon Duke of Athens high Constable of France, john Clermont Martial, George of Charney Lord great Chamberlain, etc. and as many other as made up the former account. 
* Fabian out of the French Chronicles.  Sr. Reginold C●…ian, who that day bore the Oriflamb, was likewise slain: of the common Soldiers there died about six thousand: Great God of victories, how abundantly didst thou in these days bless thine English? The list of Prisoners comprehended these great names, john King of France; Philip his son, afterward Duke of Burgoin; The Archbishop of Sens; james of Bourbon Earl of Pontheiu; john of Artois Earl of Eu; Charles his brother Earl of Longu nevile; Charles Earl of Vendo●…e; The Earls of Tankeruile, Salbruch, Nassaw, Dampmartine, La Roch, and many other great Lords, and about 
* Ypod. Neust.  two thousand Knights, esquires, and Gentlemen bearing Armouries. The English at this journey took an 
* Serres.  hundredth Ensigns.  
(117) Now albeit nothing wanted to the title of a perfect victory, yet in two points the incomparable Prince outwent that fame and merit; for having vanquished the person of the French Monarch 
The Prince doth things more commendable than his victory.  by force of battle, he much more overcame his heart with true and princely courtesy, delivering his mind in a style and kind of eloquence so ponderous, proper, grave, and natural, and with that stately humility, as only the best soul with the best breeding could be capable of; and yet 
* Paul. Aemyl.  he spoke not more officiously than he performed really. More than all this. The next day causing his Chapleins' and the other Priests of the Army, to celebrate divine service, he put off from himself the whole glory, and gave it most devoutly to 
* Poly. Verg lib. 19  God; which being first done, he, in the sight and hearing of the Prisoners, highly commends, and most heartily thanks his Soldiers, with speeches full of sincerity and life, sealing his words to every one, as his present means would permit, with liberal deeds & largesse.  
(118) Then having settled all other things, he marcheth with joy and just triumph to 
* Holinsh. & omnes.  Bordeaux, the archiepiscopal See, and chief City of his dominions in France. How the news were entertained in all places of the English Empire, is not hard to conjecture, but specially by King Edward, who took speedy order by Simon Archbishop of Canterbury, that eight days together should be 
* Bolyd. Verg. lib. 19  spent in giving God the thanks and glory. But the Prince having sufficiently refreshed, and rested his people, set sail for England with his Prisoners, where he happily arrived in 
* 5 M●…. A. D. 1357. Ypod. Neust.  Plymouth and was most joyfully welcome every where. At his coming to London (where at that time a magnificent Citizen, Henry Picard, he who afterward at one time so nobly feasted the 4. Kings of England, France, Scotland and Cyprus, was Lord Maior,) which received him with 
A Lord Maior feasted four kings at once.  exquisite honour; the multitudes of people coming to see the victorious Prince, the French King, and his son the Lord Philip, and the rest, were such, that they could hardly get to Westminster, between three of the clock in the morning and noon: but who will think the humour of the gazing vulgar worth the noting?  
(119) Great Edward, saving that he forgot not the Majesty of a Conqueror, and of a King of England, 
The two Prisoner kings lodged  omitted no kind of noble courtesy towards the Prisoners. King john and his son were lodged under a sure guard at the Savoy, being then a goodly Palace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster; the rest in other places: David King of Scots was at this time straightly kept at the Castle of 
* Adam 〈◊〉.  Odiam, but not long after, when he had endured about eleven years imprisonment, at the incessant suit of Queen 
King David set at liberty after 11 years durance.  joan his wife (sister to king Edward,) was delivered: his 
* Fourdon.  ransom was one hundredth thousand Marks striueling, and a condition to raze certain Castles.  
(120) About this time Isabel Queen Dowager of England, and mother of King Edward, (having first seen her son the most respected King of all 
A. D. 1357.  Christendom,) 
* 27. Novemb.  deceased, and was interred at London, in the Church of the Friers-Minors there. To her birth France was slenderly beholding, as being about this time in most woeful and broken state, through occasion of that title which the English challenged by her, it suffering more by far under their puissance, than 
* Guil. Tilli●….  ●…uer it did since the times of the Romans. 
* Serres. Till●….  Charles the Dolphin, Duke of Normandy, who had escaped from the battle of Poitiers, governed during his father's imprisonment; but by the dangerous practices of Charles King of Navarre, and bad disposition of the Parisians, toward the delivery of their Sovereign, he was lamentably encumbered, and beset with mischiefs, not being able to work as yet his father's liberty. Moreover, the English under Sir Robert Knowles, Sir james Pipe, and 
An. D. 1358 A. reg. 32.  Thomalin Foulk, and others, did commit great wastes, and heaped huge wealth by incursions, ransoms, and other warlike licence, in Britain, and Normandy, under the title of serving the Navarrois. To be brief all France swarmed with dissolute soldiers of sundry Nations, which having no General, made havoc at their pleasure. They were called people without an head, and by innumerable insolences made the wretchedness of Anarchy apparent. In England also swarmed another sort, no less burdenous to the commonwealth and Church, which were the four orders of Franciscan Friars, whom the 
* Walls. in Edward 3. fol. 173.  English Clergy found to be so pernicious to the regiment of the Church, that they selected that renowned Clerk, Richard Fitz-Ralph (who was Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland) to appear in person before the Pope, and there allege the 
* Armac●…. in Defensori●… curator●…. Fox Mart●…log. in Edward 3.  intolerable harms by them accrueing to the Laity, the Clergy, and the Universities, together with their disobedience to God's word, their avarice, and pride. All which that noble Prelate learnedly performed, as appeareth by the handling of his 9 propositions against them, which are extant. In his second proposition, he showeth, how ordinary a matter it was with them, to allure youth, without consent of their parents, to enter their Orders; which made men withdraw their sons from the Universities, lest the Friars should so steal them away; whereby (saith he) it came to pass, that 
* 〈◊〉 i●….  whereas in his own time there were thirty thousand Students in Oxford, soon after there were left but six thousand. But how infinitely these Friarlie swarms increased in all lands, may appear by that 
* Sabelli. Ennead. 9 l. 6.  strange offer made by the General of this one Order, to Pope Pius, who promised to bring him (being then about a Turkish Expedition) thirty thousand cunning warriors, out of the number of Saint Francis Friars, and yet enough should remain at home to perform the devotions. But the Pope had such use of those Friars, that Armachanus prevailed not in the matter, 
* Tho. Wals. in Edward 3.  though he proved the cause stoutly and manifestly against them, because (ah for pity, saith our Author,) the Clergy stuck not close as they promised, and the Friars had great store of money to procure favour in the Court of Rome. But here in the English Court, two Cardinals, (one of them, he of Pierregost, who had so diligently traveled for a conclusion at the battle of Poitiers) could not with two years labour, draw any thing to such▪ an head, as the French would, for their King's deliverance, perform; which put King Edward into a new resolution against France.  
(121) King Edward (holding himself deluded 
King Edward 2. gain in France.  by the French) with a fleet of eleven hundred Sail passeth over from Sandwich to a new invasion. He arrived at Calais, from whence he set forward in three 
24. October  great battles, whereof the first, being least, was under Henry Duke of Lancaster, the second being greater, under the brave Prince of Wales, and the last which was greatest, was led by King Edward himself. They marched through 
* Paul. Aemil.  Artois to the City of Rheims in Champain, where the Kings of France use to be crowned and anointed. The City of 
* Serres.  Sens (an Archbishops See) and Nevers do yield without resistance. The 
* Paradi●… in les Annals de Burgo.  Duke of Burgundy, for two 
* Froissard. Paulus Aemilius saith 100000. crowns.  hundredth thousand florins of gold, obtained that all Burgundy was spared from sackage or spoil. It was told the King, that the Normans had landed at Winchelsea in the time of divine service, and among other their most impious outrages, a like execrable villainy, as that which Gibeonites, (sons of Beliall) are recorded to have committed upon the 
* jud. 19 11. 25. and 26.  Levites wife, was more wickedly perpetrated by them in the Church itself, where the woman, being of singular beauty, was by their insatiable violations murdered; and they got back to their Ships before the Country could rise upon them to take due vengeance. Hereupon 
* Tho. Wals.  King Edward presently raised his Standard, and set forth out of Champain, (where not far from the City of Rheins he had 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. 19  kept his Christmas) toward Paris.  
(122) He came before it with his army divided into 
* Tho. Walls. An. D. 1360.  nine Battalions, where he honoured four hundred Esquires and Gentlemen with the Order of Knighthood. Charles the Dolphin, Regent of 
The English before Paris. Four hundred Knights made at one time.  France, was within Paris with a great force, but could not by any means be drawn to hazard battle. There were ample conditions in humble manner tendered to Edward, but he was as yet inflexible and deaf against any other, than such as himself (like a Conqueror) propounded. Paris (up to whose 
* Polyd. Verg.  very walls King Edward ran) not being fesible, he 
* Serres and Polyd. Verg.  retires into Britain to refresh his Army, but upon his return finding it stronger than before, he turns his wrath into the very bowels of France, exercising hostile Actions up as far as 
* Paul Aemyl.  Charters, and 
* Tho. Walsing.  Orleans, and as yet continued inexorable. God was displeased thereat, and to let Edward know so much, he caused the Minister of his wrath, a terrible tempest, to as●…aile his Host, and 
* Serres Paul. Aemyl.  to kill therein many both men and horses. King Edward is 
* Tho. Wals. Ran. Cestr.  said, upon this occasion, to be so wounded with remorse, that repairing to our Lady-Church of Charters, he prostrated himself to God, and sorrowing for the bloodshed and wasteful burning which he had made, vowed to give quiet to the Christian world upon equal conditions. This, and the Duke of Lancaster's persuasions, softened him so, that finally (by mediation of the Pope's 
* Fabian.  Legate one Simon de Langres) a peace was concluded at Bretagnie near to Charters upon the 
* Ti●….  eight of May; and in November following K. john himself was transported to Caleis, and there by King Edward (according to the Capitulations of the Treaty) set at liberty, after he had been a prisoner above four years.  
(123) Articles of this accord, so necessary for the distressed Estate of France were these. 1 That (to 
Articles of peace.  the intent these conditions which the French condescended unto, should be more forcible, and not seem to be extorted by advantage, odds; or iniquity of the times) the two Edward's, Father and Son, should for ever release to K. john and to his heirs, all the right and claim which they had to the 
* Paul. Aemyl. 〈◊〉 johan. 〈◊〉.  Crown of France, 
* Serres Fabian. Holinsh. Paul. Aemyl.  to the Duchy and Estates of Normandy, Anjou, Turain, and Main, as also to the homages of Britain Armorick, and the Earldom of Flanders. 2. That King john and his son, for them and their heirs, should by a day certain restore, and release to King Edward and his heirs, etc. the whole Country of Aquitain, enlarged with the bordering and spacious Countries of Santoin, Poictou, Pierregort, Limosin, Quercie, Angolesm, Rovergne, etc. with all the Cities, Castles, and appurtenances, to be holden free, without any dependency but of God. 3. That the 
* Tho. Walsing.  County of Pontheiu (the proper inheritance of Isabel late Queen Dowager of England mother of King Edward) the Towns, Countries, and Lordships of Calais, Guines, Mountril, Haim, Wale, Oye, Merck, S. Valary, etc. and all the islands which either the English then held, or which lay before any of the Premises, with only certain limitations concerning private men's interest, should remain in like freedom as the rest of the premises to the Crown of England. 4 That King john should pay for his ransom (part thereof to be in hand, and part upon days) the sum of 
* Paul Aemyl. Polyd. Uerg. Froissard.  thirty hundredth 
The huge ransom of john King of France.  thousand scutes of Gold, every two of which should be 
* Tho. Walls. Fabian. The City of Paris gave toward this ransom one hundredth thousand roial●…. Edw. Gri●… his English Serres.  six shillings and eight pence sterling. And that for assurance there should be assigned certain number of Hostages (by King Edward named) to remain in England. 5. That the French should not aid, nor assist the Scots against the English, nor they the Flemings against the French. 6. That it should be lawful for either King notwithstanding to aid the Titlers for the Duchy of Britain at their pleasures. There were sundry other Articles, as in cases of so transcendent quality must needs happen, but, as these were principal, so the most of them might have been well left out here, unless they had more exactly been observed by the French. Yet were they ratified with hands, seals, and Oaths at 
* 24. October. 1360.  Calais, where the two Kings, in stead of kissing the Pax at mass (either having for honours sake refused to take it first) 
* 〈◊〉. par. 7. Caxton.  saluted each the other with a most brotherly embracement and loving kiss.  
buse the King of England's credulity, till he had gotten before hand as far as dissimulations could advance: he Courts the good old Prince with loving letters and presents, while in the mean time his plots ripen abroad, and the County of Pontieu (the king of England's undeniable inheritance) was first surprised before King Edward heard thereof. And whereas the Prince of Wales had at a Parliament in Gascoigne propounded a demand for fowage, or of money to be levied by the chimney, the Earls of Armignac and Cominges, and other Lords the Prince's subjects, bearing no sound affections toward the English Empire (the less for that by the policy of Glequin, and the Chancellor of France 
* Inventory of France in Charles the 5. Serr●…:  Dourmauns, all or most of the Countries and Towns (which by virtue of the peace made at Bretigney) were annexed thereunto, were cunningly wrought to return to their old Lords) repair to the French Court at Paris, there to pursue an appeal for redress of this oppression against the Prince (who was not so happy as to follow the counsel of Sir Robert Knols and other wisest Captains who dissuaded this imposition,) pretending that he was to answer before King Charles as before his superior Lord, of whom (they said) he held by homage and fealty. This practice of the disloyal Lords (for what could they be else? seeing King Edward and his heirs were absolutely freed (by virtue of the said Treaty) from all manner of service for any of their Dominions in France) King Charles did openly at last entertain, and (upon hope to recover by surprise, and plot, what the English had won by dint of sword and perfect manhood) proceeded to summon the Prince of Wales to Paris, there to answer such accusations as his subjects made against him.  
(137) To increase the indignity of these devices, you should hear the French kings Orators before the Pope and Emperor, to whom king Edward had severally sent Ambassadors, full of complaints against King Charles, laying wholly upon the French, the blame of the new war, as upon open breakers of faith, and violaters of the league, most confidently on the contrary part charge the English.  
We had suffered the French hostages to visit their 
Paul. Aemyl. in Car. 5.  friends at home upon the French kings word, that they should come back by a day, contrary to which word, they, nor any of them, either were or are returned. That not so much as the Law of Nations was kept with us, which ties Princes to demand restitution by their Officers of Arms, or upon denial to defy them, but where (say we) are the 
* Serres rashly affirms he did:  Heralds which King Charles did send? We say, that without notice he surpriseth by stealth the Earldom of Ponthieu, King Edward's unquestionable right, and hath disseised us in Aquitaine, which doth no less belong unto us then Pontheiu. That 
* Pol. Virg. in E. 3.  Margaret the Inheritrice of Flanders, which had been promised to the Lord Edmund, one of our King's sons, was by their injurious practice won away, and bestowed in marriage upon Philip Duke of Burgundy. Finally, we say, that Lewis Duke of Anjou, one of the pledges, making an escape by that, contrary to honour, and the league, was by them received, and not returned, which points being all of transcendent quality, are (say we) directly contrary to the Treaty and sworn agreement at Bretigny.  
The French hereunto answer, and charge upon us, to show the fault of first breach, not theirs, but ours.  
That we by virtue of the said Treaty were bound immediately to withdraw our Army out of France, 
The points charged upon the English.  which yet (they said) we did not during all the reign of john their King.  
That the peace was made thereby more noyous, and hurtful than the war, and that they were feign to purchase the departure of our Soldiers with a greater charge than would have maintained a very gallant Army: That this breach was ours, because the Soldiers were ours. That King Edward was bound in an open assembly of the States 
In Charles 5. Serres.  of both Realms, to renounce his right in the Crown of France: when (say they) was this done?  
Thus they, and Serres adds that the Estates of those Countries which had been assigned by the Treaty to the English assevered, that it was against the fundamental laws of France to alien any part, & that they neither could, nor would cease to be members of that Crown.  
(138) So ye behold that the fortune of the great is never to want friends to speak for them, nor occasions to slip out or in, whensoever profit and advantage do invite. Memorable (if true) is that part of the Frenchmens defence, in that polite and learned Italian, P. Aemylius, where it being objected with what honour and clemency King john was used by us, they break out and affirm, that we (being their Beneficiaries or freeholders for such Countries as we held in France) took more gold for the only ransom of King john, than they paid to redeem S. Lewis their king, & his brother, the Peers, and whole French Army captivated in the Christian wars by the barbarous Sultan. But (good Aemylius) 
The dealings of the English defended against P. Aemilius.  say that were so, yet cannot you say, that the sum we took was worth the least Country in France, and when all France was ours, was it not great bounty to take so small a pittance? If you reply that we had many Countries beside, we rejoine and truly say, that we quit more than we acquired. But let us proceed: for now all claims & quarrels were as open, as if no obstacle had ever been interposed: the ignominy of their late terrible foils wounded all true French hearts, and they desire (king Edward grown aged) not to seem by sitting still upon so many thorns of disgrace, and loss, to have been outwarred, though over-warred, and though in two or three battles inferior, yet not to have been clearly debellated.  
(139) What doth our King Edward now? He 
An. D. 1369 john Duke of Lancaster sent to invade France.  
* Polyd. Verg. in Edw. 3. Froissard  calls a Parliament, declares the breach, prays aid, obtains it, and claims the crown of France afresh. john Duke of Lancaster and Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford are sent over to Calais with a great force to invade France. No great matter as then ensued. 
* Ypod. Neust.  Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick coming over in hope to have work for his Curtle-axe, for the French affronted our army under the conduct of Duke Philip le Hardy (though at this time scarce showing himself worthy that surname) but rose upon the Earl's arrival, and retired, accused the Lords for sloth, and swore he would abroad among them to find fight, while English bread was as yet undigested in his soldiers stomachs. Somewhat he did, but death by a pestilential dart prevented the rest. This Earl had with him a learned man (as Scipio had Polybius) to register the acts which he saw done: A worthy example ill followed by posterity. The 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 19 Holinsh. in Edw. 3.  Duke of Lancaster pierced up with his army so far as Rouen. The same Polydor wondering why they of Pontheiu having for an hundredth and twelve years (that is, ever since King Edward the first had it given to him with his wife) been ours, should revolt, only daring the greatness of the English, can find no other reason for their doings but this pleasant one, that as dispersed cattle gather to their own heard, so Frenchmen flock to the French, and English follow English.  
(140) Stirring Princess cannot contain themselves within their own quietly possessed rights: 
An. D. 1370 Sir Robert Knolles sent General into the parts about Britain.  Otherwise, who sees not how much better it is for the people, that their Princes should manage well that which they have, rather than grasp at more? For King Edward (notwithstanding his continual manifold victories) comes back to the Subject (who yet had gained hugely by the wars, and therefore might the better do it) for supportation: and they yield it, but his age was abused, for the money was not expended as the pretences were made. Private turns were served with public loans. Nevertheless, 
* Tho. Walsing. in Edw. 3.  after Midsummer day, that renowned Captain Sir Robert Knols, whom martial virtue had raised from the lowest rank to the highest reputation (though some also affirm him 
* Paul. Emyl in Car. 5.  borne noble) was sent by King Edward into France with an Army, where (while obedience lasted to his direction) all things prospered. But by the instigation of one Sir john 
* Paul. Emyl. jac. Meir. Holinsh.  Mensterworth the young Lords Grandsonne, and Fitzwalter, and other vainly scorning to be under Knols, for that they held themselves his betters, and thereupon dividing themselves after they had done sundry exploits, marching up even to Paris, were beaten and foiled by the French under Glequins conduct, but Knols wintered safe in Britain. Mensterworth comes into England, and knowing accusers have the vantage, complains to King Edward of Knols: but not altogether believed: he adds treason to untruth, and turning French becomes a wicked enemy to his King and Country, 
* Tho. Walsing. in fine Edw. 3.  promising the French to procure the Castilian Navy to invade England, for which being in the last year of King Edward's reign taken, he by due course was condemned and cut in pieces, dying the death he had deserved. He was laid hold upon in the City of Pampeline in Navarre, and from thence conveyed to London, upon whose bridge his wicked head stood Sentinel.  
(141) 
* Tho. Wals. in Edward 3.  Pope Vrban the fifth, coming from Rome to Auinion with purpose to unite these two mighty Kings, their wills, and mights against the common enemy of Christendom, put off mortality at Marsils, and so that holy intention ceased for the present: but the same being 
* Holinsh.  continued by his next successor Gregory 11. yet took no effect, no more than that which the Emperor to like cause would have undergone: which the 
* Serres.  French impute to King Edward, who confident by reason of his former achievements, would try it out by the sword. Wherein he seemed to forget the mutable condition of war, the searnesse of his body, and the greenness of his Grandchild young Richard, who was to succeed, if the Prince of Wales died, as shortly after he did. Neither did God seem to approve his opinion herein, for that crosses came fast upon him, both at home and abroad. There is no greater wisdom nor happiness then to know when we are well, and then to preserve without hazard or empairment, that honour wealth or quiet which we already have.  
(142) Among the States and Towns (assigned to the English by virtue of the treaty at Bretigny) which had revolted to the French, was the City of Lymoges in Limosin, whither the Prince marcheth, & sits down with his army before it. Thither 
* Holinshed.  came unto him out of England his brethren the D. of Lancaster & the Earl of Cambridge, with a fresh supply of valiant Chiefs and Soldiers. The City stood it out to the uttermost, and was forcibly entered, where mercy had nothing to save nor spare, the sword and fire for terror to other kill and defacing in a manner all. He 
* Serres (an Author) disinherited.  who writes that the Prince flew up near to Paris, and scarcely, by reason of Glequins valour, got back to Bordeaux, seems to have mistaken therein, as in many other things concerning us of great importance. After this service, the Prince, (health failing him more & more) leaves his Brethren in Aquitaine, and sails into England.  
(143) The French in the mean time won towns and places in Aquitaine, gathering new hopes after so long and perpetual infelicities. The loss of that expert Captain Sir john Chandoys (unfortunately slain) was a great advantage to their desires, whose whole care for war rested upon Glequin (not long before advanced for his military virtue from low estate to so great eminency, as to be Constable of France, the chiefest officer for war which that Kingdom hath) and he a man of much proof, in good and evil fortune, so tempered his courage with discretion, that he only first bad his Country rise again, and endeavour in despite of evil fortune to reflourish.  
(144) The Prince of Wales (wanting health) upon coming to his father's sight, rendered up the Duchy of Aquitaine, to be disposed of, as to his royal pleasure seemed good. While King Edward was at Clarendon, there repaired to him the factious king of Navarre, whose errand was to make an overture of association against the French; but as his offers were acceptable, so his cautions not seeming sufficient, he returned (after great entertainment) without concluding.  
(145) john Duke of Lancaster, and his brother the Earl of Cambridge, do now return out of Aquitaine, 
An. D. 1372  with the Ladies Constance and Isabel daughters of Don Pedro late King of Spain, whom they married: The Duke thereupon instiling himself King, and his wife Queen of Castille and Leon. Nor was the English name only increased in titulary honours; for about this time, the Flemings (who had provoked us) were vanquished by the 
* Holinshed:  Earl of Hereford at 
The Flemish Name distressed by the English.  sea in a sharp fight, 
* Ypod. Neust.  about twenty and five of their ships being taken, and all the men slain. The sweet of this victory was soured not long after with a grievous loss: for the French having besieged the strong City of Rochel in Santoin, with the aid by sea of Henry King of Castille; to relieve the 
Rochel besieged by the French.  English, john Earl of Pembroke was sent with about forty ships, men, victuals, munition, and money, to the value of twenty thousand marks, forth uses of the war; but being suddenly assailed with the Spanish Armado, which consisted of many great ships, under the command of Ambrose Buccanigra and others, the English after a long and cruel 
The English Navy distressed by the Castilian.  conflict were utterly distressed, the Earl taken prisoner, and almost all the rest either taken, or put to the sword. 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 19  Rochel held out notwithstanding, to whose relief while King Edward himself in person, with an extraordinary force set sail, the wind (always 
King Edward at sea to relieve Rochel is blown back.  till that time favourable to his voyages for France) came Easterly, and drove him back into England with great grief, and the waste (they write) of 
* Tho. Walsin.  nine hundred thousand pounds sterling. Neither did he so give over the care of that strong Piece, which the English most manfully made good against the enemy.  
(146) 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. 19  Rochel thus persisting in loyal resolution, john Duke of Britain (who had married the 
A. D. 1373 Rochel continueth English.  Lady Marie daughter of King Edward) a Gentleman of much gratitude toward the English, the authors of his fortunes, resolves to adventure his state in their quarrel; ships away for England: hath aid ministered unto him: he returns, and wars with various event. But john Duke of Lancaster with a very great Army comes to Calais, and from thence marcheth over the whole face of France, and (though with loss of many thousand 
* Tho. Walls.  horse in the desert countries of A●…ergn through famine) came safe, but with an almost-hunger-starued Army to Bordeaux. Not long after he drew into the field, and a day was appointed between him and the Duke of Anion the French Kings brother, to have tried the quarrel of their Nations by set battle, before the City of Tholouz in Languedoc, but by an untimely & a pernicious short truce (to which K. Edward yielded because his son the Prince lay dangerously sick) the hoped victory not only slipped out of the English men's hands, but almost all advantage also of doing any thing else seasonably. The French boasted 
* though Wals. lib. 19  themselves as of a Conquest, who notwithstanding did help out their valiancy with policy. Glequin makes his use of all occasions, and works much harm to the English party in Guien and Britain: But in Britain 
* 1. tilius Chron.  Sir Robert Knols did so nobly acquit himself on the behalf▪ of his Sovereigns son in law the Duke, that he only seemed a fit parallel to Glequin, like as he stopped the current of his fortune.  
was borne at Gaunt the chief Town of Flaunders, Anno 1340. and 14. of his father's reign. In his Childhood he was created Earl of Richmond, which title was afterward recalled in, and bestowed upon john Duke of Britanny, who married his sister, to whose Duchy it had formerly belonged. He had three wives; the first, Blanch, daughter and Coheir, and in the end the sole heir, of Henry Duke of Lancaster (son of Edmund surnamed Crooch-back) in whose right he was at the first Earl, and after Duke of the same, and with that Duchy also Earl of Leicester, Derby, and Lincoln, and high Steward of England. He had issue by her, Henry of Bullingbrooke Earl of Derbie, after Duke of Hereford, and lastly King of England, named Henry the fourth, who first placed the Crown in the house of Lancaster; Philip, wife of john the first, King of Portugal; and Elizabeth, married first to john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, (brother of Thomas Duke of Surrey) and after him, to Sir john Cornwall Baron of Fanhope. His second wife was Consiance, the eldest daughter of Peter King of Castille and Leon, in whose right for the time he entitled himself King of both these realms; by her he had issue one only daughter, named Katherine, married to Henry the third, son of King john, in possession before, and in her right, after, King of both the said realms. His third wife was Katherine the widow of Sir Hugh Swinford, a Knight of Lincolnshire, eldest daughter and Coheir of pain Roet a Gascoigne called Given King of Arms, for that Country, 
* Miller. p. 992.  his younger daughter being married to Sir Geoffrey Cha●…cer, our Laureate Poet. By her he had issue (borne before matrimony, and made legitimate afterward by Parliament holden in the twentieth year of King Richard the second,) john Earl of Somerset, Thomas Duke of Excester, Henry Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal; and joan, who was first married to Robert Ferrer (Baron of Wemme and Ouesley, in the Counties of Salop and Warwick) and secondly to Ralph Nevil the first, Earl of Westmoreland. She and all her brethren were surnamed Beaufort, of a Castle which the Duke had in France 
* Id●… ib.  where they were all borne,) in regard thereof bearing the Porculleys of a Castle for the cognizance of their family. This Duke in the thirteenth year of his Nephew King Richard, at a parliament holden at London, was created Duke of Aquitaine, but in the sixth year after, he was called home, and this Title recalled in, and in the third year after, the sixtieth of his age, Anno 1399. he died at Ely house in Holborn, and lieth honourably entombed in the Choir of Saint Paul.  
Edmond, their 5. son, surnamed of Langley, was created Earl of Cambridge Anno 1362. in the same Parliament, wherein Lionel was created Duke of Clarence. He was afterward made Duke of York, Anno 1386. and married Isabel daughter and Coheir to Peter, King of Castille and Leon. His son Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, took to wife Anne Morti●…er heir of the foresaid Lionel elder brother to Edmund Langley.  
William another of their sons, surnamed of Wynsore, where he was borne died young, and is buried at Westminster.  
Thomas the youngest son of King Edward and Queen Philip surnamed of Woodstock (where he was borne) was first Earl of Buckingham, created by his Nephew King Richard the second on his Coronation day, An. 1377. by whom, after also he was made Duke of Gloucester, 1385. The Earldoms also of Essex and Northampton and the Constableshippe of England, fell to him by right of his wife Eleanor, the only daughter and heir of Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex. He was a man of valour, wisdom, and vigilancy for the behoof of the King his Nephew and the State, but those noble virtues (distempered with too much wilfulness & froward obstinacy) bred him, first Envy, and afterruine. For the King surmising him to be a too severe observer of his doings, consulted with Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk how to make him away; whom Mowbray unawares surprising, conveyed secretly to Calais where he was strangled 1397. 20. of his nephews reign. Himself in his life had provided a goodly tomb at Playsie in Essex (his own Town, and 
* Lib. Eliens.  the usual seat of the great Constables of England) 
* Cambd. Erit. in Essex.  where he founded a College; whither his body was brought, and laid with all funeral pomp, but afterward it was translated to Westminster, where also lieth Eleanor his wife, who died 1399. Their issue was Humphrey Earl of Buckingham, 
* Milles. p. 381.  who died at Chester of the pestilence An. 1400. Anne (married first to Edmund Earl of Stafford, by whom she had Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, secondly to William Bourchier Earl of Eve, by whom she had Henry Earl of Essex) Philippe, joan, Isabella, who died all issueless.  
Isabel, the eldest daughter and second child of K. 
Idem. p. 428.  Edward and Queen Philip was married at Windsor with great pomp to Ingelram of Guisnes, Lord of Coucy, Earl of S●…ysons and after Archduke of Austria, whom K. Edward (his father in law) created also Earl of Bedford 1365. by whom she was mother of 
* Milles. p. 441.  two daughters, Marry, (married to Henry of Bar, to whom she bare Robert de bar, and joan, the wife of Lewis of Luxemburg, Earl of S. Paul) and Philip, the wife of Robert de Veer Earl of Oxford, Duke of Ireland and marquess of Dublyn; this Robert in the height of his fortunes forsook his noble Lady, and married one 
* Idem. p. 689.  Lancerona a joiners daughter (by report) which came with King Richard the seconds wife out of Boheme; and being, for his pride and abusing the King's ear to the hurt of the State, driven out of the land by the nobles, he died at Louvain, in great vexation of mind, and extreme penury, An. 1392. Isabel his wives mother was buried in the Church of friars Minorites near Algate in London.  
joan their second daughter and third child was borne 9 of her father's reign An. 1335. B●…ng 14. years of age, she was desired in marriage by solemn Embassage, from Alphons the eleventh King of Castille and Leon, son of King Ferdinando the 4: was espoused by Proxy, entitled Queen of Spain, and conveyed into that Country, where she presently deceased of a great plague that then reigned; so as the King coming to meet her to solemnize the espousals, with great grief accompanied her to Church only at her funeral 22. of her father's reign. An. 1348.  
Blanch the 3. daughter, died young, and lieth buried at Westminster.  
Marry, their 4. daughter was married to john Montford Duke of Britain.  
Margaret their youngest daughter was the first wife of john de Hastings Earl of Pembroke, but she died without issue.   

RICHARD THE SECOND, KING OF 
Monarch 50  
Richard II.  ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND. THE FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND TROUBLES. CHAPTER XIII.  
RIchard of Bordeaux, son to that Great Star of English 
A. D. 1378.  Chivalry, Edward, bynamed the Black Prince, and grandchild to the most renowned 
The Coronation of the King.  Edward the third (both of them lately deceased) was crowned in the eleventh year of his age, and upon the sixteenth day of july. Seldom hath been seen so magnificent a Coronation, as that of this young King, but the thing which gave a better lustre of hope at his beginning; then the shine and majesty of that public Act, was the wise course which in this his childhood was taken; to wit, the reconciliation of the Lord john Duke of Lancaster, and the Citizens of London, with the restitution of Sir Peter de la Mare Knight, Speaker in the late Parliament, (whom King Edward had committed to prison, at the instigation of Dame Alice Peers now banished, and confiscated) not only to former liberty, but likewise to favour and honour extraordinary.  
(2) At this Coronation, (which, as matters not unworthy to be kept alive, we following the immethodical 
〈◊〉 MS. ap●…d D●… Rob. Cotton.  order of the Record, have here for perpetual memory thought good to abridge out of authentic Monuments) john the King's eldest uncle, under the style of john King of Castille and Le●…, and Duke of Lancaster, by humble petition to the King, claimed to be now Steward of England, in right of his Earldom of Leicester; and as he was Duke of Lancaster, to bear the King's chief sword called Curtana; and as Earl of Lincoln, to cut and carve at the royal Table before the King. His petitions being found just, were confirmed to him, 
Services by ●…a on of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coro●…ion found and ●…ed in that 〈◊〉.  and to his Assigns, the two Earls of Derby and Stafford, the first to bear the Sword, while the Duke should be busied about other offices as Steward, and the other to cut and carve. The Duke then in great estate, held this the Kings high Court of Stewardship 
The Court of hig●… S●…wardship.  in the Whitehall of the King's Palace at Westminster,  
Knight the Constable thereof; which yet the Earl of Northumberland upon the ninth day after recovered by force, putting those, who had surprised it, to the sword.  
(9) Neither was the spirit of the English (after it 
A. D. 1379.  began to requicken) idle elsewhere; for as Sir Robert Rous had divers ways vexed the French, and taken Ol●…uer (the brother of that renowned Bertrand de Glequin) prisoner, so Sir john de Harleston, Captain of Cherbrough after him, slew and took divers French in a skirmish. These the few foregoing drops of greater approaching showers. For Sir Hugh Caluerlee and Sir Thomas Percy, made admiral's of the narrow Seas, took many rich prizes, and exploited sundry other things very praise worthily, bringing home 
The Britons dislike of the French Government: matter of new troubles.  the acceptable news of the dislike which the Britons had conceived against the French Kings Government; for he commanded them to render up to him all their strengths, Castles, and walled Towns, and many of them, who refused to obey, he put to death.  
(10) These employments, and fresh designs 
The commons spared in the subsidy.  for other like, found need of pecuniary supplies; whereupon, in a Parliament holden at London, it was agreed, that for supply of the King's wants, the Commons should be spared, and the burden be wholly undergone by the able. The rates then of that tax were these; Dukes, Archbishops, Earls and Bishops at ten marks each, mitred Abbots at as much, besides forty pence for every Monk under their subjection. Briefly (saith Thomas Walsingham) there was no religious person, man or woman, justitiar, Sheriff, Knight, Esquire, Parson, Vicar, or 
* Si●…plex Capella●…. Walsing.  Chantry Priest free from this tax●… rated according to the value of their yearly receipt●….  
(11) We formerly mentioned, how john Shakell 
A m●…morable example of a noble young gentleman's faith▪ keeping.  (the other companion of Robert Haulee so execrablie murdered in Gods-house) was taken. He now upon condition that the King (besides 500 marks in money) should give him lands to the yearly value of one hundredth marks, and should also found and sufficiently endow, at the King's costs, a chantry with five Priests for their souls, whom the king's Officers had wickedly murdered, he rendered up his Hostage, the eldest (but natural) son of the said Earl of Dean. At the discovery and bringingforth of whom, all men were strooken with wonderful love and admiration: for the young Gentleman (having given his faith not to disclose himself,) appeared in the shape of a base groom, in which (unknown to all the world but his Master) he had of his own accord lurked. An example of such a point of perfect honesty as cannot be forgotten without injury.  
(12) The same year, the Lord john Mountford, whom the French had driven out, being invited home by his Barons, returned into his Duchy of Britain, accompanied with the valiant Knights Caluerley and Percy aforesaid, where he, his friends, and followers were received with singular honour. Soon 
Aids sent into Britain drowned.  after Sir john of Arundel, brother to the Earl of Arundel, being sent into Britain to aid the Duke, was with many other valiant Knights and Esquires drowned. It is imputed by our Author to a just effect of God's anger against the said Sir john, and his household, for their manifold vices and outrages, practised by him and them, before they set out from England, for which they had the bitter curses of the people; and the Angel of destruction to execute those imprecations upon the delinquents.  
(13) But the action of ●…iding did more deeply 
Other aids pierce into Britain from 〈◊〉 by land. An. D. 1380.  import, then that it should be abandoned for the loss of that unfortunate fellowship, and the exceeding riches which were with them: therefore the Lord Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, with Caluerlee, Percy, Knols, Windleshores (or Windsor) very valiant knights & other competent forces, was sent to assist the Duke of Britain. But because the French Galleys hovered upon the narrow Seas, they landed at calais, and from thence march through France, spoiling Countries, burning towns, the French not 
* Io. Til●…. in Chron.  daring to impeach them, and kill people, till they and their whole equipage came safe into Britain.  
(14) There were about these times civil divisions in France; for the Duke of Burgundy, younger brother of King Charles (lately dead) being made 
French troubles profitable to the English.  Guardian of the person and dominions of his Nephew Charles then in minority, had the Duke of Anjou (being an elder brother to the Duke of Burgundy) a mortal enemy. Their bloody quarrels fell out luckily for the English aids in the Duchy of Britain, out of which as Duke john had been driven for adhering to his father in law the late king Edward, so the English did their best to uphold him in it, as there was cause.  
(15) The French in these extremes are relieved by their ancient diversion: for the Scots entering about that time with fire and sword into Cumberland and Westmoreland, and the forest of Inglewood, drove away much Cattle, slew the Inhabitants, rifled the booths and houses of Perith in the Fair time, killing and taking many, and driving away the rest. The Earl of Northumberland preparing a bloody 
The Earl of Northumberland countermanded from pursuit of the Scots.  revenge, was (not without wonder) prohibited so to do by letters from the King, that is, from such as were about the King.  
(16) But how coldly soever the public affairs were followed, the want of money for supplies was 
The Parliament at Northampton.  still pretended. And therefore in a Parliament holden at Northampton, was granted to the King a general supply of money; the pretended occasion of monstrous mischief which followed, by reason of a clause in that grant of Subsidy, that every one of each sex, being above a certain age, should pay by the head, or per Pol as they call it, twelve pence.  
(17) The English Chivalry began now again to display itself far off, to gratify the private ends 
A. D. 1381. The Earl of Cambridge sent with an Army into Portugal.  of john Duke of Lancaster, who claimed the Crown of Castille and Leon, in right of Constance his wife: For john King of Portugal had a defensive war against john then King of Castille, who challenged the Crown of Portugal 
* R●…der. Santi●… part. 〈◊〉. hist. Hisp. cap. 2●….  in right of Beatrix his wife, (by whom he had no issue) the only daughter of Ferdinand king of Portugal, which this other john (a bastard son of Ferdinand's) had by faction usurped. There were sent to his aid the Lord Edmund de Langley Earl of Cambridge the King's uncle, and sundry Knights and others of good experience with an Army. These arriving in Portugal valiantly defended the same for about two years, and were the chief cause of giving the Spaniards an overthrow in battle, where they lost 
* Polyd. Vergil. 〈◊〉. l. ●…0.  ten thousand men. At last the two Kings agreeing together bare the charges of conveying home the English in common, that their Countries might be freed from them, being both alike jealous of their puissance. In this time Edward son to the Earl of Cambridge uncle to Richard king of England, married the daughter of the king of Portugal, but afterward neither would the Earl leave his son behind, as suspecting the Portugeses faith, nor the other entrust his daughter to the Earl, so as they remained disjoined in body, howsoever united by Ceremony.  
(18) Not long after the time of that Earl's employment into Spain, there fell out accidents which 
The dangerous rebellion●… of Wat. Tyler, jack Stra●… & others.  do plainly convince their error to be great, who think that any madness is like that of an armed & ungoverned multitude, whereof these times (by a kind of Fate proper to children's reign) gave a most dangerous document. The extreme hatred borne by the people to john Duke of Lancaster, calling himself king of Castille and Leon, and the discontentment taken at an extraordinary tax, levied per Pol, upon all sorts of people, who were above sixteen years of age, which (as all other the evils of the time) they imputed to the Duke (the manner being to count them the authors of evils, who are supposed to have the greatest power of doing them) moved the enraged multitudes upon slight and small beginnings to run together in so fearful a Torrent, that it seemed the King and kingdom were suddenly fallen under their most wicked fury. There were in this most rebellious insurrection, the Commons and Bondmen (who aspiring by force to a free manumission) principally those of Kent and Essex, whose example was followed in the Neighbour Shires of Surrey, 
* L. S. Alban. MS  Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and other places by incredible herds and droves of like qualified people: who (specially in Norfolk) forced sundry principal Gentlemen to attend them in their madding.  
(19) They of Kent embattled themselves under two Banners of Saint George, and about threescore and ten Pennons upon Black-heath by Greenwich, and from thence came to London, where, the generality of people inclining to them, they are masters. The Priory of S. john's without Smithfield they kept burning for about seven days, and the goodly Palace of the Savoy, belonging to the Duke, with all the riches therein, they consumed by fire, in a kind of holy outrage, for they threw one of their fellows into the flame, who had thrust a▪ piece of stolen plate into his bosom. The Rebels of Essex came to Lambeth, burned all the Archbishop's goods, and defaced all the Writings, Rowls, Records and Monuments of the Chancery, as having a special hatred to the Lawyers, little to their disgrace, for that they shared herein with good men also, whom they hated. But their desperate wickedness extended itself beyond the spoil of houses and substance, laying bloody hands upon the most eminent and worthy men in the kingdom, for that they had dissuaded the King to put himself into their hands at Greenwich, where he talked with them out of his Barge, and thereby had their main design disappointed. Simon Tibald Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellor of England, a right worthy Prelate, and Sir Robert Hales a Knight of high courage, Lord Prior of Saint john's, and Treasurer of England, with others, they without respect to the Majesty of the King, or privilege of their most honourable dignities, most barbarously murdered by beheading them upon Tower-Hill, among infernal shouts & devilish yels. For the Tower itself (from whence they had haled them, the young King being there in person) was open to their execrable insolences. Neither doth the authority of 
* Hist. Ang. l. 20.  Polyd. Vergil, affirming that they were not haled forth, but only stayed by the Rebels, to whom (he saith) they were sent, induce us rather to credit him, than Authors living about those very times. There was no little store of other innocent blood shed by them in these tumults. Nor was the Kings own person without manifest peril, against whose life they had damnably conspired. It were long to reckon up the kinds of such villainies as they wrought, but endless to recount the particulars. The common 
* joh. Stow.  Annals set forth this whole Tragical business very diligently.  
(20) They had many Captains of mischief, 
Wat. Tyler the Idol of the Clowns.  but two principal, Wat Tyler of Maidstone in Kent, (whom Walsingham prettily calls the Idol of Clowns) and jack Straw, who together had followers to the number (as they were estimated) of about one hundredth thousand, and at one Sermon made to them by john Ball, Walsingham saith, there were about twice as many. Their Petitions were full of pride and malice, but easily granted by the King, the necessity of the times extorting them. They had a Chaplain as graceless as themselves, one john Ball an excommunicated Priest, who with his wicked doctrine nourished in them their seditious furies to his own just destruction in the end: but when a great multitude accepting the King's mercy were gone, Wat Tyler and his Camp departed not, but upon pretence of disliking the Articles of peace, sought to win time till he might put into full execution his incredible Treasons, which (as jack ●…traw at the time of his execution confessed) were upon that very night of the day, wherein Wat Tyler was slain, to murder the King, and chief men, and to erect petty Tyrannies to themselves in every shire: and already one john Littistar a Dyer in Norwi●…h, had taken upon him at Northwalsham in Norfolk, the name of the King of the Commons, and Robert Westbroome in Suffolk, to whom john Wraw another lewd Priest had assigned it.  
(21) Never was the kingly race and commonweal so near to an utter extirpation, as at this present, which was (we may truly say) miraculously prevented. The young king in these fears and dangers repairing to Westminster, most devoutly commended his Crown, Life, and whole estate to God, nor that in vain. For Wat Tyler with his Camp of Rascals esteemed to be ten or twenty thousand (according to the King's Proclamation, attending in Smithfield, but cavilling of purpose upon the conditions of peace, as he that meant a farther mischief, though they of Essex were returned) was entreated to ride to the king, who also sat on horseback before Saint Bartholomew's, in whose company was that renowned Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth, with many other men of birth and place.  
(22) Wat Tylar scarce at the last coming behaved himself so insolently, offering to murder one of the King's knights, Sir john Newton, for omission of some punto of respect, which he arrogated to himself in more than a kingly manner, was (upon leave given him by the king) boldly arrested with a drawn weapon by the Lord Maior, a man (say Writers) of incomparable courage, which blow was seconded by the said Lord, and others so speedily, that there this prodigy of a Traitor was field and slain. A death too worthy, for that he died by the swords of honourable persons, for whom the axe of an Hangman had been far too good.  
(23) The Commons perceiving the fall of their Captain, prepared to use extreme revenge, when the most hopefull-young king with a present wit and courage (it being for his life and kingdom) spurred forth his horse, and bade them follow him, without being grieved for the loss of a ribald and traitor, for now he himself would be their Captain, Hereupon they thronged after him into the field, there to have whatsoever they desired. But the most worthy of all Londoners, Walworth, speeds with one man only into the City, raiseth a thousand Citizens in armour, brings them (being led in good array by Sir Robert Knolles and others) with What Tilers head (which the Lord Maior had commanded to be chopped off from his dead carcase) borne before him upon a Spear to the king. That very head, the cursed tongue whereof had dared to say, That all the Laws of England should come out of his mouth.  
(24) This act restored the Crown (as it were) and Realm to King Richard, for the Rebels seeing themselves girt-in with armed men, partly fled, partly fell upon their knees, and (throwing away all hope in weapon) they answerably to their baseness, begged their lives, who but even now reputed themselves masters of the field, and of the king. And albeit there was a general desire in the hearts of loyal men to expiate so many villainies with the blood of the Actors, yet things abroad in the Realm being as yet unsettled, they had a general Charter of pardon sealed, and were so sent home into their Countries.  
(25) Certainly although the City of London (the most noble and able part of the English Empire) hath otherwise deserved of the Kings of this land very well, yet the honour of this service worthily stands highest in the many great praises thereof. Which the King did thankfully and publicly testify by knighting Walworth, and by bestowing upon him (when he modestly excused his unworthiness  
(41) That which followed, may give us just cause to suspect the truth of that friars accusation: for the Lord William la Zouch was also by the Friar accused, of having been the Inventer, broacher, and provoker of him, to set down all that which was comprehended in the accusation; who thereupon sent for to Salisbury (though then very sick of the gout) repaired thither in an horselitter, where he was compelled to answer to all such points as were objected, like a fellow, or a traitor standing bareheaded: but the privity, or least thought of any such matter as the Friar affirmed against the Duke, he confidently forswore, and was thereupon acquitted and dismissed. Howbeit (saith Walsingham) Lafoy Zouch was from that time forward a professed enemy, not only of Carmelites, but of all other orders of Friars whatsoever. But these disgraces came unseasonably upon the Duke, whose head was undoubtedly full of designs, and of cares, how to achieve to himself the crown of Spain.  
(42) There were then sundry incursions made by the English and Scots, each into the others country, the Earl of Northumberland being leader to the English, with little advantage to either. But to take away the very cause of this continual bad neighbourhood, or to lessen it by an established peace with France, the Duke of Lancaster sailed to Calais, about the beginning of August, there to treat with the Duke of Berrie, on behalf of the young French King Charles 6. but after he had in that voyage expended (as was said) fifty thousand Marks, he brought into England nothing back, except only a truce, to continue till the first day of May next. His desire to have procured a surer peace both with the French and Scots, seems to have been great, that so he might the more freely pursue the conquest of Spain which he intended.  
(43) Whiles he was absent in this embassage, 
john Cumber-towne once Lord Mayor of London, confined and confiscated.  there ensued the arraignment of a great favourite of the Dukes, john Northampton, alias Comberton, whom his adversaries bynamed Cumber-towne. This man is by them reported to have exceedingly troubled the City of London, during his late Mayoralty there, nor less afterward; for that being followed with many abettors, he publicly disturbed Sir Nicholas Bramble his successor, (but a 
* Tho●…. Walsing. Ypod. p. 539.  bloody minded man by report,) and wrought other masteries, till Sir Robert Knowls caused one of the busiest companions to be drawn out of his house, and (as some say) shortened by the head. This Comberton was by his household Clerk accused, as privy to some practices, in prejudice as well of the King, as the City, and when sentence was to be pronounced in the King's presence (being then with great store of his Nobles at Reading,) he durst (as is said) affirm, That such judgement ought not to proceed against him in the absence of his Lord the Duke. This again unraked the burning coals of envy, and suspicion against the said Lord Duke; and perhaps malice to the Duke procured this hatred against his favourite. Whereupon he was confined to the Castle of Tyntagel in Cornwall, and all his goods seized upon by the King's Servants, whom Walsingham expresseth, by calling them after the name of those Poetical ravenous Birds, Harpies.  
(44) That here which Polydore Vergil (assigning causes to actions, not always such as are, but such 
Polyder. Vergil. not to be rashly believed.  as seemed to him most probable, not seldom confounding and changing persons, times, names, and things) tells us concerning a combat within lists, between Sir john Aunsley Knight, and one Carton hath little ground, (so far as we can find) in history. He saith they were teterrima capita, both very wicked men, & that there was a real plot to murder the king. We can neither find the crime nor the men: there 
Sir john A●…eys reputation redeemed from slander.  had been a solemn combat long before between such a knight and one 
* Re●… he is called, Ypod. Neust. A●…. 13●…0.  Katrington an Esquire, in which the knight was Challenger and victor, but the crime was not treason against the king's person, nor for any thing done in his time, but in his noble Grandfathers. Neither was Ansley, teterrimum caput, but a valiant and loyal man of Arms. The crime which he objected to that Esquire (his kinsman) was, that for money he had traitorously given over the Castle of Saint Saviour in the Land of Constantine in Normandy, when he had store of victual and munition. The Esquire was vanquished in fair fight and died frantic the next day. Polydors' error therefore is joined with manifest wrong to the knight's name, wherein we ought to be very circumspect, for that, honour is inestimable and descendeth to posterity. There was indeed, at the time he speaks of, another combat, fought also within lists before the king, (for Duels than were performed, not on private choice or quarrel, but on public appointment) between one john Welsh an Esquire of England, and one 
* Henry Knighto●… Can. of L●…c. A●…. apud. Holinsh.  Martilet a Gentleman Navarrois, who in revenge against Welsh, for having at Cheirbrough (where the said Esquire was under-captain) committed (as Martilet said) adultery with his wife, accused him of high treason against the King and Realm. But Welsh prevailed; and the Navarrois, at his execution (for he was 
* Th●… UUals. in Richard 2.  drawn and hanged after he had been foiled in battle,) confessed the cause of his evil will, and the innocency of Welsh in the matter of treason.  
(45) The Scots had this while by practice and money gotten the Castle of Berwick, whereof the Custody belonged to the Lord Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. The Duke of Lancaster was not sad at this, but so pursued the matter, that the Earl (as if by his negligence and privity the same royal 
Hatred increaseth between the Duke and Count Northumberland.  Castle had been lost) was condemned in Parliament. But the king relieved him with extension of favour. This was a great cause of confirming the rancour already kindled in the hearts of these two principal Peers. But the Earl to wipe away all blemishes of disgrace, encloseth the Castle with a siege both of forces and large proffers, so that after 
Berwick recovered by the Earl.  some time spent therein, he had it redelivered upon payment of two thousand marks.  
(46) The Flemings had heretofore in the fifth year of this King, sent Ambassadors at the time of 
A. D. 1385. The Sovereignty of Flanders offe●…red to king Richard by the Flemings.  Parliament, to submit themselves and their Country to his dominion, renouncing allegiance to their natural Lord the Earl, whom they had by force of Arms expelled, upon pretence o●… oppression used by him, and for other causes; but because they seemed not either persons sufficient, or sufficiently instructed with authority, to transact with the King in a matter of so high nature, they were commanded to return, and fetch more ample power, and to bring certain men of every good Town in Flanders. Now again, the Citizens of Gaunt, though they had in battle against the French King, (who was there in person on behalf of the Earl,) 
* john Tylli●… in Chron.  lost twenty 
* Paul. Aemyl. saith 40000. in in fight, and in ●…ight, and that in those whole civil wars there perished ●…00000.  thousand men not long before, desired of K. Richard, that they might have an English General to command in their wars; to whom was sent a wise and valiant Gentleman, the Lord Edward le Bourser, who demeaned himself in that charge with much commendation. And when afterwards he went more abundantly and strongly to have supported them, they suddenly turned French, showing Senescire (saith 
* In Rich. 2. ad. A. D. 1386.  Walsingham) uni amico, vel domino, fidem diuseruare.  
(47) The Duke of Lancaster (whose, or the like greatness may perhaps seem more, then can stand 
The Duke of Lancaster stands upon his ke●…ping.  with the narrow limits of England, which, without danger to the common wealth, can hardly afford such a proportion of estate to any Subject) was about this time informed, that the King had a purpose to arrest his person, and to try him upon capital points before Sir Robert Trisilian, his Chief justitiar, a man ready, (under the King's protection) to deliver judgement without respect to Titles. The King was nourished in this * deliberation by young men, who combined against the Duke's life. This 
Th●…. Walsing. in Rich. 2. ad. ●…unc ann.  being discovered, the Duke (a potent Prince) withdraws upon his guard to his Castle of Pomfret in the North; nevertheless the hopes of wicked men, delighting in their countries miseries, and civil combustions, were made void by the great diligence of the King's mother, the Princess joan, who spared not her continual pains and expenses, in travailing between the King and the Duke, (albeit she was exceeding tender of complexion, and scarce able to bear her own body's weight through corpulency) till they were fully reconciled.  
(48) It had indeed been a most wretched time for a civil war, not only because the French Admiral, john de Vienna, had been sent with forces embarckt in threescore sail of Ships, to be employed out of Scotland against the English, but for that the French prepared a general invasion of England, 
The French prepare an invasion against England.  having in hope already as it were devoured it. There reigned at that time in France, Charles the sixth a young and foolish Prince, (saith Tilius) who having in his treasury, left to him by his prudent father, 
* Ex Record. ap●…d Tiliu●….  eighteen millions of Crowns, (and not only eighteen hundred thousand, 
* Paul. A●…myl.  as some, fearing perhaps that the other sum might seem incredible, have written,) and being moreover set on fire with an inconsiderate love of glory, rather than upon any sound advise (though 
* Polyd. Uerg. lib. hist. Angl. 20. & Paul. Aemyl.  some impute the Counsel to the said Admiral) would needs undertake the conquest of our Country. These news stirred all the limbs and humours thereof, though the event (God not favouring the enterprise) was but like that of the Mountain, which after long travail brought forth a ridiculous mouse, nevertheless it had been a most desperate season for a civil war to have broken forth in England.  
(49) The preparations of the French do hold 
Fr●…issard. I●…. Meir.  notwithstanding, and the general Rendevou of their huge forces was at Sluse, in the Port whereof, and other places about, there were assigned to assemble for their transportation, 
* Paul. Emyl. Three hundredth thousand English men in arms together.  twelve hundredth sail of ships. At the same time (as if the two young kings had been rivals in show of men) Richard raiseth so great an army to overrun Scotland, as the like for beauty and number was never seen together, consisting wholly of Englishmen. But may we believe that England could spare three hundredth thousand men, and as many horses for the use of a war? Certainly a needless multitude, but only to terrify the French with the fame, for there might have been fewer, for any great Act which Richard (full of jealousy against his uncle of Lancaster, wherewith his head and heart were full,) effected. But we may the rather believe the account, for that Walsingham voucheth 
* Seruientes ad arma.  sergeant at Arms (if he mean not Heralds by those words) whose office (he saith) it was to number the Host, and they affirmed the same. This is sure, that 
* Paul Aemyl. in Carol. 6.  among other the arguments used by the Duke of Bury (one of the French Kings uncles) to frustrate this enterprise, he alleged, that the King of England had mustered ten thousand horsemen, and one hundredth thousand Archers for his defence; whereas the Admiral john de Vienna affirmed, that having seen the forces of the English, they were but eight thousand horsemen and threescore thousand foot; and he might well say having seen: for, though Aemylius bring him in speaking to the French King, and vaunting that he had encountered them, yet nothing is truer, then that the English returned out of Scotland without the least offer of battle. The Admiral was willing indeed to have fought, but when he saw our Army from the hil-tops, his fury gave place to reason.  
(50) While the Army was upon the way toward Scotland, the King's half-brother the Lord john Holland wickedly slew the Lord Stafford, son 
The King's mother dieth being denied a pardon for her son the Lord john Holland.  to the Earl of Stafford not far from York, being upon his journey to the Queen, whose favoured Knight he was. For which heinous homicide the King seized upon his whole estate, denying to his mother's most earnest prayers any pardon or grace for his brother. Which was to her so grievous, that within five or six days after she gave up the Ghost at Wallingford. The young Lord took Sanctuary at Beverley, and the King by his justice herein wan the hearts of the said Earl of Stafford, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Basset, and other great men of Staffords kindred and friends; neither did this impeach at all the present voyage.  
(51) The Scots and French in Scotland, seeing themselves unable to withstand such forces, had so retired themselves and all their goods, that when the English should come, they, (as Walsingham pleasantly saith) could see no quick things left but only Owls. That which was green in the fields, the horses devoured or trampled down, yet such harm, as the materials of buildings were capable of, was done. Edinburgh also and the 
* Ypod Neust.  noble Abbey of Mailrosse were fired. The Duke of Lancaster persuaded the King to march beyond the Frith or Scottish 
The Duke of Lancaster suspected for persuading the King to pass the Scottish Sea.  Sea (as his great Ancestors had done) to seek out his enemies; but he, very suspicious that the Duke gave him this counsel with a purpose to betray him to destruction by famine, and want, which he was there to look for, expressed much displeasure and returned. The Duke's words notwithstanding and behaviour were tempered with much duty and modesty; but that would not serve, till the Lords peeced their affections together by intercession in the best manner the time would suffer. But the English host was scarce returned and discharged, when the Scots and French suddenly powered themselves forth upon our Country, and did whatsoever hurt the shortness of time in their incursion could permit.  
(52) To resist and endamage the French, there were appointed Admirals for the narrow Seas, the Master of Saint john's, and Sir Thomas Percy Knight, (the Earl of Northumberlands brother,) who did nothing worthy their fame or place. Only the Townsmen of Portsmouth and Dart, maund forth a few ships at their own peril and charge, wherewith 
The virtue of priuat●… men in the publik●… cause.  entering the river of Sein (upon which the renowned Cities Rouen and Paris are situated) sunk some of their enemy's ships, took others, and among them one of Sir Oliver de Clisson's, the goodliest that France had. The success answered their hopes, and they were enriched with the spoils of their adversaries, whom thus they compelled to bear the charge of their proper mischief.  
(53) Meanwhile that the French lay at Sluse, attending the approach of their king's uncle the Duke of Bury, (who favoured not this enterprise of invasion, but sought 
* john Tilli●…  aswell by delays, as by persuasion and authority to make it frustrate,) they of Ga●…t had gotten the Town of Dam by the good liking of the Inhabitants, to whom the French government was odious. For recovery whereof, the French King drew his army (prepared against England) to the siege of Dam, which (the same being first secretly abandoned, after a months siege and many repulses given to the French) was by him recovered. This, and other things, did so protract the great expedition intended, that (after waist of infinite treasure) Charles returned home, without having seen England, which was by these means most graciously freed by God, from so dangerous, and greatly-feared an impression. But that the English might the better endure the same, john King of Portugal, having lately in a great and bloody battle (where some of the English 
The Portugese●…●…d the English.  deserved well of him,) overthrown the Castilians, and thereby settled his estate, sent into England six Gall●…ys thoroughly well appointed, for sea-service, though (as God would) there was no need of them.  
(54) Of those French, which (after the Cloud of war at Sluice was dispersed into ayte,) passed overland into their Countries, many were taken and slain by the Gauntiners. Their navy was not less unfortunate; for at one 
* I●… 〈◊〉. ●…xal S. Cr●…. 14. Septemb.  time the English of Calais took of them eighteen, and the rage of weather brake and sunk divers, so that this Bravado was not only costly to the French, by reason of the charges, 
The bad event of this French design for an invasion.  but hurtful in the loss of time, men, ships, and hoped glory. Such are the events of human enterprises, where God is not pleased to give success. The English thus delivered from fear make a road into France out of Calais, and with a prey of four thousand sheep and three hundredth head of great cattle, besides an hundredth good prisoners, returned safe to their Garrison.  
(55) The multitude of memorable things which present themselves to us in the lives of our English monarchs, is such, that if we did not use choice, and in their relation brevity, we should not relieve our Readers of that molestation, with which the vast volumes of former labours do oppress the memory. The Laity, at the Parliament now holden at London, had yielded to aid the King with a 
The attempt of the Laity to dispossess the Clergy of their temporal estates.  Fifteenth upon condition, that the Clergy should succour him with a Tenth and an half; against which unjust proportion, William de Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury most stiffly opposed; alleging that the Church ought to be free, nor in any wise t●… be taxed by the Laity, and that himself would rather die then endure that the Church of England, (the liberties whereof had by so many free Parliaments in all times, and not only in the reign of this King been confirmed) should be made a bondmaide. This answer so offended the C●…mons, that the Knights of the Shires, and some Peers of the land, with extreme fury besought, That Temporalities might be taken away from Ecclesiastical persons, saying, that it was an Almesdeed and an Act of Charity so to do, thereby to humble them. Neither did they doubt, but that their petition which they had exhibited to the King would take effect. Hereupon they designed among themselves, out of which Abbey, which should receive such a certain sum, and out of which, another. I myself (saith 
* T●…o. Walls.  a Monk of Saint Alban) heard one of those Knights confidently swear, that he would have a yearly pension of a thousand Marks out of the Temporalities belonging to that Abbey. But the King having heard both parts, commanded the Petitioners to silence, and the Petition to be razed out, saying, He would maintain the English Church 
King Richard the Clergies friend.  in the quality of the same state or better, in which himself had known it to be, when he came to the Crown. The Archbishop hereupon having consulted with the Clergy, came to the King, and declared, that he and the Clergy had with one consent, willingly provided to supply his majesties occasions with a Tenth. This grant the King took so contentedly, as he openly affirmed, he was better pleased with this free contribution of one Tenth for the present, then if he had gotten four by compulsion.  
(56) Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford (a young Gentleman in special grace with the King) was at this Parliament created marquess of Dublin in 
The first marquess made that ever was in England.  Ireland, which moved great despite against him, those rough times being impatient to bear the unequal advancement of favourites. Nevertheless, though the gentle King was thought herein to please his own fancy, rather than to reward merit, yet did he so sweetly temper it, as there was no justice, nor reason to envy to him that solace which he took in his friends increased honour; for at the same time he advanced two of his uncles, Thomas of Woodstock, Earl of Buckingham to the title of Duke of Gloucester, and Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge, he created Duke of York, allotting several proportions of pension to be paid out of his Exchequer. In Vere there was ancient Nobility to justify his new degree the better; but in making the Lord Chancellor Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, with the yearly pension of 1000 Marks, was matter of more envy; because he was not descended of such honourable Parents: a defect (if it be a defect) which none more willingly upbraid to men of worth, than who themselves are not always the most worthy. The first raiser of this family of De la Pole was Edward the third, who made William de la Pole, of a brave Merchant, a 
* Ex libr. Monast. de Melsa, & ex Record. apud Guilford Cambd. in Torkesh.  Knight Baneret, and gave him great possessions, in requital of an extraordinary and voluntary loan of treasure, advanced by him to supply the King in a time of special necessity, when money could stand him in more steed than a thousand men of Arms: no little merit in a subject, nor a slender reward of a most munificent Prince.  
(57) Henry Spenser the martial Bishop of Norwich found grace with the King at this Parliament, to be restored to his temporalities, at the special suit of Thomas Arundel Bishop of Ely: whiles the Bishop of Ely thus besought his Majesty of Grace, the said Michael de la Poole (Lord Chancellor and Earl of Suffolk) stood by, and broke out with much offence into these words. What is that (my Lord) which you ask of the King? Seems it to you a small matter for him to part with that Bishop's temporalities, when they yield to his Coffers above one thousand pounds by year? Little need hath the King of such Counsellors, or of such friends, as advise him to acts so greatly to his hindrance. Whereunto the Bishop of Ely not less truly, then freely replied. What saith your Lordship, my Lord Michael? Know that I require not of the king that which is hi●…, but that which he (drawn thereunto either by you, or by the Counsel of such as you are,) withholds from other men, upon none of the justest titles, and which (as I think) will ●…euer do him any good: as for you, if the King's hindrance be the thing you weigh, why did you so greedily accept of a thousand marks by year, at such time as he created you Earl of Suffolk? The Chancellor was hit so home with this round retort, that he never offered any further to cross the restitution of the Bishop's temporalties.  
(58) After this the King being with his Queen at their manor of Eltham in Kent, there came thither 
A. D. 1386. A. reg. 6.  Leo King of Armenia, a Christian Prince, whom the Tartars had expelled out of his Kingdom. The pretence of his negotiation was to accord the realms of England and France; that the Princes thereof might with joint forces remove the common enemy from Christendom. Therein he could effect nothing, but his journey was not otherwise unfruitful to himself, for King Richard (a Prince to speak truly, full of honour and bounty) gave him besides a thousand pounds, in a 
* Ypod. Neust.  ship of gold) letters Patents also for a thousand pounds yearly pension during life.  
(59) The time now was come, wherein K. Richard should see himself delivered of all that fear and jealousy, which the greatness of his uncle the Duke of Lancaster stirred in him. His Forces were now ready, and his Navy (increased with 
* ●…olinsh.  seven Galleys, and eighteen ships sent out of Portugal) attended at Bristol, to transport him toward Spain, (for Castille is high Spain) the crown whereof he claimed in right of Constance his second wife, daughter of Dom Peter the cruel. Before he set forth, the news came that such English as were already in Portugal with their friends had overthrown the Spaniards, French, and Britons, at a battle in Spain. This was a spur to quicken the Duke's enterprise, which Pope Vrban the sixth (by granting plenary remission of sins to all such as gave the Duke aid) did specially favour, as against them who did partake with his enemy the Antipape; 
* Tho. Wal●…. p. 321. The noble army of th●… Duke of Lancaster for Spain.  but the frequent grant of such pardon and releasement, was now grown so vile and contemptible amongst the people, that few were found open handed towards this Cruceato. Admiral of this Fleet was Sir Thomas Percy, Sir john Holland (who had married one of the Duke's daughters afterward created Earl of Huntingdon) was Constable of the host, and Sir john Mereaux (who had to wife one of the Duke's illegitimate children) was one of his Marshals. There were in this noble and excellently-well appointed Army, the Lords Talbot, Basset, Will●…ghby, Fitzwalter, Poinings, Bradston, Fitzwarren, Beaumond, Beauchampe, the Lord Pomiers a Gascoin, etc. with very many worthy knights & valiant esquires, and a choice number of men of Arms, Archers and other Soldiers, to the number of 
* Heur. Knighton.  twenty thousand. The Duke took also with him his wife, the Lady Constance, and two daughters, which he had by her, as * one relateth. 
Oklands Ang. prael.   
(60) It was now the month of May, when the great Duke of Lancaster coming to take leave, had of the king's gift a Diadem of gold, and his Duchess of the Queen another: he also commanded the English to call, and hold his uncle for a King, and to do him answerable honour. But after all this, he lay for a wind so long, till his whole provisions were almost spent; at length yet, he set forward. The first land they touched was near to Breast in Britain, where Sir john Roch the Governor against the French, complained of two Forts built about him to impeach his quiet egress; whereupon the Duke of Lancaster caused them to be assaulted; so both of them being taken by surrender, were razed to the ground, though some English first lost their lives, among which, was 
* Holinsh. ex Hen. Knigh. p. 449.  Sir Robert Swinarton, a valiant Knight of Staffordshire, and john de Bolton a courageous Esquire of Yorkshire, whom the sudden ruin of a Tower (overturned by mining) whelmed and slew outright. Sharpened with the success of this victory, they commit themselves to God, and the Sea, and prosperously arrive with the whole Fleet in the Port Corone, or the Groin, 
* Uigil. S. Lauren.  in August.  
(61) The French (belike) thought England could not furnish an other Army for France, as she had for Spain: whereupon there was now no false nor vain rumour spread again, that the French would besiege Calis. The King to secure that precious transmarine part of his Dominions, sent thither store of men and of all provisions. The most eminent person was Henry Lord Percy, son to Henry Earl of Northumberland. This was he whom the Scots 
The Lord Henry Percy bynamed Hotspur sent to Calis.  bynamed Hotspur, a young Gentleman, in whom (saith Walsingham) the pattern of all virtue and martial prowess shined: and indeed his nature did answer his byname; for he made such ridings into the quarters about Calis, that they could never wish a worse neighbour. After which, when the fame went that the French king would not delay, or (as they call it) beleaguer Calis, but rather invade England, he returned to be present where the greatest danger was expected. At this time, the English Seamen of war, brought two French prizes to Sandwich, in which was taken a part of an huge strong Timber-wall, which the French king, preparing now for England's invasion, had caused to be built in length three miles, in height twenty foot, which had at every twelve paces a Tower (ten foot higher) and each capable of ten men, the whole to be a defence for the French encampments against our shot, and a shelter for theirs, there was also in the same Ships the Engineer and master workman, who was an Englishman, and great quantities of powder, and store of Ordinance, together with the French Kings Master 
* Magister Gunnarius. A Parallelization of the English and French States in these times.  Gunner.  
(62) There was in this time a great resemblance between England and France in the chief points of State. As England had Richard, so had France her Charles, both young Kings. Charles with an huge army had prepared to invade England, but did nothing: Richard with no less forces entered Scotland, and did no great thing. Richard had uncles which bore great sway in the Realm; so had Charles. Richard had his uncle john more potent than the rest; Charles had his uncle Lewis. john upon his wives title claimeth the kingdoms of Castille and Leon; Lewis by the gift of joan the Queen, claims the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicil. Lewis went with an Army of 
* Paul. Aemyl.  thirty thousand horse into Italy to achieve his claim; with what force john set forth you have heard. But Lewis died without obtaining; john prevailed so far as to settle his child by marriage. The King and great Lords of France were glad (with any charge) to enjoy the absence of Lewis, and Richard and his favourites were not sad, that the Realm was for the present rid of john.  
(63) The forces of the French provided for this invasion of England, were reported in open Parliament (which the King held about Michaelmas in London) to consist of 
* Ypod. Neust.  15 Dukes, 26. Earls, two hundredth Lords, & an hundredth thousand soldiers, and a thousand Ships, assembled about Sluse, with full purpose to take revenge of all the evils which the English nation had formerly wrought in France, and to destroy the English kingdom. But though these reports were not feigned, (for the French attended nothing in a manner but a fair gale of wind to bring them,) yet could not the King, without Capitulations made by the Duke of Gloster, obtain any aids of money; so that, whereas it seemed to the King, that by the Duke of Lancaster's departure, he was become more free, yet had he left behind spirits much more stiff and intractable. O dear Country, hadst thou not then been apparently in God's protection, (for the French having stayed for a wind till Hallontide, and then having it halfway, were beaten back, and the voyage made utterly void) certainly thy ruin had then been certain. What shall we think or say of those popular Lords, by this gentle King armed (to his own bane) with power and greatness, who under the specious pretext of reforming abuses, did satisfy their envy and inbred insolency?  
(64) The King tells them, that England is, as they saw, in manifest danger, and prays their succour in money: what is the answer? That the Duke of Ireland (for now the marquess of Dublin was made a Duke,) and Michael at the Pole (so they scornfully called the Earl of Suffolk) and other must be removed. Things are badly carried at home, say 
The first seeds of the civil wars.  they; (and they perhaps said truly,) but where was now the care of our Country? God indeed turned from us the merciless point of the French sword: but here began the seeds of innumerable worse miseries, never to be remembered without sighs and tears.  
(65) The seeds (we say) of those fearful calamities were then first here sown, whose sum a flourishing 
* Sam. Dan. in his civil wars.  Writer in our age (willing nearly to have imitated Lucan, as he is indeed called our 
* Remains.  Lucan) doth not unfortunately express, though he might rather have said he wept them, than sung them; but so to sing them, is to weep them. 
I sing the civil wars, tumultuous broils,  
And bloody factions of a mighty land;  
Whose people haughty, proud with foreign spoils,  
Upon themselves turn back their conquering hand;  
While kin their kin, brother the brother foils,  
Like Ensigns, all against like Ensigns band;  
Bows against Bows, a Crown against a Crown,  
While all pretending right, all right thrown down.  But Robert de Vere, saith Thomas Duke of Gloucester and his party, was unworthily created Duke of Ireland, and De la Pole the Lord Chancellor seemed to the only great Lords (for so they would seem) to be in the King's debt. Strange colours for Subjects to capitulate with their King; upon giving their joint aids against the common enemy, now ready with one destruction to overwhelm them all. The time they took to work this pretended amendment in state, was not well fitted. It savoured of somewhat else besides the love of commonweal. Private ambitions and passions could not be wanting in such oppositions. This is some men's judgement, let the sequels show how just.  
(66) There were called up at this Parliament for defence of the Realm innumerable people out of all Shires, which forces lay about London within twenty miles round, and had no pay but lived upon spoil. These at last were licensed to depart to be ready at warning. There was also the Lord Chancellor accused, of (we wot not what) petty crimes (for the abuses of following ages have made them seem so,) as for paying to the King's Coffers but 
* Tho. Walsing. in Rich. 2.  twenty marks yearly, for a fee-farm, whereof himself received threescore and ten, and some such other. To pacify these great Lords, the Lord Chancellor is disgraced, and the seal taken from him, against the Kings will, and given to Thomas Arundel Bishop of Elye, and then the houses of Parliament yielded to give half a Tenth, and half a Fifteenth, but upon condition that it should be disposed of, as the Lords thought fit, for defence of the Realm. The money was thereupon delivered to the Earl of Arundel to furnish himself for that purpose to the Sea. But to rid the Duke of Ireland out of the realm, the Lords were willing he should have those thirty thousand marks, for which the heirs of Charles of Bloi●…, (who heretofore challenged Britain) were transacted to the French, upon condition that the said Duke should pass into Ireland before the next Easter.  
(67) The Parliament was no sooner dissolved, but the King recalls the Earl of Suffolk to the Court, keeps both him, the Duke of Ireland and Alexander Ne●…ile Archbishop of York about his person, in greater favour than before. Insomuch that at Christmas he made De-la-Pole to sit at his own Table not in the usual garment of a Peer, but Princely robed. Surely therein not well; for some of those great Lords, (though not by so sweet means as were fit) did desire to waken him out of Courtly drowsiness, and (as men that knew not what peace meant) to put him into actions worthy of his name and greatness. These other persons were not so friended, or qualified, that they could support a King against an universal mislike. But the King upon a stomach doth it; so that (saith 
* Ypod. Neust.  Walsingham) here first grew the King's hatred against the Peers, that from thence forth he never, as it is said, regarded them but feignedly. So much more dangerous sometime is the remedy then a very grievous malady.  
(68) King Richard (whose age and place stood in need of wiser instructions) not thus contented to have whetted the displeasures of the greater Peers, as if he had said to himself, Rumpatur 
* Mar●…al.  quisquis rumpitur invidiâ; is further drawn, as was said, to plot the death of his uncle, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloster, and other enemies of De-la-pole; who together being invited to a feast (by the bloody devise of Sir Nicholas Brambre late Lord Mayor of London) should together have perished. But the present 
The Lord Mayor of London refuseth to be of conspiracy against the Duke of Gloster.  Lord Maior Nicholas Exton (whom the conspirators would have had their Partaker, if it may be believed) honestly refused to assent. The Lords hereupon having admonition, refrained to come.  
(69) The persons which were in the public envy for their overswaying grace with the King, 
An. D. 1387.  were (as you have heard) Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland, Michael de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, the said Archbishop, Sir Simon Burley Knight, and Sir Richard Stury: These men hearing that Richard Earl of Arundel and Thomas Earl of Nottingham, Martial of England, 
* Aprilis. 24.  had encountered with a great Fleet of Frenchmen, Flemings, Normans, and Spaniards, and taken above one hundredth sail of ships, and in them nineteen thousand tons o●…●…ine, depraved the victory, saying, that the vanquished were but Merchants, whose loves had been more profitable to our Country, than so to stir them to inexorable hatred. But these (saith 
* Ypod: Neust: A description of King Richard's chief favourites.  one) who thus judged, were rather the Knights of Venus then Bellona, fitter for a Canopy then a Camp, for language then a lance, as they who were awake to discourse of martial actions, but drow●…e when they should come to do them. Such therefore c●…ersing with the King (not * without suspicion of 
Tho. Walsin. in Richard 2. ad A. D. 13●…6.  fowl familiarity) never took care to put into his mind any matter which beseemed so potent a Prince, we say not (quoth our Author) as concerning the use of Arms, but not even concerning those very recreations, which most of all become great spirits, as hunting, hawking, and the like. But the Earls did more than meddle with Merchants (who yet were able to make dangerous resistances) for they landed at Breast in Britain, and with great difficulty delivered it again from so bad neighbours as the two wooden Forts nearly built, 
The malignant construction made of the Earl of Ar●…dels service.  where the other had stood, one of which they fired, and the other they manned with the English Garrison of Breast. Then stuffing it with all sorts of provisions for a year, and furnishing the wants of the Soldiers with all necessaries, they returned, having worthily won the love and praises of the people. Which, as they were also due to them from the king, yet coming to his presence, they (by these men's evil offices) had so cold entertainment, as they eftsoons withdrew themselves from Court to live quietly upon their own at home. After them the brave young Henry Hotspur, Lord Percy was sent (ill provided) to the Sea; nevertheless he ventured, and returned (when his commission was expired) with honour.  
(70) One thing done by the Duke of Ireland was surely full of wickedness and indignity. For 
The Duke of Ireland puts away his wife the King's cozen.  he having to wife, a young, fair, and noble Lady, and the Kings near kinswoman, (for she was Grandchild to king Edward by his 
* Tho. Walsin. in Rich. 2.  daughter Isabel,) did put her away, and took one of Queen Anne's women, a B●…hemian 
* Sellarij Filia, a Saddler's daughter, some aay a joiners. Walsing.  of base birrh, called in her mother tongue Lancecrone. This intolerable villainy offered to the blood royal, King Richard did not encounter; neither had the power, some say, who deemed that by witchcrafts and sorceries (practised upon him by one of the Duke's followers) his judgement was so seduced and captivated, that he could not see what was honest or fit to do. But where Princes are wilful or slothful, and their favourites flatterers or time-servers, there needs no other enchantments to infatuate, yea and ruinate the greatest Monarch.  
(71) The Duke of Gloucester took the matter more to heart, resolving to be revenged for the infamy 
A new ●…tion of the King how to bring the popular Lords to a trial.  and confusion, which was brought thereby upon his noble kinswoman. Meanwhile the king, as if he meant to conduct his dear friend, the Duke toward Ireland, went with him into Wales. There the King deviseth with him, the Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Tresilian and others; (who were equally afraid of the Lords) how to destroy the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Derby, Nottingham, and such others, as from whom they thought fit to be clear. Much time being trifled thus away in Wales, they come together (as if the Duke's appointed voyage, or rather banishment into Ireland; were quite forgotten) to the Castle of Nottingham, there more freely to deliberate. A fearful estate of a Monarchy. He among a few, generally ill beloved, and ill advised, and ill provided; for their whole strength was the king, and these emulations made that force feeble both to him and them: the Lords, potent, martial, rich, and popular; he at Nottingham, they not near him: but abroad far-off, the Duke of Lancaster with the flower of the English forces, and mighty neighbours watching for the ruin of all. The course agreed upon by the King and that ill-chosen Senate, was first to have the opinion of all the Chief Lawyers concerning certain Articles of 
The Lawyers sent for to make treasons.  Treason, within whose nets and sprindges they presumed the reforming Lords were; and if the Lawyers (who seldom fail Princes in such turns,) did conclude, that those Articles contained treasonable matter, then under a show of justice they should be proceeded against accordingly. These Lawyers (who were the very men, which in the last seditious Parliament, gave advise to the Lords to do as they did) now meeting, were demanded, whether by the law of the land, the King m●…ght not disannul the Decrees of the last Parliament: they jointly 
* At Shrewsburie saith Hist. Lecestrens.  answered; he might, because he was above the laws: confessing, that themselves had in that Parliament decreed many things, and given their judgement, that all was according to law, which 
Hist. Lecestrens.  now they acknowledged to be altogether unlawful. The King thus informed, appointeth a great Council to be holden at Nottingham, and sent for certain Londoners, some of them such as were beholding to the King for mercy in cases of attainder, to be there empanelled for Quests of Inquirie. The Sheriffs of Shires (being questioned) denied, that they could raise any competent forces against the Lords, their whole Counties were so addicted in their favour: & being further willed to suffer no Knights to be chosen for the Shires, but such as the King & his Council should name, they answered, that the election belonged to the Commons who favoured the Lords in all.  
(72) Upon the 25. of August there met before the King at Nottingham these Lawyers, Robert Trisilian his chief justitiar, Robert Belknap chief justitiar of the common Pleas, john Holt, Roger 
* Fulthorp vide Book of Statut. A. 11. Rich. 2. cap. 4.  Stilethorpe, & William Burgh justitiars in the same Court, and john Lokton the King's Sergeant at Law: all which being upon their allegiance charged to deliver their opinions, whether such 
* Those Articles are set down in the Book of Statu. A. 21. R. 〈◊〉. c. 12  Articles as were there in the King's behalf propounded (which Articles comprehended all the points of advantage taken against the proceedings of the last Parliament, and the displacing of the Lord Chancellor, Michael de Pole) contained matter of treason, they all of them answered affirmatively, and subscribed; which afterward cost them dear. judge Belknap foresaw the danger, and therefore was very unwilling to put his seal to the answers; saying; there wanted but a 
* In MS. it i●… ratis for Crat●… in likelihood.  hurdle, a horse, and a halter, to carry him where he 
H●…st. 〈◊〉.  might suffer the death he deserved; for if I had not done this (quoth he) I should have died for it, and because I have done it, I deserve death for betraying the Lords. The King in the mean space puruaies himself of people to fight, if need required.  
(73) The Duke of Gloucester (sadded with these news, sent the Bishop of London to bring his purgation upon oath to the King, who inclining to credit the same, was in an evil hour diverted by De la Pole. The Duke makes his and their common danger known to the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, & Derby, eldest son to the Duke of Lancaster. They severally gather forces, that united they might present their griefs to the King, who to keep them from joining, sends the Earl of Northumberland to arrest the Earl of Arundel at ●…eygate in Surrey, where he abode. But by reason of Arundels' power, it was too dangerous a work. Northumberland returns, and Arundel (admonished by the Duke of Gloucester of his farther peril) escapeth in post to Haringey, where the Duke and Earl of Warwick had store of people.  
(74) As yet no blood was drawn. Peaceable men procured that the Lords should repair safe to Westminster, and there be heard. Thither approaching they are advertised by the Bishop of Elie and others (who had sworn on the king's behalf for good dealing to be used during the Interim) that, at the Mews by Charing Cross, a thousand armed men (which without the King's privity Sir Thomas Tri●…et and Sir Nicholas Brembre Knights were reported to have laid for their destruction) attended in ambush. The King swears his innocency, but the Lords come strong and trust no longer. The King royally adorned keeps state in Westminster Hall with many his Prelates and Peers about him; the Lords present themselves upon their knees, and being required by the Eishop of Elye the Lord Chancellor (for 
The popular Lords bold answer to the king  the Lord De la Pole never had that place again) why they were in warlike manner assembled at Haringey Park, contrary to the laws, their joint answer was, That they were assembled for the good of the King and kingdom, and to weed from about him such Traitors as he continually held with him. The traitors they named to be, Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, Alexander Nevile Archbishop of York, Michael at the Pole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Tresilian that false ●…stitiar (quoth they) and Sir Nicholas Brambre that false Knight of London. To prove them such, they threw down their gloves, as gauges of challenge for a trial to be had by the sword. The King hereunto replied, as knowing that they were all hidden out of the way: This shall not be done so, but at the 
The king's reply.  next Parliament (which shall be the morrow after Candlemas) all parties shall receive according as they deserve. And now (saith he) to ye my Lords; how or by what authority durst you presume to levy force against me in thisland? did you think to have terrified me by such your presumption? have not I men of Arms, who (if it pleased me) could environ, and kill you like Cattle? Certainly in this respect I esteem of you all no more, then as of the basest scullions in my Kitchens. Having used these, and many the like high words; he took up his uncle the Duke from the ground, where all this while he kneeled, and bad all the other rise. The rest of the conference was calm, and the whole deferred till the next Parliament, then shortly to be holden at Westminster. In the mean time (that the world might see how little able the King was to equal his words with deeds) a Proclamation is set forth, in which the King cleareth the Lords (before any trial) of treason objected, and names those perso●… for unjust accusers, whom the Lords had before named.  
(75) The factious Lords nevertheless thought not good to sever themselves, but to keep together for fear of the worst; which fell out to their advantage; for the Duke of Ireland (with the King's privity) had gathered a power in Wales and Cheshire, which they intercepting near to Burford and Babblake, slew Sir William Molineux leader of the Cheshire men, and some others, and made the Duke to fly in great fear. Among the spoils of the Duke's carriages there were found (as the Devil would have it) certain letters of the King to the said Duke of Ireland, by which their counsels were plainly discovered. The Lords hereupon march with speed up to London, having an Army of about forty thousand men. The King shuts himself up in the Tower, but is glad before long to admit them to his 
The Lords ●…harge the king with sundry matters,  presence. There they (unreverently enough) object mutability to him and his underhand workings; they objected also, that he had secretly practised to fly with the Duke of Ireland into France, and to deliver up to the French Kings possession Calais, & such pieces as the Crown of England held in those parts: to prove which dishonourable act, they (as some write) produced the French packets intercepted. This wrung tears (perhaps of disdain) from the King, and he yielded to come to Westminster upon the next day, there to hear and determine farther. The King in sign of amity stayed his cozen the Earl of Derbie (the same who afterward dethroned him) to supper. O where was the courage of a King? The Lords in their own quarrel could draw up forty thousand men; but in the general danger of the Realm, when the Commons were up, and the French hung over their heads, with no less hatred than preparations, no such numbers appeared. Was it fortheir honour or praise, that their most rightful King should by their violence be driven to consult upon flight out of his proper Kingdom? The City 
An. D. 1388. An. Reg. 11.  of London was also in no little peril at this present by their access, which drawn by just fear was contented to open the gates and harbour the Lords and their partakers. These Lords, who so often are called here the Lord●…, are named in our 
* Stat. A●…. 11. 〈◊〉. 1  Statute books to be but these five; The Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Derbie, Arundel, Warwick and Marshal.  
(76) The next day, he would have deferred his repair to Westminster. This being signified to the King's Lords (for so they might be called, as being more Masters then the King) they labour not, by humble words, and duteous reasons to persuade the use or necessity of his presence in that place, but contrary to their allegiance, and all good order send him word, That if he came not quickly according to appointment, they would choose them another King, who 
The rough and harsh behaviour of the Lords.  both would, and should obey the counsel of the Peers. They had him indeed amongst them, whom (belike) they even then meant to have surrogated, that is to say, the before said Earl of Derby, heir to the D. of Lancaster. The Lords certainly had so behaved themselves towards the King, that they well saw they must be masters of his person and power, or themselves in the end perish.  
(77) The King (after a preposterous and inverted manner) attending his subjects pleasures at Westminster, heavily and unwillingly is drawn to disclaim Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York, the 
Persons removed from about the King.  Bishops of Duresme and Chichester, the Lords Souch and Beaumount with sundry others. Neither was the Male-sexe only suspected to these curious pruners; the Lady Poinings, and other Ladies were also removed, and put under bail to answer such things as should be objected. Sir Simon Burley, Sir William Elinham, Sir john Beauchampe of Holt, Sir john Salisbury, Sir Thomas Trivet, Sir james Berneys, Sir Nicholas Dagworth, and Sir Nicholas Brambre knights with certain Clerks were apprehended, and kept in strait prison, to answer such accusations (what if mere calumniations?) as in the next Parliament at Westminster should be objected.  
(78) The Parliament began at Candlemas, where the King was unwillingly present: The first day of the Session, all the judges Fulthrop, Belknap, Care, 
Historia Lecestren.  hot, Burgh, and Lockton were arrested as they sat in judgement on the Bench, and most of them sent to the Tower. The cause alleged was, that having first overruled them with their counsels and directions, which they assured them to be according to law, they afterward at Nottingham gave contrary judgement to that which themselves had fore-declared. Trysilian the chief justice prevented them by flight, but being apprehended, and brought to the Parliament in the forenoon, had sentence to be drawn to Tyburn in the afternoon, and there to have his throat cut; which was done accordingly. Sir Nicholas Brambres turn was next. This 
The Duke of new Troy or London.  Brambre (saith Walsingham) was said to have imagined to be made Duke of new Troy (the old supposed name of London) by murdering thousands of such Citizens, (whose names he had billed for that purpose,) as were suspected of likelihood to resist him. Then Sir john Salisbury, and Sir james Bernes two young Knights, Sir john Beauchamp of Holt, Steward of the Household to the King, and john Blake Esquire, were likewise sacrificed to revenge. Sir Simon Burley only had the worship to have but his head strucken off. Lo the noble respect which the gentle Lords had to justice and amendment. This was no age (we see) for a weak or slothful Prince to sit in quiet; for now the people, and then the Peers, foil and trample the regal authority under foot: the Duke of Ireland, the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Suffolk and others, had their estates confiscated to the kings use by Act of Parliament, as in the 
* An. 10. & 11. Rich. 2.  book of Statutes may be seen, together with a great part of the whole proceedings.  
(79) These troubles boiling and burning within, in the Bowels of the State, the Scots abroad had opportunity to invade the North of England, under the conduct of Sir William Douglas, a noble young knight, a parallel and rival in the honour of Arms to Henry Hotspur, Lord Percy, whom Hotspur fight hand to hand slew in battle: but the Earl of Dunbar coming with an excessive number of Scots, took Hotspur and his brother prisoners, killing many English, not without such loss to themselves, that they forthwith returned.  
(80) But these unneighbourly hostilities soon 
A. D. 1389. A. reg. 12.  after found some surcease, there being a meeting at Calis between the English and French, about establishing a peace: and albeit, because the French would have the Scot and Spaniard included therein, the conclusion was deferred, yet shortly after it was resolved upon for three years, the Scots being comprehended therein.  
(81) King Richard (being now of age) declares 
The King declares himself to be of age, and takes the government upon him.  himself free to govern of himself, without either controlment, or help of any other, than such as he selected to that place, and in token that he was at liberty, he takes the Great Seal of England from Thomas Arundel Archbishop of York, (Alexander Nevil being attainted and fled) and departs out of the Council Chamber. After a while he returns, and gives it back to William Wickham (the 
* He was founder of the two famous Colleges in Oxford and Winchester.  renowned Bishop of Winchester) who was unwilling to have accepted the same. He also puts out sundry Officers, substituting such others as best liked him. From the Council Table he removed his uncle Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Warwick, and others; which (as it might) encouraged the Duke's enemies about the King, to do evil offices between them. Yet the king did not presently credit what was whispered into his care, concerning a purpose suggested to be in the Duke, to raise forces again; but acquainting him withal, was satisfied. Nevertheless, he would not suffer the Duke to pursue an orderly or any revenge upon the Authors, whom indeed it had been wisdom to have punished in an exemplary manner.  
(82) Michael de la Pole late Earl of Suffolk (whom the popular Lords had made most odious to the English) died at Paris in exile, bequeathing such goods as he had there to Robert Duke of Ireland, who also breathed out his griefs in banishment, and died at last in Brabant.  
(83) The Duke of Lancaster the mean while, returns into Gascoigne out of Spain, and not long after into England. The success of that voyage (being made to claim the Crown of Castille and Leon) was briefly this▪ john King of Castille 
* Roder. Santius. Archiep. Toletan. Hist. Hisp. part. 4 cap. 22.  alleged that Constance the Duke's wife was not right heir, but he. For, albeit the Lady Constance was eldest daughter and heir to Peter son of Alfonse, whose father Fernand the fourth was son of Sanchez the fourth, and he son of Alfonse the tenth; all Kings of Spain successively; yet, that neither Constance, Peter, Alfonse, Ferdinand, nor Sanchez had the right. His reason was; for that Alfonse the tenth, (chosen Emperor of Almain) had, before he begat the said Sanchez, an elder son called Ferdinand de la Cerda, who married Blanch the daughter of Saint Lewis King of France, from whom descended Alfonse de la Cerda (who entitled himself King, but died without issue) and Fernand, who had a daughter married to john, son of the Infant of Portugal Emmanuel, mother to the Lady joan, wife of King Henry the second, father of john King of Castille defendant.  
(84) This Apology made by the Castilian, would not serve; for kingdoms are not used to be pleaded for by Bill and Answer; The English and Portugals join their forces. To the Duke (by reason of his wives presence,) many did voluntarily submit themselves; all did not; for Don 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 20 Hist. Ang.  Aluarez de Perez on the behalf of his Lord, the King of Spain, offered to stop the Duke in his march to Burgos, and was overthrown. Other adventures that war afforded, but sickness happening in the English Army, consumed 
* Froissard.  many of the principal, and among them the Lord Fitzwalter, with other Lords, Knights, Esquires, and men of arms, almost three hundredth. Moreover the penury was such, that sundry revolted to the enemy to get relief, which being 
* Tho. Wals.  seen of the King of Portugal, he told the Duke he would set upon them as Enemies, but he said no, for that he knew they did it only for lack of food. Thus having said, he held down his head, as he sat on horseback, and wept most bitterly, 
The Duke of Lancaster in his distress calleth upon God, and is heard.  secretly pouring forth his prayers to almighty God, and most humbly beseeching mercy. From which time forward his affairs in Spain succeeded happily.  
(85) The wars had been ●…harpe and tedious, but the end acceptable. For Don ivan king of 
heard Roder. San. qua supra.  Castille, a Prince of no evil conscience, seeing the right which the Duke of Lancaster urged, and foreseeing 
Conditions of perpetual amity between the K. of Spain and the Duke of Lancaster.  what calamities might happen hereafter, if (as was feared the French should match with him, sought and obtained a firm peace. The Principal conditions were: That the Lord Henry, his son and heir, should marry the Lady Katherine, daughter and heir to the Duke and Constance his wife; That the Lord Henry (during his father's life) should be called Prince of Asturia, and Katherine his wife Princess: That 
* Tho. Walsin. in Ric. 2.  for default of issue between the young Princely couple, the Crown should come to the Lord Edward Duke of York, who had married the other daughter of King Peter. That the king of Spain should lad 
* Fabian. Caxton.  eight Cars with wedges of gold for the Duke, or (as 
* Holinsh. pag. 450.  some write) pay two hundredth thousand nobles, toward the defrayment of the Duke's huge charges; That finally, he should give sufficient Caution for an Annuity of 
* Ypod. Neust.  ten thousand pounds, during the lives of the said Duke and Duchess, to be duly paid to their uses at the City of 
* Holinshed. The Duke of Lancaster doth good offices.  Bayon in Gascoigne.  
(86) The King, at such time as the Duke of Lancaster returned, was at Reading, whither he had commanded the Peers to repair. To that meeting the Duke makes haste, aswell to present his duty to his Sovereign, as to be an author of love and peace between the king and Lords, against some of whom the King was not thought to be very favourably disposed. Which he graciously effected, as seeming to addict his mind to offices of piety and public benefit. Certainly the wisdom and moderation 
The Duke of York's carriage worthily praised.  of the Duke of York his brother, were such, in all the late, and other tumults, that he is not so much as once named among the factious; which Christian spirit if it had reigned in all the rest, England had never been polluted with such infinite bloodshed of her noblest Children; neither had the goodly fabric of state, laden with innumerable trophies, fallen under that most hideous Chaos, which succeeding ages saw and sighed for.  
(87) The King upon the Duke of Lancaster's 
A. D. 1390. An. reg. 13. The Duke of Lancaster made Duke of Aquitaine.  return, whether he felt the keeping of Aquitaine an unprofitable burden, or the absence of his uncle the Duke, a thing worthy to be purchased at any rate, certain it is, that in a Parliament held at London, he vested in him that famous Duchy, by delivering the Cap of State, and Ducal Rod; whither he shortly went to take possession. His son, Henry of Bullingbroke Earl of Derbie, loath to spend his hours in sloth, but desirous to pursue renown by martial Acts in foreign parts, sailed over to the wars in Prussia, where in sundry enterprises against the Lithuanians, he won great honour, which, by comparison 
Henry of Bullingbroke seeks adventures into Germany.  of King Richard's Calmness, prepared a way for him in the Englishes affections, to points more eminent.  
(88) The Pope now understood, that the English State began again to be sensible of Romish encroachments; and as in a 
* A. R. 13. vid. lib. Stat.  former Parliament they had enacted against all Collations of bishoprics and dignities by the Pope, with banishment to all which did accept such Collations, and death to all that brought in any excommunications from the Pope, to hinder the execution of that Act; so in this last Parliament, 
* Ypod. Neust. 544.  another severe Act was made, against such as went to the Pope to procure any such provisions. A Proclamation also was made at London, * that all beneficed men 
ibid. p. 545.  then being in the Court of Rome, should return by a day prefixed, or lose all their livings. The Pope himself (saith Walsingham) troubled with 
* 〈◊〉 frigore turbat●….  so great a thunderclap, sent with all speed into England, to persuade the 
A. D. 1391.  King, that such Statutes as had been thus made in their prejudice, who followed the Court of Rome, and such other clauses as tended to the damage of that See, should be made void; whereto the King's answer was, that the Pope's Nuntio must expect till the next Parliament. At which Parliament the King, as also the Duke of Lancaster, seemed to have some respect to the Pope, (whose messenger was their Present) but the 
* Ypod. Neust.  Knights of the house would not in any wise give their consents, that such 
* R●…mipetis.  Rome-gadders should without due punishment pursue their wont course, longer than till the next Parliament. To furnish the Duke of Lancaster into France, to treat of a peace, and upon condition that the King should that year invade Scotland, large contributions were there made, both by Clergy and Laity. Hereupon the Lord 
* joh. Stow. calls him Earl of Northumberland.  Henry Percy, Hotspur (who had redeemed himself) was called from his charge at Calais, and made Warden of the Marches against Scotland; Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham succeeding in the Captainship of Calys. The Duke's chargeful employment in France bore no other flower, than a years short truce.  
(89) The King's wants still increasing with his employments, the Londoners (carried away with evil 
A. D. 1392. London in disgrace with the King.  counsel) did a thing most unworthy of their City and themselves, and it might to them have proved as hurtful, as it was unworthy, at such time as the King 
* Tho. Walls.  desired the loan but of one thousand pounds: which was not only churlishly denied, but a certain Lombard, honestly offering to lend the same, was badly used, beaten, and almost slain Their liberties for that and other 
* Fabian & Caxton; but. Stow mistikes their additions of other disorders.  disorders are seized, and their proper Magistracy dissolved, (Guardians being given them, first Sir Edward Dallinging, than Sir Baldwin Radington) and their Mayor, and some chief Citizens laid in prisons far off from London. The punishment brought the foulness of their errors to their sight; but by the Duke of 
* Ypod. Neust.  Glocesters' intercessions (who did not unwillingly lay hold upon such occasions of popularity) the king and Queen are won to enter the City, which gave them triumphal entertainment. The sea is not suddenly calmed after a tempest, neither a Prince's anger. By degrees yet, and not without dear repentance, they were at last restored to their former condition in all 
A. D. 1393.  points.  
(90) The king declaring his purpose to cross into Ireland, had an aid of money conditionally 
A. D. 1394.  granted: four years truce by the travail of the two Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester being concluded in France. This year was farther notable for many great Funerals. Constance Duchess of Aquitaine and Lancaster, a Lady of great 
* Ypod. Neust. The death of Queen Anne and many great Ladies.  Innocency and devotion: the Countess of Derby her daughter in law, Isabel the Duchess of York, and a Lady noted for too great a fineness and delicacy, yet at her death showing much repentance and sorrow for her love to those pestilent vanities, left this present life. But all the grief for their deaths did in no sort equal that of the kings, for the loss of his own Queen Anne, which about the same time happened at Sheen in Surrey, whom he loved even to a kind of madness: but Ladies only died not; for Sir john Hawkwood, whose chivalry had made him renowned over the Christian world, did in this year depart 
The famous Sir john Hawkwood dieth.  an aged man out of this world in Florence, where his ashes remain honoured at this present with a stately Tomb, and the statue of a Man at Arms, erected by the gratitude of that State and City, which chiefly by his conduct, courage and valour (to this day admired amongst them) was preserved. The Italian Writers, both 
* Paul. 〈◊〉 in ●…log 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  Historians and 
* julius Feroldus  Poets, highly celebrating his matchless prowess enstyle him, 
- Anglorum decus, & decus addite genti  
Italicae, Italico prasidiumque Solo.  
England's prime honour, Italy's renown,  
Who upheld all Italy from sinking down.  But the Duke of Lancaster having all things ready, sets sail to Bordeaux, there, with the consent of the State to take possession of his lately granted Duchy.  
(91) The King doth the like for Ireland; where that sort of the Irish which are called the wild, had greatly invested the English Pale, and other good Subjects there, to the great damage of the Crown of England. In the times of Edward the third, Ireland yielded to the king's coffers 
* Tho. Walsin.  thirty thousand pounds yearly, but now things were so grown out of order, that it cost the King thirty thousand Marks by year To reduce the rebellious, himself conducts thither an Army, attended upon by the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of March, Nottingham and Rutland, all the Irish being commanded to avoid out of England. The terror of the preparations, & shining presence of a king (which above all worldly things is pleasant to the Irish) had such effects that sundry great men were compelled to submit themselves. To supply the King's wants, grown in the Irish expedition, Edmund D. of York, the King's uncle, and Custos or Warden of England, called a Parliament at London (whither the Duke of Gloucester repaired to declare the King's wants) and hath contributions granted. Nevertheless, so strong a party against the Clergy, & Fryarly abuses of those times discovered itself therein, that the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, and others, priest over Sea to the King at Dublin, beseeching him to return, the sooner to repress the Lollards (so called they the embracers of Wicliffes' doctrine) and their 
Ypod. Neust.  favourers, who sought not only (as they untruly pretended) to wring away all the possessions of the Church, but that which was worse, to abrogate and destroy all Ecclesiastical constitutions, whereas they aimed only at the redress of exorbitancy in the Papal Clergy. The King hereupon returns: by whose arrival and authority, those consultations of the Laity were laid down. Sir Richard Story a servant of his had been forward against the Prelates; of him therefore he takes an oath upon the holy Gospel, that he should not hold such opinions any longer. The Knight takes that oath, and we (saith the King) do swear, that if thou dost break it, thou shalt die a most shameful death. The rest hearing the Lion roar so terribly, drew in their horns, and would be seen no more.  
(92) The King caused the body of the late Duke of Ireland to be brought into England. His exceeding love to him was such, that he commanded the Cypress chest wherein his body lay embalmed, to be opened, that he might see, view, handle, and openly express his affection. The dead remains of that noble young Gentleman, (by his birthright Earl of Oxford, and by race a Vere) were buried at the Priory of Coln in Essex, there being present the King himself, the Countess Dowager of Oxford, the Duke's mother, the Archbishop of Canterbury with many Bishops, Abbots, and religious persons, but few of the Lords, for they had not as yet digested the hate they bore him.  
(93) The Duke of Lancaster was this while in Aquitaine, where he had sought to win the people 
An. D. 1396.  with incredible largesse, to accept of his Sovereignty, according to the tenor of King Richard's grant. Little did he then think, that within less than sixscore and three years after, an 
* Doct. Tayler ex Autograph●… ipsius. A. D. 15●….  Ambassador of King Henry the 8. should write thus of Bordeaux itself, the Capital City of Gascoign and Guien: Anglorum nulla ferè vestigia remanent, etc. There are (saith that learned Gentleman) scarce any foot-prints of 
An excellent note concerning the vanity of worldly ambition in Princes.  the Englishmen remaining. In the Churches, and other places newly refreshed and re-edified, such Armouries of the English as stood, were utterly blotted and defaced: yet in the Church of the friars Preachers, the Armouries of the Duke of Lancaster stand entire in a Glass-window, and in the oldest wall of the City those also of England, though consumed in a manner with age: The Laws, Statutes and Ordinations which were made by the English, are notwithstanding observed at this day. But the Duke's eye could not look so far into the times to come. Nevertheless we that see these things must confess, that the best kingdom under heaven is not so worth the getting, as that with the wilful contempt of God and conscience any man should seek to purchase it.  
(94) But while the Duke was thus busied in Courting the Gascoignes good will, 
* Froissard.  who had sent into England, to show causes why they should not atturne to the Duke, (and yet were wrought at last to the point of yielding,) he receives a commandment from King Richard to return, that he might go with him into France; which he obeyed. The King keeping his at Langley in Hartfordshire, the Duke 
The Duke of Lancaster marries the Lady Katherine Swinford.  was there entertained with more honour (as it was thought) than love. Being licensed to depart for a time, he repaired to Lincoln, where he a widower, married his old love the Lady Katherine Swinford, now a widow. Men did wonder at it, but he therein obeyed the remorse of a Christian conscience, without respect to his own unequal greatness; for having had sundry Children by her in his former wives time, he made her and them now the only sufficient amends, which the law of God or man enjoineth. And further in a Parliament held the year following, the Duke procured an Act to pass, by which, such children as he formerly had by his new Duchess, were legitimated; and surnamed them Beufot, being 
* Stow, Holinsh. erreth in saying but three.  four of them, john, Thomas, Henry, joan; the second of which was by the King's bounty created Earl of Somerset.  
(95) The King, being specially accompanied 
A peace and marriage with France.  with those his uncles of Lancaster and Gloucester, at a most sumptuous and chargeful interview between him and Charles King of France, in the parts of Calis and Gynes, espoused the Lady Isabella, daughter of the said Charles. At the delivery of her, King Richard, in the presence of all the greatest Princes, Peers, and Ladies of either nation, gave the King his father in law great thanks for a gift so noble and acceptable, adding, he took her upon the conditions made between the two nations, to the intent that living in peace and rest, they might attain to the establishment of a perpetual amity, for avoiding the effusion of Christian blood, which would in likelihood have followed, had not at that time affinity been contracted between them. The young Lady was not above seven or eight years old, but the truce was taken for thirty years. Her person therefore was committed to the duchesses of Lancaster and Gloucester, and other great Ladies, who conducted her to Calais. From whence, after a short stay, the King, his young Queen (with whom he had great riches) and all the glorious company came over into England. Their persons arrived safe, but the King's gorgeous Pavilions, and a great part of his stuff was cast away by tempest in the transportation. This journey (besides his losses at Sea) cost the King above forty thousand marks.  
(96) The outward felicity of England seemed 
A. D. 1397. A. reg. 20.  at this time very great, and the rather seemed so, because it was likely to continue. In the Duke of Glocesters' person that bright prosperity was first overshadowed. He, Vir ferocissimus & pracipitis ingenij (as 
* Hist. Ang. lib. 20.  Polydore censures him,) a most fierce man, and of an headlong wit, thinking those times, wherein he had mastered the King, were nothing changed, though the King was above thirty years old, forbore not, roughly, not so much to admonish, as to check and school his Sovereign. The peace with France displeased him, that therefore he calumniates. The King had restored Breast in Britain to the Duke, upon reembursements of the money lent; he tells the King that he should first conquer a Town, before he parted with any; yet the King answers, that he could not in conscience detain the same, now that the Duke had repaid his loan. There were other things which could not so well be answered. For a vain rumour 
* Ypod. Neust. Grafton Chron.  that he should be chosen Emperor, put him belike into such a vain of spending, as carried a proportion with that majesty; his coffers in a short time sounding like empty Cask, there was no great moneyed man in whose debt he was not, nor any in a manner so mean to whom he was not burdenous.  
(97) The King had heretofore complained of this uncle to the Earl of Saint Paul a Frenchman, (then in England,) whose judgement was, that such insolency was to be revenged; but complaining to his other uncles of Lancaster and York, they wisely advised the King, not to regard his words but his heart, which he and they knew sincere unto him. Nevertheless, partly to weaken the intolerable humour of their brother, who like a constant Admirer of his own ways, thought nothing well done, but what himself either did or directed, and partly to avoid the scandal of the King's bad courses, they withdraw their presences from the Court. The King notwithstanding is the same man still, as the Duke of Gloucester thinks; wherefore, he breaks his mind to such as he durst trust. Arundel in Sussex is appointed the Consultation-place, where he, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Martial and others, take an Oath of Secrecy, and conclude to raise a power to remove 
* Fabian. Concor. Hist.  the Dukes of Lancaster and York, and such other as they thought best, from about the King, so to enact a reformation.  
(98) They are charged by 
* A French pamphlet apud joh. Stowe in holinsh. pag. 488. Lanquets. Epito●….  some to have plotted the imprisonment of the King and Dukes, and the death of all other councillors: which, howsoever it was perhaps no part of their intention, might yet have been a necessary consequent. The blustering Duke had breathed out dangerous words; as, 
* Hist. Angl. li. 20.  that he would put the King (of whose courage he spoke contemptibly) into some prison there to spend his days in ease and peace, as himself thought best. His brethren hearing hereof, brotherly admonish him to beware; but, as it seems, they found him deaf on that side. This though some of the late Authors write, yet there are both 
* Tho. Walsin.  old and 
* Grafton Io. Stow. Annal.  new, who mention no such matter, but the contrary, not obscurely teaching us, that the Duke's ruin was but an effect of old malignities.  
(99) Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham and Martial, a party in the reported plot, though son in law to the Earl of Arundel, revealeth the same to the King. * The Duke of Gloucester is hereupon surprised by Mowbray 
* Milles. p. 427.  (lying in wait in the woods where he was to pass) sent to Calais (where Nottingham was Captain) and there imprisoned; the Earls of Arundel and Warwick, the Lord john Cobham, and Sir john Cheiney, are arrested. Proclamation is then made that they were not committed for any old matters, but for heinous things newly contrived, as in the next Parliament should be made manifest; though the event (as 
* Ypod Neust.  Walfingham truly saith) declared the contrary. But the Duke of Gloucester, and the two said Earls are indited at Nottingham. The King to maintain the accusation of treason objected, had (as some say) suborned Edward Earl of Arundel, Thomas Earl Martial, Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, john Holland Earl of Huntingdon; Thomas Beaufort Earl of Somerset, john Montacute Earl of Salisbury, Thomas Lord Spencer and Sir William Scroop Lord Chamberlain.  
(100) In September begins the Parliament at London, where the king had a great guard of Chesshire 
A. reg. 21.  men to secure his person, and the Lords attended also not without sufficient numbers. The King's chief Agents were Sir john Bushy, Sir William Bagod, and Sir Henry Green knights. In the first act (after the liberties of the Church and people confirmed,) we find these 
* Libr. Statut. An. 21. Rich. 2. cap. 2.  words. The commons of the Parliament have showed to our Sovereign Lord the King, how in the Parliament holden at Westminster, the first day of October, in the tenth year of his reign; Thomas Duke of Gloucester, and Richard Earl of Arundel, traitors to the King and his Realm and his people, by false imagination and compassing caused a 
* 〈◊〉 br●…ad. An. 10. 〈◊〉.  Commission to be made, etc. and that the said Duke of Gloucester, and Earl of Arundel, did send a great man and Peer of the Realm in message to our Lord the King; who of their part said, that if he would not grant and assent to the said Commission, HE SHOULD DE IN GREAT PERIL OF HIS LIFE: and so, as well the said Commission, as the said Statute touching the said Commission, were made by constraint, etc. Wherefore the Commons pray their Sovereign Lord the King, that the said Commission &c: be utterly annulled, as a thing done TRAITOROUSLY, etc.  
(101) The sanctuary of former laws, and all particular Charters of pardon being now taken away from the Duke, Earl, and others, they lay open to manifest ruin. The 
* Holinsh.  Duke of Lancaster sat in judgement as High Steward upon Richard Earl of Arundel, where, for no other but for the old attempts, (though the other accusations seem to have been averred by the eight Appellants) by which, as ye have heard, so many were displaced and put to death, he adjudged him to die that soul death of a common Traitor: but the King satisfied himself with only his head, which was at one stroke taken of at Tower-hill. That he was a traitor either in word or deed, 
The Earl of Arandel beheaded.  he utterly did deny, and died in that denial. The constancy of this Earl's carriage aswell at his arraignment, passage, and execution, (as in which he did not discolour the honour of his blood with any degenerous word, look, or action) increased the envy of his death upon the prosecutors. The Earl of Warwick confessed with tears, (and as some say, drawn by fair hope of life) that in adhering to the Duke of Gloucester in those ridings and assemblies he was guilty of treason. The same sentence was therefore pronounced upon him. The King nevertheless did only banish him into the I'll of man.. But the Duke of Gloucester (whom, as the people's darling, it seemed not safe to bring to a public trial) was secretly smothered at Calis with pillows and featherbeds. 
The Duke of Gloucester murdered.   
(102) The great Parliament (for so it seems to have been called, by reason of the extraordinary 
A. D. 1398.  numbers of Peers, and their retinues, which came thereunto) was holpen by adiournment at Shewsbury. In it, those justitiars, who were partly put to 
Libr. Statu. An. 21. Rich. 2. cap. 12.  death and partly banished, but all attainted (at such time as the Duke of Gloucester and the rest were in arms,) do all of them stand thereby cleared from dishonour, and such 
* Tho. Walsin.  Articles as they subscribed, (being, together with their answers, set down in the Act) are publicly ratified, and the offenders against them pronounced Traitors. Amongst these Articles, one, containing these great Lawyers judgements concerning the orderly proceedings in all Parliament, is very observable: 
* Book of statut●…. A. Ric. 2. 21. ca 12. artic. 6.  That after the cause of such assembly is by the King's commandment there declared, such Articles as by the King are limited for the Lords and Commons to proceed in, are first to be handled; but if any should proceed upon other Articles, and refuse to proceed upon those limited by the King, till the King had first answered their proposals, contrary to the King's command; such doing herein contrary to the rule of the King, are to be punished as Traitors. But the King, to content all parts, and to kindle new lights in the place of such as he had extinguished, having first created himself 
* Tho. Walsing. The King (Prince of Chester) creates Dukes and other States.  Prince of Chester, made his cozen Henry Earl of Derby, Duke of Hereford; the Earl of Rutland Duke of Aumarl; the Earl of Nottingham Duke of Norfolk; the Earl of Kent Duke of Surrey; the Earl of Huntingdon, Duke of Excester; the Earl of Somerset marquess Dorset; the Lord Spencer Earl of Gloucester; the Lord Nevile Earl of Westmoreland; William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire; Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester. The King also (saith Walsingham) added to his Scucheon Royal, the armouries of Saint Edward King and confessor.  
(103) The foremost in this goodly rank, being Henry Duke of Hereford, not long after accused Thomas Duke of Norfolk, of certain words sounding to the king's dishonour, which he should privately utter to the said Henry. 
* Hist. Ang. lib. 20.  Polydor (though very negligently he makes Mowbray the Accuser, and Hereford Defendant) may yet be heard in reporting the effect of the words, as That King Richard held the Peers of the land in no account, but as much as lay in him sought to destroy them, by banishing some, and putting others to death. That he never troubled his mind with considering how his Dominions were diminished through his Idleness. Finally, that all things went to wrack, as well in peace as war. But the Duke of Norfolk, (who unless it had been to feel how the Duke of Hereford's heart was affected to the king, had little reason so to complain) most constantly denying that ever he spoke such words; it should have come to a combat within lists; but the king to ●…uoid (as he pretended) such deadly feuds as might rise in the families of two such potent Peers, but (indeed to be rid of an enemy with the loss of a friend) banished Norfolk for ever, and Hereford first for ten years, then for six. Walsingham 
* Ypod Neust.  saith that this censure was given against Norfolk, upon that very day in which the year before, he (by the king's commandment) had taken order for putting to death the Duke of Gloucester at Calais, whereof the said Duke of Norfolk had the Captainship.  
(104) Fearful were the tragedies which ensued these times; and hear now what is written of 
An. D. 1399. An. Reg. 22.  some Portents or wonders, presaging the same. The 
* Ypod, Neust.  Bay or Laurel trees withered over all England, and afterward reflourished, contrary to many men's opinion; and upon the first of january, near Bedford town, the river between the villages of Swelston and Harleswood where it was deepest, did upon the sudden stand still, and so divided itself, that the bottom remained dry for about three miles' space, which seemed (saith Walsingham) to portend that revolt from the King, and the division which ensued.  
(105) Roger Mortimer Earl of March, Lieutenant of Ireland, having in the year before, while he too much 
* Tho. Wals. in R. 2.  trusted to his own Forces, been slain with very many others, by 
* Annal. Hibern. apud Cambd.  O-Brin, and the Irish of Leinster, at a place called Kenlis; King Richard determines in person to revenge the blood of his Noble kinsman, being the man to whom he meant the Crown of England, if issue failed to himself. He remembered not how broken an estate he had in England, where the people's hearts were strongly alienated, not only for the death of the late great Lords, and banishment of the Duke of Hereford, (whose calamity increased his popularity) or for the like passed exasperations, but for that (to furnish his Irish voyage) he had extorted money on all hands, taking up carriages, victuals, and other necessaries, without any recompense; whereby the hatred of his government grew universal.  
(106) But the evil fortune which hung over his head, laid forth an alluring bait to haste his destruction, by occasion of the Duke of Lancaster's decease, which happened about Candlemas, and the absence of his banished son and heir Lord Henry. The king (most unjustly) seizeth upon the goods of that mighty Prince his uncle, & as if all things now were lawful, which but liked him, he determines to banish the new rightful Duke of Lancaster Henry, not for a few years, but for ever; for which cause he revoked his Letters Patents granted to the said Henry, by which his Atturnyes were authorised to sue his Livery (and to compound for the respite of his homage at a reasonable rate; whereby he made it seem plain to the world, that he had not banished him to avoid dissensions, but (as many said) to fill up the breaches which his riot had made in the royal treasures, with plentiful (though an undue) Escheat, as that of his deceased uncles fortune.  
(107) The one steadfast base and buttress of all lawful Empire, is justice; that supports the kingly throne. This he overthrew, and how then could himself hope to stand long? He lands at Waterford in Ireland with a Navy of 
* Annal. Hibern. apud Cambd.  two hundredth ships, having with him the son of the late Duke of Gloucester, and of the now Duke of Lancaster, to secure himself the rather. 
* Tho. Walls.  His forces consisted much of Cheshire men. But that king is deceived, who reposeth his safety in violence. It was no great matter he did there, that which fell out to be done elsewhere, was great indeed. His war in Ireland was more dammagefull, then fishing with an hook of gold, for here the bait and hook was not only lost, but the line, rod, and himself, were drawn altogether into the depths of irrecoverable ruin. Duke Henry sees the advantage which King Richard's absence gave him, and useth it. In his Company were Thomas Arundel the banished Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Nephew the son and heir of the late Earl of Arundel, and not above fifteen lancers. His strength was (where the Kings should have been) in the people's hearts. Nevertheless, the Duke did not suddenly take land, but hovered upon the Seas, showing himself to the Country people in one place now and then in another, pretending nothing but the recovery of his rightful Heritage.  
(108) Edmund Duke of York, whom King Richard had left behind him to govern England, hearing this, calls unto him Edmund Stafford Bishop of Chichester, Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Wiltshire, Lord Treasurer, and the Knights of the King's Council, Bushie, Bagot, green, and Russell. Their conclusion was to levy a force to impeach Duke Henry's entrance. The assembly was appointed to be at S. Alban, which came to worse than nothing, for the protestation that they would not hurt the Duke, whom they knew to be wronged was general. This made the Treasurer Sir john Bushie, and Sir Henry green fly to the Castle of Bristol, Sir William Bagot to Chester, from whence he got shipping into Ireland. Mean while Duke Henry lands at a village heretofore called Ravenshire, to whom repaired Henry Earl of Northumberland, his son Henry Lord Percy, lands at Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, and many others, who (saith Walsingham) greatly feared King Richard's tyranny. With an Army of about threescore thousand (multitudes offering their service) they come to Bristol, besiege the Castle, take it, and in the same the foresaid Treasurer Bushie and green, whose heads (at the cries of the Commons) were the next day after their surrender severed from their bodies.  
(109) King Richard was in the City of Dublin, when these most heavy news arrived. His courage which at no time seemed great, was shortly none at all. Somewhat must be done: he leaves the sons of Duke Henry, & of his late uncle of Gloucester (which he retained as pledges for his own indemnity) in the Castle of Trim, and returns himself into England, intending to encounter the Duke before his force should be too much established. The great names which accompanied him, were his late noble Creatures, the young Dukes of Aumarle, Excester, and Surrey, the Bishops of London, Lincoln and Carleol, and many others. There had been some more hope for upholding his right, if he had not made the world know, that ten years space was not able to bury in him the appetite of revenge, which made many forget their own loyalty to him, and the Crown. Princes see in him the use of oblivion: but some conscience of evil deserts seeming to have taken from him all confidence, he dismisseth his Army, bidding his Steward Sir Thomas Percy & others to reserve themselves for better days.  
(110) His last refuge is in Parlea. For that cause there repaired to him, at the Castle of Conway in North-wales, (for thither he was now come) the late Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Northumberland at the King's appointment: The sum of his demands were, that if he and eight, whom he would name, might have honourable allowance, with the assurance of a quiet private life, he would resign his Crown. This Northumberland did swear should be: whereupon he forthwith departs to the Castle of Flint in their company. After a short conference there had with the Duke, they all ride that night to the Castle of Chester, being attended by the Lancastrian Army. If, to spare his people's blood, he was contented so tamely to quit his royal right, his fact doth not only not seem excusable, but glorious; but men rather think that it was sloth, and a vain trust in dissimulation, which his enemies had long since discovered in him, and for that cause, both held his amendment desperate, and ran themselves into these desperate Treasons.  
(111) The King did put himself into the Duke's hands upon the twentieth day of August, being but the forty and seventh from the Duke's first landing. From thence they travel to London, where the King lodged in the Tower. Mean while writs of Summons are sent out in King Richard's name, for a Parliament to be holden at Westminster, Crastino Michaelis. The tragical form of Resignation, you have 
* Ed. 2. §. 33. & 34.  had already in Edward the second, of whom this King is a Parallel. There are named to have been present at this wofull-ioyfull Act, Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard Scrope Archbishop of York, john Bishop of Hereford, Henry Duke of Lancaster, (who in this serious play must seem as if he were but a looker on) the Earls of Northumberland, and Westmoreland, the Lords Burnell, Barckley, Ros, Willoughby, and Abergevenie, the Abbot of Westminster, etc.  
(112) In their presence Richard as yet a King, and in his Tower of London, but not otherwise then as 
King Richard resigns upon Michaelmas day. A. D. 1340.  a prisoner, reads the Instrument of his surrender, with a seeming cheerful countenance, as if he were glad the hour was come, in which he might taste what it was to be a private man, and (having otherwise first done and said what then he could to put all right out of himself) subscribes it with his hand; but prays, that his cozen the Duke of Lancaster might succeed him in the regal government, and in token that it was his desire (for he must seem to desire what he could not hinder) he 
* Holinsh. pa. 504  plucked off his Signetring, and put it upon the Duke's finger. Then did he constitute the Archbishop of York, and Bishop of Hereford his Procurators, to declare to the whole Body of Parliament what he had done, & how willingly, where every one (
* D. Hayward. i●… Hen. 4.  except the loyal & magnanimous Bishop of Carleol) being particularly asked, did particularly accept of the resignation. Nevertheless, it was not thought enough to have his Crown, unless they also published his shame. Thirty 
* Fabia. Concord. hist. saith thirty and eight.  and two Articles are therefore openly (but in his absence) read; of all which, it was said (for then men might say what they listed) that he had confessed himself guilty. In the front was placed his abuse of the public treasure, and unworthy waste of the Crown-land, whereby he grew intolerably grievous to the Subjects. The particular causes of the Dukes of Gloucester and Lancaster, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Earl of Arundel filled sundry Articles. They charged him in the rest with dissimulation, falsehood, loss of honour abroad in the world, extortions, rapine, denial of justice, rasures, and embezelling of Records, dishonourable shifts, wicked Axioms of state, cruelty, covetousness, subordinations, lasciviousness, treason to the rights of the Crown, perjuries,; and briefly with all sorts of unkingly vices, and with absolute tyranny.  
(113) We may be assured, that nothing could then be objected so untrue or incredible, but would have gone for current and undeniable with affections so thoroughly prepared. Hereupon it was 
* Tho. Wals.  concluded, that in all those thirty and two Articles, he had broken the Oath of Empire taken at the Coronation, & all the States of the Kingdom (strange that so many should so concur in disloyalty under pretence of equity) being asked what they thought; did hold that those causes seemed notorious, and sufficient to depose King Richard. Commissioners were therefore nominated by consent of the whole house, to pronounce the sentence of Deposition; which were, the Bishop of Asaph, the Abbot of Glassenbury, the Earl of Gloucester, the Lord Barkly, William Thyrning, Chief justice of the common Pleas, and some others. The form of pronunciation was, IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We john Bishop of Saint Asaph, john abbot, etc. Commissioners specially chosen by the Lords spiritual and temporal of the Realm of England, and Commons of the said Realm, representing all the States of the said Realm, sitting in place of judgement, etc.  
(114) The definitive sentence of Deposition given thus in open Parliament, there were further named certain persons, amongst whom 
* Ypod. Neust.  William Thirning Chief justice of the Common Pleas was thought the fittest man, by whose lawless mouth that unjust doom should be delivered to the King, and who on the behalf of the Realm, should renounce to the said Richard the fealties and homages heretofore made unto him, and to make relation of the whole manner and causes of their proceedings. The Regal seat was now reputed void; whereupon Duke Henry riseth from his place, and stands upright, that he might be seen of the people, then 
* Ypodigma. Neust.  signing himself with the sign of the Cross upon the forehead and breast, and invocating the name of Christ, he challenged the Crown and Realm of England, with all the members and appurtenances. His words are said to be these.  
In the name of God, Amen. ay, Henry of Lancaster, claim the Realm of England, and the Crown, with all 
Ypod. Neust.  the appurtenances, as coming by the blood royal from King Henry, and by that justice which God of his grace hath sent to me, by the help of my kinfolke and friends, for recovery of the said Realm, which was in point of perdition, through default of Government and breach of laws.  
(115) Which challenge and claim being thus made, all the States of the Kingdom do with one consent grant, that the said Lord Duke should reign over them. The Archbishop of Canterbury (brother to the late Earl of Arundel) takes him then by the right hand, and the Archbishop of York (the late Earl of Wiltshires' kinsman) being his assistant, placeth him in the royal throne, with the general acclamation and applauses of the people. Lastly, in full complement of the present solemnity, the Archbishop of Canterbury (that we may see how the Divinity as well as the Law of those times were degenerated into temporising Policy) made a Sermon upon these words in Samuel, A Man shall reign over the People. By occasion whereof 
* Fab. 1. Concord. Hist. Holinsh. ex Fab.  he describeth out of the holy Scriptures, the happiness of that Kingdom which is governed by a man, and the infelicity of those Realms where a Child (whether in age or discretion) weeldes the Sceptre. The evil whereof as they had dangerously felt under the late King, so they hoped abundantly to enjoy the other in King Henry. To all which the whole Auditory joyously answered Amen. Then rose the affable new Monarch, & among a few other words, he gave the world to understand, that none should think he would as by way of Conquest, disinherit 
A necessary protestation.  any man, certain bad members only excepted.  
(116) From henceforth he was taken for King, and all Writs issued, and went forth in his name: which disorderly matters being orderly related to the deposed Prince in the Tower, by Thirning the Chief justice, he only used these words; That he looked not after such things, but (quoth he) my hope is, that (after all this) my cozen will be my good Lord and friend. The Archbishop (otherwise inexcusable in those proceedings) yet in his said Sermon seemeth gravely and truly to have described the cause of this effect; for (quoth he) the child or incipient (which are with him aequiparable) drinketh the sweet and delicious words unadvisedly, and perceiveth not intoxication, which they been mingled with, till he be environed and wrapped in all dauger, as lately the experience thereof hath been apparent to all our sights and knowledges, and not without the great danger of all this Realm. Being thus brought down to the show, and littleness of a private man, we leave him to draw his comfort out of holy meditations, as one whose violent death ensued before long, and turn over to his politic and martial Successor.  
(117) Yet in our way, we may not quite overpass a cursory consideration of the affairs of the Church under this King, which, for avoiding often interruptions of other argument, we have put off to this last place. For albeit the Kingdom endured great crosses in the affairs of State, yet 
* Mornay. Myst. iniquit. p. 482.  some have thought, that it found as great blessings in matters of religion, which in those days took so deep root in this our land, by the preaching of john Wicliffe, that the branches thereof did spread themselves even 
* into Bohemia, opera Io. Huss. To. 2.  over the Seas: Nor were the common people only alured with his doctrine, (though the 
* Walfi. p. 205. & p. 208.  Londoners favouring of him is thought by Walsingham to have deterred the Prelates from proceeding against him, and a scholar of his in Leicestershire, is said to have drawn by his preaching, 
* Ibid. p. 285.  all the Laymen in that Country) but (as the same Author reporteth) sundry of the Friars themselves fell to him and embraced his opinions, amongst whom one 
* p. 327.  being also the Pope's Chaplain, so discovered by preaching the murders, luxuries and treasons of Friars of his own Habit, that the common people were astonished with the horror thereof, and cried out to have them all utterly destroyed; which his accusations he particularly justified by public writing, professing he came forth of that Order, as out of the devils nest. But that which Walsingham much more 
* p. 285.  admires, is, that Wicliffes' opinions were not only entertained in ordinary Cities, but even in the University of Oxford itself, where was 
* C●…lmen Sapientia & scientia. p. 201.  the very top of wisdom and learning: and where not only two Chancellors successively. 
* p. 286.  Doctor Nicholas Hereford, and 
* p. 201.  Robert rug were most earnest maintainers of Wicliffes' doctrine, but also, when the pope (to suppress the same doctrine) sent his 
* Bulla Gregorij. ib.  Bull to the University threatening the privation of all their privileges, the Proctors and Regent's thereof were very doubtful, whether they should receive the Pope's Bull with honour, or rather reject it with open disgrace. Yea, the whole body of that glorious University (as the Pope there calls it in his Bull) gave a glorious 
* Vide op. joh. Huss. 10. 2.  Testimony (under their public seal) of Wicliffes' religious life, profound learning, orthodox opinions, exquisite writings, all farthest from any stain of heresy.  
(118) And therefore no marvel, if not only the Duke of Lancaster, with 
* Nimio fau●…re P●…ocerum & militum. Walsin. p. 351. & p. 328.  sundry Peers and great ones, but King Edward 3. himself, were (as Capgrave testifieth) a favourer of him, and 
* Ypod. Neust. p, 552. ibid.  King Richard 2. and the whole Parliament did (according to his instructions) much labour to abrogate the Pope's Transcendent power, which was a principal cause of the Pope's hatred against him. Notwithstanding to discountenance the truth which he taught, in defence of Regal Supremacy against Papal Usurpation, (as also against the Mass, Transubstantiation, Merit; against Adoration of the Host, of Saints, Images; and Relics; against Fryarly Orders, Pilgrimages, Indulgences,) many lewd opinions by misconstruction (as his books 
* Varia Wicliffi M. S. in biblioth. Oxon.  yet extant, evince) are fathered on him, yea some so monstrous and diabolical (as, 
* Tho. Walls. p. 285.  that Men ought, yea, 
* ib. pag. 283.  that God himself ought, to obey the Devil) that that any man which heareth them, will presently believe (without further persuasion) that they are but malicious figments. This famous Doctor 
* An. 1385.  dying of a palsy, hath this charitable Euloge or Epitaph bestowed on him by a 
* Walsi. p. 312. Ypod. Neust. p. 537.  Monk; The devils Instrument, Church's Enemy, People's Confusion, Heretics Idol, Hypocrites mirror, Schisms broacher, hatreds sour, lies forger, Flatteries sink; who, at his death despaired like Cain, and stricken by the horrible judgement of God; breathed forth his wicked soul to the dark mansion 
* Atri Ditis, is in M. S: not in the printed copies.  of the black devil: Whereby, God's best children may learn, not to regard, whiles they live, the malice of the wicked, nor to respect after their death ought else but their slanderous rancour. And thus we conclude the reign, though not the life of King Richard:  

His first wife.  
(119) The first wife of King Richard the second, was Anne, daughter unto the Emperor Charles the fourth, and sister to Wenceslaus Emperor, and King of Bohemia, who was crowned Queen the 22. of january 1384. Having been ten years his wife she died, without any issue, at Sheen in the County of Surrey, 1394. whence her body was conveyed and buried at Westminster, the seventh of the Ides of june.   

His second Wife.  
(120) Isabella, daughter unto Charles the sixth, King of France, was a virgin about seven years of age, when she was affianced unto King Richard, 1396. Neither had her husband (it seemeth) any nuptial fruition of her, by reason of her tender age, before such time as his traitorous Lords, (to compass their own disloyal purposes, and gratify an usurpers ambition) had dethroned him. What became of this young Lady, we shall further see in the ensuing story.    

HENRY THE FOURTH, KING OF 
Monarch 51  
Henry FOUR  ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY ONE MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XIIII.  
HENRY of that name the fourth, having thus obtained the title of king, in full accomplishment of all rites peculiar to Majesty, had the Crown of England set upon his head, with all worldly magnificence and honour at Westminster, by Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, upon the 
* Tho. Walsin.  self day twelve month, in which he had formerly been banished under Richard the second. Power and favour can set up and maintain a King, though they cannot create aright. But such transcendent courses deviating from all due regulation of justice, have been too frequent in this Kingdom. What right had William surnamed the Conqueror? what right, (we speak of a right of Equity,) had his sons William the second, and Henry the first, while their elder brother lived? what right had that valiant and princely Stephen? what was the interest of Henry the second, during the life of his mother Mathildis? or that of King john, till his Nephew Arthur Duke of Britain died? yea, or that of Henry the third, till Arthur's sister died in her prison at Bristol? How beit, in this present case, not only Richard the late king, but the house of Mortimer, claiming from the only daughter* and heir of Lionel Duke of Clarente (an elder brother of john D. of Lancaster) doubly might have withstood the legal challenge of this Prince? That obstacle which grew by Richard, was in appearance greatest, but the other was only dangerous. Richard had no issue but the line of Mortimer (engrafted by marriage into the house of York) feeling itself unable to prevail, and during Richard's life time, having no right▪ secretly fostered in itself those fires, which afterward broke forth, and taking hold of the roofe-tops of both the royal houses, never left burning, till no one principal timber was vnconsumed in either, all the Male-Issues which could claim by a direct line, utterly lopped down  
thousand friends at Pomfret; they proceed to Wallingford, then to Abingdon, and so to Circester. The rumours used by them to increase their numbers were; that Henry of Lancaster (meaning the King) was fled with his sons and friends to the Tower of London, and that King Richard was escaped. Maudlin also, one of Richard's Chapleins', took upon him the 
* Ex Anonym. apud Io. Stow. Annal. Holinsh p. 515. Polyd. Verg. lib. 21.  person of his said Lord, the more strongly to seduce the multitude, by so bold and perilous a fiction. Thus seemed they to fit their words and suit their Arts to the place. At Sunning, Richard (they said) was at Pomfret, for there the guile had been transparent; but at Circester, Richard was not at Pomfret, but present.  
(17) How beit the success was not answerable to the devise; for, besides that King Henry was in the heart of his strengths at London, where six 
* Hall. Chron.  thousand men were put into a readiness, and would come upon them like a storm, the Townsmen of Circester assailed the Lords, took them, and (because their Town was fired of purpose by some of their followers, the better to recover them while the quenching found the people employment,) haled them forth, and without longer tarriance severed their heads from their bodies: The Earl of Huntingdon, with a trusty Knight of his, Sir john 
* Shellie, as others have it.  Shevele, having (after the fail at Windsor) in vain attempted to escape by Sea, was taken by the Commons at 
* Fab, Conc. Hist.  Pitwel (perhaps Prittlewel) in Essex, brought first to Chelmsford, and lastly to Pleshie, the house of the late Duke of Gloucester (whose Ghost a tragical Poet would suppose did haunt his persecutors for revenge,) where, partly also by this Earl's instigation, the said Gloucester was first arrested. The Commons (out of whose hearts the image of that Duke was not vanished) at 
* Harst. cap. 119.  the Countess of Hereford's instigation who was the Duke's widow, took satisfaction upon the Earl, with the escheat of his head, which there was sundered from his shoulders. The Lord Spencer called Earl of Gloucester (one of the Conspirators) had like execution done upon him by the Commons at Bristol. Some other of them were put to death at Oxford, and some at London; where john Maudlin (the Counterfeit Richard, who as it seems was a beautiful and goodly person) and one William Ferby were drawn, hanged and headed. The Bishop of Carleol nevertheless was by the King's clemency preserved alive after the condemnatory sentence. There were 
* Hall. Chron. Holinsh. p. 516.  nineteen in all (whereof two had been Dukes) put to death for this conspiracy, most of which were men of special note.  
(18) The designs and misfortunes of King Richard's friends being made known unto him, could not but work strongly in a soul oppressed with grief; but whether so strongly as to make him resolve by voluntary abstinence to starve himself (as 
* Tho. Walsing.  the fame went) may be doubted, though it be past doubt that King Henry was not sorry he was dead howsoever. That he was starved seems very plain; though, as it is not certain, (neither yet unlikely) that King 
The late King Richard starved to death.  Henry was privy to so foul a parricide, so neither is it known, but that Richard might as well be starved of purpose, 
* Ypod. Neust.  as starve himself. 
* Annal. in H. 4.  Master Stow (a man for honest industry very praiseworthy) saith that king Richard was fifteen days and nights together kept in hunger, thirst, and cold, till he died. How true that was in the circumstance, who knows? but in the point of starving he is clearly with Walsingham: and a 
* Sir john F●…rtescue.  Knight living about those times calleth it a death never before that time known in England. Harding 
* Chron. c. 200.  also, living under King Edward the fourth, agrees of the rumour of starving. 
* In Yorkshire pag. 567.  Master Cambden saith of Pomfret Castle, that it is a place principum cade & sanguine infamis, but seems to insinuate, that some other torments were most wickedly practised upon this King, as made out of the way with hunger, cold, and unheardof torments. 
* Hist. Angl. 20. in ●…in. Rich. 2.  Polydore therefore may in this be believed, who writes of this poor deposed Monarch, that, (which may well be called unheardof torments) his diet being served in, and set before him in the wont Princely manner, 
The fiction of Tant●…lus verified in King Richard.  he was not suffered either to taste, or touch thereof. Idle therefore seems 
* Lanquets Chron. in Hen. 4.  his dream, who writes he was murdered in the Tower, and not more credible 
* Fab. Conc. Chron.  theirs, who tell us of Sir Peirs of Extons' assault, and the murder basely by him acted upon this most miserable Prince's person: but much more are 
* Holinsh. p. 517.  they to blame who negligently for credit of the fable quote Walsingham, in whom no syllable of such a thing is found. Only 
* Lib. 16.  Hector Boetius wils us to believe that Richard fled disguised into Scotland, was discovered to King Robert, and honourably entertained, but Richard who would no more of the world, gave himself wholly to contemplation, and both lived, 
A counterfeit King Richard buried in Scotland.  died, and was buried at Striueling. Which fond fable hath nevertheless somewhat in it, for that some personated Richard might so do is neither impossible, 
Tho. Walls. in Hen. 4. ad An. D. 1044.  nor improbable, and indeed it was so.  
(19) The late King Richard thus cruelly and heinously murdered (for in regard of pining death the 
Richard's dead body showed openly at London.  seeming fable of his fight with Sir Peirs of Exton was a sport, it being both noble and full of comfort, for a man of honour and courage to die with weapon in hand) King Henry causeth his dead body to be brought up to London. O Henry, if thou wert Author, or but privy, (though for thine own pretended safety, and for that errors cause which is lewdly miscalled reason of state) of such a murder; we do not see, how the showing of the people his uncovered face in Paul's, did either conceal or extenuate the execrable crime. But to let the world know that there was no hope nor place for a Richard, that course was used, which may the rather confirm the truth of his enfamishment: for a violent death by braining could not but deform him too much: and it is most probable that such a death would be sought, as might least appear. Surely he is not a man, who at the report of so exquisite a barbarism, as Richard's enfamishment, feels not chilling horror and detestation; what if but for a justly condemned galleyslave so dying? but how for an anointed King, whose Character (like that of holy Orders) is indelible? The tragical spectacle of his dead body (perhaps because it moved too much both pity and envy) was after a 
From thence is carried to Langley, and afterward to Westminster.  while transported without honour to Langley in Hartfordshire, where the last rites were performed by the Bishop of Chester, the abbots of S. Alban and Waltham, but neither King Henry present, (as at the exequys in London) and the great Lords and such other as were had 
* Thom. Walsing. in Henr. 4.  not so much as a funeral feast bestowed on them for their labour. But Henry the fifth, in the first 
* Fab. Conc. Hist.  year of his reign with great honour did afterward cause those royal remains to be interred in the Sepulture of his Ancestors at Westminster. Among the rhyming Latin verses of his Epitaph, ye may marvel to read these, considering upon what points he was triced out of Majesty and State; 
Ecclesiam favit, elatos suppeditavit,  
Quemuis prostravit, regalia qui violavit.   
Fabians English of them.  

The Church he favoured, casting the proud to ground,  
And all that would his royal State confound.   
The said Author therefore Robert Fabian, observing the scope of those lines (to damp their force) doth underwrite and annex this Stanza, with much greater discretion than elegancy: 
But yet alas, though that this meeter or rhyme,  
Thus doth embellish this noble Prince's fame,  
And that some Clerk which favoured him sometime,  
List by his cunning thus to enhance his name,  
Yet by his Story appeareth in him some blame:  
Wherefore to Princes is surest memory,  
Their lives to exercise in virtuous constancy.  More tart and severe is the censure of Gower upon this Prince, one of whose verses 
* Annal.  Stow gives us thus, 
So God doth hate such rulers as, here viciously do live.  That beautiful picture of a King sighing, crowned in a chair of estate, at the upper end of the Quire in Saint Peter at Westminster, is said to be of him, which witnesseth how goodly a creature he was in outward lineaments.  
(20) King Henry to divert the humours and eyes of the people from the remembrance of this Tragedy, prepareth now a puissance, therewith to invade Scotland; some subjects whereof, together with their Admiral Sir Robert Logon a Scotish Knight, were taken at Sea by certain English ships. But K. Henry may seem to have done any thing rather, then to have made a war; for albeit he did some hurt by 
* Ypod. Neust.  wasting the Country, yet did not the Scots offer battle, and the rest will well appear in these words of 
* Hist. 51. li. 16. & by Belindens division. cap. 13  Boetius. He did small injuries to the people thereof: for he desired nought but his banner to be erected on their walls. He was ever a pleasant enemy, and did great humanity to the people in all places of Scotland where he was lodged. Finally, he showed to the Lords of Scotland, that he came into their Realm rather by counsel of his Nobles, then for any hatred he bore to Scots. Soon after he returned into England. Whether the remembrance of the courtesies showed to his Father Duke john, or the fear of his own great state so near to an overthrow by the late furious conspiracy, wrought these gentle effects, it was not long before the event showed, that his providence in not creating new acerbities was therein needful.  
(21) For albeit the face of England seemed smooth, yet God thrust a thorn into King Henry's side, when and where he little expected; for the Welsh, whom 
Owen Glendowr draws the Welsh into rebellion.  former Kings of England had so yoked, and subjecteth, did contrary to all men's expectation, break forth into open acts of hostility, under the conduct of a Gentleman of that Nation surnamed Glendowr, of the Lordship of Glendowr in Merionithshire, whose owner he was; the wrath and justice of heaven is always so well furnished with means to exercise the mightiest, those chiefly at whose amendment God aims by chastisement. The original of so great an evil was in the seed but little, as but this: Owen Glendowr, 
* Hist. of Wales D. Powel, p. 385. 386. 387.  whom the Welsh call the son of Gruffith Vachan, descended of a younger son of Gruffith ap Madoc, Lord of Bromfield, was at first a Student of the common laws, and an Utter Barister, (but not therefore an apprentice of law, as Doctor powel mistakes, for an apprentice of the law, is he that hath been a 
* Sir Edw. Cook Epist. part. 3. report.  double Reader) did afterward serve the late King Richard in place of an Esquire, & was well beloved of him, but in King Henry's time (retiring himself as it seems to his Manor of Glendourdwy, the L. Grace of Ruthen entered upon a piece of common, which lay between Ruthen and Glendowr, which Owen (despite the Lord Grace while Richard continued King) had formerly holden, though not without contention. Owen (a man of high courage, and impatient of force) arms hereupon, and encounters the Lord Grace in the field, where he scattered the said Lords people, and took him prisoner, as hereafter will elsewhere be touched.  
(22) It seems herein that he had forgotten the laws which he had formerly studied, and wherein he had been a licentiate; for shortly after, as he had trodden law under foot, so did he also cast off loyalty, burning & destroying the Lord Gray's inheritances, and killing sundry his servants. The King advertised hereof, passeth with an Army into Wales, 
King Henry enters North-Wales with an Army.  burns, kills, and takes such revenge as that time would permit. Meanwhile, Owen (whom pride & folly armed to the farther ruin of his Country) with his trustiest friends (which were not few) withdraws into the inexpugnable fastnesses of Snowdon, where during this tempest, he kept his head safe. Shortly after the King with such riches and spoils as those Parts had afforded, returns. His next most noted 
War 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 P●…e.  action was peaceable. For one of the house of Pa●…logus, and Emperor of Constantinople, came into England to pray some succour against the Turk, and upon the day of S. Thomas the Apostle, was met at Blackeheath by King Henry, highly feasted, richly presented, and his charges borne till departure. But as Tilius 
* .  saith of his success in France, verbis & promissis tantum adiutus est, so here his speed was not much better, the point of armed aids, being only therein assisted with words and promises.  
(23) In a Parliament held the next year, 
* 〈◊〉 S●…. ●…4. an 2. c. ●…5.  by reason of the numbers of Lolards, (so called) increasing, 
An. D. 1401. An. Reg. 2  the punishment for them enacted, was burning. And in the same year also, the Articles of peace being first agreed upon between the two Nations, English and French (notwithstanding that they had denied to match with the young Prince of Wales, 
* Polyd. Verg. Hist an 〈◊〉. 21.  because the former marriage with Richard thrived so badly) the Lady Isabel who had been crowned Queen of England, as Spouse of the late King, was now sent back into France after a most princely manner, she being not as yet 
* Tho. Walls.  twelve years old, had 
* Holinsh. Chron. Frossard.  no dowry allowed her in England, for that the marriage was never consummated. Before she was restored to her friends, the Lord Henry Percy, before the Ambassadors of both the Nations, where they were met between Caleis and Boulogne, protested, That the King of England his Master had sent her to be delivered to her Father clear of all bonds of marriage, 
The form of redelivering Queen I●…abel to the French.  or otherwise, and that he would take it upon his soul, that she was sound and entire, even as she was the same day she was delivered to King Richard, and if any would say to the contrary he was ready to prove it against him by combat. But the Earl of Saint Paul saying, he believed it to be true, the Lord Percy took her by the hand, and delivered her unto the Earl, and then the Commissioners of France delivered certain letters of receipt and acquittal. She was afterward married to Charles Duke of Orleans.  
(24) Owen Glendowr persisting in his pride and disobedience made incursions upon the English, doing them great harm, and returning himself without any; but K. Henry's danger was greater at home; for treason had crept into his most secret Chamber. In his bed there lay hidden a Caltrop or Engine with 
The King in danger to be slain or wounded.  three small iron pikes, long, slender and passing sharp all of them with their points set upward, but (God so disposing it) the King before he laid himself down, perceived them, and thereby avoided that hidden mischief, but who was actor therein it doth not appear.  
(25) This appears that the splendours of his new regality had drawn up many thick and poisonous 
An. 1402.  clouds of envy and practise, to darken if it were possible the farther brightness thereof. Neither was it long before it grew to some extremity. For Owen Glendowr upon the causes beforesaid, wasting the Lord Reynald Gray's lands, was encountered by him, as presuming that Owen and his friends might easily be overcome, but the contrary happened, for there in fight he lost very many of his company, and was himself taken Prisoner. This fortune made the swelling mind of Owen overflow in vain hopes, who compelling the said Lord to marry his daughter, yet obtained he not his liberty the sooner, but died (say 
* Fab. Chron. ad A. D. 1400.  some) in the power of Owen, if perhaps our Author mistake not the Lord Grace for Edmund Lord Mortimer Earl of March, who indeed did marry so after he was also overthrown by the said Owen with the slaughter of above a thousand principal persons of Herefordshire, assembled under his conduct, to resist the Welsh invasions, and there also himself was by treachery taken prisoner.  
(26) Walsingham doth 
* In Hen. 4.  write, that about this time sundry conspiracies were discovered in the yolk (as it were) or embryon; the whole hopes whereof rested upon calumniations, and forgery, for by the first they 
* Polyd. Verg●…. 21.  traduced (in libels) Henry's actions, so to make him hateful, and by the second they divulged that 
* Holinsh. p. 520.  Richard was still alive, thereby to raise an head of separation. Henry thus galled in his honour, and endangered in the main, resolved to spare 
The late king Richard though dead, suffers not K. Henry to rest.  none, upon whom the crime or concealment was found. The first of them that fell under his justice, was a Priest of Ware, with whom was taken a list, or roll of names which he had gathered, supposing them such as in regard of benefits received, would live and die for King Richard, which vanity of his created trouble to many, till it appeared that he had therein wronged them, as persons who were utterly ignorant both of the man and matter. Whereupon he was drawn and hanged. The like fate had Walter Baldock Prior of Lawnd, who confessed that he had concealed others counsels against the King, though himself had acted nothing. A Friar Minor also being taken with some other of his Order for like intendments, was asked, What he would do if King Richard were alive and present? he confidently answered, that he would fight for him till death against any whosoever; which cost him his life, being drawn and hanged in his friars weeds. Neither did this hard fortune fall only upon the Clergy, for Sir Roger Claringdon Knight, (reputed the base son of Edward, late Prince of Wales) together with an Esquire and servant of his, finished the affection which they bore to the deceased Richard by hanging. Not long after eight Franciscan Friars, or Minorites were taken, convicted, hanged, and headed for the like causes, which made the King an heavy Lord to that whole Order. It is said that somewhat before this knot was discovered the devil appeared in the habit of a Minorite at Danbury Church in Essex, to the incredible 
Tho. Wals. Ypod! The Devil appears in Essex  astonishment of the parishioners; for, at the same time there was such a Tempest & thunder with great fireballs of lightning, that the vault of the church broke, and half the Chancel was carried away.  
(27) But howsoever these out-branches were pared away, the roots of all the practice lay deeper out of sight, for the 
* Cambd in Northumb. p. 675.  Percies, Henry Earl of Northumberland, Thomas Earl of Worcester, and Henry Hotspur Lord Percy, because perhaps they thought they had done wickedly, in helping to set up Henry, 
* Pol. Verg. lib. 21.  began to imagine that bloody mischief, which afterward was prosecuted. This malice, the late success of Owen Glendowr against the Lord Mortimer Earl of March, (taken prisoner, as is said, with no little slaughter of his Herefordshire men) did perhaps nourish; for that he saw an enemy appear, who was not unlikely to prove an able member of a greater rebellion. Certainly the King having in September led an Army into Wales to take revenge upon his Rebels was in great danger to have perished with sudden storms and rains, the like whereof none of his people had ever felt or seen, so that after he had done some wastes upon the Country he returned. The common fame went that Owen was a conjuror, and had raised those hideous tempests by hellish arts; they seemed so excessive, which (whether true or false) did yet impart no little strength to the Welsh faction.  
(28) The King's fortune was happier in the North, where his Lieutenants had two fair victories, the one at 
* Hect. Boet. l. 16.  Nisbet, and the other at Halidowne-hill, near to a village called Woller. And although the first was not a small one, yet the other deserved the name of a just battle and garland. To the Scots, having with above ten thousand men (under conduct of Archibald Earl of Dowglas, whom the Scots nicknamed Tyne-man, because he never wan field, though no sort of true manhood was wanting in his person) made great spoils in England as far as to Newcastle, and were now upon return; Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, the noble Henry Hotspur Lord Percy his son, and George Earl of Dunbar (who fled as you have heard out of Scotland) with the forces of the Countries there about, not meaning to let them to pass in so slight a sort, opposed themselves. The chief fear was wrought by the English Archers, 
Henry Hotspurs fortunes against the Scots.  who first with their stiff, close, and cruel storms of arrows made their enemy's footmen break, and when the noble Douglas descended to the charge with his choicest bands, himself being in a most rich, and excellently tempered armour, and the rest singularly well appointed, the Lord Percies Archers making a retreat, did withal deliver their deadly arrows, tam vividè, tam animosè, tam gravitèr (saith our Monk) so lively, so courageously, so grievously, 
The incredible force of the old English Archery.  that they ran through the men of Arms, bored the helmets, pierced their very swords, beat their lances to the earth, and easily shot those who were more slightly armed through and through. There were taken 
The sum of the great victory at Halidown hill.  prisoners the Earl of Dowglas himself, (who notwithstanding his armour of the best proof, had five wounds, and lost an eye,) Murdake Stewart Earl of Fife (eldest son to Robert Duke of Albany,) George Earl of Angus, the Earls of 
* Tho. Wals.  Murrey and Orkney, the Lords Montgomerie, Erskin, and Grain, with about fourscore Knights, besides esquires and Gentlemen. 
Polyd. Verg. hath not a word in particular of this so great an action  There were slain the Lords Gourdon, and Swyntonn (Belindens Boetius calls them Knights) with sundry other men of honour and mark, beside store of common soldiers. The river Tweed, to show itself mere English, did likewise fight for them by swallowing about five hundredth in his unknown depths, as they, who fled from the battle, sought to pass. This victory happened upon Holyrood in harvest. The troubles which afterward happened, did not only hinder the Lord Percy from farther prosecution of such a victory, but eclipsed the honour he had gotten now, and gave his days a bloody & foul Catastrophe.  
(29) The Lord Edmund Mortimer Earl of March next general heir in blood to the Crown of England after the death of Richard the second, having through fear of Owen (whose prisoner he was) or hope of recovering his right, or for revenge (because the King did not ransom him, married Owen's daughter, 
The Lord Mortimer dies a prisoner amongst the Wesh.  by which he must necessarily declare himself an enemy to King Henry, entertained intelligence with his near kinsmen the Percies, and sundry other his friends in Cheshire, and elsewhere, to what purpose will shortly appear. The night in which this Lord Mortimer (though some refer it to Owen's birth) was born, all the horses in his father's stable, are said to have been found standing Belly-deep in blood. A fearful prodigy, as even then it seemed, but verified afterward in the far more fearful events, when (upon the quarrel of Mortimer's title, by which the house of York claimed,) the horses of war did not only stand belly-deepe in blood, but also swum therein. The mischief was already begun: for Henry Earl of Northumberland (when now his own and his houses strengths were mightily increased by this late victory against the Scots, which he underhand seems to have converted to his secret private ends,) closely 
* Cambd. p. 675. in Northumberland.  animated his brother the Earl of Worcester, and his fiery spirited son, against the King, to both their confusions.  
(30) The King took to wife the Lady jane of Navarre, widow of john de Montfort Duke of Britain 
A. D. 1403.  named the Conqueror (
* joh. Tilius Chr.  who died the year before) by whom she had issue both sons and daughters, but by the King none. He met, and married her at Winchester, and crowned her Queen at Westminster. The King was not trusted with the custody of any her three sons, john, Richard & Arthur, who remained in France.  
(31) Events are the best interpreters of prophecies and prodigies. Strange was that which 
* Ypod. Neust. & in Histor.  Walsingham hath written of a fatal Spectrum or Apparitions in the summer time between Bedford and Bickleswade, where sundry monsters of divers colours, in the shapes of armed men were often seen to issue out of the woods at morning and at noon; 
A strange presaging apparition of war.  which to such as stood far off seemed to encounter one the other in most terrible manner, but when they drew near, nothing was to be found. Of another nature were the fiery attempts of the Percies. The first of them who discovered in arms his mortal hatred, was the noble Hotspur, who (under 
* He●…. Bo●…. lib. 16.  colour of the Scottish war) made head about Chester and the marches of Wales. To him (by the privity of Hotspurs father,) repairs the naughty old man the Earl of Worcester, leaving the young Prince of Wales and the Prince's household, over both which (for their better Government) the King had placed him. Now was the torch of war lighted up, and began to blaze, for though the chief plot-master the Earl of Northumberland was not joined to them, as he did intend, yet were their numbers grown mightily, with which they meant to enter the Town of Shrewsbury, to make thereof a Seat of war.  
(32) Colourable causes of their arms were the ordinary paintings of the like attempts. Care of 
Causes of the Lord ●…rcies dangerous rebellion.  commonwealths reformation, and their own safeties; for having first protested their intentions not to be the breach of loyalty, they pretend and by letters sent about, do signify. 1. That 
* Thom. Walsing.  the public money was not employed upon the pretended defence of the kingdom, but unduly wasted. 2. That by reason of bad tongues about the King they durst not approach him, to declare their innocency, unless the Prelates and Peers of the Realm did first intercede for them. 3. That they took arms only to guard their own heads, and to see the Kingdom better governed. These Articles had the place of the Husk, but the kernel of the enterprise had principally these. 1. To thrust King Henry out of his seat, and consequently to deprive him of life. 2. To advance the title of the Lord Mortimer Earl of M●…ch their 
* Cambd. in Northumberland.  nearest Ally: for the Earl of Northumberland had married Elizabeth the daughter of the Lord Edmund Mortimer the elder, Earl of March, by Philip daughter to Lionel Duke of Clarence. 3. To take revenge of King Henry, for seeking to draw the chief benefit to himself of the victory at Halidow●… hill, whose principal prisoners he required, and for such other private grudges. 4. To share the Kingdom between Mortimer, Percy and Owen Glendower. 
The Kingdom of England to be shared among the conspirators.  Concerning which partition it is in some found written, that Indentures tripartite were sealed, showing that South-England should remain to Mortimer, North-England to Percy, and Wales beyond Severn to Glendower. But Archembald Earl of Dowglas (who did his Country good service by making one in our Combustions,) by common consent was allowed for his share to be free from ransom, and to have Berwicke.  
(33 This (in our English Adages) is called to reckon without our host, or to count our chickens before they are hatched. But though at this time God would have it so, yet who doth not easily see what a wild horse a kingdom (so gotten) is, and how hard to sit, and not to manage only? Yet it seemeth, that if Mortimer, having so just a title to the Crown, had openly professed the cause of his attempt against King Henry, it might justly have been exempted from all stain of disability. But this partition is 
* Holinsh. p. 521.  said to have been wisely built upon a sound Welsh prophesy of Merlin's: as if King Henry were the Mowldwarp cursed of Gods own mouth, and Mortimer, Percy and Glendower, the Dragon, Lion, and Wolf, which should divide this Realm between them. 
The late dead King Richard again afflicteth Henry.  Surely the Welsh having any hand in such a partition, it is not likely they could think it had the right feet, if it stood not upon the supposed Merlin's his ridiculous cozenages and riddles. The English (not to be behind in leasings,) do in the meantime every where spread that 
* Ypodig. Neust.  Richard was safe alive and in the Castle of Chester. Who can wonder that this name should be so gracious, as if alone it were enough to have shaken Henry out of his State? when Nero himself had so many favourites, that twenty years after his death an obscure fellow feigning himself Nero, was so backed and countenanced by the Parthians, and others, 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. lib. 〈◊〉.  that not without much difficulty the Romans could get him into their hands.  
(34) On the other side King Henry assailed with so unexpected jeopardies, defends his cause by letters, and strongly puts the blame upon the accusers, saying, That he marveled exceedingly, seeing the Earl of Northumberland, and Henry his Son had the greatest part of the public moneys delivered to them, for defence of the borders against Scotland, why they should make that a quarrel, which was a mere calumny. And to take away all pretence of fear from the Conspirators, he sends to the Earls of Northumberland and Worcester, and to the hot Lord Percy, a safe conduct under his royal Seal, by which he secures their access, but unbridled rashness (saith Walsingham) despising the royal clemency, did put on the rigour of rebellion. Mean while the King arms with all speed against the enemy, the rather at the counsel of George Earl of Dunbar, who (like a valiant man at Arms, and a wise friend) advised him so to do, before their adversaries numbers were too mightily augmented. The King with his son the young Prince of Wales, and a very noble fellowship, was now advanced within sight of Shrewsbury, as the gallant Percy stood ready to assault the Town. But so soon as the royal Standard was discovered, that enterprise was left off, and he drew out his people (being about fourteen thousand choice and hardy bodies of men) to try the fortune of war against a well tried warrior.  
(35) Peace notwithstanding (by the exceeding tenderness of the King) had ensued, but that the mischievous 
Thomas Percy Earl of Worce star cause of the battle at Shrewsbury.  Earl of Worcester, by misreporting and falsifying his Sovereign's words, did precipitate his Nephew into sudden battle. If there were any praise or good example to be drawn out of so detested bloodshed, as that of civil war, we would willingly describe unto you the order and actions, but we cannot too soon pass over such mournful objects, which are rather to be celebrated with tears than triumphs. There is no doubt but Percy, Dowglas, and the rest fought terrible. Why should we admire that in them? So do Lions, Tigers, & Bears, and yet we admire them not. Where was duty, where conscience, where the other respects, of which only we are called men? Let none of us honour, or imitate them, in whose eyes the price of English blood is so vile, as that (for private fancies) they can be content to confound all regards, and make sport for common foes, with mutual massacres. Therefore we will content ourselves with the knowledge of God's part in this days work, who gave the garland to the King, though the first arrows flew from the Percies Archers.  
(36) The King's courage was not small in the 
The terrible battle at Shrewsbury.  fight as neither was the danger, the young Prince of Wales also (being then first to enter himself into the school of blood and battle,) gave no small hopes of that perfection which afterward shone in him, being wounded with an arrow in the face. The Lord Percy and Earl Dowglas (than 
* Thomas Walsing.  whom the wide world had not two braver Champions) in steed of spending themselves upon the multitude, set the point of their 
Ho●…spurre and Dowglas only seek to encounter the kings person.  hopes upon killing the King, as in whose person they were sure ten thousand fell. For this cause they most furiously rushed forward with spears and swords; but the noble Earl of Dunbarre, discovering their purpose, drew the King from the place which he had chosen to make good, and thereby in likelihood for that present saved his life, for the Standard royal was overthrown, and (among other valiant men) the 
* Tho. Walsing.  Earl of Stafford, Sir Walter Blunt, the kings Knight and the Standard-bearer himself was slain, such was the fury of these sudden thunderbolts. That day the Dowglas slew with his own hands three in the King's Coat-armour, (perhaps some in Herald's Coats) though 
* ●…ibr. 16.  Boetius yet saw a fourth. Sure it is, that many of the subjects thought the King was slain, and not a few 
* Many thousands together ●…aith Walsingham.  ran out of the field. Who notwithstanding, like a valiant Prince, did reinforce the fight, performing marvels in arms with his own hands. The slaughter could not be small on both sides, the Archers shooting so continually, and the men of arms doing their utmost for about the space of three whole hours.  
(37) That which gave an end to this woeful work was the death of Hotspur, who riding in the head of the battle in defiance of danger and death, was (by an unknown hand) suddenly killed, with whose fall (as if his whole army had had but one heart) the courages of all others fell into feet, which now altogether they trusted to. But the King abhorring to make farther execution of the misguided 
The King useth his victory mercifully.  multitude, suffered them to shift for themselves. The Earls of Worcester and Dowglas, Sir Richard Vernon, the Baron of Kindlaton, and divers others were taken. Of the King's side was slain (besides the Earl of Stafford) ten new Knights, whose names (as dying in an honest cause) deserve immortality, and were Sir 
* Holinsh. p. 523. john Stow names also Sir Nicholas L●…gford, and calls the two Gausels not Gausels, but Gentles and brothers.  Hugh Shorly, Sir john Clifton, Sir john Cokain, Sir Nicholas Gausel, Sir Walter Blunt, Sir john Caluerly, Sir john massy, Sir Hugh Mortimer, Sir Robert Gausell, and Sir Thomas Wendesley, who died of his hurts not long after, as most of the other did about the Standard; all which fight for their spurs, (as being knighted but that morning) bought them with the honourable loss of their whole bodies; there were also slain many Esquires, & Gentlemen, and about one thousand and five hundredth common soldiers, besides three thousand sorely wounded. On the other part, (omitting that second Mars, the Lord Percy (who drew a ruin after him suitable to his Spirit and greatness) there fell most of all the Esquires and Gentlemen of Cheshire, to the number of two hundred, and about five thousand common soldiers. This battle was stricken near to Shrewsbury 
The great destruction of Cheshire Gentlemen.  upon a Saturday, the one and twentieth of july, and the Eve of Saint Marie Magdalen.  
(38) The Earl of Worcester (the seducer and destroyer of his noble Nephew Hotspur, and therefore if but for that, very worthy to have died) Sir Richard Vernon Knight, and the Baron of Kinderton had their heads cut off upon the Monday following. Hotspurres body had been buried by permission, but upon other advise, the King caused it to be drawn out of the grave, beheaded, quartered, and the parts sent into divers Cities of the Kingdom. The Earl of Northumberland (pretending to come with forces to the King's aid) was impeached by the Earl of Westmoreland, and Robert Warerton who had raised a great host. Northumberland taking neither of them for friend, wheels about, and returns to his Castle of Warkworth. But what can be secure to a subject against the victorious army of a martial King? The Earl knew as much, manifestly feeling the irrecoverable maims of his house in the loss of his son and brother, and therefore shaped his course accordingly. The King therefore being altogether as prudent as fortunate, having settled the state ofthings in the Marches about Shrewsbury, sets forward to the City of York, from thence to take order for such perils, as he foresaw might happen. He settled himself the more seriously and entirely to this needful work; for that his Ambassadors had effected an abstinence from war with France, till the first of March, which pausing space though it might seem little, was not a little welcome to the King, the Realm of England being then so full of dangerous perturbations. While he was at York, he commands the Earl of Northumberland to come thither in person, which he accordingly did upon the morrow after the day of Saint 
* August. 10. The Earl of Northumberland pardoned of his life.  Laurence, and that also with a small train in the nature of an humble suitor. He could not in reason hope for the wont familiar favour of the King, neither had he yet, for it was accounted matter of grace, that his life was pardoned, though his means and liberty was abridged, the King allowing only necessary maintenances. The life of Princes is like a perpetual motion. The Northern Countries are now settled, but hath the King therefore any the more rest? Nothing less; for Wales & the troubles thereof call him thither. What should he do? Money the Cement and soldure of all such actions, (for Armies cannot otherwise be held together) utterly fails. The Archbishop of Canterbury sees the needs and uses of his Sovereign, and like a Father supplies him with a Tenth, which the Clergy at their Metropolitans motion, consent to give: upon the strength whereof, the King knows how far he may proceed against the Welsh in his good time.  
(39) Toward the relief of these his necessities, the valiant exploits of William de Wilford an Esquire, 
Wilford a Sea-captain takes a thousand tons of good commodities.  who was in the mean time abroad for the King upon the narrow Seas, brought some assistance, certainly store of contentation; for he took forty lawful prizes laden with iron, oil, soap and Rochel wine, to the number in all of a thousand tun upon the Coasts of Britain, and in his return set forty sail on fire; and to make the Britain's know that he was not only a man of his hands at Sea, he comes on shore at Penarch, burns Towns and houses about six leagues into the Country, and afterward did as much for them at the Town of Saint Mathewes, which he consumed with flames and wasted the land for three miles about. The French not to seem slow to like mischiefs, land at the Wight, but were compelled with loss to betake themselves again unto their Fleet, with far worse success than the Britons under the conduct of the Lord of Castle had not long before, who landing at Plymouth invaded, took and burnt it.  
(40) The King having humbled the Earl of 
A. D. 1404. The Earl of Northumberland restored.  Northumberland in such sort as you heard, looks again upon him with an eye of compassion and favour, not without a secret respect to his own safety; and he had little appetite to augment enmities, but to allay them rather, whereas by this gracious usage of that Earl, (for he restored him fully to all) he now thinks those North parts sufficiently secured. This restitution was made to the Earl in the Parliament holden at London about the midst of january, where the King obtained an unusual Tax or Subsidy, of which (that it might not be drawn into example) no record, nor writing was suffered to remain. Some part of the gold which the king thus drew into the Eschecquor, he had occasion to bestow at this time. For, there presented themselves 
The Countrymen about Dartmouth kill the French General, and present the King with honourable prisoners.  unto him, a boisterous troop of plain Westernmen, who brought to the kings view three Lords, and twenty knights of note; These were prisoners, whom the Country people about Dartmouth in Devonshire had gotten in plain fight. The king was therefore given to understand, that the Lord of castle the Briton, who had formerly burnt Plymouth, thinking to do the like at Dartmouth, came on shore with his forces, where these and the like people fiercely encountered him; at which time their Women (like Amazons) by hurling of flints and pebbles, and by such other artillery, did greatly advance their husbands and kinsfolks victory. The Lord of castle himself and many beside were slain, these other were saved as more of them might have been, but that the ignorance of language alike confounded the cries of indignation and pity. They therefore in reward of this hazard and service, do pray they might reap some commodity by their Captives. It was but reason; wherefore the King, who took pleasure to talk with the lusty Westernmen, himself, causeth their purses to be stuffed with golden Coin, reserving the prisoners to repay himself with advantage out of their ransoms. The like good fortune against Owen Glendowr and the Welsh would have gladded him indeed; but they burn 
Owen Glendwr and the Welshmen waste the Marches.  and destroy the Marches, they kill and captivate the people, and partly by force, partly by fraud, get many Castles, some of which they raze, and fortify others. Neither came these evils single, for the Flemings and Britons took certain Merchant ships of England, and either slew or hung the Sailors.  
(41) It is more strange that King Richard was not 
A new false king Richard.  suffered to be dead, after he had so long a time been buried. Serlo, who had been a Gentleman of his Chamber, having heard that King Richard (his royal and gracious Master) was secretly abiding in Scotland, left the favour of the French Court to see him, but it was not worth his so much love and labour; for he that bore the name, was but an Impostor. Loath yet to let the opinion die, because it might do King Henry harm; Serlo affirms that Richard was alive. What cunning madness is so great which hath not some great fools or other to support it? The old Countess of Oxford (mother to the late Duke of Ireland) will needs persuade herself and others in Essex, that Richard was alive: certain it is, that she desired it might be true. To make others more firmly believe the same, she secretly gave silver and gilt Hearts (the badges which King Richard used to bestow upon his followers) as tokens. Hitherto the devise held out, for it had no great danger in it; but Serlo seeing the necessity of greater friends, which appeared not, grew weary, and knowing 
Serlo a spreader of that impos●…ure delivered to the King.  that Sir William Clifford knight, Captain of Berwicke had received sundry favours from King Richard, hopes by him to be furnished with money, to bear his charges out of Scotland into France. Clifford far otherwise minded, seizeth upon Serlo, as a fit means to reconcile himself with the King, in whose high displeasure he stood, (for that he had continued his charge in Berwicke contrary to express commandment) and carrieth him to the King, who was then come to the Castle of Pomfret, being weakened with these rumours, and suspecting that the chief nest of danger lay in the North; whither the Earl of Northumberland brought his grandchilds (as pledges) to assure the King of his loyalty: thither also Sir William Clifford brings poor Serlo, who both confesseth the practice, as also that he had a guilty hand in the murder of the Duke of Gloucester, which made him far more odious than the other forgery. The crimes being manifest, Serlo is drawn from Pontefract beginning his pain, where he had his doom, & at London knits up the Tragedy in an halter. The Countess of Oxford for this falsehood lost all her goods being moreover committed to close prison. To make this imposture the more probable & passable, Serlo had caused K. Richard's signet to be counterfeited, wherewith he sealed sundry consolatory and exhortatory letters to his friends, indicted in K. Richard's name; whereupon many in Essex gave credit to the Countess, & among the rest some Abbots of that County. Into this smokedid all the devise evaporate.  
(42) And no less smoky was both the devise & success of certain in the Parliament (held this year at Coventry, & called the 
* Parliam●… 〈◊〉. Tho. Wels.  lack learning Parliament, either for the unlearnedness of the persons, or for their malice to learned men) where, to supply the King's wants, a bill was exhibited against the Temporalties of the Clergy; but by the courage of the Archbishop of Canterbury, (who told them, it was the enriching of themselves, not of the King, which they respected in their sacrilegious petitions) and by the gracious care of the King, (who vowed to leave the Church in better state than he found it, rather than in worse,) their motion vanished to nothing, but the infamous memory of the attempters. It is observed that 
* Sir john 〈◊〉. Ypodig. Neust. pag. 563.  a Knight the chief speaker in this bill against the Clergy, had been himself a Deacon, and so himself first advanced by the Clergy. With great reason therefore did our forefathers distinguish the people into the learned and lewd, inferring truly that such commonly were lewd, who were not learned, and that lewd and wicked were but two words of one signification, as in this Parliament well appeared, whose Commons might enter Common with their cattle for any virtue which they had more than brute Creatures.  
(43) Twice after this, between Christmas and 
An. 1405.  Palmesunday, the King assembled the States again, once at London, and then at Saint Alban, for the cause 
Mowbray Earl Ma●…all and Scrope Archbishop of Y●…ke 〈◊〉 to red●… 〈◊〉, and lose their heads.  of money, but with much distaste, the Peers of the land rising from the last Session thereof meanly contented, as it well appeared not long after, though to the enterprisers ruin. Thomas Mowbray Earl Martial, one of the chief men which disliked the carriage of public matters, draws Richardle Scrope Archbishop of York into a conspiracy, in full hope that Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Bardolf, the Citizens of York, and the common people would assist their cause, which was glossed with the specious pretence of redressing public abuses, happening through the King's default. The Earl of Westmoreland hearing of this attempt, wherein the Earl Martial and the Archbishop were leaders of the people, gathers a force to encounter them, but perceiving himself too feeble, he betakes himself to fraud, and by feigning to like the quarrel, got them both into his power, and presented them as an acceptable oblation to the King, who about Whitsuntide comes to York where (albeit the Earl of Westmoreland had promised them their lives) aswell the Archbishop, as the Earl Martial were beheaded. But the next year the Pope excommunicated all such as had a hand in putting the Archbishop to death. It was said of Tiberius 
* Sueton. lib. 3. cap. 59  Caesar in a Satirical libel, - regnabit sanguine multo, 
Adregnum quisquis venit ab exilio.  
Who, first Exi●…de, is after crowned,  
His reign with blood will much abound.   
(44) This the King verified in his person, who coming out of banishment, could not support his 
The King pursues the Earl of Northumberland.  Title and estate, but by shedding much blood of subjects. For not contented with those two lives, he pursueth the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Bardolf with an invincible Army of seven and thirty thousand men: but they unable to make head against so mighty a force, take Berwicke for refuge. Thither the King marcheth, at the sound whereof, they both distrustful of their safety, fly into Scotland, where the Lord Fleming entertains them. Berwicke upon hope of succours out of Scotland, (which gladly nourished the English miseries, and the English theirs) refused to render, whereupon the King plants a battering piece against a Tower in the wall; which as it threw down the half thereof with one shot, so did it quite overthrow all the defendants 
The first time that a gun is used in England.  courages, who presently yielded the place upon hard and desperate terms, for they were partly hanged, and partly imprisoned. After 
* Tho. Walsing. In Hen. 4.  Berwicke was thus recovered, the king takes Alnwicke, & all other Castles belonging to the Earl, and thinking the like happiness would shine upon him in Wales, he crosseth over thither, where it fell out far otherwise, not by the manhood of the Welsh, but by the sudden rage of waters which destroyed his carriages and about fifty wains (as was said) laden with much treasure: therefore he returns to Worcester. Owen Glendowr the chief captain of the Welsh nation, expecting & fearing a revenge had before this time confederated himself with the French, who in 140. ships arrived at Milford haven to the aid of Owen, having well near first lost all their 
The French with sevenscore ships arrive in 〈◊〉 to aid Owen Glendowr.  horses in the passage for want of fresh water. The Lord Berkley and Henry de Pay (by what means appears not) burned fifteen of that number in the harbour. They made the entrance of their war by laying siege to the Town of Carmarden in South-Wales, which, the Garrison being permitted to depart with bag and baggage, was yielded.  
(45) The King being again in need of money, after long unwillingness and delay, the Parliament furnished him, rather overcome with weariness in 
A. D. 1406. An. Reg. 7  contradiction, then for any great good will. Some of his treasure was employed, as it seems, upon secret practices with the Scots, that the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Bardolfe might be delivered into his hands, in exchange for some Scots; whereupon they fled into Wales, and the Scots missing their purpose, slew David Lord Fleming for discovering their intention to his distressed guests, (as by the laws of honour and hospitality he was obliged) which filled Scotland with civil discords. To avoid the dangers whereof, and to better his education, the King of Scots sent his son and heir by sea into France, whom, together with the Bishop of Orknay certain Mariners of Cley in Norfolk surprised at sea, and presented to the King, who committed him prisoner to the Tower of London. Meanwhile the French prosecuting their affairs in Wales, sent thither eight and thirty ships full of soldiers, of which number the English took eight (the rest escaping in great fear to Wales,) and not long after other fifteen sail laden with wax and wine. This 
A. D. 1407.  fortune though good, was nothing in regard of the service which Henry Pay, with certain ships of the Cinque Ports, and about fifteen other, exploited upon a great Fleet, containing sixscore sail, whose ladings were iron, salt, oil, and Rochel wine. The same times was a fellow put to 
King ' Richard spread to be alive  death for having in many places of London, dared secretly to set up bills, containing news that King Richard was alive. The fearful plague of pestilence slew multitudes of people through the Realm, chiefly in London, where, within a short space it destroyed thirty thousand. That most renowned Captain Sir Robert Knolles, who had led so many living 
Sir Robert Knolls dieth.  men to their honourable deaths in battle, was now captived himself by death upon the fifteenth day of August. His fame grew principally by martial deeds in the great wars of France, under Edward the third, but spread and settled itself by good works, among which the goodly stone-bridge at Rochester in Kent was one.  
(46) In the mean space, the wars of Wales were managed by Prince Henry, who took the Castle of Aberistwith; but Owen Glendowr soon after got it again by fair fraud, and thrust into it a Garrison of his own. Thus Owen prospered for a time; but the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Bardolf forsaking Wales, and seeking to raise a force in the North, were encountered by the Sheriff of Yorkshire, who after a sharp conflict slew the Earl in the field, and so wounded the Lord Bardolf, that he died thereof. The Earl's head was cut off, which being first ignominiously carried through London, was fixed upon the Bridge. The King having thus vanquished his chief enemies, went to York, where inquiries were made for the Earls adherents, of which he condemned, ransomed, and imprisoned many. The Abbot of Hales, because he was taken fight on the Earl's behalf, had sentence to die, which was executed upon him by hanging. In foreign and transmarine parts, the King's affairs had mixed success; for Edmund Earl of Kent, at the siege of Briant in Britain, was strucken with a quarrel into the head, whereof he died; but yet after he had first taken the said Castle, and leveled it with the earth.  
(47) The peace of Christendom having been long tempestuously troubled by a Schism, raised 
An. D. 1409.  by ambition of opposite Popes, whereof the one was 
Platina.  chosen at Rome, the other at Auinion, by contrary factions of the Cardinals; A general Council was summoned to be held at Pisa in Italy, whither the King of England sent his Ambassadors, and the Clergy elected Robert Alum 
* Ypod. Neust. p. 566.  Chancellor of Oxford, & Bishop of Sarum, to signify, 
* Antiq. Britan. ecclesia.  that unless both the Popes would give over their Papacy, neither of them should thenceforward be acknowledged for Pope. The King in his letter then sent to Pope Gregory, chargeth him (as Platina likewise doth) with Pertury, and that this Papal emulation had been the cause of the murder of 
* Walsing. Ypodig. p. 569.  more than two hundredth and thirty thousand Christians slain in wars. There assembled a great number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and mitred Prelates, who elected a new Pope, Alexander 5. (a man 
* 〈◊〉 S. Theo. Oxonia. saith Tho. Gascoigne. MS.  trained up at Oxford, where he 
An. D. 1410  took degree in theology) rejecting the two others, who long and bitterly had contended for the place. The King also calls his Parliament to find out means for more money, to the custody and charge whereof he ordained Sir Henry Scrope, creating him Treasurer, as Thomas Beaufourt the King's half brother, Lord Chancellor. In which Parliament was revived the sacrilegious Petition of spoiling the Church of England of her goodly patrimonies, which the piety and wisdom of so many former ages had congested. But the King (who was bound by oath and reason to preserve the flourishing estate of the Church) detested their wicked proposition, and for that cause denied all other their requests. The Duke of Burgundy's provisions which he had made to reduce Caleys to the French dominions, & stored at Saint Omars, were consumed with casual fire to ashes.  
(48) About these times the great and bloody factions between the Dukes of Burgundy and Orleans 
An. D. 1411.  broke forth. The cause was for a murder committed upon Lewis (brother to the French king, and father of the said Duke of Orleans) as he came late one night from the Queen's lodging, who at that time lay in of a child. The murderers 
* Paul. A●…yl. in Carol. 6.  to prevent pursuit, strewed galthrops behind them. The Duke of Burgundy justified the fact, for that Lewis had (as he said) laboured with the Pope to put the King from his seat, upon pretence that he was as unfit to govern as ever Childericke was, whom Pope Zacharie pronounced against. This prepared the way for that scourge wherewith God meant to chastise the pride and sins of France. Each party sought to fortify itself with friends, aswell at home as abroad. 
The Duke of Burgundy sends for aid to the King.  The Duke of Burgundy had the King and the Dolphin on his side; the other had the Kings of Navarre and Arragon, the Dukes of Berrie and Britain with many of the mightiest Earls and Lords. The Duke of Burgundy, (who together with the King and the face of government, kept in Paris) perceiving his adversaries strengths to be more than his own, offers to the King of England, a daughter of France in marriage with the Prince, and many great promises, so as he would join in defence of the King, & send over competent forces; whereunto he is said to have answered: Our advise is, that you should not in this case adventure battle with your enemy, who seems 
The King's wise and Christian answer to the Duke's request.  to prosecute a tust revenge for the death of his Father; but labour to assuage the displeasure and anger of the exasperated young man, by all the good means which are possible. If that cannot be, then stand upon your guard, and draw into place of most safety, with such force of men as may best serve for your defence. After all this, if he will not be appeased, you may with the better conscience encounter him, and in such case we will not fail (more fully) to assist, according as you request. For the present he sent over the Earls of Arundel and Kyme, 
Aides sent by the King to the Duke of Burgundy.  and many men of Arms, with plenty of English Bowmen, who came safe to Paris, where they in nothing diminished the ancient glory of their nation, but behaved themselves valiantly.  
(49) The Duke of Orleans, and the Peers of his faction, seeing their success, consult how to draw the 
An. D. 1412 The Duke of Orleans sends to the King for succour.  King of England from their enemy, and thereupon send over one Falconet and others, with solemn letters of credence, whom they made their irrevocable Procurators, to entreat, agree, and conclude, (on their behalfs) with the most excellent Prince, Henry 
succour The words of the Duke's letter.  by the grace of God King of England, and his most noble sons, etc. for the restitution and real redelivery of the Duchy of Aquitain, with all the rights and appurtenances, which (as is affirmed) are the inheritance of the said most excellent Lord the King of England, by them to be made and done, etc. The Ambassadors having showed forth this Proxy, exhibited 
The great offers of the Orleans faction to the King.  the points of their negotiation in these Articles, by which we may see how far the desire of revenge will transport great minds. 1 They offer their bodies to be employed against all men for the service of the King of England, saving their faith to their own Sovereign, as knowing the King of England would not otherwise desire them. 2 Their sons, daughters, nephews, Nieces, and all their Cousins to bestow in marriage at the King of England's pleasure. 3. Their Castles, Towns, treasure, and all their goods to be at the service of the said King. 4. Their friends, the Gentlemen of France, the Clergy and wealthy Burghers; who are all of their side; as by proof (they said) shall well appear. 5. They finally offer to him the Duchy of, Aquitaine entire, and in as full a manner as ever his Predecessors enjoined the same, without excepting any thing; so as they themselves will hold, and acknowledge to hold their lands in those parts, directly of the said King, and deliver as much of them as they can into his possession, and will do their utmost to conquer the rest for him. Upon condition 
Their demands.  on the other side. 1. That the King of England and his Successors should assist the said Lords, against the Duke of Burgundy for the murder committed upon the person of the late Duke of Orleans. 2. That he should assist against the said Duke of Burgundy and his favourers, till they had repaired all the losses which they, their friends and tenants had sustained through that ●…ccasion. 3. That he should help to settle the quiet of the realm, etc.  
(50) These Offers being put into the balance with the Articles, upon which the Duke of Burgundy 
The King forsakes the Duke of Burgundy and aids the Duke of Orleans.  had obtained succours, overweighed them so far, that about the midst of August, before all those which had been sent with the Earl of Arundel to the contrary part, were returned into England, aids were decreed to the Duke of Orleans, to the wonder of all men, who understood not the secret, so that Thomas Duke of Clarence, Edward Duke of York, the Earl of Dorcet, and very many other principal men with a competent puissance were sent over to aid the Duke of Orleans, the Earl of Angolesme remaining hostage in England, for the sure payment of one hundred and nine thousand Crowns for performance of 
* Pol. Verg. lib. 21.  the other Articles: They came on shore in Normandy; but, whither the confederates moved with the peril into which their Country & Nation 
job. Tilius Chr.  should by these means be precipitated, or for some other causes, (though none indeed so just, as the sorrow and shame for their so disloyal a combination with the Capital enemies of France,) the Duke of Orleans (contrary to agreement) came not at the appointed time and place, whereupon the English burnt, spoiled and took much riches in the Castles, Country and good Towns, therewith to satisfy themselves, till the Duke of Orleans should see them paid. At last yet the Dukes of Clarence and Orleans came to a treaty, after which the English camp 
The English burn and spoil in Normandy till the Duke of Orleans came.  rose peaceably and marched into Aquitaine there to winter itself, the Duke of Orleans returning to his own. While these matters were in hand, the Lord of Heyle Martial of France with many other Lords, and about four thousand 
* homines de 〈◊〉.  men of arms laid siege to a certain strong place in Gascoigne; which Sir john Blunt Knight, with three hundred soldiers not only defended, but drove them also from the siege, taking prisoners twelve of the principal and about six score other Gentlemen. * The King lived not 
A. D. 1413. A. reg 14.  to see the carriage, and fortune of these wars, for falling sick at Eltham in the Christmas time (at which our ancient authors begin to draw the circles of their years) but recovering himself a little, he repaired to London about Candlemas, there to hold a Parliament; the end whereof he lived not to see, but upon the twentieth day of March finished his 
The King dieth having reigned thirteen years and six months wanting five days, ●…ith Walsing.  short, but politic and victorious reign, in peace and honour, had not the injustice of his first entrance left a dishonourable stain upon his worthiest actions.  
(51) The vulgar Chronicles tell us a strange Story, the truth whereof must rest upon the reporters. The King, say they, lying dangerously sick, caused his Crown to be set on a Pillow at his bed's 
●…ll. ●…olinsh  head, when suddenly the pangs of his Apoplexy seizing on him so vehemently that all supposed him dead, the Prince coming in, took away the Crown; which, his father reviving, soon miss; and calling for his son, demanded, what the meant, to bereave him of that, whereto he had yet no right? The Prince boldly replied; Long may you live Sovereign Father to wear it yourself; but all men deeming you were departed to inherit another Crown, this being my right, I took as mine own, but now do acknowledge for none of mine; and thereupon he set the Crown again where he found it. Oh son, (quoth he) with what right I got it, God only knoweth, who forgive me the sin; howsoever it was got, said the Prince, I mean to keep and defend it, (when it shall be mine) with my sword, as you by sword have obtained it. Which the King hearing, he entered discourse of advise, showing him that he feared some discord would arise betwixt him and his brother Thomas Duke of Clarence, who with better respect had borne forth his youth then Prince Henry had done, and whose distemper was like to breed great troubles, if it were not in time stayed. If my brethren (quoth Henry) will be true subjects, I will honour them as my brethren, but if otherwise, I shall assoon execute justice upon them, as on the meanest of birth in my Kingdom. The King rejoicing at this unexpected answer; both prudently and Christianly charged him before God, to minister the law indifferently, to ease the oppressed, to beware of flatterers, not to defer justice, nor yet to be sparing of mercy. Punish (quoth he) the oppressors of thy people, so shalt thou obtain favour of God, and love and fear of thy Subjects, who whiles they have wealth, so long shalt thou have their obedience, but made poor by oppressions, will be ready to make insurrections. Rejoice not so much in the glory of thy Crown, as meditate on the burdenous care which accompanieth it; mingle love with fear, so thou as the heart shalt be defended in the midst of the body: but know, that neither the heart without the members, nor a King without his Subjects help is of any force. Lastly my son love and fear God, ascribe all thy victories, strength, friends, obedience, riches, honour and all, unto him: and with the Psalmist say with all thanks, Not unto us Lord, not unto us but to thy holy name be given the laud and praise.  
(52) Upon what soil these most Christian, true and excellent Counsels fell, the following life will show, being nothing else, but a full representation in act, of such things, as are here in precept only, showing to the world how divine a beauty Christian goodness hath.  

His Wives.  
(53) The first wife of King Henry the fourth, was Mary one of the daughters and heirs of Humphrey de Bohum, Earl of Hereford, Essex and Northampton, Constable of England, etc. She died An. D. 1394. before he came to the Crown.  
(54) His second wife was joan, Queen, daughter to Charles the first, King of Navarre, she being the widow of john de Montford, Surnamed Streani, Duke of Britain; and died without any Children by King Henry, at Havering in the Bower in the County of Essex 1437. the tenth day of julie in the fifteenth year of Henry the sixth, and was buried by her husband at Canterbury.   

His Children.  
(55) Henry, the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Earl of Chester, and afterward King of England, whose glorious life and acts next ensue.  
(56) Thomas, Duke of Clarence, Precedent of the Council to King Henry the first (his brother,) and Steward of England. He was slain at Beaufort in Anion without any issue. He married Margaret daughter to Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent, the widow of john Beauford, Earl of Somerset.  
(57) john Duke of Bedford, Regent of France in the time of King Henry the sixth, Duke also of Anion and Alencon; Earl of Cenomannia, Harecourt, of Kendal and Dreux, Viscount Beaumond. He married first with Anne, daughter to john Duke of Burgundy. Secondly with jacoba, daughter to Peter de Luxemburgh Earl of Saint Paul. And died without any issue.  
(58) Humphrey, was by his brother King Henry the fifth created Duke of Gloucester, was Protector of the Kingdom of England for 25. years, in the time of King Henry the sixth, in whose first year he styled himself in his Charters thus: Humphrey by the grace of God, son, brother, and uncle to Kings, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of 〈◊〉, Holland, Zealand, and Pembroke; Lord of Friestand, Great Chamberlain of the Kingdom 
Cambd. Brit. in Glocest.  of England, Protector and defender of the same Kingdom, and Church of England. He was a man, who nobly deserved of the common wealth and of learning, as being himself very learned, and a magnificent Patron and benefactor of the University of Oxford, where he had been educated; and was generally called, the Good Duke. He married first jacoba, heir to William Duke of Bavaria Earl of Holland, who (as after was known) had first been lawfully troth-plighted to john Duke of Brabant, and therefore was afterward divorced from the said Humphrey. His second wife was Elinor daughter to Reginald, Baron Cobham de Scarborough. Queen Margaret, wife to King Henry the sixth, repining at his great power in swaying the King & state, socretly wrought his ruin, he being murdered in his bed at Bury, dying without any issue, 1446. His body was buried at Saint Alban, yet the vulgar error is that he lies buried in Saint Paul's.  
(59) Blanch married to William Duke of Bavaria, and Emperor.  
(60) Philip married to john King of Denmark and Norway.    

HENRY THE FIFTH, KING OF 
Monarch 52  
Henry V.  ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE TWO AND FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XV.  
AMongst the many Monarches of this most famous Empire, none is found more complete with all heroical virtues than is this King, of whose life by order and success of story we are now to write; which is Henry of that name the fifth, the renown of England, and glory of Wales. Of whom, what was spoken of Titus in the flourishing times of the Romans, may for the time of his reign be truly verified in him: both of them being the-lovely darlings, 
Sutton in vit. Tit. 1. 6.  and delightful joy of Mankind. But as Titus is taxed by his storywriters, in youth to have been riotous, profuse, wasteful and wanton, for which (as he saith) with the dislikes of men he stepped into the throne; so if we will believe what others have writ, Henry 
* Ti. 〈◊〉. F●….  was wild whiles he was a Prince, whose youthful pranks as they passed with his years, let us have leave here to rehearse, and leave them motives to our own use, as he made them for his.  
(2) His birth was at Monmouth in the Marches of Wales, the year of Christ's assuming our flesh, 1388 
Edw. Hal.  and the eleventh of King Richard's reign, his father then a Subject, and Earl of Derbie, Leicester, & Lincoln, 
Henry borne at Monmouth in Wales.  afterwards created Duke of Hereford, in ri●…ht of his wife, then of Lancaster, by the death of his father; and lastly by election made the Sovereign of England, (that unfortunate Richard) being deposed the Crown. His mother was Mary, second daughter and coheir of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford, and Northampton, high Constable of England, 
* R●…cor. of Towe●…. 4 Hen. 5.  as we have said.  
(3) His young years were spent in literature in the Academy of Oxford, where in Queen's College 
joh. Rosse 〈◊〉. in lib. 〈◊〉 regi●….  he was a Student under the tuition of his uncle Henry Beauford, Chancellor of that University, afterwards Bishop of Lincoln and Winchester, and lastly made Cardinal by the title of Eusebius. But 
Prince Henry's Educatin.  his Father obtaining the Crown, and himself come to the age of twelve years, had the succession thereof entailed on him by Parliament, and accordingly was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, and presently had 
Holinsh.  the Title of the Dukedom of Aquitaine conferred upon him, the better to effect the thing then intended, which was to have obtained in marriage young Queen Isabel, late wife to the murdered King Richard, daughter of Charles the sixth, King of 
Richard Grafton.  France.  
(4) From Oxford, Prince Henry was called to Court, and the Lord Thomas Perey then Earl of 
Edward Hal.  Worcester made his Governor; but being himself false to the Father, could give no good example unto the son, whose hostile attempts in the field of Shrewsburie cost that disloyal Earl his head, and almost had done Prince Henry his life, who in battle 
Thom. Walsing.  against him was wounded in the face with an arrow. This mark of his manhood, with the overthrow of Hotspur in that bloody conflict, were hopeful signs of his following success, which presently were seconded with as fortunate proceedings against Owen Glendowr that scourge of his Country, 
Rich. Grafton.  and Arch-rebel unto England's peace, whom this Prince so pursued through the vast mountains of Wales, that from the Dens of those deserts he durst not show his face, but therein perished by famine, & natures other wants, though the Prince had then scarcely attained unto sixteen.  
(5) But grown from his tutor's command, or control, and come to the years for dispose of himself, as his youth stood affected, so were his consorts, and those (many times) whose conditions were none of the best; whether led by an inclination of youth (which commonly lets the rain loose unto Will) or, to know that by proof, which other Princes do by report, I will not determine: yet unto the latter do I rather incline, knowing that Solomon the wisest of Kings did so himself; and rather 
Eccles. 2.  by Rosse I am lead, who writeth that Prince Henry in Oxford had in great veneration, such as excelled 
joh. Rosse.  in virtue or learning, and among many, two he nameth, Thomas Rodban of Merton College a great Astronomer, by him preferred to the Bishopric of S. David's in Wales, and john Carpenter of Oriel College, a learned Doctor of theology, whom he advanced to the See of Worcester. But let us hear how his wild oats were spent, and with what increase the harvest was got. The translator of Livy, who wrote the story of this worthy Prince, and dedicated his pains to King Henry his son, affirmeth for truth, that many actions he did, far unfitting his greatness of birth; and among other, doth tax him with no better than theft, who in the reign of his Father, accompanied with such as spent their wits upon other men's spoils, laid wait in the way for his Rents receivers, and robbed them of that which indeed was his own, when sometimes in shuffling he nothing was spared, but bore away many knocks. the lender's whereof he would frankly reward, when they complained unto him of their losses received, which ever were abated in the foot of their accounts.  
(6) Our learned Knight Eliot setting his pen to 
Sir Tho. Eliot Governor.  portrait a perfect Governor, recordeth a story, retaining this Princes great fame, the credit whereof let it lie upon himself. It chanced (saith he) a servant of his to be arraigned for felony at the King's Bench-Barre, where standing ready to receive sentence of death, the Prince had intelligence, and posted thither, where finding his servant made sure for starting, commanded his fetters to be struck off, & the fellow arraigned to be freed the Court. All men amazed at this his approach and speech: the Chief justice stood up, and showed the Prince that his seat was the Kings, that laws were the sinews of the Commonwealth, that himself was sworn to do justice, and must yield an account for all that he did, that he honoured him as the eldest son of his Sovereign, and Prince, but to set free the prisoner, he could not, having so apparently endangered his life to the law; and therefore desired the Prince, if he held him in such esteem, to save him by pardon from the King, and not to infringe the law, which he told him plainly he should not do.  
(7) The Prince enraged to have the denial, assayed himself to set free the Prisoner, which the Chief justice forbade, commanding him upon his allegiance to cease from such riot, and to keep the King's peace: whereat Prince Henry in a fury stepped up to the Bench, and gave the judge a blow on the face, who nothing daunted, sat still, and with a bold countenance, spoke thus to the Prince, Sir I pray you remember yourself, this seat of judgement which here I possess, is not mine, but your Fathers, to whom and to his laws you owe double obedience. If his Highness be thus contemned, and his laws violated by you, that should show yourself obedient to both, who will obey you when you are a Sovereign, or minister execution to the laws that you shall make? Wherefore, for this attempt, in your Father's name, I commit you prisoner unto the King's Bench, there to remain until his Matesties' pleasure be further known. With which words the Prince greatly abashed, stood mute by the judge, and fixing his eyes upon his reverend face, presently laid from him his weapons, and with humble obeisance done, departed to prison. The King understanding the whole circumstance, greatly rejoiced that he had a Son of such obedience to his laws, and a judge so upright to administer them without either favour or fear of the person; notwithstanding for this, and other like actions of his youth, he removed him from being Precedent of his Privy Council, and placed in his stead Thomas Duke of 
Rich. Grafton.  Clarence his second brother; to Prince Henry's no little grief and discontent.  
(8) Howbeit his followers were nothing diminished, but his Court frequented more than his fathers, which bred some suspicion in the crazy king's head, lest among his other wild parts, he would attempt to play with his Crown; which was increased by his domestical flatterers, who daily buzzed new jealousies into his ears. This made Prince 
Tho. Otterborne.  Henry (as Otterborne noteth) to strengthen himself with his chiefest friends, and well-willers, and with such a troop repaired to his father's Court, as a greater in those days had not been seen. The translator of Livy reports the manner of his approach, even from him that was an eye witness, and the same no less than the Earl of Ormond in Ireland, whose relation is this.  
(9) The King somewhat crazy, and keeping his Chamber, hearing news daily of his sons loose exercises, too mean for a Prince, and their constructions ever made to aim at his Crown, he both began to withdraw his fatherly affection, and to fear some violence against his own person: which when Prince Henry heard of, by some that favoured him of the King's Council, in a strange disguise he repaired to his Court, accompanied with many Lords and noble men's sons. His garment was a gown of blue Satin, wrought full of Eylet-holes, and at every Eylet the Needle left hanging by the silk it was wrought with: about his arm he ware a dogs-collar set full of S. S. of gold, the Tirets thereof being most fine gold. Thus coming to Westminster, and the Court of his Father, having commanded his followers to advance no further than the fire in the hall, himself accompanied with some of the King's household, passed on to his presence, and after his duty and obeisance done, offered to make known the cause of his coming. The king weak then with sickness, and supposing the worst, commanded himself to be borne into a withdrawing Chamber, some of his Lords attending upon him, before whose feet Prince Henry fell, and with all reverent observances, spoke to him as followeth.  
(10) Most gracious Sovereign and renowned father, the suspicion of disloyalty, and divulged reports of my dangerous intendmentes towards your royal Person and Crown, hath enforced at this time, and in this manner, to present myself and life at your majesties dispose. Some faults and misspent time (with blushes I may speak it) my youth hath committed, yet those made much more by such fleering pickthanks, that blow them stronger into your unwilling and distastive ear. The name of Sovereign ties allegiance to all, but of a Father, to a further feeling of nature's obedience; so that my sins were double, if such suggestions possessed my heart: for the Law of God ordaineth, that he which doth presumptuously against the Ruler of his people shall not live, and the child that smiteth his father shall die the death: so far therefore am I from any disloyal attempt, against 
Deut. 17. 12. Exod. 21. 15.  the person of you my Father, and the Lords anointed; that if I knew any of whom you stood in the least danger or fear, my hand according to duty should be the first to free your suspicion; yea I will most gladly suffer death to ease your perplexed heart; and to that end I have this day prepared myself, both by confession of my offences past, and receiving the blessed Sacrament. Wherefore I humbly beseech your Grace to free your suspicion from all fears conceived against me, with this dagger, the stab whereof I will willingly receive here at your majesties hand, and so doing, in the presence of these Lords, and before God at the day of judgement, I clearly forgive my death. But the King melting into tears, cast down the naked dagger (which the Prince delivered him) and raising his prostrate son, embraced and kissed him, confessing his ears to have been over-credulous that way, and promising never to open them again against him. But the Prince unsatisfied, instantly desired, that at least his accusers might be produced, and if convicted, to receive punishment, though not to the full of their demerits; to which request the King replied, that as the offence was capital, so should it be examined by the Peers, and therefore 
Tho. Otterborn.  willed him to rest contented until the next Parliament. Thus by his great wisdom he satisfied his father from further suspicion, and recovered his love that nearly was lost. Hitherto of Henry as he was Prince (some other of whose youthly actions we also touched in his father's reign) and now to his Acts after he was King.  
(11) Henry ordained successor, and overseer of his dying Father's Testament, had in his entrance so 
Ex Record.  fortunate proceedings, as he seemeth to exceed all his Predecessors; his Nobles proffering the oath of their Allegiance, before himsel●…e had made his, for the just government of the Commonweal, which so far was from acceptation, that he desired God never to admit him to the Crown, unless he should 
joh. Stow.  to his glory reign, and rule the Sceptre to the good of the Subject. The day of his entrance and of his Father's death, being the twentieth of March, and 
Rich. Grafton.  year of Christ's Incarnation, according to our account, 1412. on the ninth of April following he was solemnly crowned at Westminster, Thomas Arundel 
An. D. 1413.  Archbishop of Canterbury performing the royal Ceremonies: which no sooner was ended, but to begin a good government, he began with himself, banishing from his presence and Court the unbridleled youths which had been his consorts, commanding them either to change their manners, or never to approach within ten miles where he lay. Then chose he worthy and prudent men for his Council of Estate, and advanced his Clergy with dignity 
Ti●…. L●…. Tho. Walsing.  and power: being himself as zealous in devotion, as liberal in building, and indowing of places for devotion of others. His justice was found of all that sought it; for every day after dinner for the space of an hour, his custom was to lean on a cushion set by his cupboard, and there himself received petitions of the oppressed, which with great equity he did redress. And for a further testimony of his tender and compassionate heart, the slaughtered body of K. Richard over-meanely interred at Langley, in great ●…state he removed into Saint Peter's Church at Westminster, and there laid him enshrined by Queen Anne his first wife (as himself had desired and prepared) founding a weekly memorial to be celebrated, and six shillings eight pence thereon distributed unto the poor, and yeerelie twenty pounds given upon his anniversary day, besides four tapers to burn before 
R●…b. Fabian.  his monument day and night for ever. And so nearly did his death touch this innocent King, that he sent to Rome to be assoiled from that guilt of his father's Act, by the Pope's holiness, then accounted another God; whose penance enjoined, he willingly performed, and afterwards purposed to 
Polyc●…ron.  have made war in Palestina against the enemies of Christ; for which end, he sent Sir Hugh de Lavoy of Henault to jerusalem, to discover the state of things there; but before his return he was departed to the heavenly jerusalem himself.  
(12) The obsequies of his Father being solemnised 
Upon Trinity Sunday.  at Canterbury, and the King in person attending the Corpse, fit occasion was given unto Archbishop Arundel to complain of the Wicklifians, (then 
Nich Vig●…r. in hist. 〈◊〉 Eglise.  termed Lollards) great rubs in the ways of the Clergies pride and proceedings; whereof Sir john Oldcastle was thought a chief, who by his marriage contracted with a kniswoman of the Lord Cobham's of Cooling in Kent, obtained the title thereof, a man strong and valorous, and in especial favour with his Prince. This Knight in their Synod assembled at London, immediately after the King's Coronation, was accused by them to have rend Christ's seamless coat, in maintaining Wickliff's doctrine to be taught, especially in the Diocese of London, Rochester, and Hereford: against whom also some choice 
Fox in Acts and Monuments.  Inquisitors at Oxford, appointed for Heresies (though 
* Oper a joh. H●…ssi To. 〈◊〉.  that whole University had formerly upheld both Wickliff and his doctrine,) informed and presented his name with two hundred forty six conclusions, which they had collected to be heretical.  
(13) The King incensed (by the archbishops suggestions) against these discontented discipliners, 
Thom. Walsing.  was further made believe that they themselves had set up bills in divers places, threatening that an hundred thousand persons were ready for arms, against all that withstood their reformation, and among these that Oldcastle his Knight was reputed the chief. The King graciously inclined, heard the Archbishop's complaint, and being at Kennington promised to confer with the Lord Cohham himself, which accordingly he did, instantly willing him to submit himself to the censure of the Church and obedience of the Archbishop: but Cobham, no turncoat from his profession, humbly told the King he owed his subjection only unto his Majesty whom God had placed in these his Dominions, as his only Vicegerent to govern his people and Subjects, and that himself forced nothing Rome's leaden sword, unsheathed by the Pope (that Antichrist) against the Lords servants, nor would suffer the key of Canterbury to open the closet of his conscience, where the spirit of God was residing, bearing witness with his, that he stood in the truth, for whose defence as his Champion, he was ready to live or die.  
(14) This answer received, was so delivered unto the Archbishop, with power to cite, examine and punish, as their own Canons in such cases had decreed. The Lion thus laid for, whose paw they still feared, was served by process to appear in the Archbishop's Court, and the same delivered by one Butler a servant of the King's Privy 
〈◊〉 and Monuments.  Chamber, for that the bold Sumner durst not do it himself, and the Archbishop (diligent lest he should forget the day) caused his letters citatorie to be set upon the gates of the Cathedral Church of Rochester, which were presently torn down, and others again set up, were again pulled off, to the great offence of the Clergies eye, and the rather, for that the Actor could not be known. The Knight not appearing (as knowing their malice and his own danger) was condemned of contumacy, and afterwards 
Ouldcastle pronounced an heretic.  in a Synod at Rochester, was by the Archbishop pronounced an Heretic, where himself then enacted that heretical decree, that the holy scriptures 
Tho. Wals. Antiq. Britan.  should not be translated into the English tongue. But mark the judgement that fell upon his own tongue, whose roots and blade shortly after (as is recorded) 
Ex libro Wigorn.  grew so big in his mouth and throat, that he could neither speak nor swallow down meat, but in horror 
Archbishop Arundels' death.  lay languishing, till lastly he so died starved by famine.  
(15) In the mean time the Lord Cobham wrote his 
* See it in Fox's martyrology  Belief, which was very Christianlike, and presented it himself to the King, who (being much prepossessed) in no wise would receive it, but suffered him to be summoned in his presence, and privy Chamber, when the Knight for his purgation offered an hundred knights and Esquires, which would not 
The offers of the Lord Cobham.  be accepted; then, according to his degree of Order, and law of Arms, he required the single Combat to fight for life or death, with either Christian or Heathen in the quarrel of his faith, the King and Council only excepted. This notwithstanding could not be suffered, but needs must he appear before the Archbishop his judge: where, after divers examinations (in all which he most religiously justified himself & his profession) he was condemned of Heresy, 
Rob. Fabian.  and committed Prisoner unto the Tower of London, whence shortly he escaped, and got into Wales. Upon which escape great fears were conceived, especially of the Clergy, the causers of his troubles, and mortal Enemies to him & his well-willers, for the king was confidently (but as it seemeth maliciously) informed; 
Touching Ouldcastles innocency from Treason, see Foxes defence against Cope in martyrology.  that Oldcastle with his adherents laid for his life, & that in S. Giles Fields near unto Holborn twenty thousand were to assemble in hostile manner, with an intent to destroy the Monasteries of Westminster, Saint Alban, all the religious houses in London, and the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul's. The King therefore in person himself after midnight with a great Army came into these fields, where (if we will believe their professed enemies) fourscore of that faction were apprehended, who said they came to 
john Stow  seek the Lord Cobham. But as the answerer of Copus from more ancient times hath observed, that in days of persecution, such assemblies often had been made to hear the Gospel preached, which otherwise 
john Fox in Acts and Monuments.  they could not enjoy: so in this place 
* then called Thicket fields.  then overgrown with bushes and unfit for battle, those few were in likelihood assembled unto john Beverly agodly man their Preacher, without any intent of treason, having for their Chieftains no greater persons than Sir Roger Acton a Knight of no great account, a Minister, and a malt man. But their Apologies we leave to 
* See Fox at large.  others; only the Lord Cobham could not be found, though the King by Proclamation had promised a thousand marks to his taker, besides many liberties to the City or Town, that would disclose him; whereby (saith Walsing:) it may be guessed, that the whole Kingdom, well near, embraced 
Ypodig. Neust.  his opinions which that Friar calls his madness: Thirty seven of that assembly were condemned, whereof seven were consumed with fire and strangled, Acton, Beverley and Murly were likewise executed.  
(16) As the zeal of this King is much commended for his favours towards his Clergy, so is his 
though Wals. Bishops of Saint David's.  Princely pity in the commiseration of young Percies distress, whose father Hotspur slain at Shrewsbury (as we have said) and he by his Grandfather sent into Scotland for security, was there notwithstanding detained a Prisoner, for that james their King was forcibly kept in England by Henry, and as they took it against all justice. But fit occasion being offered for young Percies release, and exhcange made between him and Alrede son of Robert Duke of Albany (who had been taken prisoner at the Battle of Halidon) the king restored him not only in blood, and to grace in his Court, but also invested his person with the Title and State of his Grandfather, to his own no little honour, and faithful service attained of that honourable family.  
(17) Upon Archbishop Arundels' death, starved by famine as we have said * Henry Chicheley a 
Henry Chicheley made Archbishop of Canterbury.  stout Champion also against Wicliffes' doctrine, was with the King's consent, by the Monks of Canterbury elected their Archbishop, which the politic Elect neither accepted nor refused, but left it to the will and pleasure of the Pope: who first took snuff that 
Thomas Walsing.  it so far proceeded without his direction, yet was soon pacified by Chicheleys submission, and (as saith mine Author) with other Gratulations beside. The man though not so rich by birth as Arundle was, yet as strong for the Clergy, and more gracious with his Prince as the sequel proved.  
(18) The first assays of both was made known in a Parliament holden at Leicester, where in a Bill 
A complaint against the Clergies excess.  exhibited, complaint was made, that the temporal Lands given to religious houses and spiritual persons for devotion were either superfluous, or disorderly spent; whose revenues (if better employed) would suffice for the defence of the Land, and honour of the king; fifteen Earls, fifteen hundred knights six thousand two hundred Esquires, and one hundred alms-houses, for the relief of impotent and diseased persons, and unto the king's Coffers twenty thousand pound by year. Which Bill (saith Hall) made the fat Abbots to sweat, the proud Priors to 
Edw. Hall.  frown, the poor Friars to curse, the silly Nuns to weep, and indeed all her Merchants to fear, that Babel would down.  
(19) To stop the breach of which searching spring, no better means could be found, then to divert the Parliament with other businesses, and to drive other projects into the king's mind; whose head (as this new Archbishop there told him) had the best right to the Crown of France: for 
The Archbishop C●…ichleys oration.  not only the duchies of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Anjou, the Counties of Gascoigne, main, and the rest, were his lawful) though unlawfully detained) inheritance; but therewithal the whole Realm of France, as true heir unto his great Grandfather king Edward the third, and unto Philip the fair, in right of his mother Queen Isabella, 
Io. Serres.  the only daughter and Child living of the said French king. As for the law Salic alleged 
The Law Salic.  against the English claim, he affirmed, that Text touched only those parts in Germany, which lay betwixt the rivers Elbe, and Sala conquered by king Charles the great, who placing his French there to inhabit, for the dishonest lives of those 
touched the Germans.  German women made this law. In terram Salicam Mulieres ne succedant, which the Gloss did falsely expound for the whole kingdom of France. Whose practice notwithstanding he showed to be the contrary, by many experiences both in king 
but not the French.  Pepin which deposed Childericke by the claim of heir General (as descended of Blithild daughter 
Their claiming by the same title.  to Clothair the first,) and by Hugh Capet, who, usurping the Crown upon Charles Duke of Lorraine (the sole heir male of that line from Charles the great) to make his claim good (which indeed was stark nought) derived himself as heir to the Lady Lingard, daughter to Charlemagne, son to Lewis the Emperor, that was son to Charles the great. King Lewis also called the Saint; (who was the heir to the usurper Hugh Capet) could not be satisfied in conscience, how he might justly keep and possess the Crown of France, till he was fully instructed that Isabella his Grandmother was lineally descended of the Lady Ermengard daughter and heir to the above named Charles Duke of Lorraine, by the which marriage the blood and line of Charles the great was again united, and restored to the Crown of France. Whereby (said the Archbishop) it most manifestly appeared, that the title of Pepine, the Claim of Capet, the possession of Lewis, yea of the French Kings themselves to this day, derive their only rights from the heirs female, and that this pretended Law Salic was but a shifting devise to debar the English Kings from the claim of the French Crown. Which exclusion howsoever they pretend to be right, yet the law of God (said he) hath made it mere wrong, which with better regard of the Sex alloweth the woman to inherit her father's possession, as we see in the practice of that state, whereof Christ himself is called king, where the five daughters of Zelophehad for want of heirs males, were admitted to succeed in their father's inheritance, allotted them in the Tribe of Manasses; and 
Numb. 27.  a law made by the Lord himself, that if a man died and had no sons, than his inheritance should be transferred upon his daughters. Neither is it to be doubted but that the daughter of Shesham was 
An addition.  the sole heir unto her father's patrimony, he dying without issue male; though she married an Egyptian, whose posterity had their possessions among the Tribe of judah, even to the Captivity of Babylon: 
1. Chro. 2. 34.  so that if such a law were, as in truth there was no such, better were the breach by the warrant of divine direction, than the continuance by colour of such prescription, seeing God hath ordained aswell for the daughter as for the son.  
(20) The Archbishop's unexpected but not unpremeditated Oration thus ended, so stirred the blood of the young Courageous King, that his heart was all on a flame; and so tickled the ears of his Auditory, as they presently conceived that France was their own; the Title whereof descending from Isabella, the mother of the famous third Edward, and she the daughter and surviving heir unto Philip the fair; his right was lineally derived thence as followeth, first Philip by joan his first wife entitled Queen of Navarre, had three sons and one daughter, namely Lewis, Philip and Charles, all three successively Kings, and this Lady Isabella, by whom the English claim: his second wife was Constance the daughter of the King of Sicil, who bore him a son after his own decease which lived not many days after his father. Lewis his eldest son and 
Lewis 〈◊〉.  tenth of that name succeeded Philip in the Kingdom of France, and by Margaret his wife the daughter of Burgundy had his daughter jane entitled Queen of Navarre, who made claim also unto the French Crown, but never attained it; so that her Title fell with her death. Lewis by his second wife Clemence of Sicil, had a son named john borne unto him, but presently both father and son departing this life, left the Sceptre to his second brother; who by the name of Philip the fifth, a while wore the Imperial Crown of France: his wife was jane the daughter of Burgoine, who bore unto him only four daughters.  
(21) Unto King Philip succeeded his brother Charles the fair, the fourth of that name, whose first wife was Blanch, detected of incontinency and brought him no fruit, his second wife was Marie daughter to Henry Luxenbourg the Emperor, who bore him a son that died soon after birth, and the mother likewise shortly came to her grave. Margaret the daughter to the Earl of Eureux, was his third and last wife, who at his death he left with Child, and thus the three sons of Philip were branched, reigned, and died, whom Queen Isabella their sister survived, and in that right her son King Edward the third, by his royal consanguinity whilst the Crown stood thus at suspense, till a Prince should be borne, claimed to be Regent in the Interregnum, and in the nonage of the looked for issue, against which, Philip de Valois son of Charles the hardy, who was brother to Philip the fair, being a second branch from Hugh Capet, and first Prince of the blood of France, maintained that the Regency of the male (if so he were borne) as also of the Realm (if a daughter or the son died) belonged only unto him as the next in blood. The state thus standing, and a daughter borne, Philip was saluted and proclaimed King, no other right alleged then this foisted and falsely termed fundamental law Salic, for no otherwise doth Ottoman the French famous Lawyer esteem of that ungodly and unjust Ordinance, if any such had been ordained.  
(22) The King's right thus apparent, and sufficient possessions to be had in France: the Bill of complaint against the Clergies excess was quite dashed, and all minds addicted for the affairs that way; thinking it unreasonable to pull the Provisions from their natives and brethren, when as the Circuit of their inheritanee extended more large in compass: and therefore with the Danites they determined 
judg. 18.  no longer to sit so penned with increase, seeing God had given them another Kingdom, but would free their own straightness by dint of sword, and spread their Tents wider in the Continent of France: Neither was there any motive more forcible in conference, than was the success of those intruding Princes, who assayed the Crown by that unjust claim of law Salic.  
(23) For did not the sword of God (rather than 
Io. Serres.  man) in the hand of King Edward the claimer cut down the flower of France in the Battle of Crecie, with the slaughter of Lewis King of Bohemia, of Charles the French Kings brother, of james Dolphin of Viennois, the Dukes of Lorraine, and Bourbon, the Earls of Aumarle, Savoy, Montbilliard, Flanders, Nivers and Harecourt, the Grand Prior of France, the Archbishop, and Zanxinus and Noyone, of Lords, Barons, and Gentlemen to the number of 1500 with 30. thousand of the French Soldiers, and Philip not able of himself to defend himself, inciting David of Scotland to invade and weaken England, therein did but only vex his own spirit, for in that attempt the Scottish King was taken prisoner and brought so to London, leaving Philip to struggle with his hard fortunes in France, which with bad success he did to the day of his death.  
(24) john his son by the same title and claim felt the same stroke of justice from the hand of that thunderbolt in war Edward surnamed the black Prince, the son of England's Mars, who far inferior to the French in number, far exceeded them in marshal power, when at the battle of Poitiers the French royal Standard was struck down, an hundred Ensigns won by the English, the Constable, Martial and great Chamberlain of France with fifty two Lords and seventeen hundred Gentlemen 
Io. Serres  slain in the field. King john himself, his son Philip, two Bishops, thirteen Earls, and one and thirty Lords taken prisoners by the Prince, to his great praise and confirmation of his just cause.  
(25) Nor was the punishment of the father any whit lessened in King Charles the son then reigning, who besides the intestine wars in his own dominions was by God's just judgement struck into a Lunacy, being unable to govern himself much less his Kingdom, upon which advantage (as the French would have it) King Henry now played; though it be most certain he sought his right far otherwise, for so it standeth upon record dated the ninth of February and first of Henry the fifth his 
Ex Record. apud Westm.  reign, that he sent his Ambassadors unto the French King, who could not be admitted to his presence, and him whom they employed to procure access was by the French committed to Prison: whereat King Henry most justly conceived a grudge. Paulus 
P. 〈◊〉.  Aemilius their own Storywriter saith, that Henry King of England, sent honourable Ambassadors to demand in marriage the Lady Katherine daughter unto the French King: which (as he saith) was neglected with this answer, that the King had no leisure to think on that business: whom Franciscus Rosienius doth further enlarge, saying, the King scornfully smiling answered 
Fr. Ros●…en.  that France was neither destitute of Dukes, nor he at leisure to think of the Proposition; and being jealous l●…st Burgoigne would match his daughter with Henry, sent him a command to the contrary, and again at their Conclusion of peace, expressly enjoined the 
Enguerrant de Monstrel.  said Duke, and all other Princes of the blood, not to make any alliance of marriage with England, whereby K. Henry was further exasperated against France. And lastly, by his counsel and conference upon the 
Nich. Ueg●…. Will Parradin. in Annal. de Burgoin. Ca●…ton Chron. 〈◊〉.  Archbishop's Oration sent a Summons and demand of the duchies of Normandy, Aquitaine, Guienne, & Anjou; in derision whereof, as Caxton recordeth, the Dolphin of France, sent him a Tun of Tennis Balls, as Bullets most fit for his tender hands, who had spent his youth (as he thought) more among Rackets, then regard of his person or matters of State: so forward is man to be an Actor in common miseries, when the Fates have made the Subject of the Scene Tragical, that he draws the hand of Destiny, sooner to strike, and heavier to fall upon that project decreed to be east down: for by these disdains and unprincely dealings the Crown of France was grasped by the English hard hand, and that fair soil stained with her Natives own blood: for the Present received as it was sent, had promise to be repaid with balls of more force, whose stroke should be such as the strongest gates of Paris should not be rackets sufficient to bandy the rebound.  
(26) Grudges thus grown, and wars in preparing, 
Ex Record. West.  the French thought it fittest to make Scotland their friend, whom they incited to molest the English Marches, which accordingly was done, and that with such violence, as it was a question decideable, whether of the Kingdoms was first to be dealt with Westmoreland thought it safest to check the Scots as 
An. D. 1414.  the nearer and continual backe-friends. But Excester held it better policy to begin with France the stronger, especially now disquieted through the factions of Burgundy and Orleans, and unto this the 
Ypod. Neust.  most voices gave way, whose forwardness was such, that the Clergy granted a Tenth, and the temporal Lords their aids to the King, as followeth.  
The Earls Northumberland, 40 men at Arms & 120 Archers a piece Westmoreland.  
The Earls Warwick, 20. men at Arms, and 40. Archers a piece. Stafford.  
The Earl of Suffolk, a ship, 20. men at Arms, and 40. Archers.  
The Earl of Abergaveny 20. men at Arms, and 20. Archers.  
The Lords Lovel. A ship, 20. men at Arms, and 40. Archers a piece. Barkley. Powis. Camois. S. john, 
Ex Record.  Burrell.  
The Lords Fitzwater. Half a ship, 20 men at Arms, and 40. Archers a piece. Darcie. Seymour. Rosse. Willoughby.  
The Lord Morley, 6. men at Arms, and 12. Archers.  
The Lords Scales, Proffered to attend the King in their persons without entertainment. Randolph,  
The whole number thus granted and appointed, amounted to of Men at Arms. 346 Archers. 552 Ships. 9½  
To put back the Scots, Sir Robert Vmfrevile was sent who in a skirmish upon Mary magdalen's day took 360 of them prisoners, and with great spoil returned to Rocksborough Castle whereof he had charge; the news whereof K. Charles understanding, and the 
john Harding. Roger Walls.  great preparation made against France, being better advised upon the dangerous event, sent his Ambassadors into England, whereof the Archbishop of Bourges was principal, who at Winchester made offer of money, and some other Territories (but none of the best) with the Princess Lady Katherine to be given in marriage unto King Henry, so that he would dissolve his Army and conclude a peace. To this Oration the Archbishop of Canterbury made answer, that his King demanded the duchies of Aquitaine and Anjou, with the other signiories anciently appertaining to his Progenitors the Kings of England, which as they were his most rightful and lawful inheritance, so would he with all possible diligence endeavour (if not otherwise) by fire & sword to recover, which his assertion the King himself in presence confirmed.  
(27) But Burges the Archbishop presuming 
Enguerrant de Monstr●…l.  more upon his Prelacy, then respective unto whom he spoke, with an unreverend boldness (liberty obtained) seconded his embassage with the terms of an Herald, and with bended brows thus spoke to the King: Thinkest thou o King wrongfully to put down and destroy the most Christian, the most renowned, and the most excellent King of all Europe, both in blood and pre-eminence. or thinkest thou that our mighty Sovereign Charles hath offered thee lands, sums of money and possessions with his most beautiful daughter, either in fear of thee, of thy English Nation, or of all thy well-willers whomsoever? I tell thee no, but moved in pity as a lover of peace, and to save the shedding of christian blood, hath made thee these offers: & his cause being supported by equity and truth, God and his good Subjects he trusteth will set a period soon to thy quarrel. We therefore his Ambassadors demand thy safe conduct to pass out of thy Realm, and that thou wilt write thine answer, and send it under thy seal.  
(28) Henry no whit daunted with his big looks and words, answered the Archbishop with milder 
Holins●…  and better set terms; My Lord (said he) I little esteem of your gallant bravadoes, and less weigh your imagined power or French brags. I know my own right to your Region, and so do yourselves, unless you will deny a most apparent truth: the strength of your Master you daily see, but mine as yet you have not tasted, he (you say) hath many loving subjects and friends, and (God be thanked) I have both as well affected to me, with which, ere long I hope to make the highest crown in your Country to stoop, and the proudest Mitre to kneel down: And say to the Usurper your Master, that within this three months, I will enter France, not as into his land, but as into mine own lawful patrimony, intending to conquer it not with bragging words, nor flatte●…ing orations, but by power and dint of sword, through God's assistance in whom I trust: and I assure you I will not speak the word, the which I will not write and subscribe, nor will I subscribe to that to which I willingly will not set my seal. Therefore your safe conduct shall be dispatched, and mine answer in writing delivered, which once received you may depart into your Country, when I trust sooner to visit you, then that you shall have cause to bid me welcome.  
(29) The Statute enacted, the first of his reign he now put in execution, and commanded the French out of his land, according to that made the 13. of Richard 2. which disabled the Alien Religious to enjoy any Benefices within England, and now 
Ex P●…l. 1. H. 5.  fearing to nourish a snake in his bosom, King Henry forbade the French from all preferments Ecclesiastical, and those Prior's Aliens conventual, who had institution and induction, to put in security, not to disclose, or cause to be disclosed, the counsel nor secrets of the Realm: and that the French might hold his dealings honourable, and open, he sent Antelope his pursuivant at Arms, unto King Charles with letters of defiances: next making Queen joan his mother in Law the Regent of the land, he drew his forces unto Southampton, commanding his followers there to attend him in readiness by the feast of Saint john Baptist ensuing.  
(30) Charles the French King expecting present 
Alain 〈◊〉. in A●…ls of Brit.  invasion, sent his Ambassadors unto john the sixth Duke of Britain, who had married his daughter with an hundred thousand Crowns, to levy forces for his aid, and a jewel worth five thousand Crowns more to himself, which the Duke promised to come in person to perform. And as it is reported, King Charles sent to Scrope, Grey and Cambridge (all three in especial favour with the King) a million of 
An ancient Manuscript.  gold to betray Henry into his hands, or to murder him before he should arrive in Normandy. These to make their faction stronger, though Scroop was Lord Treasurer, Grey a Privy councillor, & Cambridge 
Ti●…. 〈◊〉.  the son of Edmund Duke of York, meant to draw in, Edmund Earl of March the son of Roger Mortimer, and lineally the heir unto Lionel Duke of Clarence, the next in succession for the house of York, and revealing their intended purpose, forced him to swear to their secrecy, which if he refused, 
〈◊〉 St●….  they threatened his death; whereupon he required but an hours respite, which hardly granted, he went to the King and revealed the conspiracy, even the night before the day that he meant to put to sea.  
(31) The parties apprehended and brought 
Holinsh.  before him in presence of many nobles, King Henry thus spoke; With what horror O Lord may any true English heart consider that you for pleasing of a foreign enemy, should imbrue your hands in our blood, as also in the blood of our brethren, to the ruin of your own native soil! revenge herein touching my person though I seek not; yet for the safeguard of you my dear friends, and for due preservation of the Realm, I am by place and office to minister remedy against these Offenders; Get you hence therefore you miserable wretches, to receive the just reward of your deserts, wherein God give you repentance for your so foul sins.  
(32) Notwithstanding this their offence, their indictment as it standeth in the Record, includes matter of other quality: that, Richard Earl of Cambridge 
●…o. St●…. Annal.  of Conesburgh in the County of York, and Thomas Grey of Heton in the County of Northumberland Knight, for that they in the twentieth of july and third of King Henry the fifts reign, at Southampton had conspired together with a power of men, to have lead away the Lord Edmund Earl of March into Wales, and to have procured him to take the Government of the Realm, in case that King Richard the second were dead; with a purpose to have put forth a Proclamation in the name of the said Earl as heir to the Crown, against King Henry by the name of Lancaster usurper, and further to have conveyed a Banner of the Arms of England, and a certain Crown of Spain set upon a Pallet (laid in gage to the said Earl of Cambridge) into Wales; As also that the said conspirators had appointed certain into Scotland, to bring thence one Trumpington, and another resembling in shape, favour, and countenance, King Richard. And Henry Scroop of Masham in the County of York was likewise indicted as consenting to the Premises. Thus well appeared their purpose, though Richard Earl of Cambridge, considering the possibility of his own issue had secretly carried that business: whose sorrowful letter of his own hand writing, as it came to ours, we think not amiss here to insert.  
Most dreadful and Sovereign Liege Lord, I Richard 
Li●…. Original.  York your humble subject, and very Leigeman, beseech you of grace, of all manner of offences which I have 〈◊〉 or assented unto, in any kind by stirring of other folk, egging me unto, wherein I wot well I have highly offended to your Highness, beseeching you at the reverence of God, that you like to take me into the hands of your merciful and piteous grace, thinking ye will of your 〈◊〉 goodness my Liege Lord: my full trust is, that you will hau●… consideration (though that my person be of none value,) your high goodness (where God hath set you in s●… high estate) to every Leigeman, that you longeth, plent 〈◊〉 to ●…ue; that you like to accept this my simple request for the love of our Lady, and the blessed holy Ghost, to whom I pray that they move your heart ever to all pity and grace for their high goodness. Notwithstanding this his humble petition upon the sixth of August following, he, with Scroop, and Grey, were beheaded, and his body with head interred in the Chapel of Gods-house in southhampton; whose apprehensions, arraignements, and deaths, were so followed each after others, as the French knew not, but that the treason had success, and their returned Ambassadors told it for certain, that King Henry had either dismissed his Army, or (which was thought more true) himself was slain by the Conspirators; so easy an entrance hath babbling report into the wide ears of credulous desire.  
(33 But King Henry now ready to embark 
Harding 1500. joh. Stow. 1600. Holinsh. 1000 Grafton. 140. Ould. Manuscr. 1500. Caxton. 1500.  his men, upon Wednesday the seventh of August with fifteen hundred Sail took to Seas, attended with six thousand spears, and twenty four thousand footmen besides Gunners, Engineers, Artificers and Labourers a great number, and the fifteenth of 
Nichol. Giles.  the same month cast Anchor in the mouth of Seyne, at a place called Kideaux, about three miles from Harflew, where he landed his men; and falling devoutly upon his knees, desired God's assistance to recover his right, making Proclamation upon pain of death, that Churches should be spared from all violence of spoil, that Churchmen, women and Children, should not be hurt, abused or wronged: then giving the order of Knighthood to many of his followers 
Titus Li●…l.  he assigned his Standards to men of most strength and courage, which done he took the hill near adjoining, and thence sent his espial to the Town of Harflew, making that the first assay of his fortunes in France. But before we enter any further discourse in the affairs of that Kingdom, it shall not be amiss to speak of things commenced in England before that King Henry took to the Seas.  
(34) The Churches throughout Christendom, 
〈◊〉 de yllesc●… Hist. P●…tif.  having been disquieted the space of twenty nine years, and now grown intolerable, through the schismatical ambitions, maintained by three Papal Monarches, mounted into Saint Peter's seat, each of them grasping the Chair with so fast a fist, that the joints thereof were forced asunder; and the triple Crown so battered with their thunderbolts of their curses that it was flatted and made unfit for any of their heads. The persons arreared were john 23. by the Italians elected; the second was Gregory 
Platina.  12. whom the French had set up; and the 3. was Benedict 13. preferred to the place by the Spamard. These striving for the helm, the ship was so steered, that her wrack was apparent upon these raging and unquiet Seas. To prevent which the Christian Princes put their helping hands, and by a general consent, ordained a general Council to be held at Constance in Germany, which began in February 1414 and continued above the space of three years; 
Nicol. 〈◊〉 in Theatr●…●…sal de Pr●….  whereunto were assembled besides the Emperor, the Pope and the Palsgra●…e of Rhine, four patriarchs, twenty seven Cardinals, forty seven Archbishops, 
Sebastian Munster.  one hundred and sixty Bishops, Princes, Barons and Gentlemen with their attendants above thirty thousand.  
(35) Unto this Council King Henry sent Richard 
Francis Goodwin upon the lives of the Bishop.  Clifford Bishop of London, Robert Halam Bishop of Salisbury, made Cardinal, and died at the same Council. john Keterich, Bishop of Coventree and Lichfield, Nicholas Bubwith Bishop of Bath and Wels. john Wakering, Bishop of Norwich, Robert Mascall, Bishop of Hereford, Stephen Patrington, Bishop of S. David's; the Abbot of Westminster, and Prior of Worcester, in company of whom, and for whose greater  
indifferent, the French gallant, fresh, and through vain hope of honour, already mounted above men 
The French glorious in show but the English conquerors.  of mean rank, the English weak, weary and sore starved, made no such show, and yet their courage no less than the other. The one spending the night before Battle, in Feasts, Triumphs, and other like 
Caxton. Chron.  sports, distributing their Captives, dividing their spoils, and decreeing none to be saved but the King, and his nobles; all others must die or be incurably maimed: the other trimming their arrows, sharpening their spears, buckling their armours, and refreshing their bodies for the next day; and besides other observances, by the light of the great 
The English discerned what was done in the French army. P. Aemil.  fires made in the French Camp, the English discerned what was therein done, and took the advantage of their order and ground.  
(51) The morning approached, the French took the field, thronging forward, who should be first to this most easy and certain victory (as they took it) their greatest strength consisting in horse. Against whose violence King Henry commanded two hundred strong bowmen to lodge in a low meadow, 
Alain B●…chant. ●…n les Annales de Bretag●…e.  where a deep ditch full of water might secure them from the horse, and the bushes cover them from sight. These having stakes prepared and shod with Iron at both ends, were appointed to stick them 
The stratagem with stakes.  slope-wise in the ground, yet so that they might be removed as occasion was ministered, to guard them from the danger of the horse: which policy accomplished, King Henry (whose hope was in God, and the goodness of his cause) about ten of the clock ranged 
Guil. Parradyn.  his English, against the French then in field: he disposed his host into three battles, placing his bowmen on both sides of the main.  
(52) The vanguard, consisting of Archers, was 
Tho. Walsing. The chief Leaders of each part of the English army.  led by Lord Edward, (his cozen) the Duke of York, & with him the Lords Beaumond, Willoughby, and Fanhope. In the main Battle all in complete and bright shining armour, the King road himself, his shield quartered with the royal achievements of England and France, upon his helmet he ware a Coronet, the circle whereof glittered with pearl and stones of an unestimable price: his horse of a fierce 
The noble ablliaments of King Henry in the main Battle.  courage carreird as he went, the bridle and furniture of Goldsmith's work, and the Caparisons most richly embroidered with the victorious Ensigns of the English Monarchy: Before him in gold and glorious colours the Royal Standard was borne, and many other banners in warlike order waved with the wind.  
(53) The French had framed their Battles into two sharp fronts, as intending with their points to 
Ti●… Liui●….  have run through the English squadrons; altogether relying upon their horsemen, and shining in bravery with an incredible excess. And surely the beauty and honourable horror of both the Armies, no heart can judge of, unless the eye had seen it, the Banners, Ensigns and Pennons streaming in the air, 
The admirable and glorious sight that both armies made.  the glistering of armours, the variety of colours, the motion of Plumes, the Forests of Lances, and the thickets of shorter weapons, made so great and goodly a show; but the silent expectation of the bloody blast was as the bullet ramd into the Canon, whose roaring voice is not so soon heard, as the stroke of death felt by the aimedat mark.  
(54) The Battles thus ranged a while stood 
10. Serres  still, and faced each other even in the face: The French (whether upon error like to that of Pompey's at the Battle of Pharsalia, where Caesar was victorious, or to draw the English farther-from their advantage of ground, is altogether unknown) but certain it is, that King Henry was resolved to open his way for Calais over the Enemy's bosom, or else to die: and 
King Henry seeketh to pass Calais.  thereupon with a cheerful countenance and words full of courage, he comforted his followers and said. My most faithful Companions and worthy soldiers, we now go into the field of honour, and to the work of manhood, which your great valours 
Tho. Walsing.  so long have expected and prayed for; lo the day is now come, and your work the noblest in the world; pour forth therefore your utmost forces, that ages may know what the lance, the Axe, the sword and the bow ca●…oe in the hand of the valiant: Whosoever therefore desires riches, honour, and rewards here he shall find them. Nimirum haec medio posuit Deus omnia Campo. When he had thus said, his army fell prostrate on the ground, and committed themselves unto God every man taking into his mouth a piece of earth, in remembrance of his own mortality, (being thereof made) or of the holy Communion whereof he was incorporated to be a partaker; and so resolved, arising, 
Stows Annal.  the King with cheerful countenance commanded his Standard to advance forward, saying, because our injurious enemies do attempt to shut up our way, let us upon them in the name of the most glorious Trinity, 
Tho. Wal.  and in the best hour of the wholeyeere.  
(55) The ranging of the Battle King Henry committed to an old experienced Knight called Sir 
Denis Sa●…age in Cron. Flan.  Thomas Erpingham: who with a warder in his hand lead the way, which when he saw time he threw up into the air, whereat the whole army gave a great shout; which done, he alighted from his horse, & came 
Enguerrant de Mon●…reles.  to the King, who was in his place on foot. The French beholding this Offer, kept still their own 
The English proffer Battle.  standing, which the English perceiving, made forward and came on, giving another shout, when immediately the Archers, laid in the meadow, darkened the air with a shower of sharp arrows, most fearful to the sight, but more deadly to be felt, and withal, 
Their Archers put the enemy to the greatest harm.  the English charged their Battle with an admirable Courage; the most of them for nimbleness being but half clothed, without hat, and barelegged. And such was their courage notwithstanding their wants, as he that ere while could scarcely bend his Bow, is 
Ypodig. Neust.  able now to draw his yard-long arrow to the very head, whose roving mark was the flank of the French, so rightly aimed at, and so strongly stuck on, that their sides were altogether larded with arrows, whereby the vanguard was instantly distressed, and disordered into such a confused press, as they were not able to use their weapons at any advantage. Their wings likewise assayed to charge the English; but Mounsieur de Lignie in the one not well seconded 
Enguerrant.  by his troops was forced back: and Guilliaum de Surreres 
The wings of the French battle discomfited.  charging home, in the other, was slain. The Battalions now broken, for safety fled to the Main, where they breed both fear and confusion by the unruliness of their wounded horses, so galled with arrows as they could not be governed.  
(56) The first troup of the French horse, were 
Tho. Walsing.  exquisitely appointed, whereon their riders much presumed, and meant to have burst through the Archers with a violent course, but they giving back left their sharp pointed stakes sticking, which till then were unseen; the French supposing the Archers had fled, came on with their horse upon the spur, and that in such heat, as the earth seemed to tremble 
The English Archers giving back the French horsemen spill themselves upon the sharp pointed stakes.  under their thundering feet, and being forced forward, without foresight of danger carried their proud Riders into the jaws of destruction: for falling by troops upon those goring stakes, they were miserably overthrown, and paunched to death. The tempests of arrows still whistling in the air sparkled fire in their falls from the helmets of the French, and with their steeled heads, rang many thousands their kneels that doleful day, who like to corn cut down with the sith, fell by whole plumps in that fatal field; the English still following the advantage: against whom Anthoine Duke of Brabant, hoping by his example to encourage others (followed 
Enguerrant de Monstrel.  with a few) turned head, and broke into the English Battle, wherein manfully fight he was slain.  
(57) With the like manhood Duke Alenzon 
Guil. Paradyn. in les Annals. de Burg.  a lusty French Lord, pressed into the Battalion where King Henry fought, and incountering Humphrey Duke of Gloucester the King's brother, both wounded and overthrew him, to whose rescue if Henry had not come, he had died more honourably than 
King Henry rescueth his brother the Duke of Gloucester.  afterward he did, for King Henry bestriding him, delivered his said brother from danger, and wan himself much honour by the deed. Alenzon then coped with King Henry in fight, and with his Axe cut a part of his Crown, which blow was so surely laid on, that therewith his helmet was battered unto 
Alenzon encountering King Henry putteth him in some danger.  his brow, but the Lion enraged, with redoubled strength, struck the French Gallant unto the ground, and slew two of his men that seconded their Master. The Duke thus down, cried to the King, I am Alenzon, whom Henry sought to have saved, and so had done, had not the deaf ears of revenge stopped all 
Rich. Grafton.  sound of life, against him, that so had endangered their Sovereign Lord.  
(58) The French Rearguard surprised with fear, at the disaster of the vanguard, and the main battle 
The French main battle put to flight.  fled, not striking one stroke (except some principal leaders and they not many) the English horsemen fetched a compass and wheeled about upon their backs, which no sooner was perceived, but that the tax of fight was ended, and the work of killing 
Pyd. Verg.  began; as by the words of Walsingham doth manifestly appear: The way (saith he) is at length made by fine force; the French did not so much give place, as fall dead to the earth: for when they saw those beaten indeed underfoot, whom they reputed invincible, their minds forthwith grew amazed, and such an iciefeare slided through their marrow, that they stood still like senseless Images, 
Walsinghams' description of the Frenches overthrow.  while our men wrested weapons out of their hands, and slew them therewith as beasts. Slaughter then had lost the stay of itself, and fight did follow no longer, but all the war was made at throats, which (as it were) offered themselves to be cut, neither can the English kill so many of the enemies, as may be killed. Thus therefore the whole glory of the French name is almost perished, by the hands of those few, wh●… immediately before they held in most extreme contempt. But the sword now made 
After some sharp execution the English show mercy to the French.  weary and drunk with blood, all danger past, and humanity retired, prisoners were taken, and lives spared, which hitherto was neglected, least mercy might have proved the destruction of themselves.  
(59) Whilst the King was thus busied, & the success 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.  of the battle in dispute, his carriages (but slenderly guarded) by the French were assailed, & all made spoil of, that was to be had. The Captains of this cowardly enterprise, were Robinet de Bourneville, Rifflant de Clumasse, and Isambert de Agincourt, with six 
Ypod. Neust.  hundred Peasants, who had turned their faces at the first brunt of Battle, as men of better practice to pilfer, 
Certain French rob the King's carriages.  then to purchase by manhood the spoils of the field. Where among other things they found a rich Crown and sword, which they bore away in triumph-wise, feigning that King Henry was taken, and as a prisoner followed their troops, the sight of certain 
They steal a Crown and a sword and feign that King Henry is taken prisoner. History of Normandy.  English prisoners by them taken and led away confirming the report more strongly in the beholder's conceit. But King Henry breathless, and in heat of blood, seeing certain new troops of the King of Sicils appear in the field, and the same strong enough to encounter with his weary men, fearing (as he had cause) that the Bourbon Battalion upon sight of fresh 
Pol. Verg.  succours would gather into a body, and again make head, considering withal how his men were overcharged with multitudes of Prisoners, who in number surmounted their Conquerors: that 
A new power of French appearing, King Henry causeth all his prisoners to be slain.  the charge would be double at once, to guard and to fight, and that the prisoners would be ready upon every advantage to take arms and free themselves from their takers: these and other necessities constraining, King Henry contrary to his wont generous nature, gave present commandment that 
Enguerrant.  every man should kill his Prisoner, which was immediately performed, certain principal men excepted. Which done, and falling again in Order, he sent his Heralds unto these troops assembled, commanding them forthwith to come unto Battle, or 
Ti●… Li●…  else to depart the field, either of which if they delayed, he threatened to revenge with their deaths, without any redemption or mercy; at which severe sentence their hearts were so daunted, that with shame and dishonour they departed the field. The base surprisal 
〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉.  of the King's carriages, (the only cause as some allege of the French prisoners death) was so ill digested by the French themselves, that the Duke of Burgundy imprisoned the Actors thereof, and was minded to have put them to death, had not his son 
The Duke of Burgundy impri●…oneth the robbers of King Henry's carriages but pardons their lives at Count Charolois request. Ypodig. Nest.  the Count of Charolois mediated for them, unto whom they presented King Henry's rich sword, the guards whereof was gold set with stones of great price.  
(60) The day almost spent in spending French blood, and evening approaching near the set of the Sun, the field cleared, and no enemy seen, the retreat was sounded, and all were assembled to give thanks unto God; which done, while his soldiers pillaged the dead, King Henry sent for Montioy herald 
King Henry acknowledgeth God the g●…uer of victory.  at arms in France, and for other heralds both English and French: unto whom he said, we have not of ourselves made this great slaughter, which the sword in our weak hands hath laid at our feet, but the Arm of God for the offences (no doubt) of the French hath doneit, 
God delivereth a nation into the hands of the destroyer for their sins.  whose blood let now rest upon their own heads, and we guiltless in following our right: and then demanding the name of the place, was answered, it was Azincourt, then said he, to all posterities following, this Battle shall be called the Battle of Azincourt. Thus dismissing the heralds, he returned to Maisconcelles, where he lodged the night before. The spoil was 
Enguer. de Monstreles.  great, and the pray rich in armours, jewels, and apparel, for which by the Country Peasants many (left as dead) were stripped stark naked, who afterward crept from the place, but most of them mortally wounded without relief, lay in great dolour and died in the ditches: so certain is the calamity of war, and uncertain the sword till it be quietly sheathed.  
(61) King Henry lost his cozen Edward Duke of York, and the Earl of Suffolk that day, besides some 
Nich. Gille. Latiers' volume de Cron. Franc.  others, the French writers say three or four hundred, yet Caxton will have them but twenty and six: and Paulus Aemilius addeth to the two slain Lords, two 
The small number of English slain. Tho. Walsing.  Knights and only ten private soldiers, without any more; unto whom an ancient manuscript addeth 
* Ex Manuscript.  David Gam an Esquire, and twenty eight private soldiers, affirming confidently, that no more of the English died that day.  
(62) A far larger role is writ of the French, slain at this Battle, yet divers and different among their own Authors, the true Catalogue as we cannot certainly set down, yet as we have many Collections we will deliver the same in part, and refer the rest to be seen upon the record: Only naming the Officers and Leaders in the same field either 
The names of great persons either slain or taken prisoners.  slain, or taken Prisoners, by this famous King Henry in this his triumphant and fortunate day.  

Charles D'Albert, high Constable of France.  
Geoffrey Bouciqualt Marshal of France.  
jaques Chastillon Admiral.  
Guiscard Dauphin of Arragon great Master of the King's Horse.  
Edward Duke of Bar.  
Anthoine D. of Brabant.  
Duke Alencon.  
Count Nevers.  
Count de Marle.  
Count de Vaudemont.  
Count de Blaumont.  
Count de Grandpre.  
Count de Roussie.  
Count de Farquembourg.  
Lewis de Bourbon. 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.   
Sig. de Preaux.  
Robert de bar.  
jehan de bar.   

Great Lords.  
Sig. de Croy.  
Sig. de hely.  
Sig. de Auxi.  
Sig. de Brime●…. 
Engu●….   
Sig. de Poix.  
Sig. de Louroy.  
Sig. de Rainevalt.  
Sig. de Longue●…all.  
Sig. de I●…che.  
Sig. de Neuf●…ille.  
Sig. de Dampierre.  
Sig. de More●…ill.  
Vidame de Amiens.  
Mes. Alain.  
Mes. de Saveses.  
Mes. de Mocont.  
Mes. de Poix.  
Mes. de Bethune.   
To be short, jehan Tillet saith, that there were ten 
jehan Tillet. Bertrand de Argentre. La. Mer: Nichol. Giles. Legend. Fland. Chron. Fran. 3. vol.  thousand slain, and almost as many more taken: and most of their own writers account the success of this Battle to be with the slaughter of four thousand Princes, Nobles, Knights, and Esquires: but the history of Normandy accounted eight thousand to be slain of that rank, whereof an hundred and twenty bare Banners: among whom died four Dukes, nine Earls, one 
* Of S●…. The number of Dukes, Earls, etc. slain.  Archbishop, and ten thousand common soldiers, as the heralds relation in that behalf hath reported.  
(27) Prisoners of account taken in this field, were Charles the Duke of Orleans, and john Duke of 
Denis S●…g.  Bourbon, Arthur Earl of Richmond, extremely wounded and left for dead, as he lay gasping among the slain, was by the English recovered and retained their Prisoner. Louis de Bourbon Cont de Vendosme was 
Bertrand de Arg●…re in hist: Bret.  there taken Captive, was Charles Earl of Eu, being carried into England, where he remained prisoner twenty three years. Others of great account were likewise 
jehan Tillet.  taken and put to ransom, as Edward de Roven, Oliver de la field, and jehan Giffart, with these and many 
Alain Bouchart Annal. de Bret.  more the next day King Henry marched to Callais, leaving the French to search for their wounded, that in ditches and bushes had made their heavy beds. 
Will. Parredin. Annal. de Burgoin.  In commiseration whereof, the Count Charrolois extre me pensive for the loss of his uncles, and other his friends, in charity came to the field; and caused the dead to be buried, the charge whereof he committed to the Abbot of Roussiannille and the Bailiff 
History of Normandy.  of Air, who enclosed a piece of ground with a deep ditch of two hundred and fifty yards square, fensing it with an hedge of thorns against the ravenings of dogs and wolves. Wherein were interred five hundred and eight thousand Christian carcases, in 
5800. slain French buried in one plat of ground.  regard whereof it was sanctified by the Bishop of Esguines, and made a Churchyard.  
(28) The Duke of Britain with his forces was come to Amiens within two days march of Azincourt 
Alain Bouchart Annal. de Bret.  to aid King Charles, but the French upon a conceived assurance of victory, would not stay his coming: who now hearing of the glorious day obtained by the English, dismissed his troops, and retired to his own Country, not meaning any more to intermeddle in the war between England and 
History of Normandy.  France. Now King Henry upon Saturday the 26. of October, being the next day after Battle, took his march towards Calais, but in passing the field wherein they had fought, he caused search for all the English, which he caused to be interred according to their estates. 
Stows Annal.  But the Bodies of his slain cozen the Duke of York, and of Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, he took away thence, carrying them both into England, and so passing to Guisnes with his Prisoners he entered Calais, whither, those left at Harflew resorted, 
Grafton.  to pay their ransoms to them assigned.  
(29) His host now refreshed and courage augmented, it was disputable in Counsel, whether the King should return again into France, to pursue his enterprise already begun, or else to embark for England. But the time of year spent, the winter wet, and the field Camps very much subject to fluxes, wherewith many of his soldiers were as yet infected, and more unhealed of their wounds; it was thought fittest to make for England, and the sooner, for that victuals became somewhat scarce in Calais. These things premised, King Henry upon the sixteenth day of November spread sails for England, 
King Henry returneth into England.  and in the passage was met with such storms, that his French Prisoners were in as great fear, as they 
He and his company in danger at S●…. Tho. Wal.  had been in danger at the Battle of Azincourt: but arrived at Dover and all dangers past, upon the three and twenty of November in triumph wise he made his entrance into London, four hundred Citizens 
The King is received o●… London with great state.  riding before him in red and white hoods, the gates and streets were garnished with Pageants, and the 
Caxton Chron.  Conduits plenteously pouring forth sweet wines. The religious men met him with procession, and fourteen mitred Bishops attended his approach unto Saint Paul's, where, out of the Censers the 
All sorts both Clergy and Laity show their affection to the King, and he to God.  sweet Odours filled the Church, and the Quire chanted Anthems cunningly set by note: in all which the honour was ascribed only unto God, the King so commanding it. And so far was he from the vain ostentation of men, that he would not admit his broken Crown, nor bruised armour to be borne before him in show, which are the usual Ensigns of warlike triumphs. The City presented him a thousand pound in gold, two golden basons worth five hundred 
Stows Annal.  pound more, which were received with all Princely thanks.  
(30) And now to do the last office of a soldier for those two noblemen slain at Azincourt, he willed the body of the Duke of York to be interred 
The Duke of York interred at Fotheringhay. The Earl of Suffolk at Ewhelme.  in his College at Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire, and the Earl of Suffolk at Ewhelme in Oxfordshire, commanding most of his Bishops and Abbots to celebrate the Exequys in London, whereunto likewise resorted his uncle Dorset the Governor of Harflew, whom for his good service done, he created Duke of Exeter, and gave him a thousand pound by year out of his own Exchequer: but in his absence some attempts were made by the French against the said Town, whereby he was enforced the sooner to return.  
(31) The calamities of these times by the stirred 
Gonzales de ylles●… in la Hist. Pontif.  schisms of the Church, and these bloody wars among Christian Princes, Sigismond the Emperor a man of great wisdom and integrity, much lamented at the Council of Constance, & as another Constantine solicited the three stiff stirring Popes unto unity, but failing of that purpose, from those far parts he traveled into France, and thence into England: seeking to make peace betwixt these two Western 
May 7. The Emperor Sigismond cometh into England.  Monarches, the better to withstand the common known enemy of Christendom the Turk. King Charles' he solicited first, finding him in words very forward, with many fair shows to embrace the motion, whereupon taking with him the Archbishop of Rheims as Ambassador from the French King, came unto Calais, where he was most honourably entertained by the Earl of Warwick, Deputy of the Town, and divers other Lords sent thither by King Henry to attend him, as also thirty of his tallest ships to waft him to Dover gallantly rigged and manned with a noble train. The Duke of Gloucester accompanied with many of the nobility, was appointed to receive him at Dover, where they attended his coming.  
(32) The Emperor arrived, and ready to take land, Gloucester and the other Lords with their drawn swords entered the water, and thus spoke to the Emperor, that if his Imperial Majesty intended to enter as their King's friend and a mediator for peace, 
The stern manner of entertaining the Emperor at his landing.  they would receive him with all willingness accordingly, but if as an Emperor to claim any authority in England, which was a free Kingdom, they were there ready to resist and impeach his entrance. Which rough demand being most mildly answered by Sigismond, he had present access, and by them was attended towards London. 
Well liked of by the Emperor.   
(33) This worthy Emperor, King Henry greatly respected, as well for his own worths, and the amity held ever with the house of Beam; as also for that he had married 
* Rich. Grafton  Barbara the daughter of the Earl of Zilie the King's cozen German removed. His entertainment was Princely, and 
* Paul Aemil.  charges altogether borne by King Henry, who the more to honour him at Windsor, solemnly installed him Knight of the Order of Saint George or Gartar, with a most sumptuous fest purposely prepared, at which the Emperor sat in his Collar and Robes; but not foreslowing the cause for which he came, he instantly urged the peace for France, wherein he was gently heard by the English King, but upon new displeasures 
The King willingly heareth the Emperor for a peace.  for some loss of men in the Territories of Roan, the motion at that time was dashed, and would not proceed, lest (as King Henry alleged) the French should suppose that a small loss had weakened his spirits: yet the Emperor continuing his intercession 
Enguerrant de M●…let. Upon an unexpected assault by the French the King st●…eth further talk of peace. A. D. 1415. March 14.  for peace, had brought it to that pass by his pithy persuasions, as had not the French at that very instant besieged Harflew both by Sea and land, it had been effected.  
(34) For not long before Thomas Earl of Dorset, having made a road into the County of Caux, was set upon by the Earl of Armigrace Constable of France with other strong men at Arms near unto Vademont, who so distressed the English, that Dorset took into a Garden for defence, and having had private conference there with the Constable, early before day, departed with the loss of 
* Nichol. giles Alain Chartier Secretary an Roy Charles 7.  four hundred men. Armigrace puffed up by his got victory, with his French powers followed the English in a hasty march toward Harflew, and upon the sands intercepted 
* Hist. of Normandy saith 800.  their passage, where betwixt them a cruel conflict was performed, with the overthrow of the French, and flight of the Constable, who retired to Monstrevillier for safety.  
(35) This his unlucky attempt he took greatly 
Rich. Grafton.  to heart, and therefore purposing to repurchase again his honour, he determined for Harflew, where he set 
Harflew besieged by the French both by land and sea.  down his land siege, before the English Garrison within, were well aware, when also the Viscount Narbon Vice-Admiral of France, with a Fleet of tall ships entered the haven, so that the Town was begirt on every side as we have said. King Henry hearing of these news, called home his Ambassadors, which 
Enguerrant de Monstrel.  were the Bishop of Norwich and Sir Thomas Erpingham in commission then at Beawois, and in conference for a Peace; and the Emperor well perceiving that the French played upon advantage, and that King Henry was not of temper to turn edge at their 
The Emperor out of hope to make atonement for France entereth league with England.  strokes, saw it vain to prosecute the peace for France further, and therefore sought to enter league with the English himself, unto the which King Henry was so willing as he confirmed the same upon these Articles following.  
(36) That the said Emperor & King, their heirs & successors 
* Titus Livi.  should be friends each to other as Allies and Confederates against all manner of persons of what estate or degree soever, the Church of Rome, and the Pope for the time being only excepted (for he was the Master Be that then lead the swarm.) 
The Pope might not be opposed.   
(37) That neither themselves, their heirs nor successors should be present in Counsel or other place, where either of them, their heirs or successors might sustain damage in lands, goods, honours, states or persons: and that if any of them should understand of loss or hindrance to be like to fall or happen to the others, they should impeach the same, or if that lay not in their powers, they should advertise the others thereof with all convenient speed. That either of them, their heirs and successors should advance the others honour and commodity without any fraud or deceit. That neither of them, nor their heirs or successors should permit their subjects to levy wars against the others. That it should be lawful and free for each of their subjects to pass into the others Country, and there to remain and make merchandise either by Sea or land, paying the Customs, gables, and duties due and accustomed according to the Laws, and Ordinances of the places, and Countries where they should traffic. That neither of the said Princes, nor their heirs, nor successors should receive any rebel, banished man, or traitor of the others willingly, but should cause every such person to avoid out of their Countries, Realms, dominions, and jurisdictions. That neither of the said Princes, their heirs nor Successors should begin any other wars against any other person, other than such as they had wars with at that present without the consent of the other his Confederate, except in defence of themselves, their Countries and subjects in case of invasion made upon them. That it should be lawful for the King of England to prosecute his wars against France for the recovery of his right, as should seem to him expedient, and for the Emperor, for the recovery of any part of his right retained by the French. Lastly, that either of them should assist other in recovery and Conquest of their rights, lands and dominions, withheld and kept from them, by him that calleth himself King of France, and others, the Princes and Barons of France. These conclusions and agreements bare date the 19 of October, in Anno 1416. In the mean while the French that had felt the hard hand of the English, and seeing that Henry had withdrawn his commissioners for peace, King Charles made a league with the states of Genova, requiring their aid against this dangerous enemy, who supplied him with six hundred 
Ag●…ino Giusti●…ano V●…scouo. di. 〈◊〉.  Crossbows, and eight tall ships of war, and as many galleys with munition and victuals. These wafting the Seas with many bravadoes, King Henry in person meant to have met with himself, but the Emperor dissuading his purpose, the charge of that Enterprise was committed to john Duke of Bedford, accompanyde with the Earls of March, Martial, 
Paul. Aemil●… Alain Char●…ey. Secretary.  Oxford, Warwick, Huntingdon, Arundel, Devonshire, and Salisbury; these falling upon the County of Narbon, a fierce encounter was begun, and long fought, till at length the victory fell to the English, so that the French Navy was most of them battered, 
French Navy ou●…rthrowne.  sunk and taken; amongst others three great Carricks of the Genoa were sent to England, with whom the bastard of Bourbon was brought away Prisoner; & the Viscount de Narbon, Le Sire de Mountain, and Le Sire de Berrar chased into Britain. This victory 
History of Normandy. La Mere des Histories.  obtained, the Duke passed forward to the Town of Harflew, and refreshed it with victuals without any impeachment; for Armagnac the Constable hearing how his Consorts had kept tune on the Seas, thought it not best to set to their note, lest his mean would not be heard, the base of this music sounding too deep, and therefore he put up his pipes, and got him to Paris. This service performed was so commended by the Emperor, as he openly 
The Emperor applaudeth the ●…city of England.  said, that Realm was happy that had such a King, but the King more happy that had such Subjects, and ever after held Bedford in a most special account.  
(38) His affairs now finished, and Princely entertainments 
He prepareth for Germany.  thankfully received, he prepares for his return toward Germany, and King Henry to do him the more honour would needs accompany him to his Town of Calais, whither after their arrivals the Duke of Burgogne repaired to do his homage unto the Emperor, which Burgogne some months 
Denis Savage Chro. de Fland.  before, had concluded a peace with the Earl of Warwick in the behalf of King Henry, for the Counties of Flaunders and Arthois. Henry therefore in hope of a further friendship with him, sent his brother the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of March unto Saint Omers to lie hostages with the County Charrolois, for Burgognes' passage and safe return, with whom he sent Warwick to conduct him to Calais.  
(39) His entertainment was honourable both by the Emperor and King, which as acceptably he 
The Duke of Burgundy doth homage to the Emperor and taketh a truce with K. Henry.  received, and unto Sigismond performed his homage, and with Henry renewed the truce for the time of two years, both which were so distastive to the French stomachs, that the Emperor is taxed, he came not with an intent to work the good of France, but rather 
joh. Serres in 〈◊〉 Charles 6.  to augment her miseries by animating Burgundy to bandy against Orleans: and that King Henry was puffed with an humour of pride, his affairs so prosperous against a weak King. But this business ended, Burgundy returned to graveling, Henry into England, and the Emperor toward Germany, being wasted into the low Countries with the Kings Fleet●…  
13. That none of the Captains nor Soldiers, nor 
That no person should forsake the Town, for being true to K. Henry they should be safe.  any Burgess should forsake the Town, until the second of january next: and his majesty of his grace and mercy, was pleased that all such as would remain in Fallais, should remain there in safety both in body and goods, so as they would be true subjects unto him. 14. That none of the defendants of the Castle 
Neither person nor goods of the Castles to be received into the Town. During the truce no assault to be made on the Town. 12. Knights and Esquires to be hostage to King Henry.  should be received into the Town, nor their goods secretly kept by the Inhabitants under any pretence or Colour whatsoever. 15. That during the treaty no assault or offence should be offered by the king's army, to the Town or to the Inhabitants, so as they do not aid, assist or relieve the defendants in the castles. 1. That for the true performance of the Articles twelve knights & Squires should be delivered hostage to the King, and to be set at liberty when the Covenants above mentioned were fulfilled These things concluded and subscribed with their 
A. D. 1417.  names and seals, the 20. of December; upon the second of january no succours appearing, the town of 
Fallais yielded to the King.  Fallais was accordingly delivered, but the Castle standing obstinate, the king was as diligent, till the defendants failing in their spirits, the first day of February demanded a Parley. Whereunto Henry consented making Clarence his brother his sole Commissioner. 
The Articles agreed upon.  The Articles accorded for the most part were as the former, whereto were added these which ensue. 
That if they were not succoured by the French power, to surrender.   
(51) That upon the 16. of the said month of February, if the King in person, the Dolphin his son, or the Earl of Armagnac Constable of France, 
That they should trust to the kings royal promise, Geffrey Chasteaux excepted.  did not with force raise the siege, than Sir Oliver de Mauny Knight, governor of the said Castle, should render the same unto King Henry. 2 That the said Governor and all other within the Castle should at the day assigned submit themselves to the King, and remain his prisoners, trusting to his majesties royal promise not to receive offence either in life or goods: (Geoffrey Chasteaux only excepted) who was 
That the governor should repair the walls.  left simply to the King's mercy. 3. That after the rendering of the said Castle Sir Oliver de Mauny the Governor, should at his own charges repair all the breaches and ruins made in the walls during the siege, and leave it in the same sort as it was before 
8. Gentlemen to be hostages. The Castle repaired, the Governor should▪ be ●…et at liberty.  the same was besieged. 4. That for the performance of these Articles, eight Gentlemen should remain Hostages with the King. 5. That when the Castle was prepared, Sir Oliver Mauny, and all his Company should be set at liberty, and until then to remain the King's Prisoners, Geoffrey de Chasteaux above mentioned only excepted. These agreements concluded, the Indenture subscribed, and king Henry's seal of Arms thereunto fixed, at the 
* Febru. 16.  prefixed day according to these Articles the Castle of Fallais was rendered unto him: which done, he divided his Army into many parts, vnde●… the several conducts of the Dukes of Clarence, and Gloucester, and 
The City of Roan besieged.  the Earl of Warwick: who won divers Castles, himself the while marching to besiege Roven, where he set down his siege, and began the assault in a furious manner: the defendants as obstinately bend to hold him out: so that to win the Town by force, Henry found it very difficult, aswell for the 
Polyd. Verg.  strength of Bulwarks and Ramparts as for the number of hands within it, to make resistance, and therefore to reduce them by famine was his only design. 
Enguerrant de Monstre●….   
(52) For Burgogne from King Charles had sent many worthy Captains with a thousand selected 
15000. Citizens well trained within Roan.  Soldiers to defend the City, and within it beside were fifteen thousand Citizens well trained and furnished: and the Town stored with victuals for ten months' continuance; notwithstanding K. Henry quartered about the Town, and for his safety 
The River Seine blocked up with Iron-Chaines.  cast up a Trench betwixt the walls and his men: the River Seine he blocked up with three Iron-Chaines, one of them laid two foot above water, another with the level, and the third two foot under the water, to forbid all relief unto the City by Boats.  
(53) With the English, sixteen hundred Irish Kerns were enroled, from the Prior of Kilmainham, 
Caxton. Chron.  able men, but almost naked, their arms, were targets, darts, and sword, their horses little, and bore no saddle, yet very nimble, on which upon every advantage they played with the French, in spoiling the Country, rifeling the houses, and carrying away children, with their baggage, upon their cows backs. 
Denis Savage. Roan besieged six months.  Thus from june unto December the siege had continued, and now victuals failing, and the Town in distress, the Rovennois sent four gentlemen, and as many Burgesses, unto King Charles, and the Burgogne 
50000. quite famished and 12000. almost starved put out of the Town.  (then at Beawois) to signify their miseries; fifty thousand already famished with hunger, and twelve thousand starvelings put out of the Town, but not suffered to pass by the English, died by multitudes in the ditches, whose unburied Carcases did infect the Town with contagious diseases, so that without present relief they must be enforced to render.  
(54) Aid was promised, and earnestly expected, 
The Lady Katherine's picture sent to King Henry to move him to pity Roan.  but in steed of supplies, the Bishop of Beawois accompanied with others, and the Cardinal or Vrsins sent from Pope Martin, were dispatched to King Henry, to entreat a peace; for the better accomplishing thereof, they brought with them the picture of the Lady Catherine, according to life, which King 
john Serres  Henry well liked, yea and (as Serres saith) fell in love with: but demanding a hundred thousand Crowns with the duchies of Normandy, Aquitain, Anjou, and other Seignories for her dowry, nothing was concluded 
Denis Savage.  or done.  
(55) And now the Rovennois helpless of succour, 
Enguerrant.  and despairing of peace, resolved to make a brave sally upon the king's quarter: to perform which resolution, 10000 chosen men with their leaders issued out of the Town, the vanguard (which was 2000) being 
Ten thousand of Roan sally forth upon King Henry, and are overthrown.  past and in fight, by misfortune the drawbridge with over-weight of men broke, many were drowned, slain and hurt: neither was there any more passage that way, to relieve their followers engaged in fight with the English; whereupon they made haste to the other Gates: but before they could come to give aid, the vanguard was broken, and most of them slain, and taken Prisoners. Upon this disaster the soldiers within mutined against Guy de Boutellier their General, murmuring that he had contrived the breaking of the bridge.  
(56) In these distastures King Charles returning towards Paris, sent the besieged word to make what 
King Charles sendeth no succour.  shift they could, which unexpected message stroke a sad fear into the miserable defendants hearts, who weak in men and victuals, knew no way to subsist, and thereupon in Counsel concluded to send unto Henry, which presently they did. For whose entertainment, he caused two tents to be set up at Port S. Hilary. Their Commissioners were two gentlemen, 
The Rovennois desire a parley.  two Clergymen, and two Burgesses of the Town. Commissioners for the King were the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Warwick: the demands of the Rovennois were many, but their answers were short; that no conditions would be accepted, but simply yielding to the king's mercy; whereupon the conference broke up, and these returned 
They return unsatisfied.  into the Town, bred sundry distractions, some crying to yield, and other some crying to die like men, but Henry desirous to be Master of the Town, and fearing it would be fired by themselves, if he won it by force, made the Archbishop of Canterbury his Instrument, whose vocation was fit for it, to call again 
The Articles of the composition of Roan. Denis Savage. Chron. de Flaunders. King Henry requireth 356000. Crowns. Enguerrant de Monstrel. Two principal persons to be left to his mercy. All to swear fealty to King Henry.  the Commissioners, and again fell into treaty of Composition, which lastly was agreed, upon these Articles as follow. 1. That the Burgesses should give unto Henry towards his expense in the siege, three hundred fifty six thousand Crowns of gold. 2. That Robert Li●…et vicar general to the Archbishop of Roven, jehan jourdan who commanded the canoneers, and allen Blanchart Captain of the Common people, should be left to his mercy without condition. 3. That all the people should swear faith and loyalty to Henry and his Successors. 4 That Henry should protect and defend them against all 
That their privileges should be confirmed to them. That who so would, might depart, but their goods should be forfeit. The soldiers to resign up their arms and de●… part, promising a twelve months' truce.  men, and confirm unto them their privileges, franchises, and liberties, which they had enjoyed ever since the time of Saint Lewis king of France. 5. That all such as had desire to leave the Town, might freely depart, with his garments upon his back only, and his goods to be confiscated unto King Henry. 6. That the soldiers should bring all their Arms to a place assigned, and should depart out of the Town unarmed with a Cudgel in their hands, first taking their Oath not to bear Arms against Henry; for a twelve month next ensuing.  
(57) This agreement was concluded the 16 of june Anno 1418. when as the hungry Citizens in multitudes came to the English Camp to buy victu 
The hungry Citizens plentifully relieved from Henry's camp.  als, which so abounded with Provisions, as a fat mutton was sold for six souses of Paris money. Upon the next day following, Henry triumphantly 
A fat mutton sold for 6. souses. King Henry royally entereth the City.  made his entry into Roven; the ecclesiastics of the Town, in their mitres and vestures, with their relics, singing of Hymns, conducted him to the Cathedral Church, where before the high Altar, upon his knees, he gave thanks to God for the Conquest of this Town, which had remained two hundred and fifteen years in the possession of the 
Roven 15. years before the now winning of it, was won by K. Philip from King john of England.  French, even from the time when Philip King of France won it from king john of England. The day following, Alain Blanchart the Captain of the common people was beheaded, Robert Linnet, and jehan jourdan, put to their high ransoms, the French Garrisons pillaged, unarmed, and put out of the Town, but safely were conducted over Saint Georges-bridge to go whither they would. Guy de Boutellier, who was Captain general of Roven, became King Henry's leigeman, unto whom he gave all his lands, and a charge under the Duke of Gloucester. Immediately after the rendering of Roven, sundry other places of 
Many Towns yield after the sorrender of Roven.  note yielded themselves, as Caudebec, Monstrevillier, deep, Feschamp, Arques, Neufchastell, Deincourt, Eu, Moncheaux, Vernon, Mante, Gorney, Harflewr, Ponteur-de-Mer, Mollineaux, le Treict, Tancaruille, Abrechier, Mauleurier, Valemont, Neufuille, Bellaucombre, Fontaines, Le Bower, Preaux, Nougonder-uille, Logempree, Saint german, Sur Cuylly, Baudemont, Bray, Villeterre, Charles-Maisnill, Les Bowls Guillen court, Fanifontaines, Le Becque Crepin, Backeville, and divers other places wherein Henry placed his Garrisons. France generally troubled, and trembling at the loss especially of Roven, Henry ready to pierce forward, and Charles declining through his infirmities increasing; the Duke of Burgogne (who bore all the sway under 
Burgogne endeavoureth to make a peace between Charles and Henry.  that infirm King, and therefore much hated by the Dauphin, whose revenge he feared,) much doubting Henry's rising fortunes, held it best to uphold his own greatness, by mediating a peace betwixt the two Kings. For which end he sent his Ambassadors to 
Polyd. Verg.  Henry, praying personal Conference; to which he assented and assigned the place, which was at Melun, where in a field well trenched, and ramparted with 
The place of treaty was at Melun.  strong Gates, two pavilions were arreard, the one for the Kings to repose themselves in, and the other for their counsel to consult in.  
(58) Charles, Isabella, Burgogne, and Katherine, the Count Saint Paul, with a thousand horse guarding them 
The French states came first.  thither, came first. King Henry with his brothers of Clarence and Gloucester, attended upon with a thousand horse, held the appointment; and now met, the two Kings embraced each others; Henry kissed Isabella 
Henry meeteth with a thousand horse.  and Katherine, who indeed became a precious pearl in his eye: Burgogne a little bending his knee, did his reverence to Henry, who took him in his Arms: and the two nations though mortal enemies, demeaned themselves so civilly, as no cause of quarrel was offered on either side, much conference passed, but nothing concluded; Henry's demands 
Their followers on both parts though enemies demean themselves civilly.  seeming to the French to be so unreasonable. The treaty thus dissolved, and all ready to depart, King Henry not well pleased, spoke thus unto Burgogne, cozen, I may not well digest this refusal, but be you assured, that either I will have your King's daughter, and all 
King Henry dis plea●…d at their retu●…all. The Duke's reply.  my demands, or else I will banish both you, and the cut of France. You speak your pleasure said the Duke, but before you shall thrust the King, them, and me, out of the Realm, you will be weary of the enterprise.  
(59) The treaty thus broke, and danger nothing less, the Burgundian altogether French; and in heart 
Burgogne sideth with the ●…ulphin who after ward slew him.  no friend to the English, reconciled himself unto the Dauphin, which deed was soon after the cause of his own death; and Henry displeased with this combination, quickened his thoughts (full of revenge) to prosecute the war more sharply than heretofore: the first enterprise he made, was upon Ponthois, unto 
Ponthois besieged.  which Town the last day of julie he sent three thousand foot, which before the break of day, and not discovered by the Sentinels, set their Ladders to the Walls, mounted up, crying Saint George, and so opening a Port let in their Companions. The Signeur 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.  de L' Isle-Adam Marshal of France and Governor of the Town, affrighted at the surprise, fled out at another Port towards Paris, after whose exam ple above ten thousand Inhabitants did the like, so as the English without resistance were Masters of the Town, where in great riches fell to the soldiers 
The soldiers got great riches in the Town.  shares. When King Charles at Paris heard of the loss of Ponthois, in great fear with his wife, daughter, Burgundy, and many noblemen, to be further from the fire so near at hand, went unto Troy's in-Champagne, leaving Paris under the Government of 
King Charles upon the lo●…e o●… Po●… th●… flieth from Paris.  the Count Saint Paul, and Eustach de Lactre Chancellor of France, whilst Henry went forward with his intended enterprises.  
(60) For his brother of Clarence by three weeks siege won the Castle Gizors by composition, the 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.  Earl of Huntingdon sacked Preaux, burnt Bretuiell, Clermont, and the Castle of ●…endueil, and Henry himself besieged the Castle of Guillart, and Rochguien, two of the strongest holds in Normandy; which upon 
Guillart and Rochguien two of the best Forts in Normandy.  compositions were surrendered, and further prevailed more than the French wished. For the Dauphin, the only man that stood for the public defence of France, was miserably poor, and for want of pay could make no great show of followers in the field, whose chief Counsellor was the Constable Armagnac an old crafty fox, that had ever sided with Orleans 
A cunning plot of the Constable Armagnac.  against the Burgundian. And now fearing lest his own esteem should be lessened, or that Burgundy should be the Archite to cross him the wise Achitophel, 
2. Sam. 17.  or rather indeed thrust forward by destiny to be the scourge and fall of France, he counseled the young Dauphin to seize upon his mother's money, jewels and plate, for his further supply to the public 
Queen Isabella robbed of her jewels and plate.  use, (which immediately he did) to advance the estate: but Queen Isabella impatient of these wrongs received, in a womanish spleen studies the revenge, wholly neglecting the common cause, which gave the English surer footing in France: but the Dauphin to make good what he had done, leads the King in 
The Dauphin draws the King to suspect Queen Isabell.  jealousy that the Queen's designs were dangerous, and altogether set for the alienation of the Crown, which he weak man, no sooner heard then believed, being ever ready to take her at the worst and never overgone in her love at the best.  
(61) These sparks of sedition thus blown in the Court, suspicions increasing, and maligners 
A●…ls of Burgundy.  still working, Queen Isabella with her sister in law, the Duchess of Bavier were sent prisoners to Blois, and from thence to Eours where they were kept with 
Queen Isabel and her sister imprisoned.  straight guard, three Gentlemen in Commission to take care of their safeties: till than her favours had gone with Orleans, and with him had contested ever against Burgogne, but now to quit her imprisonment, she reconciled herself unto him, and solicited his 
She soliciteth Burgogne for her deliverance.  assistance for her deliverance. Burgogne well perceiving how much it would advance his part, to draw the Queen to be of his faction, broke up his siege then laid before Corbeill, and with certain choice troops repaired toward Trours, from whence immediately 
Burgogne sendeth to the Queen.  he sent the Queen word of his coming. She feigning devotion to the Abbey of Marmonstier seated somewhat without the Town, made it known to her keepers, and they not daring to contradict so great a Princess, mistrusting no danger, attended her thitherward with a competent guard as they supposed, where Fosseux and Vergie two especial men in the Duke's trust, were laid in the Ambush near unto 
The manner of her escape from her keepers.  the Abbey, and having notice the Queen was come to Church, came to salute her, and to signify that the Burgogne was in person to attend her service. Her keepers conceiving their seconds were not far off, as men dismayed, told the Queen of some fear, & that an enemy was near at hand; whereunto she answered, I am not ignorant who they are, and thereupon commanded to apprehend those her keepers; her liberty thus got she became wholly for Burgogne, and 
She is made Regent of France.  by his means was made the Regent of France, and her picture stamped upon the Seal of that State.  
(42) By birth she was a German, and daughter to Stephen Duke of Bavier, of an imperious spirit, and unreconcilable envy, not overmuch beloved of her husband, and (as the nature of most women are) not overmuch favouring his favourites, whose female authority and hatred against her own son Dauphin Charles, sore bruised the Crown, which her weak husband ware: his foregone infirmities and 
10. Serres The causes why the French were the easier conquered by king Henry.  her new sprung Regency, were now as two floodgates set open to let in the deluge of France, hers is to be spoken of in the intercourse of the English; his, many times hath been, but not made known how it came: therefore a while in that subject, before we pass forward in this place, let us read what others have writ.  
(43) This Charles the sixth, and sicke-braind King of France was the son of King Charles surnamed the 
Eccles. 2. 19  wise, who with Solomon his wiser might have demanded this question; who can tell whether his son shallbe a wiseman or a fool? for the flower of his youth and commendable dispositions of his middle age promised great hopes of a valiant, moderate and most happy Prince, only inclined to choler and revenge, as by the occasion of his lunacy is easily seen, which chanced on this manner.  
(44) Peter Craon a Courtier, his minion, and an inward 
The occasion of King Charles distemper.  favourite of the Duke of Orleans the King's brother, blabbed out some secrecy of the said Duke's amorous passions upon a wanton Lady, unto his Duchess Valentine; who but lately married, and so soon deceived of bed, took the wrong no less than it was, nor letted she (as who can let a woman to speak) to 
Orleans newly married is in love with another.  tell him his faults on both sides of his head, the Duke could not hide what she too well knew, and therefore sought to satisfy her with compliments of kind words, but the Curtaine-sermons nightly enlarged upon the same text, made him many times to lie awake with little devotion (God wot) to hear, and often to rise when he would feign have slept, which caused him lastly to complain to the King that Craon had, and would betray their overmuch trust. The cause no more, but yet too much against a Prince, Craon with all disgrace was discharged the 
C●… dismissed the Court for telling the Duchess of the incontinency of her husband.  Court, who not able to brook such an open indignity, assaulted Cliston the Constable in a murdering manner, as the only man (as he thought) that wrought his disgrace, and escaping Paris, fled into Britain whose Duke was his kinsman, and an enemy to the Constable.  
(45) King Charles transported with choler of this double offence, minds to draw Craon by force 
King Charles pursueth Craon into Britain.  out of Britain to justify himself, whom the Council had declared guilty of high Treason, and enemy to the Crown of France, and resolves in person to enterinto Britain: forthwith the expedition for men and manner of proceeding made Charles to lose both meat and sleep, so as the vexation of mind and distemperature of body, carried apparent shows in his face: in so much that the Dukes of Berry and Burgogne mistrusting the worst, counseled that his journey might be stayed; his Physicians dissuade him in regard of his health, the summer extreme hot, and 
Notwithstanding his sickness he continueth his journey.  his blood as then over subject to dangerous fevers. New devices were wrought to stay him at home, giving it forth that Craon was fled Britain, and in Arragon was imprisoned by the Queen. All this notwithstanding, needs would he forward, so forward is man when his fate will so have it.  
(46) He departed Meaux in julie: the year very hot, his head covered with a great Cap of scarlet, his body wrapped in a thick velvet jerkin warm enough for winter, his mind distempered with choler, grief, and despite, and his body wearied with watching, distasture, and want of rest. Thus entering the forest of Meaux about noontide, a man bareheaded, 
Charles in the forest, at Noonday seeth an apparition.  and bare legged attired in a Coat of white rug, stepped suddenly forth from betwixt two trees, and caught hold of his bridle, stayed his horse, saying; King ride no further but return back, for thou art betrayed. Charles whose spirits were otherwise dulled, and his blood greatly distempered, was amazed at the voice: which seen, his servants ran to this man, and with blows forced him to leave the reins of the horse: and so without any further search the man vanished away.  
(47) The troops of his nobles divided because of the dust, King Charles was followed by the Pages of his Chamber, who overcharged with heat and distemperature, took no great pains to guide their horse, so that thronging together, he which bore the King's Lance, let it fall upon him, who had on his head 
His followers thronging confusedly to help do distemper him the more.  the King's helmet, and in the falling made a clattering noise. The King much musing upon the words spoken, and now withal hearing this unexpected noise, was from a pensive melancholy suddenly struck into a raging Lunacy, supposing himself to be betrayed indeed: and transported with this frenzy he draws his sword, and made towards his Pages with a main cry: his brother Orleans not knowing the cause, hasted among them, whom Charles likewise pursued, and with the like rage ran at his uncle of Burgogne, thus spending himself and his horse out of breath, all encompassed the still raging man, 
He runneth distractively at every one with his sword.  took from him his sword, disrobed him for heat, and cheered him with flatter and fair spoken words, his brother and uncles saluted him, but he knows them not, sits mute, sighing and panting, and with troubled amazement moves both body and head, so that all signs of Frenzy appeared in this poor Prince, and the eminent misery that was to fall upon France very apparent to the inseeing Statists: but now to proceed.  
(48) john Duke of Burgogne ill digesting the threats that King Henry had given, and joined in league with the Dauphin, as we have said: was notwithstanding 
john Duke of Burgogne suspected of the State.  suspected to be a great enemy to the State, and as the Giants are feign to heap mountain upon mountain, for steps of assent to pull jupiter out of his throne, so by sinister Counsellors Burgogne was accused of some intended stratagem, as meaning to mount the Chair where the Dauphin should sit: Charles therefore from Monstrean-Surfault yonne a Town in Brie, sent for the Duke unto 
Charles the Dauphin seeketh his removal.  Troy's in Champagne to confer further upon the effecting of their affected accord, as also to employ their united forces upon the common enemy the English, a third cause likewise was alleged, and that was to have him his means for a reconciliation to his mother the Regent, whose wrath, besides him, no man could pacify.  
(49) The Duke mistrusting no snake in the 
john Serres.  grass, thought all things as sure as they were fair in show. and accompanied with many noblemen, five hundred horse, and two hundred Archers, he repaired to Monstreau, at whose Gate the Dauphin had built 2. Barricadoes, & himself in arms stood there to receive the Duke, Burgogne approached, kneeled down upon one knee, and with an honourable reverence 
Burgogne repairing to the Dauphin, is charged with breach of promise.  saluted him most humbly, the Dauphin neglecting all courtesies to himward, charge●… him with breach of promise, for that the civil wars and his garrisons were not surceased and withdrawn, the Duke's sword hanging too far back, and somewhat troubling his kneeling, he put his hand upon the hilt, to put it more forward, whereat Robert de Loire standing by, said, do you draw your sword against the Lord Dauphin? at which words Tanneguy 
He is slain by Tanneguy de Chastel and others.  de castle with a battle-axe struck him on the face and cut off his Chin, and others with other wounds made an end of his life, before he could arise from his knee or get out his sword.  
(50) Queen Isabella another cruel Medea and 
Queen Isabel incites his son, to revenge it, and moves Charles to disinherit the Dauphin and adopt King Henry.  unnatural mother, having a double offence done her, redoubled her wrath and continued her tragic passions against her son the young Dauphin, who not only incites Philip now the new Duke of Burgogne to revenge his murdered father's death, but torments her poor husband's spirits, in persuading him to disherit Charles their son, and to give in marriage Lady Katherine unto King Henry, who now had set his foot far into France. Duke Philip for his 
Guil. Parradyn.  part ready for revenge, sent the Bishop of Arras with other his Ambassadors unto Roven to King Henry to entreat a peace, and again not many days after their return sent back the said Bishop, whose message was so pleasing, that Henry sent the Bishop of Rochester, the Earl of Warwick and Given unto Arras, who were as welcome unto Duke Philip; so that betwixt Roven and Arras messengers continually passed till a peace was concluded; which was proclaimed to 
A peace concluded between K. Henry, K. Charles, and the new Duke of Bu●…gogne:  continue from that day (than about the feast of the Epiphany) unto mid-March ensuing, betwixt King Henry, King Charles, and Philip Duke of Burgogne.  
(51) King Henry thus far gone in his affairs for that Crown, sent his Ambassadors unto the new made Pope Martin the first, such was the fate of Rome's Apostolical fathers in those fair Sunshine and Golden days, that the greatest Monarch was but a vassal to attend upon their stirrup & their Crowns subject to be spurned off, with their feet. Henry therefore minding to stop the violence of these narrow Seas, and to make the stream mild betwixt his two Realms, had now none to let, but only him that was all in all, and bore an Oar in every man's boat: and therefore from King Charles, Burgogne, 
King Henry solicits the Pope to confirm him King of France.  and himself, his Ambassadors solicited his fatherly consent, to admit him his most Christian son of France, and to give his holy blessing for the confirmation of the marriage, and peace concluded betwixt those two famous Princes. King Henry's right to the French Crown they plainly laid forth, what calamities France had felt in their resistance, 
The Calamities of France for withstanding the right of the English.  Agincourt, Normandy and Aquitaine (as they showed him) were most lamentable witnesses, and the hold that the Lion had got (at that day) of the Flower de Luce, was not to be wrested out of his fast grasped paws. But his dull ear was deaf hereunto, answering that this peace was prejudicial to 
La legend des Flamens.  the right of Charles the Dauphin, and therefore he denied to confirm it. 
The Pope stood for the Dauphin.   
(52) But with what quill these wines were vented from the settled Lees for the Dauphin, unless it was the golden vice, (a powerful key indeed to unlock the Pope's silent lips,) I know not; most true it 
Alain Chartier. Enguerrant de Monstrel.  is, the conditions went forward, and the place for the confirmation of covenants was Troy's in Champagne, where King Charles, and his Queen then lay, and whither Burgogne, Guien, the Lord Rosse, and others attended with five hundred horse, were sent Ambassadors 
Ambassadors from King Henry  from Henry. In their way they besieged (and after fifteen days wan) the Town of Crespie that held for the Dauphin, demolished the Castle, razed the walls, and departed upon composition.  
These coming to Troy's were honourably received, 
History of Normandy.  and lovingly concluded on a final peace, where Lady Katherine was attended as the Englsh Queen, 
Lady Katherine attended as Queen of England. Henry goeth in person to Troy's.  and some left to guard her by King Henry's command. His Ambassadors returned, and affection inflamed, himself attended with the Dukes of Clarence, and Gloucester his brethren, the Duke of Excester, the Earls of Warwick, Huntingdon, Salisbury, Guienne and many other nobles, (his guard consisting of sixteen hundred Lances and Archers) departed from Roven to Ponthois, to S. Denis, and from thence into Provins, where he was met near unto Troy's by the Duke of Burgundy and many other French Lords, and with all Princess attendance was conducted into the Town. The joy was great with which he was received, especially of the King, the Queen and Lady Katherine, whom he found in S. ●…eters Church expepecting 
History of Normandy.  his coming, where forthwith he and the Lady was affianced; and falling effsoones into conference of the conditions of amity, these were consented unto by the French and King Henry.  
1. That K. Henry should take Lady Katherine to wife.  
2. That Charles & Isabel should retain the name of King and Queen, and should hold all their dignities, 
The Articles agreed upon betwixt the two kings.  rents, and possessions belonging to the Crown of France, during their natural lives.  
3. That the Lady Katherine should have her Dowry in England as Queens heretofore were wont to have, 
Queen Katherine's Dowry.  that is to say, the sum of forty thousand sceutes, that is, two to a noble.  
4. That the same sum of forty thousand sceutes yearly, shall be confirmed unto Queen Katherine by our laws, according to our usual rights, at the time of our death.  
5. That the said Lady Katherine so overliving us, from the time of our death, shall have for her Dowry in the Kingdom of France, the sum of twenty thousand francs yearly, out of the lands, places, and Lordships that Blanche sometime wife to Philip Beavisall held and enjoyed.  
6. That after the death of Charles our said father, 
The Crown of France entailed to England.  the Crown and Realm of France shall with all rights and appurtenances remain unto us, & to our heirs for evermore.  
7. And for as much as our said father is infirm by reason of sickness, and may not intend in his own person to dispose of the affairs of the Realm, therefore during the life of our said father the faculties and exercise of the government, and disposition 
The government of France assigned to King Henry.  of the public utility of the Realm of France shall be, and abide to us, so that thence forth we may govern the Realm, and admit to our Council and assistance to the Council of France such of the English Nobility as we shall think meet.  
8. That also we of our own power shall cause the Court of France to be kept and observed in as full authority, and in all manner of places, that now or in time coming, is, or shall be subject to our said father.  
9 Also that we to our powers shall defend and help all, and every of the Peers, Nobles, Cities, Towns, Cominalties and singular persons, now or in time to come, subjects to our father, in their rights, Customs, privileges, freedoms, franchises, belonging, or due unto them in all manner of places, now or in time coming subject to our father.  
10. Also that we shall to our power travel truly, & diligently, to see that justice be administered in the same Realm of France according to their laws, Customs, and rights of the same Realm without personal acception; and that we shall keep and hold the Subjects of the said Realm in tranquillity and peace to our power, and shall defend them against all manner of violence and oppression.  
11. Also that we to our power shall provide that able and profitable persons shall execute the offices aswell of justices and other offices belonging to the governance of the domains of the Realm of France for the good and peaceable justice of the same, and for the administration that shall be committed unto them.  
12. Also that we of our power, so soon as it may commodiously be done, shall travail to put into obedience of our said father, all manner of Cities, Towns, Castles, places, Countries and persons within the Realm of France, disobedient and rebels to our said father, siding with them that be called the Dauphin or Armagnac.  
13. And that we may the more commodiously and freely exercise and fulfil these things aforesaid, it is accorded, that all worthy Nobles and estates of the same Realm of France aswell spirituals as temporals 
The subjects of France sworn to King Henry.  and also the Nobles, Citizens, Burgesses and Cominalties of France in obedience at this day to our said father shall make these Oaths unto us.  
14. First to us having the faculty, exercise, disposition, and governance of the foresaid common profit at our hests and commandments, these shall meekly and obediently obey in all manner of things concerning the exercise of Government in the same Realm.  
15. Also that the worthy great and noble estates of the said Realm aswell spirituals as temporals, Citizens, Burgesses, and Commonalties of the same Realm in all manner of things well and truly shall keep and to their power shall do to be kept in as much as to them belongeth, or to any of them, all 
The tenor of the oath.  those things that be appointed and accorded between our foresaid father, our mother, and us.  
16. And that continually from the death, and after the death of our said father Charles, they sha' be our true liegemen, and our heirs, and they shall receive and admit us for their liege, and Sovereign, and very King of France, and for such to obey us without opposition, Contradiction or difficulty, as they be to our father during his life. And never after, this Realm of France shall obey to man as King and Regent of France, but to us, & to our heirs. Also they shall not be in Counsel, help, or assent, that we lose life or limb, or be taken with evil taking, or that we suffer harm or diminution in person, estate, worship, or goods, but if they know any such thing to be contrived or imagined against us, they shall let it to their powers, and shall do us to witten thereof, as hastily as they may by themselves, by message, or by letters.  
17. That all manner of Conquests that shall be made by us in France upon the disobedient in the duchies of Normandy, shall be done to the profit of our said father, and that to our power, all manner of Lands and Lordships, that be in places to be conquered, belonging to persons, obeying to our forefather, which shall swear to this present accord, shall be restored to the same persons, to whom they belonged.  
18. That all manner of persons of the holy Church beneficed in the Duchy of Normandy, or any other places in the Realm of France, subject to our father, and favouring of the parts of the Dukes of Burgundy, which shall swear to keep this present accord, shall peaceably enjoy their benefices of holy Church in the Duchy of Normandy, or in other places next aforesaid.  
19 Likewise that all manner of persons of holy Church obedient to us, and beneficed in the Realm of France, and places subject to our father, that shall swear to keep this present accord, shall enjoy peaceably their benefices of holy Church, as is aforesaid.  
20. Also that all manner of Churches, Universities and studies general, all Colleges of Students, and other Colleges of holy Church, being in places 
Churches, Universities and Colleges to enjoy their liberties.  now, or in time coming, subject to our father, or in the duchy of Normandy, or other places in the realm of France subject to us, shall enjoy their rights, possessions, rents, prerogatives, liberties and franchises, belonging, or due to them in any manner of wise, in the said Realm of France, saving the right of the Crown of France, and of every other person.  
21. Also by God's help, when it happeneth us to come to the Crown of France, the Duchy of Normandy, and all other places conquered by us in the said Realm, shall bow under the Commandment, obeisance, and Monarchy of the Crown of 
Normandy to be under the Crown of France.  France.  
22. Also that we to our power shall see recompense to be made by our said father, without diminution of the Crown of France to persons obeying him and favouring the party of Burgundy, to whom Lands, Lordships, Rents and possessions belongeth in the said Duchy of Normandy, or other places in the Realm of France conquered by us hitherto, given by us in places, Lands, gotten, or to be gotten in the name of our said father upon rebels and inobedients to him, and if so be that such manner of recompense be not made to the said persons in the life time of our said father, we shall make that recompense in such manner and places of goods, when it happeneth by God's grace to the Crown of France, and if so be that the Lands, Lordships, Rents or possessions belonging to such manner of persons in the said Duchy and other places, be not given by us, the same persons shall be referred to them without any delay.  
23. And during the life of our father in all places, now, and in time to come, subject to him, letters of common justice, grants of offices, gifts, pardons, remissions and privileges shall be written, and proceed 
Letter, Grant, gifts, etc. signed by King Charles.  under the name and seal of our said father. And forasmuch as some singular case may fall that may not be foreseen by man's wit, in the which it may be necessary and behoveful, that we write our letters; in such case if any hap for the good and surety of our father, and for the government that belongeth 
And by King Henry.  to us, as is aforesaid, and to avoid perils which otherwise might fall to the prejudice of our said father, to write our letters, by the which we shall command, charge and defend after the nature and quality of the need in our father's behalf, and ours, as Regent of France.  
24. Also that during our father's life, we shall not call, nor write us King of France, but shall verily abstain from that name, so long as our said father liveth.  
25. Also that our said father during his life, shall name, call and write us in French in this manner. Nostre treschier filz Henry Roy d'Engleterre heretere de France: and in Latin in this manner; Praclarissimus 
King Henry's style du●…ing King Charles his life.  filius noster, Henrieus Rex Anglia, & Hares Francia.  
26. That we shall put no impositions or exactions to charge the Subjects of our said father, without cause reasonable and necessary. No otherwise then for common good of the Realm of France, and according to the Laws and Customs provided for the same Realm.  
27. Also that we shall travel to our power, to effect that by the assent of the three states of the Realms of England and France, all manner of obstacles may be done away, and this chiefly, that it be ordained, and provided, that from the time, that we, or any of our heirs come to the Crown of France, both the Crowns, that is to say, of France and England, perpetually be together in one, and in the 
The union of the Crowns.  same person, that is to say, from our father's life to us, and from the term of our life thence forward, in the persons of our heirs, that shall be one after another, and that both Realms shall be governed from the time, that we, or our heirs come to the same, not severally under divers Kings in one time, but under the same person, which for the time shall be King of both Realms, and our Sovereign Lord, as is aforesaid, keeping nevertheless in all manner of things, to either of the said Realms, their rights, liberties, customs, usages and laws, not making subject in any manner of wise, one of the same Realms to the rights, laws or usages of that other.  
28. That thenceforth perpetually shall be still rest, and that in all manner of wise, dissensions, hates, rancours, envies, and wars, between the same 
The union of the Subjects.  Realms of France and England, and the people of the same Realms drawing to accord of the same peace may cease and be broken.  
29. That from henceforth for evermore, peace and tranquillity, good accord and affection, and stable friendship shall be betwixt the said Realms and the Subjects of the same, and shall keep themselves with their Counsels, helps, and common assistance against all men that enforce them to do, or to imagine wrongs, harms, displeasures, or grievances to them or either of them, and that they shall be conversant in merchandizing freely and surely together, paying the Customs due and accustomed, and that all the confederates and allies of our said father and the Realm of France, as also our confederates of the Realm of England shall in eight months' space from the time of this accord of peace, as it is notified to them, declare by their letters, that they will draw to this accord, and will be comprehended under the treaties and accord of this peace, saving nevertheless their obedience to either of the same Crowns, and to all manner of actions, rights, and revenues, that belong to our said father and his Subjects, and to us, and our Subjects against all manner of such Allies and Confederates.  
30. That our father, neither our brother the Duke of Burgundy, shall begin nor make with Charles calling himself the Dauphin of Viennes, any treaty, 
No peace with the Dauphin.  peace, or accord but by Counsel and assent of each of us three, or of other the three estates of either the said realms abovenamed.  
31. Also that we with the assent of our brother of Burgundy, and other of the Nobles of the Realm of France, which ought thereunto to be called, shall ordain for the Governance of our said father, surely, lovingly and honestly, after the degree of his royal estate and dignity in such wise, as shall be to the worship of God, of our said father, and of the Realm of France.  
32. Also that all manner of persons; that shall be, our father, to do him personal service, not only in office, but in all other attendances, aswell the Nobles and Gentlemen, as others, shall be such as have been borne in the Realm of France, or in places belonging to France, good, wise, true, and able to do him service, and our said father shall dwell in places under his obedience, and no where else, wherefore we charge and command our said liege subjects, and other being under our obedience, that they keep, and do to be kept, in all that belongeth to them, this accord and peace, after the form and manner as it is accorded, and that they attempt in no manner 
The punishment of the peace-breakers.  wise, any thing that may be prejudicial, or contrary to the same accord, and peace, upon pain of life and limb, and all that they may forfeit unto us.  
33. Also that we for the things aforesaid, and every one of them shall give our assent by our letters Patents, sealed with our seal unto our said father, without all approbation, and confirmation of us, and all other of our blood royal, and of the Cities and Towns to us obedient, sealed with our great seal, shall make or cause to be made letters approbatory, and confirmed of the Peers of his Realm, and of the Lords, Citizens, Burgesses of the same under his obedience, all which Articles we have sworn to keep, upon the holy Evangelists. Yeven at Troy's the 30. of May, Anno 1420. And the same were proclaimed in London the 20. of june following; for the Copies of this treaty, the French King sent to every Town in France, as King Henry did likewise into England, there to be published by Proclamation. These Articles were concluded betwixt the two Kings, in the presence of Queen Isabella, the Duke 
Holinsh. The testies of these Articles. Wil Parradin. Annals of Burg.  of Burgundy, and the King's Council, the Prince of Orange, Seigneur Chastelleux, Martial of France, with many others the prime Nobility, both of England and France, both the Kings with the Queen, taking their solemn oath there, upon the holy Evangelists, as did likewise the Duke of Burgundy, and the rest, Burgundy 
* Titus' 〈◊〉 sets down his Oath verbatim.  being the first man that laid his hand on the book, and 
* Enguerrant. Nicholas Vigneur.  swore homage to King Henry; who thereupon was styled and proclaimed Regent of France.  
(53) In whose presence also upon the third of 
holinsh.  june, (being the morrow after Trinity Sunday) the marriage of King Henry and Lady Katherine, with all 
King Henry married to Lady Katheri●….  pompous solemnity was celebrated, in Saint Peter's Church at Troy's, the Bishop of that See, doing the Ceremonies. And after royal feasts and Princely 
History of Normandy.  entertainments, before the dissolution of that royal assembly, King Henry, inviting the French King and 
Hollinshed: but Polyd. 〈◊〉 a●…th, this speech was delivered before at their swearing of fealty.  others his great Peers to a sumptuous banquet, made a pithy and pleasing Oration unto them, thus testifying his Princely desire to advance their weal, and demerit their love.  
(54) As the chief mark whereunto my cares and endeavours have hitherto leveled, hath 
Polyd. Verg.  been, to unite and concorporate these two Kingdoms 
King Henry's Oration unto the States of France.  of France and England into one, which now by God's goodness is most happily effected; so is it still, and ever shall be, both my desire and care, that unto posterity we may leave it settled in the same sort, and free from all empeachments, of factious discords: that beingas (it is) the greatest, it may be also the happiest Monarchy of Europe. For the clear accomplishment of which work, there rests now nothing, but the depressing of the Dauphin, who is by your doom already, not only deprived of that dignity, but of succession to the Crown, and prosecuted as a Traitor to the State; and of whom this we must be assured, that while he lives, France cannot but be in a perpetual combustion. For preventing whereof, I both need and entreat, both your Counsels and aid, nothing doubting of your readiness in either; for how can we expect any safety, or you any goodness at his hand, who, in his young years, did so perfidiously murder the Duke of Burgundy his uncle? I am now, you see, your Regent in present, and Successor to the Crown in hope; Let it not therefore stick in your hearts, that I am an Englishman borne, for you know I have much French blood in my veins, which warms my affections as well to French as English; but look on me as the lawful heir to the Diadem, both by just Title, and your own consents, who therefore am, and aught to be, wholly yours; and your kindness and just dealing bind me so to be. Yours also am I now by fresh alliance, as son in Law to your King, unto whom I will perform all offices of love and honour, as to mine own father; and you his subjects shall I love and cherish, as mine own children, and will defend France and the French, so long, as you defend my right with your loving aid, and will deserve my love with your loyal affection.  
(55) These affairs thus accomplished at Troy's, 
Polyd. Verg.  the Kings, the Queens, and the rest of the Peers in great estate rode unto Paris, where all fair countenances were showed, and great entertainment given to the English. But the Dauphin and his followers 
The Daulphins' counterplots to uphold himself.  neither feared nor fainted, though the present courses pleased not their palate. Their first Counsel therefore was how to preserve themselves in so eminent danger; to sit still and do nothing, they knew it was but to increase and advance the successes of the English; and to rise without strength, was to fall into further misfortunes, having no means to hold war with so potent an Enemy. In this distraction their voice was best heard, that spoke most for the safety of the Dauphin (whose only life gave breath unto the after-hopes of France) and for the strengthening of those places which might be of most advantage to themselves, and offence to the Enemy. This then past by decree in that Counsel of war, that the Dauphin should at no time hazard his person in field, and that a levy of Soldiers should be had, to lie in Garrison in places convenient; for Time, which never stands still, they well hoped might yet turn the rice for them, fortune being (said they) as subject to fawn, as to frown; in which resolution each man took to his charge, and all to withstand the doings of Henry.  
(56) As these consulted for the state of the French so in Paris a Parliament of the three estates was assembled, wherein such as were guilty of the 
Denis Savage in Chro. de Fland.  death of Burgundy, were iusticed, the disherizing of the Dauphin confirmed, and wars prepared against these Towns which held for him. Against Sens the two Kings with their Queens, Clarence, and Burgundy, marched; which after 12. days was rendered 
Enguerrant de Monstrel.  upon composition of life, those excepted as were guilty of the Duke of Burgundy's death. Monstreau 
Monstreau besieged and gotten.  was the next, which by force was entered, where the body of the Duke of Burgundy, undecently buried by the Daulphinois, was taken up, and by his son Philip sent in great pomp to Diion in his Duchy, and there honourably interred. The Town being taken, the Castle held out: unto whose Captain twenty Captive 
Io. Millet  Gentlemen were sent, whose lives from King Henry's mouth (say the French) were sentenced to death, unless they could persuade the Castellan to 
Holinsh.  surrender; but those men (say our English, to mollify that severe doom) were all especial friends of that Captain and such, as had given opprobrious words to the King's Herald, being sent unto them in the siege of Monstreau. Howsoever, in this extremity they solicited Guiluy upon their knees, urging their own deaths, and his great danger if he held out; but Guiluy, a true Frenchman, and friend to the Dauphin, withstood the assault, and thereupon these Gentlemen Petitioners were presently hanged in the sight of the defendants: so bloody is Mars to maintain his own Laws, and so eager was Henry of his full Conquest of France, whose thirsting sword had hereto fore been some what overlavish in blood, but never more (perhaps) then in this bloody act; which I wish might be obliterated from the number of his other glorious actions. Yet at length was that Castle enforced to surrender upon composition of life, excepting the guiltless of Burgundy's death.  
(57) Then was the siege removed to Melun, a Town of great strength, and made more strong by 
Tis. Linius Melun besieged and gotten.  the valours of her commanders, who were Seigneur Barbafon an absolute soldier, Pierre de Bourbon a Prince of the blood, Preaux, and Bourgeois, whose Garrison was seven hundred Daulphinois: and indeed no default in defence, could any wise be imputed, but the Canon opening a breach, the English and Burgundians made an entry into the Bulwark, and over the River Seine built a bridge with Boats; so that from either quarter they had passage one to the other without impediments, and encamped themselves for their best advantage; upon whom the enemy nevertheless made divers sallies, with the loss of either parties. King Henry enforced his siege to the utmost, and made a mine underneath the walls, which being perceived, the defendants countermined against him; where the King (too forward) as the 
Enguerrant. King Henry fighteth in single Combat.  very first man entering his mine, and Barbason likewise his within the Town, met each other at point of sword, where they performed nobly the parts of private soldiers, (nobly indeed, if private soldiers they had been, but Princes should remember they are not such) till lastly they agreed to discover themselves, and first Barbason made known his name, than 
Translator of Livy.  King Henry did his, whereupon the French Lord suddenly getting back, caused the Barriers to be closed, and Henry returned to his Campe.  
(58) This enterprise failing, King Charles himself 
Enguerrant  came into the Camp, to induce the defendants to render, at the presence of their natural Lord; which nevertheless was little respected; for answer was made, that if their King were at liberty, and free from King Henry's power, they would do 
The French refuse to submit to their own King.  him the duty of natural subjects, and yield him their charge as their Liege Lord: but being as he was, they desired to be excused, for to the mortal enemy of France they would not yield.  
(59) Whilst King Henry lay at the siege of Melun, the Duke of Bavier (who was Palsegrave of Rhyne Elector) came to King Henry having married his sister, and thence sent a defiance unto the Dauphin 
Nichol. Giles.  his kinsman by Queen Isabella his mother; the Prince of Orange likewise came thither unto Henry, but because he required an Oath of him, as a subject of France, he went away displeased, saying, he was a free Prince, and aught neither obedience to England nor France. At which time the Parisians with more respect of their own safety committed their City 
Paris yielded up to King Henry.  unto K. Henry's devotion who deputed his brother Clarence (though Count Saint Paul with his French displeased) Governor thereof, and put Garrisons into the Bastile of S. Anthony, the Lower, and the Hostile de Nesle. During this siege, mandatory 
* Dat. 23. july. An 1420. Denis Savage. Picardy swears fealty to King Henry.  letters were sent by King Charles into Picardy, to put all places that held for him in those quarters into Henry's possession, and to take the Oath of their obedience unto him as to the only heir, Successor, Regent, and Governor of France; the execution whereof was committed to the Count of Saint Paul, the Bishops of Therovenne and Arras, the Vidame of Amiens, the Lord of Vendueill, the Governor of Lisle, Pierre Marigny Advocate of the Parliament, and George Ostend the King's Secretary, beginning thus; Charles' par le Grace de Dieu, etc.  
(60) The distress of Melun, was wonderful 
Enguerrant.  great aswell upon the seegers, as defendants; the one afflicted, and their troops sore weakened with mortality, the other oppressed with famine, and other defects incident to a long endured siege. In this State eighteen weeks were spent, and more had been, but that the English were supplied with soldiers out of Picardy, whose colours displayed a far off, put the Town in hope of relief, as sent from the Dauphin, but upon their nearer approach, Melun was rendered by these capitulations. 1. That the 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.  Town and Castle should be delivered to the King. 2. That aswell the men of war, as the Burgesses, should submit themselves to King Henry, to be dealt with as pleased the King. 3. That all such as should be found guilty of the Duke of Burgundy's murder should suffer death. 4. That all the rest of the soldiers should be received to mercy, but to be prisoners until they put in good caution for their true obedience in after times. 5. That the Natives of France should be sent home to their own Countries. 6. That all the movables and Arms in the Town should be carried into the Castle. 7. That all the Prisoners they hadtaken either before or during the siege, should be enlarged ransome-free, and acquitted of their promises. 8. That for the performance of these Articles, 12. of the principal Captains, and 6. of the wealthiest Burgesses should deliver themselves in hostage. 9 That all the English, and Scots, should be delivered to Henry and left at his disposition.  
These things accorded, an English Garrison was put into Melun, commanded by Pierre Varrolt. Pierre de Bourbon, Seigneur de Preaux, and valiant Barbason, with six hundred Prisoners of quality, were sent with a strong guard unto Paris. The guiltless of Burgundy's murder were all of them put to death, amongst whom were two Monks, and Bertrand de Chartmont a Gascoigne, (a man in great favour with King Henry) for that he at King Henry's entry into Melun, had conveyed thence one Amenion de Lau, who was proved guilty of Burgundy's death. The Duke of Burgundy himself, as also Clarence earnestly 
Enguerrant.  laboured with King Henry for Bertrands pardon, but the King, though much grieved, and protesting that he had rather have lost 50000. Nobles, yet was resolved he should die for example to all such, as should dare to offend, upon presumption of their nearness 
A noble example of justice.  and grace with their Princes.  
(61) Melun being rendered, and these things thus disposed, the two Kings with their Queen's 
john Millet.  most honourably attended, returned to Paris, before whose entrance the Citizens and Students met them in most solemn manner, having beautified the City 
john Millet  with flags, streamers and rich hangings throughout the streets where they should pass. The two Kings 
The two Kings entered Paris.  road together under a rich Canopy, Henry upon the left hand, next unto whom followed the Dukes of Clarence and Bedford, and upon their left hand the Duke of Burgundy clad all in black, the Princes and Nobles of either Nation mingled together in their degrees, the Clergy with processions, and their venerable reiiques, going before them to Nostre dame Church; and the next day the two Queens entered 
The two Queens enter Paris.  the City with as great a show. King Henry's Palace was prepared in the Louvre, which was most rich 
Denis Savage.  and magnificent, and Charles his Court in the Hostel of Saint Paul, being but homely and mean; for (saith Millet) young Henry commanded all, and his brethren 
Millet.  exercised supreme authority, whiles old Charles stood as a cipher, and the French Nobility had nothing to do.  
(62) During the two King's abode here, a great 
Enguerrant de Monstr.  Assembly was called as well of the Spiritualty, as of the secular Nobility, in whose presence, in the great Hall of the hostel, a State for justice was prepared, where the two Kings sitting, as supreme judges, under one Cloth of estate, the Court was furnished 
The two Kings sit personally in judgement.  with Princes and Officers in most solemn wise. Before whom, Nicolas Rollin advocate from the Duke of Burgundy, and the Duchess his mother, craved audience (and had it granted) unto an invective and long Oration against Charles Visconte Narbone, Tanneguy, Barbason and others, for the cruel murder of 
Process against the murderers of the Duke of Burgundy.  john Duke of Burgundy; and not only that the murderers might be accordingly executed, but withal, that a Church might be founded and furnished with sacred Ornaments for twelve cannons, six Chaplains, and six Clerks to pray for his soul for ever, every Cannon to have yearly two hundred pound Paris money, every Chaplain one hundred, and every Clerk fifty, to be levied upon the Lands of the Dauphin, and his associates in the murder: that the same foundation should be engraven upon the Porch thereof, and the like inscription set up publicly in the Cities of Paris, Roven, Grant, Diion, Saint james of Compostella, and jerusalem. This motion was seconded by a Doctor of Divinity appointed by the Rector of the University, who concluded with an humble request to the King and those Princes, that justice might be done. Whereunto the Chancellor of France, in the behalf of King Charles, promised that no endeavour on his part should be lacking; and thereupon caused his son to be solemnly called to the Marble-Table, to answer his accusation, by the name of Charles Duke of Touraine, and Dauphin de 
john Serres.  Vienne, which done three several times, and he not 
The Dauphin cited to appear, and disinherited.  appearing, by arrest of the same Court of Parliament, he was banished the Realm, and judged unworthy to succeed in any of the Seignories as well present, as to come. But the Dauphin appealed from this sentence to God and his sword, and still was the same, though his fortunes were changeable. Mounsieur de Barbason was vehemently accused to have his hand in the murder, and therefore King Henry 
King Henry himself gives sentence judicially.  accordingly gave sentence on him to suffer to death; but he in open Court defended himself, not to be guilty of the crime, although he confessed to be a true servant to the Dauphin. Notwithstanding, had he not appealed to the Officers of Arms, King Henry's judgement of death had gone against him: for the Law Military, as he there alleged, forbiddeth, 
Holinsh A quirk of Heraldy to overthrow a judicial sentence.  that any man, having his brother in Arms within his danger, should afterwards put him to death for any cause or quarrel, and proved himself to be the King's brother in Arms, for that he had in the Countermine coaped in combat with the King. Thus by a quirk of Heraldry acquitted from death, he was nevertheless retained in prison the space of nine years, and lastly at the winning of Castle Galliard from the English, was delivered out of most straight imprisonment, to the great joy of the French.  
(63) This execution of justice on those Murderers, was a great, but not the only act of K. Henry 
A Parliament at Paris. Holinsh.  at this great Parliament of three Estates of France in Paris. For therein also was the final accord betwixt the two Kings, openly acknowledged by the French King, as made by his free assent, and with advise of all the Council of France; whereupon it was there also ratified by the general states of France, and sworn unto particularly upon the holy Evangelists, by all their Nobles and Magistrates, spiritual and secular, who also set their seals to the Instruments thereof, which were sent into England to be kept in the King's 
* Where they yet remain, saith holinsh. p 578.  Exchequer at Westminster. King Henry's glory thus ascended to the highest vertical in France, his Court was not only honoured daily both with Courtly and military shows and pastimes, but also was still frequented both with foreign Ambassadors, and domestic Commissioners, whose directions depended only upon his voluntary assign, himself redressing all things at his pleasure, placing and displacing Officers and Governors, causing also a new Coin to be made, called a Salute, wherein were the Arms of France, and the Arms of England and France, quarterly stamped. King Charles' the while in his Palace, was but for fashion's sake visited, and but by some of his old servants, his Sun was drawn so near unto the setting. The great affairs of France thus settled, (as well as that unsettled time would permit,) King Henry minding to Crown his Queen in England, ordained his brother of Clarence, (a wise, valiant, and a great Captain) 
King Henry returneth into England.  his Lieutenant general of France, leaving also the Duke of Exeter with 500 men of wars to keep Paris, and so attended with great state, he came to Amiens and Callais, where taking to Sea, he arrived at Dover upon the third of February, and was received of his 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.  Subjects as an Angel from heaven, or another victorious Caesar on Earth.  
(64) All things in a readiness for his fair Queen's Coronation, upon the four and twentieth of the same month, with all royalty the same was solemnised at Westminster, and the English rich diadme set on her head. The feast was great, with all Princely 
Ex Antiq. M. S. D. Roberti Cotton.  services, and the state such as deserveth the report; for the Queen sitting at Table, at the right side of her Chair, kneeled the Earl of March holding a Sceptre in his hand; the Earl Martial kneeling on the left side, held another; and the Countess of Kent sat under the Table at her right foot; upon her right hand at Table sat the Bishops of Canterbury and Winchester, and upon the left the King of Scots, the Duchess of York, and the Countess of Huntingdon; the Nobles giving their attendance, each man according to his office and place.  
(65) Presently, after Easter, in the month of May, a Parliament was held at Westminster, whose chiefest intent was to have means to continue the King's Conquest in France; but such was the state of those lavish times, that, to stop the current of this melting mint, some, minding more the heaps of their money, than the spreading abroad of England's fair Monarchy, exhibited their Bills unto the three estates in Parliament, and petitioned unto the King, to commiserate the poverty of the commons, which 
Ex. Record. Parl. 9 Hen. 5.  (as they said) were beggared by these wars. For which cause, as it seemeth, no subsidy or aid was demanded, but the King again pawning his Crown to his uncle Beaufort, the rich Cardinal, for twenty thousand pound, before the said month was expired, 
The King pawneth his Crown for money. Pontus' Herterm.  with four thousand horse and four and twenty thousand foot returned into France to follow those wars.  
(66) Neither was his haste more than needed: for john Earl of Bucquhanan, and Archbald Dowglas, two valiant leaders of seven hundred resolute Scots, repaired into France to aid the Dauphin, and joining with the French in Anjou, meant to have surprised the Duke of Clarence before he had been aware: 
Alain Chartier.  in which enterprise, four straggling Scots, taken and brought to his presence, 
* Upon Easter Eue.  as he sat at dinner, revealed the intent and strength of the Enemy, whose approach was very near at hand. This news no so  
nesty and mercy, which shall crown my memory with glory, and free me from blame and slander, which in long reigns can hardly be avoided: but you have just cause to mourn at my untimely death, and it cannot be but a general grief to my people, that in such an Ocean of business yet depending, I shall leave you and them destitute of a Prince able to govern: but your sorrow ought to be so much the less, when you call to mind the frailty of worldly things, and that evermore there will be somewhat wanting which we desire. My first request unto you shall be this, that with an unanimous affection to advise, foresee and provide, that the counsel which I name may be followed. I further earnestly entreat you to love my Infant Henry, to instruct him with your wisdoms, that by your counsel, care and love, he may be made able & worthy to wield so great an Empire. Comfort my dear wife, the most afflicted Creature living, extend your loves unto her in the same proportion as I have ever loved you. Touching the public I admonish and exhort you to brotherly concord, and never to break league with Philip Duke of Burgundy; and if you shall think it good, let my brother Humphrey Duke of Gloucester govern England, and not depart upon any occasion whatsoever, until my son Henry be of years to sway 
Enguerrant de Monstrelet.  the estate; and my brother john Duke of Bedford with the assistance of Philip Duke of Burgundy, to manage the Realm of France. Concerning Charles (commonly called the Dauphin) either he must by your swords be made to submit himself, or else you shall never be in quiet; and it were as good to render him the possession of what you have: wherefore sleep not, and while you have means and opportunity be industrious. Lastly, I beseech, charge, and command you, (howsoever time or occasion may persuade, or invite you to the contrary) that Normandy received by my industry, and your sword, being the ancient inheritance of the Crown of England, be not alienated for any cause whatsoever. Among other things then enjoined, he willed that the Duke of Orleans, the Earl of Eu, Guacourt, and Guichard de Sisay should not be ransomed, until young Henry were of years to govern  
(82) Thus said, and drawing near to the period of his short but glorious life; he demanded of his Physicians 
Enguerrant de Monstr.  how long (in their judgement) he might live? whereunto when one of them answered, Sir, think on your soul, for your time is not above 2. hours: he made his confession, & his Chaplains afterward kneeling in prayer, when one of them out of the Psalms made mention of jerusalem, the king no sooner heard the name, but with a loud voice he said; Lord thou 
His death.  knowest, that my purpose was to conquer jerusalem from the Infidels, if it had pleased thee to have given me life: & 
Tho. Wals.  then in a right faith, assured hope, perfect charity and sound memory, he 
* Augusti 30. Fabian.  rendered his soul to his Creator, after he had reigned nine years, five months, and 
* Some reckon but 11. days, Stow addeth five months more.  fourteen days, leaving none like unto him amongst all the Kings and Princes of Christendom, for which cause his death was not only bewailed of the English, whom he gloriously had ruled, but also of the French, whom he had victoriously conquered. This was the manner of this triumphant Monarch's end, which moves men justly to wonder at Hector Boetius, who saith, he was 
Boet. l. 16. c. 19  stricken by God for sacrilege, and died miserably: Hector's friends have occasion to wish, that his Readers should not make that miserable judgement, the rule and measure of crediting or discrediting his other writings, yet lamentable his end was indeed, if he perished by poison, whereof there was a vehement suspicion, as Polydore Vergill hath averred, and the carriage of the French affairs afterward makes it more 
Polydor.  than probable.  
(83) His works of pious affection were showed in erecting the Monasteries of Bethlem & Bridget, near 
joh. Stow. A●…ls. His works of devotion.  unto his Manor of Richmond, as also his princely gifts unto the works and furniture of Westminster Church, besides the brotherhood of S. Giles without cripple gate London. And (which had surpassed all the rest) he intended (such was his love to learning, and to the place where himself was a learner) to have founded in the great Castle at Oxford, a magnificent College for Divines, and Students of the seven liberal Sciences, 
* joh. Rossus.  the plot and ordinations of which foundation he had already drawn, and 
* Th. Gascoign in Dict. Theolog.  resolved to endow it with all the lands in England, belonging to Prior's Aliens; but his untimely death prevented both that, and many other noble works. To leave a domestic testimony of his affection to Arms, he first instituted Gartar principal King at Arms: besides other augmentations to the Order of Saint George. In a word, never lived English King with more true glory, nor ever died any in a more unseasonable time, nor more lamented: for he was godly in heart, sober in speech, sparing of words, 
Tho. Wals.  resolute in deeds, provident in Counsel, prudent in judgement, modest in countenance, magnanimous in action, constant in undertaking, a great Almesgiver, devout to Godward, a renowned Soldier, fortunate in field, from whence he never returned without victory. These, with many other (I might almost say, all other) virtues are attributed to this most renowned amongst English Kings; the more to be admired in him in so short a reign, and in those years, he 
Stow. Annal.  being but of 36. years, when he breathed forth his glorious soul.  
(84) His bowels were interred in the Church of Saint Mauro de Fosses, and his embalmed Corpse was closed in Lead, and attended upon by the Lords of England, France, Normandy, and Picardy, was brought unto Paris (wherein the Church of our Lady solemn exequys were performed) and thence to Roven, where it rested till all things were ready to set forward for England; though the Cities of Paris and Roven strove, and offered great sums of gold to have Henry's royal remains interred amongst them. His picture artificially was moulded of boiled hides, and countenance painted according to life, upon whose head an imperial Diadem of gold and precious 
The manner of his bringing into England.  stones was set, the body clothed with a purple rob, furred with Ermine, in his right hand it held a sceptre royal, and in the left a ball of gold; in which manner it was carried in a Chariot of State, covered with red velvet, embroidered with gold, and over it a rich Canopy, born by men of great place. Thus accompanied by james King of Scotland, many Princes, Lords and Knights of England and France, he was conveyed from Roven to Abbevile, to Hesdin, to Menstruill, Bologn, & Calais, the Chariot all the way compassed about with men all in white garments, bearing burning Torches in their hands; next unto whom followed his household servants, all in black, and after them the Princes, Lords, and Estates in vestures of mourning adorned; then two miles distant from the corpse followed the still lamenting Queen, attended with princely mourners, her tender and plerced heart more inly mourning, than her outward sad weeds should in any sort express.  
(85) And thus by Sea and Land the dead King was brought unto London, where through the streets the Chariot was drawn with four horses, whose Caparisons were richly embroidered, and embossed with the royal Arms; the first with England's Arms alone, the second with the Arms of France and England in a field quartered, the third bore the Arms of France alone, and the fourth three crowns Or in a field Azure, the ancient Arms of King Arthur, now well beseeming him who had victoriously united 
* France, England, Ireland.  three Kingdoms in one. The body with all pompous celebrity was interred in the Church at Westminster (for so Henry had by his last will commanded) next beneath King Edward the Confessor, upon whose Tomb Queen Katherine caused a royal picture to be laid, covered all over with silver plate guilt, but the head thereof altogether of massysiluer. All which at that Abbeys suppression, (when the battering hammers of destruction did sound almost in every Church) were sacrilegiously broken off, and by purloining transferred to far profaner uses, where, at this day, the headless monument, (worthy to be restored by some more Princely and sacred hand) is to be seen, and with these verses written upon his Tomb. 
Dux Normanorum, verus Conquestor eorum, 
Legend des Flamens.   
Hare's Francorum, decessit & Hector eorum.  
Here Normans Duke, so styled by Conquest just,  
True Heir of France, Great Hector, lies in dust.   

His Wife.  
(86) Katherine, daughter to King Charles the sixth of France, upon an agreement of peace forementioned, was married unto King Henry at Troy's in Champain, Junii 3. A. D. 1420. and after Febr. 14. was Crowned at Westminster with all solemnities. She was his Queen two years, and about three months, and surviving him, was remarried unto Owen Theodore of Wales, unto whom she bore three sons, Edmund, jasper, and Owen, and a daughter who lived not long. Owen took the habit of religion at Westminster, the other two by King Henry the sixth (their half brother,) were honourably preferred; Edmund was created Earl of Richmond, and marrying Margaret, the sole heir of john Beaufort Duke of Somerset, was father by her unto Henry (the only heir of Lancaster,) afterwards King of England. jasper, the second brother, was created the same year, Earl of Pembroke, who required his brother's kindness with continual assistance against the house of 〈◊〉; and when that faction prevailed, he was forced to fly into Flanders, but it again waning, he was both restored, and to his greater honour created Duke of Bedford, dying without any issue legitimate. This Queen, either for devotion, or her own safety, took into the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwark, where dying jan. 2. A D. 1436. she was buried in our Lady's Chapel within S. Peter's Church at Westminster; whose Corpse taken up in the reign of King Henry the seventh her Grandchild, (when he laid the foundation of that admirable structure,) and her Coffin placed by King Henry her husband's Tomb, hath ever since so remained, and never reburied: where it standeth (the Cover being loose) to be seen and handled of any that will; and that by her own appointment, saith Report, (which doth in this, as in most things, speak untruth) in regard of her disobedience to King Henry, for being delivered of her son at the place he forbade.   

His Son.  
(87) Henry the only child of a royal couple, borne at Windsor, and not nine months old at his father's death, succeeded in his dominions, though not holding his Empire with the like glory. Crowned he was with the Crowns of two Kingdoms, but unable by much to wield the sceptre of one, that of France was lost by the factions of his Nobles, before it was well won; and England's Crown twice plucked from his head before his death. Of whose adventures and variable reign (the times when England lay gored in the blood of her civil wars) we shall speak in the ensuing relation of his innocent, but unfortunate life.    

HENRY THE six, KING OF 
Monarch 53  
Henry VI.  ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE THREE AND FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XVI.  
HAd God almighty (the 
* Dan. cap. 2. v. 21  giver and transferrer of Kingdoms) thought good that the English should have settled in the Continent of Europe, and not have been shut up within their islands, he would not so soon have deprived them of their late incomparable Captain and Sovereign Henry the fifth. But it seems that God having humbled the French Nation under Henry's victorious hand, meant now again to restore them to his wont favour by taking away their terror & triumpher, substituting 
Henry the sixth began his reign the last day of August, being the day of his Father's death. Anno 1422.  his son (an Infant) in his place, Henry of that name the 6. born at Windsor, who was crowned about the eight month of his age. The pretty hands which could not feed himself, were yet made capable to wield a sceptre, and he that was beholding to nurses for milk, did nevertheless distribute the sustenance of law and justice to so great and warlike Nations. Counsel supplies the defect of age. At his father's death he had uncles, men of approved valour and discretion, to whom the principal care of all public affairs by the father's last provisions was committed. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester (the younger brother of two) had the 
* Tit. 〈◊〉.  government of England entrusted to his fidelity: the regency of France was assigned for Province to john Duke of Bedford, the eldest living uncle of the King, as to a Prince of much magnanimity, prowess and felicity in conduct, with whom was 
* joh. Til. Chr.  joined Philip Duke of Burgundy. The guard and custody of the royal Infant was assigned to Thomas 
* Stows Annal.  Duke of Excester: the nurture and education to his 
* Polyd. Verg. hist. lib. 23.  mother, the Queen Dowager: upon the two uncles (as between the two Poles of the English Empire) the whole globe of government moved: whatsoever is done by the kingly power is said to be done by the King. We shall behold notwithstanding in the tragical glass of this Henry's reign, how far the imbecility of the kingly person may affect the body politic with good or evil. If histories were ordained to stir affections, not to teach and instruct, never any Prince's reign since the Conquest did better deserve to be described with a tragical style and words of horror & sorrow, although the beginning (like the fair morning of a most tempestuous day) promised nothing morethen a continuance of passed felicities.  
(2) For the State of the English affairs was great and flourishing, England without tumult, the natural fierce humours of her people consuming or exercising themselves in France, and France herself (for the nobler parts together with the grand City of Paris head of that Monarchy) was at their devotion. There wanted nothing which might advance the work begun. Most noble and expert Leaders as those which had been fashioned in the school of war, under the best martial master of that age, the late Henry, arms full of veterant soldiers, most of which were of skill sufficient to be commanders themselves: their friends firm, no defect nor breach (by which dissipation might enter to the overthrow of the English greatness) as yet disclosing themselves. Wisdom, piety, riches, forwardness at home, courage and like forwardness abroad. It is a fruitful speculation to consider how God carrieth his part in the works of men, always justly, sometimes terribly, but never otherwise, then to bring all worldly greatness and glory into due contempt, and loathing, that the soul may be erected to her Creator, and aspire to a Crown celestial. The first disadvantage which happened to the English cause (after the late King's decease) was the death of Charles the French King, who survived the other but 
* Paul. Aemyl. in Car. l.  fifty and three days. This we may worthily call the first (as it was a great, aswell as the first) disadvantage, for the imbecilities of that Prince were a strength to the English; On the other side (God observing a talio and parilitie) the infancy of young Henry was an advantage to Charles the Dauphin of France, now by them of his faction called King of France, as the English used in derision to enstyle him King of Berrie, because little else was left unto him.  
(3) In England (whose condition the order of narure wils us first to describe, because there was the 
A Parliament at Westminster.  seat of counsel, by which all the actions of the general state were directed) a Parliament was assembled to establish the Crown upon the Infant, and to provide for the public uses and necessities of State. Money 
* The levy thereof was 5. Nobles on every sack of wool.  (always one of them) was liberally granted. It was a strange sight (and the first time that ever it was seen in England) which in the next year happened, an infant sitting in the mother's lap, before it could tell what English meant, to exercise the place of Sovereign direction in open Parliament. Yet so it was, for the Queen to illumine that public convention of States with her Infant's presence, removed from Windsor to London; through which City (her self royally seated with her young son upon her lap) passed in majestic manner to Westminster, and there took seat among all his Lords, whom (by the ordinary mouth of that high Court) he saluted and spoke to them at large concerning the premises; where, as he uttered the mind of his place by another's tongue, so he elsewhere prosecuted all affairs by other men's hands and Organs.  
(4) The Duke of Bedford (as the nature of his place exacted) to settle and preserve the State of France for his young Nephew the King, together with Philip Duke of Burgoigne, who as yet continued a steadfast friend to the English Sovereignty (knowing the Dauphin busy to recover France) strengthened the confines of their government with Garrisons, assembled their powers, and laboured to retain the hearts of their own party. The Duke of Bedford Regent of France, had 
* Polyd. Verg. hist. lib. 23. The Regent's Oration to the French.  words to them to this effect in open assemble. That they should not violate their plighted and sworn allegiance, neither by themselves endeavour nor endure, that by others their Sovereign Lord young Henry should be defrauded of his inheritance, or that the hatreds and enmities which now began to die between the French and English names, should through the practices of most faithless men be renewed, and reinflamed: That they would remember how (by God's special favour and goodness) the two Kingdoms of France and England were united under one most fair and goodly Monarchy in an eternal league, and lately so established that no human force could r●…st. That albeit they had sustained damage by the war, yet the same would be recovered with advantage, if they honoured loved and obeyed their lawful Sovereign Lord King Henry, and prosecuted his enemies with extremity, according to bounden duty. This Oration found plausible admission in show: Henry is proclaimed King of England and of France, and such chiefs as were present did their homages, taking oath to be true: The like Obligation and Sacrament of allegiance was put upon all the French through the English Dominions in France.  
(5) Charles (who as son and heir to the late King entitled himself King of France, by the name of Charles the seventh) being then about the seven and twentieth year of his age, full of courage and new hopes, gathered what force he could: his chief Levies were made in Daulphynois and Italy, from whence (for money) he drew sundry troops. But the best sinews of his Army moved in certain thousands of the Scotish Nation, which served under him. The first step which the Charolines, or forces of Charles made into hostile action was unfortunate, for coming to raise the siege which the English held about 
* Paul. Aemyl. in Car. 7.  Crepan they were put to flight, with the loss of about two thousand of their numbers. This was noble in Charles, and his Charolines, that their minds sunk not at the horror of such an evil Omen. It 
* Cravant. saith Polyd. who placeth this action in the following year. The bounds of the English Regency in France.  was saith Aemylius of them, resolved to encounter adverse fortune with increase of courage. The Regent on the other side was vigilant upon all occasions: the power of his Regency extended itself without contradiction 
* Stow's Annal.  through Vimew, Pontieu and Picardy, from Paris to Reins, Chalons and Troyes, up to the water of Loyr and the Sea: A goodly scope of territory, and absolutely the best of France. That late loss & foil of the Charolines was repaired shortly after by an overthrow in skirmish which they gave to the English party, from whom (with the slaughter of about fifteen hundredth) they recovered a great booty, specially of cattle which the English had gotten in the Countries of Nugion and Main, but thus intercepted upon their return into Normandy. Charles (which Paul. Aemylius omitteth) doubteth that success: for 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 23  Meulan upon Sein is by him taken where all the English are put to the sword: but the possession was short, and the revenge speedy: Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury (a man (saith Polydor) more like the old Romans then people of that age, so great was his virtue and chivalry) having with him john of Luxemburg, General of the Burgundian horsemen, recovers the place, killing all the French which were found therein.  
(6) At the City of 
* Stow's Annals.  Amiens in Picardy the three great Dukes of Bedford (Regent of France) Burgoign and Britain meet to consult of the whole course & sum of affairs. There they renewed the League, adding, that each should be others friend, and that all of them should defend King Henry's right with their best forces. For the better assurance of this profitable amity, the Regent (than a Bachelor) took to wife the Lady Anne, sister to Philip Duke of Burgundy: while the Regent was absent from Paris upon these just occasions, the Parisians (who not long before had 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 23  sent Ambassadors into England, to acknowledge their obedience to King Henry) practised with Charles to deliver their City. The Regent had notice of this dangerous treason, and with his presence retained them in duty. The chief Actors paid their lives for satisfaction of the trespass. In good time there arrived out of England ten thousand fresh Soldiers. Over them he ordained Captains, 
The whole field-forces of the English in France under the Duke of Bedford.  the famous Earl of Salisbury, William Pole Earl of Suffolk, Robert Willoughby and others. Himself lead about with him for the general service, eighteen hundred horsemen, and eight thousand foot. With these field-forces the maim of the English estate in France was held together, though not without difficulty, and divers adventures. In them he took from Charles sundry strong Towns, and Fortresses as 
* Rob. Fab.  Crotoy, Baside, Riol, Rula, Gyrond, Basile, Mermound, Milham, Femel, Seintace, and many other.  
(7) The Regent's chief design was to draw Charles to fight, hoping by his overthrow to conclude many days works in one. For this cause he drew into Normandy. Charles was then in 
* Polyd. V●…rg. lib. 23.  Tourain, where he mustereth his people. The Regent prospers in the mean time, and takes by siege a place of good importance, presuming so to dare the French out to a Battle. john Duke of Alencon is sent with an Army and instructions to fight, if occasion served, but Charles himself was not suffered to hazard his person. Not far from the Town 
* Gagwin.  of Vernoil, which the 
* Paul. Aemil.  English had taken before the 
* Hect. 〈◊〉. l. 16.  Duke of Alencon, and his Charolines could succour it, the two Armies embattled themselves. The fight began with shot, which seeming not quick enough to dispatch the work, the battles came to hand-stroaks, where for some hours, there was maintained a constant and doubtful battle with great fury on both sides. The English enured to the French wars, having borne the first heats of their enemies, (which are in that Nation most rageful:) by perseverance 
The Regent●… victory at Ver●…il in Perch.  utterly broke and put them to flight. The Regent 
* Stows Ann●…l.  himself with a battle-axe fought most fiercely, winning immortal honour in that bloody journey. There were slain of the enemy's side: john 
* Hect. Bo●…t. li. 16.  Earl of Boughwhan Constable of France: Archenbald Dowglas Duke of Tourain and Lieutenant of France; Archembald his son Earl of Wigton, with many other of the Scots. Of the French there were slain the 
This battle was fought, 7. of Aug. Anno Domini, 1425. saith Stow.  Earl of Vantadowr, and sundry others. In all there died upon that side certain thousands. None writes of fewer than four or five thousand, nor any of above fifteen. The great number of the slain, is not the measure of a victory, but the use and effects which it draws. The Duke of Alencon himself was taken prisoner, with about two 
* Poly. Verg. li. 23.  hundred others of special worth. The English paid for this noble victory, the bodies of about two thousand of their soldiers which lost life there, for it was fought upon fair terms in the open fields, and carried by mere manhood. That which followeth till the siege of Orleans, Paul 
* I●… Carol. 7.  Aemylius comprehendeth in some few lines. The fierce Conqueror besiegeth Mants in Main, and with Ordinance beats down part of the walls. It yields hereupon. The English Garrison left therein, after the taking not being sufficient to contain the Town in due subjection, is compelled to fly to a Tower for their safety, the enemies which were admitted into it by the Burghers enjoying the rest. The Lord Talbot (the most noble Captain of the English) presently arrives to the rescue, and puts the malefactors to death. The English Empire extends itself to the River of Loyr. Charles they call in scorn the King of Berry. Thus roundly he.  
In nine Articles and capitulations drawn and 
The murderers of john Duke of Burgoin excepted in capitulations.  concluded at the yielding of M●…nts, this was one, as perhaps it was in every like occasion. That if any persons were found within the City, which had been consenting to the murder of john Duke of Burgoin, father to Philip Duke of Burgoin, in full revenge whereof, he had hither to adhered to the English, that 
* Rob. Fab. Chro●….  they should simply be at the Regent's mercy.  
(8) The chief things which passed in England, 
james the first King of Scots set at liberty out of England.  during these happy proceedings in France, were briefly these.  
james Steward the young King of Scots, having been casually taken upon the Sea, in the reign of King Henry the fourth; and after his father's death not sufficiently tendered nor respected by the Scots, remained still a Prisoner. The rather therefore to hinder the Scots, (that was the hope) from aiding the French, it was now thought fit by the Council of England to enlarge him. Which was accordingly done upon pledges. Not long after the which, he married the Lady jane, daughter to john Earl of Somerset, near cozen to King Henry. Principal setters forward of this marriage (as by likelihood of his liberty also) to honour their family with a Kingly alliance, were the Earl of Somerset and the Bishop of Winchester, both of them Beaufort's, who together with sundry other of the English Nobility, conducted the new married Couple to the Scottish Borders. Much of his ransom was abated, and his new kinsmen bestowed upon him 
* Hect. ●…oct. l. 17. Grafton.  store of plate, gold, and silver, & among other gorgeous Ornaments suit of hangings, in which the labours of Hercules were most curiously wrought. But this wise King (having had the benefit of excellent and Princely education in England) did not suffer any obligations contracted in the time of his durance, to preponderate with him the General state of Scotland, whose freedom did much depend upon the fortune of France, whereby the main drift of his enlargers was not much advanced. The reason notwithstanding which lead this action was probable, and so much the more commendable, for that it was tempered with humanity. The foreign mischief thus howsoever intended, hereby to be avoided or qualified, Sir john Mortimer (a dangerous firebrand at home) being Prisoner in the Tower was arraigned for many treasonable speeches used to a yeoman, (servant to Sir Robert Scot 
* Rob. Fab. 1. C●….  keeper of the Tower of London) to draw the said yeoman to let him escape: promising him great matters. The points of his speeches were as that fellow charged upon him in open Parliament,  

1. That the said Mortimer meant to fly into Wales to the Earl of March, and with an army of forty thousand men to enter England, and strike off the Protectors head, and the Bishop of winchester's.  
2. That the Earl of March aught by right to be King of England, and if the Earl would not, that then 
The title of Mortimer to the Crown sought to be crushed.  he himself was next heir.  
3. That if he could not safely reach to the Marches, he would sail to the Dauphin of France, and there serve with honour, which he was assured of.   
For these overtures of escape, and conspiracy the Knight was drawn hanged and headed: Of whose death no small 
* Hal. Chron.  slander arose. Perhaps he that writes so doth mean that the whole was but a stratagem to rid him out of the way. Edmund Lord Mortimer Earl of March, the party whom the said knight mentioned, was sent not long after with many other Lords, and competent numbers of men, into Ireland, where he deceased without issue, whose great patrimony descended to Richard Plantagenet Earl of Cambridge, the fatal disturber of the Realm of 
Camb. 〈◊〉  England, upon the pretence of Mortimer's title to the Crown.  
(9) The amity with the Duke of Burgoin, which the English had hitherto found so available toward their Conquests, having otherwise received some few slight flaws was now in danger of utter breaking 
The Duke of Gloucester rashly marrieth another man's wife.  upon this occasion. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester Protector of the Realm, following council unworthy of his person and place, contracted himself with the Lady jaqueline of Ba●…aria, Inheretrix of Holland, Zealand, Hena●…lt, and many other fair dominions in the Netherlands, notwithstanding that john Duke of Brabant, her former husband was then living, and that the suit of divorce commenced by jaqueline 
* G●…r. Hist●…. by Edw. Gri●…st.  depended still between them. The Duke of Burgoin held with Brab●…t. This bred bitter humour in the Duke of Gloucester, who being not used to meet with any rubs or confrontments, and now when in person he came with an army to take seison of Henault in right of his supposed wife, finding 
The Duke of Burgoin challenged by the Duke of Gloucester to fight.  himself hard set unto, by the aids which Burgoin ministered to the Duke of Brabant, he challengeth Combat of the Duke of Burgundy, call him traitor. It was accepted and the 
* Stows Annal.  lie strongly thrust upon Gloucester, who (leaving the light Lady at her Town of Monts in Henault) returned into England, doing nothing of that for which at that time he came. Mediation took up the quarrel afterward between the Duke of Burgundy and him. Not long after the return of the Duke of Gloucester into England, the first marriage which had been made and consummated between the Duke of Brabant, and the said Lady jaqueline, was pronounced lawful by Pope Martin the fifth. Hereupon the Duke of Gloucester 
An. D. 1425. A. Reg. 4.  (having sustained many losses aswell of friends as treasure in punishment of that great sin, in taking another's wife) forthwith marries Eleanour, daughter to Reignald Lord Cobham of Sterborough, whereby he made her amends for that 
* Stows Annal.  unlawful familiarity which had formerly passed between them.  
Meanwhile the Court of England doth well show that the King was an infant, for it was full of dangerous 
Court-factions in England.  emulations and sidings, the Duke of Gloucester (whose high office it was to tender the welfare of the King and State) laying sundry grievous accusations 
* See Fox his martyrologue in H. 6.  against the Cardinal Beaufort (son of john Duke of Lancaster) Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor as being a person very dangerous unto both.  
(10) The news of these home-contentions coming to the Duke of Bedford into France, easily drew him home, though the state of that Realm could not well want his presence. For john Duke of Britain, (notwithstanding his late renovation of league with the Regent at Amiens) jealous of the 
* Polyd. Verg. Lib. 23.  English greatness turned suddenly to Charles, and with him, Arthur, Earl of Richmond his brother. This puts fresh spirit into the drooping Prince. Arthur is by Charles made Constable of his France, in place of the Scottish Earl, who was slain at the bloody Battle of Vernoil. The Duke of Britain overlives this revolt but a small time. Arthur to declare his forwardness on the behalf of Charles, assembleth about twenty thousand men, and with them suddenly besiegeth 
The new Constable of France miscarrieth in his first enterprise.  S. jean a Town of Normandy, upon the frontier of Britain; which Edmund Duke of Somerset, Governor of Normandy, had lately fortified and stuffed with soldiers. The unexpected arrival of the French, did greatly at the first perplex the English, but upon better advise, they valiantly sallied out upon them, both before and behind, which stroke so great terror into the enemy, that with loss of their Artillery, and many of their people they forsook the siege. To redeem this dishonour, he turns his fury upon the Country of Angio●…, which in many parts he depopulates and spoils. The Regent being resolved to return into England, leaves behind him Bea●…champ 
* Ho●….  Earl of Warwick; as lieutenant, who was lately arrived in France, having six thousand fresh Soldiers in his company.  
(11) The presence of the Duke of Bedford Regent 
The Duke of Bedford returne●… into England to appe●…se the Court▪ factions.  of France, was to the State of England very necessary. For the wisdom and authority of so great a Prince, being elder uncle to the King, and one whom many great deeds made famous, allayed the distemper which he found at his arrival. It was a work worthy of his labour, and he also found it to be a work indeed, and not easily effectuable. The differences were debated first at Saint Alban, then at Northampton, lastly in a Parliament at Leicester, which continued there till toward the end of june. The Duke of Bedford himself, to avoid the note of partiality, for that his brother of Gloucester was a party did not intermeddle otherwise then as in General words to persuade amity, but the whole cause was referred to arbitrators of greatest Nobility and prudence: by whose endeavours all those differences and grievances were equally thrust into one sack, to be sealed up for ever by oblivion, and without mention of amends 
The Protector and the Bishop made ●…ends.  on either side, the Duke and Bishop (the one having sworn by his 
* Hol●…sh.  Princehood, the other by his Priesthood, truly to observe the award,) shook hands, and were fully for that time reconciled. After which holy and necessary work of private atonements, ensued acts of festivity and honour. For in 
The King receiue●… Knighthood and dubbeth Ri●…ard Duke of York.  the same Town of Leicester the young King, not then five years of age, was at the high feast of Pentecost dubbed Knight by the Regent of France. Immediately whereupon the King honoured Richard Earl of Cambridge, (who by the fatal error of the Counsel was at this Parliament created Duke of York, the same who was father to Edward the fourth) with the order of knighthood, and about forty more with him. This Richard Duke of York was he, who brought upon this Kingdom and nation most doleful divisions to the utter extirpation of all the male lines of either house, that is to say, his own, and that of Lancaster, whereof the young King was head. From Leicester the King was conveyed to Killingworth, and Thomas Duke of Excester dying, Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, was constituted Guardian and Tutor to the King.  
(12) The Regent having thus worthily provided 
A. D. 1427. A. reg. 5. The Regent and the Lord Talbot with fresh forces pass into France.  for the quiet estate of the King and Country, returns to his charge in France. There went over at the same time a choice and great number of fresh men, under the conduct of that immortally renowned, the L. Talbot, whose victories (saith Polydor) were so many, that his name was not only most dreadful to the French, but most famous through the world, even at this present. That ye may know the man not to have been studious of fine Phrases; upon the one 
Talbot●… 〈◊〉.  side of his sword-blade was engraven, Sum Talboti, and upon the other this boisterous blunt sentence; 
Pro vincere inimicos meos.  The Duke of Alanzon (taken at the Castle of Vernoil) was set at liberty upon payment of two 
* ●…agwin.  hundredth thousand Scutes of gold. At Mountarges about Orleans the English received an overthrow with the loss of about fifteen hundredth of their numbers, and in Britain the French sustained great damages by a Captain of the Duke of Sommersets'. These were petty matters: They of Mantz in main had drawn in the French by night, who massacred the English. William Earl of Suffolk Captain of the place sends to john Lord Talbot for succour. It came, and that so unexpectedly, that the French were alike distressed. All but soldiers were spared, and many also of them, though thrust into prisons. The Traitors which had caused so much mischief, had their deserts by death. From hence the Lord Talbot marched to other enterprises. The quality of our task calls us to the main.  
(13) Thomas Lord Montacute Earl of Salisbury, being with the Regent at Paris, and considering what forces of men, and all provisions the English then enjoyed, bethought himself of some action, which might answer the greatness of his own name, and of the public means. The siege of Orleans is by him propounded to the Council. The credit of the Motioner was alone an argument of power to convince the possibility. His desires were therefore furnished with all competent provisions. They of Orleans hearing what a storm was coming (for the name of this Earl was worthily terrible) with great diligence ordain for their defence. The 
* P●…l. A●…ll.  Suburbs (answerable in bigness to a good City) they level with the earth, that the enemy might not from thence annoy them. Men, victuals, 
The siege of Orleans.  munition, and constant intentions to fight for their liberty, and safeguard abounded. The Earl of Sarisburie, the Lord Talbot, and a dreadful puissance under most expert commanders present themselves before it. Orleans was and is an Episcopal See, a Parliament Town, and University, richly situate upon the river of Loir, whose best glory it is, being the chief City which that renowned stream watereth. No enemies appearing abroad, he 
* Polyd. Uerg.  approacheth close to the walls. Assaults 
* Paul. Aemyl.  proving vain, he entrencheth about it, and to secure his Camp, casts up ramparts and other works, one of which (by reason of the hugeness thereof) was called London, by the name of the chiefe-City of England. The Fort which stood at the Bridge foot beyond the Loyr, he seizeth upon and closeth them up on every side. Charles of France could minister no sufficient succour. God, when man's help fails interposeth his hand, which as all of us daily feel, so is it most conspicuous in the deliverance of Nations. The City is driven to some misery through the beginning want of all things; for the siege had now endured about 60. days 
* Polyd. Virg. l. 23  not without much bloodshed on both sides. The Earl of Salisbury impatient of such delay, purposeth to give a general assault. The better to consider upon the course, he stands to take view at a window barred with Iron which ouerlookt the City toward the East. Behold how God began to uncutte the knot of those bands with which the English held France bound, a bullet of a great piece (which 
The Earl of Salisbury ●…aine with a great shot before Orleans.  lay ready leveled at that window) discharged by the Gunner's 
* 〈◊〉.  son, a lad, struck the grates, whose splinters so wounded the Earl, and one Sir Thomas Gargrave, that they both died of the incurable hurts within few days. Hear now the common judgement of Writers concerning this Earl's loss: 
* Polyd. Uerg.  Presently after the death of this man the fortune of the war changed. 
* Paul. Aemyl.  Now both mortal and immortal powers began to look favourably upon the State of France. This to the 
* Fabi●….  English was Initium malorum: for after this mishap they rather lost than wan, so that by little and little they lost all their possession in France: and albeit that somewhat they got after, yet for one that they won, they lost three. So that Polydor not without cause (after many other great praises) doth elsewhere call him the man in whom the safety of the English state consisted. The virtue therefore of a fortunate General is inestimable.  
(14) Howbeit the siege did not determine with his life, William Earl of Suffolk, the Lord Talbot & the rest maintained the same all the winter. The 
The siege continued notwithstanding the Earl's death.  wants of the Camp were relieved from Paris by a convoy, under the guard of Sir john Fastolfe and fifteen hundred soldiers who arrived safe in despite of all the attempts to distress them, which the French made. The City would yield itself, but not to the English. The Duke of Burgundy they were content should have the honour. A subtle stratagem, rather 
Orl●…ce offers to become Burgundian, but the English would not admit thereof.  than an offer of yielding, for there was likelihood in it to break thereby the amity between the English and him. The Regent and his Counsel being sent unto, thought it not reasonable (Aemylius erroneously makes the late Earl of Salisbury the Author of that refusal) neither indeed was it, theirs having been the cost and labour. The Duke of Burgundy construed this repulse sourly, which marred his taste of the English friendship ever after: yet the Regent's answer was just and honest. That the war was made in King Henry's name, and therefore Orleans ought to be King Henry's. Among these difficulties stood the French affairs. Charles of France understanding the miserable straits of his dear City, & ignorant how to remedy so near a mischief; there presented herself unto him at Chinon a young maid about eighteen years old, called joan of Lorraine, 
* Serres ●…amlet by Edward Grims●…. joan the martial maid miraculously sent to deliver Orleans and Fr●….  daughter to james of Arck dwelling in Domremy near Va●…caleurs, a 
* P●…l. Aemyl.  Shepherdess under her father, whose flocks she tended, bids him not faint, and constantly affirms, that God had sent her to deliver the Realm of France from the English yoke, and restore him to the fullness of his fortunes. She was not forthwith credited; but when the wise of both sorts, aswell Clerks as Soldiers had sifted her with manifold questions, she continued in her first speech so steadfastly, uttering nothing but that which was 
* Serres Inuentar.  modest, chaste and holy, that honour and faith was given unto her sayings. An 
* Poly. Uerg.  old woman directed her. joan arms herself like a man, and requires to have that sword which hung in 
* Serres Inuentar.  S. Katherine's church of Fierebois in Touraine. This demand increased their admiration of her; for such a 
* Polyd. Verg.  sword was found among the old Donaries or Votive tokens of that Church. Thus warlikely arrayed she rides to Blois, where forces and fresh victuals lay for the relief of Orleans. She with the Admiral and Marshal of France enters safe. This did greatly encourage the fainting French. joan the maid of God, so they called her, (though 
* Gerard. Seg de Haillin, & some other French Authors.  some have written that it was a practice or imposture) writes thus to de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, who succeeded Salisbury in the main charge of that siege.  
(15) King of England do reason to the King of heaven, for his blood royal; yield up to the Virgin the 
Serres out of the Original Copy translated by Edw. Grimst●….  keys of all the good Cities which you have forced. She is come from heaven to reclaim the blood royal, and is ready to make a peace, if you be ready to do reason: yield therefore, and pay what you have taken, King of England: I am the chief of this war, wheresoever I encounter your men in France, I will chase them will they or no. If they will obey, I will take them to mercy. The Virgin comes from heaven to drive you 
The Virag●… her letter to the English General before Orleans.  out of France. If you will not obey, she will cause so great a stir as the like hath not been these thousand years in France. And believe certainly, that the king of heaven will send to her, and her good men of Arms, more force than you can have. Go in God's name into your Country: be not obstinate, for you shall not hold France of the King of Heaven, the son of S. Marry, but Charles shall enjoy it, the King and lawful heir to whom God hath given it. He shall enter Paris with a goodly train; you William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, john Lord Talbot, Thomas L. Scales Licutenants to the Duke of Bedford, and you Duke of Bedford terming yourself ●…egent of the Realm of France, spare innocent blood, and leave Orleans in liberty. If you do not reason to them whom you have wronged, the French will do the goodliest exploit that ever was done in Christendom. Understand these news of God, and of the Virgin. Yet Charles had at this time no whole Countries under his obedience, 
* Serres.  but Languede●… and Dauphin against which both the Savoyard and Burgundian prepared, but miscarried, the Prince of Orange the third confederate being discomfited.  
(16) This letter was entertained by the English with laughter. joan reputed no better than a Bedlam or Enchantress. Though to some it may seem more honourable to our Nation, that they were not to be expelled by a human power, but by a divine, extraordinarily revealing itself. Du Serres describes this Paragon in these words. She had a modest countenance, sweet, civil, and resolute, her discourse was 
The description of joan la Pucelle de Dieu, or the maid of God.  temperate, reasonable and retired, her actions cold, showing great chastity without vanity, affectation, babbling, or courtly lightness. Let us not dissemble what we find written. By her encouragements and conduct 
The siege of Orleans raised.  the English had Orleans plucked out of their hopes, after they had suffered the Duke of Alencon to enter with new force, and with much loss were driven to raise the siege. joan herself was wounded at one sally in which she led, being shot through the arm with an arrow. judge what she esteemed of that hurt, when she used these admirable and terrible words. This is a favour, let us go on; they cannot escape the hand of God. In all adventures she was one and foremost. The English lost at this siege, the Earl of Salisbury, the Lord Molins, the Lord P●…ynings, and many other. But do not rashly believe Serres in saying, that of all sorts were slain in such Sallies, as the martial Virgin made eight thousand. Our Writers say but 
* S●…wes A●…ls.  six●… hundredth. The Lord Talbot marched away with above nine thousand, whom joan would not suffer the French to pursue. In memory of this admirable deliverance, they of that City erected a monument, where Charles the seventh king of France and joan the Martial maid were represented, kneeling in Armour, elevating their eyes and hands to heaven, in sign of thanks and acknowledgement.  
(17) There was an interchangeable taking and recovering of Towns and places of importance upon 
The reflux or ebb of the English greatness in France.  both sides. The Lord Talbot took Lavall, and the Earl of Suffolk puts himself into jergeaux. Thither the Duke of Alencon with joan and other great Captains come, which they force by assault. Sir Alexander Pool the Earl's brother was slain, with many others in the fight, the Earl himself remained prisoner. The Duke added some other places to this Conquest: soon after his numbers are augmented by the repair to him of Arthur Constable of France, the Earl of Vandome, the Lord Dalbret and others, so that now their whole Army contained about twenty and three thousand men. With these they encounter the Lord Talbot (who had scarce the fifth part of their numbers) at a village called Poitiers, whom they charged so suddenly, that his Archers had no time to fortify their battles (after their manner) with a Palizado, or empa●…ement of 
Polyd. Verg.  stakes, so that the chief fight must be made upon horseback. After three hours bloody resistance, the English were put to the worst. 
* Stow's Annal.  The Lord Scales 
The L. Talbot taken in battle.  the Lord Hungerford, Sir Thomas Rampstone, and even the Lord Talbot himself (being first wounded in the back) were taken. The footmen enforced to trust to their 
* Polyd. Verg.  swords under the shelter of such horsemen as remained, retreated in order, and came to a place of safety. The English lost above a thousand, the French above 600. This blow shook the whole fabric of the English greatness in France, at the very foundations, awaking multitudes (even of those who before had vowed fealty to the English, and now had colour of divine warrant for violating that vow) to join with the victors for the recovery of common liberty. There followed the present revolt of sundry towns; neither was it long before 
Charles crowned King of France at Rheimes.  Charles himself issues out in Arms, recovers the City of Aunerre and Reims; where according to the maids direction, he was solemnly crowned King. Hitherto she might be thought prophetical and fortunate. It should seem now that the chief part of her employment was accomplished, yet she flourished a while longer. The Duke of Bedford to buttress the shrinking state of English affairs in France, and to encounter evil fortune in the face, upon the unpleasant news of Orleans rescued, and Talbots taking, musters his whole present forces which made above ten thousand English, besides certain wings of Normans: with these he marcheth out of Paris, and opposeth himself to the Current of Charles his new hopes who meant to attempt that City, some of whose Citizens held strict and secret correspondence with him. But upon this affrontment he suspended the execution of that design, having as than no hope to achieve it. The Regent returns to Paris, joan the Pucell dissuaded Charles from fight.  
(18) Places of special note as Campeigne and Beawois yielded themselves voluntarily to Charles. The Regent having settled the Estate, and Garrisons of the Chief City, passeth into Normandy, to provide for a safe retreat there, if perhaps the English (by the inevitable will of God) should be enforced to quit their other holds and dominions: which he began to suspect, for that he had intelligence of a secret purpose, which the French pursued to win the Burgundians from King Henry's side. While the Regent was absent upon this occasion, Charles got the Town of Saint Denis, (a neighbour to Paris) though he held it not long by practice. From thence he sends the Duke of Alencon and joan to try their friends and fortunes at Paris. They found not hoped success, for the English gave them so rough an encounter, that joan herself was 
* P●…l. Aemyl. joh Til. Chr.  wounded; and the rest with much slaughter driven to fall off. The Regent hearing of these attempts, entrusteth the Coast-Townes of Normandy, to the care of Richard Duke of York, and Rouen (the Capital City of that Duchy) to Edmund Duke of Somerset, himself speeds to Paris, where he commends the soldiers and Citizens for that they had not imitated the disloyalty of their Neighbours. New supplies came out of England. The next enterprise was to reduce Campeigne to obedience. john of Luxemburg with Burgundians and some English besiegeth it. Here the glory of joan unfortunately ended; for coming to the rescue she entered indeed, but afterward sallying 
joan taken prisoner.  forth, her troops were beaten, and herself (being betrayed, say her favourers) taken prisoner 
Chron. de Bretaig. apud Holinsh. p. 604.  by the said Burgundian 
* Serres saith by the bastard of Vandome.  Knight, who for the value of her ransom (ten thousand pounds Turnoys, and three hundredth Crowns yearly rend) delivered her unto the English. The siege was notwithstanding raised; they sent her to Rouen, where she (about nine 
Holinshed.  or ten months after) was burnt to death. Claelia 
She is burnt for a witch at Rouen.  was saved by 
* Tit. L●…. Pata●…. D●…cad. 1.  Porsenna; and it is not to be doubted, but that the magnanimity of the English would have spared her, had they not found it necessary to deface the opinion which the French even with superstition had conceived of her. Our 
* See Holinsh. in Hen. 6.  Writers show how the course of her life being legally examined by the Bishop of Beavois (in whose Diocese she was taken) and she thereupon for sorcery, bloodshed, 
The French got this sentence to be reversed by the Pope 26. years after.  and unnatural use of manlike apparel, and habiliments contrary to her sex, condemned to die, was notwithstanding upon her solemn abjuring of such her lewd practices, pardoned her life, till again convicted of perjurious relapsing, though acknowledging herself a 
* Stow.  strumpet, and feigning to be with child, she deservedly underwent that punishment which she sought to delay. The rumour of her end, and the ignominious cause thereof was somewhat incommodious to the affairs of Charles. It 
K. Henry in to come in person into France.  was thought that the coming of King Henry to Paris would be much more.  
(19) He had already with great solemnity received the Crown of England at Westminster, being about nine years old, a most fashionable and waxen age for all impression either of good or bad. The next year after his Coronation in England, he passeth over into France there also to receive the diadem thereof. The Constableship of England, was 
Richard Duke of York made Constable of England.  before his departure, assigned by Patent for term of life to Richard Duke of York (which gave him a more feeling of greatness and secretly whetted his ambitious appetite,) upon this occasion. One john Vpton, of Feversham in Kent Notary, accused john Down of the same place Gentleman, That he and his complices did imagine the King's death at his Coronation. The combat was granted, and in Smithfield (the Duke of York exercising the office of high Constable) they fought in lists. In the end the King's name was used to part and forgive them. It is a vice to suspect too far. The Duke of York (a most subtle man) seems never in heart to have been a true subject to King Henry: yet no man saith, he was any author in this. Henry (the common wealth having yielded to liber all grants of money) is now ready to enter Paris. England remained under the government of the Duke of Gloucester.  
(20) There is no doubt that the English there 
A. D. 1431. A. Reg. 10.  at their King's presence, set forth their greatness to the full show. The young King attended upon with two English Cardinals, York, and Winchester, and great Princes of his blood, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Prelates, and the flower of our nation, with many aswell French and Burgonians, as Normans and others, excellently well appointed, makes a triumphant entry into the head City of that most noble Monarchy. There 
Henry crowned King of France in Paris.  was no sign in the People but of joy and welcome; the shows were many and magnificent. Upon the seventh day of December, he was solemnly Crowned King of France, by the 
* P●…l Aemyl.  Cardinal of Winchester, his great uncle, in the 
* joh. Till. Chr.  Chief Church of Paris, called of our Lady. The Duke of Bedford entertained the minds of the Assembly with a set speech, wherein he declared, King Henry his nephews undoubted title to that Crown, and commended the same to their fidelities, adding ample promises of honour and emolument. Such of the French Nobility as were present, did their homage. The people had good and gracious words given unto them, and certain 
* Polyd. Verg.  quantities of money, Corn, and wine, in the nature of a donative, liberally distributed among them. Proclamations were made, that all Frenchmen who came in by a day there named, should be protected. The King's Patents and grants touching French matters, passed under the seal and style of Henry King of the 
* Ga●…orum, to distinguish, (it seemeth) from the former mere titular, of Galli●… Rex; so also the French King●… usually style themselves.  Frenchmen and of England, which Seal (for variety) we have prefixed, as we found it annexed, * to a writing directed by the King to his Court of Requests in his Palace at Paris; but for English affairs he used another Seal, being in every point like unto that 
* In Custodia Io. Guill●…m H●…raldi pe●…iss. Dat. H. 6. 7.  of King Henry the fourth, and (as some think) the very same stamp, (which therefore we have here omitted,) as likewise some 
* Inter Chart●… Colleg●… Et●….  Charters of his there are, whereunto he affixed the seal of his father. Charles of France esteemed not himself the less a King for all this, but pursues his affair. His people took the City of Chartres by a stratagem, the Bishop whereof (because a Burgundian) they also put to the sword with others. Neither were the English idle. john Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Arundel, Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Suffolk, and others, made up this loss with advantage. Their actions are placed by some as done before the Coronation which is likely. The King having thus taken possession of France, not long after took his farewell thereof. His return was by Rouen, and so over land to Callais, from whence 
The King returns into England.  upon the eleventh day of February, he arrived safe at Dover. His uncle the Duke of Gloucester was able to give an honest, and good account of the Government during the king's absence. The suppression of an insurrection, beginning at Abingdon in Oxfordshire 
The Protector breaks an insurrection at Abington in the Shell.  was not the least service. A weaver (the bailiff of the Town) was the ulcerous head, to which that corruption gathered; who had changed his own name, and called himself; jack Sharp of Wigmores' land in Wales. The special colour of his attempt was 
* Stows Annal.  to have massacred Priests; whose heads (he said) he would make as cheap as Sheeps-heads; that is, two or three, or ten for a penny. But the mention of Wigmores' lands, the ancient inheritance of Mortimer, (than the possession of the fatal Duke of York, who afterward in the right of that name, challenged the Crown of England from King Henry) insinuates somewhat further. The varlet forfeited his head and four quarters for his attempt. It is to be wondered that the Council of Estate under King Henry, hearing that title so often glanced at, provided not better against the mischief. But the eyes and hearts of the wise are blinded, when God hath a purpose to reserve a scourge, or to hide the fire which shall afterward be used to consume a nation. Unquiet humours were aswell abroad as at home. The soldiers of Callais discontented with their wages as to little began to be mutinously troublesome. The Regent 
A mutiny beginning in Callais appeased.  comes thither in person in Easter week, where he exerciseth necessary discipline severely. Four, the most faulty lost their heads, one hundred and ten are cashered, and banished from the Town, as six score others had formerly been. Why dwell we upon so petty accidents? The loss of the Kingdom of France is imminent. Let us diligently note the degrees which God found out to deprive our Nation of that honour. In this journey of the Regent, King Henry's interest was not advanced. The Regent (a widower) road from thence to Turwin, where 
The Duke of Bedford marrieth the Earl of Saint Paul's daughter.  (without the Burgundians privity) he married the Lady jaquet, aged about 
* Holinsh.  seventeen years 
* Serre●….  daughter to Peter of Lutzembourg Earl of S. Paul no friend to the Burgundian. This was nothing prosperous to the English affairs. For Anne, the Regent's former wife, sister to the Duke of Burgundy, being, while she lived, a strong reason and assurance of amity, weakened the same by her death; and this second marriage, not pleasing the Burgundian, did yet more diminish it. These were but degrees.  
In the mean space, the accidents of war between the English and French, were manifold and perplexed, now we, now they losing, or gaining, as opportunity served: which uncertainties brought forth their ordinary progenies, fearful outrages, and 
* joh. Til. Chron.  s●…rcitie of all things needful for the use of man. It would be wearisome, and not much necessary, to recount the particular lesser actions, neither indeed is it easy; for who can readily tell the sieges, surprises, skirmishes and the like, being so confusedly set down by Authors, wherein divers of both Nations wan to themselves much honour, and served the uses of those times, and their own. The uttermost effect of those great labours, was, that the English Regency fell not forthwith into nothing. Permanent leaders in those public services were the Regent himself; their main Pillar and Chief life, Thomas Earl of Arundel, Richard Earl of Warwick, Henry his Son, the Lord Willoughby, the thrice noble john Lord Talbot, (who was now at liberty,) the Lord Scales, besides Knights, Esquires, and other valiant Captains a multitude.  
(21) The fortune of Renate Duke of Bar, is not to be omitted, for that afterward; our King unluckily married into his house. He had to 
* Paul. Aemil.  wife Isabella the daughter, and heir of Charles Duke of Lorraine, by whom he had issue two sons, and two daughters, the youngest of which was Lady Margaret, whom King Henry afterward took to wife. Charles Duke of Lorraine dying, Renate thinks to succeed in that estate. Antony Earl of Vallemont, brother to Charles presumes he hath a nearer right. The matter comes to be determined by blows. Charles King of France was a steadfast supporter of Renates' claim▪ in am of like offices performed by Renate to him in the times of most difficulty. The Regent and Philip Duke of Burgundy, stood for the Earl. 
Renate Duke of ●…rrain and Bar taken prisoner.  Their aids prevailed so much, that Renates' forces were beaten with loss of about 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 23.  three thousand, from the siege of Vallemont, and himself with not fewer than two hundred others remained prisoner to the Duke of Burgundy, one of whose subjects commanded in chief at that enterprise. This 
* Paul. Aemil.  Renate was afterward entitled to the Crown of Naples and Sicilia, by the testament of joan Queen of them. The King of France might seem to have sustained a grievous loss by the enthralment of this Duke: but the English gained nothing thereby: for his persuasions, and private offices on the behalf of King Charles, did not a little prepare the Burgundians heart (which now was knit to the English but with feeble Arteries) to accept in time the holy impression of reconcilement. The French who lived under the Regency, or in danger of the English, made choice of the Burgundian to protect them, which could not be embarred to them, for that he was as yet King Henry's pretended friend. Indeed this Scene and unstable state of affairs was full of horror, which Polyd●…re Vergill describeth well enough. While the English and French (quoth he) contend for Dominion, Sovereignty and life itself, men's goods in France were violently taken by the licence of war, Churches spoiled, men every where murdered, or wounded, other, put to death, or tortured; Matrons ravished, Maids forcibly drawn from out their parents arms to be deflowered, 
The miserable face of France by occasion of th●…se wars.  Towns daily taken, daily spoiled, daily defaced, the riches of the Inhabitants carried whither the Conquerors think good; h●…sen and villages round about set on fire: no kind of cruelty is left unpractised upon the miserable French; omitting many hundredth kinds of other calamities, which all at once oppressed them. Add hereunto that the Commonwealth being destitute of the help of laws, (which for the most part are mute in times of war and muti●…ie) floateth up and down without any anchorage at right or justice. Neither was England herself void of these mischiefs, who every day heard the news of her valiant children's funerals, slain in perpetual skirmishes and bicker, her general wealth continually ●…d, and waned, so that the evils seemed almost equal, and the whole Western world echoed the groans and sighs of either Nations quarrels, being the common argument of speech and compassion throughout Christendom.  
(22) The course certainly which the English held, did only faintly keep alive the General State of the Regency, without giving period to the war, either by finishing the Conquest, or settling that which was conquered. Some would have had large supplies of men, and treasure levied, that King Charles might no where have any rest: Of this opinion were Bedford 
* Poly. Verg.  himself, the Dukes of York and Somerset. This Counsel was not followed, but another, in show more frugal, which fed the evils, but redressed none. Present sparings do oftentimes draw after them infinite wastes, and no husbandry proves so ill, as unseasonable Parsimony. In the mean time, the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Talbot, carry about victorious Arms, and terrify Angiou, Main, and other places with their successes. In Normandy, nevertheless the common people drew together in huge multitudes. There were threescore 
* Serres. Invent.  thousand of them rebelliously knotted together in Vexin, Norman, and twenty thousand in C●…ux. Their purpose was (through dislike of the English Government, or practise of the French) to have reached one hand to King Charles, and to have thrust King Henry's officers out. What is a multitude without 
The Commons of Normandy rise against the English.  advise? To stop their insolency and course which 
* Holinsh.  they held toward Caen, the Earl of 
* Polyd. Uerg.  Arundel, and Robert Lord Willoughby, with about thirteen hundred light horse, and six thousand Archers, march against them, by direction of the Dukes of York and ommerset, who had the chief Leiutenancies in Normandy. They divide their forces to use them with the more advantage. The Earl stays in Ambush with two parts, the Lord Willoughby draws them into it with the third. A thousand of the Rebels were cut down before the soldiers hands could be stayed to spare the rest, who basely (as it became them) threw away their weapons, and fell to the earth, crying mercy. The multitudes were suffered to return, their ringleaders lost their lives. All that the world could collect by this popular insurrection was, that the Normans would be gladly rid of the English. Nothing else was done. This Earl of Arundel 
The Earl of Arundel slain.  having done sundry noble deeds during the wars in France, received his deaths wound shortly after in a skirmish at Gerberoy in Beauuo●…sine, where La Hire (a famous Captain among the enemies) had the day.  
(23) The Regency yet held, and the miseries of France (being burnt up by the fiery reflections of two Counter-Sunnes) were nothing diminished: Who should give to them a Period? while the Duke of Burgundy continued English, it could not be. To prepare therefore a separation between them, such of the Nobility as went over to the Burgundian Duke told him, 
* Paul. Aemyl.  That King Charles upon all occasions (when speech was ministered) spoke of him honourably, and inwardly wished him well, and that he never heard any mention of the murder committed upon the Duke his father, (cause of the sons hatred to France) but he heartily sighed, protesting he was neither party nor privy thereunto. These and the like mollifying salves applied to the tumours of his revengeful affections, did work strongly, the rather for that his mind heretofore possessed with the English amity, was now vacant in that part, the same (by the means of sundry jealousies and aversions) lying open to contrary impressions. There wanted but an outward honourable means to fashion him entirely to the French party. Let us hear 
* I●…ent. of Fr.  Serves in this point: The Deputies of the General Council press both French, English and Burgundians to end all quarrels by some good composition. The City of Arras is allowed of them all to treat in. From the 
* E●…nius 4.  Pope and Council of Pisa, there came the Cardinals of S. Cross and Cypress, with twelve Bishops. For the 
〈◊〉 ●…ners of ●…he English, French and Burgundians.  King of France, there was the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Richmond Constable of France, the Archbishop of Reims, Chancellor of France, and many others, great, noble, wise and learned men. For the King of England, the two Cardinals of York and Winchester, the Earls of Suffolk (* john Holland Earl of Huntingdon) the Bishop of Saint David's, john 
Holinsh.  Ratcliff Keeper of the great Seal, the Lord Hungerford, Ralph the wise Official of Canterbury, and some Doctors of Divinity. For Philip Duke of burgundy, the Duke of gelders, the Earl of Nassau, the Bishop of Cambray, Count Vernamb●…urg, the Bishop of Liege; five other great Earls, besides the Deputies of many his best Towns, sufficient to show, that though he was in title but a Duke, yet that his greatness was equal to a King. When it came to communication, the English being also in possession, urged farther for themselves the right of descent, and the act of Charles the sixth, father to this Charles, by which act the Crown of France was settled upon Henry the fifth, and the issue of the Lady Katherine his wife, and therefore they propounded no other condition of peace, but that Henry their King might have all, and 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. ●…3.  Charles' to hold of him. The French offered Normandy and Guien. There ended the hope of agreement between them, for neither party would accept. King Charles therefore resolving to maim the English faction upon any terms (how base soever) sends Duke Philip a blank, bids him therein to 
Serres in Char. 7.  prescribe his own conditions and demands: he did so: and his Conditions were so unreasonable, and so many, even a great volume full, (saith a French man) as it 
Serres.  is strange, so great a Monarch should stoop so much to his subject and v●…ssall, but that necessity hath no law. They 
* Serres.  join hereupon most firmly, and the Duke 
The French and Burgundian agree. 24 Sept. 1435  (a man wholly transported by profit) declares himself a public enemy to all the enemies of King Charles, and friend to all his friends. This was the first parting stroke which severed the French Dominions from the English Sovereignty: the event declared, that the English had done more wisely, if they had accepted Normandy and Guienne; but as the case stood, than they could not in honour do it; and Counsels are not to be measured by events; for so the most foolish may sometimes pass for prudent. King Henry not only lost now hereby a most needful friend, but was compelled to rely upon his single strengths, aswell against King Charles his natural enemy, as against the Duke of Burgundy, who plainly seemed to have betrayed the cause. To set a gloss upon this fact, the Duke 
* Polyd. Verg.  dispatcheth Ambassadors into England to King Henry (who as 
* In C●…l. 7.  Aemylius erroneously saith was present at this treaty of Arras) to make known the reasons of his peace with King Charles, and to persuade the King to entertain the same. This embassage was so odious to the English, that they forbore not to call the Duke a deceitful man, a turn-seruer, a perjured person, and a Traitor.  
(24) The popular hatred also was such against the Duke's Subjects, resiant in London, that they were beaten and slain many of them, before the fury thereof could be stayed by Proclamation. The Ambassadors return with honest admonitions to their Master, against which, his ears and senses were strongly mured; for King Charles had set about them as it were a Barricado of royalties, privileges, 
The incredible rate at which K. Charles purchased the Burgundians good  honours, money, Cities, Towns and whole Provinces, which he confirmed to the Duke, only to withdraw him from us. The whole Counties of 
* Paul. Aemyl.  A●…, Err, Ponthieu, Bolein, Artois, the town of 
* Polyd. Uerg.  Abb●…lle, and other lands, the Cities and Towns in Picardy, upon the water of So●…e, Amiens, Corbie, Per●…n, S. Quintin, but these last as it were in gage till 
* Paul. Aemyl.  four hundredth thousand Crowns were satisfied: Briefly, what not? the Charity of King Charles was so fervent to make the Duke of Burgundy a true Frenchman once again: he paid so dear for it, that we may think him worthy to obtain his desire; yet was it worth his cost; for Aemylius saith most truly, that the ceasing of that indignation did redeem the French from a foreign government, as the first assuming thereof had made the English, Lords over France. But, howsoever the high and just displeasure, which this Prince took for the wicked murder of his father, (abundantly satisfied-for by this 
A. D. 1435. A. reg. 14. The Burgundian renounceth to the Regent his friendship with England.  treaty) moved him first to embrace the English amity, he afterward most subtilely converted the revenge (by way of taking amends) to the enlargement of his proper riches, power and amplitude. After his Ambassadors returned, he sends back all contracts to the Duke of Bedford at Paris, and renounceth the alliance of England with a watchword, that every one should look to himself.  
(25) Each man hereupon (saith 
* Invent of Fr.  Serres) sharpens his sword and scours his Arms, to recover that by force which they could not obtain by reason; Serres might better have said, reasoning. All things certainly favoured the French designs; for this was the general estate of the English affairs. King Henry scarce out of his Childhood; and when he came to man's age, not Man enough to manage so turbulent occurrents; the Princes of the blood weakly united in love, for the common good; the Protector vigilant over England, the Regent careful for France, but both privately envied; Richard Duke of York (whose strenghts daily increased, which in time he meant nothing less than to use for the benefit of King Henry,) ambitiously reserving himself for a dear day; most of the great warriors slain; and in brief a great inability (for want of a Soul, willing and fit to look so stern and dismal adventures in the face) through the whole body of the English forces; which though otherwise they might have lingered out the war, and kept their footing, yet the death of the great Duke of Bedford Regent of France doubled the difficulty, or rather the impossibility. 
The Duke of Bedford Regent of France dieth at Paris.  In taking this triumphant Peer away, God made it manifest, that he held the English unworthy and unfit to continue their Empire among the French any longer. This Prince not long after this revolt of Duke Philip, died at 
* Cambden in Bedfordshire: saith he was slain in battle before Ve●…noyle.  Paris, uncertain to some, whether through grief of the evils he foresaw, or other malady. But the Analogy and colour of his whole former life, doth contradict their conceit, who think that such a grief should determine his days, because it could not but proceed from a kind of fear and despair, an humour absolutely opposite to Magnanimity, wherein he abounded. How mighty a Prince he was this his 
* Master Cambden loc. cit●…t.  style showeth: Regent of France; Duke of Bedford, Alanson, and Anjou, Earl of main, Richmond, and Kendale; and Constable of England. But (which excelleth his greatness) he was one of the best Patriots and Generals, that ever blossomed out of the royal Rosiar of England. His valour was not more terrible to the enemy, than his memory honourable. For (doubtful whether with more glory to him, then to the speaker) 
* Stows Annals. but Master Cambden saith it was Charles 8. Cambd. ibid.  Lewis the eleventh being afterwards counseled by certain envious persons to demolish and deface his stately Tomb, (wherein, with him, * saith one, was buried all the Englishmen good fortune in France) which was erected over his body in the Northside of the high Altar, in our Lady's Church at Rouen, used these indeed most Princely words.  
(26) What honour shall it be to us, or you, to break this Monument, and to pull out of the ground the bones of him dead, whom in his lifetime, neither my father, nor 
King Lewis his Princely testimony of the late Regent's virtues.  your Progenitors with all their puissance, were once able to make fly one foot backward? who by his strength, policy, and wit kept them all out of the principal dominions of the Realm of France, and out of this noble Duchy of Normandy? wherefore I say first, God save his soul; and let his body now lie in rest: which when he was alive, would have disquieted the proudest of us all: And as for the tomb, I assure you, it is not so worthy, or convenient as his honour and acts deserved.  
(27) The Regent being now dead, the late peace made at Arras between King Charles and Philip Duke of Burgundy, presently disclosed, and put forth effects most dangerous to the English; for many Towns voluntarily yield, and multitudes of the French (who hitherto through fear contained themselves) starting away, all the English dominions were full of private conventicles, practices, and correspondences with the Enemy. Such English as then were in France, are not altogether slothful, but yet, through a fatal either security or negligence at home, there was not speedy sufficiencies of resistance ministered.  
(28) Richard Duke of York, (whose services never 
Richard Duke of York made Regent of France.  did good to the English commonwealth) is created Regent of France, and Edmund Duke of Somerset (his perpetual rival, or perhaps an intelligent censor of his manners) continues his commands in Normandy. The Duke of Somerset 
* Holinsh. Stow Annal.  opposed the advancement of York to that slippery dignity. He was no babe in so doing, but more foreseeing than the Protector, and all the Council of England. Yet his opposition was unseasonable, and fruitless, for the others carriage had won such a party about the King, (whom he meant by embracing to pull down) that notwithstanding the disadvantage of his silenced title, which was alone a great cause to have made him everlastingly incapable of so great trust and means, he prevailed. But before he could arrive, Paris was lost. Robert Lord Willoughby was Governor there for the English, who had with him but about two thousand, the faith of the Citizens was presumed upon to make up the rest at a pinch, for a common resistance. On the contrary, they perceiving upon what terms the English affairs stood in France, chiefly after the late Regent's death, conspire against them. The treason was carried so cunningly by some of the principal Magistrates of the Town, who capitulated for a general pardon from King Charles (which was gladly yielded unto,) that the mischief sooner took effect, than it could be discovered. Thomas Lord Beaumond began the loss with his misfortune; for Arthur Earl of Richmond, 
The Parisians conspire to dispossess the English.  Constable of France, hovering about Paris, in hope to recover the same, the Lord Beaumond with certain hundredth of English, fell into his danger about Saint Denis, and were distressed. While as yet the terror of this discomfiture (not great in regard of the numbers slain, but in regard of the Circumstances) was freshest, the French advance their Banners up to the City, where a gate was opened unto them by their partisans. What should the English do in this general mischief? The townsmen, lately vassals, turn enemies on a sudden: women and children assail the English from their windows with all sorts of missill things. Many are beaten down and massacred in the streets. The Lord Willoughby Governor of Paris, Lewis of Luxemburg Bishop of Ther●…an, Chancellor of France for the English, the Bishops of Lisieux and Meaux, with other, fly to 
* Paul. Aemyl.  S. Anthony's gate and the Bastile, places which they had reserved for defence till extreme necessity. Many more had been saved in those places, but that the perfidious Citizens drew chains thwart the streets, and impeached their retreat. Hear the rest in a 
* Serres Invent by Edw. Gri●…st.  Frenchman's words.  
(29) All run to the Bastile. The Tournels are presently seized, and all approaches unto the Bastile are soon won. Such as were within it, at first made some show of defence, but all things were prepared to force them: they demand a Parlea, and agree to depart with 
The City of Paris yielded up. to the French.  their lives and baggage. They are conducted about the Town beneath the Louvre, to embark upon the River of Sein, and so pass to Rouen. They could not well have passed through the City. The people hereof advertised run to the walls, and cry out with great shouts, 
* Rob. Fabians Chronicle. Gagwin.  baiting the English like Dogs, whom a little before they had feared, and honoured as their masters. Who of the English reads these things without indignation? but they are the perpetual manners of the base multitude, & the fortune therein of the English, the same which followeth all like accidents. Some will think that the Lord Willoughby, and his people might have done more nobly, to have taken up their graves in the place which they pretended to make good against the French. Fortitude is never separated from Prudence. Succour was despaired. The Duke of York was not as yet arrived, and in maintaining their strengths against the whole City of Paris, and all the present French forces for the space of about ten days, they sufficiently cleared themselves both in point of honour and loyalty. Paris 
* 27. Feb. A. D. 1436.  is thus lost in the worst time for an Army to march in. They did wisely to choose so unseasonable a season, their market might have else been marred; for the new Regent (not so much hindered from sooner coming by the Duke of Somersets' emulations, which some affirm, 
The new Regent comes with an Army into France.  as by the very quality of the winter weather) arrived afterward, accompanied with the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk, the Lord Falconbridge, and other worthy persons, with an Army of eight thousand men. But this Regent did never good in France: He who so writes, might have also safely added, nor 
* Stow's Annal.  elsewhere. The English affairs were not as yet come to the very breake-necke point. They held (in the late conquered parts of France) Normandy entire, though not without much trouble; for the people again rebel in Caux: but that mischief was destroyed with the greater and more merciless confusion of the Authors and Actors, than the former. About five thousand of them were trampled to death by the just fury of the English, under the leading of the Lord Scales, the Lord Hoo and others. They burned all their dwellings, made booty of their goods, drove their whole numbers out of the Country. The Lord Scales not long after discomfited La Hire, and his Company not far from Rouen. The war was handled on all sides without full or complete armies. Skirmishes were the ordinary forms of fight. The French were schooled from settling their rest upon a pitched field. Thus hovered the affairs.  
(30) Philip Duke of Burgoigne had as yet in person 
Calais besieged by the Burgundian.  given no proof against the English of his affection to King Charles. Now he addresseth himself to an enterprise worthy of that expectation, the recovery of Calais. You would suspect that he continued still a friend to the English, in making choice of a service, wherein he was most likely to waste his time in vain, and yet make show of much forwardness; but he was real, though the rather stirred thereunto by the desire of private revenge. The English, upon his forsaking their alliance, had attempted to kindle the Gauntois, and other of the Flemish towns (Subjects to the Duke) to rise in rebellion: but the opinion that K. Henry's fortunes in France were desperately stooping, made their wills too dank to take fire. The notice notwithstanding of this attempt came to the Duke, which sharpened him to revenge, whereof (as the former passages abundantly declare) he was not ordinarily thirsty. He brings his Army before Calais. Chief commanders there for King Henry were the L. Dudley who had charge of the Castle, and Sir john Ratcliff of the Town. The Duke's purpose was to have cloyed the harbour by sinking ships laden with stones, and such like choking materials; but upon the ●…bbe-water the Calisians delivered the haven from that peril. The King of England advertised that his precious 
The Protector of England rescues Calais with a great Fleet and ho●…t.  Fort and Town of Calais were thus emperilled, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester the Protector comes in person with a very great Fleet (some write five hundredth sail) to the rescue, and in it a great puissance, with full purpose to give battle, glad perhaps that he might now revenge old grudges. It is able to move choler, to consider how Writers torture us with the diversities of reports; but the general agreement is, that the Duke of Burgundy did raise his siege before he was fought with. Some 
* Polyd. Verg. l 13  say the very rumour of the Protectors approach drove him away, and that the Protector came the next day after the Burgundians flight. Others excuse him (probably enough) in saying that the Flemings grew unwieldy to his commandments, and would needs home.  
(31) The Protector was master of the Duke's Camp, and spent eleven days in his Dominions, burning 
He returns with hon●…ur into England.  Poppering and Bell, and greatly damnified him about ●…Grauelin and Bolognois, then settleth he the state of Calis, and 
* Serres. Rob. Fab.  returns with great honour to his charge into England. But the English were thought to have created store of work for this busy Duke at home, where many great tumults rose, in 
* Serres.  one of which, his own person was endangered at Bruges, Lisle-Adam the Captain of his guard being there presently slain. Hence it came perhaps that a mean 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 23.  was found by contracts made with Isabel the Duchess his third wife (a most witty woman a Portugesse) to hold a league with England, and yet no breach with France.  
(32) These have heath erto been the actions of Men, let us not neglect two great Ladies, because 
An. D. 1437  much concerning our history depend on their courses. Queen Katherine, the widow of King Henry the fifth, and mother by him of this sixth Henry, about 
Katherine Queen 〈◊〉 of England.  this time departed out of the world. This most noble Lady, when her husband the King was dead, being not of judgement (by reason of her tender years to understand what became her greatness, or having found perhaps that greatness was no part of happiness,) secretly marrieth one Owen ap Theodore or Teder 
* P●…l. Aemyl.  the most noble and most goodly gentleman of all the Welsh nation, and endued with 
* Polyd. Verg.  admirable virtues, who drew his descent from holy Cadwallader, last King of the Britain's. This husband had by her sundry children, two of which, Edmund and Gasper do bear a part in the royal history, and King Henry the sixth (their half brother) created the first of them Earl of Richmond, the other of Pembroke. This Edmund is he, who by Margaret the daughter of john Duke of Somerset, (grandechilde 
King, ●…nry the 7. her Grandchild.  to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster) had Henry the 7. the most famous and prudent King of England.  
(33) In that year in which this excellent Queen died, the young Duchess Dowager of Bedford (widow to the late Regent of France) married also (below her degree) a vigorous English Knight, one 
* Stows Annals. The Duchess Dowager marrieth Wood●…le.  Sir Richard Wooduile, of which match yet Serres needed not to have spoken so contemptibly, calling him an English adventurer, of small account; she thereby (saith he) giving cause to laugh at her: which censure tasteth perhaps of the French leaven and prejudice, because the Lady was sister to the Earl of S. Paul, who would not make one in the peace of Arras, but held with the English.  
(34) But let us see the sequel. Out of this Matrimony also sprung Queens; for her husband (afterward made Earl of Rivers) had sundry children by her, whereof Elizabeth being one, had the honour 
Elizabeth wife to Edward 4. 〈◊〉 daughter of that bed.  to marry Edward the fourth King of England, and hereby was both herself a Queen and a Progenitresse of those glorious Kings and Queens which followed: for from her and this match sprang another Elizabeth, the renowned wife of King Henry the seventh, as King Henry himself did of the former: both those marriages proved most fortunate to England: but another marriage which then threatened present danger to King Henry, was that which james the first King of Scots made with France, who gave his daughter the Lady Margaret, to Lewis the Dauphin for wife, and sent new supplies of men against the English: he meant also to have attempted some personal hostility, but that he was most 
The murder of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first of Scotland.  wickedly murdered by certain bloody Traitors in Perth, suborned thereunto by Walter Earl of Athol, (his own near kinsman) in hope to attain the Crown; crowned indeed he was, but not (as his Withces & Sorcerers had ambiguously insinuated) with the Crown of that Realm, but with a 
* Hect. B●…et. l. 17.  Crown of red-hot iron, which was clapped upon his head, being one of the tortures wherewith he ended at once his wicked days and desires.  
(35) Let us now cast our eye to the doings of our new Regent the Duke of York, that we may be witnesses, how far by his endeavours, the affairs of 
The new Regent doth nothing.  King Henry were advanced in France. The silence at this time is every where very great, yet had he opportunity to have achieved somewhat. Two 
* javent. of Fr.  thousand French horsemen were mutined, and roved up and down in great disorder. Paris was fearfully punished with famine, and the attendants of famine, pestilential maladies. The Countries about lay open: the Courtiers were discontented and divided: Nothing is yet done by our Regent, which 
* Stow. p. 616.  some impute to Edmund Duke of Somersets' opposition, who out of envy and disdain hindered his dispatch. We must in the mean time find out them that did somewhat. The Duke of Somerset himself accompanied with the Lords Talbot and Fanconbridge, with other Gallants, and a competent force of the English, besiege Harflew, which the Normans in the 
Harflew recovered by the Duk●… of Somerset.  late rebellion took from them, and still maintained against them under French Captains: King Charles sends some of his principal Commanders with four thousand men to rescue the Town; who did their best, but not able to effect any thing, Harflew was rendered to the Duke.  
(36) In November Richard Earl of Warwick came as Regent into France, being surrogated in that office 
The Earl of Warw●…cke comes Regent into France, and York returne●….  to the Duke of York, who returned into England. He carried with him a thousand fresh Soldiers, and arrived at Harflew, from whence he repaired to Rouen, the chief seat (Paris being now lost) of the English Dominions in North France, as Bordeaux was in the South; whether now the Earl of Huntingdon, with certain troops and companies of Soldiers, was sent as Seneschal. This new Regent busied himself in the general affairs of his place. 
A. D. 1438.  Under him the Duke of Burgoins forces were driven from Crotoy. Abbevile freed from the danger of a Bastile, with which the Duke had penned that Town in; and the English for twenty days space together took their pleasure in spoiling the Country of Picardy about Amiens and Artois. These and some other actions having been worthily carried during this Regent's government, himself dieth. The Duke 
The Duke of York Regent again.  of York again succeeds him. Our interest in France was retained, not so much by King Henry's ministers and Armies, as by remissness of King Charles, whom also Lewis the Dauphin (afterward King) did greatly trouble by rebellious decessions, and absentments of himself. The fear of the English reconciled the son to the father the sooner. K. Charles was now fallen into dislike with his people, but to 
King Charles and his son reckon ciled against the English.  redeem his credit, he attempts the recovery of P●…ntoyse (a town near to Paris) which the Lord Clifford had not long before surprised by stratagem and money (an ordinary means as then for the expugnation 
The siege of P●…ntoyse.  of places) and comes in person to the enterprise. There attended upon him for that service about ten or twelve thousand men. The L. Clifford is within, and makes a brave defence.  
(37) The Duke of York lately landed in Normandy, as Regent, assembleth his main strengths, being about seven or eight thousand; offers the French King battle. He keeps himself within his trenches. The Duke (according to the ancient humour, and discipline of the English, who love to set all upon a push) desirous to fight, unexpectedly passeth the river of oyse, which ran between the two Camps. King Charles dislodgeth so fearfully, that the French do not over boldly excuse him of 
* Serres.  flying. The Duke having had the spoil of the French Kings Camp, refortifies Pontoyse, and assaults a Bastile, where Charles had left three thousand Soldiers to maintain the face of a siege. It was held better to pursue the King, who was gotten to Poisie. There 
King Charles pursued by the Duke of York.  the Duke of York again very nobly provokes him to a field. It would not be; King Charles saw the hazards were not equal, and therefore endures his bravado. What could the Duke do more? he is of necessity to return to the main of his charge in Normandy, and doth so. King Charles ran into such obloquy and contempt with his people by this dishonourable retreat, but chiefly with the Parisians; that if he had not attempted again and prevailed against Pontoise, it might have jeoparded his whole estate; for there was a faction which would have made use of his disgrace. He returns in great fury to 
Pontoys taken by King Charles.  the siege, and finally enters the town, not without much bloodshed. Serres saith, that five hundred English left their dead bodies at the breach. The King was one of the first that entered, choosing rather to be thought temerarious then timorous. This exploit established his opinion among the people. A satiety of war filled both sides, and the estate of England under King Henry, whose softness and lenity gave way to sundry dangerous Court-factions, needed quiet Commissioners meet at Calais: nothing 
Charles Duke of Orleans set at liberty by the English.  is concluded but the enlargement of Charles Duke of Orleans for the sum of three hundred thousand Crowns. He had been Prisoner in England about twenty and six years, ever since the Battle of Agincourt, where he was taken. The Duke of Burgundy was a special Actor in his enlargement, with a purpose to secure his own greatness by benefits: this high borne Prince for the murder of his father, being naturally the head and chief of that deadly feud, which had most mortally raged between the houses of Burgundy and Orleans. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester prudently foreseeing the dangers like to ensue on Orleans his enlargement, stoutly opposed himself thereunto, and that upon important reasons which 
* R●…. Pate●…. de 〈◊〉 6. 18. the copy whereof I had from the learned M. john Claph●….  he required to have registered, that they might remain on Record for a testimony and discharge of his duty in that behalf.  
1 First, for that the French King wanted discretion and judgement to order his affairs, which defects might be supplied by the Duke, (being a man of experience and very subtle) if he should be set at liberty.  
2 That the said Duke might procure an union of the factions (now hotly maintained in France among the Nobility) to the prejudice of the Crown of England, and hazard of the loss of the King's territories in France.  
3 That the Duchy of Normandy (having sustained a great charge in maintaining the war) seeing the Duke of Orleans delivered, and no royal Army on the English part to withstand the common enemy, was likely enough to revolt.  
4 That if the Duke should be delivered, it might be probably conjectured, that he would sooner break his oath, which he should (being prisoner) make to the King of England, than the oath of his allegiance to the French King his Sovereign Lord, of whom he holdeth his lands and dignity.  
5 If the Articles concluded between his Majesty and the French on the Duke's behalf, should not be performed, what remedy might his Majesty have or expect?  
6 That considering his cozen of Huntingdon was to leave the Duchy of G●…yenne, and for that the alliance betwixt the said Duke, and the Earls of Arminack and Foix, and the Lord de la Bret, was to be suspected as dangerous, it was very necessary that good provision should be made for defence of that Country, being his majesties ancient inheritance.  
7 That his Majesty hath no alliance with any Christian Prince, but only the King of Portugal (being but of tender years and far off:) And therefore it was not safe for his Majesty to deliver him, that was likely to prove his Capital enemy, and to seek means to deprive him of those lands which his noble father had left him.  
8. That if any of his majesties kindred, or other Lords on that side the Sea, should happen to be taken prisoners, the said Duke of Orleans might ransom 4. or 5. of them.  
9 That it were fit to take advise of the Lords, and other his majesties subjects in the Realm of France, and duchy of Normandy, whether they thought it expedient that the said Duke should be delivered or not. Otherwise the world might cry shame thereon, when men should call to mind the loss of his brethren of Clarence, and Bedford, and other noble Personages, in defending and keeping those Lands.  
10. If he (the said Duke of Gloucester) should consent to the said Duke's deliverance (the same being also quite-contrary to the last will of his majesties Father) such inconveniences, as would ensue thereupon▪ should be imputed to him.  
(38) Notwithstanding the weight of so many thousand Crowns over▪ poised all these important and ponderous reasons; and the war eats on still in the body of France, but not with so sharp teeth, nor so full engorgement as before. Towns and people are taken on both sides. The County of Amiens was spoiled by the English Lords, Willoughby and Talbot; The Regent and the Duke of Somerset, march into Angiou, where they charged their carriages with much spoil and returned. Then the Duke of Somerset severs himself, and doth sundry exploits in and about Britain. Diep in Normandy being besieged, was rescued by the Dolphin of France to our loss. The contemplation of these mutual violences touched all Christendom: for the Turk, common enemy thereof, increased. Ambassadors are sent from all parts, to determine these bloody differences. William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, was chief for the English. A truce was hereupon taken 
A short truce and a match concluded for King Henry with the titulary King of Sicils daughter. A. D. 1444. A. Reg. 22.  for eighteen months, between King Henry and King Charles, and an hope of perpetual amity, weakly grounded upon a match, which the Earl of Suffolk contracted for King Henry, with Margaret the daughter of Renate, titulary King of Sicily, Naples, and jerusalem, Duke of Angiou and Lorraine, Prince of the blood. To effect this, the Earl covenanted that the English should abandon the possession of Angiou, and Main to her father. A strange purchase of a wife, who though she brought youth, beauty and hope of a perpetual peace with France, (the more profitable opportunity whereof, the English had more bravely then happily neglected) yet was she otherwise without portion. The Earl notwithstanding (whose drift herein could not be without manifest ambition, to make himself one of the greatest of England, by this gratification of the French, with his Master's charge and dishonour) is not abashed to expect public thanks for this high service, and an whole fifteen for the charge of her transportation. Sundry Lords of Council and the King himself thought him worthy, and according to his devise and overture, the whole affair was carried. Suffolk made marquess is sent over with many honourable persons, both men and women, to conduct the fair and goodly (but most unfortunate and fatal) Bride into England. 
* Hist. Angl. li. 23.  Polydore gives us no unfitting Character of this Lady. She was provident enough, very desirous of glory, abounding in discourse, counsel, gracious behaviour, and manly courage; but not free from women's humour, which (saith he) is usually vehement and apt to change. In England ye may easily suppose, that she was most royally entertained; Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, among others, meeting her with a train of 
* Holinsh. Rob. Fabian.  five hundred horsemen in a livery, that worthy Poet john Lydgate Monk of Bury, devising the speeches for such gratulatory triumphs as were made at her entrance into London. The King being married lawfully enjoys her embracements, from which he was often afterward violently 
She is married to King Henry and Crowned.  separated by the miseries of a most cruel war, wherein she had her piteous portion Suffolk in the mean time having the most assured favour of the Queen pursues his ambitious purposes. She in the mean time was solemnly Crowned Queen of England at Westminster upon the 
* A. D. 1445 A. reg. 23.  thirtieth of May.  
(39) Would to God it stood now with the quality of this argument, to turn our eyes from the view of those actions which ensued; for here the mournful tragedies of our poor Country began. But we cannot but open those old and most execrable sores, that, in their example, all true English blood may the rather be tender over their bowels, beholding such effects as the devil and all the furies of hell were (by God's severe permission) Actors in. Fabian gives us the causes and contents of those effects, in these grave and few words.  
(40) It appeareth that God was not pleased with 
Fabian.  that marriage: For after this day, the fortune of the world began to fall from the King, so that he lost his friends in England, and his revenues in France: For shortly after, all was ruled by the Queen and her Counsel, to the great disprofit of the King and his Realm, and to the great maugre (it is Fabians word) and obloquy of the Queen, who (as since hath been well proved) had many a wrong, and false report made of her. All which misery fell for BREAKING OF THE PROMISE, made by the King unto the 
This contract by proxy is said to have been made in the twentieth year of King Henry; and that the Earl of Suffolk was chief, if not sole actor in breaking it.  Earl of Armenacks* daughter, as most writers agree: Which misery in this Story shall somedeal appear by the losing of Normandy, (as all things else, except Callais, which the English held in France) the division of the Lords within this Realm, the rebellion of the commonalty against their Prince and Sovereign, and finally the King deposed, and the Queen with the Prince feign to flee the land, and lost the rule thereof for ever. Thus he: but all this far short of the evils that were the brood and offspring of the following times. The Parliament in the mean time grants aids of money, that upon expiration of the truce there might be present abilities to maintain war. The Duke of York is revoked, and the Duke of Somerset (in an evil 
The Duke of Somerset Regent of English France.  hour) is sent in his place, with such provisions as were reputed competent.  
(41) Humphrey the renowned Duke of Gloucester, 
The Duke of Gloucesters' troubles. AD. 1447.  Lord Protector, felt the first stroke of the evil Angel, which was sent to punish England, and to root out her Nobles. This Duke was much hated of the Queen, and her faction, as the only man who by his prudence, as also by the honour and authority of his birth and place, seemed to impeach that sovereign command, which they pretended to settle in the Kings own person, but meant indeed (as the manner is under soft Princes) to reign themselves in another's name. Many great Lords were drawn on (at the time of a Parliament then 
* In February.  holden at Saint Edmunds Bury,) to concur for his ruin, not perceiving, that thereby they plucked up the floodgate, at which the Duke of York entered, overwhelming all of them in a deluge of blood. Whether they had any true or just fear of Gloucester himself, lest perhaps he should take revenge upon some particular persons among them, is doubtful, though it be probable enough, that they had. Hear some things that forwent this Parliament. About five or six years before, 
* Stows Annal. The Duchess of Gloucester arraigned of sorcery and treason.  the Duchess of Gloucester Eleanor, was convented for witchcraft and sorcery, and afterward indited of treason in the guildhall in London, before the Earls of Huntingdon, Stafford, Suffolk, and Northumberland, and certain Lords, as Fa●…hope, and Hungerford, with others, and judges of both benches; of which crimes she was appealed by one B●…lingbrook an Astronomer, and Thomas Southwell a Cannon, which Southwell was charged to have said Masses over certain instruments, by which the Astronomer should practise Necromancy against the life of the King. These being taken, accused her as accessary, she having desired the help of their Art, to know what would befall her. Some part hereof she confessed, for which she was put to public and solemn penance in London upon three several days, with wonderful shame to her person, and after she was committed to perpetual prison under the ward of Sir Thomas Stanley in the Castle of Chester, but from thence removed to Kenelworth. Her pride, falsehood, avarice, and lechery were causes of her confusion, saith Stow; who hath set forth that business very diligently, though not seeming to attribute much credit to that accusation of treason. The Duke of Gloucester her unhappy Lord and husband (whom she by love-cups and enchantments was said to have enucigled, using therein one Margery Gurdmain a witch of Ey in Suffolk, who was burnt in Smithfield) stung with this reproach, might reasonably be thought not unwilling to do somewhat. Howsoever that was, his destruction borrowed countenance from that opinion. The Duke therefore being come to attend in this Parliament at Bury, was arrested of high treason by john Lord Beaumond high Constable of England, the Dukes of Buckingham and Somerset with others. Certain of the King's household were appointed to guard him. Not long after he was found dead. His body was 
The Duke of Gloucester dead.  showed to the Lords and Commons, as if he had died of a palsy or an apostume. Of thirty and two of his servants which were attached, Sir Roger Chamberlain Knight, Richard Middleton, Thomas Herbert, Arthur Tursey, Esquires, and Richard Nedham Gentleman, were condemned of high treason, and had this unexampled punishment. They were drawn from the Tower to Tyburn, hanged, let down quick, 
A strange sparing of life forfeited for treason.  stripped naked, marked with a knife to be quartered, and then a Charter of pardon showed for their lives by the marquess of Suffolk. But the yeoman 
* Record. apud Stows Annals.  of the Crown had their livelihood, the executioner their clothes. Their pardons were thus obtained by the earnest diligence of Doctor Gilbert Worthington, a famous preacher, parson of S. Andrew's in Holborn. Thomas Wild Esquire, the Duke's servant also, being condemned and pardoned among other, had for a preamble in his letters patents words importing, 
* Record. ibid.  that he had been one among many other traitors against the King, with Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, who went about, and practised to deliver Eleanour, late wife to the Duke, from out of prison, for which purpose he had gathered a great power, and number of men, to come to the Parliament at Berie, there to have contrived the King's destruction.  
(42) Such was the end of this great Prince, who, notwithstanding this open showing of his body, and these pretended crimes, was by the people of England thought to be doublie murdered, by detraction, and deadly practice. He was not only a true lover of learned men, but himself also 
* Polyd. Verg. lib. 83.  learned, and (saith our Author) a father of his Country. His main opinion concerning the government of King Henry's French dominions, was as mainly opposed by the Cardinal of Winchester and others, who altogether persuaded Peace, to which the noble Duke (standing precisely upon the honour and Majesty of the English name,) was 
* Hall in the Duke's Articles against the Cardinal.  an absolute enemy. From this troubled fountain of divided Council many following black adventures did flow. The Duke thus brought to his end, goodmen (saith Polydore) fearful of their own safeties, did of their own accord forsake the Court, into whose rooms many succeeded, who for the more part looking how to rise in dignity made open an easy way for new factions. The Cardinal of Winchester (the other halfe-arch of the Kingdom) overlived not the Duke above fifteen or sixteen days. The 
The Cardinal of ●…chester deceaseth.  whole frame of government was thus drawn to repose itself upon the Queen, and such favourites, as the King by her commendation the rather liked.  
(43) The marquess 
* A. D. 1448. A. reg. 26. Suffolk made a Duke.  of Suffolk, prime man in grace, was created Duke, which made him a more conspicuous mark of envy, then that any shadow of the King or Queen could shelter or protect. After the Cardinal's 
* Stow's Annal.  death, the affairs in France (where Somerset was now Regent) wereneither duel●…e looked unto, nor the governors of the Country well advised. But the King and Realm of England lay, much more than France, open to the inevitable, deep, and pernicious conspiracies of Richard Duke of York. He (by the error of King Henry, and the evil stars of our Country) being of himself a great Prince, and grown stronger by affected popularity, perceiving the King to be a Ruler, and not to Rule, began secretly to 
Richard Duke of York practiseth to attain the Crown.  allure his friends of the Nobility, and privily declared to them his title to the Crown, as likewise he did to certain Governors of Cities and towns, which attempt was so politicly and closely carried, that his provision was 
Stows Annals.  ready, before his purpose was opened. The very state of things invited this fatal conspiracy: a milder King than England was worthy of; a Council out of favour with the people; manifold losses and dishonours abroad; a turbulent and jealous condition of things at home. Of all which and much more, the Duke of York, having King Henry the fourth (the enemy of his house) for a perilous example, made his precious use, cherishing the popular aversions, without seeking to redress any evils, but representing them worse than they were, thereby to ripen that breach of loyalty in the hearts of men, which his ambition wrought upon. His displacement from the Regency of France, did not a little (perhaps) offend him at first, because the Duke of Somerset got it over his head; but it will not be long, before Sommersets' evil carriage of that trust, and the declining fortune of England, will give him occasion to rejoice 
The loss of Normandy occasioned by breach of truce.  at the foil of his dreaded enemy. Let us not be long in the rehearsal of the public shame and damage of our nation.  
(44) During the truce between England and France, one Sir Francis Surien an Arragonois (Knight 
* Serres.  of the Garter) serving under the Regent, unlawfully surprised Fougers, a town of Britain upon the confines of Normandy. Restitution is demanded. The Duke of Somerset (a proud man (saith Serres) who thinking to d●…e better than the rest, did absolutely ruin the English affairs) contrary to good discipline, cherishing his soldiers in their riots and disorders, neglected the justice of nations in that point. The French make this their example, and surprise Port del' Arch, and town after town, so many and so fast, that King Charles (who, that he might have God on his side, and wrong on his enemies, contained himself with great modesty, till 
* Serres Normandy lost.  he saw all quiet restitution desperate,) recovered Rouen, Caen and all Normandy within a short space after.  
(45) Thus Somerset, and the English, are compelled to quit Normandy, not only inglorious, but also 
A. D. 1449. A. D. 1450. Secundùm. Io. Tili.  in England itself uncommiserated. The next main parcel of the English inheritance, beyond our Ocean, was Gascoigne. King Charles and his people desirous (against plain right) to make all that theirs, whatsoever was comprehended within the French language, invaded that Duchy also, and within very 
* A. D. 1452. saith Polyd: and Til.  few years after (the fortune of war, and disloyalty of the people every where favouring them) extorted the same out of the English-mens possession, after it had continued theirs about two hundredth fourscore and nine years, to the immortal dishonour 
Gascoigne lost.  and damage of our nation. The Duke of York in the mean time, who thirsted for the Crown of England, hath occasion ministered to imp more feathers into his aspiring wings. Ireland is in tumult. Thither the Duke passeth, and not only appeaseth the disorder of that Nation, but 
* Stews Annal.  won such favour among them, as could never be separated from him, and his lineage. Thus diligently the Pioneer makes his mines into the quiet and felicity of his Country, calling his cause the quarrel of right and justice, as pretending that the Crown of England appertained to his name and family.  
(46) But the odor of this vile success in France, coming into England, filled men's hearts and senses with great perturbation. The Queen and Suffolk suffer obloquy for these effects in the general judgement. The common wealth is not silent. A Parliament is called to be held at Westminster, which from thence was assigned to be kept at Leicester. The place likes not; few appear. It is brought back to Westminster. There the whole body of public counsel meets. Many 
* Hall Chron.  Articles are exhibited by the lower house against the Duke of Suffolk; wherein he is charged with evil demeanour, misprision and 
The Duke of Suffolk committed prisoner to the Tower and enlarged.  treason: who thereupon is committed prisoner to the Tower: from thence, within four or five weeks he is discharged, which more augmented the general indignation than his commitment had ministered satisfaction. The perilous Duke of York warms himself at these blazes, and underhand cherisheth them as opportunity will permit, having his cunning factors and instruments fit for such occasions secretly spread over the Realm, to instill the poisons of discontentment, and desire of change into the giddy multitude. When we read in our vulgar Chronicles, that about this time Adam Molins' 
The Duke of York procures the murder of the Lord Privy Seal.  Bishop of Chichester, Ke●…per of the King's Privy Seal (through the procurement of Richard Duke of York) was by shipmen slain at Portsmouth, and yet no cause of so foul and wicked a murder expressed, it cannot but offend any curious Reader, who would receive satisfaction rather by the reason ofactions then by the events. His guiltiness in the fact was so apparent, that K. Henry in his answer made a year or two after to the Duke's dissembling, and deceitful letter, confidently mentioneth the same, where thus he speaketh. Sooth it is that long time among the people hath been upon you many strange language, and in special anon after your disordinate and unlawful slaying of the Bishop of Chichester, divers, and many of the untrue shipmen and other, said (in their manner) words against our state, making menace to our own person by your sayings, that ye should be fetched with many thousands, and you should take upon you 
* The Crown of England.  that which you neither aught, nor as we doubt not will attempt, etc. What cause led the Duke to commit this so impious a deed, may easily now be conjectured, being none other but the common hatred he bore to all such wise or valiant persons, as might in any sort uphold the most just and gracious Henry, and this sincerity in the Bishop could not be but a grievous crime in the Duke's ambitious eyes, whose greatness was even then too intolerable; for where was the King's justice when such a fact might hope of impunity? The Duke did effect it by his bloody complices as he did many other most seditious and perfidious things, while he was absent in Ireland. Thomas Thanie notwithstanding calling himself Blue-beard 
A fuller executed for treason.  being a Fuller of Canterbury, and attempting to gather the people, miscarrieth in his treason, and for that was hanged and quartered: this was a preamble to the following tumults. The Duke of York's whole and only hopes were reposed in the general perturbations of his Country.  
(47) The Duke of Suffolk (a principal pillar of K. 
The Duke of Suffolk King Henry's chief stay, accused by the Commons at the Parliament.  Henry's safety) being set at liberty, attends the King and Queen in their Parliament at Leicester. Behold the humour of the Commons which were soured with the pestilent leaven of York's conspiracy. They cannot endure the sight of this Prince, because his readvancement seems done in despite of them. Calumniations & odious surmises are exhibited against him: he must down to make way for K. Henry's most unworthy ruin. The most vile part of this Parliamental accusation was, that they should charge that for a crime upon Suffolk which themselves had universally in another former Parliament assented unto and ratified. Which was the delivery of Anjou and Main upon the marriage, concluded (for the good of England, if others had not inverted or interrupted the success by their temerity) with Renate, father of Queen Margaret. N●…ither did the envy only of the secret York●…s overlade this noble Gentleman, but the impotency of the Duke of Sommersets' faction, whose rashness and vanity having lost all Normandy, would gladly find any others shoulder, upon which to cast the imputation, either in part or whole. In that former Parliament assembled immediately upon Suffolk's return from that treaty with Renate out of France, this was the sum of the whole proceedings. Suffolk (as he was very eloquent) made known to both houses, his counsels and services, and the effect of his Embassy, praying they might be approved, and enroled for his discharge. Whereupon 
* This was in A. D. 1446.  the next morrow, Burley Speaker of the lower house, and the body thereof repaired to the King's presence, then sitting among the Lords, and there 
* Stows Anna●….  humbly required, that the request of the marquess (afterward created Duke of Suffolk) might be granted: and the Lords made the like petition, kneeling on their knees. The King condescended to their desires, and so the whole matter was recorded for his acquittal.  
(48) What can be more evident? or who can enough admire the vanity of popular mutability? The Duke the (principal mark, though the Bishop of Salisbury, the Lord Say, and others were also accused) unable to stand the push of so general an opposition, must be banished. The King unwillingly gives this sentence against the Duke, or rather against his own life and safety: five years are limited to his exile. Being upon the sea, he is taken by his enemies, who at Dover-road struck off his head 
The Duke of Suffolk going into ban●…ment is wickedly murdered.  upon the side of a Cocke-boat. This devilish murder (for it was none other, the King's authority being not used therein) committed upon so great a Prince, was the less pitied, for that he was noised among the people to have been a privy actor in the Noble Duke of Glocesters' death, who perished (saith a 
* Ca●…bd. in Glocest.  learned Author) by the fraud and practice of a woman (belike) Queen Margarite. The Bishop of Salisbury before said more impiously, and irregularly lost his life in the following tumults, being murdered (after he had finished divine service) by his own Tenants, who dragged him from the Altar 
The bloody effects of the Duke of York's popularity.  to an hill-top, and there (while he was making his last prayers) cloven his sacred head: The Lord Say Treasurer of England fell likewise into the people's fury, and had his head cut off by the commandment of that execrable rebel jack Cade, at the Standard in Cheap, as ye shall hereafter learn.  
(49) This William Duke of Suffolk 
* Cambden in Sulfolke.  was indeed a great and worthy person, for when his Father, and three Brothers had valiantly powered forth their lives for their Country in the war of France, he served in them four 
The noble and great deserts of he Duke of Suffolk.  and thirty years, in seventeen of the which he never returned home, he was once taken prisoner, being then but a Knight, and paid for his ransom twenty thousand pounds sterling, he was fifteen years privy Counsellor, and thirty years Knight of the Garter. Notwithstanding all which, the same Author truly addeth: That as for these causes he was in highest grace with the King, so he was the more disgracious or hated of the people, and for 
* I 〈◊〉 de c●…s qu●… par●… liquebant.  certain very slight matters, and those not very apparent, he was driven into banishment, and (as you have already heard) was intercepted upon the sea in his passage to France, and by his adversaries killed. What honest heart doth not melt at the relation of these violent contempts of all religion, honour, reason and justice? yet are they but the drops which do forego those many bloody showers, which the cloud of York's faction rained upon our miserable Nation. They who murdered this great triumphant Gentleman, were certain persons who wafted upon the Seas in a Bark called the Nicholas of the Tower, which belonged to john 
* Stows Annal.  Holland Duke of Excester, Constable of the Tower of London, whom Gods revenging hand shall not leave unpunished.  
(50) The Yorkists having thus rid Suffolk out of the way, thought it now a fit season to spring their practice. Hereupon the Commons of Kent, (who have seldom refrained in such turbulent times) 
The Kentish rebels under jack Cade give out the name of Mortimer.  while the Duke of York was as yet in Ireland, take Arms. One jack Cade is their Captain: he had been the servant of a Sussex Knight, Sir Thomas Dagre; kills a woman with Child; abiureth the land; turns French; swearing service to them, and now returning, is the instrument to hang out Mortimer's name, like a flag to draw a party, feigning himself to be a cozen to the Duke of York. A pestilent devise, to sound the affections of the multitude, and to proclaim the Title to the Crown, which the Duke (as heir of that family) afterward challenged; for who would not ask, what should move him to use the name of Mortimer? This Cade whom some (by contraries) call john Amendall (that is, john Marre-all) having drawn great numbers to follow him, encampes at Black-heath by Greenwich, and in his writings calls himself the Captain of Kent. His pretences (as of all like disloial actions) were the common good and such other. The King at the report of these stirs is stirred. The Captain of Kent demands.  
1 That Richard Duke of York be called out of Ireland, 
Cades demands.  and (with certain others named for stales and colour) be principally used in Counsel.  
2 That as the Duke of Gloucester was falsely proclaimed a Traitor, so the Authors of his death might be punished.  
4 (For the third Article contained no demand, but only seandalous matter to aggravate hatred against the dead Duke of Suffolk, and his living adherents:) That all the extortions (so the Rebels phrased them) daily used among the common people, might be laid down: that is to say, the green wax, which is falsely used to the perpetual destruction of the King's true Commons of Kent. Also the King's Bench, the which is too grievous to the Shire of Kent, without provision of our Sovereign Lord, and his true Council. And also in taking 
Stows Annal●….  wheat and other grains, beef, mutton, and all other victual, the which is importable to the said Commons, without the brief provision of our said Sovereign Lord, and his true Council, they may no longer bear it. And also unto the Statute of Labourers, and the great extortioners, the which is to say, the false Traitors, Sleg, Cromere, Isley, and Robert East.  
(51) Thus traitorously to the King's welfare, and scandalously to his most gentle government, writes this arrogant Captain of Rebels. The King upon view of these braves, begins to feel the indignity and danger. An Army is raised, Cade retires to Sevenoke in Kent. The King supposing he had fled, sends after him 
* Pygot.  Sir Humphrey Stafford Knight, and other Gentlemen with some forces. We read none of these things without a suspicion, that the King was always betrayed by such hypocrites about him, as would not have him prosper. Mark the event. At Sevenoke Cade abides, probably not without encouragement from secret Traitors, and after long fight slew Sir Humphrey with many others. 
The first civil conflict under this King, where Cade hath the victory.  He armed himself in the dead Knights habiliments with guilt spurs. The King and Queen hearing of this mishap, leave the Tower of London to the custody of the Lord Scales, and of that renowned Esquire Matthew Gowgh; and London itself to the Lord majors fidelity, themselves departing to Kenilworth. The headlong crews of London favour the Rebel, and give entrance. Robert Horn Alderman, like an honest wise man, would have 
Horn a worthy Alderman of London persuading the resistance of Cad●… is in canger of his life.  had them resisted. This free necessary speech endangered his life; honourable in his memory for the hazard only, what should he have been if he had gloriously lost it? but money buys out his peril with the Tyrant, who fined him at 
* Rob. Fab.  five hundred Marks. The time was very slippery and loose; for the Essex men also were encamped upon Mile-end by London: All men are afraid of their own estates; such secret well-wishings attended upon the Archrebels pretences. The King before he had left London was enforced (by such hollow friends as were about him) to commit the Lord Say Treasurer of England to the Tower, after that the valiant and loyal Sir Humphrey Stafford was slain, and the 
A. D. 1450.  news of his unlucky defeat were confirmed.  
(52) Cade therefore being admitted into London upon the second of july with his forces, (where for a short while to delude the people with a show of 
Cades behaviours in London.  conscience, they abstained from robberies) strikes with his sword upon London-stone, saying; Now is Mortimer Lord of this City. At night he returns into Southwark: One 
* Stows Annal. ad A. D. 1458.  Robert Poinings of Southwark Esquire was his Sword-bearer and Carver. It is needless to be particular in this Rebel's behaviour: The next day he returns, and the Lord Say is beheaded in Cheapside (as is before said) at Cades commandment, and his body cut into quarters. The King being by the loss of so trusty and grave a servant, not a little weakened.  
(53) The next tragedy was Cromeres an Esquire, and high Sheriff of Kent (the Lord Says son in law) who is drawn out of the Fleet (and to appease the Essex Rebels) sacrificed by beheading without any trial at Mile-End. The City stirs not for all this. Malpas and Gerstie, two rich Citizens, at whose houses Cade had severally dined, being spoiled and robbed by him (left perhaps it might appear, that he who durst commit treasons, had not also the heart to commit felonies) teach what others are to expect. The Mayor, Thomas Chalton and the wiser wealthy ones, overruled by faction till then, see their danger now, and secretly send to the Lord Scales for aid. Matthew Gowgh at night is come among them as sent by him. The Kentish-men, 
Cades second civil conflict upon London bridg●….  hearing their entry was barred, run furiously to arms. Cade endeavours to open his way by force; but in despite of all his power, the Citizens made good & defended London-bridge against him, though with the loss of many valiant and honest men, for the conflict endured all night till nine in the morning. Among such as were slain on the King's side, were john Sutton Alderman, Matthew Gowgh 
Alderman Sutton and Matthew Gowg●… slain in the conflict. Polyd. Verg. l. 13.  himself, and Robert Heysand Citizen. This Gowgh (an Esquire of Wales) was a man of excellent virtue, manhood, and zeal to his Country, and of great renown in the war of France, where he had served with special commendations faithfully, for the space of above twenty years. His deserts at this time deserved a Statue in the City, for whose safety he spent his last blood. To give a quick end to these miseries, impunity is proclaimed for all offenders, and sent to them in the King's name by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, under the great Seal of England: the rebels are scattered with this assurance of their safeties, and every man retires in peace from following so pestilent an Impostor. A 
* The King's proclamation. Cade proscribed and killed.  thousand Marks (when Cade afterward attempted new troubles) are promised to him, who kills or takes this counterfeit Mortimer. Alexander Eden, a Gentleman of Kent, had the happiness to discover and kill him at Hothfield in that County: his wretched carcase was brought to London, where his false head was set sentinel upon London-bridge, and his quarters were advanced for terror in several parts of Kent. There died also by the stroke of justice twenty and six more, whereof eight were executed at Canterbury, and the rest elsewhere in Kent and Sussex. The multitude itself 
* Feb. 23.  came naked in their shirts to the King on Black-heath, humbly praying mercy which they obtained.  
(54) The Kentish rebellion thus pacified, far greater and far more dangerous troubles ensued, as it 
* Polyd. Uerg. l. 23  fareth in human bodies, which relapsing into sicknesses, are shaken so much the more terribly. These troubles had their fountain and mediate Original, from Richard Duke of York, no degenerous son of that Richard, whom King Henry the fifth had created Earl of Cambridge, and enriched with much wealth, honouring him above others in regard of his blood and parentage; but 
* T●…. Wal. in H. 5.  no bounty, nor benefits could change a treacherous disposition, for (as you have heard before) he conspired to murder his benefactor King Henry the fifth, as the Duke of York (his true progeny) laboured to depose this King Henry his advancer. The humours of the popular body, were, in the last commotion, not obscurely discovered. The Common weal had perhaps some few enormities, through the abuse of Magistrates and men in place, but yet such, as the malady was infinitely less pernicious than 
The Duke of York comes out of Ireland.  the remedy. Upon this intelligence the Duke comes suddenly out of Ireland, and to begin his usurped censureship and dictature, apprehends 
* S●…wes Annal.  john Sutton Lord Dudley, Reignald Abbot of Saint Peter, at Glastenbury, and another, whom he imprisoneth within his Castle of Ludlow. Intolerable beginnings of more intolerable sequel. Edmund Duke of Somerset was the man, who (after Suffolk's death) most supported the King's side by 
* Poly. Uerg. li. 23.  his vigilancy, caresdangers, and good Counsels, endeavouring by all means to clear the Realm from factions, and to preserve the King and state in quiet.  
(55) York seeing this, doth find that Suffolk perished in vain, if Somerset held like grace; against whose person he had a particular pretence of quarrel, for that the City of Caen in Normandy, which was the Duke of York's charge, was rendered up to the French by him, when the English affairs grew desperate in those parts; Sir David Hall Knight, being at that time Captain there for his Lord and Master the Duke of York, and not allowing it, although the renowned Talbot himself was present at the render, and became an hostage for performance of the Capitulations. York hereupon consults with his special friends, Richard Earl of Salisbury, and Richard his son, (who was afterward that most seditious & great fight Earl of Warwick,) Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, Edmund Brooke Lord Cobham, and others, how York might get the Crown of England, and for that cause how to ruin or fret out the Duke of Somerset, who standing, they were to look for strong opposition. In the end, they conclude to take arms, 
The Duke of York arms upon pretence to reform the state.  but yet to smother the mention of the Duke of York's title, giving out to the world for the reason of their doings, that they meant all honour and obedience to King Henry, and only to remove certain bad men from about his person, who afflicted the people, and made a prey of the Commonwealth: which, to gain the more credit, and to blind the good King, the subtle Duke declares by 
A. D. 1452.  Proclamation; 
* Dat. 9 Ia●…. 30. H. 6. at the Duke's Castle of Ludlow.  wherein, thus speaketh that Ambitious Hypocrite. God knoweth from whom no thing is hid, I am, have been, and ever will be his true liege man; etc. And to the very proof it is so, I offer myself to 
He publisheth a declaratory schedule in his justification.  swear that on the blessed Sacrament, and receive it, the which I hope shall be my salvation, at the day of doom. etc. In that it was the evil hap of the Duke of Somerset, that Normandy was lost during his Regency, his enemies had the more commodity to incommodate him with the people, who forbore not at his return to offer to him sundry dishonours and injuries, till upon pain of death they were restrained, for breach of which Proclamation, one had his head cut off in West Cheap London.  
(56) The King (notwithstanding all his Cousin's 
The King marcheth against the Duke of York.  arts and dissimulations) seeing the hook through the bait, and the snake through the grass, by the advise of his trusty friends, chiefly of Edmund Duke of Somerset, thinks not fit to rely upon his enemies good nature, but having a strong power, and store of honourable men to conduct them, he marcheth toward Wales against the Duke. The King did herein wisely, but not so much as the cause required. York having notice of the King's approach turns aside, and with all speed marcheth toward London. That City, (the vain hope of all Rebellions,) would not hearken; Thereupon he slides with his people into Kent, the nest of his hopes, and at Brent-heath near Dertford (a town about twelve miles from London) encampeth, meaning to fight. The King is not slow, but leaving his march toward Wales, pitcheth up his royal pavilion upon Black-Heath, with a purpose to teach his cozen of York more duty. Behold the fortune of England. God 
The King's army ●…eing greater ●…hen the Dukes, ●…eace i●… unhappily made.  puts an excellent opportunity into the King's hands of tearing up the danger of his house by the roots, for the Duke was far inferior in numbers. Such therefore as secretly favoured him, fearing his overthrow, were willing to advise a reconcilement. Messengers go between the hosts. The Duke, in his wont manner, pretends loyalty and particular injuries, as that the King's servants, Sir john I albot at Holt castle, Sir Thomas Stanley in Cheshire, and others in other places, were set to hearken upon him. That by 
* ●…literis Regi●… & Duc●….  two of the Norrices, Bulkeley, Grust, bold (and other Gentlemen) he was forbidden to land at Bewmaris, or to have any refreshment, affirming that he (the Duke of York) was against the King's intent and as a Traitor. The King stoops so much as to answer the letter, letting him to know: That the suspicion universally conceived of his behaviours moved those effects: never thelesse, in regard of the humble obedience which was now protested, he, for the easing of the Duke's heart, doth declare, repute and admit him as a true, and faithful subject, and as his well-beloved cozen. The Duke than advanceth his practice one step further, and writes to the King, that justice might be done upon all persons of what degree soever, which were guilty, or noised to be guilty of treason: aiming at the Duke of Somerset, whom he doubted not to overwhelm with sleights and calumnics, as he and his had done the Duke of Suffolk.  
(57 The King is contented (such weak or treacherous counsels he relied upon) that Somerset (for his satisfaction) should be commanded Prisoner to his 
* Poly. Verg. li. 23.  own house, and York (having first dissolved his army) should come in person, and put himself into the King's hand. When he was come, he exhibits a great complaint against the pride and avarice of the Duke of Somerset, and cunningly accusing none but him, he seeks the goodwill of all others. A cunning drift as any, considering that hereby he derived upon his enemy all the envy of the people, and left him single to withstand the effects. Somerset (a Prince of great spirit and wit) not thinking it reasonable, as well in regard of his own honour as the commonwealths interest, to endure such indignity, presents himself to the King against his accuser, and resolving not to be tender-mouthed in the so apparent peril of the King and Realm, whose quiet was undermined, answers York face to face, and, in plain terms accuseth him of highest treason, as having conspired to depose the King, and take upon himself the Sovereignty: vehemently urging: That 
* The Duke of Somerset confidently accuseth the Duke of York●… of treason.  the Duke of York might be committed and arraigned, to the intent that by his deserved death, and the disenablement of his sons, Civil war might be extinguished, praying finally that God would not suffer the enemy of the Kingdom to escape the hand of justice.  
(58) This had in likelihood been done, but that the public faith seemed to stand engaged for the Duke's indemnity, he having come in upon the King's word, and also for that the hearts of men were not well assured to the King, which by executing York would perhaps have been more unsettled, because (not looking into the depth of the King's peril) it would have been thought that he had been destroyed to gratify Somerset, and not to secure the Realm. There was hope likewise to recover Aquitain, for that Bordeaux had offered to return: Lastly, the Duke's son and heir, Edward Earl of March (afterward King) was reported to be ready with a great force of Welshmen to succour his father. Upon these and other reasons, the Duke is no longer restrained, as upon Sommersets' most weighty accusations he had been, and to assure the gentle and indulgent King, of his allegiance, he makes his submission, 
The Duke of York tak●… h●… Oath to be●… true to King Henry.  and solemnly TAKES HIS OATH to be true, faithful and obedient subject. This was done upon the tenth of March in the Church of S. Paul in London, the King himself, and most of the chief nobility being present, as the Dukes of Buckingham, Norfolk, & Somerset, nine Earls, the viscounts, Beaumond and Wells, many great Barons: Of the Clergy, the Cardinal of York the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of Winchester Elie and London.  
(59) Let us view the form and words of this Caution upon which King Henry (measuring other men's hearts by his own) adventured to repose his life and Kingdom, which are these.  
I Richard, Duke of York, confess and beknown 
The Duke's Oath and submission.  that I am and aught to be humble subject, and liegeman to you my Sovereign Lord, King Henry the sixth, and owe therefore, to bear you saith and truth, as to my Sovereign liege Lord, and shall do all days to my lives end: and shall not at any time will or assent that any thing be attempted or done against your most noble person, but wheresoever I shall have knowledge of any such thing 
* Ex vetust. Cod.  imagined or purposed, I shall with all speed and diligence possible to me, make, that your highness shall have knowledge thereof, and, over that, do all that shall possible be to me to the withstanding, and let thereof to the uttermost of my life: I shall not any thing take upon me against your royal estate or obeisance that is due thereto, nor suffer any other man to do, as far forth as shall be in my power to let it. And also shall come at your commandment, whensoever I shall be called by the same, in humble and obeisant wise, but if I be letted by any sickness or impotency of my person, or by such other cause as shall be thought by you my Sovereign Lord reasonable. I shall never hereafter take upon me to gather any rout or to make any assembly of your people without your commandment, or licence, or in my lawful defence, in interpretation or declaration of the which my lawful defence I shall report me at all times to your highness, and, if the case require to my Peers; nor any thing attempt against any of your Subjects, of what estate, degree or condition that they be. But whensoever I find myself wronged and aggrieved, I shall sue humbly for remedy to your highness, and proceed after the course of your laws, and none otherwise, saving in mine own lawful defence in manner abovesaid, and otherwise have to your highness as an humble and true subject aught to have him to his Sovereign Lord. All these things abovesaid I promise you truly to obs●…rue and keep by the holy Evangelists contained in the book that I lay my hand here upon, and by the holy Cross I here touch, and by the blessed Sacrament of our Lord's body, that I shall now with his mercy receive. And over I agree me, and will that if at any time hereafter, as by the grace of our Lord God I never shall, any thing attempt by way of feat, or otherwise against your royal Majesty and obeisance, that I owe thereto, or any thing take upon me otherwise then is above expressed, I from that time forth be unabled, held, and taken as an untrue and openly forsworn man, and unable to all manner of worship, estate or degree, he it such as I now occupy, or any other that might in any wise grow to me hereafter. And this I have here promised and sworn, proceedeth of mine own desire and free volunt, and by no constraining nor Coaction. In witness of all which things above written, I Richard Duke of York above write subscribe with mine own hand and seal.  
This Oath he also took at Westminster and Coventree at sundry times. Who now can consider the effects of this so public and solemn Oath, and doth not tremble in every part? Let us hasten to their view, lest God perhaps may quietly seem to have been mocked to his face by a vain ambitious man.  
(60) To divert these home-breeding rancours 
Hope conceived to recover Gascoigne.  and practices, by employing the wits and bodies of men in other more honest things, the Earl of Candal (son 
* Serres.  to Captal de Budie who had upon necessity submitted his Seignouries to Charles the French King, but reserved his person out of that obedience) and the Lord L'Esparre, come secretly from Bordeaux and pray an Army, for that Bordeaux and the Gascoigns would return to the English, if they might be supported. An Army is decreed for their reduction. john Lord Talbot the first Earl of Shrewsburie of his name as General in that enterprise, lands in Gascoigne, where he doth sundry exploits, and the fame of his former chivalry flying before with terror, makes many places the rather to yield. Bordeaux herself secretly opens a gate unto him, which the French Garrison perceiving fled out at a Postern, but many being overtaken were slain by the Lord L'Esparre and the English. New supplies and victuals arrive, whereof the Earl of Shrewsburies' younger son, (Viscount Lile by his wife,) was a principal conductor. Bordeaux thus thoroughly manned and fortified, the Earl is advertised that the French lay at siege before Castillion, a place of importance upon the river of Dardonne. Thither the Earl marcheth, and with too great a confidence charging the enemy 
The Earl of Shrewsburie and his younger son slain in battle.  upon unequal terms, was there slain, together with his son the Viscount Lile and others. Bordeaux received such as fled. The English fortunes and hopes which began to quicken, made this unhappy Catastrophe in * julie, to the infinite loss of our nation and grief of the Gascoigns, who generally misliked the 
An. D. 1453 A. reg. 31.  French, and inclined to the English, having so honourably, and for so long a time governed those dominions. This was the end of that great Earl, after he had for the space of twenty and four years served his Prince and Country in the French wars, with highest commendation; a 
* Cambden in Sh●…o●…shire. Polyd. Verg. in Hen. 6.  most noble and most valiant man, by whose virtue the English name did chiefly become terrible in France. Bordeaux it self, and all other places after this, were by siege brought again under the French King, who prosecuted those affairs in person. From that time forward the English never obtained there any hold or further footing, the felicity 
The English quite expelled out of all Aquitain.  of this attempt breaking all combinations of the Gascoignes. This Duchy of Aquitaine 
* Stows Annal.  contained four Archbishopriks', four and twenty Bishopriks', fifteen Earldoms, two hundred and two Barons, and above a thousand Captainships and Bailywickes'. The loss of so goodly an inheritance which had continued English for almost three hundred years, the world may easily conjecture how justly it was grieved and lamented for. In this fallen estate of the English, the Queen upon the thirteenth day of October was delivered of her first son who was named Edward, proving the child of sorrow and infelicity. 
Prince Edward is borne.   
(61) It were to be wished we might now rather number the following evils of England, then describe them; for what can we learn out of such unnatural and savage destructions, but matter of horror and detestation? but sith they must be handled, (the law and necessity of our task exacting it,) the sooner to be quit of so unpleasing objects, it will be best abruptly to thrust into the narration. The Duke of York (wickedly careless of an Oath so religiously and publicly taken,) to make his way to the 
A. D. 1454.  Crown more easy, hath now procured his chiofe and most fearful enemy the Duke of Somerset to be suddenly arrested of high treason, (doubtful whether by any authority but his own) in the Queen's great Chamber, and sent to the Tower of London, upon pretence that he had capital matter to charge him with. York's principal friends (upon confidence of whom he dared so high things) were Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury second son of Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, whose daughter the Duke of York had married. This Richard was Earl of Salisbury in right of Alice his wife, sole heir to Thomas Montacute, the famous Earl, slain at the siege of Orleans. The Dukes other main hope was Richard Nevil (son of the former Richard Nevil,) who in right of his wife, the Lady Anne (sole sister, and heir of the whole blood to Henry Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick) was by this King Henry the sixth created Earl of Warwick in a most unhappy hour both for the King & kingdom, being 
* Cambd. in Warw.  invicto animo etc.: a man of an undaunted mind, but flitting faith.  
(63) The King in the mean space, while the Duke of Somerset was thus endangered, lay sick; and York (as Regent) swayed and overswayed in Court; but when the king (perceiving malice and practise to be the chief bases of York's accusations) had recovered his health, and resumed the government, Somerset is set at liberty and made Captain of Calleis; York and his adherents repair to open force: They levy their army about the Marches of Wales, with which they repair toward London, the main object of Pretendents. The King hearing 
The King marcheth to Saint Alban against the Duke of York.  of his enemies approach, is accompanied with Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, Edmund Duke of Somerset, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, james Butler Earl of Wiltshire, and Ormond, Beaufort Earl of Dorcet, jasper thither Earl of Pembroke the King's half-brother, Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the Lords Clifford, Sudley, berner's, Rosse and others, and with them enters into Saint Alban in warlike manner, having certain thousands of common soldiers. Thither also the Duke of York and his adherents came. This was toward the end of May: The Duke's request to the King was, that he would deliver such persons to be deservedly punished as he would name. The King (to let them know who he was) returns this confident answer. That he and the rest were Traitors, and that rather than they should have any Lord from him who was with him at that time, he himself would for their sake in the quarrel upon that day live and die.  
(64) The Yorkists hereupon assail the King's people 
The Duke of Somerset slain and the King taken in battle.  within the Town, and Warwick breaking in through a Garden, a sharp battle is begun. The loss fell lamentably upon King Henry's side; for besides the Duke of Somerset, there were slain the Earls of Northumberland and Stafford, the L. Clifford, with sundry worthy Knights and esquires, of which forty and eight were buried in Saint Alban, there being slain above five thousand of K. Henry's party, and of the Yorkists about six hundredth. The King himself was shot into the neck with an arrow; & other of his chief friends were likewise sore wounded and taken. The Earl of Wiltshire, and Thomas Thorpe, Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer, with others saved themselves by flight. The Duke of York, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick with the King, (whom they in show did use most reverently, and as if they had meant nothing unto him but good faith) upon the morrow ride to London, where in july immediately following, a Parliament is holden in King Henry's name. The forerunner whereof was a Comet, or blazing star, which appeared in the month of june, the beams whereof extended themselves into the south. The first popular act of this assembly, was to restore the memory of Humphrey Duke 
Humphrey Duke●…. Gloucester declared to have been a true subject.  of Gloucester to honour, declaring him to have been a true subject to the King and Realm.  
(65) The next provisions which the Yorkists made, were for themselves, and their own security, willing and commanding that the Duke of York & his partakers should incur no blame by reason of the journey at Saint Alban: the whole fault whereof was laid upon the dead Duke of Somerset, the Lord Chief Baron, and one William joseph Esquire, who (say they) kept from the King a pacificatory letter which the Duke of York had sent. It is a wonder and a shame to read how officiously these violent Lords (meaning nothing less) behaved themselves to the King, of whose majesty they will needs seem to be the only Champions and conservators. The Duke of York in the same Parliament creates himself Protector of England, the Earl of Salisbury is made 
The Duke of York protector of the Realm.  Lord Chancellor, and the Earl of Warwick (his son) Captain of Caleis: they spared as yet to touch King Henry's life, because the people did wonderfully honour, esteem, and reverence him for his singular holiness, and for that he had great friends left alive, and 
Poly. Verg. in H. 6.  a son. In the mean space, that they might without trouble, and at their pleasure, uncrown or kill him, they by little and little displaced the ancient Counsellors, and substituted their ass●…ed favourites. Another Act of that absolute force and fraud, which they exercised in this dreadful perturbation of all things, was the drawing of jonn Holland Duke of Excester out of Sanctuary at Westminster, conveying him to Pomfret Castle in the North.  
(66) Henry Beauford Duke of Somerset, (son of the former) the Duke of Buckingham, (whose 
A. reg. 34.  son and heir the Earl of Stafford was slain at S. Alban) and other the King's friends, perceiving whereunto this fair show tended, consult with the Queen at Greenwich concerning her husband's danger, 
The Duke of York i●… discharged of the ●…ped Protectorship.  and how to prevent it. Hereupon the Duke of York is displaced from the Protectorship, a ridiculous title to be assumed, where the king was aged about five and thirty, and had no other fault or unfitness, but that he was too good to live among them. The Earl of Salisbury was also deprived of his Lord Chancellorship.  
(67) The King having thus recovered his dignity and authority, but not sufficient means to suppress 
The French take Sandwi●… in Kent and Fo●… in Devonshire.  his dangers, the French take courage at our intestine divisions, and landing at Sandwich with fifteen thousand men (part of their forces) they kill the Mayor, Bailiffs, and other Officers of that Town, with sundry Gentlemen of the Country, spoil all they could lay hand upon, and among all they rob two great vessels laden with merchandise, which lay there bound for London and departed. Another part of them, burns Foway and certain other towns in Devonshire. On the other side the Scots hostillie entered into Northumberland, but upon notice that the Duke of York approached with a power, they returned, having not as yet done any great harm.  
(68) These indignities and losses might have united the disjoined affections of true English hearts, which was greatly desired by such as loved their Country: For which purpose the King, Queen, and their chief friends, being at Coventrie, the Duke of York, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick are 
The King at Coventrie, from whence the Duke of York and the York●…sts depart suddenly.  sent for by the King's letters under his privy Seal, to give their attendance, whither they come, but they (either warned of some plot contrived against them, or fearing it, or feigning to fear) suddenly leave the Court, without leave, the Duke departing to Wigmore in the Welsh marches, the Earl of Salisbury to his Castle of Midleham in the North-Countrey, and the Earl of Warwick to Calleis, whose bodies though thus divided, their minds continued most firmly factionated. But the King (a pattern of 
* Camb. in Suthrey. pag. 114.  Christian goodness) being tender over the general estate of his Country, and wonderfully desirous to reconcile differences among his subjects, that they might the better withstand their imminent foreign enemies, returns to London there to consult how to effect his holy wishes. The great Lords are persuaded to 
* In januar. A. D. 1458. A. reg. 36.  mere there; which they did; but yet not without store of followers, for the Duke brought with him four hundred men, the Earl of Salisbury five hundredth, the Earl of Warwick six hundredth: The Dukes of Excester and Somerset eight hundredth, 
The Lords meet the King at London to compose all quartels.  the Earl of Northumberland, the Lords Egremond and Clifford fifteen hundredth. This was the fashion of that swording age.  
(69) In March the king and Queen with a very royal company alight at Westminster, to accomplish, if it were possible this charitable and necessary work of atonement and reconciliation. Godfrey Bolein was at that time Lord Mayor of London, (being the ancestor of two renowned and virtuous Queens 
Godfrey Bolein at this time Maior of London the ancestor of two Queens.  of England, Anne second wife to King Henry the eight, and Elizabeth their daughter,) through whose great vigilancy and providence, the City stood so well guarded, that the King's peace was dutifully kept, notwithstanding the great Lords of both the factions (Yorkists and Lancastrians,) were with so great troops of followers lodged within, and about the same: for during the whole time of their abode he had 
* Rob. Fab. Chro.  five thousand Citizens in Harness, himself riding daily about the City and suburbs, to see the public quiet preserved: and for the night watch there were assigned to three Aldermen two thousand corslet-men.  
(69) During this watch, a great Council was holden by the King and Lords, where at length by the diligent travail, good exhortation, and prudent advise of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and of other learned and godly Prelates, the parties offended were induced to a communication, and afterward to a final accord: the points whereof, considering they held so short a while, (for as 
* Rob. Fab.  one saith truly, the dissimuled love day hung but by a small thread) it were frivolous to dwell in their rehearsal. The King himself (a singular testimony of the opinion which all parties had of his integrity) was whole arbitrator of 
The quarrels ended by the King's award with show of common liking.  their differences. Certain satisfactions were awarded to be made by the Duke of York, with the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, for the death of Edmund Duke of Somerset, and others slain at S. Alban. And the same Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland, and Lord Clifford (slain in that battle by the Yorkists) are declared for true liegemen to the King at the day of their deaths, aswell as the Duke of York, the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury. So both parts stand justified and recti in curia. Many other articles and awards were made, to solder and glue together their alienated hearts and affections. The reioicement caused by this seeming peace (which on the behalf of the king's person was undoubtedly sincere and true) was wonderfully great among all good Englishmen, who flocked to the public celebration thereof. For upon our 
* Martii. 25.  Lady's day in Lent, a solemn procession was made within the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in London, where the King (adorned with Crown and robes of majesty) went in person, before whom went hand in hand the Duke of Somerset, and the Earl of Salisbury, the Duke of Excester, and the Earl of Warwick, and so of either faction one and one, and behind the King himself, came the Queen and Duke of York with great familiarity in all men's sights. O religion, o honour, o sincerity, that your divine virtue should not have contained these spirits in the harmony of sweet obedience; but if you could not, what alas should? England must be more severely scourged, then that so goodly a blessing of public reconciliation should continue, whereby the proud tops of her nation (offensive to God and men) being taken off, the way might be opened to other names or races, which as yet were nothing thought on.  
(70) There is no reason to doubt, but that the Duke of York (a man of deep retirement in himself) 
The probable condition of things after the reconcilement.  secretly continued his purpose for the Crown, notwithstanding all these his varnished pretences, and did only therefore not as then put for it, because he presumed the time was incommodious. Again the Queen (true head and life of the contrary part) aswell in regard of herself, her husband, and young son, may in likelihood be thought to have laid down any thing, rather than the wakefulness and jealousy, which former perils and the enemies present strength might worthily keep alive in her. The thin ashes therefore, which covered these glowing coals, were thus again first unraked and set to blaze.  
(71) The King and many of the Lords, still being at Westminster, there happened (or perhaps 
* Polid. Uerg. l. 23 makes it doubtful, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  was plotted) a fray between one of the King's servants and a follower of the Earl of Warwick, who hurt the King's servant. Hereupon his fellows of all sorts (as Cooks with their spits &c:) in great disorder assail the Earl himself, as he was coming from the Council, and had there slain him, but that the evil fate of England and his own, reserved him to do and suffer greater mischiefs. The Earl hardly 
The Earl of Warwick assaulted, and escaping speeds to 〈◊〉.  gets to his Barge, and reputing all things unsure about the King, gets over to his place at Calleis. The Yorkists directly charge the Queen with this, as with a plot drawn for the Earl's destruction. Not long after this, the young Duke of Somerset is sent Captain to Calleis. Warwick will resign no room, notwithstanding the King's command, alleging he was made by Parliament: Somerset is rejected with danger to his person. Warwick partly maintains himself, and such as stuck to him in that charge, with spoils which he got at Sea; How lawfully it appears not; though Warwick is said to have been Admiral by Patent, though now revoked. The Ordinary books have, that he, with fourteen fail of men of war, set upon three Caricks of Gone or Genoa, and two of Spain, greater than the Caricks: three of which Merchant-fleete (which how they should be lawful prize, we see not) he vanquished after two days fight, with the loss of about an 
* Rob. Fabian, who also reports a much greater number of Mer●… chants ships.  hundredth men of his own, and a thousand of theirs: The booty was worth, at mean rates ten thousand pounds; such also as followed the Duke of Somerset coming into his hands, he beheaded at Calleis. These were strange dare in the Earl of Warwick; whom yet the unskilful, and drunken multitude so highly praise: but what are these in regard of them which will presently follow?  
(72) The Duke of York in the mean time, and Warwick with his father, the Earl of Salisbury (the Triumuirs of England) consult of their affairs: Salisbury 
The civil war begins again.  is resolved with sword in hand to expostulate the danger and injury offered to his son at Westminster. The Queen (a Lady of incomparable magnanimity and foresight) confident in this, that now King Henry, or the Duke of York must perish, and that one Kingdom was not wide enough for both their Families, bestirs herself to maintain the possession of a Crown, and to advance to the same her own flesh and blood Prince Edward, by ruining his house, whose whole building consisted of Lancastrian beneficence. She consults, she sends, she speaks, she gives, and strengtheneth herself with friends on all sides, chiefly in Cheshire, causing her son to distribute silver swans (his badge or devise) to all the Gentlemen of that County, and to many other 
Battle at Bloreheath where K. Henry's side hath the worst.  through England. Salisbury sets forward from his Castle at Middleham with four or five thousand men. james Touchet, Lord Audeley encounters him unadvisedly upon Bloreheath near Muckelstone. The fight was long and bloody, but in the end K. Henry's evil fortune gave the better of the day to the Earl of Salisbury, where, besides the valiant Lord Audeley himself, were slain not fewer than two thousand and four hundredth, but the chief loss fell upon the Cheshire men, who ware the Prince's Livery.  
(73) The Earl of Salisbury in this sort opened to himself a way to Ludlow, where the head of their combination, Richard Duke of York, busied himself to gather forces: being met, they conclude, that seeing the matter was now become deadly, they would deal in clouds no longer, but fight it out to the extremity. Men are drawn out of all parts with large hopes & promises of sharing in their fortunes, and the Earl of Warwick bringing with him from 
The Duke of York and his friends take Arms.  Caleis (which he left with his friends) that valiant Captain Andrew Trolop, and a band of stout and choice Soldiers, comes to the general Rendeuo●… of the Yorkists, the Castle of Ludlow. The King in the mean space, (and not before it was need and time) hath assembled a great puissance of faithful Subjects, and being 
* 〈◊〉.  attended with the Dukes of Somerset and Excester, and other of his chief friends marcheth against his enemies. His first work was, to offer them general pardon. It is refused, and called by them a staff of reed, or glass Buckler. The sword must decide the quarrels; whereupon the king commands his Standards to advance: while he was in his March, 
* D●…ed at Ludlow 10. October.  a letter fraught with the wont hypocrisies) is delivered to the King. There 
A. D. 1459.  are in it among many other insinuations these also: Most Christian King, right high and Mighty Prince, and our most dread Sovereign Lord, etc. We sent unto your good grace by the Prior of the (Cathedral) Church (of Worcester) and divers other Doctors, and among other by M. William Linwood doctor of Divinity, which ministered unto us severally the blessed Sacrament of the body of jesus, 
The horrible abuse of Christian Sacraments to beguile the King.  whereupon we and every of us deposed of our said truth and duty.  
(74) Thus these profane and ambitious men play with God, who in the end will severely be avenged on them for their impiety: but the letter made no overture of any course, upon which they would yield to lay down Arms, alleging, they would but make their way to the king for redress of abuses, & that they were enforced to stand together for their own defence, against such great Courtiers and Favourites, as (say they) intended their destruction; meaning indeed such persons whose vigilancy and manhood might protect and guard him from their practice and violence. The King is now in sight, whom the Triumuirs York, Warwick and Salisbury being strongly entrenched before. Ludlow, 
* Graston Chron.  mean to assail. Andrew Trollop (who had in the Kings pay done great service upon the French) was acquainted with all their counsel, and finding himself extremely deceived, (for he thought and so by the Earl of Warwick 
Captain Andrew Trollop forsakes the Triumuirs or Yorkists Campe.  was made to believe, that the preservation of the King was intended, and not destruction) abandons the Yorkists Camp at midnight, & with a choice number of trusty men presents himself and services to the King, who graciously received him and his. The truth of the Triumvirates plot, and bottom of their conspiracies was thus made clearly known: The Yorkists upon notice of Trollops act, despairing of success, at that present fly. The Duke of York 
The Yorkists are scattered without Battle.  with the Earl of Rutland his younger son into Ireland, the Earl of March his eldest son and heir, Warwick and Salisbury, with much difficulty escape to Caleis, which place (as 
* Poly. Verg. l. 23.  one saith probably) if Henry had in time taken from his enemies, they had without question been forthwith irrecoverably ruined.  
(75) The multitude which served under York found mercy, but their Tenants were many of them executed, maimed, or generally ransacked. The town of Ludlow itself was spoiled to the bare walls, and Duchess of York deprived of all her goods. What less could be the effects against the friends of such adversaries, upon so public an act and advantage? The point is followed more sharply upon the great Offenders in the next Parliament which was 
The Duke of York and others attainted of high treason by Parliament,  holden at Coventree: there Richard Duke of York, Edward Earl of March, Richard Earl of Warwick, Edmund Earl of Rutland, Richard Earl of Salisbury, Alice Countess of Salisbury (in whose right her husband was Earl) two or three Lords, 9 Knights, and certain other, were openly of high Treason attainted, and their whole estates confiscated.  
(76) Caleis, a most important piece, being in the mean space violently possessed by Warwick, the Duke of Somerset, the Lords Rosse and Audley, are sent with forces to take it; their success was evil, for the Duke was glad to fly, his Soldiers were robbed by Warwick's men of their harness, the Lord Audley is taken into the Town, and the Lord Rees hardly escaped. Letters are hereupon written into foreign parts, entreating 
* In Articul. ad Archiep. Cant●…. 〈◊〉 Deuce Ebor. miss. Articul. 8.  that no relief be ministered to the Traitors who kept Caleis against the King, and all men are at home forbidden to transport any victual or refreshment thither. Evident it is, that the Council of England rather wished that the Town and castle had been French again, then as it was; neither therein erred they, for it could not be so mischievous to the main of their cause, as now it was. The Duke of Somerset being in Guines, a neighbour Castle, doth daily by his soldiers skirmish with the Caliseans: Warwick meditates other things. He must speak with the Duke of York, at whose commandment all Ireland (where he abode) seemed to be ready; but is advertised that the King had certain ships, which lay at Sandwich to transport supplies and succours to the Duke of Somerset. He means not 
The Earl of Warwick 〈◊〉 take the Lord Rivers and some of the King's Name at Sandwich.  to leave such a peril behind him unremoved; having therefore espied his time, he wils his people to slip over in the night to Sandwich, which they accordingly did, took the Lord Rivers, and his son Anthony Wooduile prisoners, and brought away all the ships, except one called Grace de Dieu: one Sir Baldwine Fulford Knight, having (after this) assumed to do service upon the Earl of Warwick, and to take him, returns empty. Warwick sails now to Ireland. The King makes the Duke of Excester 
The King arms to Sea, but cannot take the Earl, who ret●…ns from Ireland to Ca●…is.  Admiral, and gives him commission to apprehend the Earl of Warwick. The Duke with a great navy puts forth to Sea from Sandwich. Behold the ill carriage of things. At Dertmouth many of his Soldiers, pretending want of money and victuals, forsake him. Meanwhile the Earl of Warwick passeth by the Duke, not daring to assail him, nor he willing to assail the Duke, for that he was Admiral and of the King's blood. Such was the act and cunning of the Yorkists to pretend reverence unto that, which most of all they thirsted to shed: Five hundredth fresh soldiers attend at Sandwich to be shipped over to the Duke of Somerset for safe-conducting him into England. Warwick's men suddenly come upon them, slew Montfort their Captain, and many other, and disarmed the rest. Such was the distracted estate of our poor Country at this time, through the pride and restless ambition of one or two unhappy men. But though nothing was more plain than that the Duke of York sought the crown of England; yet nothing is truer, then that they as yet pretended nothing less for the veneration of King Henry's purity of life, would have prevailed with the people greatly to their prejudice.  
(77) The King failing thus to obtain the person of Warwick, or his Town of Caleis, the Yorkists send over certain Articles into Kent, in which (as if they were the only Patriots and best Subjects of the world) they complain of certain general enormities concerning injuries done to the Church, and the ill 
The Yorkists send over Articles to seduce the people.  ministration of justice, abuse of purveyors and takers, the King's poverty by the corruption of his officers, and the like plausible stuff: where they speak of the King, they sequester him from all exception, as being of so noble, so virtuous, so righteous, and so blessed disposition: (these are their words and the truth) as any Prince earthly. Where they speak of their enemies, (that is, the King's principal friends and faithful subjects) they name the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Wiltshire, and the Lord Beaumond which must ever be an honour to their memories, and put the blame (if it were blameworthy) of such attaindors which were enacted against the Yorkists at Coventree, upon these three Lords specially. Where they speak of themselves & their intentions, they profess all sincerity and loyalty to King Henry, and that they only meant to come upon their guard to speak with him concerning the commonwealth, and their own safeties, and that now they would attempt the same again, in the name of the Land, and not to suffer such mischiefs to reign upon them. The conclusion of their cunning and painted pretences hath these feigned holy words: Requiring you (the people) on God's behalf, and praying you in your own, therein to assist us, doing always the duty of Liegemen in our persons to our said Sovereign Lord, to his estate, prerogative and pre-eminence, and to the surety of his most noble person, whereunto we have ever been, and will be as true as any of his Subjects alive: whereof we call God, our Lady Saint Marie, and all the Saints in heaven, to witness, and record. But of the thing itself (that is to Crown the Duke of Yorkey they make not the least mention: what wanted in these men to the height and depth of human malice? They prevail with the multitudes; a shallow brained, but a great and many headed beast. The Lord Fawconbridge is sent to sound their affections, and to draw the purulent matter to an head: he finds great forwardness. The Earls of March, Warwick and Salisbury advertised of all things, land in Kent. But the people only were not deluded; for Thomas Bourchier Archbishop of Canterbury, and other 
The Earl of Warwick lends his side an Oath.  grave men, believed they meant sooth; which that they might the rather do, the Earl of Warwick made open oath upon the Cross of Canterbury, that they had ever borne true faith and allegiance to King Henry. A strange humour in the English, that could neither brook bad nor benign Princes. The King had before their coming quit the City of London, as not greatly trusting the affections which the people thereof bare toward such as the Yorkish faction had made odious about him, and appointed the Rendevow of his forces at Northampton where he abode. The enemy (showing friend) advanceth thither. It is a shame to read that some of the great Prelates would simply be drawn to countenance such an enterprise: but their intentions were different; they hoped to reconcile enmities, the Earls, to make York King. Meanwhile their complices labour to take the Tower of London, within which there were for King Henry these loyal Nobles. The Lord Scales, Hungerford, Vescie, Lovel, Delaware, and Candal a Gascoigne with sundry others.  
(78) At Northampton things were carried thus: The King meaning there to abide his adversaries, when it was not thought meet to admit the Earl of Warwick to his presence, (which thing was colourably sued for to raise a ground of justification for battle) they prepare on both parts. The Earls of March and Warwick (with like or greater cunning, than they had desired admission to the King's speech) let cry through the field, that no man should lay hand upon the King, nor common people, but upon the Lords, Knights and esquires.  
(79) The hosts joy ne. No stroke they gave but seems to wound us also. Let us swiftly turn our eyes from so unnatural slaughters. The 
* The Battle 〈◊〉 Northampton where the King is taken.  L. Grey of Ruthen began the discomfiture of the King's side, for he (let the world judge with what commendation,) having the point, did quit his place and fled to the Earls. The king's army is defeated, and utterly broken. Many were slain and drowned. Polydor and Grafton say ten thousand: The chief of the Nobles who there lost their lives, were the Duke of Buckingham, john Earl of Shrewsburie (a 
* Stows Annals. who varieth in many circumstances of this battle from some other writers  most hopeful young Gentleman, and in all points like his heroic Ancestors) john Viscount Beaumond, Thomas Lord Egremond, and among sundry other prime men, 
* Polyd. Verg. Graft. Ghron.  Sir William Lucy, who making haste to the fight, was upon his first approach chopped down with an axe. The King's Ordinance could not play, there fell so great a rain.  
(80) This woeful battle was fought upon the 
* Rob. Fab. Graft. Chron. An. D. 1460 A. reg. 38.  ninth of july. The King (as a man borne to all calamities and miseries, though he not therefore the less, but the more happy through that excellent fortitude of mind, with which he invincibly sustained them) comes into his enemy's hands; but the Queen and the Prince, and the remains of their scattered fortunes fly into the North, there to reinforce their powers, and to 
* Rob. Fab. Chron.  subdue (as she caused them to be proclaimed) the King's Rebels and enemies. The Tower of London after this misfortune renders itself. The Lord Scales is wickedly murdered upon the Thames by Wherrimen, belonging to the Earl of Warwick, as he intended to pass to 
* Stows Annal.  Sanctuary at Westminster. The Earls when they were possessed of the King, continued their admirable hypocrisies (which God will terribly plague them for) thereby to lead the people on, and had to him these words.  
(81) Most noble Prince, displease you not, though it hath pleased God of his grace to grant us the victory 
The Earl words to the King.  of our mortal enemies, who by their venomous malice have untruly stirred and moved your Highness to exile us out of the land, and would have put us to final ●…me, and confusion: we come not to unquiet or grieve your said Highness, but to please your noble person, desiring tenderly the high welfare and prosperity thereof, and of all your Realm, and to be your true Liegemen while our lives shall endure. Our souls are amazed at these arts, and men blush to publish to the world things so unworthy.  
(82) The 
* 〈◊〉.  Florentine Secretary was scarce borne at this time, but the Devil was as great a Master then as afterward. The King and Earls in the mean time go to London, where a Parliament was summoned in his name to be holden in October following. The Duke of York (advertised of his victory) speeds from Dublin, the chief City of Ireland, to be at that Parliament, where we shall at last see the true face of his purpose, his own self taking away the mask which hitherto concealed it.  
(83) Scotland, by reason of late affinity with the house of Beaufort, whose chief and top was the Duke of Somerset, (descended from john Duke 
The humanity of Scotland to K. Henry's friends distressed.  of Lancaster by the Lady Katherine) was a special back, and Second to King Henry in all his tempestuous adversities; but now that refuge was also hazarded: for King james the second, partly in favour of King Henry, and partly as making use of the troubles in England, layeth siege to Rocksbrough (Bellenden the Scot calleth the same Castle 
* He●…. Boet. transl lib. 17. c. 5.  Marchmont) being in the custody of King Henry's enemies, where while himself (whose 
* 〈◊〉. in Ia●…. 2.  skill and delight in shooting of Ordinance was great) coming down the trenches to see the 
* Graftons' Chron.  Lion (a new great piece which had lately been cast in Flanders) and the other Artillery discharged, one of them brake, and with a shiver thereof 
james the second King of Scotland slain with the shiver of a great piece. A. D. 1460.  slew the king, and dangerously wounded the Earl of Angus. This unhappy accident happened upon a Sunday, the 
* Le●…e in jac. 2.  third day of August. The Queen of Scotland nevertheless maintaineth the siege, and aswell obtains that place, as the Castle of Work, both which she (in revenge) threw to the earth, james the third, a child of seven years old succeeded to his father, aswell to the cherishment of the distressed English, as to the Crown.  
(84) The Parliament being begun, about the * eight of October at Westminster in King Henry's 
An. reg. 39 The Duke of York returns out of Ireland to claim the Crown of England.  name, thither comes with flying speed, Richard Duke of York, who broke open the King's lodging Chamber, and placed himself therein, suffering the King to provide elsewhere. Then makes he his claim to the Crown of England, and publisheth it in open Parliament together with his pedigree. The whole house (such among them excepted as were privy to the Duke's intention) was 
* Rob. Fab.  greatly dismayed both for that he did set himself in the King's seat, and for this his unexpected challenge: But the Duke though at first he greatly meant to have deposed King Henry, and with speed to be crowned himself at Alhallontide next, yet finding such amazement and silence, he sends them his pedigree and his claim in writing, that they might the better consider, yielding (as it seems) to be ordered therein, according to their general agreement during the treaty whereof he would not visit King Henry, alleging himself was peerless in England. The main points of his Title were as followeth. King Edward the third had issue, Edward Prince of Wales, William 
The main point●… in the Duke of Yorks Pedigree.  of Hatfield, Lionel Duke of Clarence, john of Gaunt D. of Lancaster, Edmund D. of York, Thomas D. of Gloucester, and William of Windsor. Edward Prince of Wales died, living his Father, and left issue Richard the second King of England, who died without Issue: as did also William King Edward's second son.  
(85) Lionel the third son had issue Philip his daughter and heir, married to Edmund ●…ortimer Earl of March, who had Issue Roger Earl of March, who had Issue Edmund Earl of March, Roger, Anne, and Eleanor, which Edmund, Roger, and Eleanor died without Issue. Anne (the heir of that house) marrieth Richard Earl of Cambridge, the son of Edmund Duke of York, fifth son to King Edward the third, which Earl of Cambridge had Richard commonly (saith the Book,) called Duke of York.  
(86) john of Gaunt the fourth son and younger brother to Lionel, had Issue Henry, who immediately after King Richard's resignation, unrighteously (saith the Book) entered upon the same, for that Edmund Earl of March, son of Roger Earl of March, and of Philip daughter and heir of the before said Lionel Duke of Clarence, elder brother to john Duke of Lancaster was then alive, and that aswell the said Henry, eldest son to john Duke of Lancaster, as his descendants have hitherto holden the Crown of England, etc. unjustly, for that himself the said Richard Plantagenet Duke of York was the lawful heir, being the son of Richard Plantagenet Earl of Cambridge, and of Anne before said.  
(87) This was the effect of the Duke of Yorks title, which for the points of the Pedigree was very true, though in bar thereof the friends of King Henry (without denying any part of the premises, being all of them more evident than that they could be honestly denied) had not a little to say for him: 
Allegations for K Henry the 6. and the Lancastrian title.  for they could among other things allege, that Richard the second resigned up his Crown and Regality at large; and that none else making claim but Henry Duke of Lancaster, he was thereunto by the consent of all the three Estates admitted; that Richard Earl of Cambridge was for high Treason attainted and executed, and his Issue made incapable of any inheritance, that this Richard his son now challenging the Crown of England, being restored by the mere clemency and goodness of this King Henry the sixth, had voluntarily acknowledged him for his lawful Sovereign, and sworn the same, and that the said Richard was finally for treason attainted, and adjudged uninheritable: they could hereunto have added sundry Acts of Parliament, made to establish the right of the Lancastrian line, the succession of three Kings, all Henry's, that is to say, the fourth, fifth and sixth; the politic addresses of the first of those Kings, the noble victories of the second, and the holy life of the third; which three Kings lives contained of reign about threescore years, in which number this was the nine and thirtiethof King Henry the sixth, who was descended of the male line, and the Duke of York but of a female: of which female line none had ever been in possession of the Crown. Great and weighty points, (if any) and the rather to be considered, for that King Henry's person being (in very truth) Prisoner, no act of his to establish York's title could bind in law or conscience, and the less, for that he had a wife, and by her a son, who was at liberty, and ready with Arms to free his father, or hazard to destroy the whole English name. But they who (on Yorks behalf) abstractivelie disputed these highest questions, knew a rule of law, which saith, jura sanguinis nullo iure civili dirimi possunt '; and the Lancastrians were not without their speculative and remote considerations, to countenance the particulars of their cause. Thus we see that in Monarchies (though the noblest form of Regiment) where lineal succession is the rule of inheritance, there sometimes fall out as great and as indeterminable difficulties, as where Election designeth the Successor: whereof the French tragedies which our Nation made among them, and now these in England, are without all exception, the most fearful instances. For France had heretofore her time of affliction, but now (O dearest England) it was thine.  
(88) While this weighty controversy was debated, a Crown which hung for garnishment in the middle of the roof, where the Knights and Burgesses 
Signs foregoing the end of King Henry's reign.  of the Parliament met to consult, and the crown which for like cause stood upon the highest Tower of Dover castle, 
* Caxton. Chron.  fell suddenly down, which were vulgarly construed 
* Grafton.  to portend That the reign of K. Henry was at an end, and that the Crown should be transferred from one royal line to another. But the Queen, her son Prince Edward, and her fast friends in the North (the seat of their hopes) being nothing discouraged at their late ill fortunes, prepare all the forces they can to recover K. Henry and the Kingdom; which thing whiles they are pursuing, the conclusion of the Parliament concerning the crown, was, That Henry the sixth should reign, and be King 
Henry to be king for 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, and the Duke of York●… after his death.  during his life, the remainder to rest in Richard Duke of York, and the lawful heirs of his body in general tail, King Henry's heirs to be excluded. The Duke in the mean time is proclaimed heir apparent, and called Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Earl of Chester, and Protector of England. The agreement was engrossed, sealed and sworn unto. The Queen will have nothing to do in this bargain, being so dangerous and preiudicious to herself; her husband, and her son; and therefore when the King (at the Duke of York's instigation) sent for her to repair unto him, she relying upon the Dukes of Somerset and Excester, and other the King's friends, utterly refuseth: Henry continueth king. The Arms therefore, which she taketh for his deliverance, have the more justice. The Duke of York missing the prey he expected, leaves the king with the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl of Warwick at London; himself with the Earls of Salisbury and Rutland, and certain forces, 
* Mense Decem. The Duke of York pu●…ueth the Queen in the North.  setteth forward to Wakefield to pursue the Queen and her son, sending direction to the Earl of March that he should follow with all his power. The Castle of Sandall standeth pleasantly upon a small hill, in view of the fair town of Wakefield; there the Duke of York (coming thither upon Christmas Eve) reposeth himself, and expecteth the increase of his numbers. The Queen advertised, thinks it wisdom to fight before the Duke grow too strong; and thereupon marcheth forward, having an Army of eighteen thousand men, led by the Dukes of Somerset and Excester, the Earls of 
* Stow's Annal.  Devonshire and 
* Graft. Chron.  Wiltshire, the Lords Nevil, Clifford, Rosse, and in effect all the Northern Nobility. The host (or so much thereof as they thought necessary to show) presents itself before Sandal, to provoke and dare the Duke 
The Queen's Army comes to Wakefield.  to battle. His blood impatient of these braves, & ignorant perhaps that the enemy had so great a multitude, will needs fight, though the Earl of Salisbury, and Sir David Hall (an ancient servant of his, and a great Soldier) gave him advise to stay, till his son (the Earl of March) approached with such Welshmen and Marchers, as he had in great numbers assembled. But God would forbear him no longer, but like a severe Master means to take a present account: at which he found whether all the kingdoms of the earth are worth the least sin, much less a wilful perjury.  
(89) The Queen therefore addeth stratagem, and wit to her force, to the intent he might not escape her hands; whereupon the Earl of Wiltshire upon one side of the hill, and the Lord Clifford upon the other, lie in ambush to thrust between him and the Castle; the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter, stand embattled in the open field. Their policy had the wished success; for the Duke being not fully five thousand strong, issueth out of the Castle down the hill. The battles which stood in front, join furiously, when suddenly the Duke of York sees himself enclosed, and although he expressed great manhood, yet within one half hour, his whole Army was discomfited, himself and divers 
They overthrow the Duke of York and kill him.  his dear friends beaten down and slain. There lay dead about him the Lord Harington, Sir Thomas Nevil son to the Earl of Salisbury, Sir David Hal, with sundry Knights and others about two thousand, & two hundred; among which were the heirs of many Southern gentlemen of great account, whose 
* Graft. Chron.  blood was shortly after revenged. Let us not linger upon the particular accidents of this battle, but consider what it wrought for King Henry's advancement; yet these few things are not to be unremembered. The Earl of Rutland (a younger son to the Duke of York) being about twelve years old, was also slain by the Lord Clifford, (who overtook him flying) in part of revenge for that the 
* Graced. Chron.  Earl's father had slain his. A deed which worthily blemished the Author; but who can promise any thing temperate of himself in the heat of martial fury? chiefly, where it was resolved, not to leave any branch of York line standing, for so doth 
* Grastons Chron.  one make the Lord Clifford to speak.  
(90) That merciless proposition was common (as the event will show) to either faction. The Duke of York's head, crowned with paper, is presented to the Queen. Cruel joy is seldom fortunate. Caesar wept over Pompey's head, but the Queen (ignorant how manifold causes of tears were reserved for her own share) makes herself merry with that ghastly and bloody spectacle. The Earl of Salisbury, after wounds received, being in this battle taken prisoner, is conveyed to Ponfract Castle; from whence the common people (who loved him not) 
* Stows Annals.  violently haled him, and cut off his head; which perhaps was not done without the good liking of others. The Duke's head, together with his, were fixed on poles, and set upon a gate of York, and with them (if Grafton say true) the heads of all the other prisoners which had been conducted to Pomfret.  
(91) This battle (called of Wakefield) was fought upon the last day of December; of whose weathers complexion if their courages had participated, mischief might have made her stop here, which now is in her swiftest course.  
(92) For the Earl of March, son, and heir to this late valiant Duke of York, hearing of this tragical 
A. D. 1461. A. reg. 39 The Earl of March pursues his father's designs.  adventure, gives not over: but, having gathered an army of about twenty thousand to march against the Queen, he finds employment nearer hand: being certified, that jasper thither Earl of Pembroke (half brother to King Henry) and james Butler Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire, had with them a great force of Welsh and Irish to take him. The youthful and valiant Earl of March, whose amiable presence and carriage made him gracious with the people, (and the rather for that he had the general good word of 
* Phil. Coming.  women,) means to try his fortune against the said Earls. He suddenly therefore turns back from Shrewsbury, and at a place called Mortimers Cross near Ludlow, where the enemy abode, he sets upon them; It was Candlemas day in the morning, at 
The battle at Mortimer's Cross where Edward is victorious.  which time there appeared (as some write) three Suns, which suddenly joined in one. This lucky prognosticon, and ominous Meteor exceedingly fired the Earl of March, and was (some say) the reason, why he used for his Badge, or royal devise, the Sun in his full brightness. The Battles maintain their fight with great fury; but, in the end, the Earl of March obtains the victory, killing of his enemies three thousand, and eight hundredth men; the Earls saved themselves by flight. The son of honour and fortune did thus begin to shine through Clouds of blood and misery, upon Edward, whom shortly we are to behold King of England. There were taken 
* Graft. Chron. Stows Annal.  Sir Owen thither (father to jasper Earl of Pembroke,) who was beheaded by Edward's commandment, as also Sir john Skudamor knight with his two sons, and other.  
(93) The Queen on the other side (having ordered her affairs in the North, settled the estate thereof, and refreshed her people,) within a while after draws near with her Northern army to S. Alban. There came before them an evil fame of their behaviour to London, whose wealth looked pale knowing itself in danger; for the Northern army, (in which were Scots, Welsh, and Irish aswell as English,) made bold by the way with what they liked, making small distinction of sacred or profane, after they were once past the river of Trent, Captain Andrew Trolop being their Colonel. King Henry himself in person, with the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earls of Warwick and Arundel, the Lord Bonuile, & other, with a great puissance encamp at S. Alban, to give the Queen battle, and stop her farther passage toward London. But the Lords of her faction being ready to attempt on her behalf, assail the King's forces within the Town, and after some sharp affronts, break through, and drive their adversaries out with much bloodshed, till they fell upon a squadron or battalion of the Kings, wherein there were about four or five thousand men, which made good 
The second battle at S. A●…bans where the Queen is victorious and recovers the King.  their ground for a while with great courage, but in the end the Queen's side clearly wan the day. There perished in this conflict about two thousand.  
This happened upon Shrove-tuesday, the seventeenth of February. The King, Queen and Prince meet joyfully, where he knights his son, (being eight years old,) and thirty others. The Lord Bonuile and Sir Thomas 
* Tirel saith Rob. Fab.  Kiriel of Ken●… being taken in the fight, were beheaded, but all the other great men elcape. The common people of London do notwithstanding stand wholly for the beautiful Earl of March, and stand the more confidently, because they had sure intelligence, that he had vanquished the Earl of Pembroke in the Marches of Wales, and that the Earl of Warwick, escaping from S. Alban, had met with the Earl of March near Costwold, and that both with joint forces were marching toward London. These news made the King and Queen retire into the North, and leave that City and the 
The King and Queen return into the North.  Southern Countries to their Enemy, till they might recover a fairer opportunity or more sufficiencies. Edward upon notice of the King's departure, entereth London, and gives period to Henry's reign, which is accounted to take end after he had successively ruled this Land the space of thirty eight years, six months, and four days.  

His Wife.  
(94) Margaret the wife of King Henry, was the daughter of Reyner King of jerusalem, Sicily, and Arragon, Duke of Andegavia, Lorraine, Bar, and Calabria, Earl of Province, Cenomania, and Guise. She by proxy was espoused unto King Henry, at the City Towers in Touraine in the Church of Saint Martin; William de-la-Poole being Procurator to the king in the presence of the French king and his Queen, which king was uncle to the Bride's Father, and the Queen Aunt unto her mother. She with great pomp was conveyed to southhampton, and thence to the Abbey of Tichfield, where the year of grace 1445. and twenty two of April, she was solemnly married to king Henry; and honourably attended by the greatest Estates of the Land, was crowned at Westminster the thirtieth of May following. She was exceedingly beautified in face, and of goodly feature, of a great wit and deep policy, but of stomach far above her sex, as in the managing of those trouble some times did too well appear. She was his wife twenty six years, and twenty nine days: and (after her husband's depulsion from his regal throne) her forces being vanquished at the battle of Tewksburie, in a poor religious house, whether she had fled for the safety of her life, was taken prisoner, and so carried Captive to London, where she remained in durance, till Duke Reiner her father did purchase her liberty with great sums of money, unto whom she returned, and lastly died in her native Country.   

His Issue.  
(95) Edward the only Child of king Henry and Queen Margaret his wife was borne at Westminster the thirteenth day of October, the year of Christ 1453. and the 31. of his father's Reign, and the next year following upon the fifteenth of March, by authority of Parliament, was created Prince of Wales & Earl of Chester: For the title of Duke of Cornwall (as it is noted by warrant of record) is reputed 
Orig. 35. Hen. 6.  unto the King's eldest son, the very day of his nativity, and by virtue of a special Act is presumed and taken to be of full and perfect age, so as he may ●…ue that day for his livery of the said Dukedom, and aught by right to obtain the same; having his royalties in the Stannary, wracks at Sea, Customs &c: the first Duke thereof was Edward commonly called the Black Prince, whom his Father, King Edward the third created in great Estate Duke of Cornwall by a wreath on his head, a ring on his finger and a silver verge. He proved a Prince of great hope and forwardness, being skilful in martial knowledge, matters of government, and Laws of the Realm. At the age of seventeen, the better to bandy against his Father's Competitor, King Edward, (the Maul of the Lancastrians claim) a●…ianced in France, Anne the second daughter of Richard the Make-king, Earl of Warwick; whose other daughter was married to George Duke of Clarence. This Prince when the day was lost at Tewkesburie, sought to escape thence by flight, but being taken, was brought into the presence of king Edward, whose resolute answers enraged the Conqueror so much, as he dashed him (an unprincely part) on the mouth with his gauntlet, and Richard the crook back ran him into the heart with his dagger. His Body was buried without all solemnity among the poor and mean persons slain, in the Monastical Church of the black Friars in Tewkesburie. Anno Domini 1471.    

EDWARD THE FOURTH, FIRST 
Monarch 54  
Edward IIII  KING OF THE HOUSE OF YORK, KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THIS LAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XVII.  
EDward, borne at Rouen in Normandy, and bearing the title of March in England, having ●…unne the battle at Mortimer's Cross (though the Lords his Confederates had lost that of Saint Alban) from Ludlow hasted towards London, & on his way was 
Edward Duke of York and Rich. Earl of Warwick come unto London.  seconded by Richard Nevil, the stout Earl of Warwick, to the great increase of his number and power, which so terrified Queen Margaret, now ●…dy to po●…se the South 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hus●… 〈◊〉 so●…, i●… 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 upon which 〈◊〉 now 〈◊〉 York, pre●…ly p●…ed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pr●… 〈◊〉 ●…ry powerful, and the other in poss●… consulted for their safest estate; when on the sudden Edward with Warwick entered their gates, 
The City of London doubtf●… unto whether part to yield.  whose warlike visages so daunted the adverse affected, that they began with the 〈◊〉 to make him way to the throne, & the Noblemen likewise made him offers of their service, to establi●… 〈◊〉 claim, neither were the Clergy to learn the observance of time, or to sway with the man upon whom the world smiled. All these se●…n Counsel to confer of the 〈◊〉, Duke Edward made known his title to the Crown, and i●… well s●… 〈◊〉 ●…red, how the body of the who●… Par●…ment formerly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ●…d H●…ry ●…selfe sub●…●…ith hi●… 〈◊〉 h●…d; whose 〈◊〉, though 
Pri●… Edward 〈◊〉 his right to the Crown.  now 〈◊〉 through 〈◊〉 des●… y●… what right L●…er had, they all 〈◊〉, and how 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 di●…our did wi●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…gh his neglect, who●… si●…ity ever 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his private devotions, than the potent managing of a Sovereign's command.  
(2) These things urged (and most of them true) their voices went current, that Edward was the undoubted King, whereunto the Londoners the sooner yielded, for that his dreaded Northern Army was then encamped in Saint john's field: neither was any reservation made (as before) of Henry's natural 
King Henry deprived of his Crown.  life, but he is now absolutely neglected as unworthy of his Crown, how acceptable soever he had reigned till then, whose following miseries were not so much lamented, as his constant patience was admired in undergoing the same. Edward thus mounted, before his foot had well touched the first step, was upon Sunday the second of March, among his Northern Soldiers proclaimed King; William L. 
Edward Duke of York proclaimed King of England.  Fan onbridge Earl of Kent declaring his claim, and disabling K. Henry of style or Government, whose weak head (as he alleged) had over long blemished the English Crown.  
(3) Upon the next day, with all pomp he was conveyed to Westminster, and set upon the King's seat 
March 3.  in the Hall, where holding the sceptre of Saint Edward in his hand, the voice of the people was again demanded, and again granted; such was the hap of unfortunate Henry, and condition of the multitude ever to dislike the present, and to affect the new: but no interim left to dissuade or attempt, the next day his style and title was again proclaimed by the name of King Edward the fourth, being the fourth of March and 
* He was borne A D. 1●…41. April 29.  about the 20. year of his age.  
(4) These sudden alterations made the richer sort somewhat fearful, especially, those whose heart stood firm for K. Henry, (who was now in the North 
The fears of the Londoners.  new mustering of men) and among those, London afforded many, as King Edward's jealousy suspected, whereof one Walker a substantial Citizen and Grocer 
Walker a Citizen beheaded for word●….  was a sufficient proof, who for words spoken concerning his own son, that he would make him heir of the Crown (meaning his house having that Sign) was the eighth day of this Kings reign apprehended, and beheaded in Smithfield. And albeit his words intended no treason, (the ●…rocer not once dreaming to touch King Edward's title) yet 
Dangerous to meddle with a Crown.  the time being when the Crown lay at stake, the tenture of the Law made them his death. This rough beginning moved many to doubt, that they 
Grost.  had wronged themselves in wronging King Henry, which opinion was more confirmed in that he retained 
* 18000. pounds.  a great sum of money borrowed of the Staplers-Merchants, and disbursed in his affairs, whose restitution he utterly denied with an austere 
King Edward's beginnings somewhat disliked.  commandment to surcease the demand. But hearing how Henry was beloved in the North, & what followers were gathered to recover him the Crown; upon the twelfth of March with a complete Army 
K. Edward's expedition into the North.  he sets forth of London, accompanied with his brethren, and many other Nobles: with whom marching towards P●…freit, he there appoints the Lord Fitzwater to keep the passage of Ferribrig, omitting no directions of a worthy commander.  
(5) King Henry for his part though nothing so warlike, yet thought it best policy to employ such leaders as desired 〈◊〉 against the house of York; such were the Duke of ●…set, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, whose 〈◊〉 had been s●…ine in the first battle of S. Alban, which last, though in degree the least m●…n, yet sought to 〈◊〉 his same with the first, and therefore to 〈◊〉 no attempt unassayed, he ●…dainely ch●…ged upon the Troop appointed for 〈◊〉, th●… the 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. vn●…ed (only with a po●… in his 〈◊〉) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Brigge, thin●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
The Lord Fitz●…er and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  〈◊〉 his own Soldiers, where, with the 〈◊〉 of●… 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 ●…d many of hi●… 〈◊〉 were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 th●… 〈◊〉▪  
(6) Th●… brute of which▪ ●…ust blown, i●…one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ he mounted his Co●…, and po●… i●… 〈◊〉, p●…ing, blowing and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of breath, said, Sir I pray God have mercy on their souls 
Earl Warwick's approach and speech to King Edward.  which in the beginning of your enterprise have lost their lives; I see no succour in the world, but in God, to whom I remit the vengeance. And so alighting, forthwith slew his horse with his sword saying, Let him fly; that fly will, I will tarry with him that will tarry with me: which he confirmed by kissing the cross of his sword, the usual complement of covenants made by martial men. The valiant Lord Fanconbridge fearing left this beginning would give an edge to the sequel, got over the river at Castleford, three miles from the bridge, meaning to enclose the takers upon their backs, which Clifford perceiving, sought to avoid, and whether for haste, heat, or 
The L. Clifford s●…ine with an headless arrow.  pain, put off the gorget he wore, when suddenly an arrow without an head, shot from the Bow of some laid in ambush, pierced through his throat, and stuck in his neck, which set a period unto his life.  
(7) The next day more fatal for England's blood, was celebrated with spears in stead of palms, usually 
A. D. 14●… Difference of Authors hath here bred some confusion of years.  borne on 
* March 29.  that Saboth of Lent, in whose dawning, the Lord Fanconbridge, who commanded the forward (the Duke of Norfolk being sick) took the field on a plain, betwixt the towns of Towton and Saxton, where King Edward joining his whole forces (being forty eight thousand, and six hundredth sixty persons, as King Henry's were also threescore thousand) caused proclamation to be made, that 
K. Edward's proclamation much forwarded his service.  he who feared to sight, might forthwith depart, but if any Soldier abiding, should seek to fly or turn back, he should be slain by his next fellow, and the slayer to receive a great reward, besides the stipend of a double pay.  
(8) Both Armies ready to join, a small sleet of 
The battle a●… Touton.  snow happened to fall, which with the wind was carried into the face of the Lancastrian host, whereby their sight was much impeached, which advantage Fanconbridge soon espying, forth with commanded his Archers to shoot each man a ●…light, and then to stand without further proffer. The Northern men 
A politic practice in 〈◊〉.  feeling the arrows, but not seeing the Archers, made haste to acquit them with the like, and shot their whole sheaves of arrows without intermission, but short of the mark●… threescore yards at the least; which storm being past, and all their store spent, the worthy Fanconbridge advanced forward, and within reach of his Archers sore galled the enemy, making a double advantage of what they had done: for their own quivers being full, when the others were empty, they gathered up & shot theirs, against their own shooters, yet left some of them sticking to gall the legs of their pursuers: by which only stratagem, as was constantly averred, the battle and day was lost and won.  
(9) The sight was bloody and continued tenus hours, for all being English, acquit themselves English-like, no taking of prisoners, nor looking for ransom, but all to retain, and to get honour that day; wherein died the Lords 〈◊〉, Nevil, Willoughby, Well●…, 〈◊〉, Grace, D●…, 〈◊〉 Be●…kingham, and Clifford, (who died the day before) the two b●…ds of Exce●…r, Knig●… 〈◊〉 & Gentlemen 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  a great number, and in all 〈◊〉 thirty five thousand ninety and one, so that 〈◊〉 only the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stained with English blood, b●… the rivers r●… red for a great distance, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is this battle of England's ch●… wars.  
(10) Henry, who never was victor whe●… he came, hearing 〈◊〉 loss which seemed 〈◊〉 
K Henry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  〈◊〉, with hi●… Queen and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where, of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ally ●…tained, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
 indeed the better warrior) passed thence into France, where, of King Lewis and her father Reiner she obtained 
Queen Margaret passeth into France.  more men, than her coffers were able to relieve with pay; the bane of all courage in adventures of war.  
(11) Victorious Edward, after those his prosperous successes in the North, in triumph returned to London, and the eight & twentieth of june with great solemnity was Crowned at Westminster, where in S. Peter's Church, the next day it was again most solemnly 
A. D. 1461. King Edward crowned.  set on his head, and the third day so Crowned he came to Saint Paul's in London, and therein was censed with great applause of the People. In November following a Parliament began, wherein King Henry, Queen Margaret, and Prince Edward their 
King Henry and Prince Edward disherited by Parliament.  son, were disherited of their right to the Crown; the Dukes of Excester and Somerset, and the Earl of Devonshire, with an hundred and forty more, were attainted also and disherited; so fortune dallieth in setting the dice of her favours, or frowns.  
(12) Queen Margaret stored with men, but in want of money, with her French powers made into 
A. D. 1462. Queen Margaret returned into Scotland.  Scotland; whose coming was most welcome to the two Kings there, and thence, with great show of enterprise, hoist her sails for England, but having touched the ●…y of Tinmouth (whether upon better advise, or feared with their own shadows,) she with her French put back to the Sea, where such a sore tempest took them, as had not Queen Margaret in a small Carvel got unto Berwick, she had not lived to vex the new King, nor seen the unfortunate loss of her husband, her son, and Realm, nor the miserable calamities of her 
Bastard Ogle overcometh the French.  own old age; her French by Bastard Ogle were hea●…e into Holy Island, many slain, and four hundred of them put to their ransoms.  
(13) This ●…inting French enterprise, though it dulled the edge of some spirits, yet did it nothing 
An. D. 1463.  daunt the courage of the Queen, her better hopes being fixed upon the Scots valour; so, (leaving Prince Edward for safety in Barwicks',) with her husband and Scots she entered Northumberland, took the Castle 
Queen Margaret entereth Northumberland in hostile manner.  of Bamburgh, and so passed forward unto the Bishopric, their forces daily increasing through the confluence of such English, 〈◊〉 favoured King Henry.  
(14) King Edward hearing these stirs in the North, made his preparation both by Sea and 
King Edward cometh to T●…rks.  Land, and with his brethren and Nobles came to Y●…rke, from whence he sent john Nevil Lord 〈◊〉, with a power of men, as some what mistrusting the loialties of the Northumbrians, who passing forward, upon H●…gely-Moore was suddenly encountered by the Lord's Hungerf●…rd and Ro●…s, with whom was 
The skirmish upon ●…egely More.  Sir Ralph Ferci●…, a most valiant Knight, but Monta●…, accompanied with such as would neither look back, nor stand ga●…ing on, ●…hode the encounter, and at the first push put back the two ●…ords, and 〈◊〉 slew the said 〈◊〉, who no waie●… would depart out of the field; but in dying said, I have saved the 〈◊〉 in my ●…rest, meaning this oath m●…e to King 
The saying of Sir Ralph Percy at his death.  〈◊〉.  
(15) 
〈◊〉 victory at 〈◊〉.  valiantly 〈◊〉 their Camp, as after great slaghter, 
May. 15.  
Lord●… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉.  
The disgrading of Sir Ralph 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉. King Henry 〈◊〉 to flight.  (saith Grafton) he fled into Scotland which is more 
Rich. Grafton.  likely.  
(16) Edward thus cleared of the Cloud threatening storm, thought best ere others did light, to provide for himself, and therefore he raised Bulwarks, 
King Edward's care and provisions.  built new Fortresses in places of danger, put forth his espials upon the Marches of Scotland, and commanded that none should keep Henry or Margaret in secret, whose sight, he feared, would draw the affections of many, which otherwise stood in case of obedience. But over-borne Henry (whether past all fear, or enforced by destiny) in disguised apparel 
King Henry disguised cometh into England, and is apprehended.  passed into England, where he was soon apprehended by one Ca●…tlow; but Stow saith by Thomas Talbot in Cletherwood besides Bungerley Hipping stones in Lancashire, being betrayed in Waddington Hall as he sat at dinner, and thence brought to London with his legs bound to the stirrups, arrested by Warwick, his guilt 
King Henry hardly used, arrested and committed prisoner to the Tower.  spurs taken off, and committed Prisoner to the Tower of London.  
(17) The Lion thus penned, his paws cut or pared, and Queen Margaret in France with her father Rei●…er; King Edward now quiet set his mind upon Government for the good of his Realm. In his Court of King's Bench he used to sit in person certain days together, to see how his laws proceeded with justice; ordained penal Statutes against excessive 
King Edward's care of justice.  pride in Apparel, especialle against long picked shoes then usually worn, which grew to such an extreme, that the pikes in the Toes were turned upward, and with silver chains, or silk lace's tied to the 
The pride and abuse in shoo●….  knee. But among many good provisions, one proved very bad, as the sequel shows; for concluding a league with King Henry of Castille, and john King of Arragon, he granted a licence to transport certain numbers of C●…teswold Sheep, which are since grown 
Sheep transporeted into Sp●…e, very hurtful unto England.  to such an exceeding increase, as the Clothes made of their wools is a great hindrance to our Merchants, which adventure in the Levant Seas.  
(18) His next care was to find a fit Queen, both 
King Edward's care for choice of his Queen.  for the hope of issue to succeed, and for alliance and power to assist●…ed were) against Henry's claim. Fist therefore minding to send into Scotland, to desire in marriage the Lady Margaret, (sister to king james the third) thereby to frustrate H●…tes further hope; was made to believe that the said Lady was, by reason of sickness, not capable of conception, which altogether declined his affection from that way. Next, as some say, a motion was made for Lady Elizabeth sister and heir apparent unto Henry king of 
His second project for a 〈◊〉 Rich. Grafton.  Castille, as a much most convenient; considering king Edward had thereunto a Claim, whose great Grandmother was one of the heirs of Castille, being the daughter of Don Peter the king, besides which high match, and combination of Alliances, ●…hope was 
Cambden. Rich. Grafton.  conceived that the duchies of Guien and Aquitaine, might be recovered by the assistance of these Castilians, without great charge or travel to the English. But the tender spring of the one, and the lusty growth of the other, would not be grafted into one stock to 〈◊〉 fruit●…, she little above 〈◊〉, and he about twenty three, 〈◊〉 unfit to ●…taine till she could give him content.  
(19) A third Princess 〈◊〉, against whom 
His third a●…y for a wife.  ; 
The allegations 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  feared. This match being most approved in counsel, 
Lady Bona fittest Queen for Edward. Nevil the great Earl of Warwick.  none was held more fit to solicit the business than Lord Richard Nevil the great Earl of Warwick, a man esteemed for power a Demy-King, and for magnificence and hospitality matchless: in whose house at London (as some have verified) six oxen were spent every day, and most Taverns in the City full of his meat. 
Rob. Fab.   
(20) Warwick in great state arrived at Tours, & his message known, was accordingly entertained in the French Court, where he wrought the Queen her 
Warwick's wooing and entertainments in France.  self to be the chiefest Agent; who drew on her sister Bona, with recommending the state and style of a magnificent Queen (a sound very tuneable in a Lady's ear,) and her husband Lewis, with assurance of a potent and wise Ally, a pleasing theme to soft natured Princes, as the French King was. And indeed to all she undertook all good contentments; so as on that side all things were clear, and Warwick dismissed with Courtly French compliments; the Earl Dampmartin was to pass into England for the final confirmation.  
(21) But whilst Warwick had been industriously wooing in France, King Edward's affection in 
K. Edward's last & sudden choice of his wife.  England was working another way; for being on hunting in the Forest of Wychwood beside Stony-Stratford, he there found other game, that made game in his eye, which was the Lady Elizabeth Grace attending the Duchess of Bedford her mother, who then sojourned at his Manor of Grafton, whither he repaired for his recreation. She had been attendant upon Queen Margaret the 
joh. Hardings' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  wife of King Henry the sixth, and had been married unto john Grace Esquire, knighted, and slain at the battle of S. Alban upon King Henry's part, who now was a suitor unto the King, for something 
The Lady Elizabeth Grace a supplicator to king Edward.  taken away in the extremity of that time, to be restored towards the maintenance of her 〈◊〉. But howsoever her suit pierced his ear, her sweetly composed feature strangely affected his heart; more formal she was, and lovely in countenance, than either tall or exceedingly fair, yet both sufficient to meet in one person, of an excellent wit, a sober demeanour, a modest look, a 〈◊〉 smile, and her speech uttered in such a ●…turall eloquence as 
The beauty and feature of the Lady Elizabeth Grace.  her answers ever set on edge King Edward's desires, which howsoever di●…full to the appetite of his wanton bed, (aff●…ming with 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ee accounted herself most unworthy of the name of his Queen, so she held herself of mort worth, & her chaste honour dearer than to be his C●…bine) yet held they him in chase till she had 〈◊〉 ●…im in the snares of her love.  
(22) Their many meetings and 〈◊〉 compliments, made the old Duchess of York (the King's mother) much to suspect it would be a match; to 
K. Edward's mother seeketh to 〈◊〉, his love.  hinder which, with a par●… authority she entered discourse, alleging it honourable, 〈◊〉, and of much profit to link with some great Princess in 
The counsel and conference of the old Duchess of York with her 〈◊〉 K. Edward.  ●…raine 〈◊〉, both for the 〈◊〉 of po●…ions abroad, and (as the ●…se stood) to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at home: that 〈◊〉 had gone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suit in Fr●…, as if in himself n●…w 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their displ●…res would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. To marry his Subject 〈◊〉 held 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ●…cially one without 〈◊〉, alliance, or 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 other thing moving, but a wanton do●…ge 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and although that in Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉, yet was there nothing so 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incorp●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, mo●… 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 taught of a 〈◊〉. A 〈◊〉 (quoth she) is most 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 side; whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 
〈◊〉 unto 〈◊〉 it was ex●… 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 to marry.  .  
(23) 
K. Edward's reason for his 〈◊〉 free choice.  own desires, and knew himself to be out of his mother's rule, partly in earnest, and partly in pleasance, made her this reply: That marriage being a spiritual type, ought rather to be conjoined where God had framed the parties to consent (as this of his was) then in regard of any temporal respect whatsoever. That his choice was pleasing to himself, and would be to his subjects he certainly knew, whose amity before all other Nations he most preferred and desired; neither could he give them better occasion of love then in this, that being their Sovereign, he disdained not to marry into their Tribes; and so likewise for his Issue, there could not any Prince be better beloved than he that was their natural Prince so borne of both parents. That if foreign alliances were so needful, he had many of his kin, to contract them, and that with content of all parties: but for himself, to marry for possessions, or to please others with displeasing his own affections, he saw it no wisdom, having already sufficient of the one; and the other offended, even sweet pleasure would seem sour pills; especially, the choice that is made by another man's eye. That there are many comparable to her, said he, I make no question, and am the more glad, let them have them that like them, I will not repine, neither I hope will any abridge me of that which I allow unto others: the Proverb is (Mother) that marriage goes by Destiny, but to be wived against a man's own liking is an earthly Purgat●…ry. And therefore my cozen Warwick I am sure, neither loveth me so little, to grudge at that I love, nor is so unreasonable to look that I should in choice of a wife, rather be ruled by his eye, then by mine own: as though I were a W●…rd, that were bound to marry by the appointment of a Guardian: I would not be a King with that condition, to forbear mine own liberty, in choice of mine own marriage. As for po●…ty of more inheritance by new affinity in 〈◊〉 land, it proves oftener the occasion of more trouble than profit, and we have already title by that means, to so much as sufficeth to get, and keep well in one man's days. That she is a widow, and hath already children, by God's blessed Lady I am a Bachelor, yet have some too, and so each of us hath a proof, that neither of us is like to be barren. And therefore (Madam) I pray you be content, I trust in God, she shall bring a young Prince that shall play on your lap to your ●…eat pleasure, and yourself shall bless the womb that bore such a ●…be: and as for your objection of 〈◊〉, let the Bishop hardly lay it in my way, when I come to take Orders; for I understand it is forbidden a Pri●…, but I never wist, that it was forbidden a Prince.  
(24) The Duchess seeing the King so set on his own choice, that she could not pull hi●… 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such 〈◊〉, that under 〈◊〉 o●… her 
His ●…thers devise 〈◊〉 cr●… his pur●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  for which act, under 〈◊〉 of a contract with 〈◊〉, own co●…ce, which was the 〈◊〉 o●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stacle, as either the Bishop's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or the 〈◊〉 proceed to the solemniz●… of this wedding, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were clearly purged, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of King Edward.  King took to wife this later beloved Lady Elizabeth 
K. Edward married Lady Elizabeth Grey.  Grey, who had been formerly married unto his enemy, and many times prayed full heartily for his loss, in which God loved her better than to grant her her boon, reserving greater honour for herself and her posterity.  
(25) She was honourably descended, especially by the surer side, whose mother was jaquellin daughter 
The descent and parentage of the Lady Elizabeth Grey.  to Peter of Lucemburg, Earl of S. Paul, and Duchess to john Duke of Bedford Regent of France; after whose death she married Sir Richard Wooduile knight, and among others bare unto him this Elizabeth, England's fair Queen, who being privately married at the Manor of Grafton, was afterwards crowned Queen at Westminster with all due celebrations, upon the six and twentieth of May, Anno, 
Queen Elizabeth crowned.  1465. Her father then by this new made son in law, and Sovereign Lord, was created Lord Rivers, and made high Constable of England, her brother Lord Anthony, married to the sole heir of the Lord 
The Queen's kindred highly preferred.  Scales, and her son Thomas Grey borne to her first husband, was created marquess Dorset, and married to the heir of the Lord Bonuile.  
(26) But when Warwick had knowledge the wanton King had got a new wife, and his courting of Lady Bona, to be but a ball to make Edward's play; he stormed not a little, whose credit he took to be cracked in the French Court, and himself rather 
Earl Warwick sore offended against K. Edward.  thought to have dallied in this motion, then to deal by commission from his King, for which cause he conceived so inward an indignation, that his affection was withdrawn from King Edward,, and thenceforth ran upon Henry retained in prison, to which end he temporised with the present king, applauded the Queen, and bare countenance in Court with no discontented show: The King as wary 
Temporising betwixt the king and Earl of Warwick.  as Warwick was, cast no eye of dislike, or of any suspicion, gave him countenance in Court, and in familiar conference heard him before others; yet lest the stem of his greatness should overtop his crown and his brethren the spreading branches shadow his designs, he took the Chancellorshippe from George Nevil, the one of them, than Bishop of Excester, afterward Archbishop of York, and from the other john Nevil Baron Montacute, the Earldom 
Francis Goodwin Catal. of English. Bishope.  of Northumberland, bestowing the same (at the suit of the Northumbrians, set on by himself) upon Henry Percy, whose father was slain at Touton, and himself at that present fled into Scotland for safety. Whereupon Montacute was removed, and to avoid suspicion was created marquess, a greater 
john, Nevil created marquess Montacute.  name, but far less in power. And to have a stake in store howsoever the dice chanced to turn, he sought to join friendship with foreign Princes, having offended France for the refusing of his Queen's sister: so as he sought, and obtained the amity of Henry King of Castle, & of john King of Arragon, and took a truce with his neighbour the Scotish King for fifteen years following.  
(27) But these confederates for the more part too far to be called for by whistle, fortune beyond 
Rich. Grafton. A. D 1468.  expectation set him another even at his elbow, which was Philip Duke of Burgundy, Prince of Flanders, Brabant, and Zealand, whose only son legitimate, (Charles Earl of Charoloys a widower, and without 
A marriage moved betwixt Earl Charles and Lady Margaret.  any son) he sought to conjoin to King Edward's fair sister, not so much for any love he bore to the house of York, himself being a Lancastrian by his mother's side, as to bandy against Lewis King of 
Philip. Com. l. 3. cap. 4.  France, whom he had lately overcome in a battle at Montleherry, and as then stood upon his defence, as he was sure King Edward did. This motion king Edward and his Council well liked, only Warwick withstood it, in favour of the French: but the Lady Margaret sent over according to her estate, and Warwick left fuming with a discontented mind, after 
The marriage celebrated.  some compliments of mirth with his brethren the Archbishop and Montacute at his Town of Warwick, braced forth into warlike consultations for the deposing of Edward, and restoration of Henry, whose wrongs (as he alleged) did cry for right 
Earl Warwick plotieth K. Edward's deposition.  at their hands. The Bishop lightly consented to side for King Henry; but the marquess would hardly be drawn from King Edward, which Warwick perceiving, laid his lime twigs yet another way.  
(28) For being à man of a deep reach and wit, he well saw that George Duke of Clarence the King's second brother, bore not the best liking to the sway of the times: him therefore he sought to allure to his fist, which once manned, Edward should lose the best Falcon for his game; him therefore by Problems he meant first to prove and according to their digest, purposed to proceed. So falling in familiar conference with Clarence, began to complain 
Warwick draweth Clarence into action against the King his brother.  of some unkindness in the King, both in breach of some promises, and stain of his honour in the French Court. The Duke as discontented as Warwick, interrupted his tale before it was told, why my Lord (quoth Clarence) do you look that a Leopard should have no spots in his skin, or a Chameleon no colours, but one, in faith you are deceived, and lose but your labour to wash the natural Blackamoor: for will you have him kind that is by nature unkind, and to be respected of him, that respects not his own blood: or think you (a cozen and Ally) to be raised by him, that seeth (if not seeketh) his own brethren's falls. For the heir of the Lord Scales (you see) he hath married to his wives brother, the heir of the Lord Bonville and Harington to his wives son, and affianced the heir of the Lord Hungerford to the Lord Hastings, marriages indeed more meet for his two brethren and kin, then for such new foundlings as he hath bestowed them upon. But by my George I swear, if my brother of Gloucester would join with me, we would make him know that we are all three one man's sons, and of one and the same mother.  
(29) Earl Warwick having that which he greedily sought after, seconded the resolution with his own assistance, imparting now boldly what confederates he had made, and to join more faithfully in this his design, he proffered Clarence his eldest daughter Lady Isabel in marriage, fair and well qualified 
Warwick and Clarence make affinity.  with the one half of his wives inheritance, she being sole heir unto Henry Beauchampe Earl of Warwick her brother, and nothing inferior to any of those whom Edward had bestowed upon others, which no sooner was spoken, but was as presently embraced, and the plot conferred how to proceed, which was concluded, forthwith to sail unto Calleis (whereof the Earl was Captain, and where the virgin Lady lay) aswell to confirm the contract betwixt them, as to be absent when the commotion 
A. D. 1469.  should begin, as the safer from suspicion and the surer to strike when the Ball came to hand, to stir which, the Archbishop and Montacute were appointed for the North.  
(30) The occasion picked to make Malcontents, was the abuse of Charity unto an hospital dedicated 
The occasions found for a commotion.  to Saint Leonard in the City of York, whose revenue stood most upon corn yearly received from Farmers in the Country, as an oblation of their first grain. This, the factious made their only ground under a holy pretext (forsooth) that the poor were defrauded, and the Master and Priests only fed & waxen fat. To redress which one Robert Hulderne entered in action, and with fifteen thousand strong 
Hulderne Captain of the Commotion.  enterprised for York, in which City the Lord marquess Montacute was Precedent for King Edward, who with a small number, but well chosen, issued out against the enemy, put them back, and struck off the head of their Captain before the gates of York: but whether he did it in policy to grow more in trust with the King, or else of duty of oblige, not moulded thoroughly to the commotion, is uncertain. But certain it is, the Rebels were nothing daunted at Huldernes death, but rather made resolute to continue what they had begun.  
(31) To which end they choose them two Chieftains, of greater account, and eminent calling, which were Henry son and heir to the Lord Fitz-hugh, and Sir Henry Nevil, son and heir to 
Two Captains made by the rebels.  the Lord Latimer, the one of them being Nephew, & the other Cousin-german unto the Earl of Warwick; these but young, and not altogether experienced in Arms, choose for their Tutor Sir john Conyers a Knight of such courage, skill and valiantness, as 
Sir john Coniers chosen general of the rebels.  in the North-parts few were his like: who meaning to strike at the head, determined to march forthwith to London proclaiming in his way, that Edward was neither a just Prince unto God, nor a profitable King unto the Commonweal.  
(32) King Edward hearing of these Northern proceedings, and that his brother and Warwick 
The Lord Herbert Earl of Pembroke made Lord general.  were preparing against him, sent for the Lord Herbert whom he had created Earl of Pembroke, to be his General in the North (who partly to deserve the King's liberality in advancing him to such honour, and partly in emulation he bore toward Warwick, 
Discontents betwixt Pembroke and Warwick.  being the sole obstacle (as he took it) why he obtained not the wardship of the Lord Bonuils' daughter and heir for his eldest son) did not a little rejoice of that his employment. And therefore accompanied with Sir Richard Herbert his brother and eighteen thousand well furnished Welshmen, marched towards the enemy, and after him was sent Humphrey Lord Stafford with six thousand Archers to second him in his wars. These Lords meeting together, ●…ad notice by espials that the Northern made forwards towards Northampton: to intercept whom, the Lord Stafford lately made Earl of Devonshire was employed and Sir Richard Herbert, who with two thousand horse laid themselves covertly by the side 
The Lord Stafford repulsed.  of a wood, and suddenly set upon the rearward; the rest having passed: but the Northern very nimbly turned about, and bad the Welshmen such welcome as few of them returned to tell of their entertainment.  
(33) The King understanding of this hard beginning, mustered his subeicts on every side, intending 
K. Edward prepareth against the Earl of Warwick.  to cope with the Northern himself. And Earl Warwick as forward to forward his fortunes, gathered his friends, with purpose to encounter with Pembroke and his Welsh. But before any supplies came to either of both; it chanced the Armies to meet at unawares, upon a fair plain called Danes more near to the Town Hedgecot, three miles from Banburie and presently fell to a bickering, wherein Sir Henry Nevil Knight, son of the Lord Latimer, upon a lusty courage, venturing somewhat too far was taken prisoner, and notwithstanding he yielded himself to his Takers, was cruelly slain, which unmartial act rested not long unrepaied with the loss of most of the Welsh the next day. For the field withdrawn the Lord Stafford repaired to Banberie and there took his lodging, where his affections were much enamoured upon a fair damsel in the 
Pembroke and Stafford fall out for their Inn.  Inn. But the Earl of Pembroke coming to the same Town, took into the same Inn, and commanded the Lord Stafford to provide him elsewhere, contrary to their agreements made before, whereat Stafford was displeased, and departing thence with his whole Band, left the Earl naked of men in the Town, and disabled the field of the Archers, whereby the day was lost upon the king's part, for which he shortly lost his own head.  
(34) The Northern inflamed for the death of young Nevil, the next morning most valiantly set upon the Welshmen, and by the force of Archers, drove them from their ground of advantage, which Pembroke wanting, supplied with his own prowess, and Richard his brother with his Pole-axe twice made way through the battle of the Northern, without any mortal or deadly wound▪ so that by their 
The valour of Pembroke and of Sir Richard Herbert.  valours it was verily supposed the field had been won, had not john Clappam an Esquire and servant to Warwick displayed his Lords Colours with his white-beare, and from an eminent place cried a 
A. D. 〈◊〉.  Warwick, a Warwick, whereat the Welsh were so terrified, as they turned and fled, leaving their General and his brother alone in the field, who valiantly fie thing were encompassed and taken with the 〈◊〉 of five thousand of their men. The Earl with h●… 
The Earl of 〈◊〉 with others beheaded.  brother Sir Richard Herbert were brought to Banbery, where with ten other Gentlemen they lost their heads, Conyers and Clappam being their judges.  
(35) This second victory thus got, and the Northern now fleshed; under the leading of Robin of 
Robert of Riddisdale captain of the 〈◊〉.  Riddisdale, hasted to the King's manor of Grafton, where the Earl rivers father to the Queen then lay, whom with his son john, they suddenly surprised, and in Northampton struck off their heads 
The Earl Rivers with his son john surprised and beheaded.  without any judgement. The deaths of these Lords the King greatly lamented, and sought to revenge: first therefore writing his Commissions for the apprehension of Lord Humphrey Stafford of Southwicke (who by diligent search was found at Brentmarch and beheaded at Bridgewater, as he worthily 
Lord Stafford beheaded.  deserved) next he prepared a mighty Army, and with the same marched towards Warwick, his company increasing ever as he went.  
(36) King Edward set down his tents at Wolney 
Io. St●…. Annal.  four miles from Warwick, where the Duke and the Earl of Warwick's host lay ready for Battle, but by the mediation of friends a peace was entreated, and letters written from either parties, expressing the griefs and wrongs sustained, with proffers of redress, in amending all, and in show so far it proceeded, as the King conceiving a certain hope of peace, rested secure, not fearing any foule-play, which politic Warwick (by his espial perceiving) thought it not wisdom to lose the advantage, and thereupon in the dead of the night with a selected Company he entered the King's Camp, killing them that kept the 
King Edawrd taken at Wolney.  watch, took the king in his bed, and brought him his prisoner to his Castle of Warwick, and thence by easy journeys in the night had him conveyed to Midelham Castle in Yorkshire not far from Richmond, where under the custody of his brother 
Is imprisoned in Middleham Castle.  George Nevil Archishop of York he was retained.  
(37) His usage was Princely, and according to his estate, which he often acknowledged to the Archbishop with all kind thanks, and compliments of words, whereby he wrought himself into such trust and favour, as he had the Forests to hunt in, and the parks for his pleasure, whose pales are well known, unsufficient walls to pen the lion in, as appeared by this King, who being abroad and on hunting, 
King Edward escaped out of prison.  Sir William Stanley, with Sir Thomas Burgh brought him fresh horse, and such a crew of followers that his keepers more feared their own lives, than were forward to force him back again to prison, and so let the game go without further chase. King Edward thus escaped, Warwick like a wild man furiously raged, but seeing no remedy made use of necessity, and gave forth that himself so caused it, having power to make Kings and to unmake them again. 
Warwick sayings to make and unmake kings.   
(38) The King forthwith repaired to York, where with great honour he was joyfully received, and abode certain days, which made him well hope of a further supply of friends and men, but failing thereof, and fearing the Archbishop's pursuit with a small train he posted to Lancaster, where he found the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain well accompanied 
Wars prepared upon but 〈◊〉 part●….  for his Convey: his spirits then revived, and train daily increasing, with speedy journeys he came unto London: where all his studies and consultations were, how to be revenged upon these disloyal Lords, his brother, and Earl Warwick, and they again fretting at the archbishops folly sought to make stronger their factions against the King.  
(39) The Land thus rend by these unnatural divisions, and no estate sure to enjoy what was theirs, the Nobles anew began to solicit the parties unto 
The miseries of civil wars.  a Peace, having first obtained liberty to post to and fro without their impeachments, and so effectually laid down the state of the Land whose ruins now were so eminent by these intestine wars, that the Natives lamented, the Foreign rejoiced, and God they saw highly displeased, whose sword thus given into their hands, was to be feared would be the destruction of the English, as Nabucaednezzars' of Babel was of judea, and indeed so effectually wrought, that the Duke and Earl upon perfect confidence came to London, accompanied with a small number in respect of their great danger: where falling into conference with the King, he tasked them with disloyalty, 
The King and the Lords meet at London.  and they him with ingratitude, so that their spleens were nothing appeased, but much more increased and with high words departed, the King unto Canterbury, and they again to Warwick.  
(39) The stout Earl whose stomach must have vent, otherwise the Cask must needs break, 
A. D. 1470 A commotion in Lincolnshire.  caused new stirs to be raised in Lincolnshire, under the leading of Sir Robert Wels, an expert soldier, and son of the Lord Wels, who with thirty thousand Commons, disturbed the Country, and in every place proclaimed King Henry; setting down his battle not far from Stamford, meaning to abide the encounter of his opposers; which when the King heard of, he sent for the Lord Wels his father, commanding him to write to his son to surcease the wars, and so marching toward Stamford took Wells in his company, with a good hope that the son would not bear arms against his own father in field; but howsoever he had writ, or the King conceived, Sir Robert went on in his former designs, which so sore moved Edward, that he beheaded Lord Wels with Sir Thomas Dimocke that had married 
The Lord Wells and Sir Thomas Dimocke beheaded.  his daughter, although he had given them promise of safety and life.  
(40) Young Wells then hearing of his father's death, sought the revenge upon this untrusty Prince, and not staying for Warwick who was in preparing to come, set manfully upon the King and his power, where betwixt them was performed a most bloody fight, till at last Sir Robert was taken, with Sir 
The battle at Stanford. Sir Robert Wells taken.  Thomas Deland and others, whereat the Lincolnshire men were so terrified, that casting off their Coats, they all ran away, in regard whereof this battle to this day is called, the battle of Loscoat field, wherein 
Loscoat field.  were slain ten thousand men at the least: after which victory the King commanded Wells with many other of note to be put to death, as the chief causers of these dangerous Commotions. 
Sir Robert Wells put to death.   
(41) This untimely conflict and unfortunate overthrow, made Clarence, and Warwick, at their wit's end, who unprovided to field against Edward, gave way to necessity, and from Dartmouth in Devonshire embarked themselves and wives for France, both to instigate king Lewis no friend unto Edward, and to secure themselves in Calais (whereof Warwick was captain) till fortune had changed the hand of her play. These crossing the Seas cast Anchor before the Town of Calais, and gave notice they were 
Warwick and Clarence flee into France.  ready to land, but the Lord Vawclere a Gascoigne, whom Warwick had substituted his deputy, discharged divers pieces of Ordinance against them, and sent word flatly they should not come there: mean while the Duchess of Clarence fell in travel, 
Phil. Comines lib. 3. cap 4.  and was there on Shippe-board delivered of a fair son, which Child the Earl's deputy would scarcely suffer to be baptised in the Town, nor without 
The Duchess of Clarence delivered of a son upon shipboard.  great entreaty permit two flagons of wine to be conveyed aboard to the Ladies lying in the haven. For which his good service King Edward by his letters Patents made Vawclere chief Captain of Calais, and discharged the Earl as a Traitor or Rebel against him. 
The Duke of Burgundy bends himself against Earl Warwick.   
(42) Charles Duke of Burgundy, being then at S. Omers, owing Earl Warwick an old grudge for gainestanding his marriage, thought now a fit time to requite the discourtesy; and therefore sent many thanks unto Vawcler, with promise of a thousand Crowns pension by year, if he stood firm for his wives brother King Edward, himself laying the Coast to impeach his arrivage. But how Mounsieur Vawclere stood affected, whatsoever show he made, 
The double dealings of Vawcler.  Comines the French Kings Historian doth tell, who sent Warwick word the danger he stood in, of the said Duke, and of Duras the King's Admiral, so as to land, would be his final confusion: His Counsel therefore was that he should make into France, unto whose King he should be most welcome; and as for the town of Calais, he willed him to take no thought, but promised to make him a good reckoning thereof, when time should best serve. Whereupon the Earl weighed anchor for Normandy, and in his way 
Earl Warwick saileth into Normandy.  took many rich Ships of the Duke of Burgundy's subjects, which nettled him not a little, but yet found no dock to rub out the smart.  
(43) King Lewis hearing of the arrivage of Warwick, and knowing his troubles to arise for his embassage to Bona, and faith unto France, sent certain Princes to conduct him to the Castle of Amboys, 
King Lewis relieveth Warwick.  where a supply was made against all necessities, and himself and train most honourably entertained, whereat the Duke of Burgundy sore repined, and sent Lewis word that he disliked his doings with threats of revenge, if he aided him against his wives brother. This, notwithstanding the French King gave all comforts to these fugitues, and prepared 
Burgundy offended with Lew●… for relieving his enemy.  his assistance for their restorations, and the raising again of godly King Henry.  
(44) Queen Margaret having fled England and sojourning in France with her Father Reiner (a 
Reiner of great style and small power.  King in name, but scarcely able to bear the State of an Earl) saw now the Iron hot, and ready to be struck, therefore with her son Prince Edward, john Earl of Oxford, and jasper Earl of Pembroke (who lately had escaped out of prison in England) came unto Amboyse, where by means of the French King a combination of Alliance was confirmed betwixt the Prince of Wales, young Edward, and Anne 
A marriage concluded betwixt Prince Edward and Anne daughter of Earl Warwick.  the second daughter to the Earl of Warwick, then present with her mother and sister in France. That King Henry should be again restored, the Duke of Clarence, and the Earl took a solemn Oath never to desist whiles they had power, and in the nonage of the Prince they jointly were to be deputed his Protectors, and the Lands sole Governors.  
(45) Edward in England hearing what Queen Margaret, his brother Clarence, & stout Warwick in the French Court had done, was struck into a sudden 
King Edward driven into his dumps.  dump, being as doubtful of friends, as fearful of foes, and therefore such as were allied to the Lancastrians, or fauourits of the downcast K. Henry, he began somewhat roughly to deal with: many therefore that were guilty daily took Sanctuary, or yielded themselves to his mercy, among whom john Marquis Montacute brother to Warwick was one, who with fairest words of promises, was received 
Marquis Montacute is taken into King Edward's favour.  into favour, and upon whose example many others came in, which notwithstanding meant to stand out if occasion should serve. But no busier was Edward to keep the Crown on his head, than these Lords in France were resolute to strike it off: in midst of whose consultations behold how it happened.  
(46) There came from England to Calleis a damsel belonging (as she said) to the Duchess of Clarence, 
A maid Ambassador unto the Duke of Clarence.  who signified unto Monsieur Vawclere that she came from King Edward with a declaration of peace, which he fearing to impart the conditions to other, had made her the instrument, the better to pass without any suspect, and he glad to hear for the Earl's sake (whom he entirely affected) gave her his safe conduct unto the Duke of Clarence then at 
The conference of the damsel with the Duke of Clarence.  Amboys; where having private access unto him, she told, that it was neither natural nor honourable for him to take part against the house of York; that the house of Lancaster, was not only by the whole Court of Parliament debarred to be the indubitate Heir of the Kingdom, but that K. Henry himself had discharged his Issue from claim, as it standeth (said she) upon Record to be seen, contrary to which, as he might well perceive this marriage of Prince Edward with the Earl's daughter, did only aim and intend to the utter extinct of the house of York, whereof himself was one, and in near possibility of the Crown, Edward's Issue young, and not many, and the King very wanton, a sin commonly punished with want of posterity, which if it so chanced, than he, or his were the next. These reasons weighed, so overwayed the Duke's further designs, that he promised thereafter a more brotherlike affection, as (said he) Edward should 
The Duke of Clarence inclineth to his brother.  find; with which good news she returned into England, Warwick utterly ignorant what was said or done.  
(47) All now in a readiness for the return, ships, money and men supplied by the French King, the 
Warwick and Clarence return into England.  Admiral of France was sent to secure them from the Duke of Burgundy's Fleet, which with an extraordinary number and power lay in the mouth of Seyne to fight with Warwick when he should lose out of Harborow: but see how the heavens favoured, and frowned upon the parties, for the night before they should hoist sail, such a stormy tempest took the Duke's Fleet, lying more remote from the Lee, that they were scattered asunder, some into Scotland, some into Denmark, and many of them drowned. But the Seas calmed, and the wind serving fair, the English set sail and landed at Dartmouth, whence they had shipped into France almost six months 
Septemb. 13. A. reg. 10.  before.  
(48) King Edward relying upon Burgundy abroad, and thinking all friends who fawned at home, gave 
King Edward's security.  himself daily to follow the hound and the hawk, and nightly to his court pleasures in dance and dalliances with damsels, little minding their approach that meant to mar his mirth; for Warwick now landed, proclaimed King Henry, commanding all 
Earl Warwick in the West proclaimeth king Henry.  from sixteen to sixty, upon a great penalty to take Arms against Edward Duke of York, the most unjust usurper of Henry's rightful Crown, and uncredible it was, to see the confluence of them which came armed to him, who erewhile applauded & approved none but King Edward. Thus making towards London, his company daily increased; which the youthful King seemed little to regard, but verily supposing he had now Warwick in his trap, 
K. Edward's opinion touching Warwick's approach.  wrote to Burgundy to secure the seas, lest he should escape again into France, and to his Lords of England, to attend him in his wars; but very many neglected his command, and few or none made their repair. Which when Edward perceived he was struck into a great fear, and with his brother of Gloucester, the L. Hastings his Chamberlain, and the Lord Scales the Queen's brother, he hasted towards Nottingham there to determine what was to be done.  
(49) In the mean while the bastard Faulconbridge in the west, and the Earl of Pembroke in Wales, every where proclaimed King Henry; and to forward the matter, D. Goddard preaching at Paul's Cross declared 
Sunday after Michaelmas. Stowel Annal. Doctor Godards sermon. marquess Montacute revolteth from K. Edward.  by reading of Bills, and divers other proofs, that King Henry was the undoubted and true heir unto the English Crown. Neither is the L. Montacute now the man that he was, who having mustered six thousand in the name of King Edward, and brought them forward almost to Nottingham, on the sudden drew back his forces, alleging that Edward was ungrateful, & regardless of his friends as himself said, himself was the example, who having served him in many bloody battles, was rewarded with a verbal word marquess, without any maintenance at all, no not so much as Pies poor nest: & therefore he had just cause never to draw his sword in his quarrel any more, and them that did, he assured them should receive the like reward in the end.  
(50) These with the like distastures, divulged among the rude multitude, it was a world to see the 
How uncertain it is to stat on the 〈◊〉.  face of this new World, for in every street Bonfires were made; in every Church bells rung, Ditties were sung at every meeting, and every man cried K. Henry, King Henry, whose Echo likewise redoubled, a Warwick, a Warwick, and indeed all so applauded the passage now on foot, as King Edward hearing the rumour, thought it not safe any longer to stay, & 
K Edward is forced to flee England. October. 3.  therefore with those trusty Lords and some others, he fled from his host besides Nottingham, passing the Washes towards Lynne with greater difficulties than was befitting a Prince to adventure; and thus without any order taken for his Realm, in two Hulks of Holland, and one English ship destitute of all necessary provisions, set sail toward Burgundy and in the way was encountered by the Easterlings, England's great Enemies, having much ado to clear 
Edward in danger of taking on seas.  himself from their surprise.  
(51) In these times of misery the Queen (whose marriage was the only cause of all these stirs) upon 
Queen Elizabeth took Sanctuary in Westminster.  the first of October had stolen out of the Tower, and taken Sanctuary at Westminster, where like a woman forsaken she solitarily remained, and on the fourth of November following was delivered of a son, which without all pomp more like a private man's 
Prince Edward bo●…e in the Sanctuary.  child then a Prince, was there also baptised by the name of Edward, who after his father's death, a while was King of England, as shall be said; other Sanctuaries were full of King Edward's friends, that prayed devoutly for his prosperous health, and well hoped the world would again turn, as shortly it did. One King thus fled, and the other in prison, the Kentish, 
The Kentish Commotioners do much hurt about London.  whose conditions are mutable at the change of Princes, came to seek prey in London, where they knew it was to be had: Ratcliff, S. Katherins, and Southwark they rob, and within the City did some hurt beside, yea and surely more had done, had not Earl Warwick in good time come to the rescue which increased his name, that was great enough before.  
(52) Earl Warwick accompanied with his brother the Archbishop of York, the Prior of Saint 
john Fortescue.  john's, the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Shrewsburie, Bastard Faulconbridge, Lord Stanley, and other 
The States take K. Henry out of the Tower.  Gentlemen, some for love, some for fear, & some to gaze at this wavering world, upon the sixth of October entered the Tower of London, wherein King Henry had been retained prisoner almost the space of nine years, and there again elected him for their lawful King, and forthwith conveyed him robed in a long blue velvet gown through London unto the Bishop's palace, where a pompous Court was kept until the thirteenth of the same 
K. Henry again restored goeth crowned to P●…  month, upon which day he went in procession crowned to the Cathedral Church of S. Paul, the Earl of Warwick bearing his train, and the Earl of Oxford the sword, the people on every side crying, God save K. Henry.  
(53) Thus far proceeded, and Henry re-established, a Parliament was begun at Westminster the six & twentieth of November following, wherein King Edward was declared a Traitor to his country, an usurper of the Crown, and all his goods 
K. Edward debarred from government by Parliament. The Parliament roll. john Tiptoft Earl of Worcester beheaded.  confiscated; the like judgement passed against all his partakers; wherein also it was enacted, that all such persons as had taken Arms in his quarrel, should be severely punished; among whom, john Typtoft Earl of Worcester, and King Edward's Lieutenant in Ireland was attainted, who being found hid in the top of a tree, in the Forest of Waybridge, not far from Huntingdon was brought to London, and upon Tower-hill beheaded. Moreover, all Statutes made by King Edward were clearly revoked, abrogated, and made frustrate: the Crowns of England 
The Crowns of England and France entailed to K. Henry.  and France entailed to King Henry, and the Heyres-male lawfully begot of his body, and for the want of such heirs unto George Duke of Clarence, and his heir males lawfully produced, and the said Duke to be the next heir to his father Richard Duke of York, disabling his elder brother Edward, by the 
George Duke of Clarence entailed to the Crown.  virtue of his Atteindor; and jasper Earl of Pembroke, john Earl of Oxford with other attainted by the usurper Edward, to be restored in blood, dignities, 
Earls restored.  and ancient possessions; and finally, Earl Warwick the good commonwealths man, made Governor of the Realm in these turbulent times, unto whom was associated George Duke of Clarence this great Earl's son in Law, and Warwick's brother Montacute upon his submission obtained his pardon, 
Earl Warwick made governor of the Realm.  which was the easilier gotten for his service at Nottingham.  
(54) Queen Margaret appointed to follow into England, if fortune did favour these great Lords success, now hearing of the fair Sunshine, wherein 
Queen Margaret hindered by tempest to come into England.  her husband King Henry was set, amidst the stormy winter blasts which the season afforded, with Prince Edward her son, set sail from France, towards that wished and temperate climate, where the spring of new Regality began to bud forth, but was met with such tempests and storming seas, as she was forced to return and defer her journey until another time, to her great grief and sore discontent. In like perplexity was the Burgundian Duke, who 
The Duke of Burgundy perplexed.  neither durst give Edward his outward assistance (the French and Warwick being so mighty opposites) nor leave him in distress, lest the sparks of discontent should fly from the eyes of his fair wife, and therefore to know whether Vawelere the Governor of Calleis stood resolute for him according to Covenants, he secretly sent Philip Comines the hony-mouth Historian, to drop some of his sweet eloquence into 
Phil. Com. lib. 3.  his gold-thirsting ear.  
(55) Comines coming to Calleis, and observing the sequence for which he was sent, saw every man wear the Earl of Warwick's badge, for no head could 
Earl of Warwick's esteem in Calais.  be gallant that was not adorned with his ragged staff, nor no door frequented that was not painted with his white Crosse. Insomuch that Vawelere himself had a jewel in his hat, wherein was a white ragged staff, embroidered with gold, and others his followers the like wrought in silk, gold, and silver; and to stamp the print deeper, a liking report was brought to the town, that Warwick had prepared four thousand valiant men to war upon the frontiers of Burgundy. But Comine in conference so wrought with the Council, and they again with Earl Warwick as he was contented to leave off the enterprise, Duke Charles promising to side with K. Henry.  
(56) King Edward hearing what his brother of Burgundy had done, and being daily solicited from 
King Edward coveteth aid of his brother the Duke of Burgundy.  his friends in England, thought it no policy long to delay, lest Henry should take growth to a bigger steam; and therefore repairing to his brother in the town of Saint Paul, required his aid, as the only man on whom he relied, aswell for the bond of alliance in the marriage of his sister, as also in regard of the orders which they both ware, the King that of his which was the golden Fleece; and the Duke the Gartar and rob of Saint George. In the Court of Burgundy at that time lay Edmund Duke of Somerset, 
The Duke of Somerset dissuadeth Burgundy to aid K. Edward.  cousin-german removed unto Duke Charles, a great enemy against the house of York, and now set himself to thwart King Edward's suit, alleging, that it was more honourable for the Duke of Burgundy to side with the Lancastrians, from whom he was descended by his Grandmother the daughter of john of Gaunt: as also in the uprightness of King Henry's title, held good in her brother, and his Grandfather, and in her Nephew his father without all exceptions.  
(57) The Duke perplexed between these great supplicants did then, as many do now, speak much and mean nothing less, or else say little, & 
Burgundy temporizeth with his suits.  mean to do much. To Somerset for Henry he outwardly promised all help and assistance, but never gave the least, and to Edward no comfortable words of supply, and yet underhand he hired him ships, furnished him with munition, and lent him fifty thousand Florence's in money. And now the season serving for war, K. Edward with two thousand strong besides his Mariners made over for England, 
K. Edward passeth into England, pretending no more than to be Duke of York.  attempting to take land in Norfolk; but those coasts guarded, he waffed more Northward, and entering Humber, landed at Ravenspur in Yorkshire, when laying aside all claim to the Crown, and pretending nothing but his Duchy of York, he showed the rude multitude the letters, and seal of the Earl of Northumberland, which as he affirmed, & made them believe was sent for his safe conduct to enjoy the same, and in every place where he came proclaimed 
A. D 1471. March 14.  King Henry himself, wearing an Ostrich feather, which was Prince Edward's Livery, and passing to York in no other show then a Subject, his oath first taken to be true to King Henry, entered the City, 
K. Edward strains his oath to win the City of York.  which presently he surprised and assumed to himself.  
(58) Earl Warwick now hearing that Edward was landed before he had marched very far in the main, sent straight charge to his brother the marquess Montacute then residing at Pomfret (with a sufficient 
Earl Warwick writes to his brother marquess to impeach King Edward's passage.  Army to secure those parts) that he should not suffer his access unto York, lest he grew more potent, then was to be wished; himself making ready with all possible speed, to repair into those parts; but whether the marquess purposely winked, or else (and that rather) would not see at all, he made no great haste to forelay his way to York, neither sought to impeach the passage: when Edward from thence marched in a more hostile manner towards Nottingham; taking his way not far from Pomfret, and as it were through the midst of his enemies; which encouraged many to favour his designs, holding that Montacute was either a friend, or afraid to deal against so powerful an enemy.  
(59) The White Rose thus bloomed, and the red falling his leaf, all took the time of this pleasant 
K Edward's Army increased.  spring, and flocked to Edward as to their April Sun, who now more able, and therefore more bold made forward towards Leicester, where the Earls of Warwick and Oxford with a great power were, but because Clarence was absent, they let Edward hold on 
john Stow.  without any encounter, whose train as he passed was like to a river that in the running is ever increased with new springs, which Warwick perceiving, thought it more than time to give battle, well knowing that his brother's forbearance had given him that head. And to that end sent unto Clarence then about London in levying of men, but he 
Warwick taketh into the City Coventrie. March. 29.  somewhat too backward, and Warwick too forward, took into the City Coventry, meaning from thence to set on the enemy. But Edward whose star had now past the dark threatening cloud, pitched his tents near unto that City in a plain field, and valiantly bade the Earl come to battle. But he then mistrusting (as in truth he had cause) that the boldness 
K. Edward challengeth Earl Warwick to fight.  of Edward was backed by a Clarence, kept close within the walls, with a purpose to see how the world would go.  
(60) Edward loath to loose time about one City's siege, raised his Camp, and hasted forward toward 
K. Edward draweth towards London.  Warwick, unto which Town likewise his brother Clarence, with four thousand strong was on march: these meeting upon a plain, three miles from the Town, set their Battles in Array, as if they meant to have fought, but the King, his brother Gloucester, Lord Rivers, Hastings, and others, without any guard made towards Clarence, which when he beheld, himself accompanied with some of estate encountered his brother with a loving countenance and friendly cheer, so as no spark of hatred was perceived betwixt them, but with all brotherly affections entered 
K Edward and his brother Clarence meet and are reconciled.  into amity and peace, which afterwards proved the confusion of the Duke. Clarence thus got sought to draw Warwick into the same train, to which end he sent certain messengers unto him; first to excuse his own fact, as too unnatural for him to unsheath his sword against his own brother, as also he 
Clarence seeketh to draw Warwick unto K. Edward.  sought to stay the effusion of English blood, which in these quarrels lay ready to be shed: His peace with Edward he promised to work, and that with such honour as Warwick should know himself not only a father to Clarence, but likewise unto Edward great England's King. Unto all which motion Warwick gave ear only with this reply, Go tell your Duke (said he) that I had rather be an Earl, and always like my 
The words of Warwick in answer to Clarence.  self, than a false and perjured Duke, and that ere my oath shall be falsified (as his apparently is) I will lay down my life at my enemy's foot, which I doubt not but shall be bought very dear.  
(61) This stout resolution made Edward more wary, and therefore to obtain London, the only key 
K. Edward marcheth forward.  that opened the door to the Crown, he hasted thitherward, whose Citizens hearing of the increase of his host, and weighing that Henry was but a milksop to him, thought it most safety to sail with the fairest wind, and therefore set open their Gates, and with public applaud cried, King Edward. Which when the Duke of Somerset with others left to attend 
London receiveth King Edward.  the innocent King Henry, heard, they fled for their lives; and left him in the Bishop's Palace at London, where his Competitor King Edward took him, and sent him again prisoner to the Tower. With so many winds are the sails of their ships filled, which seek the Port of their safety by the affections 
K. Henry again taken and sent to the Tower of London.  of the people: for even the same day had Henry been carried through the City (as it were) in triumph, and had heard the shouts of the Commons in every street crying; God save King Henry.  
(62) But Earl Warwick hearing how things went in London, and now fully conceiving that the 
Ed. Hall.  hazard of Battle must determine either with, or against him, being come to Saint Alban, fell into a deep consideration what was to be done: His assistants 
Earl Warwick cometh to S. Alban.  were john Duke of Excester, the Earls of Oxford and Somerset, and marquess Montacute his brother, whom notwithstanding he did not greatly trust, being always too favourable to the contrary faction. These in Counsel held it best policy to follow the Enemy, and before the body grew too great, to lop off the branches, lest they should shadow their Sunshine too far. In which resolution, they hasted forward, and came unto Barnet, with a full purpose to recover London: but Edward well knowing the state of the City unfurnished for siege, and ready to take stamp of any impress, meant not to be penned within those weak walls; and therefore taking with him unfortunate Henry, lest any confederacy should be made in his absence, he marched 
K. Edward carrieth K Henry with him to battle.  with all possible haste, to encounter his opposites, before they came too far, and upon Gladmore near unto Barnet set down his Tents close to the enemy, the eve of Christ's resurrection, so careless is Mars of divine celebrations, that the holiest feast is profaned, when his sword is drawn.  
(63) The next day being the Paschall whereon Christ rose from death, which with due reverence is 
Apr. 14.  celebrated in all the Christian world, these English contenders for a terrestrial Crown, with Ireful hearts and hands as ready, made ready to dig each others graves: for at break of day Warwick began 
Barnet field fought upon Easter day.  to Marshal his Army, which he divided into three battalions: The right wing was led by the marquess his brother, with the Earl of Oxford, consisting chiefly of horsemen, himself with the Duke of Excester led the left; and the main battle was commanded by Edward Earl of Somerset, which was supplied for the most part with Archers. K. Edward 
The orderings of the battles.  likewise ordered his men. The forward was led by Richard Duke of Gloucester his brother, a good soldier and sufficient for advise, the middle by himself, and his brother Clarence, having King Henry in their company; And the rearward was commanded by the Lord Hastings, ever most firm for the house of York, reserving a fresh supply, when occasion should serve.  
(64) The Battles joined, were manfully maintained by the prowess of Oxford, upon that part of the Kings, against which he fought, which with great violence he forced back, so that many of them fled to London, bringing news that with Warwick went the day: and surely in great forwardness it was, had not fortune thwarted it by an unexpected chance: for the day being foggy, and overcast with mists, 
I●… Stow. A mistaking of the soul●…ieis which was the loss of the field.  hindered their eyes of any far sight, so as the star embroidered upon the Earl of Oxford's men's Coats, were mistaken for the Sun, which King Edward's men wore, in which error Warwick's Battle let fl●…e at their own fellows, who were in great forwardness to have won the day, and they not knowing the cause of the error cried, treason, treason, we are all betrayed. Whereupon the Earl of Oxford with eight hundred fled the field, leaving the chance to be cast for the Crown; which when Warwick perceived with words like a soldier, he encouraged his men, and seeing the fresh supply of his enemy draw now unto fight, he furiously rushed into the midst of their Battle, wherein he adventured so far as he 
Great Warwick●… slain in fight.  could not be reseve, but valiantly fight was struck down, and among them slain, having repaid his danger with many a wound. The marquess Montacute made forward to second his brother, 
Marquis Montacute slain in battle.  (who till then had been the Mars and Make-King of England) but was so overlaid by his Opposites, that they sent his soul likewise from his body whereby was ended that bloody days task.  
(65) In this Battle upon King Edward's part, died, the Lord Cromwell, the Lord Bourcher, the Lord 
Nobles and others slain at Barnet field.  Barnes, son and heir to the Lord Say, and Sir john Lisle Knight: In the quarrel of Henry died Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, and john Nevil marquess Montacute his brother, and upon both sides of common soldiers saith Hall ten thousand, Stow saith 
Edw. Hast. joh. Stow. Rob. Fabian. saith 1500.  four thousand, as Fabian far less: all which were buried upon the same Plain; where afterwards a Chapel was built: the Duke of Excester being left for dead in the field, recovered, and took Sanctuary at Westminster. Edmund Duke of Somerset, and john Earl of Oxford escaped the field, and fled into Wales, 
The Duke of Somerset and the Fail of Oxford fled into Wales.  where with jasper Earl of Pembroke they still plotted to set up King Henry, whom God and destiny would have to be cast down.  
(66) The same King Edward upon the same day as an absolute Conqueror, lead the unfortunate 
Rich. Graced.  Henry his Captive to London, and entering the City in triumph wise, offered his royal Standard in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, whither the slain bodies of Warwick and Montacute in two Coffins 
Edward triumpheth and o●…eth his banner in S. Paul's.  were brought, and lay there bare faced, and unburied the space of three days, lest a false Brute should be made that they were not dead. After which they were conveyed to Bilsam Abbey, and interred in that Priory among their Ancestors.  
(67) Edward's affairs thus far prospered at London, the winds that had crossed Queen Margaret 
Queen Margaret with Prince Edward landed at Wey●….  before, came favourably about to fill her Sails for England, & indeed to accomplish the decree, which heaven had appointed: she with her son Prince Edward and their French followers, landed upon Easter Eve at Weymouth, and the Countess of Warwick at Portesmouth, who hearing the sorrowful news of her husband's death, took Sanctuary within the Abbey of Beaulieu. And Queen Margaret understanding of the loss of Barnet-field, withdrew as●…de to the Abbey of Ceerne, unto whom presently resorted Edmund Duke of Somerset, with Lord john his brother; 
The Lord's comfort Queen Margaret.  john Courtney Earl of Devonshire, jasper Earl of Pembroke, john Lord Wenlock, and john Longstrother Prior of Saint john's.  
(68) These with many words of hope, comforted the sorrowful Queen, and proffered her their assistance to erect Prince Edward her son, though it were done with the loss of their own lives, requiring her only to undertake the authority of the war, and themselves would undergo the charge and burden thereof, by whose valour and power, they doubted not to daunt the pride of the usurping Edward; who now held himself sure, and began to grow careless. To these their resolutions the warlike Queen most gladly consented, and gave all encouragements unto them she could; when falling in counsel how to proceed, her care (according to the natural affection of a mother) was most upon the 
Queen●… Margaret's care for Prince Edward her son.  safety and life of her son: and theresore aswell for their own parts (if fortune should fail in this their first attempt) as for the fear which the Yorkist would possess (who whiles Prince Edward his corrival hued could not account the Diadem his Bride) she thought it best to send him back again into France, till God had set the Crown where it should stand: whence he might supply them with new forces, or at least wise over-awe Edward for tyrannising too far. But the Lords chose alleged, 
The opinions of the Lords.  that Prince Edward being the morning Sun of the Lancastrians hopes, and the rays very splendent to most English eyes, was to be present in field himself, whose sight would both heat the courage of his own Soldiers, and attract the glance of his adversaries hearts, either to fight faintly, or else, and that rather, to come to his side. Thus their counsel at that time prevailed; and thus resolved, every man departed to make ready his power, the Queen with her French repairing to Bath.  
(69) But Edward in London had not sat two days in rest, before he heard of Queen Margaret's arrivage, 
King Edward prepareth against Queen●… Margaret.  and the confluence of people out of Cornwall, Devonshire, and of the Western parts, which hourly flew to give her assistance; wherefore committing to the Tower King Henry, and George Archbishop of York with a selected company, he marched 
King Henry committed to the Tower of London  to meet them, intending to cut off many springs before they should join to the body of a river, whose stream without danger could not be passed: therefore from Windsor, Abington, Chichester, and Malmesbury he proceeded, seeking and urging his enemies to battle: but the Queen and her forces fearing to abide in Bath, removed to Bristol, Berkeley, and Gloucester, and lastly at Tewksbury, Duke Somerset her General pitched down his Tents not staying the coming of the Earl of Pembroke: his battle he marshaled into three fights, whereof himself and his brother john Lord Somerset lead the forward; the middle Battalion was commanded by Edward the young Prince, under the conduct of 
The ordering of Queen Margaret's battles.  the Lords Saint john and Wenlocke, and the Rearward governed by john Courtney Earl of Devonshire, a mortal enemy against the house of York.  
(70) King Edward who was come now within sight of his enemies, divided likewise his Army into 3. Battalions, committing the Forward unto the guidance of his brother Richard D. of Gloucester a good Soldier, and of a deep reach and policy: the Main 
The ordering of K. Edward's battles.  he undertook to govern himself, and the Rearward was commanded by the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain. The field thus marshaled, and the sign of battle being given, a most bloody fight began, the King had planted his Ordinance at most 
The battle at Tewksbury.  advantage, which Gloucester frankly bestowed among the Duke's men, and they lodged betwixt ditches, bushes and hedges, with their showers of arrows galled Glocesters' followers, so as by his command his battle gave back, as though they would shrink, which Somerset no sooner perceived, but that he came on, and overcome with courage, came out of his strength, when by a certain passage before hand provided, he came unto the place where King Edward was embattled, thinking verily that Wenlocke had followed at his back, who as it seemed meant 
Edw. Hall.  nothing less.  
(71) The advantage espied, Duke Richard made good his retreat, and with fresh supplies of two hundred 
This battle was fought upon Saturday the 4. of May, the 11. of K. Edward's reign, and year of Christ, 1471.  spears so charged Somerset, as his battle was disordered, and put to fearful flight, himself recovering the Midle-ward, found there the L. Wenlock idle, whilst others were thus working for their lives, whom he most opprobriously reviled in the terms of a Traitor, & with his Battell-axe struck his brains 
L. Wenlocke slain for not following Somerset.  out of his head; when presently Gloucester, and after him the King entered the Trench, wherein all of the Queen's part went to wrack; for there were slain in this battle on her side john L. Somerset, john Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the Lord Wenlocke in 
Lords slain at Tewksbury.  manner as we have said, Sir john Delues, Sir Edward Hampden, Sir Robert Whittingham, and Sir john Lewkener, with three thousand others besides.  
(72) Among them that fled, Prince Edward was one, whom Sir Richard Crofts apprehended before 
Prince Edward apprehended.  he got to Tewksbury, but Edmund Duke of Somerset, john Longstrother, Prior of Saint john's, many Knights and esquires took Sanctuary in the Abbey, and other places of the Town, notwithstanding they were taken forth and arraigned before Richard Duke of Gloucester, who that day sat Constable of England, where they were condemned and 
The Duke of Somerset and others executed.  had judgement of death, which they immediately suffered upon a Scaffold set up in the Town. With these two Lords died twelve worthy Knights, besides others of inferior degrees.  
(73) Then was Proclamation made for the apprehension of Prince Edward, promising to his taker an annuity of an hundred pounds during his life, & if the Prince were living, his life to be spared, upon which promises Sir Richard Crofts presented young 
Prince Edward apprehended and 〈◊〉 answers.  Edward unto the King, whom with a stern countenance he a while beheld, and as sternly demanded, how he durst so presumptuously with Banner displayed enter into his Realm; whereunto the Prince made this reply; to recover (said he) my father's Kingdoms and his most rightful inheritance possessed by his Father and Grandfather, and from him immediately belonging unto me; how darest thou then which art his Subject display thy colour against him thy Liege-Lord? which answer moved King Edward so much, as with his Gauntlet he dashed the Prince on his mouth, whom Richard Duke of Gloucester with others of the kings seruans most shamefully 
Prince Edward most shamefully slain.  murdered, even in his presence, and at his feet: whose body was buried without all solemnity among other poor and mean persons, in the church of the Monastery of the Blackfriars in Tewkesburie.  
(74) Queen Margaret in this fatal day of battle fled towards Worcester, and by the way took into a poor religious house in that her present distress: 
Queen Margaret taken out of her Sanctuary.  but three days after she was apprehended and brought unto Worcester to King Edward, who committed her to sure and strait keeping, in which City she a while remained. But sudden news brought him, that the Northern men were in Arms, and meant to adventure for her liberty the Conqueror marched to Coventrie, and there made preparation further to proceed: which when these hot spirits pefectly understood, their courages grew colder, & their weapons cast away, they came thronging to Edward to offer him subjection; yet the Lancastrians were not so minded, but rather in●…ended once 
The Northern men submit unto K. Edward.  more to try whether fortune would afford them her smile.  
(75) A fit instrument they had to forward the enterprise, namely Thomas Nevil bastard Fanconbridge son of Lord Fanconbridge Earl of Kent, a great supporter of King Edward's Crown: howbeit this Bastard being a man of a turbulent spirit, 
Bastard Fanconbridge Captain of the Lancastri.  and forward for action, Earl Warwick had made him his Admiral to keep the narrow seas, that none should have way to strengthen King Edward, which his office he executed beyond his Commission, and became a taker of all Merchants goods, being aided with 300. Malcontents from Calleis.  
(76) His enterprise desperate, and his name grown fearful at sea, he meant to make it no less on the land; for putting in at Dover, many misgoverned and loose persons daily drew to him, so as his power grew to be seventeen thousand strong: with these through Kent he made his way towards London, meaning to do much, the land so molested 
Favonbridge assaileth London.  with intestine wars; and lodging his host on the Southside of London, commanded the Citizens to give him access, that with King Henry (whom he meant to release from the Tower) he might pass through their streets, to meet and encounter the usurping Edward. But the Londoners knowing the rudeness of these rakehells kept their gates shut and guarded the same with sufficient strengths: whence 
The Citizens withstood his ●…ance.  some Lords of the royal blood therein residing, sent unto Edward of their present danger, who presently sent them fifteen hundred of his best Soldiers, after whom in person he warily marched, leading with him his prisoner Queen Margaret, whose bounds he well knew, gave him the full scope of liberty.  
(77) Fauconbridge in the mean while thirsting after spoil with his ships secured the Thamesis above S. Katherine's, purposing with his land Forces to pass the River at Kingston: but hearing that Edward was on his March, and fearing to be cut off from the benefit of his ships, he altered his mind; when to open his way into London, he caused the Bridge to be fired, and three thousand of his men being set over Thamesis by his ships, divided themselves into two Companies, the one assaying to enter at Algate, and the other at Bishopsgate, both 
Fauconbridge forced back to his ship●….  which they likewise set on fire, so that the City was in three places fired and assaulted at once, but with such evil success to the assailants, that seven hundred were slain, and the bold Bastard driven to his ships.  
(78) Upon the twentieth of May the Conqueror Edward with his Captive Queen Margaret entered London, and so into the Tower, the one in pomp commanding the place at his pleasure, the other in tears to remain a most pensive prisoner, where her 
K. Edward with his Captive Queen Margaret enter London.  husband, the downcast King Henry was kept in hard durance. The place being thus charged with the presence of two Kings and their Queens: the Crokebacke of Gloucester intended to clear by taking him away, that stood in his brother's way, whose successor as is thought he then meant to be; and making his inward mind more deformed than were his outward lineaments, without regard of bloud-defiled hands, stabbed the most innocent Henry to the heart with 
King Henry ●…urthered in the Tower by Richard Duke of Gloucester.  his dagger, in which act at once began the ones happy rest, and the others foul guilt, which accompanied his conscience to the day of his death.  
(79) The body of this murdered King was upon the Ascension Eve laid in an open Coffin, and from the Tower guarded with many bills and glaves, 
K. Henry carried barefaced through the streets of London.  was so carried through the streets vnt●… 〈◊〉 Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, where it rested uncovered one day, and began to bleed again afresh, a sorrowful spectacle to most of the beholders, and thence was it carried to the Blackfriars Church, where it likewise lay bare faced, and bled as before, all men being amazed at the sorrowful sight, and lastly, it was put in a boat without Priest, Clerke, 
Stows Annals.  Torch or Taper, singing or saying, and was ferried unto the Abbey of Chertsey in Surrey, & there without pomp interred. But afterwards King Henry 
K. Henry b●…ied 〈◊〉 Chertsey, and 〈◊〉, to Windsor  the seventh translated his body unto his Castle of Windsor, where in a new Tomb at the entrance into the Chancel of the Chapel, and south door of the Quire, it was princely bestowed, but since the Tomb is removed, and where the Corpse is now laid is not vulgarly known.  
(80) Thus lived and thus died this innocent and just King, who had been proclaimed in his Cradle, 
The 〈◊〉 of K. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  crowned in his Infancy, and again at more age had the Imperial Diadem of France set on his head, living uprightly, loving his Subjects, and reigning thirty eight years, was in that time tossed with variable success, for twice he was imprisoned, and deprived of his Crown, betrayed, smitten, and wounded, and in all things became a worthy example of fortune's unconstancy: he was of stature very seemly, of body slender, of face beautiful, and by a natural inclination abhorred all vice, far from pride, given to prayer, well read in the Scriptures, using 
The virtues of K. Henry.  works of Charity, and so chaste, as no suspicion of incontinency could be conceived in him: nay, so far to the contrary, that when certain Ladies presented themselves before him in a mask, with their hair loose, and their breasts uncovered (he then a 
Holinshed.  Bachelor, and able of marriage) he immediately rose up, and departed the presence, saying, fie, fie, forsooth ye are to blame. Oath he used none, but in weighty matters, his affirmation was forsooth, and forsooth, very merciful to the poor, and so pitiful to Malefactors, as he commanded the quarters of Traitors to be taken down from the Gates, and buried, and so far from revenge, that he willingly pardoned the greatest offences against him; for a Ruffian intending his death, wounded him in the side with his sword, what time he lay prisoner in the Tower, and being restored to his kingly estate, he freely forgave the fact; and another like Ruffian striking him on the face, he punished with this only reprehension, forsooth you are to blame to strike me your anointed King: for these and his other patient virtues, King Henry the 7. assayed to have 
Camb. Brit. in descript. of Surrey  him canonised a Saint. but Pope julius the 2. demanding too great a sum, the King went no further in the suit: notwithstanding, in the repute of the vulgar he was taken for no less, so as his red hat which he had worn, healed the headache, when it was put on, as the simple believed.  
(81) The monument of his zeal to true piety, and care for posterities, are his famous Colleges of Eton and Cambridge, the Chapel of which last, shows the magnificence that the whole should have been of, had their Founder reigned to have finished them himself: for the performance whereof he enfeo●…ed certain Bishops with other noble personages by his letters Patents with lands and possessions, to the yearly value of thirty four hundred pounds very near: but as his life ended, before that nature had thereunto set her own seal; so these remain unperfected of the excellent beauties intended, which their zealous Founder meant to have adorned them withal.  
(82) And his sorrowful Queen Margaret, who 
King's College in Cambridge and Eton in Berkshire, found 〈◊〉 by K. Henry.  twenty six years before this his death, with all pomp and royalty had been crowned Queen of England, and had ruled all in all, now a poor Prisoner in distress and wants, wears out her time in tears and laments, and wisheth for nothing more than the day of her death; which Duke Reiner her Father well understanding, made suit to King Edward to have her released by ransom; and lastly, 
Queen Margaret ranso●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  bought her liberty at so dear a rate, as he first pawned, and afterward sold to Lewis the French King, the Kingdoms of Naples, and of both the Siciles to pay and repay the price of her redemption, unto which poor father, this sorrowful daughter returned and ended her aged days, where she had begun the days of her life.  
(83) Victorious Edward thus leading Mars chained to his Chariot, and now himself led by Fortune to the high chair of Estate, sits an absolute Monarch sure, and without opposite, unto whose rays all eyes turn a submissive aspect: only bastard Fauconbridge depatted, from London (as we have said) and withdrew unto Sandwich with his disquiet crew, made show to do much, and did somewhat more than befitting, by rape, and robbing, where those rude Mariners came, which Edward hearing of, hasted to Canterbury in person himself, fully resolved to weed up by the roots those new sprowted blades of rebellion, and made great preparation to accomplish the same, which the Bastard hearing 
Bastard Fauconbridge with his unruly crew yield to King Edward.  (though strong in his Seamen) durst not bandy against, but sent his submission with proffer of service and loyal obedience, and indeed so temporised with the king, as besides his pardon obtained, the sword 
Bastard Fauconbridge pardoned of life, and rewarded with Knighthood.  of knighthood was laid upon his shoulder, & he was presently made the King's Vice-admiral for the Seas. In which his office he so bare himself (either by his own deserts, or the King's Conceit) as he not long enjoyed the same, but was at Southampton beheaded, 
Rob. Fabian.  and other of King Henry's old favourites likewise 
Bastard Fauconbridge beheaded.  sought after and daily endangered.  
(84) In which times of fear, jasper Earl of Pembroke, with his Nephew young Henry Earl of Richmond, 
A. D. 1472.  fled into Britain, where, of that Duke they were most courteously entertained, with assurance made, that no wrong should be offered them, during their stay in his dominions. And so these two Earls 
Henry of Richmond fled into Britain.  the uncle and nephew, there attended the day of their wished success.  
(85) But john Earl of Oxford, who had withdrawn himself from Barnet field first into Wales, and thence into France, was far more unpatient of 
The story of john Earl of Oxford.  those rough times, for having gotten store of provision by strong hand at Sea, with seventy seven men only surprised Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall, and made that piece good against the King, which he kept and revictualled, but whether by force or favour King Edward much suspected, and therefore the more willingly came to a composition with his Subject, who upon the pardon of his life delivered the Mount to the King: and as some say the rather, for that his mind was then troubled with many ominous signs. For certain Bo●…nes about this 
Waters broke out of the Earth.  time burst out of the Earth, as Woe-mere at Market in the County of Bedford, whose name carried the quality of his nature. In Kent, at Canterbury, Levisham, and Langley Park, at Croyden in Surrey, and at 
john Stow. Annals.  Hungeruill near Dudley Castle one running very foul: all of them predictions, as that credulous age believed, of great troubles to come: and therefore not trusting a new reconciled enemy, King Henry 
The Earl of Oxford sent prisoner into France.  sent the said Earl Prisoner unto the Castle of Hames in Normandy, where he remained the space of twelve years, unto the last of K. Richard the 3. most securely guarded, and so straightly kept, as Lady Margaret his Countess could not be suffered to have access unto 
The hard and inhuman usage of the Countess of Oxford.  him, in all that time. Neither was she allowed any thing out of his revenues, or from the king, to maintain her estate, but was forced to live upon the Charity of others, & by the works that she made with her Needle; both of them very short to supply her great wants. This unmerciful and almost unhuman usage, was the more extremely followed, for that Oxford himself, his father and brother, had ever sided with the Lancastrians. And herself being sister unto Richard Duke of Warwick, the Capital obstacle against king Edward's proceedings, was held either dangerous, if her wealth balanced her birth and estate, or else unworthy of his favour, whose good fortunes as was suggested, she ever maligned.  
(86) But much more miserable was the estate of 
The story of Lord Henry Holland Duke of Excester.  Lord Henry Holland, Duke of Excester, and Earl of Huntingdon, who flourished so long, as king Henry's pillar stood crowned on his base, and the Lancastrians (of whose house himself was) overswayed the times; he being the son of Lady Elizabeth the second daughter of john of Gaunt, and having married the sister of Edward the then reigning King, was notwithstanding driven to such want, as he may serve an example to all, how uncertain Adam's sons are of any continuing greatness. For (saith Philip Comines) I once saw the Duke of Excester run on foot 
Phil. Comines. lib. 3. cap. 4.  bore legged, after the Duke of Eurgundies' train, begging his bread for God's sake, but he uttered not his name, he being the nearest of the house of Lancaster, and brother in law unto King Edward, and being known what he was, Burgundy gave him a small pension to maintain his estate.  
(87) But when King Henry was again restored, & the Title of the Crown laid upon the success of Barnet-field, this man Lord Henry bore himself most 
Ed. Hall.  bravely against king Edward, and in fight was struck down, and left for dead, where, in his bleeding wounds he lay most part of the day, but yet recovering, and got to Westminster, he there took Sanctuary to save his life, for which, he became Suitor unto the king, but his wife Lady Anne sister unto king 
The unloving parts of an unloving wi●…e. joh. S●…w.  Edward, sued as earnestly for a divorce, which with great instancy she lastly obtained against him. How he released himself from the wrath of the king, is uncertain, and how he came by his death no man can tell, for his body was found cast upon the shore of Kent, as though he had perished by shipwreck 
The Lord Henry supposed to have been drowned.  upon the Sea.  
(88) Now Edward to finish all factions, thought best to lop off both bough and branch, that gave any shadow to the Lancastrians designs, to which end he rather picked, then found occasion of treason, in 
The Archbishop of York's goods, seized upon.  George Nevil Archbishop of York, whose goods, lands, and Lordships, he seized upon, got possession of his rich plate and jewels, whereof one in his Mitre was of such value, as the King caused it to be set in his Imperial Crown, and the Archbishop to be sent over Sea to the Castle of Hames, where he remained a Prisoner a long time after, with no such courteous entertainment, as himself had used to Edward when he was Prisoner.  
(89) But the escape of Pembroke and Earl Richmond troubled the King not a little, the only men now left to bandy against them, and therefore were most followed with a suspicious eye. In somuch as Edward wrote unto the Duke of Britain their receiver, 
K. Edward sends into Britain to recover Richmond and Pembroke.  with promises of heaps of gold to have them sent back and delivered unto his hands: but the Duke that had given them his safety before, answered the English Ambassadors, that it stood not with honour, so to betray these distressed Princes, fled to him for relief, yet, he faithfully undertook, that they should be so followed, as King Edward should sleep quiet from their molestations, which being no better, Edward notwithstanding made the best of it.  
(90) All now in quiet, and Edward reigning without any Competitor, or malignant disturber, caused a high Court of Parliament to be assembled at Westminster, wherein he re-established those Acts, which Henry had abrogated, and abrogated those that 
K. Edward abrogates King Henry's laws.  were made against his favourites; at which season the Duke of Burgundy sent his Ambassadors unto Edward, craving his aid against the French King, which was the more willingly heard and granted, as well for his favours received of the Duke, in time of his necessity, as for spleen against Lewis, who had aided 
Burgundy sends for aid into England against France.  Warwick 〈◊〉 dispossess him of his Crown. And indeed this ●…s a spark, that was likely to set the hearts of the English on fire, to recover France lost by Henry the last King.  
(91) All things in a readiness King Edward repaired to Dover, and there embarked himself for 
A. D. 1474. K. Edward's expedition into France.  Calais, ●…with the greatest Army that ever from England set sails into France: for he had in his Company fifteen hundred Noblemen, and men at Arms, all of them mounted, and most of them barbed, who 
Phil. Comines. lib. 4. cap. 5.  with the Archers on horseback also made up the number of fifteen thousand, besides a great number of footmen and others to pitch Tents, to attend 
The great preparation of King Edward.  the Artillery, and enclose their Camps. Before the King's departure from England, he had sent Gartar King at Arms unto King Lewis with a letter of defiance: whose contents demanded no less, than the whole Realm of France, which if he refused, ●…ee threatened to invade his dominions with 〈◊〉 and 
King Edward's 〈◊〉.  sword.  
(92) The letter received, and read in secret by 
Lewis his conference with the English Herald. Lewis his conference with the English Herald.  Lewis himself, he privately sent for, and conferred with the Herald, telling him that it was not Edward, but Burgundy that raked abroad these dying cinders, who as a man discomfited & unfurnished for war, would draw in the English, by his sly dealings, to their inestimable Charges, to supply his defects; that Burgundy being of the house of Lancaster hated most deadly the family of York; and more for fear then love married Edward's sister. As touching the Constable he told him, though Edward had married his Niece, yet he would deceive him, as he had done his own Master of France, who had heaped many and extraordinary benefits upon him. And lastly with the gift of three hundred Crowns, and the promise of a thousand more, he instigated the Herald to work a peace. Gartar very thankfully 
K. Lewis month Gartar to be a means for peace.  took the French gold, and counseled Lewis to send a Herald unto his Master King Edward to demand a safeconduct for conference: and so openly rewarded with thirty else of Crimson-veluet he departed.  
(93) King Lewis nothing so pompous as other Princes are, nor attended with Heralds continually in his Court, was therefore enforced unto this present shift: he caused a servant of the Lord Hales to 
Phil. Com. lib. 4. cap. 7.  be arrayed like an herald in a trumpets banner, and sent him in haste into King Edward's Camp; where 
A counterfeit Herald sent to K. Edward.  having audience, he showed the great desire the King his Master had of peace, whose amity with England he had ever held, excusing his receipt of Warwick with the necessity of time, whom he aided not against Edward, but against Burgundy, who as he instantly alleged, had now drawn the English to this excessive 
The Herald's persuasions.  charges, that he might thereby conclude a better composition for himself, and to amend the broken state of his own affairs; lastly he desired that the King of England would grant a safeconduct unto the Ambassadors of the French King his Master, who should more fully inform his Majesty, and give his safeconduct for a further conference in these affairs: and so wisely this counterfeit worded his message, that the King and Nobles liked well the overture, and thereupon granting a safeconduct sent 
An English Herald sent to King Lewis.  with him an English Herald, to receive the like and other assignments from the French King.  
(94) But when the Duke of Burgundy understood that a peace was traversed betwixt Edward & Lewis, he stormed not a little, and with no small haste from 
The Duke of Burgundy cometh to the King.  Lutzenburgh accompanied with sixteen horse only, came to his brother King Edward, and in a great rage reproved him of breach of promise, and uncourteous requital of his former kindness, that thus would enter amity with his great foe, and in outward semblance more ready to bite then to bark, burst into these reproofs.  
Have you (quoth he) brother, passed the 
Edw. Hall. ●…ol. 231.  Seas, entered France, and without killing of a poor fly, or burning of a silly Sheepecote taken a shameful truce?. Oh S. George! did Edward your noble 
Burgundy's hot speech unto K. Edward.  Ancestor ever make Army into France, and returned without battle or Conquest? That victorious Prince King Henry the fifth (as near of kin unto you as me) whose blood you have either rightfully or wrongfully (God knoweth) extinguished and destroyed, with a small puissance conquered Normandy, kept it, and never would come to composition, till he had the whole kingdom of France offr●…d him, and was made heir apparent unto that Crown. chose you without any thing done, proffer of battle, or gain of honour have now condescended unto a p●…ce as profitable for Engl●… ●…s is a poor peascod: have I (think you) for my particular use drawn the English forces into France (which am able of myself to defend mine own cause?) I tell you plainly no, but rather to aid you, to recover your ancient Territories wrongfully withholden: and that you shall well know I need not your aid, I will hear of no truce with the French, till 〈◊〉 months after your arri●…ge in England at the least; And ●…reupon furiously arising, he threw down the Chair, wherein he had sare and offered to depart.  
(95) Nay stay brother Charles (quoth K. Edward) sith I with patience have heard you speak what 
K Edward's reply to his brother of Burgundy.  you would, you shall now perforce hear from me what you would not: First therefore for my thus entrance into France, no man knoweth the occasion better than yourself: for, maugre your own great power you speak of; you do remember I know, how the French King took from you the fair Town Amiens, and the strong Pile Saint Quintin's, with divers other pieces which you neither durst, nor were able either to rescue or defend, since which time he hath gotten from you, your best bosom friends and secret Counsellors, so as yourself stood in doubt (determining to besiege Nusse) whether the loss would be greater in your absence (the French King waiting as a fox for his prey) or gain more in Germany by your power and presence: and to keep this wolf from your fold, was the principal cause why you so earnestly prayed me, and continually solicited me to pass over the Seas, promising mountains, but performing not a Molehill, bragging a supply both of horse and foot, but never sent me a hoof, nor a lackey. Think you (brother) if we had entered this enterprise in our own quarrel, we would have expected your aid? I assure you nothing less, for if we had intended any such Conquest, we would with soldiers fire and sword, have so infected the air with the flames and slain of France, as should have annoyed your Countries of Flaunders and Brabant, and given you leisure to sit still and tell of our ever achieved great victories, nothing doubting but to have gotten and kept with like manhood, and in as great glory, as any of our Ancestors before us had done. But the occasion of war being yours, and you wilfully (I will not say cowardly) neglecting the same, I mean not to prosecute, for ●…e French King never offended me nor my Subjects, except in favouring Warwick against me, nay I may say against you, and now offereth such honourable overtures of peace, which I by God's grace mean not to forsake, but will observe 
Burgundy departeth displeased from King Edward.  and keep. God send you joy thereof, quoth the Duke, and so abruptly departed from the King.  
(96) The peace thus resolved upon, betwixt the two kings of England and France, the place appointed 
The conference for peace 〈◊〉 Amiens.  for conference was near unto Amiens, and the parties assigned for the French, were the Bastard of Bourbon Admiral of France, the Lord S. Pierre, and the Bishop of Eureux. For the English, were the Lord Howard, Sir Thomas St. Leger, and Doctor M●…ton 
Co●…ioners for peace.  Lord Chancellor of England. These meeting, presently fell to a conclusion of peace: the conditions whereof were: That the French King should forthwith pay to the King of England seventy two thousand Crowns. That the Dauphin should marry 
Conditions of the peace.  Lady Elizabeth, King Edward's eldest daughter, and that she should have for her maintenance the Duchy of Guien●…; or else fifty thousand Crowns yearly to be paid in the Tower of London, for nine years space. This peace was so acceptable to 
Lewis his liberality for ●…oy of the peace.  King Lewis, as he sent sixteen thousand Crowns to be distributed amongst the English Soldiers, with plate and great presents to men of any sort: & indeed gave them such entertainment in Amiens as was most bounteous, whereof if any desire further to know, let him read Comines upon the same text. 
Ph. Com. l. 4. c. 9   
(97) To graft which peace with a loving beginning, the two Kings were desirous to see each others, 
The kings of England and France d●… to see each others.  for which end Commissioners were sent to a●…gne the place: and lastly agreed, that the Tow ne 〈◊〉 about three leagues from Amiens, seated in a bottom, through which the Ri●… Some ran, was the fittest: over which a strong bridge was built, and 
〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 place of the kings.  in the 〈◊〉 thereof, a grate made overthwart with bars, no wider asunder than a man might well thrust in his Arm, covered with boards over head to avoid the rain, & the bridge so broad that twelve might stand in a rank on both sides.  
(98) The day approached, and the two Kings come to the place, he of France came first to the 
A. D. 1475. Aug. 29.  Grate, accompanied with twelve personages, as was the appointment; whereof john Duke of Bourbon and the Cardinal his brother were the chiefest: King Edward entering the bridge on the other end, with his brother the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain, and the Lord Chancellor, himself appareled all in cloth of gold, with a rich jewel of precious stones, in form of a Flower de Luce: advanced forward, and within five foot of the Grate, put off his cap, and bowed his knee within half a foot to the 
The 〈◊〉 of the two kings.  ground. King Lewis as readily doing his likely reverence unto Edward. Where, after embracements through 〈◊〉 Grate, the Chancellor of England who was Prelate and Bishop of Ely, made an eloquent and learned Oration, which done, he read the Articles of peace and demanded the Kings whether these were done with their full consents. Which granted by both: either of them laying their one hand upon the Missal, and the other upon the Holy-Crosse, took 
The Kings swear the league.  their solemn Oaths to observe the same. And then falling into a more familiar and Courtly Complemental conference, King Lewis told K. Edward that he would one day invite him to Paris, there to Court his fair French Ladies, with whom if he committed any sin, he merrily told him, that Cardinal Bourbon, should be his Confessor, whose penance would be the easier, for that Bourbon used to buss fair Ladies himself; which no sooner was spoken, or howsoever meant, but Edward was as forward of thanks and acceptance, and indeed so ready, that King Lewis rounding Commines his bosom servant in his ●…are, told him flatly he liked not Edward's 
K. Lewis loath that Edward should visit Paris.  forwardness to Paris, too many English Princes having been there before: and ●…s the conference ended, and king Edward's business in France, he returned into England, and into the City of London was received little less than in triumph-wise. 
A. D. 1475. Sept. 2●….   
(99) But though Edward's fortunes thus outwardly flourished, yet inward fears nipped his still troubled mind, one branch having sap, whose growth he much feared would shadow his Crown, which was Henry Earl of Richmond, alive and at liberty in the Duke of Britain's Court. To bring therefore his purpose to pass, he sent D. Stillington and others, 
Henry Earl of Richmond ●…ught after by K. Edward.  Ambassadors unto Frances Duke of Britain, with store of gold and good words, as that he meant to match his eldest daughter Lady Elizabeth unto the young Earl of Richmond, whereby all cause of 
An intent pretended, which as●…r came to pass.  dissensions might at once be cut off: the Duke thinking no danger where the water went smooth, easily consented to ship him thereon; but ere the prey was embarked, he had knowledge that the voyage should cost young Henry his life; wherefore in all hast he sent his Treasurer Peter L●…doys to prevent it, who secretly told Richmond what marriage●…d 
Ralph Holinsh. pag. 701.  Edward intended; whereat the distressed Earl amazed, was put to his shifts, and for want of better, took Sanctuary at S. Mal●…s, where the English his 
Henry ●…arle of Richmond taketh Sanctuary.  conductors lay for a wind.  
(100) The Earl thus escaped, the Ambassadors complained to the Duke, imputing the fault as far 
The English Ambassador complaineth to the Duke of Britain.  as they durst unto him, who had not dealt li●… a good Merchant to take their money, and to retain the war●…; his answer was, the delivery was good, but themselves negligent Factors, that made not the commodity to their best advantage. And yet 
His Answer.  for the love he bore to their King, he undertook that Rich●…nd should be sure kept either in Sanctuary, or else in prison, whence as he promised he should not escape: And so with a 〈◊〉 in their ●…re, they returned, having cleared Edward of 〈◊〉 ●…ney, and care for sure keeping of Henry, who though he weresore displeased with Stillingtons' simplicity; yet the promises that the Duke of Britain had made, much mitigated and eased his mind.  
(101) And now the Realm quiet, no war in hand, nor none towards (but such as no man looked 
Sir Tho. Moor.  should happen;) he framed himself so to the people's affections, and held their hearts not in a 
King Edward beloved of his subjects and loveth his subjects.  constrained fear, but with as loving and ready obedience as any King attaining the Crown by his sword ever had. Nor was ever any Prince more familiar with his Subjects then this King Edward was, who now having his tribute truly paid from France, and all things prospering as was desired, he set heart upon pleasure, which hitherto had been afflicted with continual turmoil: yea and often laid from him the state of a Prince, and would accompany and converse with his mean subjects: a loadstone that doth naturally attract the English hearts; among many others we of London remember this to our grace. Unto Windsor he sent for the Lord Mayor of London, the Aldermen and others, upon no other 
Io. Stow. K. Edward sent for the Mayor and Aldermen of London to his hunt.  occasion, then to hunt in his company, and himself to be merry with them: As also at another time he did the like in Waltham, where he gave them most familiar entertainment, and sent to the Lady Mairesse and her sisters two hearts, six Bucks, and a Tun of wine, which wan more love then manifold their worths.  
(102) Somewhat he was given to Court and converse 
K. Edward somewhat licention. sly given.  with fair Ladies, which fault was well noted and prevented by King Lewis, for his French dames: but in England he had liberty with very large scope, for besides the Lady Lucy and others, by whom he had issue, three concubines he kept, and those of 
K. Edward's three Concubines.  three divers, and several dispositions, as himself would often confess, one the merriest, another the wiliest, and the third the holiest harlot in his realm, as one whom no man could get out of the Church unless it were to his Bed, the merriest was Shores wife, of whom hereafter we shall speak, the other two were greater Personages, but in their humility are content to be nameless, and to forbear the praise of those properties.  
(103) This fault of the King did not greatly offend the people: for one man's pleasure could not extend to the displeasures of many, it being done without violence, and in his latter days lessened and well left. But a far more greater sin and reproach he fell into, among his other Princely disports: For being on progress in Warwickshire, and hunting in Arrow Park●…, belonging to Thomas Burdet Esquire, with the death of much Game he slew 
Thomas Burdet accused of treason.  a White Buck greatly esteemed of the said Burdet, who understanding thereof, wished his horns in his Belly, that moved the King to kill the same Buck, 
Eng●….  whereof he was accused and condemned of treason, his words being drawn, to wish the ●…ornes in the King's belly: for which beheaded h●… was at Tyburn, 
Register of Gray-Friers L●…don.  and buried in the Gray-Fryers Church at London.  
(104) But a more lamentable tragedy happened unto the land, by the death of George Duke of Clarence 
The story of George Duke of Clarence.  the King's second brother, who being accused of high Treason, was committed to the Tower, where he sooneafter ended his life. His attainder was, that the said Duke had caused diverse of his servants to inform the people, that Thomas Burdet his servant 
T●… attainder of the Duke of Clarence. john Stow.  likewise, was wrongfully put to death: and further laboured (through their reports) to make the world believe, t●… K. Edward wrought by Nigr●…cie, and used to poison such 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: And al●…o tha●… 〈◊〉 s●…id Duke upon pur●… to exalt himself and his heirs to the 〈◊〉 dig●…, 〈◊〉 ●…sely 〈◊〉 untruly pub●…d that the 〈◊〉 was a ●…ard, and therefore not capable of reign. Moreover th●… he induced di●…e of the Ki●…aturall subjects to be sworn vp●… the 〈◊〉 S●…ent, unto him and his heirs, with●…●…ny other rese●…ations of their all●…e: for which intent (as there was alleged) he had gotten an exemplification under the great Seal of King Henry the sixth, that if the said king and his son Prince Edward died without issue male, the said Duke and his heirs should enjoy the Crown: For these in a Parliament begun at Westminster the fifteenth of january he was attainted of high treason: but whether guilty or guiltless, to men (saith Grafton) that have made large inquisition, yea and 
A. D. 1478. Rich. Graft.  of such as were of no small authority in those days, the certainty thereof was hid, and could not truly be disclosed, but by conjectures, which as often deceive the imaginations of fantastical folk, as declare truth to them in their conclusions.  
(105) I am not ignorant that some have alleged the cause of this Noble man's death to arise from a 
A false prophecy of G. E.  foolish prophecy (whereof saith Comines) the Englishmen are never unfurnished, & this as the Cab●…sts, who used to make an art of their letters, gave forth forsooth 
Phil. Coming. lib. 4. cap. 10.  that a G. should reign after an E. which must needs be George Duke of Clarence, though Gloucester more crafty lay in wind for the game. This indeed troubled the King not a little, but the Queen and her blood much more, and therefore of both King and Queen Duke George was mistrusted, and greatly maligned in all that he did. Who now a widower (for Warwick's daughter was dead) sent unto his sister Margaret the Duchess of Burgundy, to work a marriage for him with her husband's daughter the Lady Marie. Against which the 
The Duke of Clarence is suitor unto Marie the daughter of Burgundy.  Queen most earnestly interposed herself, and solicited the Lady in the behalf of Lord Anthony Earl Rivers her brother, whereby great discontent was ministered to the Duke, and new jealousies daily bred in the King's breast.  
(106) john Serres the French Historian interlacing the life of King Lewis with the Acts of K. Edward and his brethren, saith confidently, that the English King 
Io. Serres.  so much affected the league and alliance with France, as that he caused his brother Clarence to be put in prison, because he intended to have past the Seas to 
Clarnce imprisoned by his brother King Edward.  succour the Dowager of Burgundy Lady Margaret his sister, upon whose Territories King Lewis encroached, after the death of Duke Charles her husband slain at the battle of Man●…y.  
(107) But howsoever Clarence had offended, certain it is, that he was found guilty by the foresaid Parliament, and the eleventh of March following, after he had offered his Masse-penny in the Tower of London, was drowned in a But of Malmsey, whose body was buried at Tewkesburie in Glocestershire, by 
George Duke of Cla●…ce condemned by Parliament. And drowned in a But of malmesay.  the body of his Duchess Lady Isabella Countess of Warwick, who being with Child, died of poison a little before. And although the King had consented to his death, yet no sooner was it done, but that he wished it again undone, and was so grieved at the remembrance, as when any made suit for the life of a condemned, he would openly say: Oh ●…fortunate brother; for whose life no 〈◊〉 would make ●…ite. This 
K. Edwards ●…pentance for his brother's death.  good Duke (for so was he called) left issue behind him, Edward Earl of Warwick and Margaret afterwards Countess of Salisbury, both of them infants, 
The Duke of Clarence his issue.  and followers of their father's fortunes: he a continual Prisoner, at four and twenty years of 
Edward and Margaret the children of Clarence beheaded.  age under Henry the seventh, was beheaded upon the Tower-hill; and she at sixty two, lost hers within the Tower, and time of King Henry the eight.  
(108) But how dainty soever King Edward. was of the breach of amity, betwixt him and the French 
King Edward deceived in King Lewis.  King, in regard whereof he suffered Mary the young Duchess of Burgundy the daughter of his own sister's husband to be molested by 〈◊〉 of the French, and all in favour of the contract commenced between the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 daughter, yet did 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ou●… 〈◊〉: For Ambassadors ●…ploied 〈◊〉 accomplishing ●…of, they of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without 〈◊〉 o●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…he new were sent without 〈◊〉, while indeed Lewis 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 Serres.  working for his son another way: First to match him with Mary Duchess of Burgundy, but that refused, with Margaret of Flaunders daughter to Duke Maximilian son to Frederick the Emperor: and to hold the world from suspicion, in the mean while Lady Elizabeth the Infanta of England was in the French Court usually called Madam the Dauphin, and all 
Lady Elizabeth called 〈◊〉 the Dauphin.  things in France so sound carried, as Edward suspected no leak in the Cask: for now grown fat and unable for pains, he both gloried in his nine famous victories at home achieved, and seemed sufficiently satisfied, that his yearly tribute from France was so truly paid.  
(109) At the same time james the third of that 
A. D. 1480. Io. Les●…, Lady Cicely motioned in matriage unto 〈◊〉 Prince of Scotland.  name King of Scotland, sent his Ambassadors unto Edward to obtain the Lady Cicelie the King's second daughter to be joined in marriage with his son james the young Prince, which was well listened unto, by Edward and his Counsel, and lest the motion should go back, a great sum of money lent to the Scottish King with this condition, that at a certain time appointed, it should be at K. Edward's choice, whether his daughter should match with that Prince, or else to have the said sum again repaid. Against which alliance and league (as Lesly reporteth,) 
Lewis King of France interposeth the contract betwixt Prince james and Lady Margaret.  Lewis of France much repined, and to annihilate the same sent Dr. Ireland, a certain knight, and another religious man, to move King james to make war against England.  
(110) These no Peacemakers for Christ, but firebrands of Belial, blew the smothered sparks of dissension into a flame of bloody war, which fell the more heavy upon. Scotland, for that K. james much 
james King of Scotland much ●…dded to his 〈◊〉 will.  wedded unto his own will, and altogether ruled by men of mean worth, whom himself had advanced from nothing, had not only neglected by their instigations the love of his Nobles, but also banished the Realm of Scotland, Alexander Duke of Albany his 
Alexander Duke of Albany banished Scotland. john Earl of Marre bled to death.  second brother; and had caused the veins of john Earl of Marre his other brother, to be opened, whereby he bled to death; these and other discontents alienated his subjects hearts from him, which laid the land more open unto the English Invaders; and yet to draw them more deadly against him, relying upon his ownevalor, and the assistance of France, he sent word unto Edward, that he should not aid his own sister of Burgundy against K. Lewis, being the Scots Ally; as also with threats of war commanded 
K. james threateneth war against England.  him to deliver to his Ambassadors, the Duke of Albany (then residing in the English Court) and lastly to make good and repay damages done upon the Scottish Borders.  
(111) King Edward not a little enraged at these double dealings, even in the winter season mustered his men, prep●…ed his artillery, and rigged his ships, that nothing should be unready at the next Spring; which no sooner was come, but that he ordained for his Lieutenant his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester, 
Richard Duke of Gloucester made the King's Lieutenant against Scotland.  who with Henry Earl of Northumberland, Thomas Lord Stanley, the Lord Lovel, G●…stock and others, (the Duke of Albany marching unto Gloucesters' banner) with twenty thousand strong repaired into the North: and first ●…sieged the strong Town Berwick, then en●…ing the chief City Edinburgh, urged K. 
The Duke of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scotland.  james to perform his covenants, concerning the marriage betwixt Prince james his son, with Lady Cicely before agreed upon, threatening destruction if the match went not forward. The Scottish Nobility considering the eminent danger, put to death the wicked Counsellors of their King, 〈◊〉 the Duke of Albany the Vicegerent of Scotland, and promised to repay the money 〈◊〉 according to Covenants; after which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the strong Town 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉.  English possession the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a general 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 two 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, with an 〈◊〉 Ed●…burgh (who had undertaken to disburse the money) to signify King Edward's mind touching the marriage 
Holinsh. p. 707.  intended, and to demand the said sum by a day assigned, which accordingly was repaid.  
(112) The marriage with Scotland thus broken off, for the Lady Cicely, by K. Edward himself; that with France for the Princess Elizabeth, both he and his Queen greatly desired, and daily sought after. But Lewis the French King, finding the daughter of Ostrich more fit for his son, dallied out Edward with shows of firm faith, till he had effected the thing he went about: which music sounded so harshly in the English Kings ear, as in no wise he would suffer that string to be touched, but ever believed that the French meant him fair play, and although the years of the parties themselves might beget some suspicion, she being much elder than the 
Phil. Comines. lib. 6. chap. 2. and 9  Dauphin, and the truth thereof confirmed by the Duke of Austriches Leger-Ambassadours residing in England, yet Edward would not so much as suppose 
King Lewis dall●…th with King Edward.  a suspect against the French King, and therefore suffered Lewis to encroach upon those parts of Picardy that joined to Calais, and to gain time till it 
King Edward would not believe what was confidently told him.  was past recall: for then the Lord Howard returning from France, confidently told him that he was present, and saw the Lady Margaret of Ostrich, daughter to Duke Maximilian, son to the Emperor Frederick, received unto France with great pomp & royalty: and at Ambois contracted and espoused to the Dauphin.  
(113) Edward mightily chafed to be thus worked by Lewis, made great preparation for France, but whether with anger, grief, or melancholy, he fell 
A 〈◊〉 pretended against France.  into a dangerous and deadly sickness; some say, of a superfluous surfeit, whereunto he was much given: Commines saith, of a Catarrh, which weak estate 
King Edward falleth ●…ke.  turned his mind another way: for calling his Lords into his sick presence, and raising his faint body upon his Bed-Pillowes, these words unto them he lastly spoke:  
(114) My Lords, my dear Kinsmen, & Allies; in what plight I lie, you see, and I feel; by which the less while I look to live with you, the more 
Thom. More. King Edward's speeches at his death.  deeply am I moved to care in what case I leave you; for such as I leave you, such be my children like to find you. Which if they should (that God forbid) find you at variance, might hap to fall themselves at war, ere their discretion would serve to set you at peace. Ye see their youth, of which I reckon the only surety to rest in your concord. For it sufficeth not that all you love them, if each of you hate other. If they were men, your faithfulness happily would suffice: but childhood must be maintained by men's authority, and slippery youth underpropped with elder counsel; which neither they can have, unless you give it, nor you give it, if you agree not. For where each laboureth to break that which the 
The perils of discord.  other maketh, and through hatred of each others person impugneth each others counsel, there must it needs be long, or any good conclusion go forward: And while either party striveth to be chief, flattery shall have more play then plain and faithful advise, of which must needs ensue the evil bringing up of the Prince; whose mind in tender youth infected, shall readily fall to riot and mischief, and draw down with him his noble 
Tender youth is 〈◊〉 infected.  Realm unto ruin: but if grace turn him to wisdom: which if God send, than they that by evil means before pleased him best, shall after fall furthest out of favour, so that ever at length evil drifts draw to nought, and good plain ways prosper. Great variance hath there long time been between you, not always for great causes. Sometime 
Great variance for small causes.  a thing right well intended, our misconstructions turneth unto worse, or a small displeasure done us, either our own affections or evil tongues agreeveth. But this wo●… I well, ye never had so great cause of hatred, as you have of love. That we be all men, that we be Christian men, this shall I leave for Preachers to tell you (and yet I wot near 
King Edward's good counsel.  whether any Preachers words aught more to move you, then his, that is by and by, going to the place that they all preach of.) But this I shall desire you to remember, that the one part of you is of my blood, the other of my Allies; and each of you with other, either of kindred or affinity; which spiritual kindred of affinity, if the Sacraments of Christ's Church bear that weight with us, that would to God they did, should no less move us to charity, than the respect of fleshly consanguinity. Our Lord forbid, that you love together the worse for the self cause, that you ought to love the better. And yet that happeneth, and no where find we so deadly debate, as among them, which by nature and law ought most to agree together. Such a pestilent serpent is ambition, and desire of vain glory and sovereignty which among states 
What the nature of ambition is.  where it once entereth, creepeth forth so far, till with division and variance he turneth all to mischief, first longing to be next the best, afterward equal with the best, and at last chief and above the best. Of which immoderate appetite of worship, and thereby of debate and dissension, what loss, what sorrow, what trouble, hath within these few years grown in this Realm, I pray God as well forget as we remember. Which things, if I could aswell have foreseen, as I have with my more pain than pleasure proved, By God's blessed Lady (that was ever his oath) I would never have 
King Edward's usual oath.  won the courtesy of men's knees, with the loss of so many heads. But sith things passed cannot be gaine-called, much aught we the more beware, by what occasion we have taken so great hurt afore, that we eft 'zounds fall not into the like again. Now be those griefs pa●…ed, and all is (God be thanked) quiet, and likely right well to prosper in wealthful peace under your Cousins, my children, if God send them life, and you love. Of which two things the less loss were they, by whom though God did his pleasure, yet should the Realm always find Kings, and peradventure as good Kings. But if you among yourselves in a child's reign fall at debate, many a good man shall perish, and happily he too, and ye too, ere this Land find peace again. Wherefore in these last words that ever I look to speak with you, I exhort, and require you all, for the love that you have ever borne 
King Edward's last request.  unto me: for the love that I have ever borne unto you, for the love that our Lord beareth to us all, from this time forward all griefs forgotten, each of you love others, which I verily trust you will, if you any thing regard, either God, or your King, affinity or kindred, this Realm, your own country, or your own surety.  
(115) And therewithal the King no longer enduring to sit up, laid him down on his right side, his face towards them, who with weeping eyes & words as fitted the time, recomfited the sick dying King, joining their hands, and outwardly forgiving that, which inwardly they meant not to forget. The King overjoyed to see their willing reconcilements spoke not many words after, but commending his soul unto God, in their presence departed this life at his Palace of Westminster, upon the 9 day of April, and year of Christ's appearance 1483. at the age 
The reign and death of King Edward.  of forty one, when he had worn the royal Diadem, two and twenty years, one month and five days: and was buried at Windsor, in the new Chapel, whose foundation himself had laid.  
(116) Of parsonage he was the goodliest Gentleman 
Phil. Com. lib. 4, cap. 10.  (saith Commines') that ever ●…ine eyes beheld; fair of complexion, and of most princely presence; 
King Edward described.  courageous of heart, pol●…ke in counsel; in adversity nothing abashed; in prosperity rather joyous then proud: in peace just and merciful; in war sharp and fierce, and in field bold and venturous: yet no further than wisdom would, and is no less commended where he avoided, then is his manhood when he vanquished: eight or nine battles he won, wherein to his greater renown he fought on foot, and was ever victor over his enemies: much given 
Ph. Com. l. 6. c. 2.  he was to the lusts of youth, and in his latter time, grown somewhat corpulent, which rather adorned his graver years, than any ways disliked the eyes of his beholders.  

His Wife.  
(117) Elizabeth the daughter of Richard Wooduill Earl Rivers by his wife ●…aquelana Duchess of Bedford, who was the daughter of Peter Earl of S. Paul, and he the son of Peter de Luxembourg, was first married unto Sir john Grey slain at S. Alban, where he was knighted the day before his death by King Henry the sixth, unto whom she bore two sons and a daughter, after whose death she was privately remarried unto K. Edward the fourth, the first day of May, at his manor of Grafton in Northamptonshire Anno 1464. and in the next year following upon the six and twentieth of May, was crowned Queen at Westminster with all due solemnities. She was his wife eighteen years, eleven months, and nine days, no more fortunate in attaining to the height of all worldly dignity, then unfortunate in the murder of her sons, and loss of her own liberty: For in the beginning of K. Edward's reign, she was forced to take Sanctuary at Westminster, wherein her first son Prince Edward was borne; and at his death did the like in fear of the Protector, and lastly having all her lands and possessions seized upon by K. Henry the seventh, lived in mean estate in the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwark, where not long after she left the troubles of her life, and enjoyed 
〈◊〉.  a quiet portion or burying place by her last husband King Edward at Windsor.  
(118) Elinor Butler, as we find it recorded upon the Parliament Role, was contracted unto King Edward: but how true considering the occasion, and time of the Act, we leave for others to judge, only this is most certain that this Lady Elinor was the daughter of john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, and the wife of Sir Thomas Butler Knight, son and heir to Ralph Butler Baron of Sudley, which Elinor died the thirtieth of june, the year of Christ jesus 1466. and the eight of King Edward the fourth his reign.   

His Issue.  
(119) Edward the eldest son of K. Edward the fourth by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was borne in the Sanctuary at Westminster the fourth of November, and year of grace 1471. being the tenth of his father's reign, at that time expulsed the Realm by the powerful Earl Warwick; but fortune changed, and the father restored; the son, the first of july and year of Christ was ●…eated Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester; and had not the ambitious hand of his uncle been defiled in his innocent blood, he might have worn the Diadem many years, whereas he bore the Title of King not many days. 
A. D. 1478. Stow.   
(120) Richard the second son of K. Edward the fourth by Elizabeth his Queen, was borne at Shrewsbury, and in his infancy was created Duke of York, he was affianced unto Anne daughter and heir to john Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, by which he was entitled Duke of Norfolk, Earle-Marshall, Warren, and Nottingham, but enjoying neither Title, wife, or his own life long, was with his brother murdered in the Tower of London, and in the prison of that Tower, which upon that most sinful deed is ever since called the bloody Tower, their bodies as yet unknown where to have burial.  
(121) George the third son of K. Edward the fourth, by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was also borne in Shrewsburie, and being a young Child was created Duke of Bedford, but lived not long after, and lieth buried at Windsor.  
(122) Elizabeth the first daughter of K. Edward the fourth, by Elizabeth his Queen, was borne at Westminster the eleventh of February, and fifth of her father's reign, being the year of Salvation 14●…6. She was promised in marriage to Charles Dauphin of France, wooed and Courted by her uncle Crouchbacke, when he had murdered her brothers, and usurped the Crown, but better destiny attending her, she was reserved to join the union and marriage with the only heir of Lancaster, which was Henry of Richmond, afterward King of England, from whom is branched the royal stem that spreadeth his beauty in this northwest world, even james our dread Sovereign, and great Britain's Monarch.  
(123) Cicely, the second daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was sought unto, by james the third of that name, to be joined in marriage with james his son Prince of Scotland, and Duke of Rothsay, which match was promised upon conditions and choice of K. Edward, who lastly broke off from further proceeding, and the Lady married unto john Viscount Wells, whom she outlived, and was again remarried, but by neither husband had any issue, and therefore less noted; her body lieth buried at Quarrena in the Isle of Wight.  
(124) Anne the third daughter of K. Edward the fourth, by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was married unto Lord Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Martial, and high Treasurer of England: unto whom she bore two sons both dying without issue, and herself without more fruit of womb, left her life, and lieth buried at Fra●…ingham in Norfolk.  
125) Bridget the fourth daughter of K. Edward the fourth by his wife Queen Elizabeth, was borne at Eltham in Kent, the tenth of November and year of Grace 1480. being the twentieth of her father's Reign. She took the habit of Religion, and became a Nun in the Nunnery of Dartford, in the same County, founded by K. Edward the third, where she spent her life in contemplations unto the day of her death.  
(126) Marry the fifth daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was promised in marriage unto the King of Denmark, but died (before it could be solemnised) in the Tower of Greenwich, the Sunday before Pentecost the twentieth two of her father's reign, and year of Grace 1482. and was buried at Windsor.  
(127) Margaret the sixth daughter of K. Edward the fourth, by his wife Queen Elizabeth, died an Infant without other mention in our Authors.  
(128) Katherine the seventh daughter of King Edward the fourth, by Queen Elizabeth his wife, and the last of them both, was married unto William Courtney Earl of Devonshire; and Lord of Ocha●…pton, unto whom she bore Lord Henry after the death of his father Earl of Devonshire, who by King Henry the eight was created marquess of Excester in Anno 1525.   

His Concubines.  
(129) Elizabeth Lucy is certainly known to have been King Edward's Concubine, though nothing so certainly mentioned, whose Lady, or of what Parentage she was; that she was conceived by him with child is before declared, but who that child was, is as obscurely laid down; therefore in these things we must be silent, and leave the doubts to be resolved by others. Three other concubines this king had, whereof Shore's wife was not the least beloved, whose life falleth further to be spoken of in the Reign of the usurper Richard, where her story shall be showed more at large. 
His natural Issue.   
(150) Arthur, surnamed Plantagenet, the natural son of K. Edward the fourth, (whose mother as is supposed, was the Lady Elizabeth Lucy) was created Viscount Lisle by King Henry the eight at Bridewell in London, the twenty sixth of April, and year of Salvation 1533. which title was conf●…red upon him in right of his wife Lady Elizabeth, sister and heir unto john Grace Viscount Lisle, and the late wife and then widow of Edmund Dudley: who bore unto this Viscount three daughters, which were Bridget, Frances, and Elizabeth, all of them afterward married. This Arthur Lord Lisle was made Lieutenant of Calais by the said K. Henry, which Town some of his servants intended to have betrayed to the French, for which their fact himself was sent to the Tower of London: but his truth appearing after much search, the King sent him a rich ring from his own finger, with such comfortable words, as at the hearing thereof a sudden joy overcharged his heart, & was so immoderately received, that the same night it made an end of his life, whose body was honourably buried in the same Tower.  
(151) Elizabeth the natural daughter of K. Edward the fourth, was married to Sir Thomas Lumley Knight, the son of George, Lord Lumley, who died before his father: she bore unto the said Sir Thomas, Richard, afterward Lord Lumley, from whom the late Lord Lumley did descend.    

EDWARD THE FIFTH, KING 
Edward 5.  OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, AND LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY FIFTH MONARCH 
Monarch 55  OF THIS LAND, HIS REIGN, AND DEATH. For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moor. CHAPTER XVIII.  
THe father thus dying in the strength of his years, and the son left to rule before he was ripe, the Synders of dissensions which the sick King had lately raked up, presently broke forth into a more raging flame; for the king and Queen's blood that should have supported young Edward's estate, the one side being suspicious, and ●…e other provoked by the execrable desire of sovereignty, left the tender king (a Prince of such towardness as his age could 
King Edward's reign unfortunate and 〈◊〉.  contain) destitute and unarmed, which if either kind or kindred had holden place, must needs have been the surest pillars of his defence. The reign of this King (if we may so call the shorttime of his Sovereignty) began the same day that his father died, 
April 19 A. D. 1483.  though he was never Crowned, nor yet commanded the affairs of the Kingdom as an absolute Monarch, his young brother's fortunes being balanced 
Richard Duke of York.  with his.  
(2) For Richard Duke of Gloucester, by nature their uncle, by office their Protector, to their Father 
Richard Duke of Gloucester an unnatural uncle unto the young King and his brother.  beholden, to themselves by Oath and Allegiance bounden, all bands broken that holdeth man and man together, without any respect of God or the World, unnaturally contrived to bereave them, not only of their dignity, but also theirlines. But forsomuch as the Duke's demeanour ●…reth in effect all the whole matter whereof the reign of this young and fifth Edward must entreat, it●… therefore convenient, somewhat to show you ere we go further, what man this was, and from whom he descended that could find in his heart so much mischief to conceive.  
(3) Know-worth first than that Richard Duke of York, a noble man and a mighty, began not 
Richard Duke of York was the father of Richard Duke of Gloucester.  by war, but by law to challenge the Crown; putting his claim into the Parliament; where his cause was (either for right or favour) so far forth advanced that King Henry's blood (albeit he had a goodly Prince) was utterly rejected, the Crown by the authority of that high Court entailed to the Duke of York, and his issue male in remainder, immediately after the death of King Henry. But the Duke not enduring so long to tarry, intending under pretext of dissension and debate arising in the Realm, to prevent his time, and to take upon him the rule in King Henry's life, was with many other Nobles slain at Wakefield, leaving three sons, Edward, George, and Richard; all of them as they were great states of birth, so were they great and stately of stomach, greedy and ambitious of authority, and impatient of partners.  
(4) For Edward revenging his father's death deprived king Henry, and attained the Crown; The second, George Duke of Clarence, was a goodly Noble Prince, and in all things fortunate, if either his own ambition had not set him against his brother, or the envy of his enemies, his brother against him. For were it by the Queen and Lords of her blood which highly maligned the King's kindred (as women commonly, not of malice but of nature hate them whom their husband's love) or were it a proud appetite 
Women commonly malign their husband's 〈◊〉.  of the Duke himself, intending to be King: at leastwise heinous treason was laid to his charge, and finally were he faulty, were he faultless, attainted he was by Parliament, and judged to death, as we have said.  
(5) Richard the third son, of whom we now 
The description of Richard Duke of Gloucester.  entreat was in wit and courage equal with either of them, in body and prowess far under them both, little of stature, ill-limmed, and crookbacked, his left shoulder much higher than his right, very hard favoured of visage, and such as in States is called warly, in other men otherwise: he was malicious, wrathful, and envious, yea and from afore his birth ever froward. For it is for truth reported, that the Duchess his mother had so much ado in her travail, that she could not be delivered of him uncut, and that he came into the world with his feet forward, as men be borne outward, and (as the fame runneth) also not vn●…oothed; Whether men of hatred report above the truth, or else that nature changed her Course in his beginning, which in the course of his life many things unnaturally committed.  
(6) No evil Captain was he in the war, as to which his disposition was more inclined then for 
Richard Crooke-backe a good soldier.  peace; sundry victories he had, and sometimes overthrows, but never in default as for his own person, either of hardiness, or politic order; free was he of his dispense, and somewhat above his power liberal: with large gifts he gate him unsteadfast friendship, for which he was forced to pill and pole in other places, which gate him steadfast hatred. He was close and secret, a deep dissembler, lowly o●…countenance, arrogant of heart, outwardly familiar, where even now he hated, and not letting to kiss whom he thought to kill: despi●…efull and cruel he was, not for evill-will always, but oftener for ambition, and either for the surety, or increase of his estate. Friend and foe was much what indifferent; where his advantage grew, he spared no man's death, whose life withstood his purpose. He slew with his own hands, King Henry the sixth, being Prisoner in the Tower, as men constantly said, and that without commandment or knowledge of the King, who undoubtedly if he had intended his death, would have appointed that butcherly office to some other than his own brother.  
(7) Some wise ●…en also judge, that his drift covertly 
He was the cause of Clorence his death.  conveyed, lacked not in helping forth his brother Clarence to his death; which he resisted openly, howbeit somewhat (as men deemed) more faintly, than he that was heartily minded to his wealth. And they that thus judge, think that long time in K. Edward's life, he forcast to be king, in case that his brother (whose life he looked that evil diet should shorten) should happen to decease (as indeed he did) while his 
Richard of Gloucester intended to be King e●…en while K. Edward lived.  children were young. And they deem that for this intent he was glad of the Duke of Clarence death, whose life must needs have hindered him so intending, (being his elder brother) whether the same Duke had kept him true to his Nephew the young king, or enterprised to be king himself. But of all this point, there is no certainty, and who so divineth upon conjectures, may aswell shoot too far, as too short. Howbeit this have I by credible information learned, that the same night, in which king Edward died, one Mistlebroke long ere morning, came in great haste to the house of one Pottier dwelling in Red Cross street without Creeple-gate in London: and when he with hasty rapping, quickly was let in, he showed unto Pottier that K. Edward was departed. By my troth man quoth Pottier, then will my Master the Duke of Gloucester be king: what cause 
The speech of Pottier at King Edward's death.  he had so to think, hard it is to say, whether being toward him knew any such thing intended, or otherwise had any inkling thereof, for it was not likely that he spoke it of no ground.  
(8) But now to return to the course of this History; were it that the Duke of Gloucester had of old foreminded this conclusion, & was now thereunto moved, & put in hope by the occasion of the tender age of the young Princes his Nephews (as opportunity & likelihood of speed, putteth a man in courage of that he never intended) certain it is, that he contrived 
The uncle contriveth the destruction of his Nephews.  their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon himself, and forasmuch as he well wist, and holp to maintain a long continued grudge and hartburning between the Queen's kindred, and the King's blood, either part envying others authority; he now thought their divisions should be (as it was indeed) a forward beginning to the pursuit of his intent, and a sure ground for the foundation of all his building, if he might first, under the pretext of revenging old displeasure, abuse the anger and ignorance of the one party, to the destruction of the other and then win to his purpose as many 
Richard's deep policy.  as he could, and those that could not be won, might be lost before they were aware; for of one thing was he certain, that if his intent were perceived he should soon have made peace between both the parties with his own blood.  
(9) King Edward in his life, albeit that this dissension between his friends somewhat grieved him, yet in his good health he somewhat less regarded it, because he thought whatsoever business should fall between them, himself should always be able to rule both the parties. But in his last sickness, when he perceived his natural strength so sore enfeebled, 
King Edward's care to set peace betwixt the Queen's kindred and his.  that he despaired all recovery; then considering the youth of his Children, albeit he nothing less mistrusted than that that happened, yet well foreseeing how many harms might grow by their debate, while the youth of his children should lack discretion of themselves, and good Counsel of their friends, of which either party should counsel for their own commodity, and the rather by pleasant advise to win themselves favour, then by profitable advertisements to do his children good, he called some of them before him that were at variance, and in special the Lord marquess Dorset, the Queen's son by her first husband, and William Lord Hastings a nobleman, than Lord Chamberlain, against whom th●… Queen especially grudged, for 
The Queen's jealousy against the Lord C●…berlaine.  the great favour the King bore him: and also for that she thought him secretly familiar with the King in wanton company. Her kindred also bore him sore, aswell for that the King had made him Captain of Calais, which office the Lord Rivers, brother to the Queen claimed of the King's former promise, as for divers other great gifts which he received, that they looked for. These were the grudges which the king on his death bed sought to remove, and they in show seemed to cancel, as we have said, though the sparks of these displeasures burst afterward into a dangerous flame, which consumed most of them, as afterward shall appear.  
(10) For assoon as the King was departed this life, his son Prince Edward drew towards London from Ludlow in Wales, which Country being 
King Edward repaireth towards London.  far off from the law, and recourse to justice, was become to be far out of Order, and grown wild Robbers, Rovers walking at liberty uncorrected: for which cause this Prince in the life time of his father was sent thither, to the end that the authority of his presence should refrain evil disposed persons, from the boldness of their former outrages. To the governance and ordering of this young Prince at his sending thither, was there appointed Sir Anthony Wooduill Lord Rivers, and brother unto the Queen, a right honourable man, as valiant of hand as politic 
The Queen's kindred only about the Prince.  in Counsel; adjoined were there unto him others of the same party, and in effect every one as he was nearest of kin unto the Queen, so was he planted next about the Prince.  
(11) That drift of the Queen not unwisely devised, whereby her blood might of youth be rooted in the Prince's favour, the Duke of Gloucester turned unto their destruction, and upon that ground set the foundation of all his unhappy building. For whomsoever he perceived either at variance with them, or bearing himself their favour, he broke unto them; some by mouth, some by writing and secret messengers, that it was neither reason, nor in any wise to be suffered, that the young King their Master and kinsman, should be in the hands and Custody of his mother's kindred, sequestered in manner from their Company and attendance, of which every one ought him as faithful service as they, and many of them far more honourable part of kin than his mother's side: whose blood (quoth he) saving the King's 
The Duke seeketh to displace the Prince.  pleasure was far unmeet to be matched with his, which now to be as who say removed from the king, and the less noble to be left about him, is (quoth he) neither honourable to his Majesty nor unto us, and also to his Grace no surety, to have the mightiest of his friends from him, and unto us no little jeopardy, to suffer our well proved evill-willers to grow in over great authority with the Prince in youth, who is light of belief and soon persuaded. Ye remember I trow K. Edward himself, albeit he was a man of age and discretion, yet was he in many things ruled by the bend, more than stood either with his honour, or our profit, or with the commodity of any man else, except only the immoderate advancement of themselves. Which whether they sorer thirsted after their own weal, or our woe, it were hard I ween to guess, and if some folks friendship had not held better place with the King, than any respect of kindred, they might perhaps easily have entrapped and brought some of us to confusion ere this; why not as easily as they have done some other already, as near of his royal blood as we? But our Lord hath 
The crafty complaints of Richard Duke of Gloucester.  wrought his will, and thanks be to his grace, that peril is past: howbeit as great is growing, if we suffer this young King in our enemy's hand; which without his knowledge might abuse the name of his commandment, to any of our undoing, which thing God and good provision forbid.  
(12) Of which good provision none of us hath any thing the less need, for the late made atonement, in which the King's pleasure had more place than the parties wills: nor none of us, I believe, is so unwise over soon to trust a new friend made of an old foe, or to think that an hourly kindness, suddenly contracted in one hour continued yet scarce a fortnight, should be deeper settled in their stomachs, than a long accustomed malice many years rooted. With these words and writings and such other, the Duke of Gloucester soon set afire them that were of themselves apt enough to kindle, especially two, Edward Duke of Buckingham, and William Lord Hastings 
The effect that his policy took.  Chamberlain, both men of honour and of great power. The one by long succession from his Auncestry: the other by his office, and the King's favour. These two not bearing each to other so much love, as both of them hatred unto the Queen's part, in this point accorded together, with the Duke of Gloucester, that they would utterly remove from the 
The conclusion of his designs.  King's Company all his mother's friends under the name of their enemies.  
(13) Upon this conclusion the Duke of Gloucester understanding, that the Lords which at that time were about the King, intended to bring him to London to his Coronation, accompanied with such power of their friends, that it should be hard for him to bring his purpose to pass, without the gathering a great assembly of people, and in manner of open war, whereof the end he wist well was doubtful, and in which the King being on their side, his part should have the face and name of a Rebellion; he secretly therefore by divers means, caused the Queen to be persuaded and brought in mind, 
Another crafty policy of Duke Richard.  that it neither were need, and also should be jeopardous, the King to come up strong.  
(14) For whereas now every Lord loved other, and no other thing studied upon, but about the Coronation and honour of the King: if the Lords of her kindred should assemble in the King's name much people, they should give the Lords of the contrary faction cause to fear and suspect, lest they should gather this people not for the King's safeguard, whom no man impugned, but for their destruction, having more regard to their old variance, than their new atonement: for which cause they should assemble on the other party much people again for their defence, whose power she wist well stretched far: and thus should all the Realm fall on an uproar: and of all the hurt that thereof should ensue, which was likely not to be a little, & the most harm like to fall where she lest would, all the world would put her and her kindred in the blame, and say that they had unwisely and untruely also broken the amity and peace, which the King her husband so prudently made betwixt his kin and hers on his death bed, and which the other party faithfully observed.  
(15) The Queen in this wise persuaded, sent such word unto her son; and unto her brother being 
The Queen yieldeth to the Duke's persuasion.  about the King: beside, the Duke of Gloucester, himself and other Lords the chief of his bend, wrote unto the King so reverently, and to the Queen's friends there so lovingly, that they nothing earthly mistrusting, brought up the King in great haste, but not in good speed, with a sober company. Now was the King in his way to London, gone from Northampton, when the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham 
The Lords meet at Northampton.  came thither, where remained behind the Lord Rivers the King's uncle, intending on the morrow to follow the King, and be with him at Stony-Stratford, twelve miles thence, early ere he departed. So was there made that night much friendly cheer betwixt these two Dukes and the Lord Rivers a great while: but incontinent after that, they were openly with great courtesy departed, and the Lord Rivers lodged, the Dukes secretly with a few of their most privy friends, set them down in Council, wherein they spent a great part of the night: & at their rising in the dawning of the day, they sent out privily to their servants in their Inns and lodgings about, giving command to make themselves shortly ready, for their Lords were to horse-ward: upon which messages, many of their folk were attendant, when many of the L. rivers servants were unready. 
The Keys of the Inn kept by Richard Duke of Glaucester.   
(16) Now had these Dukes taken into their custodies the keys of the Inn, that none should pass forth without their licence: and besides this, in the highway towards Stony-Stratford, where the King lay, they had bestowed certain of their men, that should send back again, and compel to return any man that were gotten out of Northampton towards Stony-Stratford, till they had further order: forasmuch as the Dukes themselves intended for the show of their diligence, to be the first that should that day attend upon the King's Highness out of that Town. Thus bore they folk in hand: but when the Lord Rivers understood the gates closed, 
The L. Rivers much troubled at the sudden action.  the ways beset, neither his servants, or himself suffered to go out, considering well so great a thing without his knowledge, could not be done. for nought; and comparing this present manner, with his last night's cheer, in so few hours to have so great a change, marvelously misliked it. How beit sith he could not get away, nor keep himself close he would not, lest he should seem to hide himself for some secret fear of his own fault, whereof he saw no such cause in himself: he determined upon the surety of his own conscience, to go boldly unto them, and to inquire what this matter might mean; whom as soon as they saw, they began to quarrel with, saying, that he intended to set distance between the King and them, and to bring them to confusion, but it should not lie in his power. And when he began (as he was a very 
The L. Rivers imprisoned in Northampton.  well spoken man) in seemly wise to excuse himself, they carried not the end of his answer, but shortly took him, & put him in ward: and that done, forthwith went to horseback, and took the way to Stony-Stratford, where they found the King with his Company, ready to leap on horseback, and depart forward to leave that lodging for them, because it was too straight for both companies.  
(17) And as soon as they came in his presence, they alighted down with all their company about them; to whom the Duke of Buckingham said, Go 
The Dukes come to the King.  afore Gentlemen, and Yeomen keep your rooms. In which goodly array they came to the King, and on their knees in very humble manner saluted his Grace, who received them in very joyous and amiable manner, nothing knowing, nor mistrusting as yet what was done. But even by and by in his presence, they picked a quarrel to the Lord Grace, the Kings 
A quarrel picked in the king's presence.  other brother by his mother, saying, that he with the Lord marquess his brother, and the Lord Rivers his uncle, had compassed to rule the King and the realm, and to set variance among the States, and to subdue and destroy the noble blood of the Realm: towards the accomplishing whereof, they said that the Lord marquess had entered into the Tower of London, & 
Accusations against the Queen's kindred  thence taken out the King's treasure, and had sent men to the sea. All which things these Dukes well knew were done for necessary and good purposes, by the whole Council at London, saving that somewhat they must say.  
(18) Unto which words the King answered, what 
The King excuseth his uncle.  my brother marquess had done I cannot say: but in good sooth I dare well answer for mine uncle Rivers, & my brother here, that they are innocent of any such matter: yea my liege, quoth the Duke of Buckingham, they have kept their dealings in these matters far from the knowledge of your good Grace. And forth with they arrested the Lord Richard, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and Sir Richard Hawt Knights in the King's presence, and brought the king and all his company back unto Northampton, where 
The King is brought back to Northampton.  they took again further counsel. And there they sent away from the King whom it pleased them, and set new servants about him, such as better liked them then him: At which dealing the king wept, and was nothing content; but it booted not: and at dinner, the Duke of Gloucester sent a dish from his own Table to the Lord Rivers, bidding him be of good cheer for all should be well. But the Lord 
The Duke of Gloucester sends a dish of meat unto the Lord Rivers.  Rivers thanking the Duke, prayed the Messenger to bear it to the Lord Richard, with the same message for his comfort, as one to whom such adversity was strange, but himself had been all his days enured therewith, and therefore could bear it the better: but for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester, he sent the Lord Rivers, and the Lord Richard, with Sir Thomas Vaughan into the North Country, into divers places to prison, and afterward all to Pomfret, where they were in conclusion beheaded. 
The L. Rivers & others beheaded   
(19) In this wise the Duke of Gloucester took upon himself the Order and Governance of the young King, whom with much honour and humble reverence he conveyed towards London. But anon the tidings of this matter came hastily to the Queen, a little before the midnight following, and that in the sorest wise, that the King her son was taken, her brother, her son, and other friends arrested, & sent no man wist whither, to be done with God wot what. With which tidings, the Queen in great fright & heaviness, bewailed her child's reign, her friends mischance, and her own misfortune, damning the time that ever she dissuaded the gathering of power about the King, got herself in all hast possible with her young son, and her daughters, out of the Palace of Westminster, in which she then lay, into the Sanctuary, lodging herself, and 
Queen Elizabeth taketh Sanctuary.  company there in the Abbot's place.  
(20) Now came there one likewise, not long after night from the Lord Chamberlain, unto the Archbishop of York then Chancellor of England, to his place no ●…re from Westminster; and for that 
The L. Chamberlain sendeth the news to the L. Chancellor.  he showed his servants, that he had tidings of great importance, that his M. gave him in charge, not to forbear his rest, they letted not to awake him; nor he to admit the Messenger unto his bed side. Of whom he heard that these Dukes were gone back with the King's Grace from Stony-Stratford unto Northampton: notwithstanding Sir (quoth he) my Lord sendeth your Lordship word, that there is no fear: for he assureth you that all shall be well. I assure him (quoth the Archbishop) be it as well as it will, it will never be so well as we have seen it. And thereupon by and by after the messenger's departure, he caused in all hast all his servants to be called up, and so with his own household about him, every man weaponed, he took the Great Seal with him, and came yet before day unto the Queen. About whom he found much 
The great heaviness and confusion of the Queen and her servants.  heaviness, rumble, haste and business, carriage and conveyance of her stuff into Sanctuary, chests, coffers, packs and fardels, trussed all on men's backs, no man unoccupied, some lading, some going, some discharging, some coming for more, some breaking down the walls, to bring in the next way, and some drew to them to help to carry a wrong way. The Queen herself sat alone allow on the rushes, all desolate and dismayed, whom the Archbishop comforted 
The Archbishop's comforts to the Queen.  in the best manner he could, showing her that he trusted the matter was nothing so sore as she took it for, and that he was put in good hope and out of fear, by a message sent him from the L. Chamberlain: Ah woe worth him (quoth the Queen) he is one of them that laboureth to destroy me and my blood.  
(21) Madam (quoth he) be of good cheer; for I assure you, if they crown any other King than your son, whom they have now with them, we shall on the morrow crown his brother, whom you have 
The L. Chancellor gives the great Seal to the Queen.  here with you: and here is the great Seal, which in like sort as that noble Prince your husband delivered it unto me, so here I deliver it unto you, to the use and behoof of your son, and therewith he betook her the Great Seal, and departed home again, even in the dawning of the day: by which time he might in his Chamber window see all the Thames full of boats of the Duke of Glocesters' servants, watching that no man should go to Sanctuary, nor none should pass unsearched. Then was there great commotion and murmur, aswell in other places about, as especially in the City, the people diversly divining upon this dealing. And some Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, either for favour of the Queen, or for fear of themselves, assembled in sundry Companies, and went flockemeale in harness: 
Great fear conceived of the overmuch murmuring made.  and many also, for that they accounted this demeanour attempted, not so specially against the other Lords, as against the King himself in the disturbance of his Coronation.  
(22) But then, by and by the Lords assembled together, towards which meeting, the Archbishop of York fearing that it would be ascribed (as it was indeed) to his overmuch lightness, that he so suddenly had yielded up the great Seal to the Queen (to whom the custody thereof nothing appertained) without special commandment of the King, secretly sent for the Seal again, & brought 
The L. Chancellor sendeth for the great Seal to the Queen.  it with him after the accustomed manner. And at this meeting, the Lord Hastings, whose truth toward the King no man doubted, nor needed to doubt, persuaded the Lords to believe, that the Duke of Gloucester, was sure and fastly faithful to his Prince, and that the Lord Rivers and Lord Richard, with the other knight, were for matters attempted by them against the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham put under arrest for their surety, not for the King's 
Persuasions of the L. Hastings that nothing was extremely meant  jeopardy; and that they were also in safeguard, & there no longer should remain, then till the matter were, not by the Duke's only, but also by all the other Lords of the king's Council indifferently examined, and by other discretions ordered, either judged or appeased. But one thing he advised them beware, that they judged not the matter too far forth ere they knew the truth, nor turning their private grudges into the common hurt, irking and provoking men unto anger; and disturbing the king's Coronation; towards which the Dukes were coming up, that they might peradventure bring the matter so far out of joint, that it should never be brought in frame again. Which strife if it should happen (as it were likely) to come to a field, though both parties were in all things equal, yet should the authority be on that side where the King is himself.  
(23) With these persuasions of the Lord Hastings, whereof part himself believed, of part he wist 
L. Hastings somewhat dissembleth.  the contrary, these commotions were somewhat appeased, but especially by that, that the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham were so near, and came so shortly on with the King, in none other manner, with none other voice, or any other semblance then to his Coronation; causing the fame to be blown about, that these Lords and Knights which were taken, had contrived the destruction of the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham, and of other the Noble 
False imputation cast upon the Lords of the Queen's blood.  blood of the Realm, to the end that themselves would alone demean and govern the King at their pleasure. And for the Colourable proof thereof, such of the Duke's servants as road with the Carts of their stuff that were taken (amongst which stuff no marvel though some were harness, which at the breaking up of the household, must needs either be brought away, or cast away) they showed unto the people all the way as they went; saying, lo here be the barrels of harness, that these Traitors have privily conveyed in their Carriages to destroy the Noble Lords withal. This devise, albeit it made the matter to wisemen more unlikely, well perceiving that the intenders of such a purpose, would rather have had their harness on their backs, then to be bound up in barrels: yet much part of the common people were therewith very well satisfied, and said it 
How soon the Commons are brought into fools Paradise.  were alms to hang them.  
(24) When the King approached near to the City, Edmund Shan Goldsmith then Mayor, with William White and john Matthew Sheriffs, and all the other 
King Edward met by the Citizens, and accompanied by them into London.  Aldermen in scarlet, with five hundred horse of the Citizens in violet, received him reverently at Haruesey, and riding from thence, accompanied him into the City, which he entered the fourth day of May, the first and last year of his Reign. The King was lodged in the Bishop's Palace, where was kept a great Council, and there was sworn to the king, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Buckingham, and all the Lords. But the Duke of Gloucester, bore him in open sight so reverently to the Prince, with all semblance of fowlines, that from the great obloquy 
Richard Duke of Gloucester made Protector of the King and Realm.  in which he was so late before, he was suddenly fallen in so great trust, that at the Council next assembled, he was made the only man, chose & thought most meet to be Protector of the king and his realm, so that (were it destiny, or were it folly) the lamb was betaken to the wolf to keep. At which Council also, the Archbishop of York Chancellor of England, which had delivered up the great Seal to the Queen, was thereof greatly reproved, and the Seal taken from him, and delivered to Doctor Russell Bishop of Lincoln, a wise man, and of much experience, 
The great Seal is taken from the Archbishop of York.  and undoubtedly one of the best learned men that England had in his time: divers Lords & Knights were appointed unto divers Rooms, the Lord Chamberlain, and some others, keeping still their offices they had before.  
(25) Now although that the Protector, so sore thirsted for the finishing of those designs which he had begun, and thought every day a year till they were achieved, yet durst he no further attempt, so long as he had but half his prey in his hand: well witting, that if he deposed the one brother, all the Realm would fall to the other, if he either remained in Sanctuary, or should be conveyed to his further liberty: wherefore, incontinent at the next meeting of 
The Protectors persuasion to take out of Sanctuary the young Duke of York.  the Lords in Council, he proposed unto them, that it was a heinous deed of the Queen, and proceeded of great malice towards the King's Counsellors, that she should keep in Sanctuary the King's brother from him, whose special pleasure and comfort were to have his brother with him: and that by her done, was to none other intent, but to bring all the Lords in obloquy, and murmur of the people, as though they were not to be trusted with the King's brother, who by assent of the Nobles of the land, were appointed as the King's nearest friends, to the tuition of his own royal person. The prosperity whereof standeth (quoth he) not all in keeping from enemies or ill viand, but partly also in recreation, and moderate pleasure, which he in his tender youth cannot take in the company of ancient persons, but in the familiar conversation of those that be neither far under, nor far above his age, and nevertheless of estate convenient to accompany his noble Majesty; wherefore with whom rather, then with his own brother? And if any man think this consideration (which I think no 
A ●…e ●…ch to fetch out the Duke.  man thinketh that loveth the King) let him consider that sometimes without small things, greater cannot stand. And verily, it redoundeth greatly to the dishonour both of the King's Highness, and of us all that are about his Grace, to have it run in every man's mouth, not in this Realm only, but also in other lands, (as evil words walk far) that the King's brother shall be feign to keep Sanctuary; for every man I deem, will suppose, that there is occasion given, why it should so be: and such evil opinions once fastened in men's hearts, hardly can be screwed out again, and may grow to more grief than any man here can divine. Wherefore 
The Protector would have the Queen sent unto.  I think it were not the worst to send unto the Queen for the redress of this matter, some honourable trusty man, such as both tendereth the king's weal, and the honour of this Council, and is also in favour and credence with her. For all which considerations, none seemeth to me more mere, then is our reverend Father here present, my Lord Cardinal, who may in this matter do most good of any man, if it please him to take the pains, which I doubt not of his goodness he will not refuse, for the King's sake and ours, and weal of the young Duke himself, the Kings most honourable brother, and after my Sovereign himself, my most dear Nephew, Considering that thereby shall be ceased the slanderous rumour and obloquy now going, and the hurts avoided that thereof might ensue, and much rest and quiet grow to all the Realm. And if she be percase so obstinate, and so precisely set upon her own will, that neither his wise and faithful advertisement 
If the Queen refuse to deliver the Duke what is to be done.  cannot move her; nor any man's reason content her: then shall we by mine advise, and by the King's authority, fetch him out of that Prison; & bring him to his noble presence, in whose continual company he shall be so well cherished, and so honourably entreated, that all the world shall to our honour, and her reproach perceive, that it was only malice, frowardness, or folly, that caused her to keep him there: this is my mind in this matter for this time, except any of your Lordships any thing perceive to the contrary, for never shall I by God's Grace, so wed myself to my own will, but that I shall be ready to change it upon your better advises.  
(26) When the Protector had said, all the Council affirmed that the motion was good and reasonable, 
All the Counsel allow of the Protectors speech.  and to the King and the Duke his brother honourable, and the thing that should cease great murmur in the Realm, if the mother might be by good means induced to deliver him. Which thing the Archbishop of York, whom they all agreed also to be thereto most convenient, took upon him to move her, and therein to do his uttermost endeavour: how beit if she could by no means be entreated with her good will to deliver him, than thought he, and such other of the Clergy then present, that it were not in any wise to be attempted, to take him out against her will. For it would be a thing that should turn to the great grudge of all men, and high displeasure of God, if the privilege of that holy place should now be broken, which had so many years been kept, which both Kings and Popes so 
A great offence to break the Sanctuary.  good had granted, so many had confirmed, and which holy ground was more than five hundred years ago, by S. Peter in his own person, in spirit accompanied with great multitude of Angels, by night so specially hallowed and dedicated to God, (for the proof whereof, they have yet in the Abbey, S. Peter's Cope to show) that from that time hitherward, 
S. Peter's own Cope was to be seen in Westminster.  was there never so undevout a King, that durst violate that sacred place, or so holy a Bishop, that durst presume to consecrate it; and therefore (quoth the Archbishop of York) God forbid that any man should for any thing earthly, enterprise to break the immunity and liberty of that sacred Sanctuary, that hath been the safeguard of many a good man's life: and I trust (quoth he) with God's grace we shall not need it. But for what need soever, I would not we should do it; I trust that she shall be with reason contented, and all things in good manner obtained, but if it happen, that I bring it not so to pass, yet shall I toward it with my best, and you shall all well perceive, that there shall be of my endeavour no lack, if the mother's dread, and womanish fear be not the let.  
(27) Womanish fear, nay womanish frowardness (quoth the Duke of Buckingham) for I dare take 
The Duke of Buckingham's speech.  it upon my soul, she well knoweth, there is no need of any fear, either for her son or for herself. For as for her, here is no man that will be at war with a woman. Would God some of the men of her kin were women too, and then should all be soon in rest: Howbeit, there is none of her kin the less loved, for that they be of her kin, but for their own evil deserving. And nay the less, if we loved neither her, nor her kin, yet were there no cause to think, that we should hate the King's noble brother, to whose Grace we ourselves be of kin: whose honour, if she as much desired, as our dishonour, and as much regard took to his wealth, as to her own will, she would be as loath to suffer him from the King, as any of us be. For, if she have wit, (as would God she 
Queen Elizabeth held to have a shrewd wit.  had as good will as she hath shrewd wit) she reckoneth herself no wiser, than she thinketh some that be here, of whose faithful mind she nothing doubteth, but verily believeth and knoweth, that they would be as sorry of his harm, as herself, and yet would have him from her, if she bide there: and we all (I think) content, that both be with her, if she come thence, and bide in such place; where they may be with their honour. Now then, if she refuse in 
Not fear but frowardness kept the young Duke in Sanctuary.  the deliverance of him, to follow the Counsel of them, whose wisdom she knoweth, whose truth she well trusteth: it is easy to perceive, that frowardness letteth her, and not fear. But go to, suppose that she fear, (as who may let her to fear her own shadow) the more she feareth to deliver him, the more ought we to fear to leave him in her hands. For, if she cast such fond doubts, that she fear his hurt; then will she fear, that he shall be fetched thence. For she will soon think, that if men were set (which God forbid) upon so great a mischief, the Sanctuary would little let them: which good men might (as I think) without sin, somewhat less regard than they do. Then, if she 
A great fear without any great cause.  doubt, lest he might be fetched from her, is it not likely that she shall send him somewhere out of the Realm? Verily, I look for none other. And I doubt not, but she now as sore mindeth it, as we the let thereof. And if she might happen to bring that to pass (as it were no great mastery, we letting her alone) all the world would say, that we were a wise sort of Counsellors about a King, that suffer his brother to be cast away under our noses. And therefore I assure you faithfully for my mind, I will rather maugre her mind, fetch him away, then leave him there, till her frowardness and fond fear convey him away. And yet will I break no Sanctuary therefore: for verily, sith the privileges of that place, and other like have been of long continued, I am not he that will go about to break them. And in good faith, if they were now to begin, I would not be he that should be about to make them. Yet will I not say nay, but that it is a deed of pity, that 
Buckingham's opinion of the Sanctuaries.  such men, as the sea, or their evil debtor have brought in poverty, should have some place of liberty, to keep their bodies out of the danger of their cruel Creditors. And also, if the Crown happen (as it hath done) to come in question, while either part taketh other as Traitors, I like well there be some places of refuge for both. But as for 
Much abuses suffered in Sanctuaries.  thieves, of which these places be full, and which never fall from the craft after they once fall thereunto; it is pity the Sanctuary should serve them, & much more manquellers, whom God bade to take from the Altar and kill them, if their murder were wilful. And where it is otherwise, there need we not the Sanctuaries, that God appointed in the old Law: for if either necessity, his own defence, or misfortune draweth him to that deed, a pardon serveth, which either the law granteth of course, or the King of pity may. Then look we now how few sanctuary men there be, whom any favourable necessity compelled to go thither; and then see on the other side, what a sort there be commonly therein of them, whom wilful unthriftiness hath brought to nought: what rabble of thieves, murderers, and malicious heinous Traitors, and that in two places especially? the one 
Westminster. S. martin's.  at the elbow of the City, the other in the very bowels. I dare well avow it, weigh the good that they do, with the hurt that cometh of them, and ye shall find it much better to lack both, then to have both. And this I say, although they were not abused as they now be, and so long have been, that I fear me ever they will be, while men be afraid to set the hands to amend the, as though God & S. Peter were the patrons of ungracious living. Now unthrifts riot, and run in debt, upon the boldness of these places; yea, and rich men run thither with poor men's goods, there they build, there they spend, and bid their Creditors go whistle. men's wives run thither with their husband's plate, and say, they dare not abide with their husbands for beating. thieves bring thither their stolen goods, and live thereon rio tously: there they devise new robberies, nightly they steal out, they rob and rive, kill and come in again, as though those places gave them not only a safeguard for the harm they have done, but a licence also to do more; howbeit much of this mischief, if Wisemen would set their hands to it, might be amended, with great thanks of God, and no breach of the Privilege. The residue, sith so long ago, I wot near what Pope, and what Prince more piteous than politic hath granted it, and other men since, of a certain religious fear, have not broken it; let us therefore take pain therewith, and let it a God's name stand in force, as far forth as reason will, which is not fully so far forth, as may serve to let us of the fetching forth of this Nobleman, to his honour and wealth, out of that place, in which he neither is, nor can be a Sanctuary man. A Sanctuary 
The true use of the Sanctuary.  serveth always to defend the body of that man that standeth in danger abroad, not of great hurt only, but also of lawful hurt; for against unlawful harms, never Pope nor King intended to privilege any one place, for that privilege hath every place: knoweth any man any place, wherein it is lawful for one man to do another wrong? that no man unlawfully take hurt, that liberty, the King, the Law, and very nature forbiddeth in every place, and maketh to that regard, for every man; every place a Sanctuary: but where a man is by lawful means in peril, there needeth he the tuition of some special privilege, which is the only ground and cause of all Sanctuaries: from which necessity this noble Prince is far, whose love to the King, nature and kindred proveth, whose innocency 
The Duke of York uncapable of Sanctuary.  to all the world, his tender youth proveth, and so Sanctuary, as for him, neither none he needeth, nor none can he have. Men come not to Sanctuary, as they come to Baptism, to require it by their Godfathers; he must ask it himself, that must have it; and reason, sith no man hath cause to have it, but whose conscience of his own fault maketh him feign need to require it: what will then hath yonder babe? which and if he had discretion to require it, if need were, I dare say would now be right angry with them that keep him there: and I would think without any scruple of conscience, without any breach of Privilege, to be somewhat more homely with them, that be there Sanctuary 
Neither Pope nor King can allow Sanctuary men to consume other men's substance.  men indeed: for if one go to Sanctuary with another man's goods, why should not the King, leaving his body at liberty, satisfy the party of his goods, even within the Sanctuary? for neither King nor Pope can give any place such a privilege, that it shall discharge a man of his debts, being able to pay. And with that divers of the Clergy that were present, whether they said it for his pleasure, or as they thought, agreed plainly, that by the law of God, and of the Church, th●…●…oods of a Sanctuary man, should be deliuere●… 〈◊〉 payment of his debts, and stolen goods to the owner, and only liberty reserved him, to get his living with the labour of his hands. Verily (quoth the Duke) I think you say very truth; and what if a man's wife would take Sanctuary, because she lift to run from her husband? I would ween if she could allege none other cause, he may lawfully without any displeasure to Saint Peter, take her out of Saint Peter's Church by the arm. And if no body may be 
A man may take his wife out of Sanctuary without any offence to S. Peter.  taken out of ●…nctuary, that saith he will bi●…e there, then if a child will take Sanctuary, because he feareth to go to school, his Master must let him alone. And as simple as the sample is, yet i●… there less reason in our case then in that; for therein, though it be a childish fear; yet is there at the least wise some fear, and herein is there ●…one at all. And verily, I have often heard of Sanctuary 〈◊〉, but I never he●… 〈◊〉 of Sanctuary Children. A●… therefore, as for the Conclusion of my mind, who so may have deserved to need it, if they think it 
Buckingham's conclusion.  for their surety, let them keep it; but he can be no Sanctuary man that had neither wisdom to desire it, nor malice to deserve it, whose life or liberty, can by no lawful process stand in jeopardy: and he that taketh one out of the Sanctuary to do him good, I say plainly that he breaketh no Sanctuary.  
(28) When the Duke had done, the temporal men wholly, & most part of the spiritual also, thinking no hurt earthly meant towards the young babe, condescended in effect, that if he were not delivered, he should be fetched; how beit they 
The general consent of them all.  all thought it best, in the avoiding of all manner of rumour, that the Lord Cardinal should first assay to get him with her good will. And thereupon, all the Council came unto the starchamber at Westminster, and the Lord Cardinal leaving the Protector with the Council in the starchamber, departed into the Sanctuary to the Queen with divers other Lords with him, were it for the respect of his honour, or that she should by presence of so many, perceive that this errand was not one man's mind: or were it, for that the Protector intended not in this matter, to trust any one man alone, or else, that if she finally were determined to keep him, some of that Company had happily secret instructions incontinent, maugre her mind to take him, and to leave her no respite to convey him, which she was likely to mind, after this matter broken to her, if the time would in any wise serve her.  
(29) When the Queen and those Lords were come together in presence, the Lord Cardinal showed her, that it was thought unto the Protector, 
The Cardinal doth his errand to the Queen.  and unto the whole Council, that her keeping of the King's brother in that place, was the thing which highly sounded, not only to the great rumour of the people, and their obloquy, but also to the importable grief and displeasure of the kings royal Majesty, to whose Grace it were a singular comfort, to have his natural brother in Company, as it was both his dishonour, all theirs, and hers also, to suffer him in Sanctuary, as though the one brother stood in danger and peril of the other. And he showed her, that the Counsel therefore had sent him to require her the delivery of the young Duke, that he might be brought unto the King's presence at his liberty, out of that place, which they reckoned as a prison, and there he should be demeaned, according to his estate: and she in this doing should both do great good to the Realm, pleasure to the Council, and profit to herself, succour to her friends that were in distress, and besides that (which he w●… well she specially tendered) not only great comfort and honour to the King, but also to the young Duke himself, whose great wealth it were to be together; aswell for many greater causes, as also for both their disports and recreations; which thing the Lords esteemed not slight, though it seemed light; well pondering, that their youth without recreation and play, cannot endure, nor any stranger, for the con●…e of both their ages and estates, so meet in that point for any of them, as either of them for other.  
(30) My Lord (quoth the Queen) I say not 〈◊〉, but that it were very convenient, that this Gentleman whom ye require, were in company of the 
The Queen's answer to the Cardinal.  King his Brother; and in good faith; I think it were as great commodity to them both, for yet it while to be in the custody of their mother, the tender age considered of the elder of them both, but speci●… the younger, which besides his infancy, that also needeth good looking to, hath a while been ●…o fore diseased, ●…ed with 〈◊〉, and i●… so newly rather a little amended, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 recovered, that I 〈◊〉 put no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his ●…ng b●…my 〈◊〉 ●…ly, ●…ing that there is (〈◊〉 Physicians say) and as we also find, double the peril in the recidivation, that was in the first sickness, with which disease, nature being sore laboured, forewearied and weakened, waxeth the less able to bear out and sustain a new surfeit. And albeit there might be found other that would happily do their best unto him, yet is there none that either knoweth better how to order him, than I that so long have kept him, or is more like tenderly to cherish him then his own mother that bore him.  
(31) No man denieth good Madam (quoth the Cardinal) but that your Grace were of all others most necessary about your children, and so would all the Council not only be content, but glad that you were, if it might stand with your pleasure, to be in such place as might stand with their honour: but if you do appoint yourself to tarry here, than they think it were more convenient that the Duke of York were with the King, honourably at his liberty, to the comfort of them both, rather than here as a Sanctuary man, to both their dishonour and obloquy, sith there is not always so great a necessity to have the child with his mother, but that occasion may sometimes be such, that it should be more expedient to keep him elsewhere, which well appeareth in this, that at such time as your dearest son than Prince, and now King, should for his honour, and good order of the Country, keep his residence in Wales, far out of your Company, your Grace was well contented therewith yourself.  
(32) Not very well contented (quoth the Queen) and yet the case is not like, for the one was then in health, and the other is now sick: in which case I marvel greatly, that my Lord Protector is so desirous to have him in his keeping, where if the Child in his sickness miscarry by nature, yet might he run into slander and suspicion of fraud. And where they call it a thing so sore against my Child's honour, and theirs also, that he abideth in this place: it is all their honours there to suffer him abide, where no man doubteth he shall be best kept, and that is here, while I am here, which as yet intent not to come forth, and jeopard myself after other of my friends, which would God were rather here in surety with me, than I there in jeopardy with them.  
(33) Why Madam (quoth another Lord) know you any thing why they should be in jeopardy? Nay verily (quoth she) nor why they should be in prison, as now they be. But it is I trow no great marvel though I fear, left those that have not letted to put them in durance without colour, will let as little to procure their destruction without cause: The Cardinal made a countenance to the other Lord, that he should harp no more upon that string, and then said he to the Queen, that he nothing doubted, but that those Lords of her honourable kin, which as yet remained under arrest, should upon the matter examined do well enough, and as towards her noble person, neither was, neither could be any jeopardy.  
(34) Whereby should I trust that (quoth the Queen?) in that I am guiltless? as though they were guilty: in that I am with their enemies better loved than they? when they hate them for my sake; in that I am so near a kin to the King? and how far they be off, if that would help, as God grant it hurt not, and therefore as for me, I purpose not as yet, to depart hence. And as for this gentleman my son, I mind that he shall be where I am, till I see further: for I assure you, for that I see some men so greedy, without any substantial cause to have him, makes me much more fearful to deliver him. Truly Madam (quoth he) the more unwilling that you be to deliver him, the more unwilling other men be to suffer you to keep him, lest your causeless fear might cause you farther to convey him: and many there be that think he can have no privilege in this place, which neither can have will to ask it, nor malice to deserve it, and therefore, they reckon no privilege broken, though they fetch him out, which if you finally refuse to deliver him, I verily think they will: so much dreadhath my Lord his uncle, for the tender love he beareth him, lest your grace should hope to send him away.  
(35) Ah sir (quoth the Queen) hath the Protector so tender zeal that he feareth nothing, but lest he should escape him? thinketh he that I would send him hence, which is not in plight to send out, and in what place could I account him sure, if he be not sure in the Sanctuary? which there was never Tyrant yet so devilish, that durst presume to break. And I trust God is as strong now to withstand his adversaries, as ever he was. But my son can deserve no Sanctuary, and therefore he cannot have it. Forsooth he hath found out a goodly gloss, by which that place that may defend a thief, may not save an innocent: but he is in no jeopardy, nor hath no need thereof: would God he had not. Thinketh the Protector, (I pray God he may prove a Protector) thinketh he, that I perceive not whereunto his painted Process draweth? It is not honourable that the Duke abide here: It were comfortable for them both, that he were with his brother, because the King lacketh a play fellow forsooth. I pray God send them both better playfellows than him, that maketh so high a matter, upon so trifling pretext, as though there could none be found to play with the King, but his brother, (that hath no list to play for sickness) come out of Sanctuary, out of his safeguard to play with him. As though Princes, as young as they be, could not play but with their Peers, or Children could not play but with their kindred, with whom for the most part they agree much worse than with strangers. But the Child cannot require the privilege, who told him so? he shall hear him ask it, if he will. Howbeit, this is a gay matter, suppose he could not ask it, suppose he would not ask it, suppose he would ask to go out, if I say he shall not: if I ask the privilege but for myself, I say he that taketh him out against my will, breaketh the Sanctuary. Serveth this liberty for my person only, or for my goods also? you may not take hence my horse from me: and may you take my child from me? He also is my ward: for as my learned Council showeth me, sith he hath nothing by descent holden by Knight's service, the law maketh his mother his Guardian. Then may no man I suppose, take my ward from me out of Sanctuary, without the breach of Sanctuary. And if my privilege could not serve him, nor he ask it for himself, yet sith the law committeth to me the custody of him, I may require it for him, except the law give a child a Guardian only for his goods and lands, discharging him of the cure and safekeeping of his body, for which only both lands and goods serve. And if examples be sufficient, to obtain privilege for my child, I need not far to seek them, for in this place in which now we be (and which is now in question, whether my child may take benefit of it) mine other son now King, was borne, kept in his Cradle, and preserved to a more prosperous fortune, which I pray God long to continue. And as you all know, this is not the first time that I have taken Sanctuary. For when my Lord my husband was banished, and thrust out of his Kingdom, I fled hither, being great with Child: and here I bore the Prince: and when my Lord my husband returned safe again, and had the victory, than went I hence, to welcome him home, and from hence I brought my babe the Prince unto his father, when he first took him in his arms. And I pray God that my sons Palace may be as great a safeguard unto him now reigning, as this place was sometime to the King's enemy. In which place I intent to keep his brother, since man's law serveth the Guardian to keep the Infant. The law of nature wils the mother to keep her child, God's law privilegeth the Sanctuary, and the Sanctuary my son, sith I fear to put him in the Protectors hands, who hath his brother already, and were (if both failed) inheritor to the Crown: and the cause of my fear, hath no man to do to examine. But yet I fear no further than the law feareth, which as learned men tell me, forbiddeth every man, the custody of them by whose death he may inherit less land than a Kingdom. I can no more: but whosoever he be that breaketh this holy Sanctuary, I pray God shortly send him need of a Sanctuary when he may not come to it, for taken out of Sanctuary I would not that my mortal enemy were.  
(36) The Lord Cardinal perceiving that the Queen waxed ever the longer the further off, & also that she began to kindle and chafe, and speak more biting words against the Protector, and such as he never believed, and was also loath to hear, he said to her for a final conclusion, that he no longer would dspute the matter, but if she were content to deliver the Duke to him, and to the other Lords present, he durst lay his body and soul both in pledge, not only for his surety, but also for his estate; And if she would give a resolute answer to the contrary, he would forthwith depart therewithal, and shift who so would with this business afterward, for he never intended more to move her in that matter, in which she thought that he and all others also save herself, lacked either wit or truth; wit, if they were so dull that they could perceive nothing what the Protector intended: truth, if they should procure her son to be delivered into his hands, in whom they should perceive towards the Child any evil intended.  
(37) The Queen with these words stood a good while in a deep study. And for as much as her seemed the Cardinal ready to depart, and the Protector himself ready at hand, so as she verily thought she could not keep him there, but that he should incontinent be taken thence, and to convey him elsewhere, neither had she time to serve her, nor place determined, nor persons appointed, all things unready, this message came on her so suddenly, nothing less looked for, then to have him fetched out of Santuarie, which she thought to be now beset in such places about, that he could not be conveyed out untaken, and partly (as she thought) it might fortune her fear to be false, so well she wift it was either needless or bootless: Wherefore, if she must needs go from him, she deemed it best to deliver him, & besides the Cardinal's faith, she nothing doubted, neither some other Lords, whom she saw there present, which as she feared lest they might be deceived, so was she well assured they would not be corrupted: and thought it would make them the more warily to look to him, and the more circumspectly to see to his surety, if with her own hands she betook him to them of trust. And lastly taking the young Duke by the hand said unto the Lords.  
(38) My Lords, and all my Lords; I neither am 
Queen Elizabeth yieldeth to deliver the young Duke.  so unwise to mistrust your wits, nor so suspicious to mistrust your truths: of which thing I purpose to make you such a proof, as if either of both lacked in you, might both turn me to great sorrow, the Realm to much harm, & you all to great reproach. For lo, here is (quoth she) this Gentleman, whom I doubt not, but I could here keep safe if I would, whatsoever any man say: and I doubt not also, but there be some abroad so deadly enemies unto my blood, that if they wist where any of it lay in their own bodies, they would let it out. We have also experience, that the desire of a kingdom knoweth no kindred: the brother hath been the brother's bane: and may the Nephews be sure of their Uncle? Each of these children is the others defence, 
The ambitious desire for a crown.  whilst they are asunder, and each of their lives lieth in the others body: keep one safe and both be sure, and nothing for them both more perilous then to be in one place. For what wise Merchant adventureth all his goods in one ship? All this notwithstanding, I deliver him, and his brother in him, to keep, into your hands, of whom I shall ask both, before God and the world. Faithful ye be, that wot I well, and I know well you be wise, power and strength to 
Richard Duke of York delivered to the Cardinal.  keep him, if ye list, neither lack ye of yourself, nor lack help in this case. And if you cannot elsewhere, then may you leave him here: but only one thing, I beseech you, for the trust that his father ever put in you, and for the trust I now put you in, that as far as you think I fear too much, be you well wary that you fear not too little: and therewithal she said unto the child, Farewell mine own sweet son, God send you good keeping: let me kiss you yet once, ere you go; for God knoweth when we shall kiss together again. And therewithal she kissed him, and blessed him, turned her back and wept, and went her way, leaving the child weeping as fast. When the Lord Cardinal, and those other Lords with him, had received the young Duke, they brought him into the starchamber, where the protector took him in his arms, and kissed him with these words: Now welcome my Lord, even with all my heart: In which saying, 
A Iud●… kiss.  it is like he spoke as he thought. Thereupon forth with they brought him unto the King his brother, into the Bishop's Palace at Paul's; and from thence both of them through the City of London honourably attended into the Tower, out of which after that day they never came again.  
(39) The protector having both the children now in his hands, opened himself more boldly, both to certain other men, & also chiefly to the Duke of Buckingham. Although I know that many thought that this Duke was privy to all the protector's counsel, even from the beginning, and some of the protector's friends said, that the Duke was the first 
Buckingham privy to the Protectors plo●….  mover of the protector to this matter, sending a privy messenger unto him straight after King Edward's death. But others again, which knew better the subtle wit of the protector, deny that he ever opened his enterprise to the Duke, until he had brought to pass the things before rehearsed. But when he had imprisoned the Queen's kindred, and gotten both her sons into his own hands; then he opened the rest of his purpose with less fear to them whom he thought meet for the matter, and especially to the Duke, who being won to his designs, he held his strength more than half increased. The matter was broken unto the Duke by subtle persons, and such as were their craft's masters in the handling of such wicked devices▪ who declared unto him that the young King was offended with him, for his kinsfolks sakes, and if he were ever able he would revenge them: who would prick him forward thereunto if they escaped (for they would remember 
Suspicion without cause.  their imprisonment) or else if they were put to death, without doubt the young King would be careful for their deaths, whose imprisonments was grievous unto him. And that with repenting the Duke should nothing avail, for there was no way left to redeem his offence by benefits, but he should sooner destroy himself then save the King, who with his brother, and his kinsfolks he saw in such places imprisoned, as the protect or might with a beck destroy them all: and without all doubt would do it indeed, if there were any new enterprise attempted. And that it was likely as the Protector had provided privy guard for himself, so had he spials for the Duke and trains to have caught him, if he should be against him, & that peradventure from them, whom he least suspected. For the state of things, & the dispositions of men were then such, that a man could not well tell whom he might trust, or whom he might fear. These things and such like, being beaten into the Duke's mind, brought him to that point, that where he had repent the way that he had entered, yet would he go forward in the same, and since he had once begun, he would stoutly go through. And therefore to this wicked enterprise which he believed could not be avoided, he bent himself, determining, sith the common mischief could not be amended, he would turn it as much as he might to his own commodity.  
(40) Then was it agreed, that the Protector should have the Duke's aid to make him King, and 
The covenants betwixt the Protector and the Duke of Buckingham.  that the Protectors only lawful son should marry the Duke's daughter; and that the Protector should grant him the quiet possession of the Earldom of Hertford, which he claimed at his inheritance, and could never obtain it in King Edward's time. Besides these requests of the Duke, the Protector of his own accord, promised him a great quantity of the King's treasury, and of his household stuff. And when they were thus at a point betwixt themselves, they went about to prepare for the Coronation of the young king as they would have it seem. And that they might turn both the eyes & minds of men from perceiving of their drifts otherwhere, the Lords were sent for from all parts of the Realm, and came flocking unto the solemnity. But the Protector and Duke after they had sent the Lord Cardinal Archbishop of York, then L. Chancellor, the Bishop of 
Two counsels to divers ends.  Ely, the Lords Stanley & Hastings, than Lord Chamberlain, with many other Noblemen, to confer and devise about the Coronation in one place, as fast they were in another place contriving the contrary, to make the Protector king: to which counsel, albeit there were adhibited very few, and they very secret; yet began here and there, some muttering among the people, as though all should not long be well, though they neither knew what they feared, nor wherefore: were it that before such great things, men's hearts of a secret instinct of nature misgive them, as the Sea without wind swelleth of himself sometime before a tempest; or were it that some one man happily 
The mistrust of the times.  somewhat perceiving, filled many men with suspicion, though he showed few men what he knew. Howbeit somewhat the dealing itself made men to muse on the matter, though the counsel were close. For by little and little, all men withdrew from the Tower, and repaired to Crosbies' in Bishopsgate street, where the Protector kept his house in great state. So that the Protector had the resort, and the King left in a manner desolate. And whilst some for their business made suit to such as were in 
All flock to the Protector.  office for the King, some were secretly by their friends warned, that it might happily do them no good, to be too much attendant about the king without the Protectors appointment, who then began to remove many of the Princes old servants, and in their stead to place about him new.  
(41) Thus many things meeting together, partly by purpose, & partly by chance, caused at length not only the common people that move with the wind, but wisemen also, and some Lords likewise, to mark and muse at the matter; insomuch, that the Lord Stanley, who was after Earl of Derby, said to 
Lord Stanleyes' speech to the Lord Chamberlain.  the Lord Hastings, that he much misliked these two several counsels. For while we (quoth he) talk of one matter in the one place, little wot we, whereof they talk in the other place. My Lord (quoth the Lord Hastings) of my life never doubt you: for while 
* Catesby.  one man is there, which is never thence, never can things be moved that should sound amiss against me, but it shall be in mine ears ere it be well out of their mouths: this meant he by Catesby, which was of his near counsel, and whom he very familiarly used, and in his most weighty matters put no man in so special trust, nor no man so much beholden unto him as Catesby was. A man indeed well learned in the Laws of this Land, and by special favour of the Lord Chamberlain, in good authority, and bore much rule in Leicestershire, where the Lord Hastings power chiefly lay. But surely great pity it was, that he had not had either more truth, or less wit. For his dissimulation only kept all that mischief 
Catesby the cause of much mischief.  up: in whom if the Lord Hastings had not put so special trust, the Lord Stanley and he had departed with divers other Lords, and had broken all the dance, for many ill signs that he saw, which he now construes all to the best. So surely thought he that there could be no harm towards him intended, in that counsel where Catesby was. And of truth, the Protector and Duke of Buckingham, made very good semblance unto the Lord Hastings, whom undoubtedly the Protector loved well, and loath was tohave lost him, but for fear, lest his life should have quailed their purpose; for which cause he moved Catesby to prove with some words, cast out a far off, whether he could think it possible to win the L. Chamberlain to their part. But Catesby whether he assayed him, or assayed him not, reported unto 
Catesby set to sound the Lord Hastings.  them, as he found him so fast, and heard him speak so terrible words, that he durst no further break. True it is, that the Lord Chamberlain, of very trust showed unto Catesby, the distrust that others began to have in the matter: & therefore Catesby fearing as 
Lord Haestinge speeches concerning the plot.  he affirmed, lest their motion might with the Lord Hastings diminish his credence, whereunto only all the matter leaned; he counseled and procured the Protector hastily to rid him. And much the rather, 
Catesby false to his founder.  for that he trusted by his death, to obtain much of the rule that the Lord Hastings bore in his Country: the only desire whereof, was the allective that induced him to be partner, and one special contriver of all this horrible treason.  
(42) Soon after this, upon Friday the thirteenth 
The counsel sat in the Tower for the ordering of the young King's Coronation.  day of june, many Lords assembled in the Tower, and there sat in counsel, devising the honourable solemnity of the King's Coronation; of the which the time appointed was so near, that the Pageants and subtleties were in making day and night at Westminster, and much victual killed, that afterward was cast away. These Lords sitting together communing of this matter, the Protector came in amongst them about nine of the clock, saluting them courteously, and excusing himself, that he had been from them so long, saying merrily, I have been 
The Protectors dissimulation.  a sleeper this day. And after a little talk with them, he said to the Bishop of Ely, My Lord, you have very good Strawburies' at your Garden in Holborn, I pray you let us have a mess of them: Gladly my Lord, said the Bishop, would God I had some better thing as ready to pleasure you as that: and therewith in all haste he sent his servant for a mess of Strawburies'. Whereupon the Protector setting the Lords fast in conference, prayed them to spare him for a little while, and departed thence. But soon after, betwixt ten and eleven, he returned into the counsel Chamber amongst them, with a wonderful sour and angry countenance, knitting the brows, frowning and fretting, and g●…awing on his lips, sat him down in his place, all the Lords much dismayed, sore marveling of this his sudden 
The Protector now another man.  change, and what thing should him ail: He sitting thus a while, began thus to speak, What are they worthy to have, that compass and imagine the destruction of me, being so near of blood unto the King, and Protector of his royal person and his Realm? At which question, all the Lords sat sore astonished, musing much by whom this question should be meant, of which every man knew himself clear.  
(43) Then the Lord Chamberlain, as he that 
Lord Hastings speech to the Protectors question.  for the love betwixt them, thought he might be boldest with him, answered & said, That they were worthy to be punished as heinous traitors whatsoever they were: and the same all the other Lords affirmed. That is (quoth the Protector) yonder sorceress my brother's wife, meaning the Queen, and others with her: at these words many of the Lords that favoured her, were greatly abashed: but the L. Hastings was in his mind better content, that it was moved by her, then by any other whom he loved better: howbeit, his heart somewhat grudged, that he was not afore made of counsel in this matter, as he was of the taking of her kindred, & of their putting to death, which were by his assent before devised to be beheaded at Pomfret the self same day, in which he was not aware, how it was by other devised, that himself should be beheaded the same day at London. Then said the Protector, ye shall all see in what wise that Sorceress, and that other witch 
The Queen accused of Sorcery.  of her counsel, Shore's wife, with their affinity, have by their sorcery and witchcraft wasted my body. And therewith he plucked up his doublet sleeve to the elbow upon his left arm, where he showed a wearish withered arm, and small, as it was never other.  
(44) And thereupon every man's mind sore misgave them, well perceiving that this matter was but a quarrel. For they well knew, that the Queen was too wise to go about any such folly; & if she would, yet would she of all others, not make Shore's wife of counsel, whom of all women she most hated, as that Concubine whom the King her husband had most loved. And also no man there present, but knew well enough, that his arm was over such since 
The withered a●…ne of the Protector by nature, and not by 〈◊〉.  his birth. Nevertheless the Lord Chamberlain, (which from the death of King Edward kept Shore's wife, on whom he somewhat doted in the King's life, saving a●… it is said, that he forbore her for reverence towards the King, or else of a certain kind of fidelity to his friend) answered and said: Certainly my Lord, if they have so heinously done, they be worthy of heinous punishment. What (quoth the Protector) thou servest me I ween with ifs and with and's, I tell thee they have so done, and that I will make good on thy body Traitor. And therewith as in a great anger, he clapped his fist upon the board a great rap: at which token given, one without the Chamber cried, treason, wherewith a door clapped, and in came rushing men in harness, as many as the Chamber might hold, and anon the Protector said to the Lord Hastings, I arrest thee Traitor: What me my Lord quoth he? yea thee Traitor quoth the Protector; and another 
The L. Chamberlain arrested.  let fly at the Lord Stanley, who shrunk at the stroke under the Table, or else his head had been cleft to the teeth: for as swiftly as he shrunk, yet came the blood about his ears. Then were they all quickly bestowed in divers Chambers, excepting 
The L. Staley wounded at Council Table.  only the Lord Chamberlain, whom the Protector bad speed and shrive him apace, for by S. Paul said he, I will not to dinner till I see thy head off. It booted him not to ask why, but heavily took a Priest at adventure, and made a short shrift, for a longer would not be suffered: The Protector made so much haste to dinner, which he might not go to, till this was done for saving of his oath. So was he brought forth unto the green, before the Chapel within the Tower, and his head laid down upon a long log of timber, and there struck off, and afterward his body with the head, was interred at Windsor, beside the body of K. Edward. 
The L. Chamberlain beheaded.   
(45) A marvelous case it is to hear, either of the warnings that he should have voided, or the tokens of that he could not avoid: for the self night before his death, the Lord Stanley sent a trusty secret Messenger unto him at Midnight in all the haste, requiring him to rise, and ride away with him, for he was utterly disposed no longer to abide, he had so 
The L. Stanleys' dream.  fearful a dream: in which he thought, that a Boar with his tusks, so razed them both by the heads, that the blood ran about both their shoulders. And forasmuch as the Protector gave the Boar for his cognizance, this dream made so fearful an impression in his heart, that he was thoroughly determined no longer to tarry, but had his horse ready, if the Lord Hastings would go with him, to ride yet so far the same night, that they would be out of danger before it was day. Ah good Lord (quoth the Lord Hastings to the Messenger) leaneth my Lord thy Master so much to such trifles, and hath faith in dreams, which either his own fear fantasieth, or do rise in the night's rest, by reason of the days thoughts? Tell him it is plain Witchcraft, to believe in such dreams, which if they 
The L. Hastings answer to the L. Stanleye. me●…age.  were tokens of things to come, why thinketh he not, that we might be as likely to make them true, by our going, if we were caught and brought back (as friends fail flyers) for then had the Boar a cause likely to raze us with his tusks, as men that fled for some falsehood: wherefore, either there is no peril, nor none there is indeed, or if any be, it is rather in going then abiding. And if we must needs fall in peril; one way or other, yet had I rather, that men should see, it were by other men's falsehood, then think it our fault or faintheart. And therefore go to thy Master man, and commend me to him; and pray him to be merry and have no fear; for I assure him, I am as sure of the man that he wotteth of, as I am of mine own hand. God send Grace Sir (said the Messenger) and went his way.  
(46) Certain it is also, that in riding towards 
Predictions towards the Lord Hastings.  the Tower the same morning in which he was beheaded, his horse twice or thrice stumbled with him, almost to the falling; which thing, albeit each man knoweth daily happeneth, to them to whom no such mischance is toward, yet hath it been of an old fire and custom observed, as a token oftentimes, notably foregoing some great misfortune: Now this that followeth was no warning, but an envious scorn. The same morning before he was up, came a Knight unto him, as it were of courtesy, to accompany him to the Counsel; but of truth sent by the Protector, to haste him thitherwards, with whom he was of secret confederacy in that purpose, a mean man at that time, but now of great authority. This Knight, when it happened the Lord Chamberlain by the way to stay his horse, and commune a while with a Priest whom he met in Towerstreet, broke his tale, and said merrily to him; what my Lord, I pray you come on, whereto talk you so long with a Priest, you have no need of a Priest yet, and therewith laughed upon him, as though he would say, ye shall have soon. But so little wist the other what he meant, and so little mistrusted his present peril, as he never was merrier, nor never so full of good hope in his life, which self thing is often seen a sign of change; but I shall rather let any thing pass me, than the vain surety of man's mind so near his death. Upon the very Tower-wharf, so near the place where his head was struck off soon after, there met he with one Hastings, a Pursuivant of his own name. And 
The Lord Hastings speech to a Pursuivant.  of their meeting in that place, he was put in remembrance of another time, in which it had happened them before, to meet in the like manner together in the same place. At which other time the L. Chamberlain had been accused unto King Edward by the Lord Rivers the Queen's brother, in such wise as he was for the while, (but it lasted not long) far fallen into the King's indignation, and stood in great fear of himself. And forasmuch as he now met this Pursuivant in the same place, that jeopardy so well passed, it gave him great pleasure to talk with him thereof; with whom he had before talked thereof in the same place, while he was therein. And therefore he said, ah Hastings, art thou remembered that I met thee once here with a heavy heart? yea my Lord (quoth he) that remember I well, and thanked be God, they got no good, nor you no great harm. Thou wouldst say so (quoth he) if thou knew so much as I know, which few know else as yet, and more shall shortly. That meant he by the Lords of the Queen's kindred, which were taken before, and should that same day be beheaded at Pomfret: which he well wist, but was nothing aware, that the axe hung over his own head; In faith man (quoth he) I was never so sorry, nor never stood in so great dread of my life, as I did when thou and I met here. And lo, how the world is changed, now stand my enemies in the danger (as thou mayst hap to hear more hereafter) and I never in mylife so merry, nor never in so great surety. 
The vain and sudden state of man.  Oh good God, the blindness of our mortal nature, when he most feared he was in good surety, when he reckoned himself surest, he lost his life, and that within two, hours after. Thus ended this honourable man, a good Knight and a gentle, of great authority with his Prince, of living somewhat dissolute, plain and open to his enemies, and secret to 
The description of the Lord Hastings.  his friends, easy to be beguiled, as he that of good heart & courage forestudied no perils; a loving man, a passing well beloved: very faithful, and trusty enough, trusting indeed too much. Now flew the fame of this Lord's death swiftly through the City, and from thence further, like a wind in every man's ear.  
(47) But the Protector immediately after dinner, intending to set some colour upon the matter, 
Citizens sent for into the Tower to the Protector.  sent in all haste for many substantial men, out of the City into the Tower, at whose coming thither, himself with the Duke of Buckingham, stood harnessed in old rusty briganders, such as no more, man should ween, that they would vouchsafe to have put on their backs, except that some sudden neces sity, had constrained them thereto. And then the Protector showed them, that the Lord Chamberlain, and others of his conspiracy, had contrived to have suddenly destroyed him and the Duke there the same day in Counsel. And what they intended further, was not yet well known. Of which their treason he never had knowledge, before ten of the clock, the same forenoon, which sudden fear drove them to put on for their defence, such harness as came next to hand: and so had God holpen 
The feigned fear of the Lord Protector.  them, that the mischief returned upon them that would have done it: and this he required them to report.  
(48) Every man answered him fair, as though no man mistrusted the matter, which oftruth no man believed; yet for the further appeasing of the people's mind, he sent immediately after dinner, in all haste, an Herald of Arms, with a Proclamation to be made through the City in the King's name, containing that the Lord Hastings with divers others of his traitorous purpose, had before conspired the 
A Proclamation made to publish the Lord Hastings treasons.  same day, to have slain the Lord Protector, and Duke of Buckingham, sitting in the Council, and after to have taken upon them, to rule the King and the Realm, at their own pleasures; thereby to pill and spoil, whom they listed uncontrolled. And much matter there was in that Proclamation, devised to the slander of the Lord Chamberlain, as that he was an evil Counsellor to the King's father, enticing him to many things, highly redounding to his great dishonour, and to the universal hurt of his Realm, by his evil company, sinister procuring, & ungracious example aswell in many other things, as in the vicious living, and inordinate abusion of his body, both with many others, and especially with Shore's wife, who was one also of his most secret Counsel, in this heinous treason, with whom he lay nightly, and namely, the night last passed, before his death, so that it was the less marvel, if ungracious living brought him to an unhappy ending, which he was now put unto, by the most dread commandment of the King's highness, and of his honourable and faithful Counsel, both for his demerits, being so openly taken in his falsely conceived treason, as also lest the delaying of his execution, might have encouraged other mischievous persons partners of his conspiracy, to gather and assemble themselves together in making some great commotion for his deliverance, whose hope being now by his wel-deserued death politickely repressed, all the Realm should by God's grace, rest in good quiet and peace.  
(49) Now was this Proclamation made within 
The Protectors subtlety further known by his Proclamation.  two hours, after that he was beheaded, and was so curiously indicted, and so fair written in parchment, in so well a set hand, and therewith of itself so long a process, as every child might perceive, that it was prepared before. For all the time between his death, and the proclaiming, could scant have sufficed unto the bare writing alone; had it been but in paper, and scribbled forth in haste at adventure. So that upon the proclaiming thereof, one that was Schoolmaster of Paul's; of chance standing by, and comparing the shortness of the time, with the length of the matter, said unto them that stood about him; Here is a gay goodly cast, foul cast away for haste: and a Merchant 
The Schoolmasters opinion.  answered him, that it was written by Prophecy. Now then by and by, as it were for anger, not for covetousness, the Protector sent the Sheriffs of London, into the house of Shore's wife (for her husband dwelled not with her) and spoiled her of all 
The Sheriffs of London carry Shore's wife to prison.  that she had, above the value of three thousand marks, carrying her through London unto the Tower, and there left her Prisoner, where (for fashion sake) he laid to her charge, that she went about to bewitch him, and that she was of Counsel with the Lord Chamberlain to destroy him: in conclusion, when no colour could fasten upon these matters, than laid he heinously unto her charge, the thing that herself could not deny, that all the world wist was true, and that neithlesse every 〈◊〉 laughed at, to hear it then so suddenly, so highly taken, that she was nought of her body. And for that cause (as a good continent Prince; clear and faultless himself, sent out of heaven into this vicious world for the amendment of men's manners) after she had lain Prisoner in Ludgate, he caused the Bishop of London to put her to open penance, going before the Cross in procession upon a sunday, with a taper 
Shore's wife did penance.  in her hand. In which she went in countenance and place demure so womanly, and albeit she were out of all array save her kirtle only, yet went she so fair and lovely, namely while the wondering of the people cast a comely rud in her cheeks (of which before she had most mist) that her great shame, won her 
All commend and pity Shore's wife.  much praise, among those that were more amorous of her body, then curious of her soul. And many good folk also that hated her living, and glad to see sin so corrected, yet pitied the more her penance, than rejoiced therein, when they considered that the Protector procured it more of a corrupt intent, than any virtuous affection.  
(50) This woman was borne in London, worshipfully 
The description of jane Shore.  friended, honestly brought up, and very well married, saving somewhat too soon; her husband an honest Citizen, young, and goodly, and of good substance. But for as much as they were coupled ere she were well ripe, she not very fervently loved, for whom she never longed; which was haply the thing that the more made her incline unto the King's appetite, when he required her. Howbeit the respect of his royalty, the hope of gay apparel, ease, pleasure, and other wanton wealth, was able soon to pierce a soft tender heart. But when the King had abused her, anon her husband (as he was an honest man, and one that could his good, not presuming to touch a King's concubine) left her up to him altogether. When the King died, the Lord Chamberlain took her, which in the King's days, albeit he was sore enamoured upon her, yet he forbore her, either for reverence, or for a certain friendly faithfulness: proper she was, and fair; nothing in her body that you could have changed, unless you would have wished her somewhat higher. Thus they say that knew her in her youth. Albeit some that now see her (for as yet she liveth) deem her never to 
She died the eighteen year of King Henry the eight saith john Harding.  have been well visaged, whose judgement seemeth to me somewhat like, as though we could guess the beauty of one long before departed, by her scalp taken out of the Charnel house: for now she is old, lean, withered, and dried up, nothing left but riveled skin, and hard bone; and yet being even such, who so well advise her visage, might guess and devise, which parts how filled, would make it a fair face. Yet delighted not men, so much in her beauty, as in her pleasant behaviour, for a proper wit she had, and could both read well and write, merry in company, ready and quick of answer, neither mute nor full of babble, sometime taunting without displeasure, and not without disport: in whom King Edward took special pleasure, whose favour to say the truth (for sin it were to bely the Devil) 
Shore's wife did much good, but no man hurt.  she never abused to any man's hurt, but to many a man's comfort and relief, when the King took displeasure, she would mitigate and appease his mind; where men were out of favour, she would bring them in his grace, for many that highly offended she obtained pardon. Of great forfeitures she gate them remission. And finally, in many weighty suits she stood many men in great stead, either for none, or very small rewards, and those rather gay then rich, either for that she was content with the deed itself well done, or for that she delighted to be sued unto, and to show what she was able to do with the King, or for that wanton women and wealthy, be not always covetous. I doubt not some shall think this woman too slight a thing to be written of, and set among the remembrances of 
The Subject not unworthy to be written.  great matters: which they shall specially think, that happily shall esteem her only by that they now see her. But to my seeming, the chance is so much the more worthy to be remembered, in how much she is now in the more beggarly condition, unfriended, and worn out of acquaintance, after good substance, after so great favour with a Prince, after so great suit, and seeking to, of all those, that in those days had business to speed, as many other men were in their times, which be now famous only by the infamy of their ill deeds: her doings were not much less, albeit they be much less remembered, because they were not so evil: for men use, if they receive an evil turn, to write it in marble: and who so doth us a good turn, we write it in the dust; which is not worst proved by her: for at this 
The state of the world.  day she beggeth of many, at this day living, that at this day had begged if she had not been.  
(51) Now it was so devised by the Protector and his Council, that the self same day in which the L. Chamberlain was beheaded in the Tower of London, and about the self same hour was then (not without his assent) beheaded at Pomfrait, the fore-remembred 
The Lords of the Queen's blood beheaded at Pomfrait.  Lords and Knights, that were taken from the King at Northampton and Stony-Stratford; which thing was done in the presence, and by the order of Sir Richard Ratcliff Knight, whose service the Protector specially used in that counsel, and in the execution of such lawless enterprises, as a man that had been long secret with him, having experience of the world, and a shrewd wit, short and rude in speech, rough and boisterous of behaviour, bold in mischief, as far from pity, as from all fear of God. This Knight bringing them out of prison to the Scaffold, and showing to the people present, that they were Traitors, not suffering them to speak, or declare their innocency, lest their words might have inclined men to pity them, and to hate the Protector and his part; caused them hastily without judgement, process or manner of order to be beheaded, and without all guilt, but only that they were good men, too true to the King, and too nigh to the Queen.  
(52) Now when the Lord Chamberlain, and those other Lords and Knights were thus beheaded 
The Protector sought to strike whiles the iron was hot.  and rid out of the way: then thought the Protector, that while men mused what the matter meant, while the Lords of the Realm were about him out of their own strengths, while no man wist what to think, nor whom to trust, before they should have space to dispute, and digest the matter, and make parties, it were best hastily to pursue his purpose, and put himself in possession of the Crown, ere men could have time to devise how to resist. But now was all the study, by what means the matter being of itself so heinous, might be first broken to the people in such wife as it might be well taken. To this counsel they took divers, such as they thought meet to be trusted, likely to be induced to that part, and able to stand them in stead, either by power or policy: Among whom they made of counsel Edmond Shaa Knight, than Mayor of London, 
The Mayor of London made of the Protectors counsel.  who upon trust of his own advancement, whereof he was of a proud heart, highly desirous, should frame the City to their appetite. Of Spiritual men they took such as had wit, and were in authority among the people, for opinion of their learning, and had no scrupulous conscience. Among these had they john Shaa Clerk brother to the Mayor, and Friar Pinker Provincial of the Augustine Friars, both of them Doctors in Divinity, both great Preachers, both of more learning than virtue, and of 
Shaa and Pinker two flattering Preachers.  more fame than learning: for they were before greatly esteemed of the common people; but after that never. Of these two, the one made a Sermon in praise of the Protector before the Coronation; the other after, both so full of tedious flattery, as no man's ear could abide them.  
(53) Pinker in his Sermon so lost his voice, that he was forced to leave off, and came down in the 
Pinker preached at S Marie Hospital, and Dotor Shaa at Paul's Crosse.  midst. Doctor Shaa by his sermon lost his honesty, and soon after his life, for very shame of the world, into which he durst never after come abroad. But the Friar forced for no shame, and so it harmed him the less. Howbeit some doubt, and many think, that Pinker was not of counsel in the matter before the Coronation, but after the common manner, fell to flattery after: namely, sith his sermon was not incontinent upon it, but at S. Mary's Hospital in the Easter week following. But certain it is, that Doctor Shaa was of counsel in the beginning, so far forth as they determined that he should first break the matter in a Sermon at Paul's Cross, in which he should by the authority of his preaching, incline the people to the Protectors ghostly purpose. But now was all the labour and study, in the devise of some convenient pretext; for which the people should be content to depose 
The plot and device how to entitle the Protector to the Crown.  the Prince, and accept the Protector for King. In which divers things they devised: but the chief thing and the weightiest of all, the invention rested in this, that they should allege bastardy, either in K. Edward himself, or in his children, or both. So that he should seem disabled to inherit the Crown, by the Duke of York, and the Prince by him. To lay bastardy in King Edward, sounded openly to the rebuke of the Protectors own mother, who was mother to them both: for in that point could be none other colour, but to pretend that his own mother was an adulteress, which notwithstanding to further the purpose he letted not: but yet, he 
The son maketh the mother an adulteress.  would that point should be less, and more favourably handled, not fully plain and directly, but that the matter should be touched aslope, and craftily, as though men spared in that point to speak all the truth for fear of his displeasure. But the other point, concerning the bastardy that they devised 
K Edward and his children made bastards.  to surmise in K. Edward's children, that would he should be openly declared, and enforced to the uttermost. The colour and pretext whereof, was a contract pretended to be made by King Edward unto the Lady Lucy, whereof we have spoken in the reign of the said King: which invention how simple soever, yet it liked them, to whom it sufficed to have somewhat to say, while they were sure to be compelled to no larger proof than themselves list to make.  
(54) Now than it was by the Protector and his Council concluded, that Doctor Shaa should signify in his sermon aforesaid, that neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence were lawfully begot, nor were the very Children of the Duke of York, but begot unlawfully by other persons, by adultery of the Duchess their mother. And also that dame Elizabeth Lucy was verily the wife of K. Edward, and so the Prince and all his other children begot by the Queen, were all of them bastards. And according to this devise Doctor Shaa upon Sunday the nineteenth of june at Paul's Cross in a frequent assembly, took for the theme of his sermon this saying, Spuria vitulamina non agent radices altas: Bastard slips shall never take deep root. Whereupon, when he had 
The text and contents of Doctor Shaas sermon.  showed the great grace that God giveth, and secretly infundeth in right generation after the laws of Matrimony, than declared he, that commonly those children lacked that grace, and for the punishment of their parents, were for the more part unhappy, which were begot in base, but specially in adultery. Of which though some by the ignorance of the world, and the truth hid from knowledge inherit for the time other men's lands, yet God always so provideth, that it continueth not in their blood long, but the truth coming to light, the rightful inheritors be restored, and the bastards slip pulled up ere it can take any deep root. And when he had laid for the proof and confirmation of this sentence certain examples taken out of the old testament, and other ancient histories, than he began to descend into the praise of the Lord Richard, late Duke of York, calling him the father to the Lord Protector, and declared the title of his heirs unto the Crown, to whom it was after the death of King Henry the sixth, entailed by authority of Parliament. Then showed he, that the very right heir of his body lawfully begotten, was only the Lord Protector. For he declared then that King Edward was never lawfully married unto the Queen, but was before God, husband unto Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and so his children bastards. And besides that, neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence, among those that 
Shaas shameless assertions.  were secret in the household, were reckoned very certainly for the children of the Noble Duke, as those that by their features, resembled other known men, more than him from whose virtuous conditions, he said also, that King Edward was far off. But the Lord Protector he said, the very Noble Prince, the special pattern of Knightly prowess, aswell in all Princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his visage, representing the very face of the noble Duke his father: This is he (quoth he) the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the very undoubted Image, and plain express likeness of that noble Duke.  
(55) Now it was before devised, that in the speaking of these words, the Protector sold have come in among the people to the sermon ward, to the end that those words meeting with his presence, might have been taken among the hearers, as though the holy Ghost had put them in the Preachers mouth, 
Then Preachers intention prevented.  and should have moved the people even then to cry, King Richard, King Richard, that it might have been after said, that he was specially chosen by God, and in manner by miracle. But this devise quailed, either by the Protectors negligence, or by the Preachers over much diligence, for while the Protector found by the way tarrying, lest he should prevent those words, and the Doctor fearing lest he should come ere his sermon could come to these words, hasted his matter thereto, who was come to them and past them, and had entered into other matter ere the Protector came. Whom when he beheld coming, he suddenly left the matter with which he was in hand, and without any deduction thereunto, out of all order, and out of all frame, began to repeat those words again: This is the very Noble Prince, the special pattern of Knightly prowess, which aswell in all Princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his visage, representeth the very face of the Noble Duke of York his father: this is the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the sure undoubted Image, the plain express likeness of the noble Duke, whose remembrance can never die while he liveth. While these words were in speaking, the Protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham, went through the people, into the place where the Doctors commonly stand in an upper story, where he stood to hear the sermon. But the people were so far from crying King Richard, that they stood as if they had been turned into stones, for wonder of this shameful sermon. After which once ended, the Preacher got him home, and never after durst look out for shame, but kept himself out of 
God's heavy punishment upon the false flattering Preacher.  sight like an Owl. And when he once asked one, that had been his old friend, what the people talked of him, albeit that his own conscience well showed him that they talked no good, yet when the other answered him, that there was in every man's mouth spoken of him much shame, it so struck him to the heart, that within few days after, he withered and consumed away.  
(56) On the tuesday following this sermon, there came into the guildhall in London the Duke of Buckingham, 
The Duke of Buckingham cometh to the Guildhall.  accompanied with divers Lords & Knights, more perchance then knew the message which they brought. And there in the East end of the Hall, where the Mayor keepeth the hustings, the Mayor, and Aldermen being assembled about him, and all the commons of the City gathered before him: after silence commanded in the Protectors name upon great pain, the Duke stood up, and (as he was neither unlearned, and of nature marvelously well spoken) he said unto the people with a clear and loud voice in this manner. Friends, for the zeal and hearty favour that we bear you, we be come to 
Buckingham's oration to the commons of London.  break unto you, a matter of great weight, and no less weighty, then pleasing to God, and profitable to all the Realm: nor to no part of the Realm more profitable then to you the Citizens of this noble City. For why, the thing that we wot well you have long time lacked, and so longed for, that you would have given great good for, that you would have gone far to fetch, that thing we be come hither to bring you, without your labour, 
The fine gloss of the Duke of Buckingham.  pain, cost, adventure or jeopardy. What thing is that? Certes, the surety of your own bodies, the quiet of your wives, and your daughters, the safeguard of your goods: of all which things in times past you stood evermore in doubt. For who was there of you all, that could account himself Lord of his own goods, among so many snares and traps as were set therefore, among so much pilling and polling; among so many taxes and tallages, of which there was never end, and often times no need: or if any were, it rather grew of riot, and unreasonable waist, than any necessary or honourable charge: So that there was daily pilling from good men and honest, great substance of goods to be lashed out among unthrifts, so far forth that fifteen sufficed not, nor any usual manner of known taxes: but under an easy name of benevolence and good will, the Commissioners so much of every man took, as no man could with his good will have given. As though that name of benevolence, had signified that every man should pay not 
King Edward's exactions made more than they were.  what himself of his own good will list to grant, but what the King of his good will list to take. Who never asked little, but every thing was haunsed above the measure, amercements turned into fines, fines into ransoms; small trespasses into misprision; misprision into treason. Whereof I think no man looketh that we should remember you of examples by name, as though Burdet were forgotten, who was for a word in haste spoken, cruelly beheaded, by the misconstruing of the Laws of this Realm for the Prince's pleasure: with no less honour to Markham then chief justice, that left his office rather than he 
His tyranny towards his subjects exemplified by Burdet and Others.  would assent to that judgement, then to the dishonesty of those, that either for fear or flattery gave that judgement. What Cook your own worshipful neighbour, Alderman and Mayor of this noble City; who is of you either so negligent that he knoweth not, or so forgetful that he remembreth not, or so hard hearted that he pitieth not that worshipful man's loss? What speak we of loss? His utter spoil and undeserved destruction, only for that it happened those to favour him whom the Prince favoured not. We need not (I suppose) to rehearse of these any more by name, sith there be (I doubt not) many here present, that either in themselves, or in their nigh friends, have known aswell their goods, as their persons greatly endangered, either by feigned quarrels, or small matters aggrieved with heinous names. And also there was no crime so great, of which there could lack a pretext. For sith the King preventing the time of his inheritance, attained the Crown by battle; it sufficed in a rich man for a pretext of treason, to have been of kindred or alliance, near familiarity, or longer acquaintance, with any of those that were at any time the King's enemies, which was at one time or other more than half the Realm. Thus were your goods never in surety, and yet 
No safety of goods or life as he falsely alleged.  they brought your bodies in jeopardy, beside the common adventure of open war, which albeit, that it is ever the will and occasion of much mischief, yet it is never so mischievous, as where any people fall at distance among themselves, not in no earthly nation so deadly & so pestilent, as when it happeneth among us: and among us never so long continued distension, nor so many battles in that season, not so cruel and so deadly fought as was in that King's days that dead is, God forgive it his soul. In whose time, and by whose occasion, what about the getting of the Garland, keeping it, losing it, and winning again, it hath cost more English blood, then hath twice the winning of 
The rage of civil wars cost England more blood than twice the winning of France had done.  France: In which inward war among ourselves, hath been so great effusion of the ancient noble blood of this Realm, that scarcely the half remaineth, to the great enfeebling of this noble Land, beside many a good Town ransacked, and spoiled by them that have been going to the held, or coming from thence. And peace long after not much surer than war. So that no time there was, in which rich men for their money, and great men for their Lands, or some or other for some fear or some displeasure, were not out of peril; for whom trusted he that mistrusted his own brother? whom spared he, that killed his own brother? 
Great dangers alleged and slenderly proved.  or who could perfectly love him, if his own brother could not? what manner of folk he most favoured, we shall for his honour spare to speak of; howbeit, this wot you well all, that who so was best, bore always least rule; and more suit was in those days unto Shore's wife, a vile and abominable strumpet, then to all the Lords in England; except unto those that made her their Protector: which simple woman was well named, and honest, till the King for his wanton lust, and sinful affection, bereft her from her husband, a right honest substantial young man among you. And in that point, which in good faith I am sorry to speak of, saving that it is in vain to keep in counsel that thing which every man knoweth; the King's greedy appetite was insatiable, and every where over all the Realm intolerable, for no woman there was any where, young or old, rich or 
King Edward's wantonness set out to the full.  poor, whom he set his eye upon, in whom he liked any thing, either person, or favour, speech, pace, or countenance; but without all fear of God or any respect of his own honour, murmur, or grudge of the world, he would importunately pursue his appetite, and have her, to the great destruction of many a good woman, and great dolour to their husbands and other their friends, which being honest people of themselves, so much regard the cleanness of their ho●…e, the chastity of their wives, and their daughters, that they had rather lose all they had beside, then to have such a villainy done against them. And albeit, that with this and his other importable dealings, the Realm was in every part annoyed: yet specially, you here the Citizens of this noble City, aswell for that amongst you is most plenty of all such things, as minister matters to such injuries, as for that you were nearest at hand, seeing that near hereabout was commonly his most abieing. And yet you be the people whom he had a singular cause well and kindly to entreat, as any part of the Realm, not only, for that the Prince by this noble City, as his special Chamber, and the special well renowned City of his Realm, much honourable 
London the king's especial Chamber.  fame receiveth amongst all other nations: but also for that ye, not without your great cost, and sundry perils and jeopardies in all his wars, bore even your special favour to his part; which your kind minds borne unto the house of York, sith he hath nothing worthily acquitted, there is one of that house, that now by God's grace, better shall: which thing to show you is the whole sum and effect of this our present errand. It shall not, I 
The end of the Duke's errand.  not well, need that I rehearse you again, that ye have already heard of him that can better tell it, and of whom I am sure you will better believe it, and reason is it so to be. I am not so proud to look therefore, that you should reckon my words 
The great modesty that the Duke pretendeth.  of as great authority, as the Preachers of the word of God; namely, a man so learned and so wi●…e, that no man better wotteth what he should say, and thereto so good and virtuous, as he would not say the thing which he wist he should not say in the Pulpit; namely, into the which no honest man cometh to lie: which honourable Preacher, you 
An author like the subject.  well remember, substantially declared at Paul's Cross, on Sunday last passed, the right and title that the most excellent Prince, Richard Duke of Gloucester, now Protector of this Realm, hath unto the Crown and Kingdom of the same. For as the Worshipful Doctor substantially made known unto you, the children of King Edward the fourth were never lawfully begotten, forasmuch as the King (leaving his very wife Dame Elizabeth Lucy) was never lawfully married unto the Queen their mother, whose blood, saving that he set his voluptuous pleasure before his honour, was full unmeet to be matched with his; and the mingling of those bloods together hath been the effusion of great part of the noble blood of this Realm. Whereby it 
The marriage o●… King Edward imputed a great mischief.  may well seem, the marriage was not well made, of which there is so much mischief grown. For lack of which lawful coupling, as also other things, which the said worshipful D. rather signified, then fully explained; and which things shall not be spoken for me, as the thing wherein every man forbeareth to say what he knoweth, in avoiding displeasure of my noble Lord Protector; bearing, as nature requireth, a filial reverence to the Duchess his mother: For these causes I say, before remembered, that is, for lack of other Issue lawfully coming of that late noble Prince Richard Duke of York, to whose royal blood, the crown of England and France, is by the high authority of 
The Protector must be the only true heir to his father, and so to the Crown.  Parliament entailed; the right and title of the same, is by the just course of inheritance, according to the common law of this Land, devolved and come unto the most excellent Prince the Lord Protector, as to the very lawfully begotten son, of the fore-remembred noble Duke of York. Which thing well considered, and the great knightly prowess pondered, with manifodle virtues, which in his noble person singularly abound, the nobles and commons also of this Realm, and specially of the North part, not willing any bastard blood to have the rule of the Land, nor the abusions before the same used, any longer to continue, have condescended, and fully determined, to make humble petition to the most puissant Prince the Lord Protector, that it may like his Grace at our humble request, to take upon him the guiding and governance of this Realm, to the wealth and increase of the same, according to his very right and just title. Which thing I know well he will be loath to take upon him, as he whose wisdom well perceiveth, the labour and study both of mind and body, that shall come therewith, to whomsoever so will occupy the room, as I dare say he will, if he take it. Which room, I warn you well, is no child's office: and that the great wiseman well perceived, when he said, Vaeregno cuius Rex 
Scriptures abused.  puer est: Woe is that Realm that hath a child to their King. Wherefore so much the more cause we have to thank God, that this noble parsonage, which so righteously is entitled thereunto, is of so sad age, and so great wisdom, joined with so great experience: which albeit he will be loath (as I have said) to take it upon him, yet shall he to our petition in that behalf, the more graciously incline, if you the Worshipful Citizens of this the chief City of this Realm, join with us the Nobles in this our said request. Which for your own weal we doubt not but you will, and natheless, I heartily pray you so to do, whereby ye shall do great profit to all the Realm beside, in 
The Duke's pithy persuasions unto the Citizens.  choosing them so good a King, and unto yourselves special commodity, to whom his Majesty shall ever after bear so much the more tender favour, in how much he shall perceive you the more prone and benevolently minded towards his election. Wherein dear friends, what mind you have, we require you plainly to show us.  
(57) When the Duke had said, & looked that the 
The Londoners are mute and astonished at Buckingham's Oration.  people whom he hoped the Mayor had framed before, should after this proposition made, have cried, King Richard, King Richard; all was hushed and mute, and not a word answered thereunto: wherewith the Duke was marvelously abashed, & taking the Mayor nearer to him, with other that were about him privy to that matter, said unto him softly, What meaneth this, that the people be so silent? Sir (quoth the Mayor) perchance they perceive you not well; that shall we mend (quoth he) if that will help. And 
Buckingham goeth over his lesson again.  by and by somewhat louder, he rehearsed them the same matter again, in other order and other words, so well and ornately, so evidently and plain, with voice, gesture, & countenance so comely, that every man much marveled that heard him, and thought they never had in their hearing, so evil a tale so well 
The reward of flattery.  told. But were it for wonder or fear, or that each man looked that other speak first; not a word was there answered of all the people that stood before, but was as still as the midnight, not so much as rowning among themselves, by which they might seem to commune what was best to do. When the Lord Maior saw this, he with the other partners of that counsel drew about the Duke, and said, That the people had not been accustomed there to be spoken unto, but by the Recorder; who is the mouth of 
The Recorder commanded to speak to the people●…  the City, and happily to him they will answer. With that the Recorder called Fitz-William, a sad man and an honest, who was so newly come into that office, that he never had spoken to the people before, and loath was with that matter to begin; notwithstanding, thereunto commanded by the Mayor, he made rehearsal to the commons, of that the Duke had twice rehearsed to them himself. But the Recorder so tempered his tale, that he showed every 
The great silence of the people.  thing as the Duke's words, and no part of his own. But all this noting, no change made in the people, which stood gazing at the bench as men altogether amazed. Whereupon the Duke row unto the Mayor, and said, This is marvelous obstinate silence, and therewith he turned unto the people again with these words: Dear friends, we come to move you to that thing which peradventure we not 
The Duke speaketh once more.  so greatly needed, but that the Lords of this Realm and the Commons of other parts might have sufficed, saving that we bear you such love, and so much set by your friendship, that we would not willingly do without you the thing which is for our honour and your wealth, which as it seemeth, either you see not, or weigh not; wherefore we require you, give us answer, whether ye be minded as all the nobles of the Realm be, to have this noble Prince now Protector, to be your King or not.  
(58) At which words the people began to whisper among themselves secretly, that the voice was neithe loud nor distinct, but as it were the sound of a swarm of Bees, till at the last, in the neither end of the hall, a ambushment of the Duke's servants, and Nashfields, and of others belonging to the Protector, with some prentices and lads that thrust into the hall among the press, began suddenly 
Prentices and Servingmen the first proclamets of K. Richard.  at men's backs to cry out as loud as their throats would give, King Richard, King Richard, & threw up their caps in token of joy. But they that stood before, cast back their heads, marveling thereat, yet nothing they said. And when the Duke and Mayor saw this manner, they wisely turned it to their purpose, and said it was a goodly cry, and a joyful, to hear every man with one voice, no man saying nay: wherefore friends (quoth the Duke) since that we well perceive that it is all your whole minds to have this noble man for your King, whereof we shall make to his Grace so effectual report, that we doubt not, but it shall redound unto your great wealth, and commodity: we require that to morrow you go with us, and we with you unto his Noble Grace, to make our humble request unto him in manner before, remembered. And therewith the Lords came down, and the assembly dissolved for the most part sad, some with glad semblances, and yet not very merry, yea and some that came with the Duke, not able to dissemble their sorrow, 
The affection of the election seen by the faces of the Assembly.  were feign at his back to turn their face to the wall, while the dolour of their heart burst out of their eyes.  
(59) On the next morrow, the Mayor with all the Aldermen, and chief Commoners of the City 
The Nobles and Citizens assemble at Baynard's Castle.  in their best array, assembling themselves together, resorted unto Baynard's Castle in Thames street, where the Protector lay. To which place repaired also according to their appointment, the Duke of Buckingham, with divers noble men with him, beside many Knights and other Gentlemen. And thereupon the Duke sent word unto the Lord Protector, of the being there of a great and honourable company, to move a great matter unto his Grace: whereupon 
The Protector made it strange to speak with such a multitude  the Protector made difficulty to come out unto them, but if he first knew some part of their errand, as though he doubted, and partly disinherited the coming of such a number unto him so suddenly, without any warning, or knowledge whether they came for good or harm; then the Duke when he had showed this unto the Mayor and other, that they might thereby see, how little the Protector looked for this matter; they then sent unto him by the Messenger such loving message again, and therewith so humbly besought him to vouchsafe, that they might resort to his presence, to propose their intent, which they would not impart to any other person; that at the last he came out of his chamber, and yet not down unto them, but stood above in a gallery over them, where they might see him & speak to him, as though he would not yet come too near them, till he understood what they meant. And thereupon the Duke of Buckingham first made humble petition unto him on the behalf of them all, that his Grace would pardon them, and licence them to propose unto his Grace, the intent of their coming without his displeasure, without which 
Palpable dissembling betwixt the Protector and Buckingham  pardon obtained, they durst not be so bold to move him in their suit. In which albeit they meant as much honour to his Grace, as wealth to all the Realm beside; yet were they not sure how his Grace would take it, whom they would in no wise offend. Then the Protector (as he was very gentle of himself, and also longed sore to know what they meant) gave him leave to propose what him liked, verily trusting for the good mind that he bore them all, none of them would intend any thing to himward, wherewith he ought to be grieved.  
(60) When the Duke had this leave and pardon to speak, than waxed he bold to show him their intent and purpose, with all the causes moving them thereunto, as you have heard before: and finally, to beseech his Grace, that it would like him of his accustomed goodness and zeal unto the realm now with his, eye of pity, to behold the long continued distress, and decay of the same, and to set his gracious hands to redress an amendment thereof, by taking upon him the Crown and government 
The Protector entreated to accept of the Crown.  of the land; according to his right and title lawfully descended unto him, and to the law of God, profit of the Realm, and unto his grace so much the more honour, and less pain, in that, that never Prince reigned over any people that were so glad to live under his obeisance, as the people of this land under his.  
(61) When the Protector had heard the proposition, he looked very strangely thereat, and answered: That albeit it were, he partly knew the things by them alleged to be true, yet such entire love he bore unto King Edward and his children, that so much more he regarded his honour in other Realms about, than the Crown of any one, of which he was never desirous, that he could not find in his heart in this point to incline to their desire. For in all other Nations where the truth was not well known, it would peradventure be thought, that it was his own ambitious mind and devise, to depose the Prince, 
The Protector saith nay and would have it:  and to take himself the Crown, with which infamy he would not have his honour stained for any Crown, in which he had ever perceived much more labour and pain, than pleasure to him that would so use it, as he that would not, were not worthy to have it. Notwithstanding he not only pardoned them the motion that they made him, but also thanked them for the love and hearty favour they bore him, praying them for his sake to give and bear the same to the Prince, under whom he was, and would be content to live, and with his labour and counsel, as far as should like the King to use him, he would do his uttermost endeavour to set the Realm in good state, which was already in this little time of his Protectorship (the praise be given to God) well begun, in that the malice of such as were before, occasion of the contrary, and of new intended to be, were now partly by good policy, partly more by God's special providence, than man's provision repressed.  
(62) Upon this answer given, the Duke by the Protectors licence, a little row, aswell with other noble men about him, as with the Mayor and Recorder of London. And after that, upon like pardon desired 
Buckingham urgeth and threateneth the refusal.  and obtained, he showed aloud unto the Protector for a final conclusion, that the Realm was at a point, King Edward's line should not any longer reign over them, both for that they had so far gone, as it was now no surety to retreat, as for that they thought it was for the weal universal to take that way, although they had not yet begun it. Wherefore if it would like his grace to take the Crown upon him, they would humbly beseech him thereunto; if he would give them a resolute answer to the contrary, which they would be loath to hear, then must they needs seek, and would not fail to find some other noble man that would. These words much moved the Protector, which else as every man may know, would never of likelihood have inclined thereunto But when he saw there was none other way, but that either he must take it, or else he, and his both go from it, he said unto the Lords and commons.  
(63) Sith we well perceive that all the Realm is so set, whereof we be very sorry, that they will not 
Th' Protor favourably accepteth the Crown.  suffer in any wise King Edward's line to govern them, whom no earthly man can govern against their wills, and well we also perceive, that no man there is to whom the Crown can by just title appertain, as to ourself, as very right heir lawfully begotten of the body of our most dear father Richard late Duke of York, to which title is now joined your election, the Nobles and Commons of this Realm, which we of all title possible take for the most effectual: we be content, and agree favourably to incline to your petition and request, and according to the same, we here take upon us the royal estate, pre-eminence, and kingdom of the two noble realms, England and France, the one from this day forward, by us and our heirs, to rule, govern, and defend; the other by God's grace, and your good help, to get again and subdue, and establish for ever in due obedience unto this Realm of England, the advancement whereof we never ask of God longer to live, than we intent to procure. With this there was a great shout, crying King Richard, King Richard. And then the Lords went up to the King (for so was he from that time called) and the people departed, talking diversely of the matter, every man as his fantasy gave him.  
(64) Much was talked, and marveled at the manner of this dealing, that the matter was made so strange unto both parties, as though they never had communed either with others before, when 
divers opinions of the people.  as themselves wist there was no man so dull that heard them, but perceived well enough, that all the matter was so made between them. How beit, some excused that again, and said all must be done in good order: And men must sometimes for manners sake, not be acknown what they know: for at the consecration of a Bishop, every man wotteth well, by the paying for his bulls, that he purposeth to be one, and though he pay for nothing else, and yet must he twice be asked, whether he will be a Bishop or no, and he must twice say nay, and at the third time take it, as compelled thereunto by his own will. And in a Stage-play the people know right well, that he who playeth the Sowdaine, is percase a souter, yet if one should know so little good, to show out of season what acquaintance he hath with him, and call him by his own name, while he standeth in his majesty, one of his tormentors might hap to break his head worthily for marring of the play.  
(65) The reign of this young King may well be accounted an interregnum without King, aswell for his minority being under the rule of a Protector 
The Reign and age of King Edward.  himself, as for the short time wherein he continued the name of a King; which only was two months and sixteen days, and in them also he sat uncrowned without Sceptre or ball, all which Richard aimed at, and perfidiously got, before they could come to his head; or into his hands. His age at the death of his father and entrance into his throne was eleven years five months and five days, and within three months after, was with his brother sin othered to death in the Tower of London, as shall be showed in his Reign, of whom we are now by order of success sion to write.   

RICHARD THE THIRD, KING 
Monarch 56  
Richard III.  OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, AND LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY six MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN, ACTS, ISSVE AND DEATH. For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moor. CHAPTER XIX.  
RIchard, the third son of Richard Duke of York, born at Fotheringhay Castle in the County of Northampton, was first honoured 
All the Richards and Dukes of Gloucester came to untimely deaths. Richard 1. slain with an arrow. Richard a murdered at Pomfrait. Tho. Woodstock 〈◊〉 her●…d to death. Humphrey murdered a●… S. Edmondsbury. Richard▪ slain at Bosworth held  with the title of Gloucester, being the third Duke of that number, & consequently by usurpation crowned King of England, the third of that name, a name indeed noted to the Kings so called, to be ever ominous; and the title of Gloucester to those Dukes ever fatal, all of them both, dying violent and untimely deaths, which ought to have been the more fearful unto Richard, now having possession and interest in them both. But that not regarded, or destiny enforcing, his aspiring mind gave him no rest, till his restless body found it lastly in the grave. For his brother deceased when his life was most desired, no man in show took his death so heavily as himself, or tendered 
Duke Richard subtilely complotteth for the Crown.  the young King with a more honourable respect, when as (God knows) his mind ran upon deep reaches, how to compass the wreath for his own head; which the better to fashion, he withdrew a while into the North, and at York in most sad and solemn manner observed the Funerals of the dead King: but howsoever the Mask covered this subtle Duke's face from the eye of the multitude; yet Buckingham well knew the ambitious desire of 
The Duke of Buckingham the only raiser of the Protector.  his aspiring heart, and indeed was the Dedalus that made him the wings, wherewith he mounted so near unto the Sun, as that the wax melting (like the highminded young Icarus) he caught his last fall.  
(2) What intendments they had before the King's death, is uncertain, though it may be suspected: but sure it is; he now gone, the Duke of Buckingham twice solicited Gloucester by his messengers 
By Persal, Buckingham's secret servant.  in the North, met him at Northampton himself, accompanied him to London, forwarded him in Counsel, and was the first Actor in this following tragedy. For, first making him Protector, procuring his young Nephew forth of Sanctuary, disabling 
The degrees by which the Protector ascended into the throne.  the young King, bastardising them both, persuading the Citizens, working the Nobility: and all this done, to set the Crown upon crooked Richard's head, and so moulded their minds unto the man, as they all became humble petitioners unto him for to accept of the same, who in the mean while had well conned his own part, by profuse liberality, 
The Protector fitted himself to the people's affections.  by passing great gravity, by singular affability, by ministering of justice, and by deep and close devices, whereby he won to himself the hearts of all, but the Lawyers especially, to serve best his turn, which was so affected, that in the name of all the States of the Realm, a Petition was drawn and presented him to accept the wearing of the Crown: the true copy whereof as we find it recorded in the 
A Petition exhibited to the Protector to accept of the Crown.  Parliament Rol, we have inserted, & is as followeth.  

In Rotulo Parliamenti tenti apud Westm. die Veneris Vicesimo tertio die januarii, An. Regni Regis Richardi 5. primo inter alia continetur ut sequitur. Memorandum quod quaedam billa exhibita fuit coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto in haec verba:  
Where late heretofore, that is to say, before the consecration, coronation, and inthronization of our sovereign Lord the King, Richard the third, a roll of parchment containing in writing certain Articles 
An Act of Parliament passed to establish K. Richard's election.  of the Tenor underwritten on the behalf, and in the name of the three Estates of this Realm of England, that is to wit, of the Lords Spiritual & Temporal, and of the Commons by name, and divers Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and other Nobles and notable persons of the Commons in great multitude was presented and actually delivered unto our said Sovereign Lord, the intent and effect expressed at large in the same roll: to the which Roll, and to the considerations, and instant petition comprised in the same, our said Sovereign Lord for the public weal and tranquillity of this land benignly assented. Now forasmuch as neither the said three Estates, neither the said persons which in their name presented, and delivered as it is aforesaid, the said Roll unto our said Sovereign Lord the King, were assembled in form of Parliament: 
All doubts taken away of King Richard's election  by reason whereof divers doubts, questions, and ambiguities been moved, and engendered in the minds of divers persons, as it is said: Therefore to the perpetual memory of the truth, and declaration of the same, be it ordained, provided, and established in this present Parliament, that the Tenor of the said roll, with all the contents of the same, presented as is abovesaid, and delivered to our foresaid Sovereign Lord the King, in the name and in the behalf of the said three Estates out of Parliament, now by the same three Estates assembled in this present Parliament, and by authority of the same be ratified, enroled, recorded, approved, and authorized into removing the occasions of doubts and ambiguities, and to all other lawful effects that shall now thereof ensue: So that all things said, affirmed, specified, desired and remembered 
The petition of the king's election made lawful, and authorised by Parliament.  in the said rol, & in the tenor of the same underwritten in the name of the said 3. Estates, to the effect expressed in the same roll be of the like effect, virtue & force, as if all the same things had been so said, affirmed, specified, desired & remembered in a full Parliament, and by authority of the same accepted & approved. The Tenor of the said Roll of parchment, whereof above is made mention, followeth, & is such.   

To the high and Mighty Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester.  
Please it your noble Grace to understand the considerations, election and petition underwritten of us, the Lords Spiritual & temporalll, and Commons 
The form of he 〈◊〉 exhibi●…d unto the Protector.  of this Realm of England, and thereunto agreeably to give your assent to the common and public weal of this land, to the comfort and gladnese of all the people of the same. First, we consider how that heretofore in time passed, this land many years stood in great prosperity, honour, and tranquility, which was caused, forsomuch as the King then reigning, used and followed the advise and counsel of certain Lords spiritual and temporal, and other 
Fair gloss upon soul prete●…ses.  persons of approved sadness, prudence, policy, & experience, dreading God, and having tender zeal and affection to indifferent ministration of justice, and to the common and public weal of the land: Then our Lord God was dread, loved and honoured, then within the land was peace and tranquillity, and among neighbour's concord and charity, than the malice of outward enemies was mightily resisted and repressed, and the land honourably defended with many great and glorious victories, than the intercourse of Merchants was largely used and exercised: by which things above remembered, the land was greatly enriched, so that aswell the Merchants and Artificers, as other poor people labouring for their livings in divers occupations, had competent gain to the sustentation of them & their households, living without miserable and intolerable poverty: but afterward, when that such as had the rule and governance of this land; delighting 
O time how dost thou turn and art turned.  in adulation and flattery, and led by sensuality and concupiscence, followed the counsel of persons insolent, vicious, and of inordinate avarice, despising the counsel of good, virtuous, & prudent persons, such as above be remembered; The prosperity of this land daily decreased, so that felicity was turned into misery, and prosperity into adversity, and the order of policy, and of the law of God and Man confounded, whereby it is likely this Realm to fall into extreme misery and desolation (which God defend) without due provision of covenable remedy be had in this behalf, in all goodly haste.  
(3) Over this, among other things more special we consider, how that the time of the reign of K. Edward the fourth late deceased, after the ungracious 
Flattery fears not how to report.  pretenced marriage (as all England hath cause so to say) made betwixt the said King Edward, and Elizabeth sometimes wife to Sir john Grace knight, late naming herself, and many years heretofore Queen of England, the order of all politic rule was perverted, the laws of God, and of God's Church, and also the laws of nature, and of England, and also of the laudable customs and liberties of the same, wherein every English man is inheritor, broken, subverted and contemned, against all reason and justice, so that the land was ruled by self-will and pleasure, fear and dread, all manner of equity and law laid apart and despised, whereof ensued many inconveniences and mischiefs, as murders, 
How can Princes rule to shu●… reproach when they are dead.  extortions, and oppressions, namely of poor and impotent people, so that no man sure of his life, land or livelihood, ne of his wife, daughter nor servant, every good maiden and woman standing in dread to be ravished and deflowered: and besides this, what discords, inward battles, effusion of Christian men's blood, and namely, by the destruction of the Nobles blood of this land, was had and committed within the same, it is evident and notary through all this Realm, unto the great sorrow and heaviness of all true Englishmen. And here also we consider, how that the said pretended marriage betwixt the above named King Edward and Elizabeth Grace was made of great presumption without the knowing & assent of the Lords of this land, 
The Queen & her mother falsely slandered.  and also by sorcery and witchcraft committed by the said Elizabeth and her mother jaquet Duchess of Bedford, as the common opinion of the people, and the public voice and fame is through all this land: and hereafter if the cause shall require, shall be proved sufficiently in time and place convenient. And here also we consider how that the said pretenced marriage was made privily and secretly without edition of banes in a private Chamber, a profane place, and not openly in the face of the Church after the law of God's Church, but contrary thereunto, and the laudable custom of the Church of England. And how also that at the time of contract of the same pretended marriage, and before and long time after the said King Edward was and stood married, and troth-plight to one Dame Elienor 
K. Edward accused to haste been contracted to the Lady Elienor Butler.  Butler daughter of the old Earl of Shrewsbury with whom the same Edward had made a precontract of Matrimony long time before he made the said pretenced marriage with the said Elizabeth Grace, in manner and form aforesaid: which Premises being true, as in very truth they been true: it appeareth, and followeth evidently, that the said King Edward during his life, and the said Elizabeth lived together sinfully and damnably in adultery against the law of God and of his Church: And therefore 
The tongue of slander is a sharp arrow.  no marvel that the Sovereign Lord, and the head of this land being of such ungodly disposition, and provoking the ire and indignation of our Lord God; such heinous mischief and inconveniences as are above remembered, were used and committed in the Realm among the Subjects. Also it appeareth 
They have taught their to●…gs to speak lies, jer. 9 5.  evidently and followeth, that all the Issue and children of the ●…id King Edward, been bastard and unable to inherit, or to claim any thing by inheritance, by the law and custom of England.  
(4) Moreover, we consider how that afterwards by the three Estates of this Realm assembled in Parliament, holden at Westminster the 17. year of the reign of the said King Edward the fourth, he then being in possession of the Crown and royal estate, by Act made in the same Parliament, George Duke of Clarence brother to the said King Edward now 
George Duke of Clarence and his heirs made uncapable of the crown.  deceased, was convicted and attainted of high treason, as in the same Act is contained more at large, by cause and reason whereof, all the Issue of the said George, was and is disabled and barred of all right and claim that in any case they might have or challenge by inheritance to the Crown and dignity royal of this Realm, by the ancient law and custom of this same Realm.  
Over this we consider that ye be the undoubted son and heir of Richard late Duke of York, very inheritor of the said Crown and dignity royal; and as in right King of England by way of inheritance: and that at this time the premises duly considered there is none other person living, but ye only that by right may claim the said Crown and dignity 
As bad his claim as his per on deformed, but both made good by flatterers in Parliament.  royal by way of inheritance, and how that ye be borne within this land; by reason whereof, as we deem in our minds, ye be more naturally inclined to the prosperity and common weal of the same: and all the three estates of the Land have and may have more certain knowledge of your birth and filiation aforesaid. We consider also the great wit, prudence, justice, princely courage, and the memorable and laudable acts in divers battles, which as we by experience know you heretofore have done, for the salvation and defence of this same Realm; and also the great nobleness & excellency of your birth and blood, as of him that is descended of the three most royal houses in Christendom: that is to say, England, France and Spain. Wherefore these 
Great pity that so fair stems, should being forth so bad a branch.  premises by us diligently considered, we desiring effectually the peace, traquilitie and weal-public of this Land, and the reduction of the same to the ancient honourable estate and prosperity, and having in your great prudence, justice, princely courage, and excellent virtue, singular confidence, have chosen in all that in ut is, and by this our writing choose you High and Mighty Prince our King and Sovereign Lord, etc. To whom we know for certain it appertaineth of inheritance so to be chosen. And hereupon we humbly desire, pray, and require your most noble Grace, that according to this election of us the three estates of this Land, as by your true inheritance, you will accept and take upon you the said Crown and royal dignity, with all things thereunto annexed and appertaining, as to you of right belonging aswell by inheritance as by lawful election: and in case ye so do, we promise to serve and assist your Highness, as true and faithful subjects, and liege men; and to live and die with you 
All promises were not kept, as afterward it proved.  in this matter, and in every other just quarrel. For certainly, we be determined rather to adventure & commit us to the peril of our lives, and jeopardy of death, then to live in such thraldom and bondage as we have lived long time heretofore oppressed and injured by extortions and new impositions against the Law of God and man, and the liberty, old policy and Laws of this Realm, wherein every Englishman is inherited. Our LORD GOD, 
The Lord our God is a consuming fire, Deut. 4. 24.  KING of all KINGS, by whose infinite goodness and eternal providence all things been principally governed in this world; lighten your soul, and grant you grace to do as well in this matter as in all other, that may be according to his will and pleasure, and to the common and public weal of this Land: so that after great clouds, trouble, storms, and tempests, the Sun of justice and of Grace may shine upon us, to the comfort and gladness of all truehearted Englishmen. Albeit, that the right, title, & estate, which our Sovereign Lord the King, Richard the third hath to, and in the Crown, and royal dignity of this Realm of England; with all things thereunto within the same Realm, and without it united, annexed & appertaining, been just and lawful as grounded upon the laws of God and of nature: and also upon the ancient laws and laudable customs of this said Realm; and so taken and reputed by all such persons as been learned in the abovesaid laws and customs: Yet nevertheless, for as much as it is considered, that the most part of 
A charitable mind in show, but in truth a crafty intent.  the people is not sufficiently learned in the abovesaid Laws and customs, whereby the truth & right in this behalf of likelihood may be hid and not clearly known to all the people, & thereupon put in doubt and question. And over this, how that the Court of Parliament is of such authority, and the people of this Land of such a nature and disposition, as experience teacheth that manifestation and declaration of any truth or right made by the three estates of this Realm assembled in Parliament, and by the authority of the same maketh before all other things 
The effect of our English Parliaments.  most faith and certain, and quieting of men's minds, removeth the occasion of all doubts, and seditious language. Therefore at the request, and by the assent of the three estates of this Realm; that is to say, the Lords spiritual and temporal, and Commons of this Land assembled in this present Parliament, by authority of the same be it pronounced, decreed, and declared, that our said Sovereign Lord the King was, and is the very undoubted King of this Realm of England, with all things thereunto within the same Realm, and without it united, annexed, and appertaining aswell by right of Consanguinity, and inheritance, as by lawful election, consecration, and coronation. And over this, that at the request, and by the assent and authority abovesaid, be it ordained, enacted and established, that the said Crown and royal dignity of this Realm, and the inheritance of the same, and all other things thereunto within the Realm or without, is united, annexed, 
The Crown entailed to king Richard and his heirs.  and now appertaining, rest and abide in the person of our said Sovereign Lord the King during his life, and after his decease, in his heirs of his body begotten; and in especial at the request, and by assent and authority abovesaid, be it ordained, enacted, established, pronounced, decreed, and declared, that the high and excellent Prince Edward, son of our said Sovereign Lord the King, be heir apparent 
Prince Edward made heir apparent by Parliament.  of the same our Sovereign Lord the King to succeed to him in the abovesaid Crown and royal dignity, with all things as is aforesaid thereunto united, annexed, and appertaining, to have them after the decease of our said Sovereign Lord the King, to him, and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten.  
Quae quidem Billa Communibus Regni Angl. in dicto Parliamento existent. transportata fuit. Cui quidem billae ijdem Communes assensum suum praebuerunt sub hijs verbis. A Ceste bill les Communes sont assentus. Quibus quidem billa, & assensis coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto lectis, auditis, & plenius intellectis, de assensu Dominorum spiritualium, & temporal▪ ●…min dicto Parliamento similiter existent ac Communitatis praedictae, nec non authoritate einsdem Parliamenti pronunciatum, decretum, & declaratum existit, omnia & singula in billa praedicta contenta forever a & indubia. Ac idem Dominus Rex de assensu dictorum trium Statuum Regni, & authoritate praedicta, omnia & singula praemissa in billa praedicta, contenta concedit, ac ea pro vero & indubio pronunciat, decernit & declarat.   
(5) These things I have laid forth more at large out of the Parliament Roll, that ye may understand 
What cannot the Parliament effect, where all give way to the sway of time.  both what and how great matters, the power of a Prince, the outward show of virtue, the wily fetches of Lawyers, fawning hope, pensive fear, desire of change, and goodly pretences are able to effect, in that most wise assembly of all the States of a Kingdom, even against all law and right, so that the saying of Solomon in this State seemed most true that a living dog is better than a dead Lyon. But this 
Eccles. 9 4.  Richard is not to be accounted worthy to have been a Sovereign, had he not been a Sovereign as Galba was reputed; who, when he was a Sovereign, deceived 
King Richard like unto Galba, a had Subject, but a good Prince.  all men's expectation; but most worthy indeed of Sovereignty, had he not been transported with ambition (which blasted all his good parts) by lewd practices, and by mischievous means, made foul way thereunto: for that by the common consent of all that are wise, he was reckoned in the rank of bad men, but of good Princes; as indeed King Richard through his short time of reign is accounted to have been.  
(6) The Crown and Sceptre accepted as is said, King Richard upon the twenty fifth of june, went in great pomp unto Westminster hall, and there in the 
King Richard accepteth the Crown and beginneth his reign with great applause.  King's Bench Court took his Seat, saying, that he would take upon him the Crown in that place, where the King himself ought to sit, whose chiefest duty was to administer justice to his people, and with a pleasing Oration so tickled the ears of his Auditors, that he lulled the rural to think that his like had never reigned in England; and to begin himself with a pretenced clemency, he pronounced pardon of all offences committed against him; for confirmation whereof, he sent for one 
The new King's clemency and affability.  Fog whom he deadly hated, who for fear of him had lately taken Sanctuary at Westminster, and there in sight of the people with semblance accordingly, took him by the hand saying, that he would be thence forth his assured in affection; whereat the Commons greatly rejoiced, and with applauses extolled, though others wiser among them took it to be but feigned to serve his own turn. And 
K. Richard's dealings double construed.  in his way homeward, whomsoever he met, he saluted: for a mind that knoweth itself to be guilty, is in a manner dejected to a servile flattery.  
(7) King Richard whose guilty heart was full of suspicion, had sent for five thousand Soldiers 
The Northern sent for to the King's Coronation.  out of the North to be present in London at his Coronation; these under the leading of Robin of Ridsdale, came up both evil appareled, and worse harnessed, in rusty Armour, neither defensible for 
john Harding, Cont●…er.  proof, nor scoured for show: who mustering in Finesburie Fields, were with disdain gazed upon by the beholders. But all things now ready for his Coronation (and much the sooner in that young Edward's provision was conferred upon his) upon the fourth of july, he with his wife by water came to the Tower, where he created Estates, ordained 
A. D. 1485. State's 〈◊〉 by K Richard.  the Knights of the bath, set at liberty the Archbishop of York, and the Lord Stanley, more for fear then for love; whose son the Lord Strange was then said to be gathering of men in Lancashire, where those Lords have great command.  
(8) But Morton Bishop of Ely a firm man unto King Edward, and unpossible to be drawn unto the disinheriting of his children, as was well perceived by the Protector, among others, at the Council held in the Tower, was left there prisoner, and accused of many great, but unlikely treasons. This man borne in Dorsetshire, and brought up in the University 
At Beer or Berry  of Oxford, was from a Doctor of the Arches made a privy councillor unto King Henry, and after his death alured by King Edward to serve him, was sworn likewise of his Council, and made one of the Executors of his will: whose insight into the intended designs, the Protector much feared, and therefore having him fast, minded so to keep him, when he released others laid in the Tower for the like fear. But the reverence of the man, or undeseruednesse of his wrongs, moved so the affection of the Oxford Academians, that they directed to the King (who professed much love to that University) a petitory latin Epistle, no less eloquent & pithy, 
Ex Regist. Oxon. MS.  then circumspect and wary, wherein they thus pleaded for his liberty.  
(9) Though many important motives we have most Christian King, earnestly to recommend 
A letter written for the University o●… O ●…ra in the behalf of D. Morton.  to your princely clemency, the Reverend Father in Christ, the Lord Bishop of Ely, as being not only one of the most eminent Sons of our University, but also a singular Patron and indulgent Father to us all; yet could not these inducements (howsoever very ponderous with all grateful minds) persuade us to become intercessors for his pardon, but ever with due regard both to your own honour and safety; the greatness of your princely favours having more obliged us, then of any your royal Predecessors: whiles therefore we stood in some doubt, how he stood affected towards your Highness, we held it an high offence, if by tendering his safety, we should any way hazard yours: but now understanding, that his offence proceeded, not of pertinacy, but human frailty; and that he hath always humbly sued for pardon thereof, the bowels of our mother University, like Rachel weeping over her Children were moved with compassion over the deplored distress of this her dearest son; wherein yet (as we hope) her affection deserves no just reprehension. For if a pious affection be praiseworthy, even in an enemy, much more is it in this our Academy, full of due observance towards your Majesty, and professing the study of all virtues. These things so being, we thought fit, (without longer delays) to fly unto your clemency, as humble Suppliants, that your Highness already having in part inflicted (though mildly) some chastisement on his fault would turn your royal aspect towards him, & impart to him the bounty of your gracious clemency; wherein, you shall not only perform an act most acceptable to him, to us, and the whole Church, but very honourable & advantageous also (as we hope) to your own person. For, upon notice of the readmittance of so great a Prelate into your grace, who is there, that will not extol with praises unto the skies your so great, and even divine clemency? Thus gloried the Romans, to have it marshaled amongst their praises, that 
* Virgil. Pa●…e Subiect●…, etc. Sallust.  Submissive wights they spared, but crushed the proud; and this also they challenged as their peculiar honour, that they were readier to remit, then to revenge wrongs. Now if you will aspire to this high honour, (as easily you may, by being gracious to this man) you shall surmount the Romans themselves by so glorious a deed. As for the great benefit which may hereby accrue to your highness, albeit (as we suppose) we can sufficiently conceive thereof, especially if we call to mind his singular virtues; yet had we rather leave that point wholly to your secret considerations, then pursue it with a discourse tedious to you, and enuie-breeding to him: least happily by insisting in his praises, it may be thought, that we seek rather by violence to extort, then by submissivenes to beg his pardon, and or else to rely more on the greatness of his virtues, then of your Clemency, or lastly to appeal rather to your justice, then to your mercy. Wherefore (most puissant Prince) thus persuade yourself of us, that whatsoever we have spoken in the Bishop's behalf, we do it rather out of a sense of our dutifulness then any diffidency of your graciousness: and therefore omitting all things which might be alleged, either to lessen his offence or augment his virtues: it is your sole mercy wherein we repose all our hopes; vowing, how soever other means of gratitude may be wanting to us, yet we shall never suffer the remembrance of so great a favour conferred on us to be 
Dat. Ox●…ij in Eccles. S. Mariae Vi●…g. 4. Sex●….  extinguished amongst us.  
(10) King Richard, after this, intending some easier restraint, though not liberty unto the Bishop, was content to release him out of the Tower, and committed him to the custody of Henry Duke of Buckingham, who sent him to his Castle of Brecknock 
Bishop Morton committed to the custody of the Duke of Buckinghom.  in Wales, there safely to be kept, until himself should come thither.  
(11) The next day with great pomp, state and attendance of the Nobility, the King road through 
The great estate of King Richard's coronation.  London, so as a more royal had not been seen at any King's Coronation, for there attended him, three Dukes, nine Earls, two viscounts, twenty Lords, seventy eight Knights, all of them most richly furnished, whereof the Duke of Buckingham so far exceeded, that the caparison of his horse was so charged 
Buckingham most richly attired at the king's coronation.  with embroidered work of gold, as it was born up from the ground by certain his footmen thereto appointed. And contrary to my own affections, or manner of my former proceedings, I will yet continue the most honourable offices performed at his royal enthroning with no little Admiration, how these Lords assembled to set the Crown upon the young Prince's head, were so suddenly carried to Crown his Protector, and that upon such false and slanderous pretences, as every one of them saw his title to be merely an unjust usurpation, but in them may be seen, that we are all the sons of Adam, and in times of extremities, foreslow all public regard, as overmuch fearing our private and present estate.  
(12) Upon the sixth of july, King Richard with 
The order of the Kings proceedings to be crowned.  Queen Anne his wife set forth from Whitehall towards Westminster, royally attended, and went into the King's bench in the great hall, from whence himself and Queen upon ray Cloth, both of them barefooted, 
Rich. Groston.  went unto King Edward's shrine in Saint Peter's Church, all the Nobility going with him in their degree, the trumpets and Heralds marshalling the way, the Cross with a solemn procession followed, the Priests in fine surplice and grey Amysses upon them, the Bishops and Abbots in rich Copes all of them mitred, and carrying their Crosses in their hands; next came the Earl of Huntingdon bearing a pair of gilt spurs, signifying Knighthood; after whom came the Earl of Bedford, who bare Saint Edward's staff for a Relic, than followed the Earl of Northumberland with a naked pointless sword in his hand betokening mercy, next whom the Lord Stanley bore the Mace of the Constableship, upon whose right hand the Earl of Kent bore a naked pointed swod, and on his left hand the Lord Lovel the like naked pointed sword, the former signifying justice towards the temporalty, & the other justice to the Clergy; the Duke of Suffolk then followed with the Sceptre, which signified Peace: the Earl of Lincoln bore the Ball and Cross which signified a Monarchy: Then came the Earl of Surrey bearing the fourth sword sheathed in a rich scabbard, and is called the sword of Estate, next whom followed Garter King at Arms, upon whose right hand went the Gentleman Usher of the King's privy Chamber, and on his left the Lord Mayor of London, with a Mace in his hand; Next unto whom went the Duke of Norfolk bearing the Kings Grown betwixt his hands, and then King Richard himself came, in a Surcote and rob of purple velvet; having over his head a Canopy borne by the four Barons of the five Ports, the Bishop of Bath on his right hand, and of Durham on his left. The Duke of Buckingham bore the King's train, and to signify the office of high Steward of England, he bore a White Staff in his hand.  
(13) Then followed the Queen's train: before whom was borne the Sceptre, the ivory Rod with the 
The order of the Queen's proceedings to receive the crown:  Dove, and the Crown; herself appareled in Robes like the Kings under a rich Canopy, at every corner thereof a bell of gold. On her head she ware a circlet set full of precious stones, the Countess of Richmond bearing her train; the Duchess of Norfolk and Suffolk in their Coronets attendants, with twenty Ladies of estate most richly attired. In this order they passed the Palace into the Abbey, and ascending to the high Altar there shifted their Robes, and having other Robes open in divers places from the middle upward, were both of them anointed 
The King and Queen solemnly anointed and crowned.  and Crowned, he with Saint Edward's Crown, having the Sceptre delivered into his left hand, and the Ball with the Cross a token of Monarchy in his right, the Queen had a Sceptre given into her right hand, and the ivory Dove in her left; then after the Sacrament received (having the host divided betwixt them) they both offered at Saint Edward's shrine, where the King left his Crown and put on his own; and thus done, in the same Order and State as they came, returned to Westminster hall, and there held a most Princely feast. Whereof let Hall and Grafton tell you for me.  
(14) But this his fair Sun was soon overcast with many dark Clouds and mischiefs, which fell thick upon the neck of each other, for as the 
Sir Th●… Mooe.  thing evil gotten, is never well kept: through all the time of his reign there never ceased death and 
The time of King Richard's reign full of calamities.  slaughter, till his own destruction ended it. Yet as he finished his days with the best death, and the most righteous, that is to say, his own: so began he with the most piteous and wicked, I mean the lamentable murder of his innocent Nephews, the young King and his tender brother; whose deaths and final misfortunes have nevertheless come so far in question, that some remain yet in doubt, whether they were in his days destroyed or no. Not for that only, that Perkin Warbeck by the malice of many, and the folly of more, so long a time abusing 
〈◊〉 made of the two Prince's deaths.  the world, was aswell with Princes, as the other poor people, reputed and taken for the younger of these two: but for that also as all things were in late days so covertly demeaned, one thing pretended and another done, that there was nothing so plain and openly proved, but for the common custom and close covert dealing, men had it ever inwardly in suspect, as many well counterfeit jewels make the true mistrusted. Howbeit concerning the opinion with the occasions moving either party, we shall have place more at large hereafter to entreat of: in the mean time for this present master shall be rehearsed the dolorous end of these young Babes, not after every report I have heard, but by such men, and by such means, as to my seeming it were hard but it should be true saith Sir Thomas Moor.  
(15) K. Richard presently after his mockish Election 
King Richard's progress towards Gloucester.  & glorious Coronation, made his progress towards Gloucester, to show (as was thought) in that City his new Kingly estate, which first had vouchsafed him his old honour in bearing her Title; or else, and that rather, to besequestred from other business, the better to attend that, upon which his thoughts most busily ran. For albeit the Bark of his begun adventures, had without peril well passed the straights, and now got sea room to spread sail at will; yet being under gale, and at fortunes dispose, he feared the gust of every wind: at leastwise suspected that his young Nephews living would stay the course of his deep reaches, as doth the little fish Remora, who holdeth (as at Anchor) the biggest ship under 
Remora a little fish, i●… reported to have such strength, as it will stay the course of any ship under sail.  sail. His inward study therefore still forged, howsoever his outward countenance was carried to clear his passage by taking those dangerous lets away, well knowing, that his little Nephews enjoying their lives, men would be meddling with their down cast cause, and account him an usurper without 
The fears of K. Richard.  all rihgt to the Realm. To stop which stream, no other course could he find, but to cut off the current by which it ran, as though the kill of his Kinsmen could better his bad claim, or unkindly 
King Richard complotteth the death of his Nephews.  murder make him a kindly King. But being resolved, he forth with scent one john green, a servant in especial trust unto Sir Robert Brakenbury Constable of the Tower, with a letter of credence, 
King Richard his letter to Sir Robert Brakenbury.  that the same Sir Robert should in any wise put the two children to death.  
(16) This Green thus posted to London, delivered his errand unto Brakenbury, whom he found kneeling at his Orisons before the Image of our Lady in the Tower, the business being of such weight as the King must be served before he had ended with his Saint The Constable reading the letter, and perceiving the bloody intent of the King, answered 
Sir Robert Brakenburies' answer unto john green  plainly, he would never put those innocent babes unto death, to die therefore himself. With which answer john green returning, recounted the same to King Richard being at Warwick, yet in his way to Gloucester, wherewith he was marvelously perplexed, and thereat took such displeasure, that the same night he said to a secret Page of his: Ah whom shall a man trust? those that I have brought up myself, 
King Richard's complaint of Ingratitude.  those that I had weened would most surely serve me, even those fail me, and at my commandment will do nothing. Sir quoth the Page, there lieth one on your Pallet without, that I dare well say, to do your Grace pleasure, the thing were right hard that he would refuse; meaning this by Sir james Tirrell, who was a man of a goodly parsonage, and for Nature's gifts worthy to have served a much better Prince, if he had well served God, and by grace obtained as 
james Tirrell made the Instrument of murder  much truth and good will, as he had strength and wit.  
(17) The man had an high heart, and sore longed 
The parts of Sir james Tirrel.  upward, not rising yet so fast as he hoped, being hindered and kept under by the means of Sir Richard Ratcliff, and Sir William Catesby, who longing for no more partners of the Prince's favour, and namely, not for him, whose pride they knew would bear no Peer, kept him by secret drifts out of all secret trust, which thing this Page had well marked and known: wherefore this occasion offered of very special friendship, he took his time to put him forward, and by such wise to do him good, that all the enemies he had, except the Devil himself could never have done him so much hurt. For upon this Pages words, K. Richard arose (for thiscommunication 
King Richard consu●…red upon his nephews murders, sitting on a homely seat.  had he sitting at the draft, a convenient Corpet for such a Counsel) and came out into a Pallet-Chamber, where he found in bed, Sir james and Sir Thomas Tirrels, of persons much like, and brethren in blood, but nothing of kin in conditions: Then said the King merrily to them, what Sirs, be ye in bed so soon? and calling up Sir james, broke to him secretly his mind in this mischievous matter, in which he found him nothing strange. Wherefore on the morrow he sent him to Brakenbury with a letter, by which he was commanded 
Sir james ready to fulfil the king's mind in the murder of the Princes.  to deliver Sir james all the keys of the Tower for one night, to the end he might accomplish there the King's pleasure in such things as he had given him in commandment. After which letter delivered, and the keys received, Sir james appointed the night next ensuing to destroy them, devising before and preparing the means.  
(18) The Prince in the Tower slenderly attended; and altogether neglected by the Nobility, lastly, had news that his uncle had left the name of Protector, and taken upon him the Title of King, who with full consent of the Lords was to be crowned within a few days following, with the same Crown, and in the like estate as had been provided for his solemnity, whereat the dejected Innocent sighed and said; Alas, I would my uncle would let 
The words of Prince Edward when he heard that his ●…ncle should be King.  me enjoy my life yet, though I lose both my Kingdom and Crown. Which words he pronounced with such a feeling fear, as much moved the Relater to pity, and to persuade him with the best comforts he could: but forthwith the Prince and his brother were both shut up, and all attendants removed from them, only one called Blackwill, or William 
The faithful servants of the Prince removed from him.  Slaughter excepted, who was set to serve them, and see them sure. After which time the Prince never tied his points, nor cared for himself, but with that young Babe his brother lingered with thought and heaviness, till their traitorous deaths delivered them out of that wretchedness: for the execution whereof, Tirrell appointed Miles Forrest, one of the four that kept them, a fellow fleshed in murder before 
Sir Th. Moor.  time. To whom he joined one john Dighton his horsekeeper, a big, broad, square knave.  
(19) About midnight (all others being removed from them,) this Miles Forest, and john Dighton, 
Prince Edward and his brother murdered in a featherbed.  came into the Chamber, and suddenly wrapped up the silly children in the Bed-clothes, where they lay keeping by force the featherbed and pillows hard upon their mouths that they were therein smothered to death, & gave up to God their innocent souls into the joys of heaven, leaving their bodies unto the Tormentors dead in the bed: which after these monstrous wretches perceived, first by the struggling with the pains of death, and after long lying still to be thoroughly dispatched, they laid their bodies naked out upon the bed, and then fetched Sir james 
Their bodies were buried under a pair of stairs.  their instigator to see them, who caused these murderers to bury them at the stairs foot, somewhat deep in the ground, under a great heap of stones. Then road Sir james in haste to the King, unto whom he showed the manner of their death, and place of burial, which news was so welcome to his wicked heart, as he greatly rejoiced, and with great thanks dubbed (as some hold) this his merciless Instrument, knight. But the place of their burial he liked not, saying, that vile corner should not contain the bodies of those Princes, his Nephews, & commanded them a better place for burial, because they were the 
The body of the two Princes removed, and buried no man knows where.  sons of a King. Whereupon the Priest of the Tower took up the bodies; and secretly interred them in such place, which by the occasion of his death could never since come to light.  
(20) The continuer of john Harding tells us from the report of others, that King Richard caused Sir 
Hardings' continuer.  Robert Brakenburies' Priest to close their dead corpse in lead, and so to put them in a coffin full of holes, and hooked at the ends with two hooks of iron, and so to cast them into a place called the Blacke-deepes at the Thames mouth, whereby they should never rise up, or be any more seen. Wheresoever they were buried, thus they died, and by these murderers. For very certain it is, and well known, that at such time, as Sir james Tirrell was in the Tower, for Treason committed against King Henry the seventh, both 
The murderers confess the deed, and manner of their ●…th.  Dighton and he were examined, and confessed the murder in manner as is said, but whether their bodies were removed they could not say. And thus as 
The report of Sir Tho. Moor.  I have learned of them that knew much, and little cause had to lie, were these two noble Princes, these innocent tender children, borne of most royal blood, brought up in great wealth, likely to have lived, to have reigned, and ruled in the Realm, by traitorous tyranny taken, deprived of their estates, shortly shut up in prison, and impiously murdered, and the body cast out God wot where, by the cruel ambition of their unnatural uncle, and his hellish Tormentors. Which things on every part well pondered; God never gave this world a more notable example, neither 
The unconstant state ofmen life.  in what unsurety standeth this worldly weal, or what mischief worketh the proud enterprise of an high heart, or finally, what wretched end ensueth such barbarous cruelty.  
(20) For first to begin with the Ministers, 
God's justice and revenge upon the murderers.  Miles Forrest at S. Martin's, piece-meal rotten away; Sir james Tyrrell died at Tower hill for treason. Dighton indeed walketh on alive in good possibility to be hanged ere he die, living at Calais no less distained and hated then pointed at of all. King Richard himself 
Io. Harding.  as ye shall hereafter hear, was slain in the field, hacked and hewed of his enemy's hands, carried on 
Ruenge of murder repaid.  horseback dead, his hair in despite torn and tugged like a Cur dog: and the mischief that he took was within less than three years of the mischief that he did, and yet all the mean time spent in much pain and trouble outward, and much fear, anguish, and sorrow within. For I have heard by credible report of such as were secret with his 
The guilty conscience of King Richard.  Chamberlain, that after this abominable deed done, he never had quiet in his mind: he never thought himself sure: but where he went abroad, his eyes ever-whirled about, his body privily fenced, his hand ever on his dagger, his countenance & manner like one always ready to strike again, he took il rest a nights, lay long waking and musing, sore wearied with care and watch, rather slumbered then slept, troubled with fearful dreams, suddenly sometimes start up, leapt out of his Bed, and ran about the chamber, so was his restless heart continually tossed and tumbled with the tedious impression and stormy remembrance of his abominable deed. Neither had he in his best, any time of quiet, for 
Outward enemies arise against King Richard.  immediately began the conspiracy (or rather good consideration) between the Duke of Buckingham, and divers other Gentlemen against him.  
(21) Which Duke assoon as Gloucester upon the 
The forward affection of the Duke of Bckingham towards the Duke of Gloucester.  death of King Edward came to York, sent thither in secret wise a trusty servant of his, named Persall, to assure him, that he would take his part in this his new world, and if need were, would wait upon him with a thousand good-fellows: and again sent offers of the like unto Nottingham, whither the Protector from York, with many Gentlemen of the North Country was come, and on his way to Londonward in secret manner met him himself, but at Northampton openly with three hundred horse: and from thence still continued with him, being a partner of all his devices, till that after his coronation they departed (as it seemed) very great friends at Gloucester: from 
The Duke of Buckingham falls in dislike of king Richard.  whence as soon as the Duke came home, he so lightly turned from him, and so highly conspired against him, that a man would marvel whereof the change grew. And surely the occasion of their variance is of divers men, diversely reported; Some have said, that the Duke a little before the Coronation, among other things, required of the Protector, the Duke of Hertfords' Lands, to the which he pretended himself just inheritor. And forasmuch as the Title 
The occasions of the Kings and Dukes falling asunder.  which he claimed by inheritance, was somewhat interlaced with the title of the Crown, by the line of King Henry before deprived, the Protector conceived such indignation, that he rejected the Duke's request, with many spiteful and minatory words, which so wounded his heart with hatred and mistrust, that he never after could endure to look aright on King Richard, but ever feared his own life, so far forth, that when the Protector road through London towards his Coronation, he feigned himself 
Buckingham feigned himself sick not to attend K. Henry.  sick, because he would not ride with him: And the other taking it in evil part, sent him word to rise; and come ride, or he would make him to be carried. Whereupon he road on with an evil will, and that notwithstanding on the morrow rose from the Feast, feigning himself sick, whereat King Richard said, it was done in hatred and despite of him. And they say, that ever after continually each of them lived in such hatred and distrust of other, as the Duke verily looked to have been murdered at Gloucester: from which nevertheless he in fair manner departed. But surely some right secret at this day deny 
The fears of the Duke of Buckingham.  this: and many right wise men think it unlikely (the deep dissembling nature of both those men considered, and what need in that green world the Protector had of the Duke, and in what peril the Duke stood, if he fell once in suspicion of the Tyrant) that either the Protector would give the Duke occasion of displeasure, or the Duke the Protector 
No such suspicion betwixt the King and the Duke as was said to be.  occasion of mistrust. And verily men think, that if King Richard had any such conceived opinion, he would never have suffered the Duke to have escaped his hands.  
(22) The very truth is, Buckingham was an high minded man, and could evil bear the glory of another; so that I have heard of some that saw it, that 
Sir Thomas Moor's opinion of Buckingham.  the Duke at such time as the Crown was first set upon the Protectors head, his eye could not abide the sight thereof, but wried his face another way. But men say, that he was of truth not well at ease which 
The divers opinions of the King and Duke's falling out.  to King Richard was well known, and nothing ill taken, not any demand of the Dukes uncourteously rejected, but he both with great gifts and high behests in most loving and trusty manner, departed at Gloucester. But soon after his coming home to Brecknock, having there in custody by the commandment of King Richard, Doctor Morton Bishop of Ely, who (ye before heard) was taken in the counsel at the Tower, waxed with him familiar: whose wisdom abused his pride to his own deliverance, and the Duke's destruction.  
(23) This Bishop was a man of great natural wit; very well learned, and honourable in behaviour, lacking no wise ways to win favour: he had been 
The story of Bishop Morton.  fast upon the part of King Henry, while that part was in wealth; and natheless left it not, nor forsook it in woe, but fled the Realm with the Queen & the Prince, while King Edward had Henry in prison, and never came home but to the field. After which lost, and that side utterly subdued, the other for his fast faith and wisdom not only was content to receive him, but also wooed him to come, and had him from 
Morton w●…d unto King Edward's side.  thence forth both in great secret trust, and very special favour, which he nothing deceived. For he being (as you have heard) after King Edward's death, first taken by the Tyrant for his truth to the King, found the means to set this Duke in his top, joined Gentlemen together in aid of King Henry, devising first the marriage between him and King Edward's daughter: by which his faith, he declared the good 
The union of Lancaster and York first set 〈◊〉 by Bishop Morton.  service to both his masters at once, with infinite benefit to the Realm, by the conjunction of those two bloods in one; whose several titles had long time disquieted the Land; he fled the Realm, went to Rome, never minding more to meddle with the world, till the noble Prince King Henry the seventh got him home again, made him Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, whereunto the Pope joined the honour of a Cardinal. Thus 
Morton made Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, and Cardinal.  living many days in as much honour, as one man might well wish, ended them so godly, that his death with God's mercy, well changed his life.  
(24) This man therefore, as I was about to tell you, by the long and often alternate proof, aswell of prosperity as adverse fortunes, had gotten by great 
His wisdom and experience.  experience (the very mother or mistress of Wisdom) a deep insight in politic worldly drifts. Whereby perceiving now this Duke glad to commune with him, said him with fair words, and many pleasant praises. And perceiving by the process of their communication, the Duke's pride now and then baulk out a little bread of envy, towards the glory of the King, and thereby feeling him easy to fall 
The deep polllicy of B. Morton.  out, if the matter were well handled: he craftily sought the ways to prick him forward, taking always the occasion of his coming, and keeping himself so close within his bounds, that he rather seemed to follow then to lead him. For when the Duke first began to praise & boast of the King, and show how much profit the Realm should take by his reign; Morton answered thus: Surely my Lord, folly it were for me to lie, for if I would swear the 
The communication of the Duke and D. Morton.  contrary, your Lordship would not ween I beseeve, but that if the world would have gone, as I could have wished, King Henry's son had had the Crown, and not King Edward. But after that God had ordered him to lose it, and King Edward to reign, I was never so mad, that I would with a dead man strive against a quick. So was I to King Edward a faithful Chapplaine, and glad would have been, that his child should have succeeded him. Howbeit, if the secret judgement of God have otherwise provided, I purpose not to spurn against the prick, nor labour to set up, that God putteth down. And as for the late protector and now King, and even there he left: saying, that he had already meddled too much with the world, and would from that day meddle with his Book and his Beads, and no further.  
(25) Then longed the Duke sore to hear what he would have said, because he ended with the king, and there so suddenly stopped, and exhorted him so familiarly between them twain, to be bold to say whatsoever he thought, whereof he faithfully promised there should never come hurt, and peradventure 
Buckingham exciteth the Bishop to reveal his deepest secret.  more good than he would ween, and that himself intended to use his faithful secret advise and counsel, which he said was the only cause for which he procured of the King to have him in his custody, where he might account himself at home, and else had he been put in the hands of them with whom he should not have found the like favour. The Bishop right humbly thanked him and said: In good faith my Lord, I love not to talk much of Princes, as a thing not all out of peril, though the word be without fault. Forasmuch as it shall not be taken as the party meant it, but as it 
It is dangerous to deal in Princes affairs.  pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I think on Aesop's tale, that when the Lion had proclaimed upon pain of death there should no horned beast abide in the wood, one that had in his forehead a bunch of flesh, fled away a great pace. The fox 
A pretry tale p●…hily applied.  who saw him run so fast, asked him whether he made all that haste? and he answered, In faith, I neither wot, nor reck, so I were once hence, because of this Proclamation made against, horned beasts. What fool (quoth the Fox) thou mayst abide well enough, the Lion meant not thee, for it is no horn that is in thy head. No marrow (quoth he) that wot I wellenough, but what if he call it a horn, where am I then? The Duke laughed merrily at the tale, and said, my Lord I warrant you, neither the Lion nor the Boar shall pick any matter at any thing here spoken, for it shall never come to their ears. In good faith Sir, said the Bishop, if it did, the thing that I was about to say, (taken aswell as afore God I meant it) could deserve but thanks; and yet taken as I ween it would, might happily turn me to little good, and you to less. Then longed the Duke yet more to wit what it was; whereupon the Bishop 
The desire of the Duke to know his meaning,  said, in good faith my Lord, as for the late Protector, sith he is now King in possession, I purpose not to dispute his title, but for the weal of this Realm, whereof his Grace hath now the governance, and myself am a poor member, I was about to wish, that to those good abilities, whereof he hath already right many, little needing my praise, it might yet have pleased God for the better store, to have given him some of such other excellent virtues meet for the rule of a Realm as our Lord hath planted in the person of your Grace: and there left again.  
(26) The Duke somewhat mariailing at his sudden 
Edward ●…ll.  pauses, said: My Lord, I note your often breathe and sudden stopping in your communication; so that to my intelligence, your words neither come to any direct or perfect sentence in conclusion, whereby either I might have knowledge what your intent is now towards the King, or what affection you bear towards me. For the comparison of good qualities ascribed to us both, maketh me not a little to muse, thinking that you have some other privy imagination imprinted in your heart, which you be abashed to disclose, and specially to me, which on my honour do assure you to be as secret in this case as the deaf and dumb person to 
The Duke's protestation of secrecy.  the singer, or the Tree to the Hunter. The Bishop being somewhat bolder, considering the Duke's promise, but most of all animated, because he knew the Duke desirous to be magnified, and also he perceived the inward hatred which he bore towards King Richard, he opened his stomach to the bottom, and said: My singular good Lord, sith the time of my captivity, which being in your grace's custody, 
The Bishop dealeth plainly with the Duke.  I may rather call it a liberty, than a straight imprisonment, in avoiding of idleness mother of all vices, in reading books and ancient pamphlets, I have found this sentence written, that no man is borne fie and at liberty of himself only: for one part of duty he oweth to his parents, another part to his friends and kindred; but the native Country 
The duty of all men towards their native countries.  in the which he first tasted this pleasant & flattering world, demandeth a debt not to be forgotten. Which saying, causeth me to consider in what case the Realm, my native Country, now standeth; and in what estate and assurance before this time it hath continued; what governor we now have, and what ruler we might have; for I plainly perceive (the Realm being in this case) must needs decay, and be brought to confusion: but one hope I have, that is, when I consider your noble parsonage, your justice and indifferency, your servant zeal and ardent love towards your natural Country; and in like manner, the love of your country towards you, the great learning, pregnant wit, and eloquence, which so much doth abound in your person; I must needs think this Realm fortunate, which hath such a Prince in store, meet and apt to be Governor. But on the other side, when I call to memory the good qualities of the late Protector, and now called King, so violated by-tyranny, so altered by usurped authority, and so clouded by blind ambition, I must 
The change of state under the tyranny of the usurper.  needs say, that he is neither meet to be King of so noble a Realm, nor so famous a Realm meet to be governed by such a tyrant. Was not his first enterprise to obtain the Crown, begun by the murder of divers personages? did he not secondarily proceed against his own natural mother; declaring her openly to be a woman given to carnal affection and dissolute living? declaring furthermore, his two brethren and two Nephews to be bastards, and to be borne in adultery? yet not contented, after he had obtained the Garland, he caused the two poor innocents his Nephews, committed to him, to be most shamefully murdered: the blood of which little babes daily cry to God from the earth for vengeance. 
Blood crieth for bloody vengeance.  What surety can be in this Land to any person, either for life or goods, under such a cruel Prince, which regardeth not the destruction of his own blood, and much less the loss of others. But now to conclude, what I mean towards your noble person, I say & affirm, if you love God, your lineage, or your native country, you must yourself take upon you the Crown of this Realm, both for the maintenance of the honour of the same, as also 
The Bishop persuadeth the Duke to take the Crown unto himself.  for the deliverance of your natural countrymen from the bondage of such a tyrant. And if yourself will refuse to take upon you the Crown of this Realm, than I adjure you by the faith you owe unto God, to devise some ways how this Realm may be brought to some convenient regiment, under some good Governor. When the Bishop hap ended his saying, the Duke sighed, and spoke not of a great while, so that night they communed no more.  
(26) The next day the Duke sent for the Bishop, 
The next days conference.  to whom he said, My Lord of Ely, I must needs in heart think, and with mouth confess, that you be a sure friend, a trusty counsellor, and a very lover of your country. And sith that at our last communication, you have disclosed the secrets of your hart touching the now usurper of the crown, & also have alittle touched the advancement of the two noble families of York and Lancaster, I shall likewise declare 
The Duke discloseth himself unto the Bishop.  unto you my privy intents and secret cogitations. And to begin, when King Edward was deceased, I then began to study, and with deliberation to ponder in what manner this Realm should be governed: I persuaded with myself to take part with the Duke of Gloucester, whom I thought to be as clean without dissimulation, as tractable without injury, and so by my means he was made Protector both of the King and Realm; which authority being once gotten, he never ceased privily to require me and other Lords aswell spiritual as temporal, that he might take upon him the Crown, till the Prince came to the age of four and twenty years, and were 
The Protector desired the crown till the Prince came to the age of 24. years.  able to govern the Realm as a sufficient King: which thing, when he saw me somewhat stick at, he then brought in instruments, authentic Doctors, Proctors, and Notaries of the Law, with depositions of divers witnesses, testifying King Edward's children to be bastards: which depositions then I thought to be as true, as now I know them to be feigned. When the said depositions were before us read, and diligently heard, he stood up bare headed, saying: Well my Lords, even as I and you would that my Nephews should have no wrong: so I pray you do me 
The Protectors words to the Council.  nothing but right, for these witnesses and sayings of famous Doctors be true: For I am only the undubitate heir to Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, adjudged to be the very heir to the Crown of this Realm by authority of Parliament. Which things so by learned men for verity to us declared, caused me and others to take him for our lawful and undoubted Prince and Sovereign Lord. So again by my aid, he of a Protector was made a King: but when he was once crowned King, and in full possession of the Realm, 
Change of State change of manners.  he cast away his old conditions. For, when I myself sued to him for my part of the Earl of Hertfords' Lands, which his brother Edward wrongfully detained from me, and also required to have the office of the high Constableship of England, as divers of my noble ancestors before this time have had, and in long descent continued; in this my first suit, he did not only first delay me, and afterwards deny me, but gave me such unkind words, as though I had never furthered him: all which I suffered patiently. But when I was informed of the death of the two young Innocents', O Lord, my heart inwardly 
Why Buckingham fell from the Usurper.  grudged, insomuch as I abhorred the sight of him; I took my leave of the Court, and returned to Brecknock to you, but in my journey as I came, I had divers imaginations how to deprive this unnatural uncle. First, I fantasied, that if I list to take upon me the Crown, now was the way made plain, and occasion given. For I well saw he was disdained of the Lords Temporal, and accursed of the Lords Spiritual. After divers cogitations of this matter, as I road between Worcester and Bridgenorth, I encountered with the Lady Margaret Countess of 
Margaret Countess of Richmund.  Richmund, now wife to the Lord Stanley, who is the very daughter, and sole heir to john Duke of Somerset my Grandfathers elder brother, so that she & her son Henry Earl of Richmund be both between me and the gate, to enter into the Majesty royal, & getting of the Crown; and when we had a little communed concerning her son, and were departed, I then began to dispute with myself, whether I were best to take it upon me, by the election of 
The doubts of the Duke of Buckingham.  the Nobility and Communality, or to take it by power. Thus standing in a wavering ambiguity, I considered first, the office, duty, and pain of a King, which surely I think that no mortal man can justly 
The great and weighty charge of a King.  and truly observe, except he be elected of God, as K. David was.  
(27) But further I remembered, that if I once took upon me the Governance of the Realm, the daughters of King Edward and their Allies, being both for his sake much beloved, and also for the great injury done to them much pitied, would never cease to bark at the one side of me. Semblably my cousin the Earl of Richmond, his aids and kinsfolks will surely attempt either to bite, or to pierce me on the other side, so that my life and rule should ever hang unquiet in doubt of death or deposition: And if the said two lineages of York and Lancaster should join in one against me, than were I surely matched. Wherefore I have clecrelie determined, utterly to relinquish all imaginations concerning the obtaining of the 
Buckingham's resolution concerning the Crown.  Crown. For as I told you, the Countess of Richmond in my return from the new named King, meeting me in the high way, prayed me first for kindred's sake, secondly for the love I bore to my Grandfather 
The communication of the Countess of Richmond with the Duke of Buckingham.  Duke Humphrey, who was sworn brother to her father, to move the King to be good to her son Henry Earl of Richmond, and to licence him with his favour to return again into England, and if it were his pleasure so to do, she promised that the Earl her son should marry one of the King's daughters at the appointment of the King, without any thing demanded for the said espousals, but only the King's favour, which request I soon overpassed and departed. But after in my lodging I called to memory more of that matter, and now am bend, that the Earl of Richmond heir of the house of Lancaster, shall take to wife Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to 
Henry Earl of Richmond and Lady Elizabeth must make the union.  King Edward, by the which marriage both the houses of York and Lancaster may be united in one.  
(28) When the Duke had said, Bishop Morton who ever favoured the house of Lancaster, was wondrous joyful, for all his imagination tended to this effect; and lest the Duke's courage should assuage, or his mind alter, he said to the Duke: My Lord of Buckingham, sith by God's provision, and your incomparable wisdom, this noble conjunction is first moved, it is necessary to consider what persons we shall first make privy of this politic conclusion. By my troth (quoth the Duke) we will begin with my Lady of Richmond the Earl's mother, which knoweth where he is in Britain: sith you will begin that way (said the Bishop) I have an old friend with 
With whom and how to begin the intended desigues.  the Countess, called Reinald Bray, for whom I shall send, if it be your pleasure: so the Bishop wrote for him to come to Brechnock, who strait came back with the messenger, where the Duke and Bishop declared what they had devised for the preferment of the Earl of Richmond, son to his Lady and Mistress: willing her first to compass how to obtain the goodwill of Queen Elizabeth, and also of her eldest daughter: and after secretly to send to her son in Britain, to declare what high honour was prepared for him, if he would swear to marry the Lady Elizabeth assoon as he was King of the Realm. With which conclusion, Reinold Bray with a glad heart returned to the Countess his Lady. Bray thus 
Reinold Bray, the Instrument.  departed, the Bishop told the Duke, that if he were in his Isle of Ely, he could make many friends to further their enterprise. The Duke knew this to be true, but yet loath to lose the society of such a Counsellor, gave him fair words, saying, he should shortly depart well accompanied for fear of enemies, but the Bishop ere the Duke's company were assembled, secretly disguised, in a night departed and came to Ely, 
Bishop Morton escapeth from Brecknock disguised.  where he found money and friends, and then sailed into Flaunders, where he did the Earl of Ricchmond good service.  
(29) When Reinold Bray had declared his message to the Countess, no marvel if she were glad; wherefore she devised a means how to break this matter to Queen Elizabeth; being then in Sanctuary at Westminster, and having in her family a certain Welshman called Lewis learned in Physic, now 
Lewis a Phi●…tian another Instrument.  having opportunity to break her mind unto him, declared that the time was come, that her son should be joined in marriage with Lady Elizabeth, daughter and heir to King Edward: and that King Richard should out of all honour and estate be dejected, and required him to go to Queen Elizabeth not as a messenger, but as one that came friendly to visit her, and as time and place should serve to make her privy of this devise. This Physician with good diligence repaired to the Queen, and when he saw time convenient said unto her: Madam although my imagination be very simple, yet for the entire affection I bear to you and to your children, I am so 
Lewis breaketh the intent unto Queen Elizabeth.  bold to utter unto you a secret conceit, which I have compassed in my brain. When I remember the great loss which you have sustained by the death of your loving husband, and the great sorrow that you have suffered by the cruel murder of your innocent children, I can no less do, then daily study how to bring your heart to comfort, and also to revenge the quarrel of you and your children, on that cruel tyrant King Richard. And first consider what battle, and what mischief have risen by the dissension between the two houses of York and Lancaster, which two families if they may be joined in one, I doubt not but that your line shall be again restored to your great joy & comfort: you know Madam, that of the house of Lancaster, the Earl of Richmond is 
The means to raise the Queen's daughter to her right.  next of blood, & to the house of York your daughters now are heirs. If you could devise the means how to couple your eldest daughter with the Earl of Richmund in matrimony, no doubt, but that the usurper should shortly be deposed, and your heir again to her right restored.  
(30) When the Queen had heard this friendly Motion, she instantly besought him, that as he had been the first inventor of so good an enterprise, 
Queen Elizabeth readily receiveth the motion.  that now he would not desist to follow the same, requiring him further, that he would resort to the Countess of Richmund, mother to the Earl Henry, and to declare to her on the Queen's behalf, that all the friends of King Edward her husband, 
The Queen sendeth to the Countess.  should assist and take part with the Earl of Richmund her son, so that he would take an oath, that after the Kingdom obtained, to espouse the Lady Elizabeth her daughter, etc. M. Lewis so sped his business, that he made a final end of this business, between the two mothers: so the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmund, brought to a good hope of the preferment of her son, made Reinold Bray chief solicitor of this conspiracy, giving him in charge secretly 
The two mothers agreed Upon the union.  to inveigle such persons of Nobility to join with her, & take her part, as he knew to be faithful.  
(31) This Reinold Bray within few days brought to his lure Sir Giles Daubeny, Sir john Cheinie Knights, Richard Guilford, and Thomas Ramney 
Many drawn into faction against K. Richard  esquires, and others. In the mean while the Countess of Richmund sent one Christopher Vrsewicke, a Priest into Britain, to the Earl of Richmund her 
Urswick sent into Britain.  son, to declare to him all the agreements between her and the Queen agreed: and with all to show him that the Duke of Buckingham was one of the first Inventors of this enterprise: she likewise sent Hugh Conway an Esquire into Britain with a great sum of money, giving him in charge to declare to the 
Hugh Conway sent into Britain.  Earl, the great love that the most part of the Nobility of the Realm bore towards him, willing him not to neglect so good an occasion offered, but with all speed to settle his mind how to return into England, and therewithal advising him to take land in Wales. When the Earl had received this joyful message, he broke to the Duke of Britain all his secrets, advertising him thathe was entered into a sure & steadfast 
Earl Richmund breaketh with the Duke of D●…ine.  hope to obtain the Crown of England, desiring him of help towards the achieving of his enterprise, which the Duke promised, & afterwards performed: whereupon the Earl sent back again Hugh Conway; & Th. Ramney to declare his coming shortly into England.  
(32) In the mean season the chief of the conspiracy in England began many enterprises, which being never so privily handled, yet knowledge thereof came to King Richard, and because he knew the Duke of Buckingham to be the chief head, and aid of this combination; he thought it most necessary to pluck him from that part, and thereupon addressed his loving letters unto the Duke, requesting him most earnestly to come to the Court, whose 
The Duke of Buckingham it sent for by the King.  grave advise for counsel he then stood much in need of; with many words of kind compliments to be uttered from the mouth of the messenger: but the Duke mistrusting those sweet promises proceeded out of a bitter intent, and knowing K. Richard to speak most fairest when he meant foulest play; desired the king of pardon, excusing himself that he was sickly & not well able to travel: which excuse the king would not admit, but sent other letters with checking words, commanding him without delay to repair to his presence: unto which the Duke made 
The Duke of Buckingham refuseth to come to the Court.  a determinate answer that he would not come to his mortal enemy: and immediately prepared war against him. Whereupon Thomas marquess Dorset came out of Sanctuary, and gathered a great band of men in the County of York, Sir Edward Courtney 
Commotions begun.  and Peter his brother, Bishop of Excester, raised another Army in Devonshire and Cornwall, and in Kent, Sir Richard Guilford, and other Gentlemen raised a Company, and all this was done even in one moment.  
(33) King Richard roused from his pleasures in progress, sent forth commission to muster his 
King Richard's expedition towards 〈◊〉▪  men, and with a great preparation from London marched towards Salisbury; thinking it not best to disparkle his power into small parts in pursuing his enemies every way at once, and therefore omitting all others with a great puissance went to set upon the Duke of Buckingham, the head of the spring. The Duke hearing of the King's approach, made out to meet him before he came too far, accompanied 
The Duke prepareth against the King.  with a great power of wild Welshmen, whom he had enforced to follow him, more by his Lordly commandment then by liberal wages, which thing indeed was the cause that they fell off, and forsook him. His march was through the forest of Deane, intending for Gloucester, where he meant to pass Severne, and so have joined his Army with the Courtneys, & other Western men, which had he done, no doubt K. Richard had been in great jeopardy. But before he could attain the Severne side, by force of continual rain the river rose so high, that it overflowed 
Great matters le●…ed that the complices could not 〈◊〉.  all the country adjoining, and was not again bounded within his own banks for the space of ten days, so that the Duke could not get over, nor his complices any wise come unto him, during which time the Welshmen lingering idle, without wages, or victual, suddenly broke up Camp and departed; whereupon the Duke was wondrously perplexed, not knowing how to recover this unfortunate chance, and destitute of power; to show himself in field, sought to secure himself in secret, till destiny assigned him a better day.  
(34) A servant he had in especial favour & trust brought up tenderly by him, and risen to great wealth and esteem, his name was Humphrey Ba●…ister, 
The Duke of Buckingham ●…peth in s●…cres.  and place of residence near unto Shrewsburie, whither the distressed Duke in disguise repaired, intending there to remain secret, until he might either raise a new power, or else by some means convey himself unto Britain to Henry Earl of Richmund: but as soon as the others which had attempted the same enterprise against the King, had knowledge that Buckingham was forsaken of his Company, and could not be found, as men struck in sudden fear 
The 〈◊〉 dispersed.  shifted every one for himself, many of them taking Sanctuary, but the most of the chiefest took into Britain, among whom were Peter Courtney, Bishop of Excester with his brother Edward Earl of Devonshire, 
Many fled into Br●…taine to Earl Henry.  Thomas marquess Dorset the Queen's son, and his young son Thomas being a Child, Edward Wooduile Knight, brother to the Queen, john Lord Wells, Sir Robert Willoughby, Sir john Bourchier, Sir Giles Daubeney, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir john Cheinie with his two brethren, Sir William Barkley, Sir Richard Edgecombe, and Sir William Brandon, Edward Poinings an excellent Captain, and others.  
(35) Richard thus far proceeded, and no enemy seen, his hopes were increased, and fears daily 
A proclamation for the apprehension of the Duke of Bu●…kingham.  less; yet being a Prince politic and vigilant, he commanded the Ports to be securely kept, & knowing that Buckingham was not fled with the rest, made proclamation for the apprehending of that Duke, promising a thousand pound to the man that could bring him forth, with pardon of his faults, to enjoy the King's favour, and if he were a bondman, presently to be made free. Banister minding the present, and forgetting what was past, spread his lap first to receive this golden shower, and in hope of this gain, made no conscience to betray his own Lord, who had now laid his life upon trust in his hands: he therefore repairing to the Sheriff of Shrewsbury, revealed the Duke, who disguised like a poor Countryman, and digging in a grove near 
Banister betrayed his Lord the Duke of Buckingham.  unto Banisters house, was apprehended, and with a great guard of men was brought unto Salisbury, where King Richard then lay, and where without arraignment or judgement, upon the second of November he lost his head: whose death was the 
Buckingham beheaded.  less lamented, for that himself had been the chief Instrument to set the Crown wrongfully upon Richard's head: and yet the treachery of Banister was most severely punished, as many have observed, not only in the loss of his reward promised, which he never had, and infamy received, never after shaken off; but also in himself and children, as 
Banister looseth his reward, but findeth punishments.  are thus reported; his eldest son and heir fell mad, and died so distracted in a Boars Stye: his second son became deformed in his limbs, and fell lame; his third son was drowned in a small puddle of water; his eldest daughter was suddenly struck with a foul leprosy, and himself being of extreme age, was arraigned and found guilty of murder, and by his Clergy saved his life.  
(36) An other Commotion at the same time was in Kent, where George Browne and john Gilford 
A Commotion in Kent.  Knights, Foge, Scot, Clifford, and Bonting, with five thousand men attempted great matters at Gravesend, but hearing of the Duke of Buckingham's surprise, dispersed themselves for that time. But when King Richard perceived how he was every where beset, he sent one Thomas Hutton unto Francis Duke 
King Richard sendeth to the Duke of Britain.  of Britain, with proffers of gold to cirumvent and imprison Earl Henry, who as he feared was too well friended in those foreign parts, which thing indeed this Hutton well perceived, and so to the King reported, that the Duke was nothing forward to bite at this bait, whereupon, those that lately fled England, were indicted of treason, and other of Henry's factions beheaded, whereof Sir George Browne, and Sir Roger Clifford Knights with four others were beheaded at London, and at Exeter for the like cause died Sir Thomas Sentleger, who had married 
The King's brother in law beheaded.  Lady Anne Duchess of Excester, King Richard's own sister, with others; so icalous was the King of his usurped Crown; and that nothing should be laid to unprovident foresight, the coasts he stored with Armies of men, furnished the Ports with store of Provision, and made all things ready to withstand Earl Henry's arrival. Who now having gotten aid of five thousand Britain's, with forty vessels well 
Earl Henry shipped for England.  furnished, set sail from thence the twelfth of October, but was taken with so terrible a tempest, that his Fleet was disparkled, some into Normandy, and some compelled to return into Britain, only the Earl's ship with one other heaped the Seas, being sore tossed all night, and in the morning arrived in the mouth of Pool in the County of Dorset, where he might behold the Shore full of men shining in armour, to his great amazement, whereupon he sent out his shippe-boat to know whether they were friends or enemies; their answer was, that they were thither 
A subtle train laid for the Earl.  appointed by the Duke of Buckinghm, to attend the coming of the Earl of Richmund, to conduct him in safety to the Duke, who lay encamped not far off, that so joining their forces, they might prosecute Richard the usurper, who being in a manner destitute of men, was sore distracted, and desperate in his own designs. These smooth untruths notwithstanding Earl Henry avoided, and with a forward gale returned to Normandy, whence he sent Messengers 
Earl Henry returneth into Britain.  unto young Charles King of France, whose father King Lewis was lately departed this life, to have his safe conduct to return into Britain, which easily was granted with favourable compliments returned to the Earl. Lord Henry thus crossed by sea, had present news of Buckingham's surprise and death, with the flight of the Nobles escaped from Richard: who meeting with Richmund in Britain, fell forthwith 
The Lords meet in Britain.  into Counsel: where first it was determined that Earl Henry should take his oath to espouse the Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter unto King Edward, and the immediate heir to the Crown, which he solemnly did in the Church at Rhedon; and they 
The Lords swear fealty unto Henry  for their parts swore unto him fealty, doing him homage with no less respect than unto their sole and crowned King.  
(37) Of these proceedings King Richard soon heard, which indeed greatly appalled his though●…, and all pensive and sad he returned out of the West towards London, where to cut off the hopes of Richmunds' further claim, he caused a Parliament to be 
Henry & others attainted by Parliament.  assembled at Westminster, and therein attainted the said Earl Henry himself, and all such as had fled the land in his behalf, enacting them enemies to their natural Country, their goods to be confiscated, and all their lands and possessions to be seized upon to the King's use, which was so forwarded by his lewd Counsellors, and so executed by his fawning followers, that some better affected, set forth the present and oppressed estate in these scoffing rhymes, to their further disgrace, divulging their names in manner as followeth; 
The cat, the rat, and Lovel the dog,  
Rule all England under a hog.  Alluding to the names of Ratcliff the King's mischievous Minion, and of Catesby his secret traducer, and to the King's cognizance, which was the Boar: for which William Collingborne Esquire, who had 
William Collingborne executed for the time.  been Sheriff of Wiltshire and Dorsetshire, was condemned, and upon the Tower hill executed with all extremity.  
(38) King Richard's state standing in dangers abroad, and not altogether free from conspiracies at ho●…e, he thought it best policy to enter amity with Scotland, which he did for the term of three years, and the more firm to assure himself of 
K Richard maketh peace with Scotland.  that King, he entreated a marriage betwixt the Duke of Rothsay the king's eldest son, and the Lady de la Pole daughter to john Duke of Suffolk, and to the Duchess Elizabeth king Richards own sister, whom he so much favoured, as that after the death of his own son, he proclaimed john Earl of Lincoln, her son and his Nephew, heir apparent to the Crown of England, disinheriting King Edward's daughters, whose brothers he had before 
job de la Pole Earl of Lincoln proclaimed heir apparent.  murdered.  
(39) His fears nothing lessened, but rather daily increased, he attempted once more to stop the Currunt which led to the spring, to which end he sent his Ambassadors loaden with gold, and many gay 
Offers made to the Duke of Britain.  promises unto Francis Duke of Britain, offering to give him all Richm●…nds lands, and yearly revenues if he would either send the said Earl into England or commit him there unto prison. These coming to the Duke's Court, could have no communication with him, he lying extremely sick, and his wits too weak to entertain discourse. Whereupon Peter Landose his Treasurer, a man pregnant in wit, and of great authority, took the motion into hand, unto 
Peter Landose.  whom the English Ambassadors promised all the Earls Revenues if he could bring King Richard's request to pass. He greedy of gain, and being in place to do what he would, promised to effect it, 
Landose promised to deliver the Earl.  conditionally that King Richard would make good his offer. Thus whilst messengers posted betwixt Peter and Richard, john Bishop of Elie being then in Flaunders, was certified by Christopher Urswick of all the circumstances of this purpose, whereupon the 
Bishop Morton giveth Henry notice of his danger.  Bishop with all possible haste, sent the same intelligence the same day, and by the same man unto Earl Henry in Britain, willing him to shift himself and followers into France: who forthwith sent Urswick unto King Charles to have his licence that he might with 
King Charles granteth his safe conduct to Henry.  his good liking come into his dominions which being obtained he caused the other Lords under pretence to visit the sick Duke to escape into Anjou, and two days after changing his Apparel with his servant, waited upon him as upon his Master, and posted thence into France: whose escape when the 
Earl Henry hardly escaped.  Treasurer heard of, he sent after to apprehend him, and that in such haste as at his entrance into the French dominions they were hard at his heels.  
(40) This sudden flight of the Earl and of the other English Lords, the Duke of Britain (being somewhat recovered of his dangerous sickness) took very grievously, imputing it a great dishonour unto himself, to suffer the least suspect of breach betwixt him and the Earl, and therefore sore offended at Landose 
The Duke of Bri ta'en displeased at Landose.  whom he suspected to be deep in the deed, he sent for Edward Wooduile and Edward Pownings two English Esquires, unto whom he delivered a sum of 
The honourable dealings of the Duke of Britain.  money which he had promised to Earl Henry, with a convey unto all the rest of the English, to depart Vannes, bearing all their charges till they came to their Earl in France. Neither was King Charles backward to forward Earl Richmond against the Tyrant and Usurper of the English Crown. And the more to joy Henry, john Earl of Oxford imprisoned by King Edward the fourth in the Castle of 
john Earl of Oxford cometh to Earl Henry.  Hams; with Captain Blunt his keeper, and Sir john Fortescue Porter of Calais, came unto Earl Henry to take their fortunes in following of his. This Earl of Oxford, as we have seen, was a continual aider of King Henry the sixth, against his opposite K. Edward, and had done many services in the Lancastrians cause, till destiny had cast down the hopes of their side. Him therefore Earl Henry made his 
john Earl of Oxford in great favour with Henry.  chief Counsellor for war, as for experience, policy, valour, and faith in that business, no man was more meet. Whose prowess further appeared when Earl Henry won the wreath at Bosworth field, where, in the Front of that Battle he lead the band of Archers, and ever after lived in great favour with this King Henry the seventh, and in great honour died the fourth year of King Henry the eight. In the 
Bishop Fox in great favour with King Henry.  like trust for Counsel and favour with these Kings, was Richard Fox Doctor of Divinity, who being then a student in Paris, was found by Earl Richmond to be the chiefest man for employment in his French business, which he so prudently and faithfully effected, as the Earl being King, acknowledging him one of his principal advancers, made him of his Privy Council, Lord Privy Scale, and raised him to very great places in Church and Commonwealth, and lastly to testify in what dear esteem he held him, made him Godfather to his son Prince Henry, 
The preferments of Bishop Fox.  who was after King of England with whom in great reverence he lived a long time, even till his eyesight failed through age, and did many works of piety, whereof Copus Christi College in Oxford, is 
Corpus Christi College in Oxford founded by Bishop Fox.  and shall be for ever a noble witness; and his honourable care of reverend antiquity, in preserving the bones of many Saxon Kings, and by him bestowed in fair Monuments in the Cathedral Church of Winchester, shall never want due celebration amongst all that honour antiquity and glorious studies. But from these worthy Subjects, we return again to their sovereign King Henry.  
(41) Whose beginnings thus forwarded by the Duke of Britain and the French King, drew many English into France, and filled the heart of the Usurper with an extreme fear; therefore to accomplish by policy, what was doubtful by arms, he sought to bait his hook yet another way. The title he knew stood with the daughters of King Edward (his 
King Richard intendeth to match with his Niece.  sons being murdered) and among them to Lady Elizabeth the eldest, whose marriage he well saw must bring Henry the Crown. But that once diverted, his stream of itself could bear no great float, nor bring any inundation into the Land, and therefore Queen Elizabeth in Sanctuary must be Courted, that her daughters might come to Court, and there be regarded according to their degrees. This so cunningly was carried, by men that could carry 
A subtle device.  themselves to fit women's affections, that the King was purged of the murder of her sons; she made to believe that herself was respected a Dowager Queen, and sister in law to the present King, and that himself had a Prince and many Princely Peers most fit matches for those Princes her daughters; 
Many fair promises intending foul end.  that her son Thomas marquess Dorset, whilst he followed the Runaway Henry, left his honourable preferments intended to himward; and lastly requiring a reconciliation with the Queen, forgave all injuries uttered against him out of her womanish passions, with a most willing heart: and indeed these messengers were such Craftsmasters as they brought Queen Elizabeth into a fools Paradise, and made her believe that their words were his heart. Whereupon 
Queen Elizabeth brought into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  forgetting all things passed before, as the murder of her sons, the dishonour of her husband, the bastardy of their Children, and her own scandal for Sorcery: nor remembering the faithful promise she made to Lady Margaret Earl Henry's mother, 
King Edward's five daughters delivered to the Tyrant their uncle.  she delivered her five daughters as lambs committed to the ravening wolf, in which act of hers is seen the weakness of that Sex, and the ambition whereunto by nature they are inclined, for presently upon the delivery of her daughters, she sent privily for the Lord marquess Doset her son, then residing in Paris, willing him to desist from the 
Queen Elizabeth sendeth for the marquess her son.  Earl's Faction, and come unto King Richard, who promised him preferment, and that herself and daughters were in high favour, all injuries on both parts forgiven and forgotten.  
(42) This entrance made unto the Tragedy intended, to furnish the stage and finish the Scene of her own life, the next Actor must be Queen Anne, 
Queen Anne hindereth the purpose of the King.  who only now stood in the Tyrant's way, her death he meant should give life to his intruded regency, and add a further Claim and strength to the possession which he already had, by matching with his Niece the next heir unto the Crown the Lady Elizabeth, the let only resting that himself had a wife, her death therefore must immediately be sought, yet so as the honourable repute of his name should no ways be impeached, ever carrying himself in outward semblance for a good religious honest man, and much desirous that his people should account him so. First therefore he began to lament the barrenness of his wives womb, and the great 
King Richard's feigned sorrow.  dangers that the Realm was like to sustain, if himself should die Issueless, complaining often thereof unto his Nobility, but most especially unto 
* Of Canterbury.  Archbishop Rotherham lately released out of prison, whereby the Prelate conjectured Queen Anne had not long to live. Then refrained he her bed under pretext of Penancy, taking her defect as a scourge 
King Richard refraineth his Queen's bed.  for his own sins, which day and night he sought to expiate by prayers: His next policy was, how her death might be wrought with the least suspect of wrong, and how taken when she was gone: Therefore as an assay to the People's taste, he caused it to be given forth that Queen Anne was dead, which was 
A report given forth that Queen Anne was dead.  so commonly divulged, that the rumour thereof came to her own ear, and she having had sufficient experience of her husbands proceedings, feared this to be one of his plots, mistrusting (and not without cause) that her life was in danger, whereupon all dismayed with a lamentable countenance, she came to the King, and with weeping tears demanded, what offence she had done, that the sentence of 
Queen Anne feareth her own death.  death was given against her already. Richard made it strange to see her so perplexed, and with loving words and smiling semblance, bade her live to scandalise report, and to think that many years were yet added to her life, but whether in conceit for sorrow, or of poison, I cannot say, she died shortly after, and was solemnly buried in the Abbey of Westminster. 
Her death and burial place.   
(43) The King thus delivered from the bands of Matrimony, and now a widower at liberty to choose where he would, cast glances of love towards the Lady Elizabeth his own brother's daughter, and 
King Richard courteth Lady Elizabeth.  began to court her for his second Queen, but the thing was so offensive to the law of nature, and so directly against the Law of God, as all men abhorred the motion, and most of all the maiden herself, 
Leuit. 18. 14.  which Richard perceiving, he forbore over earnest pursuit to gain his time and all fit occasions; but most especially, having no leisure to woe, his subjects on all sides daily revolting, and his Nobles more and more had in suspect; among whom one was Lord Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby who had married 
Thomas Earl of Derby much suspected of the King.  Lady Margaret Countess of Rich●…nd, Earl Henry's own mother: him therefore he most mistrusted, and before he would admit his departure from Court, he commanded him to leave his son and heir George Stanley the Lord Strange for his hostage, which he did, though it little availed to bind 
George Lord Strange delivered in pledge to King 〈◊〉.  Darbies' affection unto his side.  
(44) In this while King Richard hearing that Oxford had escaped out of the Castle of Hams, and that he, with the Captain thereof james Blunt, were fled into France and joined with Richmund; thought it high time to quench the sparks in those parts, before they should rise to a higher flame; and therefore he appointed (which was presently accomplished) the Garrison at Calais to straight the said 
Ha●…es be●…ged by the Garrison of Calais.  Castle with a hard siege, being well assured that many well-willers to the Earls proceedings lay there harboured, who upon the least advantage would be ready to play. But Henry not unmindful of his distressed friends, nor Oxford forgetting his kind Hostess Captain blunt's wife, made unto the Piece, 
The Earl of Oxford freeth his old friends from Ha●…es.  and on the sudden put Thomas Brandon, with thirty approved Soldiers into the Castle, who from the walls played upon the besiegers, whiles Oxford annoyed them upon their backs, so that presently they offered, and came to a composition, which was, that they within should safely depart, but the Castle to remain in Subjection to the King.  
(45) Hams thus restored in danger to be lost, and nothing had thence besides a woman and a few suspected persons, King Richard thought himself now sure of all, and fearing no invasion at home, 
King Richard's conceit.  imagined that much harm could not be done abroad: for Henry in France (as he thought) found very few friends, and was fully persuaded that the French Kings assistance stood more of words then in deeds. And indeed some occasion of such suspicion was ministered, for King Charles but young, and the Princes at variance, Earl Henry was enforced to make suit unto them man by man. Besides Thomas 
Henry solici●…h the French, man by man. marquess Dorset seeketh to escape from Henry.  marquess Dorset sent for by his mother the Queen, suddenly in the night made an escape from Paris, with purpose for England, which struck great fear among Earl Henry's part, chiefly for that all their Counsels were known unto the marquess, which if he should reveal, their designs were made desperate. To prevent which, he was posted after, and brought back again, though much against his will. These things considered, King Richard to lessen his great charges, discharged his Navy at seas, commanding the Welsh to watch the shore; Beacons 
King Richard dischargeth his Navy.  to be built, and armour to be ready at every call; then giving his affections leave to entertain more security, saw not the sword that hung over his head.  
(46) But Earl Henry delivered from the fear of the marquess, thought it not best to prolong time, lest others upon like purposes should bewray his intents; and thereupon obtaining a small aid of the French with a certain sum of money, for which the Lord marquess (whom he much mistrusted) and Sir john Bourchier were left in pledge, he set forward to Ro●…n, and prepared his shipping in the mouth of Seyn: whither tidings was brought him of 
Earl Henry setteth forward his journey.  Queen Anne's death, & that King Richard purposed to marry Lady Elizabeth: a fear indeed far exceeding the former, she being the Princess by whom he must claim, whereupon much distemperature arose, every man's brain working upon the news. 
A sudden fear.  But after much consultation, it was held the best to make over into England, to interpose the proceedings ere the match was fully made, whereupon Earl Richmund with two thousand men only, and a small number of ships, set sail from Harflent the fifteenth of August, and the seventh day following 
Henry of Richmund arriveth at Milford haven.  arrived at Milford haven in Wales, where taking land he came unto Dale, and thence the next day marched to Hereford west, ten miles into the Main, from thence he marched to Cardigan, where he had news that the Country was forelaid against him, but finding that untrue, he made still forward, beating down such Holds as held against him: then sending secretly to Lady Margaret his mother, to 
Henry sent word of arivage to his Mother and others.  the Lord Stanley, Talbot, and others, signified unto them, he meant to pass Severne, at Shrewesbury, and thence to march directly towards London. In his way to Shrewesbury, there met him Sir Rice ap Thomas 
Sir Rice ap Thomas joineth with Henry.  a man of great command in Wales, with a number of men to side in his quarrel, which Henry afterwards requited in making this his first aider the Governor of Wales.  
(47) The Earl more boldly from Shrewsburie, held on his march to the Town of Newport, whither Sir Gilbert Talbot with two thousand strong 
Sir Gilbert Talbot joineth with Earl Henry.  from the young Earl of Shrewsbury gave him his aid. Then passed he forward to Stafford, and had conference there with Sir William Stanley, and proceeding forward was honourably received into the City Lichfield, where Thomas Earl of Derby with five thousand armed men had been some few days 
Henry cometh to Lichfield.  before, but hearing of Earl Henry's approach removed to Anderson to avoid suspicion of the jealous King that kept his son Hostage for his further truth.  
(48) King Richard at this time held his Court at Nottingham, where being informed that Earl 
King Richard at Nottingham.  Henry with a small company was landed in Wales, made small account of what he could do, altogether relying upon the Lord Walter Herbert, and Sir Rice ap Thomas two principal men, in whom he conceived no little trust: yet lest this new risen spring might gather in more heads, he sent to john Duke of Norfolk, Henry Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas 
john Duke of Norfolk, Henry Earl of Northumberland, Th●…. Earl of Surrey sent for to the King. Brakenbury. 〈◊〉. Hungerford.  Earl of Surrey willing them with a selected power to repress the insolency of this headstrong Earl: moreover he sent for Sir Robert Brakenburie Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Bourchier, and Sir Walter Hungerford Knights, all of them in great jealousy and mistrust, commanding them with their forces to come and attend upon his person which accordingly they set forward to do, mean while sending his Spials to know the way Henry went, had intelligence that he was past Shrewsbury without any impeachment; whereat storming in 
King Richard put incholler.  choler and cursing their untruths whom he had put in trust, craved vengeance from heaven, and instantly intended to revenge it himself; then having notice the Earl was at Lichfield, and his party increased by daily repair, incontinently he marshaled his followers; and like a valiant Captain and politic leader set forward his Battles five and 
King Richard sets forward to meet his enemy.  five in a rank. In the midst of his troops he bestowed the Carriages belonging to his Army: and himself mounted upon a white Courser, environed with his Guard, followed by his footmen, and the wings of Horsemen ranged on every side, with a frowning stern countenance, but yet in great Pompee, ntred the town of Leicester after the Sun was set, being full of indignation and swelling in 
King Richard cometh to Leicester.  anger, which somewhat he assuaged with threats of revenge.  
(49) Earl Richmund from Lichfield departed for Tamworth, and in the way met Sir Thomas Bourchier and Sir Walter Hungerford going towards the King, 
Sir Thomas and Sir Walter Hungerford, turn to Earl Henry.  who upon this unlooked for occasion, and knowing themselves in what suspicion they stood, secretly left the company of their Captain Brakenbury the night following, and wandering in ways unknown, with much ado got safely unto the Earl's Companies.  
(50) In the like danger through darkness of night, Henry himself chanced to come; for albeit he was a man both valiant and forward, and by his 
Henry Earl of Richmund loseth his way.  own wisdom could manage his weightiest affairs; Yet now having notice that King Richard with a strong army was near, and that his father in law, the Lord Stanley stood as a Neuter, he was struck deep in his dumps, and with twenty light Horsemen linger behind, so seriously musing what was to be done, as lastly, he lost the sight of his Host, and by the darkness of night miss his way; neither durst he for the King's Scoutwatch demand direction to Tamworth, but lay in a small village about three miles distant, to his no little grief, and his whole Armies great amazement, the one prognosticating it to be a presage of an ill beginning, and the other doubting some detriment of their Lord, but in the dawning of the next morning conducted by good fortune he came to his Host, excusing that his absence 
Henry's excuse.  was to have conference with his secret friends; and then privily departing to the Lord Stanley, had conference with him, and was put in good comfort.  
(51) But chose, King Richard was wrapped and perplexed with fear, not only with the departure of Sir john Savage, Sir Brian Sanford, and Sir Simond Digby, in whom he had reposed great trust, but also in the dreadful dreams which nightly he suffered, 
King Richard ter rified with dreadful dreams.  wherein to his seeming, terrible devils so pulled and haled him, as by nomeanes he could take any rest, which fearful imaginations struck so deep an impression unto his heart, that the signs thereof appeared in his countenance, howsoever he sought to put them off in show.  
(52) But being determined to put himself to the trial of battle, or else, (and that rather) enforced by divine justice to pull the revenging hand of heaven against him, in the morning he marched toward the enemy, and upon a fair plain called Redmore near unto Bosworth about seven miles' 
Richard set down his battle upon 〈◊〉  west from Leicester he pitched down his Tents, and thence sent a Pursuivant to the Lord Stanley, commanding him to advance ●…orward with his company, and to come to his presence, which if he refused to do, he swore by Christ's passion, his sons head should off before that he dined. The Lord Stanley answered the Pursuivant, that if the King did so, he 
Lord Stanleis' answer unto the King's message.  had more sons alive; but to come to the King he was not at that time determined. This answer declared, King Richard commanded the Lord Strange 
The Lord Str●… commanded to be beheaded.  incontinent to be beheaded, at the very season, when the two Armies came in sight each of others, but his counsellors told him, that the time was now to fight, and not to execute, which might better be done when the field was fought: whereupon the Lord Strange was delivered prisoner to the keepers of the King's Tents, and the King's holy vow thus broke, the Lord Strange escaped with life, by this bad tyrants too good a death.  
(53) But now the time and hour of Battle being come, he drew out his Army upon the plain, whose order for fight he thus placed, the forward he 
The order of R. Richard's battle.  ordered of a marvelous length, to strike the more terror in the Beholder's hearts, in whose forefront he placed his Archers, as a Bulwark to defend the rest, the leading whereof was committed to john Duke of Norfolk, with whom was Thomas Earl of Surrey, his son, his own Battalion was furnished with his best approved men of war, having Horsemen for wings on both sides of his battle: and being thus ordered for their further encouragement King Richard mounted in place to be heard, thus said to his Soldiers.  
(54) My faithful followers, friends, and selected 
King Richard●… Oration unto his Soldiers.  Chieftains, I confess by your puissant valours I first aspired to the top of this royal estate, in obtaining & wearing this Diadem of Imperial Majesty, and maugre the seditious attempts of all cankered adversaries, by your prudent & politic counsels I have so governed the Realm, People and Subjects, as I have omitted nothing I hope appertaining to the office of a just Prince, nor you pretermitted any thing belonging to the parts & duties of most prudent Counsellors. And albeit, that in the getting of the Garland I was provoked by sinister 
King Richard confefleth his fault.  Counsel, and seduced by a diabolical temptation to commit a most wicked & detestable Act, yet with salt tears and strait penance I have, I trust, expiated that heinous offence: which abominable crime, I desire you as clearly to forget, as I daily remember to deplore and lament. If you will now vouchsafe to call to mind in what case we all stand, and in what doubtful peril we are entrapped, I doubt not but that you will with me confess, that if ever amity prevailed betwixt the raised, and the raisers, betwixt the Prince and his Subjects, this day requires as much in us both. For if wise men say true, that there is not so much power in getting, as there is policy in keeping; the one, mere fortunes chance, the other wisdoms deep insight, than I with you, and you with me this day must needs take labour and pains, to keep that pre-eminence & possession by force, which by your prudent labour I have obtained. The devil, you know, a continual enemy to human society, a disturber of Concord, and a sour of sedition hath entered into the heart of an unknown Welshman (whose father I never knew, nor him ever personally saw) exciting him to aspire and covet our Realm and Crown, to the disheriting of us and of our posterity: you see further how a company of Traitors, thieves, Outlaws, and runnagtes of our own Nation, besides a number of beggarly Britain's, and faint hearted Frenchmen, are ayder●… and partakers of this his wicked enterprise, ready at hand to oppress and spoil us, our lands, our wives and children; which eminent mischiefs, if we then will withstand and resist, we must live and die together as brethren, fight together as Lions, and fear not to die together like men; thus resolved, believe me, the fearful Hart never fled faster before the greedy Grayhound, the silly Lark before the sparhauke, or the simple sheep before the Wolf, than these proud bragging enemies will run out of the Field at the sight of your manly visages. For have we not already manifest tokens of victory and triumphs? Is not the Captain of the Rebellion Richmund a Welsh milksop, of no courage and less experience in Marshal feats of war, brought up by my brother's means, and mine, like a bird in a cage, in the Court of the Duke of Britain, never saw Army, never wore Armour, without practice, and therefore without knowledge, how to govern a field. What are his followers but a sort of fainting runagates, whose fearful eyes, as they could not behold our rays in peace, can worse abide to see our royal banner displayed against them in fight; for their own consciences shall bewray their guilt; their oaths, their perjury; their promise, infidelity; and the sight of us their anointed Sovereign shall either cause them shamefully to fly, or submissively to yield themselves to our mercy. As touching his French and Britain aiders, their valours have been well known to our Noble Progenitors, often vanquished but never vanquishers, only bragger's without any great deeds, drunkards without discretion, Ribaulds without reason, Cowards without resistance, and (in a word) effeminate, lascivious, and never seen in the Front of a Battle, seeking ten times more means to fly and ●…scape, than once to assault the face of their enemies. Therefore like valiant Captains advance forth your Standards, and make known your manhood by dint of sword, and be ye sure that if every one of you give but one sure stroke, the day willbe ours; for how can a handful withstand a whole Realm? Advance therefore forward, my Captains; in whom I well know is wanting neither courage, policy, wisdom, nor puissance. I therefore desire you, for your love to meward, the zeal of your native Country, and the safety of your Prince and selves, to show this day your true English valour, and for myself I assure you I will this day either triumph in a glorious victory, or die in this quarrel with immortal Fame; in whose Palace all our names shall be enroled, if we prefer the renown of our Country, before our own lives. Now S. George for us, and us for victory; hast therefore forward, and remember this, that I am he who with high advancement will prefer the valiant and hardy, and with severe torture will punish the dastard and cowardly Runaway. The Oration ended, as it gave courage to some, so gave it distaste unto others▪ 
The divers opinious of King Richard's host.  whose hearts carried gall though their mouths dropped honey; some intended to turn to Earl Henry; some determined to take part with the strongest; and some meant to stand still and do nothing; so unsure was he of his subjects loyalty, that had been so traitorous to his own Nephews.  
(55) Earl Richmond then seeing King Richard thus embattled, sent to the Lord Stanley who stood hovering aloof off, to come help him to order his 
Lord Stanley sent for to Earl Henry.  fight, whose answer was, that Henry should do it himself, and that he would come to him when he saw time convenient, which struck the Earl into a great dump, but now having no time for delay, necessity compelled him to order his men. The Forward he made single according to his small number 
The Earl marshaleth his bat●…alions.  of soldiers, and in the Front placed his Archers, over whom john Earl of Oxford was Captain, the right wing was led by Sir Gilbert Talbot; and the 
The Earl of Oxford Captain of the Archers.  left assigned to Sir john Savage: Earl Henry himself with his uncle jasper Earl of Pembroke governed the Main-Battell, better replenished with horse, than foot, whose whole number consisted hardly of five thousand, the kings doubling the number and more. The Battles thus ordered, Earl Henry armed at all pieces saving his helmet, rode from rank to rank, and from wing to wing, encouraging his men, and the more to increase their hot spirits, mounted upon a little bank, the better to be seen and heard, these words he uttered in all their hearing.  
(56) If ever God gave victory to a just quarrel, if ever he aided war for the tuition of a kingdom 
Henry Earl of Richmond's oration.  or Country, or ever succoured them that fought for the relief of poor innocents, oppressed by tyranny, than no doubt my friends and fellow soldiers, but that this day he will give us a triumphant victory. For if we consider for what, and against whom we fight, we may not doubt but that God himself will fight for us. The thing which we are here ready to try by sword, is the liberty of the Land from under the usurpation and yoke of a Tyrant, and he, against whom we draw sword, is the Monster (for I may not call him man) which feareth neither God, Laws, justice, nor Humanity, an homicide, a murderer of his own kindred, a destroyer of the Nobility, a Mawle to his subjects, and a firebrand to the whole Kingdom, whom just vengeance craveth to have quenched: and consider I pray you, who be of his band, even such as by murder and untruth to their kin and Country, have got wrongful possession of our rightful inheritance, letting your wives weep, and Orphans wander, to seek their livelihood where they can get it, whose tears I doubt not cry in the ears of the Lord▪ who will punish these Malefactors either with prick of conscience cowardly to fly; or deliver themselves into our hands without Battle. Consider further, I pray you, that in yonder great Battle are men brought more for fear then for love, by force compelled and not willingly assembled; persons that desire more the destruction, than the life of their Captain, and finally a multitude, whereof the most part be our friends and the least part his that leads them; and surely it stands in suspense, whether the malice of the soldiers towards their General, or his fear conceived against them, be the greater, for this is a rule infallible, that as ill men daily covet to destroy the good, so God appointeth the good men to confound the ill, and if it be true that Clerks preach that the one is to be hated, and the other beloved, who then can spare yonder tyrant Richard Duke of Gloucester untruly calling himself king, that hath broken both the Laws of God and man, in the blood of his brother, the murder of his Nephews, the death of his wife, the slander of his own mother, and the bastardising of his brethren. If you have not heard, yet I have read that Tarquin the proud, for the rape of Lucretia, lost the Kingdom of Rome: yet was not his fact so detestable as Nero's, who slew his own mother, to behold the place of his conception: but yonder usurper is both these persons in one; a Nero in murder of his young Nephews, and in defaming the womb of his own conception: and a Tarquin intending to defile, and carnally to know his own Niece under pretext of holy Matrimony, which Lady you are witness, I have sworn shallbe my wife. This is the quarrel for which we are here this day assembled, and for whose equity we crave God to be judge: a good beginning of his Protection we have already seen, in escaping the treasons laid for us in Britain, the dangers of Seas, and our safe arrivage unto this place, not hunted by any, but rather ourselves hunting after that furious Boar; who this day, and in this place, is so entangled in his own toil, as his crooked tusks shall not be able to gnaw the cords of his snare asunder, nor himself have power, to free himself from his pursuers, whose javelines (I doubt not) shall be died in the blood of this filthy swine, and shall well rid the world of an ugly hogdbacked Monster: which thing to accomplish ●…et us remember, that victory is not gotten by multitude but by manhood, but the smaller number we be, the greater is our glory if we vanquish, if vanquished fretting time shall never consume our memory, that died to free ourselves, and Nation from the oppression of an usurping Tyrant; and thus I assure you, that for so just a cause you shall find me this day rather a dead Carrion upon the cold ground, than a Carpet prisoner kept alive for reproach. Advance therefore forward like true hearted Englishmen, display your Banner in defence of your Country, get the day and be Conquerors, lose the Battle, and be villains; God and Saint George give us a happy success. Which no sooner was said 
The readi●… of Earl Henry's soldiers.  but that the Soldiers buckled their Helms, the Archers stripped up their sleeves, bend their bows and frushed their feathers attentively listening when the Trumpet should give the sound of Battle.  
(57) Betwixt both the Armies there lay a great marish, which Earl Henry left upon his right hand, with purpose to have that for a defence, as also the Sun at his back, and face of the enemy, which 
The purpose of Earl Henry.  when King Richard perceived, with found of trumpet and shout of his Army, he passed the Marish, when the bowmen on both sides let freely fly their arrows: the rest coming to encounter with strokes: but the Earl of Oxford fearing to be encompassed 
The fight begun  by the enemy, commanded every of his ranks to keep within ten foot of his Standard, which being accomplished, and their fight a while stayed, their opposites mistrusting some fraud or deceit, ceased likewise from theirs, many of them willing enough so to do; notwithstanding, the L. Stanley at the same time joining with the Earl, a cruel battle was again begun, and manfully continued upon either part. Till lastly, King Richard having intelligence that the Earl of Richmund was but slenderly accompanied with men of Arms, and them also busied in their own guards, meant by his encounter to finish the day, as the only man, upon whom stood all the hope of his enemy's success▪ and therefore having the marks of Earl Henry, made from the range of his own battle, and upon 
The strength & courage of King Richard.  the spur with his Spear in his Rest, ran violently towards him in a furious spleen; in which rage, at the first brunt, he bore down and overthrew the Earl's Standard, and slew Sir William Brandon the bearer thereof; next matching with Sir john Che●…ney a man of great might, manfully threw him to the ground, thereby making an open passage by dint of sword unto the Earl himself: Richmund beholding the high valour of Richard, most lion-like 
The two Chieftains cope together.  coped with this cruel Boar, and held him maugre his tusks at his sword point, betwixt whom the fight was so desperate, that Henrses company were struck in great despair; at which very instant Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand tall fresh Soldiers, who entered the battle with such courage and valour, as they bore down all before them where they went, whereat the King's side began to 
Sir William Stanley cometh in with new supplies.  faint, and to give over fight, but the more resolute a while maintaining their ground, and now mistrusting treason among themselves, turned their backs and ran away, whereby King Richard presently perceived the downfall of his ill raised glory, and the 
The King's side give over fight.  full period of his short reign: and all hope of resistance now past, a swift horse was brought to escape the field, with comforts that another day might set the victory on his side: but with a mind unmatchable 
The valiant courage of King Richard.  in hatred against Henry, or rather to have his death registered in fames honourable role, whose life had been blotted with the pen of divulged infamy, he hastily closed his helmet, saying, that that day should make an end of all battles, or else in this now in trying he would finish his life, which last was presently performed; for thrusting into the midst of his enemies, and there valiantly fight among the thickest▪ he obtained more honour 
King Richard slain.  in this his two hours fight, than he had gained by all the actions of his whole life.  
(58) There died that day with him john Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrer of Chartley, Sir 
Men slain in the battle.  Richard Ratcliff Knight, Sir Robert Brakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen more: Sir William Catesby one of King Richard's chief Counsellors with two others, were taken and two days after beheaded at Leicester, among them 
C●…tesby h●…headed.  that escaped were Frances Viscount Lovel, Humphrey, and Thomas Stafford brethren, which three took Sanctuary at S. john's in Gloucester. Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey though he submitted himself unto Henry, yet was he committed to the Tower and therein a long time remained. Upon Earl He●…es part only ten men were slain, as Sir Gilbert Talbot wrote the news from the field, whereof for note Sir William Brandon was the best, in all to the number of four thousand men. This battle was fought the two and twentieth of August, and year of Christ jesus 1485. in the field Redmore, near unto 
The number slain at 〈◊〉 field.  Bosworth, in the County of Leicester; after which Earl Henry gave thanks unto God, and commending his Soldiers, with sufferance for them to take 
Harding saith 〈◊〉.  the spoils of the field, dubbed many of them knights; which his doings was so acceptable to the whole Army, as with great applause th●…y all cried King Henry, King Henry; whose forwardness to himward, when the Lord Stanley perceived, he took K. Richard's 
Henry proclaimed king in the ●…eld.  Crown, found among the spoil of the field, and set it upon the Earl of Richmunds' head, thereby confirming the election of the people, at which instant began the reign of this new King.  
(59) The slain body of the usurping Tyrant, all tugged, and torn, naked, and not so much as a clout 
Dead Richard's body stark naked, was trussed up to 〈◊〉.  left to cover his shame, was trussed behind Blanch saint Leger (or White Boar, a Pursuivant at Arms,) like a hog or Calf, his head and Arms hanging on the one side of the horse, and his legs on the other, and all besprinkled with mire and blood, was so brought into Leicester, and there for a miserable 
〈◊〉.  spectacle the space of two days lay naked and unburied, his remembrance being as odious to all, as his 
King Richard laid naked to be seen of all.  person deformed, and loathsome to be looked upon: for whose further despite, the white Boar his cognizance was torn down from every Sign, that his 
His badge defaced and torn down.  monument might perish, as did the moneys of Caligula, which were all melted by the decree of the Senate: Lastly, his body without all funeral solemnity was buried in the Gray-Friers Church of that City. But King Henry his Successor, of a princely 
K Richard's monument.  disposition, caused afterward his Tomb to be made with a picture of Alabaster, representing his person, and to be set up in the same Church, which at the suppression of that Monastery was pulled down, and utterly defaced; since when his grave overgrown with nettles and weeds, is very obscure and not to be found. Only the stone chest wherein 
K. Richard's co●…●…n ade a drinking trough.  his corpses lay, is now made a drinking trough for horses at a common Inn, and retaineth the only memory of this monarchs greatness. His body also (as tradition hath delivered) was borne out of the City, and contemptuously bestowed under the end of Bow-Bridge, which giveth passage over a branch of Stowre upon the west side of the Town. Upon this Bridge (the like report runneth) stood a stone 
A flying prophecy of King Richard.  of some height, against which King Richard, as he passed toward Bosworth, by chance struck his spur, and against the same stone as he was brought back, hanging by the horse side, his head was dashed and broken, as a wise woman (forsooth) had foretold, who, before Richard's going to battle, being asked of his success, said, that where his spur struck, his head should be broken; but of these things, as is the report, so let be the credit. Dead he is, and with his death ended the factions a long time continued betwixt the Families of Lancaster and York; 
With Richard's death dieth the quarrel of York and Lancaster.  in whose bandings, to bring, set & keep the Crown on their heads, eight or nine bloody set battles had been fought, and no less than fourscore persons of the blood-royal slain, as Philip C●…ines 
Phil. C●…. l. 1. 6. 7.  the French Writer saith; many of them being well known to himself: after which storms, and this tyrants death, a blessed union ensued, by joining those houses in Henry of Lancaster, and Elizabeth of York.  
(60) He was of Stature but little, and of shape 
The description of K. Richard. joh. Hardings' 〈◊〉.  deformed, the left shoulder bunching out like a Molehill on his back, his hair thin, and face short, a cruel countenance, in whose aspect might be perceived both malice and deceit. When he stood musing (as he would do oft) his use was, to bite and chaw the neither lip, his hand ever on his dagger, which ever he would chop up and down in the sheath, but never draw it fully out. Pregnant in wit he was, wily to feign, apt to dissemble, and haughty of Stomach, an expert Soldier, and a better King than a man. He founded a College at Middleham beyond York, and a Collegiate Chauntery 
john Stow.  in London, near unto the Tower, called Our Lady of Barking; he endowed the Queen's College in Cambridge 
john Rows.  with five hundred Marks of yearly revenue; and disafforested the great Field of Wichwood, which King Edward his brother had enclosed for his game: he reigned two years, two months, and one day, and was buried, as we have said.  

His Wife.  
(61) Anne the second daughter and Coheir to Richard Nevil, the stout Earl of Warwick and Salesbury, was first married to Edward Prince of Wales, the son to King Henry the sixth, and after his death was remarried to Richard Duke of Gloucester, Anno 1472. afterwards by usurpation King of England, with whom in great State and solemnity she was Crowned Queen the sixth of july, and year of Salvation, 1483. She was his wife to the last year of his Reign, and then leaving her husband to choose another Queen, was laid at rest in the Abbey of Westminster, in this thing happy, that she saw not the death of the Tyrant.   

His Issue.  
(62) Edward the son of King Richard, and of Queen Anne his Wife, and the only child of them both, was borne in the Castle of Middleham, near Richmund, in the County of York Anno 1473. and 
job. Ross. Warwic.  being under four years of age was created Earl of Salisbury by his Uncle King Edward the fourth, the 
Camb. Brit.  seventeenth of his Reign; but his father King Richard in the first of his usurpation created him Prince of Wales, the four & twentieth of August, and year of Christ, 1483. he then being about ten years of age, unto whom also the Crown was entailed by Parliament; but this Prince dying before his father, and much upon the time of his mother's decease, saw not the revenge that followed the Tyrant's Reign, whose bad life no doubt hath made doubtful the place of this Prince's burial, and other Princely offices done him in his life, and at his death.    

HENRY THE SEVENTH, KING 
Monarch 57  
Henry VII.  OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, AND LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XX.  
HENRY of that name the seventh, having by such mixed means of valour 
A. D. 1485. 22. August. The date of his raig●… commencement.  and practice as are already described, obtained the possession of England's Crown, we must now present unto you his actions in the person and state of a King, maintained by him with like mixture of courage and skill as it was achieved; to the verification of that rule, That things are kept by the same Arts whereby they were gained. In describing whereof, we mean nothing less, then for humouring the vain admirers of phrase and conceit, to mount up into panegyrical flourishes, in honour of the man, though his excellent virtues would worthily bear, if not duly also exact them: yet may we not omi●…to observe, that as in his attaining to 
G●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this Pr●… whole 〈◊〉.  the Crown, there was (through divine providence) a concurring disposition of all important Circumstances, without which his attempt might have proved disastrous; so he, having now possessed the Sovereign power, and mastered the State in the main points, easily made circumstances wait upon his wisdom, and to take their form from his directions: Of the first kind, wherein his felicity deserves to be celebrated, were these. That he by the Male-line a mere stranger to both the royal houses, as descended from the Welsh and French, and by the female springing out of such a family of Lancaster (the Beanfords) as by the same law which enabled it to inherit in ordinary estates, was made 
Con●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 K. H●… 〈◊〉.  incapable of succe●…n in the Regality, should so safely be conveyed away into foreign parts, there to continue an head of expectation and revolt, during the intestine troubles and dangers, to him inevitable here at home. Secondly, that the Realm of England should be so averted from Richard, (though a very honourable, wise, just and necessary Prince, after he was somewhat settled) as for his sake, to neglect (in a sort) so many natural heirs of the house of York, some of them in right preceding Richard, such were the children of Edward the fourth, and George Duke of Clarence, Richard's elder brethren, and all of them just bars to the Earl of Richmund, who scarce had any thing of a legal title, or of a warrantable intention; but his purpose to remove an Usurper, and marry the Lady Elizabeth, the rightful inheritrice. Thirdly, a long and fatal slackness of Richard in his warlike preparations, 
* Fabian saith, Richard fearing little, provided ●…ttle defence.  through the mere contempt of his enemy the Earl, which was the cause, that both he landed securely, and Richard was driven to fight in a manner with tumultuary, rather than trained forces. And finally, that a principal, potent, noble, and yet a deeply suspected Conspirator, (as being Father in law to the Earl) should have charge, under Richard, over a chief portion of his Army at the very instant of joining battle.  
(2) These considerations (among many other) had in them such an aptitude to his design, as no human wit could fashion, and without the which a man of equal stars and parts to Henry, or Henry himself, might in vain have been wise, in vain, industrious and valiant. Circumstances of the other sort shall plentifully occur in the whole carriage of his ensuing actions. In both which, are verified two contrary rules; for the state of the first observations teacheth us with Plautus, that 〈◊〉 doctorum hominum consili●… haec una vincit De●…, This one Goddess 
Pl●….  can effect more, than the wits of an hundred learned men; speaking as an Heathen man of that famous Idol Fortune; and in the second, that which I●…enall excellently noteth; 
Nullum numen abest, si sit prudentia, sed te  
Nos facimus Fortuna Deam, coeloque locamus. 
I●….   
No Goddess wants, where Prudence guides, though Chance  
A Goddess deemed, fond Men to Heaven advance.   
(3) Now for the Character of this famous wise Prince (which with reason ought to be set in 
The description of K. Henry's mind and qualities.  front to his actions, as certain lights of the mind, by which to discern the fountain of counsels and causes) a 
* Sir Fr. Bacon. f●…g. MS.  learned, eloquent Knight, and principal Lawyer of our time, gives us many things, of which these selected, are very regardable. This King (saith he) attained unto the Crown, not only from a private fortune, which might endue him with a moderation, but also from the fortune of an exiled man, which had quickened in him all the seeds of observation and industry. His wisdom (speaking thereof, as it was in his reign) seemed rather a dexterity to deliver himself from dangers when they pressed him, than any deep foresight to prevent them a far off. jealous he was over the Greatness of his Nobility, as remembering how himself was set up. Great and devout reverence he bore unto religion, as he that employed Ecclesiastical men in most of his affairs. In his government he was led by none, scarcely by his laws, and yet he was a great observer of formality in all his proceedings, which notwithstanding was no impediment to the working of his will. In his wars (meaning domestic) he was rather confident then enterprising, by which also he was commonly not the poorer. Generally, he seemed inclinable to live in peace, and in the quenching of the Commotions of his subjects, he was ever ready to achieve those wars in person, sometimes reserving himself, but never retiring himself. Of nature he c●…eted to accumulate treasure: in expending whereof he never spared charge that his affairs required, and in his foundations was magnificent enough. He chose commonly to employ cunning persons, as he that knew himself sufficiently to make use of their uttermost reaches, without danger of being abused with them himself.  
(4) 
* joh. Da▪ of Hert. MS.  Another having a purpose to write in English the history of this Henry (an argument which for the worthy doing thereof, requires as wise a man as Henry himself,) hath among many extraordinary praises (most what framed out of his strong affection) truly noted concerning his achievement of the Crown: That the Almighty hand of God brought him over the top of the highest and most dangerous obstacles, to sway this Sceptre, when neither Title, Power, nor (great) Probability could give him so much as one sound push to set him forward. And of the man himself, That he entertained that, as sudden, as Sovereign change of fortune, with such moderation, and untransported discretion, as it well appeared he had thoroughly conquered himself, before he subdued the Usurper his enemy. What could be added greater to so true a praise? nothing certainly; for that he (as elsewhere that Writer saith) was the Solomon, who brought peace to this Kingdom, long before oppressed by war and tyranny: it was only an excellent effect of that excellent moderation. Other Authors of our times concur in the same judgement of him, whom they praise 
* Act. and 〈◊〉. p. 909.  for singular wisdom, excellent temperance, and moderate frugality; for 
* Io. Stow. i●… Hen. 7.  policy, justice, and ●…rauity: which princely virtues caused him to be highly reverenced of foreign Princes. These honourable Eulogies after so many years from his death, justly countenance their relations, who 
* Ber. Andr. MS. Fabian Polyd. Verg. etc.  writing, in or about his own days aver no less; among whom, Bernard Andreas of Tholouz is most flowing and abundant. This Andrea's (as himself writes) was afterward entrusted with the instruction of Prince Arthur (eldest son to King Henry) in good letters, though he was blind; and having aswell the title of Poet Laureate, as of the King's Historiographer, (how hardly soever those two faculties meet with honour in the same person) meant to have historified and poetized the Acts of this king, but (for want of competent and attended instructions in many places of chief importance) left his labour full of wild breaches, and unfinished; yet in such points as he hath professed to know, not unworthy to be vouched: for there is in him a great deal of clear elocution, and defecated conceit above the ordinary of that age. He, among other verses in honour of this our Henry (whom he enstyleth the most sapient King) hath these not hyperbolical, but proper, wherein he salutes him. 
Princeps ingenio nitente praestans,  
〈◊〉, relligione, comitate,  
Sensu, sanguine, gratiâ, decore.  
A peerless Prince for wisdom rare,  
Fame, piety, courtesy, debonair,  
Knowledge, birth, grace, and feature fair.  Whereby also, after these pourtracts of his inward faculties, and gifts, may be guessed that a body they had for their mortal mansion, no way unsuitable; and it seems by that Majesty (so they call the Images of our Kings, which are carried for representation in their funeral Chariots) which at this day is 
* Mo●…. at ●…st.  extant, that he was of stature tall and slender, somewhat round visaged, and though in 
* Bernard. 〈◊〉.  his childhood sickly, yet of aspect in all his outward lineaments, so noble and gracious, as well presaged, and afterward fitted the most fortunate height to which he was now ascended. But notwithstanding these great praises, there want not some who think him to have been an heavy Father to the common wealth, which by sundry courses he greatly laboured to bring under, as a seeming groundwork of his own, and his posterities security. And in his last days Avarice, (the natural malady of age) took him strongly, the envy whereof he partly diverted from himself by the splendour of some few public buildings, which as they gave the people cause to talk of their bravery, so they also insensibly wrought in their light minds a mitigation of their burden.  
(5) Let us now behold his virtues as they are shiningly deduced into action. After the Battle he having 
Henry's first actions after his victory.  truly first ascribed the whole good of his success to God, commanded, that to the body of 
* Bern. Andr.  his enemy King Richard, an honourable interrement should be given in the Friars at Leicester, where notwithstanding 
* Fabian.  he was with little reverence buried. From thence the King made speed to London, as to the chief seat and Epitome of the English Monarchy, without which no Prince found himself here secure enough * he entered the City upon a 
* Bern. Andr. MS. and upon the 28. of Aug. saith Fabian.  Saturday, as upon a Saturday he obtained his triumphal and Crowning victory. The Mayor of London and his fellowship, 
* Fab.  received him in violet at Harnsey Park, but his entrance (which was at 
* Stow.  Shoreditch) was honoured with a very great troup of the Peers, and Nobles in his train, at which our Poetical 
His entrance into London.  Historian Andreas was present, and saluted the victorious Prince with certain Latin Sapphicks, which he sung unto him as himself writeth. But Henry stayed not in Ceremonious greetings and popular acclamations, which (it seems) he did purposely eschew, for that (Andreas saith) he entered 
* Latenter.  covertly, meaning belike, in an Horselitter of close Chariot. His lodging was in the Bishop of London's Palace, where (after public offertories and solemn thanks given to God in the Cathedral Church of S. Paul) the business of his Coronation was seriously consulted of; which was afterward (upon his remove to the Tower, where he 
* See Camb. Mills. etc.  created his uncle jasper Earl of Pembroke, Duke of Bedford, and other Estates) with due pomp and ritual magnificence 
* 30. October Mr. Stow. His Coronation.  accomplished at Westminster.  
(6) But the natural solder and indissoluble cement, which must make this Kingdom stand, was 
His Marriage with the Lady Elizabeth debated.  his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Edward the fourth. This as a point of most importance was with great maturity and judgement again thought upon, when Henry was now already crowned. The remoter danger, supposed to reside in the person of Edward Earl of Warwick (only son and heir, even in his infelicities, to that unfortunate Prince George Duke of Clarence) was prevented; for he had been, by King Henry's direction, brought up prisoner from the Manor of 
* Holinsh. Edward Earl of Warwick imprisoned.  Sherif-hutton in Yorkshire, (where aswell he, as the Lady Elizabeth were kept by King Richard under guard) and immediately shut up within the Tower of London.  
(7) Frances 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  Duke of Britain had offered Henry before his departure to match him with the Lady Anne his eldest daughter and sole heir, but he was otherwise affected, as placing his love where it might afford him greatest & presentest strengths. Andrea's addeth, that King Edward himself destinated his eldest daughter unto Henry then Earl of Richmund, and sought in his life time to have effected it; but his meaning being (belike) suspected, as but a drift to get Henry into his hands, the motion took no hold as reserved till God had cleared the way of all such impediments, as might hinder the consolidationof both the Royal families, York and Lancaster, (after their so mortal and confustue massacres) in the person of one Sovereign.  
(8) The Lady herself, besides youth and beauty (precious Ornaments of that Sex) had in her 
Lady Elizabeth described.  from her 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  infancy a wonderful fear, and care to please God, and a like duteous and humble carriage toward her parents: her brothers and sisters she did exceedingly love, and as well toward the poor, as all the Servants of Christ, she bore a singular affection. 
* Sir Tho. Moor.  Her Uncle (the late usurper) in contempt of God and man (whose Laws he was so long accustomed to violate, till the just reward thereof did at the length overtake him) incestuously meant to have defiled her, under the abused name of Matrimony. When therefore the news of his death came to her ear, the joy of her heart broke forth into these words. 
* Bern. Andr. MS. Het. Christian S●… chaste meditation about marriage.  So yet at the last thou hast, o God, regarded the humble, and not despised their prayers. I well remember, neither shall I at any time be weary to remember, that my most noble Father of famous memory meant to have bestowed me in marriage upon this most comely Prince. O that I were now worthy of him; but my Father being dead, I want such good friends as should motion so great a matter: and perhaps he will take a wife from foreign parts, whose beauty, age, fortune, and dignity shall be more than mine. What shall I say? I am all alone, and dare not open my mind to 
* How then did Andrea's know i●…? either he doth poetize here, or else had it from her after-relati●….  any. What if I acquainted my mother therewith? Bashfulness forbids: What if some of the Lords? Audacity wanteth. O then that I might but confer with him! perhaps in discourse I might let slip such a word as might discover my intention. What will be I know not: this I know, that Almighty God cannot tell how to absent himself from them who trust in him. Therefore I make an end of thinking, and repose my whole hope upon thee, o my God, do with me according to thy mercy. Sh●…e secretly thus revolving all matters, and resolving of them in her mind, was heard from above; for King Henry having understood the honour, chastity, and singular virtues of the maiden Princess, the rather inclined to make her the Sovereign of his affections: assigning therefore 
* john D●… of Hereford MS. Holinshed.  a day, wherein (for the utter abolishment of all Hostilities between the two Royal houses of York and Lancaster) to establish an union of Families by conjunction of their two persons in marriage.  
(9) The mean while he wisely goes on to secure the main, which consisting in settling the general state, and securing his own person, he, for the one, 
* P. Novemb.  holds a Parliament at Westminster, and for the other, institutes a certain number of choice 
* holinsh.  Archers, with allotment of fees and maintenance, 
* The King's Guard first instituted.  which under a peculiar Captain, and the name of Yeoman of the Guard, he assigned to that service, for him and his successors, Kings and Queens of England. In the Parliament was attainted Richard late Duke of Gloucester, styling himself by usurpation, King 
King Richard and others ●…ed.  Richard the third; and with him by name many other of the Nobility and Gentry. And yet withal to lay a foundation for his green Government in love and clemency, he, during the Parliament proclaimed free pardon and entire restitution of their fortunes, to all such as submitted themselves to his mercy, and made oath of Fidelity. A seasonbale and necessary Act; Whereby he greatly weakened malicious humours, and wan to himself no small accession of friendship and services; for many forsook Sanctuaries, and took up their refuges in his goodness and most gracious favour. And to remove all scandal and danger from his friends, he reversed and revoked all former Acts, hurtful either to himself, or to them for his cause, the whole house of Parliament, 
* Holinshed. The Crown entailed upon King Henry and his heirs.  concurring finally in establishing by a solemn Act, the Crown upon him, and his heirs for ever.  
(10) After dissolution of which Parliament, the King redeems such pledges, as he had left in France for money borrowed, and assumes into his Council those two renowned agents in advancing his fortunes, john Morton and Richard Fox, as the most necessary parts and supports of his State; the former of which, not long after (Thomas Bourchier dying) was elected and enthronised Archbishop of Canterbury; the latter, was forthwith advanced to be Lord Keeper of his Privy Seal, & successively preferred to the bishoprics of Exeter, Bath and Welles, Durham, and Winchester.  
(11) The most wished and most welcome 
* 18. january. 1486.  day 
The King marrieth the Lady Elizabeth.  of marriage between King Henry and the Princess Elizabeth being now come, was celebrated by them with all religious and glorious magnificence, and by the people, with 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  fires of joy, dance songs and banquets through London, all sorts and sexes beseeching Almighty God to send the King and Queen most prosperous success, and an infinite increase of the common joy, by bestowing upon them a young Prince, and other Issue at his good pleasure: Which prayers (saith Andrea's) our Lord jesus Christ vouchsafed to hear; the Queen within a while after, proving with Child, of whom she was happily delivered in the month of September following at Winchester, which to the most fortunate King was a new happiness, to the 
Prince Arthur borne.  Queen a great rejoicement, to the Church a sovereign delight: to the Court an exceeding pleasure; and in brief to the whole kingdom an incredible contentment. Nor that without reason, as it afterward appeared; for (if God had been pleased to have granted longer life) not England only, but the whole world should in such a pledge have had cause of eternal rejoicement. 
* Ber. Andr. M. S.  But God who governs all things, and in whose hand are aswell the Sceptres of Princes, as dates of their lives, disposed otherwise.  
(12) Meanwhile there were not a few who did envy to King Henry this unexpected height of felicity; 
The attempts of the King's malignats.  but they who first discovered themselves, were certain remains of the late overthrow at Bosworth, whose diffidence, or evil will, was greater than to rely upon King Henry's clemency, o●… to behold the dazzling brightness of his new achieved glory; and for that cause refused to forsake the Sanctuary, which they had taken at Colchester. These were the Lord Lovel, Sir Humphrey Stafford, and Thomas Stafford his brother. Who, while the King, secure of dangers behind him, was in his Progress at York, meaning by affability, bounty and other his wisest courses, to gain the good wills of the Northern people, (with whom the memory of King Richard was very dear) and so to weaken the strengths and hopes of all future conspiracies, forsook their refuge, and secretly in several places gathered forces, therewith to surprise and dethrone the King. The Lord Lovel raised his forces with such speed, that the King who at Lincoln first heard of his escape, and lightly regarded the same, was no sooner settled in York, but certain intelligence came that he approached fast with an Army; and withal, that the Staffords had assembled forces in Worcestershire, meaning to 
The Lord Lovel, and the Staffords rebel. Hardings' continuer saith they had taken Gloucester.  assault the City of * Worcester. The extremity of the King (who never dreamt of such a darling) was not small, for neither had he any sufficient numbers about him of his sure friends, nor could justly repose confidence in the Northern men, whose love to King Richard their late slain Lord, made them still suspected. But danger quickeneth noble courages, and therefore upon due recollection of himself, he arms about three thousand men, (if tanned leather, whereof the most of their breast-pieces, for want of 
Polyd. Verg. in Henry 7. Holinsh.  other stuff, were framed, may be called armour) and sends them under the leading of jasper Duke of Bedford, with commission to pardon, or to fight. The Duke offering pardon, the Lord Lovel fled by night to 
* Polyd. Verg.  Sir Thomas Broughton into Lancashire, where he lurked certain months; the headless multitude yield without stroke, and the felicity of King Henry prevails in every place; for the Staffords hearing what had happened to their Confederates, disperse their Cloud of rebels, and speedily take refuge at Colnham a village about two miles from Abingdon in Oxfordshire. But the privileges of that place 
Yeere-booke of Henry 7. Anno 2.  * being iuridically scanned in the King's Bench, they were found unable to afford protection to open traitors, 
Traitors taken from Sanctuary and punished.  whereupon they were forcibly taken thence, and conveyed to the Tower of London, from whence Sir Humphrey Stafford was drawn and executed at Tyburn, but his brother Thomas by the King's 
He is called Lord Stafford by Hardings' conti●…er.  mercy had his pardon. These short dangers and troubles, by reason of their suddainty did worthily make the King wakeful even over smaller accidents; this blaze being kindled from so neglected sparkles. But there followed devices, which in their own nature were so strangely impudent, and in their vent so strongly Bolstered, that if Lovels enterprise made him suspicious, these other might justly fill him with innumerable jealousies.  
(13) The records are immortal, which testify, that the erection of Idols and Counterfeits, to dethrone 
Corn. Tacit. Histor. Suet. in Ner. cap. 57 Counter feit Princes erected to defeat the true.  them who are in possession, is a very old Stratagem. What troubles a Pseudo-Nero wrought, by support of the Parthians (who wonderfully favoured Nero living,) the Roman writers teach us. Neither hath the Devil (Father of Impostures) any so solemn practice, as Personation and Resemblances of true, whether men or things. Insomuch that some Divines have thought, that as he can, and often doth transshape himself into the form of a Celestial Angel, so that he also deceived our first mother under that resplendent but assumed habit. And what mischiefs he wrought, in this very kind of thrusting out into the world false pretenders, the speech of wise 
* Act 5.  Gamaliel testifieth, who rehearseth the names of Theudas and judas Galilaus; but the world hath since had more woeful experience hereof, in that execrable Impostor Mahomet, pretending to be the Messiah. In England itself (before the time of this Henry) what strange practices and conspiracies 
mantel executed in Queen Elizabeth's days for assuming the person of King Edward 6.  were set on foot under the title of a Pseudo-Richard in the reign of Henry the fourth, the former Histories have sufficiently opened, so that this Prince encountered nothing new in the General, howsoever pestilent and extraordinary in the particular. Indeed his reign (more perhaps then any other of his predecessors) afforded plentiful matter for such devices to work upon, there being many then, who having been 
* Io. D●…. M. 〈◊〉.  conceaned (as it were) in the bowels of Sedition, and nourished with the bitter and pernicious milk of dissension, were not only apt to embrace, but also, where they were not offered, even there to beget occasions of confounding all. Men, 
* Polyd. Verg. i●… Henry 7.  who could neither endure war, nor peace long, nor any allows in either, as desirous to enjoy the licentious violences of civil war; a 
* Io. D●…. M. S.  misery, which all words (how wide soever) want compass to express. The strange attempts of which kind of men (or rather Monsters) we shall see exemplified in the subsequent tragedies. Richard Simon, an ambitious and imposterous wretch, and 
The first Idol erected against King Henry.  withal a Priest, neither unlearned, (the sacred shadow of which name the rather countenanced his practices) in hope to make himself the principal Bishop of England, plotted the advancement of Lambert Symnell (being his pupil in the University of Oxford) to the Crown of England; instigated thereto 
* Polyd. Verg. i●… Henry. 7.  by the devil, and suborned by such as favoured the White-rose faction, upon this occasion. There went a rumour, that Edward Earl of Warwick, son and heir to George the late unfortunate Duke of Clarence, 
A false Edward in the forge.  second brother of King Edward, 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 26.  was either already murdered, or should shortly be. This Architect of guile, Simon having this Symnel in tuition, (the * son of a Baker, or Shoemaker, but a wel-faced and Princely-shaped youth, of no no very evil nature, 
Bern. Andr. M. S. Polyd. Verg. H. 7.  but as it was corrupted by his Tutor,) means out of this rumours aery substance, to produce an apparition and prodigy, which in Title, behaviour, and artificial answers (infused by his Tutor's practices) should resemble 
* Polyd. Ver. ibid.  one of King Edward's children. Here we must confess that our authors lead us into a perplexity: Some * affirming, that this counterfeit 
Holinsh. john Stow.  was exhibited to the world under the name of Edward Earl of Warwick, son of the Duke of Clarence, by the most turbulent and fatal Earl of Warwick slain at Barnet-field. But hereunto reason 
Lambert Sim●…ls History rectified and vindicated.  seems repugnant. For what ground of claim could that Gentleman have, not only for that his Father was attainted, but much more for that the Queen of England then in being, was the indubitate eldest daughter and heir of King Edward the fourth, and sister and next heir to Edward the fifth? Neither wants there ancienter authority than any of the others, affirming, that this Idol did usurp the name 
Bern. Andr. MS.  of one of King Edward's sons; many arguments concurring to buttress this affirmation. For, if at the same time (as Polydore writeth) it was bruited, that the sons of King Edward the fourth had not 
* job. Stow was often heard to maintain this opinion in seeming earnest.  been murdered under their usurping Uncle Richard, but were escaped, and lived in obscurity beyond the Sea; how can that be true, which Stow and the rest (who follow Polydore therein) affirm, that Lambert was crowned King of England at Dublin in Ireland, as heir to George Duke of Clarence? For with what injury to the royal brethren (feigned to be alive) was that? Verily there seems no coherence in the circumstances, nor appearance of truth in the substance. And how much stronger to the purpose of the Conspirators was the fiction of an Edward, the King's son, and himself once proclaimed King, then of an Edward, who was but an Earl, and a Duke of Clarence's heir? But you will ask, what was the poor Earl's part in this tragedy? what other? then that by rumoring his murder, they might bring the person of King Henry into common detestation for his cruelty; for clearing whereof the King publicly afterward showed the Earl to the view of all. And albeit the vulgar fame is, that Lambert was called Edward, yet 
* Ber. Andr. M. S.  one who then lived, saith directly, that this cipher was dubbed & mounted from his own mean rank to the title of a King, under the name of the second brother, who for certain was called Richard: but what Record there is to the contrary, is to us as yet unknown; for our vulgar Books extant can hardly pass with a jury of ordinary Critics, and Censors for unchallengeable evidence.  
(14) This airy Typhon (which grasped at the embracement of the two Kingdoms of England and Ireland) thus thoroughly schooled and instructed, is secretly conveyed by his Sinonian Tutor to Dublin, the chief City of the Irish, where he was confident 
Lambert conveyed into Ireland and received.  of partakers, as amongst the hereditary Clients, and adherents of the house of York; which affection was first breathed into them by the cunning popularities of the Lord Richard Duke of York, the first of that line, who publicly claimed the English Crown. His hopes deceived him not, for the Lord 
* Polyd. Verg. Stow calls him Earl of Kildare, and Lord Deputy of Ireland.  Chancellor of Ireland, Thomas Fitz-Gerald (of the noble Family of the Geraldi●…s) presently professed himself for the plot, and by his authority and persuasions drew the generality of the Irish after him into it. Messengers are hereupon dispatched, upon all hands both into England, to such as they had hope of, and into low Germany to the Lady Margaret, sister of King Edward the fourth, Duchess Dowager of Burgundy, a most mortal enemy of the Lancastrian family. In both places the lighted matches of sedition found powdry spirits, and wonderful correspondence. There is flocking from all parts to support the quarrel, and the Irish (to have the glory of giving England a King) proclaim & reverence this painted puff, & flying bubble with 
Lambert proclaimed King of England.  royal Style and honours.  
(15) Henry seeing the fire so strangely kindled round about the walls of his best hopes & strengths, falls seriously to counsel at the Monastery of Carthusian Monks near Richmond, where after exact deliberation it was decreed, 1. That general pardon (to stay the minds of as many as it was possible) should without 
Conclusions in the Council of England upon the fame of this conspiracy.  any exception be proclaimed to such as from thenceforth should continue dutiful. Which was principally done to temper, and assure some private persons, as Sir Thomas Broughton and others, whose forces, wills, and wealth were held most in suspicion. 2. That Elizabeth late wife to Edward the fourth, and mother in law to Henry now King of England, should forfeit all her lands and goods, for that (contrary to her faith given to them, who were in the plot for bringing in King Henry) she had yielded up her daughters to the hands of the Tyrant Richard. 3. That Edward Earl of Warwick then Prisoner in the Tower, should be openly showed aline in London. All which was accordingly executed, but without any great fruit, for still ●…he plot went on.  
(16) The condemnation of Elizabeth Queen Dowager, rather moved envy towards Henry, then relieved his cause; for to many the justice of that sentence was doubtful, the circumstance of a mother in law inferred a breach of piety, and the judgement itself did also want example. The justice was doubtful both in regard of the cause, and of the proceeding. Of the cause, for how could she have defended her daughters by the privilege of sanctuary from such a Wolf and Tiger, as would have infringed it for her sons, had they not been quietly delivered to his bloody hands? The same Tyrant doth now demand her daughters as to honour, not to slaughter; but if it had been to slaughter, what help? she, terrified with the motion, after much deliberation yields them to him, when she neither could, nor durst detain them. But you say she violated her faith, and hazarded thereby the lives and hopes of all that were in the plot for her cause. A great crime certainly. But Richard was in title; and power a King, and hung over her head with inevitable terrors; when Henry of Richmund was but an Earl, and he far off, and in banishment, and without any appearance of prevailing, and herself a friendless widow. The manner or proceeding was no less strange; for by what law or trial was she condemned in a Praemunire? She nevertheless is put out of all, and confined to the Monastery 
Queen Elizabeth deprived of her estate, and condemned to a Monastery.  of Bermondsey in Southwark, where finally she ended her days, borne to be an example of both fortunes, having from a forlorn widows estate been raised to the bed of a Bachelor Monarch; and in his life time been reduced to the seeming of a private fortune, when her Lord was driven to fly the land; and afterward saw those turns and varieties as few Queens ever felt, or saw so many, or more contrary; whether we regard the height of worldly felicity, when she did behold her son a King, or the depth of misery, when the Tyrant invaded his Crown and life, or now her daughter being Queen, and herself a miserable prisoner. The con●…ideration whereof, as it may worthily mortify ambitious affections; so the strangeness of the sentence verifies that collection among others, which 
* Sir Fr. Bacon. frog. MS.  that learned Gentleman makes of this King's reign in these words. He had (saith he) a very strange kind of interchanging very large and unexpected pardons with severe executions. Nevertheless, (his wisdom considered) it could not be imputed to any inequality, but to a discretion, or at least to a principle, that he had apprehended, that it was not good, obstinately to pursue one course, but to try both ways. Howsoever that was; certainly, she being so just an object of his commiseration, who had married that daughter, by which he enjoyed a Kingdom, and gotten that very power, wherewith he ruined her; it cannot be reasonably thought, but that there were other most important motives, persuading such a sharp course, or otherwise, that it must be reckoned among the chief of his errors. But as in the times of her flourishing estate, she founded and endowed a fair College for Students in Cambridge, which of her is called the Queens; so we will leave to those her Beneficiaries the farther search of this Argument, and deploration of her fortune, which seems such to us, as if King Henry affected to leave somewhat in this example, wherewith to oppose & amaze the world Unless perhaps it were, that having proclaimed a general pardon for all offences without exception to such as in future should remain 
A probable cause why King Henry dealt so rigorously with his ●…ther in law.  joyall, and foreseeing that some, who might be willing to lay hold of that benefit, might also be cunningly practised with to fall away, upon distrust of his word, when once he had served his present uses, he therefore meant (by so clear a demonstration, as the utter undoing, and perpetual imprisonment of his wives own mother,) to give them assurance, that he, who upon her person had been so severe a punisher of faith-breach, would never violate it in his own, and thereby secure them in that point, and secure himself of them.  
(17) Yet neither could this devise take so good effect, but that john Earl of Lincoln (son of john 
john de la Pole Earl of Lincoln and others, fly to the Duchess of Burgundy.  de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, and Elizabeth King Edward the fourth's sister) secretly fled into Flanders to the Duchess of Burgundy, whither Francis Lord Lovel was likewise not long before escaped. Sir Thomas Broughton (another principal Confederate) temporised in England, there to remain▪ a stay to the business, aswell for mutual intelligence, as receipt of an Army when it should arrive. This Earl of Lincoln, besides that he could not with any patience behold a Lancastrian wielding the English Sceptre; was also of a 
* Polyd. Verg.  sharp wit, and high reach, and therefore not without an ambitious sensibility, that in countenancing King Henry, he wronged that expectancy, and relation to the Crown, which he had in right of his mother, sister to King Edward the fourth▪ and to King Richard the third, who had 
* Cambd. in Notting.  designed him for heir apparent, & contracted his sister the 
* 〈◊〉. Los●…e.  Lady Anne de la Pole, to james Prince of Scotland: was also the rather animated by 
* Ber. Andr.  letters received from his aunt the Duchess of Burgundy, earnestly calling upon him for his presence. This Duchess was the second wife of Charles Duke of Burgundy, 
* Phil. de Com.  slain by the Switz at the battle of Nan●…è; by whom though he had no issue, yet by reason of her great dower, & wise behaviour among the Dutch, she was strong in money and friends; all which she was willing to convert to the utter subversion howsoever of the Lancastrian line. Though therefore, she well knew that this Lambert was but an Idol, 
* john Da. MS.  hammered out of the hot brain of that Bo●…tefew Richard Simon, yet she embraceth the occasion, countenanceth the Imposture, and leaves nothing unsaid or undone, which might give life and success to the enterprise. The Earl, the L. Lovel, and others she furnished abundantly, and joineth unto them a renowned Colonel Martin Swart, a Gentleman of 
* Polyd. Vergil saith he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  honourable birth, exemplary valour, and singular experience, and certain selected companies, to the number of about two thousand Almains, which soon after arrive at Dublin. Lambert, who before was but proclaimed, is now in Christ's Church there solemnly by them crowned King of England, * feasting and triumphing, rearing mighty shouts and cries, carrying him thence to the king's 
Lambert crowned King of England 〈◊〉 Dublin. 〈◊〉 Stow.  Castle upon tall men's shoulders, that he might be seen and noted; as he was surely (saith Stow) an honourable boy to look upon; though nothing less was meant, then that he should enjoy that honour if they prevailed; as meaning then to erect Edward Earl of Warwick. Posterity might worthily doubt of the truth of these so desperate impudencies, and ridiculous Pageants, practised in the highest affairs of mankind, but that the thing is so universally testified, and also that the highest affairs of the world (when once they are passed) are little better than such like Pageants.  
(18) K. Henry (on the other side) though he had by most diligent espials endeavoured to know the truth of Lambert's quality, to divert the stream of affections, which he saw inclined that way, for that the practice was carried with such wonderful art, as that very many (otherwise discreet and sober 
Bern. Andr.  men) were induced to believe that he was indeed King Edward's son; and although the general pardon proclaimed by King Henry, did undoubtedly stay very many from open revolt, but much more the careful watch which was kept at the Ports, to hinder the escape of Malcontents or factious Fugitives: yet he manifestly saw, that it would in the end come to a field: for which cause he takes order for the levy of an Army, resolving to give 
King Henry provides for battle.  his enemy's battle with the first opportunity, it being the ancient and manful fashion of the English, (who are naturally most impatient of lingering mischiefs) to put their public quarrels to the trial of the sword. Lambert attended with john Earl of Lincoln, Francis Lord 
* Camb. in Oxf.  Viscount Lovel, Thomas Fitz-Gerald, or rather Maurice Fitz-Thomas (belike his son) and Colonel Swart, with an Army of desperate 
Lambert lands in Lancashire.  and picked soldiers, aswell English, Dutch, as Irish (all fired with infinite hopes and promises to be enjoyed upon the overthrow of King Henry) come on shore in Lancashire at a place called the pile of Fowdray, where they join with their assured confederate Sir Thomas Broughton, and his sequel; and after some short refreshment in those parts, march with erected courages against King Henry, taking their way through Yorkshire (the hoped nursery of their surest friendships) and gloriously▪ publishing their new King every where, though without any increase of force by concourse, (for King Henry's wisdom had marred their errand,) their journey was directed toward Newarke upon Trent.  
(19) The King then at Coventree, being by such scouts as he had appointed for that service, presently advertised of Lambert's arrival, and having his forces ready under the conduct of jasper Duke of Bedford, and the Earl of Oxford, because delay 
Nottingham the Rendevow of K. Henry's ar●…y.  in this case was on all hands reputed mischievous, sets forward to Nottingham, and by a wood side called Bowers, encampeth his people; in whom there appeared a gallant forwardness to revenge themselves by the sword of that indignity, which was offered to the English name by strangers and rebels, who durst hope to give them a ruler. Thither repaired George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, George L. Strange his son, Sir john Cheinie, and other noble and valiant Gentlemen with their numbers, which added no small sinews to K. Henry's musters. Polydor hath diligently set down the names of such principal 
* Hist. Ang. l. 26.  men in those parts as repaired thither, partly voluntary, partly sent for to the common defence of the King and Kingdom; but without due additions of each man's degree and place of precedency; 
Great repair of the noble and people to his 〈◊〉.  yet their names do well deserve to be remembered, both for the honour of their Families, and examples of loyalty. He recounteth sixty five Captains which assembled from places thereabout, under whom 
Polyd. Uerg.  there cannot probably be thought fewer Soldiers than eight or ten thousand, the English usually, till of late, having commonly an hundredth and fifty in a Company. Their surnames (besides Edward Lord 
* Polydor eals him Regulus, m●…ning a Baron.  Hastings) are in him as followeth; Longford, Montgomerie, Vernon of the Peke, Shurley, Folgehan, Grisley, Sutton, Stanley, and Stanley, Houghton, Mering, Stanhop, Clifton, Stapleton, Willoughby, Perpoinct, Babington, Bedyll, * Brudenel, Markham, Merbury, Borough, Tyrwit, Husey, Shefeild, Newport, Ormeston, 
〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 Polydore erroneously Calls him.  Tempest, Knyvett, Willoughby, Dygby, and Dygby, Harrington, Sache●…erel, Vyllers, pylding, Poult●…ey, Vau●…, Gryne, Gryfin, Lucy, Belknap, Throgmorton, Grace of Ruthin, Wolston, Fynder, Philips, Cheney, Cotton, S. john, Mordant, Terrill, Rainsford, Paynton, Daniel, Marney, Armidel. From the uttermost bounds of the North, there repaired also other chief persons and leaders (saith he) as 
* These three seem Barons as them whom he means by principes viri.  Ogle, * Ne●…yle, * Latimer, Bulmer, Langford, Norres, Ne●…yle of Thortinbrig and Williams. The Earl of Lincoln nevertheless comes forward with his Counter-king, nothing perhaps adding greater courage to that side, than the example of Henry himself, who with less numbers (but much more secret Art) prevailed in a pight field at Bosworth: his meaning was to get into Newarke. The King wakeful upon all advantages, and perfectly instructed of his enemy's courses (whom desperation did thrust forward to a daring hope) dislodgeth with his Army, & passeth through Newarke, leaving it behind him about 3. miles, to intercept the Lambertines; and there sits down again. The Earl of Lincoln encamps with great bravery and show of courage in the face of the King's forces.  
(20) The next day both the Armies are brought forth to fight, near to a little village called Stoke. The Earl of Lincoln marshaled his people by the advise of Colonel Swart and others, to the best advantage, upon the 
* Bern. Andr.  Brow or hanging of an hill expecting the charge. The Almains were all of them hardy and approved men, and thoroughly well-appointed, and so in likelihood were such English as stood for that side; but the Irish, besides multitudes and fierceness, had small provision, save (after the rude manner of their Nation) darts, skeins, or the like. The main of the Battle rested wholly upon the English and Almains. King Henry on the other side, (as he that thirsted for an end of this bloody days work,) speedily disposed his whole numbers into three Battailions: the Vanguard whereof was best replenished with store of choice and picked men, well armed and appointed, and fortified with wings. The army being thus ordered, Andreas saith that King Henry useth this speech.  
(21) Most faithful Lords, and you most valiant Companions in Arms, who have (together with 
King Henry's Oration before the battle at Stoke.  us) endured so great perils by Land and Sea; lo, we are again against our wills, drawn to try our fortunes in another Field. For the Earl of Lincoln (a perjured man) without any occasion ministered by us, defends an unjust quarrel against us: neither doth he it dissemblingly, but most openly impudent, without any fear of God; not so much only to endamage us, as to fulfil the humour of a giddy, and intemperate-tongued woman, who is not ignorant that her blood was extinguished by her brother Richard; but because that line did always maintain a most deadly feud against ours, she (without any great regard to her Niece, my dearest Consort) assays to destroy aswell us as our posterity. Ye see therefore how often we are provoked by them, but they shall not carry it away unrevenged. God therefore and his holy Angels we first call to witness, that we are provident both night and day for your safety, and for the Common quiet; though thus the ancient enemy repugneth. But God, a just, strong, and patient judge, will also bring a remedy to this evil. In the mean time we exhort and admonish you, that the consideration of our just inheritance be at this present more forcible with you, than their wickedness; neither doubt, but that the same God, who in the former war made us victorious, will enable us to triumph now also over these enemies. Let us therefore set upon them courageously; for God is upon our side to assist us.  
(22) The Earl of Oxford (on the behalf of the whole Army) was prepared to make answer, but the 
Bernard. Andr.  King hastening to the proof, broke off all Ceremonies; and the sign of Battle given, they thunder forward 
The battle of Stoke or Stoke. field.  with shouts of people, and sound of martial music, and like a black tempest, power themselves upon the Front of the Enemy's Battles; who rushed forward with equal violence and fury, as men that at once encountered against fear and fortune. The fight continued doubtful above 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 26.  three hours. A long space for men of courage to be employed in killing one the other, and fit to glut the hunger of fury. The Earls English wanted nothing but a good cause, and the Almains gave not place to the King's people in any point worthy of gallant Soldiers, but sold their lives dearly, and their Colonel Swart had scarce any before him in personal performance. Neither were the Irish behind for their parts, if their skins had been sword-proofe, for the contempt of death was alike in them as the rest. Briefly, the wonder of that days work was, that Christian men, in no sounder a quarrel, could dare to die so boldly, such chiefly, as the Earl of Lincoln and some others, who knew the secret of that desperate enterprise. But God, the Lord of revenges; punishing their unjust malice, with a sudden whirlewinderising in the heat of the Battle, (〈◊〉 as when Constantine 
Bern. Andr.  fought against the enemies of the Church) our soldiers, who seemed vanquished, became victorious For the King's vanguard 
* Io. Str●….  reenforced itself, and gave so furious a recharge, (in likelihood upon this encouragement sent as it were from Heau●… that it 
The King pr●…●….  utterly broke the Enemy's squadrons, and giving in among them with full random, slew 
* Polyd. V●….  first such Captains as resisted, and put the residue which yielded not, either to the sword flight. Herewith the whole Army 
* Bern. Andr.  shouted, the trumpets sound victory, and the general cry runs King Henry, King Henry. When the battle and chase were ended, so that there was time and leisure to view the field, it than appeared what minds the slain bodies carried; for all the chief Captains, the Earl of Lincoln himself (though the King would gladly have had him saved, 
The Earl of Lincoln and all the chief leaders of that side slain in the field.  to come thereby to a greater light of his dangers) the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas Broughton, Colonel Swart and 
* Polyd. Verg.  Maurice Fitz-Thomas, General of the Irish, were (like 
* Ed●…. Compian Hist. of Ireland.  Catiline and his Complices) found to cover those places dead, which they defended living, 
* Cr. Sallust. is 〈◊〉. Catil.  among four thousand other soldiers which were slain upon that side. The King at this battle lost 
* Polyd. Verg. But Bernard Andr. saith that very fe●… were slain.  almost half the People in his Vanguard, and Surgeons had store of work among the Suruivers, so that the Garland gained at this journey was not undipt in blood; Howbeit there is no mention that any man of honour or special note, fell upon the King's side.  
(23) Among the Prisoners was the Counterfelt himself, and the lewd contriver of this wicked Stratagem, Richard Sinon, who with little change may most truly be called another Sinon. The King (who reserved himself in this battle, (as in others, but 
* Fr●…. MS.  never retired) made both their persons examples of his clemency. For Lambert being questioned, how such a 
* Vapul●…. Bern. Andr. MS.  breec●…ing-boy as he was, durst attempt so great a wickedness, dinied not, that he was compelled thereunto, by certain bad persons, who were of th●… conspiracy; and as for his parent's quality, he confessed them to be such as indeed they were; altogether of base and despicable calling. 
* Io. Da. MS.  Si●… subtle, or Sir Richard Sinon the Priest, whether for discovery of some great secrets, or the extraordinary reverence borne to his function (extraordinary say we, for otherwise 
* Thomas 〈◊〉. in H. 4 & 〈◊〉.  Priests had been openly put to death) was not executed, but 
* Polyd. Verg. 〈◊〉. who also follows Polydor.  condemned to a dungeon, and perpetual shackles. Lambert (whom the glittering periwig of regal style did but lately so adorn) was condemned to 
* Polyd. Verg.  the King's kitchen, there to manage spits at the fire; who 
Io. Da. of Her. MS.  if his wit and spirit had answered his late Titles, would have chosen much rather to have been turned from the Ladder by an hangman. But 
* Polyd. Verg. Lambert's fortunes.  having in this abject condition given sufficient proof that he was but a Puppet, or a property in the late tragical motion, 
* Io. Da. MS.  he was at length (promoted we cannot say) made one of the King's Falconers, in which estate it seems he lived and died inglorious. This battle was fought upon a 
* 16. 〈◊〉. A. D. 1487. A. Reg. 〈◊〉.  Saturday, a day of the week which is 
* Bern. And. Ms.  observed to have been favourable and lucky to this Henry. His first care after the victory settled, was that which most became a religious Prince, the humble and joyous acknowledgement of thanks to God, in the very place. From thence 〈◊〉 passeth to 
* Polyd. Verg.  Lincoln, where he spent three days in 〈◊〉 supplications, processions, and thanksgivings, and 〈◊〉 his Standard to our Lady's Church at Walsingham in Norfolk, there to remain as a Monument of 〈◊〉 ●…orie and gratitude. Such as were taken in 〈◊〉 ●…ell or chase, are then executed. From Lincoln 〈◊〉 progresse●… into Yorkshire, where he took 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aswell by execution, as ransom, for purging 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from such as were culpable, or pro●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…t Newcastle about 
* A. Reg. 〈◊〉. Ambassadors into Scatland.  the middle of 〈◊〉; h●… 〈◊〉 his experienced and 〈◊〉 Agent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop of Excester, and Sir Richard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into Scotland, there to 〈◊〉 peace 〈◊〉 King 〈◊〉 the third, to emppeach the 〈◊〉 and protection, which his enemias and 〈◊〉 found therein. Himself having spent a great part of 〈◊〉 in this progress, or rather itinerary I●…cing, returns by Leicester toward London. Those prudent Ambassadors in the mean time negociating with the Scottish King, wrought 
* L●…st 〈◊〉 jocob. 3.  him to be more inclinable to a per●…uall peace; than it stood with his safety to let his Subjects understand, who favoured him not. Seven years truce is consented unto, with a secret promise of King james to renew that term, as it began to expire; with which assurance the Ambassadors returning, gladded their wise Sovereign's heart; who thereby found that the Bishop of Excester, 
Bishop F●…xe, first a great furtherer, and now a chief preserver of King Henry's Regality.  was no less industrious in preserving his Regal state, than he had been prudent in furthering Him unto it. The firebrands and readiest fuel of Rebellion thus seemed to be quenched, and the King beholds himself in the Grace and favour of his people, nor less of foreign Princes; Margaret Dulchesse of Burgundy (his implacable 
* Bern. Andr. MS. The Dulchesse of Burgundy's immortal malice.  juno) excepted; whom the news of her Nephews the Earl of Lincoln's death, and the bloody blowing up of all her late hopeful and costly contrivements, did gall and wound extremely; but added fresh appetites of revenge to her former immortal malice, which 
* Polydor. Uirg.  never gave over working, till she had vented another no less prodigy than Lambert was. But the King being honoured and sought unto, aswell by a Nuncio 
* Bern. Andr.  from the Roman See, who obtained leave to publish a Croisado here against the Turks, as also from the French; after his many labours, aswell Martial as Civil, sustained on behalf of himself and the Commonweal, makes a triumphal 
* 3. ●…mber. Anno D. 1●…87.  entry into London, which was adorned in the best manner. And in the same month upon 
* Add. to Fab. Elizabeth Crowned Queen of England.  Saint Katherine's day, his wife Elizabeth was Crowned Queen of England, as if that then first he had held himself assured of Royal estate: for he saw not what dangerous lists would yet be given by that unquiet Lady's practices, to heave him out of authority.  
(24) The next main action which sifted the judgement, and tried the sinews of King Henry, 
A difficult case, whether King Henry should aid the Britain's or no.  was a foreign case of more difficulty and Ar●…, then of intestine danger, as in which the high and paramount respects of Commonweal were entangled, or encountered with offices most nearly concerning the honour of a Prince's mind, which never is more blemished then with the note of ingratitude. A dispute and combat between wisdom and blood, public and private, (if any quality, or action of a King may be said to be private) which seemed worthy of so excellent, clear, and considerate a discourse, as that of Henry's. You heard what notable favours and humanity's, when he lived a banished Earl in the Continent, he had received, first of the Duke of Britain, then of Charles K. of France; so that he stood equally (as it were) obliged to them both, & could acknowledge no less. Charles (more ambititiously then justly) desired exceedingly to annex Britain to the Crown of France, taking occasion 
Charles King of France practiseth to 〈◊〉 Britain to his Empire.  of the time, and other circumstances, which all seemed to conspire with his affections. The Duke old, and the father of one only daughter surviving till marriage; Maximilian King of Romans, and rival of King Charles in the same desires, (aswell for the Duchy, as the daughter,) feeble in means; and King Henry aswell obnoxious to the French for benefits, as busied in his particular at home: and the Duke of Britain, by succouring Lewis Duke of Orleans, and other French Lords, whom King Charles reputed his adversaries, ministered to the French an occasion (or colour at least) of warring upon Britain, and so by the apt concurrence of circumstances, to annex it by conquest, if by treaty he could not. Henry of England, now known to be victoriously settled, seems worth the Courting. Ambassadors come from the French, who lay open the wrong offered by the Britain's, in succouring the enemies 
Ambassadors out of France to King Henry.  of France, put Henry in mind of passed benefits; and pray his assistance, or at the least a neutrality; but altogether concealing the mystery of this war, which was to annex Britain to the Crown of France. Howsoever, Henry, though he well enough knew, that a King must ever be the best part of his Council, (for what are others opinions, if himself want the happiness, or judgement, to choose the best?) propounds the points to his privy Council, whereupon he Christianly offers himself a Mediator between the French and Britain; an office, in which it was apparent he might best satisfy all obligations and duties both to God and them. The French pretend liking, but in the mean time follow their design hard. Henry sends his Chaplain, Master Christopher Urswick a man * whom he very often employed. The 
john Norde●…s Middlsex. lit. H.  French mask on. Things come to some extremities. It becomes manifest that King Charles abused the King of England's credulity; for the City of Nants in Britain was brought by siege to point of yielding, while messengers, and packets, outwardly osled with the name of peace, slide to and fro, and the French doubt nothing so much, as lest the English should stir, before their victory had made Britain irrecoverable. The Lord Wooduile (as without the Kings will, or privity) slips over into Britain with three or four hundred choice men to assist the Duke, 
The Lord Wooduile slain in Britain.  and came time enough to be slain with almost all his Soldiers, at the battle of Saint Albin, where the French wan the day; notwithstanding that the Britain's, the rather to appall their enemies, had appareled 
* Paulus Ac●…yl. in Carol. 8.  seventeen hundred of their own Soldiers in white Coats with red Crosses, after the English manner, and made thereby a show of two Regiments of English. The Britain's had a great loss 
The Battle of S. Albine, wherein the French prevail.  in that battle, wherein they were made fewer by six thousand. The Duke of Orleans and Prince of Orange, who then were British in faction, were taken Prisoners in the same fight. The French lost about twelve hundredth, and their General an Italian. So that the state of Britain seemed ripe for a fall.  
(25) But King Henry, having long since suspected, and foreseen, what the uttermost mark of 
King Henry opens the cause in Parliament.  the French might be, and seeming to have enough suffered the interest, which they might expect in him as a man, to be abused by their practices to the prejudice of his other friend, the Duke of Britain, (who forgot not to solicit and urge that point,) had made the quality of this affair known to the body of State in open Parliament, for that purpose assembleb; as meaning by authority thereof to purge himself from all imputation, if, as a King, he did that which the reason of Government required, which would not assent, that Britain should be made French, lest by that accession their Neighbourhood might grow intolerable, Britain having so many Sea-townes and outlets to mischief the English traffic. Himself was otherwise also sufficiently resolved, that the general good aught to predominate the particular, and that his private obligations ought not to entangle, or prejudice the public service. The Parliament therefore, considering that which stood for the Commonweal, decrees aid 
The Parliament grants aid of money to support the war of Britain.  of men and money, on behalf of the Duke of Britain; it being (besides all other respects) a perilous example, to suffer the great to devour the lesser Neighbour States, upon pretences of justice, or revenge. Forces are levied; but (for respect of King Charles, and in hope that the show of preparations would stoop him to equal conditions,) not yet so roundly, as the Britons necessities expected. Mean while that no formality or Princely Ceremony should be vnaccomplished, King Henry by his Ambassadors certifies King Charles of his Parliaments decree; prays him to desist from farther Hostility; 
Polyd. Uirg.  otherwise that he must assist the Duke, but yet (for the French Kings sake) with this reservation, of pursuing his subjects no where but in Britain. Charles made small account of these overtures, because he truly persuaded himself that the English aids would not arrive in season; which fell out accordingly; for before that time, the French had gotten that victory, (whereof even now we spoke) at the Battle of Saint Albin. Upon news whereof, the English Regiments were immediately sent over under Robert Lord Broke General, Sir john Cheiney, Sir john Midleton, Sir Ralph Hilton, Sir Richard Corbet, Sir Thomas Leighton, 
Eight thousand English sent tardy into Britain. job. Stow Annal.  Sir Richard Lacon, and Sir Edmund Cornwall Knights, and Colonels. The whole Army contained eight thousand men. These march toward the enemy; who, acquainted with the temper of the English, whiles they are fresh, as 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 26.  being then almost invincible, contain themselves within their Camp; but yet 
* Polyd. Verg.  molest the English with continual skirmishes on horseback in several places at once; smally to the profit of the French, who 
* holinsh. job. Da●… MS.  were always put to the worse, the Archers received them with such perpetual storms. In the mean space, Francis Duke of Britain dies, leaving in effect, one only daughter, the Lady Anne, (for the other, 
* Polyd. Verg.  being the younger) deceased not long after. This altered the whole state of the case. The British Nobility 
The Duke of Britain●… dies, and the English return.  (under their young Mistress) immediately fall at variance among themselves, and the English thereby were on every hand in danger: so that God (as it appeared by the sequel) had destined Britain●… to be annexed to the Crown of France; for the English (after five months stay) were in wisdom compelled to return; the rather, for that Winter now was come upon them, and Britain, destitute of competent defence, (her Rulers disagreeing among themselves) was finally by the marriage of King Charles with the Lady Anne, made a parcel of the French Monarchy, as hereafter will appear.  
(26) King Henry the while was again in danger 
The beginning of new stirs in Yorkshire.  to have had present use of Soldiers at home. We showed, what care was heretofore taken by him to weed the North, and free it from lurking enemies. That notwithstanding, when the Earl of Northumberland, (Lieutenant of the North) signified at an assembly (according as the truth was) that the King 
job. Stow ex job. Skelton.  (though the Northern people had besought it) would not remit one penny of such Subsidy, as was granted in Parliament for supportation of the wars in Britain 
* Polyd. Verg l. 26 job. Stow. Annal.  left the Acts of State should be reversed at the rude people's pleasure; but that on the contrary Commission and warrant was sent down for him to see the same levied by distress, or otherwise: the desperate multitude, falsely 
The Earl of Northumberland slain by the people in a tumult.  supposing that the Earl was the occasion of such an answer, did suddenly set upon him at the incitement of one john à Chamber, and furiously murdered him, with certain of his servants in a place called Cocklegge by Thrusk, eighteen miles from York. They to carry their wicked attempt through, make head under Sir john Egremond, a discontented Knight of those parts, openly declaring where they came, that their meaning was to fight with the King in defence of their liberties, as if the causeless kill of a most noble Lord had been one of them. Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey sent from Court with some forces to repress their increase, skirmisheth with a rout of these Rebels, beats them away, and takes john a Chamber prisoner. The whole swarm flocks to York, where they roosted about three or four 
The King in person in Yorkshire.  days, when hearing of the King's approach (who was ever one of the first in the neck of such occasions) they scattered themselves, but the ringleaders were hanged and quartered, and john a Chamber, with 
job. Stow Annal.  some others, were executed at York after an extraordinary manner. Sir john Egremond escaping, fled to the common Centre of all King Henry's dangers 
Sir job. Egremond Captain of the Rebels escapes to the Duchess of Burgundy.  and enmities, Margaret Duchess of Burgundy; so that though the colour of rising was about money, yet Egremond at lest had reference, it seems, to the general perturbation of the Kingdom, upon the old ground of quarrel (hatred of the Lancastrian Family) and this to be but a spark or flash of that great and troubleous fire, which afterward broke forth and blazed so prodigiously. The Earl of Surrey is left by the King (having 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  severely punished the murderers) Lieutenant of the North, and Sir Robert Tonstall Knight, as chief Commissioner for levying the tax or subsidy.  
(27) The unworthy death of the Earl of Nerthumberland was seconded by a more unworthy, of james the third King of Scotland, so as King Henry lost at home a most honourable stay of his Northern affairs, and a sure Ally abroad. This unfortunate Prince, having 
* 〈◊〉. in 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  by some irregularity of life, and partialities, and errors of government (amplified perhaps by the constructions and reports of his malignant Subjects) incurred extreme hatred with many of the Nobility and people, laboured with 
* Polydor. Uirg.  King Henry, as also with the Pope, and King of France, to make an accord between him and his Mutinadoes, for that they had compelled Prince james, his son, to be the titular and unnatural Head of those arms, which traitorously (as pretending to 
King Henry ●…n vain seeks to reconcile the Scot●… to their King.  have a right on behalf of the Commonweal to depose an evil King) they assumed against him. The Kings accordingly interposed their mediations by earnest Ambassadors, but could obtain no other than this outrageous answer: That there was no talking of peace unless he would resign his Crown. King Henry and King Charles' vehemently protested against these their whole proceedings, declaring by their Ambassador, that they thought the same to be as a common injury done unto themselves; & the example to be 
Io. Lest. Bish. of Rosse.  very wicked and pernicious, and not sufferable by Princes, that Subjects should be permitted to put hands unto their Sovereign. Hereupon it came to a Battle at Banocksborn by Strivelin, whereat K. james (rashly fight before his whole numbers were come) was (notwithstanding the contrary commandment of the Prince his son) slain in the Mill of that Field, 
james the third King of Scotland slain in battle by his Subjects.  whither he fled after the battle ended. By reason of this infortunate precipitation of the Scotish King, Hadrian de Castello an Italian Legate, whom Pope Innocentius the eight had sent to take up the cruel quarrel, came too late, (for he arrived not in England till the battle at Banocksborne was passed,) but not too late to receive honour at the hands of King Henry, who respecting his wisdom and excellent learning, (upon the special commendations first 
* Io. Stow. Annal.  of john Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, but afterward upon his own experience of the man in sundry employments to the Roman Sea,) bestowed upon him the Bishopric of Hereford, and (after resignation 
K. Henry's bounty to a stranger for Learning's cause.  thereof) the Bishopric of Bath and Welles; who was also at the length created Cardinal by Pope Alexander the sixth. 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 26  But who is he among many thousands (saith Polyd.) that useth not to admire these outward honours which may alike be given to the unworthy aswell as to the well-deserving, and may alike be taken away from either? But the praise of this Hadrian is of another 
The first reviuer in this age of pure La●…ne and choice learning.  far more noble kind and eternal: for he was the man who first revived the glory of the ancient Latin eloquence, and of all other sorts of abstruse and exquisite learn, as in which himself excelled. Thus doth Polydore (himself an Italian,) celebrate the learning of his Countryman, of whose other qualities, yet others write more harshly; as that out of mere ambition to be Pope (without any other grudge) he conspired, with Alphonso Petruccio, and other sacred Cardinals, 
Godwins' Caral. of P. 〈◊〉. in Bath, etc. pag. 309. Paul. 〈◊〉.  to murder Pope Leo the tenth: induced thereto by suggestion of a Witch, who foretold him that one Hadrian, an old man, of mean parentage, of great Learning and wisdom, should succeed in the Papacy. The man thought it must needs be himself, as being, though of very base Parentage, yet of some noble qualities: but another 
* Hadri●…. 6.  Hadrian, the son of a Dutch Brewer, and instructor of Charles the fifth the Emperor, proved to be the man; and this our Hadrian lost by deprivation all his promotions whatsoever, for his nesarious attempt. Into quch extreme folly is learning and wisdom metamorphosed, where it is tainted with Ambition, or wants a Religious discretion to manage it aright.  
(28) And albeit the King himself could very gladly have spent his time in the studies of peace, as those which were far more apt for the service of God, and for attaining of knowledge, then in martial 
War with France and the causes.  tumults; yet the quality of his supereminent place envied unto him that felicity; for he was necessarily drawn into a war with France upon less occasions. Anne the young Duchess of Britain, (by their advise, who affected to preserve the liberty of that Dukedom, which by union with France, would be absorbed & extinguished,) had so far entangled and engaged herself with the Procurators of Maximilian King of Romans, that she was not only publicly contracted, but contented (for uttermost performance of those rites whereof marriage by proxy was honourably capable) to take upon her the Bride, and being solemnly bedded, to permit Maximilians Deputy, in 
The young Duchess married by proxy.  the presence of sundry Noble witnesses aswell men as women, to put in his leg, stripped naked to the knee, between the spousal sheets, that ceremony seeming to amount to a Consummation. Charles King of France, notwithstanding these solemnities, and his own particular engagement with the Lady Margaret daughter of Maximilian, (whom for the purpose of marriage he had already entertained into France,) did so ambitiously and vehemently covet to gain Britain, that upon confidence of his force, he resolved to break through all respects, and not only to offend all his foreign friends, but to make them his just enemies, rather than to fail in effectuation. Instruments are therefore very secretly set on work, and battery is placed with bags of gold at all the opportunities which might let in his purpose. Ambassadors also (the 
* Stows Annal.  Lord Frances of Lutzenburg, Charles Marinian, and Robert Gagwine 
* Bern. And. MS.  General of the Order of the holy Trinity, are dispatched to Henry, praying that with his good will he might dispose of the body of the Lady Anne in marriage according to the right which he had thereunto, as the chief Lord of whom she held the Dukedom Henry denied the request, but yielded notwithstanding to send Ambassadors into France there to Capitulate about a peace. The French carried this affair with 
The French carried the practice of marriage with the inheretirex of Brita●… most artificially.  notable Art, for to divert the world for looking into the depth of their drift, King Charles still detained the young Lady Margaret, Maximilians daughter; so as at most it could be but suspected, that Charles meant to match her with some of his blood, and all the intercourse of Orators and Ambassadors used in the mean time, tended but to hold the English busied upon other objects, till they had wrought their feat in the Court of Britain. For Maximilian, (to let the world see what injuries shall be offered even to Kings, that are not strong) him they altogether neglected; King Henry they played with, and Ferdinando King of Castille (who was ready to join with Maximilian and Henry 
* Polyd. Uerg.  against the French) they resolve to appease, with rendering up unto him the Counties of Ruscinoon, and Perpinian; as accordingly they 
* job. T●…l. C●…n.  did, without 
* Lu. Marin. lib. 20. de reb. Hispan.  reembursement of one penny of those 300000. Crowns, for which john King of Arragon (father to Ferdinando) had mortgaged them. The young Lady's doubts, rising either out of religion, or point of honour, his cunning Agents, and Emissaries wipe away with these solutions. That Maximilian●… daughter was not of years to consent, and therefore the contract between King Charles and her, did not bind either in law, or conscience: That her own contract with Maximilian was void, for that it was done without the consent of her Sovereign Lord, King Charles', whose ward or Client she was. The Lady vanquished in her judgement with these reasons, attracted with the present greatness of King Charles, and loath by refusal to make her Country the seat of a long and miserable war, secretly yielded to accept of another husband. Thomas Goldstone Abbot of S. Augustine's in Canterbury, and Thomas Earl of Ormond in Ireland, King Henry's Ambassadors into France, having been dandled by the French during these illusive practices, returned without other fruit of their labours.  
(29) What could now the most patient do less than take sword in hand upon so palpable and unworthy illusion? But Maximilians wrongs were too impudent and intolerable; for Charles sent home the Lady Margaret, and married the Inheretrix of Britain, annexing it to his own Realm: whereas King Henry found himself rather mocked, then otherwise impaired. james Contibald hereupon 
Britain annexed to France.  comes Ambassador from Maximilian, and obtained his request, which was, that they with joint forces should by a certain day prefixed, invade the French, in full revenge of these their bold provocations; Maximilian for his part, promising to support that war with at least ten thousand men for two years. King Henry having formerly in abundant manner provided himself of treasure, was ready before the day with a royal army: but Maximilian (whose will to work the uttermost mischief to France was not 
Maximilian unprovided to 〈◊〉 with Henry.  doubted,) being sent unto by King Henry, signifying his forwardness, was found utterly unfurnished. Causes of Maximilians weakness in state, were the rebellions and dislikes of his Flemish Subjects cherished by the French, the jealousy of Prince's neighbourhood making them unjustly glad either of others molestations. For subduing whereof though King Henry had heretofore given him good and successful assistance under the conduct of Giles Lord Dawbeney Governor of Calais, the Lord Morley and others, whereby he the rather overcame; yet was he the feebler, as then, by reason of so fresh exhaustures. King Henry with good cause was not a little troubled at these news, secretly signified by his trusty Almoner Mr. Christopher Urswick, and Sir Richard Risley knight, his Ambassadors to Maximilian; For he was very loath to undergo so great an Action upon his particular strengths, though he doubted not to find a potent party among the Britain's, (whose affections were as yet but loosely settled toward King Charles,) and yet far more loath to deceive the expectation of his own people, who had so largely contributed; Chiefly the City of London, out of which, even in those days he received for his furniture in that voyage almost 
* Addit: to  ten thousand pounds from the Commoners, and (as it seems by our Author) 
Fab. Chron. The Londoners large contributions to the king.  two hundredth pounds beside from every Alderman, where the same King could not, but with some difficulty, levy in the third year of his Reign a loan of four thousand pounds, whereof three of the best Companies are noted (as for having done and deserved extraordinarily) to have lent above nine hundred. And verily this wise King (knowing how great a strength that rich City was unto him) humoured that people with all forces of popularities, for himself did not only come among them, 
King Henry's popularities in London.  and cause himself to be entered a brother, in 
* The Merchant Tailors.  one of their Companies, but ware the habit at a public feast, and sat as Master, as is very credibly reported out of the Records of their Hall. His wisdom therefore saw, that in giving over the invasion of France; he should sloathfully abandon a goodly occasion of making himself universally acceptable to his people. His resolutions therefore are by him at leastwise pretended to continue, and for that cause he sufficiently increaseth his numbers, that he might seem able to go through with that enterprise alone; and though the time of year were too far spent (for he landed not at Caleis, till the sixth day of October) yet marcheth he with his whole forces toward 
A. D. 1492. An. reg. 8.  Boulogne, being well assured that with this trowel he should at once plaster two walls, that is, humour his English subjects, and for a peace draw to himself store of Crowns from the French.  
(30) He had with him besides the flower of his Nobility, and Captains, answerable numbers of 
The chief Lords names who served in thi●… voyage.  People fit for the service. The most named persons were these, jasper Duke of Bedford Lieutenant General of the Army, Tho●…as marquess Dorset, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Suffolk, Shrewsburie, Derby, Kent, Devonshire, and Ormond, sundry Barons, as Dawbeney, Abergenny, Delaware, South, Hastings, Cobham, etc. But it is needless to weary ourselves with 
Boulogne besieged by K. Henry.  long relations of a short voyage; for King Henry, before he set forth out of England, was secretly dealt with by the Lord cords Governor of Henault, according to instructions on the French Kings behalf, to accept of conditions, which till Boulogne was besieged (as now by him it was) was not known. The ignorance of this mystery made many forward Gentlemen to mortgage their lands, and run into much debt for their fuller and braver furniture, in hope to get great matters in this war, whereof to their grief they found themselves deceived. In the mean time the L. 
* Polydor calls him Desquerdo.  cords having met at Caleis with Richard Fox Lord Bishop of Excester, and 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  Giles Lord Dawbeney, the King's Commissioners; after just and long debatement, concluded upon Articles of peace between the two Kings.  
(31) Boulogne was brought to some distress, when by intervention of this agreement it remained safe and quiet: King Charles was chiefly moved to buy his peace at a dear rate, both for that the state of Britain was as yet unsettled, and for that he meant 
Reason's moving the Kings to a peace.  forth with to march into Italy for the 
* Phil. de Com.  conquest of the Kingdom of Naples; and K. Henry on the other side was not unwilling, because Maximilian had failed, and Britain seemed clearly past possibility of eviction. To which may be added, a natural, noble, and religious inclination in King Henry, to live in amity with his neighbours; the inkling of new 
* Arnol. Ferron. Hist. ad A. D. 1492. Polyd. Vergil in Hen 7.  dangers, then in brewing against him by the turbulent, and unappeasable Duchess of Burgundy, and 
* Stow. Annal.  cherished by King Charles; and lastly, the enrichment of himself by reembursing the charges both of this, and the British war out of the French elsewhere, whereby he should far the better be able to withstand all foreign practices, or domestic outrages. As for the preserving of himself, and his honour with his Subjects, he wanted not both true and honourable glosses: Such as were the care to avoid unnecessary effusion of Christian blood: the uses of his presence at home, besides many other: but his wisdom in the carriage of this right weighty action was chiefly eminent in this, That he would not enter into Treaty, till he was in the field; and that with such a puissance, as 
The high points of wisdom practised by King Henry in achieving his ends.  was likely enough to force his own conditions; nor suffer the least sign of his secret willingness to peace, or inward doubt of troubles at home, to creep out at any cranny or chink of his discourse or carriage, whereby he as far outwent the French fairly, as they formerly seemed to have overwrought him subtly. Had they truly been informed in those points, it is probable they might have gone a cheaper way to work: for, besides what other Articles soever, it was concluded, That Henry should 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  not quit his claim to France; but that for a Peace, which by the contract was only to continue during the two King's lives, Charles of France should pay in present to Henry for his charges in that war, 
* One hundredth eighty six thousand, two hundredth and fifty pounds English. I. Da. of Her. MS  seven hundred, forty and five 
Holinshed.  thousand 
* Polyd. Verg.  Ducats, and twenty five thousand Crowns yearly toward the expenses, which he had heretofore been at in aiding the Britons. Which (by the English called Tribute) was duly paid during all this King's reign, and also to Henry his son, till the whole debt was run out, thereby to preserve amity with England. There were moreover (by Henry's consent, who was thus content to gratify his Peers at another's cost) not only present rewards, but also certain annual pensions allotted to the 
Foreign pensions of what use or hazard.  chief Lords of his privy Council. A course of bounty which might otherwise have proved preiudicious to the service of the King of England, by engaging his Counsellors affections to the French: The siege of Boleine lasted till the eighth day of November, & Henry (whom his Queen's most 
* Ber. Andr. Henry returns.  tender, frequent and loving lines, did the rather invite to speediest return,) having settled all his transmarine affairs, 
* 17. Decemb.  arrived at Dover, from whence he journeyed 
I. Sto Annal.  to Westminster, there to celebrate the Feast of Christmas. This voyage into France, affording no 
〈◊〉. Henry returned.  greater exploits than we have heard, was celebrated by blind 
* Andr. Thol. MS  Bernard with hyperbolical and well-born verses not ordinary, in which directing his speech in honour of Henry, to the Hours he concludes. 
Effugite ignivomos celeres coniungere Solis,  
Quadrupedes: Horae protinus ecce parant;  
Non opus est vobis; quia si privatus Apollo,  
Paverit Admeti rursus & ipse boves,  
Principis hic nostri vultus jovialis, abundè  
Lumina, crede mihi, Phoebe recede, dabit.   
(32) The famous counterfeisance of Perkin Warbeck, with which the brain of the Lady Margaret Duchess Dowager of Burgundy had long traveled, doth now begin to disclose itself, and make new businesses for King Henry. The inglorious glory of the first invention in his reign of this kind of vexation, Lambert Simnels person had given to his Master the wily Simon, so that our Duchess was but an imitatrix, and yet perhaps she gave not place in any point to the first example, or Archtype, nevertheless the fortune of the first devise, being no more successful than it was, might reasonably have deterred her from the edition of a second: but whether it were an immortal envy toward the Lancastrian race, or a burning zeal of advancing one that might at leastwise bear the name of a Plantagenet, though by any sinister practices; as if it had been lawful to attain her ends (admit them just) by any injurious courses, she resolves to erect another Idol, as perceiving by the first, how notable an engine imposture was, to trouble Henry; being well assured, that England was full of corrupt humours, and ill-affections to work upon, not so much through the desert of her present King, as for that the dregs which naturally reside in the bottom of men's hearts, where most bloody and barbarous factions have for a long time weltered, and worried one the other with various event, were not cleansed and avoided. The Devil therefore ready to furnish all attempts which may raise troub●… and mischief, easily fitted her. There was come therefore to her hands a youth 
The Duchess of Burgundy addresseth a Pseudo Rochard against Henry.  adorned with such a shape, as might easily persuade the beholders was worthy of a noble fortune: he had thereunto a natural fine wit, and (by reason of his abode in England in K. Edward's days) could speak our language, as also some other, which he had by a kind of wandering travel obtained. This youth was borne (they say) in the City of Torney, and called 
* Polyd. Verg.  Peter Warbeck, the 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  son of a converted jew, whose Godfather at Baptism King Edward himself was. The English in 
* Polyd. Verg.  contempt (and for a note perhaps of his foreign birth) did afterward call him by a diminutive of his name, Peterkin or Perkin. Him the Duchess (as a fit piece of timber, out of which to carve a new Idol) moulds by degrees, & makes him take shape according to that Idaa, which she had prefigured in her working imagination, before the which the late honours of her house conspicuous in three Princes (which altogether made not twenty and five years of reign) did so perpetually hover, as her soul could never take contentment, but in the hope that the house of York should again be the dwelling place of Majesty.  
(33) Her offence against Henry wanted not many seeming reasons, but none so great, as that he 
Causes moving the Duchess to bear K. Henry so mortal hatred.  had slain her own brother King Richard, who albeit he was there reputed murderer of her Nephews, yet were they a degree more removed from her, and so less dear in likelihood then a brother; and howsoever she might secretly detest, or believe the commitment of that parricide, yet could she never brook (seeing they were gone) that the reward of her brother's death, and that even to him who slew him, should be the Crown of England, whereby not only her brother, but the whole male-line of her family was for ever to be excluded; much less could she (a Plantagenet) abide that Henry, who brought to the Crown the surname of a newly raised Family. These and other considerations in the breast of a Lady, bred up in a dominating Family, herself a Dowager, in such a fortune, as in which she was Paramount for the time, and absolute without controlment, being careless withal of saving for posterity, because she was without a child, and in that regard the more abundantly stored with treasure; all which made her spirits over-boile with impatience and virulency; so far forth, that having infused all her principles into Peter her creature under the Title of Richard Plantagenet, second son of King Edward the fourth; she most covertly sends him into Portugal, from thence to take his Icarean flight, as 
* Infra. 〈◊〉 prox. & sequent.  elsewhere is related. Nevertheless, there will not (perhaps) want some, who in defence of the Duchess, had rather refer it to Magnanimity, and Nobleness of Spirit, in seeking the honour of her house; which, if it might pass for such among the heathen, yet can it not among Christians; much the less, for that her duty to England, & the royal flourishing estate of her own Niece, the right heir, exacted at her hands a greater tenderness.  
(34) That Peter Warbeck should be inflamed by her favours, and encouragements, to dare in earnest the personation of a King's son, seems not a thing to be admired; for there is in human nature (which ties not herself to Pedigrees, nor Parentages) a kind of light matter, which will easily kindle, being touched with the blazing hopes of ambitious propositions. He therefore upon the first disclose of 
* Videinfia § prox.  himself, did put on so excellent a seeming as might justly move King Henry to be jealous, 
Perkin Warbeck fits the Dutchchesses' turn, by exact representation of a Richard Plantagenet  whereunto the pernicious practice might come at last; for there wanted nothing in the whole form of the young upstart, but only the conscience of a truth, and truth itself: which makes me call to mind 
* Pancerollus.  what one hath written of a goodly white Saphyr in Venice, made by art so nearly to resemble a true Diamond, that with much difficulty, and but by one only lapidary, it was discovered; which if it had been graced with some great Princes, wearing, what could want to have made it passable for a very Diamond of greatest value? Perkin came such from out of the Burgundian forge; and (if his parentage be respected) assumed the image and resemblance of a king, being otherwise not so much as a mean Gentleman. Neither can it be marveled at, if such a Phantasm as this, did abuse, and trouble the common people of that time; for even to such as do write thereof, it begets a kind of doubt (which without some little collection of their spirits doth not easily vanish,) it seeming almost incredible, that such a bloody play should merely be disguised and feigned; the discovery therefore was worthy such a wit as King Henry's, and the push it gave to his sovereignty did thoroughly try his sitting, being of force enough to have cast an ordinary rider out of saddle.  
(35) Therefore, it was the duchesses misfortune, that her inventions (if they were hers) had to encounter so politic and constant a man as King Henry; whose prudence searched into the abstrusest secrets, and whose diligence overcame all difficulties. Yet the Lady Margaret's course to vent her Creature at the first was exquisite; for she (as in a Magic practice) having kept him secret till she saw her time, causeth him to be closely conveyed into 
* Holinsh. 10. Da. MS.  Portugal; from whence (attended with fit associates and Privadoes) he sails into Ireland (the Foster-place and nursery of immortal good will to the house of York) where (notwithstanding their late calamities,) he so strongly enchanted that rude people with the charms of false hopes, and mists of seem, as he was sure of partakers in great plenty. Charles the eight, King of France, hearing (and perhaps believing) that the Duke of York was alive, 
A summary relation of Perkins first fortune after he was published.  and glad to have so probable an occasion of doing mischief to Henry of England, in regard of these flagrant enmities which as then remained unquenched between them, invites Duke Richard most officiously to Paris, and besides all other honours, assigned him (at his coming) a guard for his person, whereof the Lord Congreshall was Captain. Afterward there repaired to this new Duke, Sir George Nevil Knight, (a 
* Stow Annal.  bastard of the noble house of the Nevil's,) Sir john Taylor, Rowland Robinson, and about an hundredth English, to whom (as a principal) we may add 
* Ber. Andr. M. S.  Stephen Frion, French Secretary to King Henry himself; all which, together with the whole Strategeme, was smoked out of France with the first grain of incense sacrificed upon the Altars of Peace at Boloign, after the same was once made and ratified (as you have heard) between the French and us. The Duchess then seeing her artificial creature thus turned again upon her hands, pretends an extreme ignorance that ever she had seen him before that present, and an excessive joy for his miraculous escape, and preservation, which seemed such to her (as she pretended) as if he had been revived from death to life, and that the fable might want no quickening, which her personal countenancing, or her Court could afford, she openly salutes him by the delicate 
Perkin in Flanders with the Duchess.  Title of the 
* Stow Annal.  White Rose of England, and questions him of the manner of his escape, with such like, to beget a firm belief in the hearers, that she never had seen him before that time, and that he was indeed her Nephew Richard Duke of York. The Nobility of Flanders accordingly, do unto him all honour, and she environs his person with a guard of thirty men in murrey and blue. Neither was he in any point wanting to his part; but fitted such likely answers to all questions, and such princely behaviours to all occasions, as made fame bold to publish him with the fullest blast of her Trumpet, for no other than a true Richard Plantagenet; and as it is so observed of some, that by long using to report an untruth, at last forgetting themselves to be the Authors thereof, believe it in earnest; so these honours making our Peter to bury in utter oblivion his births obscurity, he seemed to be persuaded; that he was indeed the self party, whom he did so exactly personate. Novelty, and impudence were scarce ever known to have found more applause, or belief, even among many very wise, and (otherwise) worthy men; who moved in conscience, and not only upon discontent, inclined to partake with this new Plantagenet, as the only right heir of the English Diadem, as if, whether he had been the true one, it was past dispute. This intoxication, & abusion of the world, was wonderfully increased by the secret revolt of Sir Robert Clifford Knight, whom (as one that had seen, and known the true Richard) the cunning conspirators in England had sent over, to inform himself, and them, whether he was indeed as he seemed. Sir Robert (whose presence and errand were to the Duchess most welcome,) 
Sir Rob. Clifford signifies to his friends in England that Perkin was the true▪ Duke.  being brought to his sight, did forthwith give credit, and constantly signify, that this was indeed Richard Plantagenet, the true Duke of York, and that he well knew him for such. Money and encouragements, were hereupon sent out of England, from such as favoured him; among whom was 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain to King Henry (by whose punctual revolt from K. Richard, he had principally achieved the Crown of England) 
* Stow Annal.  john Ratcliff, L. Fitzwalter, 
* Polyd. Verg.  Sir Simon Montfort, Sir Thomas Thwates Knights, and others; but the main countenance of the cause in foreign parts was Sir Robert Clifford (a knight of an honourable fame and family) which moved the secret friends of the new Duke to set the rumour so cunningly on foot among the English, that 
* john Da. of Her. M. S.  sooner might a cloud, which causeth thunder, be caught or known, than the Author thereof; and multitudes being weakened therewith, store of humour, dangerously prepared to mutation, did every where discover itself.  
(36) For prevention therefore of all those effects, which might issue out of these causes, (being in their 
King Henry's countermines and courses against this Pseudo Richard.  proper nature most generative of sedition, and of all sorts of civil furies) King Henry diligently causeth the coasts of England to be well and strongly watched, aswell to impeach the landing of enemies, as the escape of fugitives: but above all, he writes letters to his best friends in foreign parts; & also emploies nimble wits with several instructions; some to assail the constancy of Sir Robert Clifford, (the main stay and credit of Perkins cause) with promise of immunity and favour if he would return into England in quiet; others, to find out the truth of Perkins quality, being furnished with treasure to draw and requite intelsigences; and all of them (as occasion should serve) to pretend themselves vehement favourers of the new Duke. These necessary hypocrites and double faced Ambidexters', called Spies, (whose services, howsoever conducible to such as sets then on work, yet their perfidious quality commonly partakes with that of judas Iscariot, and often meets with like reward,) do ply their charge so roundly that 
* S. Robert Clifford won away from the Duchess.  Sir Robert Clifford is secretly drawn off, the new Duke is discovered aswell by them, as by 
* Proclam. of Perkin, as a King Rich. MS. penes Sir Rob. Cotton.  sundry letters from friends abroad, to be but Perkin Warbeck, and many other mysteries are revealed. This gave to the wise King great satisfaction, who to weaken the enemies practise the more, not only 
* Polyd. Virgin Hen. 7.  diuulgeth the fraud, but sends over sea Sir William Poinings Knight, and Sir William Warham his Ambassadors to the Archduke Philip, Duke of Burgundy (then governed by others by reason of his tender age) who promised not to assist the said Perkin, but if the Duchess Dowager would do any such thing to the prejudice of King Henry, it was not in him to hinder her, for that she might dispose of her own. A main argument used by these Ambassadors before the Archdukes Counsel to convince, that Richard the very Duke of York was murdered as well as King Edward his brother German, as Polydore (who seems to have had good means to understand these times) rehearseth it, was, That their uncle Richard should in vain have made away the elder brother, if the younger had been suffered to survive, for 
The main argument proving that King Edward's sons were both of them murdered.  that the right of the elder, was immediately upon his death in the younger, and that consequently during his life, King Richard could have no more assurance, then if the elder were still alive: which Argument notwithstanding doth at most prove nothing but this: That their uncle the Usurper might intend, that both his Nephews should be murdered, and that he knew nothing perhaps to the contrary. Whereas facts are to be proved by confessions of parties, by witnesses, or vehement presumptions, (though vehement presumptions are said to constitute but an half proof) all which are 
* Sir Tho. More.  otherwhere so supplied, as leaus small cause to doubt of both their deaths. But Warham (a learned Priest and Doctor in the laws) the mouth of that embassage sent to the Archduke, in the end of his oration used this bitter scoff, and sarcasm against the Lady Margaret: That she in her old age brought forth two Monsters within the space of a few years, and 
The Duchess of Burgundy's two monstrous births.  both of them not in the eight, or ninth month after their conception, as natural mothers, but in the one 
* Lambert and Perkin were about fifteen years old (saith Polydore) at the time of their appearance.  hundred and eightieth month; and whereas other women brought forth Infants utterly unable to help themselves, these births of hers were tall striplings, and as soon as they were borne, offered battle unto mighty Kings. And albeit the archdukes answer seemed reasonable, yet was not King Henry so satisfied, but that within a while after, for 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  that the Archduke had secretly furnished Perkin with leaders, he took occasion to banish all Flemings, and Flemish wares out of his Dominions, and inhibited his Subjects to trade in any Countries within the obedience of Maximilian King of Romans, or of the Archduke Philip his son, who by way of talio and requital did the like against the English.  
(37) Let us come now from the addresses of things, to their doing. The high prudence and industry of Henry having thus discovered the foundations of Perkins hopes in England, and the humours which were most unsound, made it his first work to raze those groundworks, and purge the veins of his Realm from that corruption by needful Phlebotomy. The 
* Stow Annal. Po●…ydor calls him but a knight.  Lord Fitzwalter, a principal conspirator, being condemned, and sent to Caleis, lived there in hope of pardon; but for practising with his Keepers to escape, he finally paid his head for satisfaction. Sir Simon Montfort, Robert Ratcliff, and William Dawbeney (Gentlemen of noble houses) as Captains and Authors of the conspiracy were beheaded, but all the rest aswell Clerks as Laymen had their pardons. Not long 
K. Henry expects Sir Rob. 〈◊〉 in the Tower of London.  after these executions and pardons, the King upon sure intelligence, that Sir Robert Clifford (in whose bosom the secret of all Perkins plot lay) was arrived, entered the Tower of London, and there continued; that so, if Clifford should accuse any of the great, (and whom he then would accuse, it is probable King Henry knew) they might without suspicion, or tumult be attached; the Court, and public prison for crimes of highest nature, being then within the cincture of one, and the same wall. Sir Robert Clifford at his coming into the King's presence, (though he was secretly before assured of his life) most humbly praying and obtaining pardon, appeached (among many others) Sir William Stanley 
Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain accused.  Lord Chamberlain. The King would not at first give credit (or at leastwise pretended, not to give credit) to the accusation of a Peer so great, and so near unto him: but upon farther search, finding the same confirmed with circumstances, and particularly, for that he said to Clifford, 
* Polydor. Uirg. l  He would never bear Arms against the young man, if he knew him for certain to be the son of King Edward, he resolveth to use severity against the delinquent.  
(38) But Bernard Andreas directly saith, That (besides bare words and purposes) Sir William had supported Perkins cause with treasure, wherein he is recorded so to have abounded, as that in his Castle of 
* joh. Stow. Annal.  Holt he had in coin and plate to the value of forty thousand Marks, besides lands of inheritance in sundry places about, to the yearly value of three thousand pounds (a pretty stock in treasure at those times, to uphold the first brunt of a war, and a large extent of land to furnish the wing of a powerful battle with able soldiers out of Tenancies) with all which the same Author in plain words saith, That he promised to defend the said Pretender, 
* Illum tutari & in regnum adducere premiseras.  and bring him into the Kingdom. And if we have any insight into King Henry's disposition, it seems to us, that before he entered into the Tower, he not only knew the Lord Chamberlain unsound, but also that for his quiet apprehension he chiefly repaired thither. Stanley being hereupon attached and referred to farther examination, is said 
* Polyd. Verg.  To have denied nothing of all that wherewith he was charged, which he perhaps the more confidently did, in hope that king Henry would pardon him in respect of passed services, they (in their effects considered) being the greatest whereof mortality is capable, preservation of life, and gaining of a Kingdom. But the poor gentleman found himself far deceived in his politic Lord and Master, who (to teach mankind thereby, how dangerous it is to make a King) was not unwiling to cut him off, as persuading himself, that those services proceeded of ambition, not of affection, or if of affection, the cause now ceasing, the contrary effects might prove as pernicious, as the other had been advantageous and available. The King was unwilling to displease his Father in Law, Thomas Earl of Derby (brother german to Sir William Stanley) and did therefore for a while suspend his judgement; but rigour finally prevailed, and he was at Westminster openly arraigned, convicted, and afterward at the block on Tower-hil beheaded. In whose 
Stanley Lord Chamberlain beheaded.  office Giles Lord Dawbeney a most faithful and moderate man succeeded. This sharp justice exercised upon so eminent a person, was of great use in the stay of people's minds through the Realm of England. But in Ireland they were not so settled, or reduced, but that for the better and fuller purging thereof, Henry Deny (a Monk of Langton Abbey) was sent Lord Chancellor thither, with orders and directions, and Sir Edward Poinings Knight, with soldiers; whose greatest diligence and cares were not wanting, to punish such as heretofore had aided Perkin, or might hereafter. The Earl of Kildare Lord Deputy, falling into suspicion with Poynings, was by him apprehended, and sent prisoner into England; where the King did not only graciously hear and admit his defences, but also returned him with honour, and continuation of authority. In the meantime (the error, or weakness of the Burgundian Duchess and her Perkin, suffering their enemy in this sort, to purvey for his own security, and their depulsion) he yet for farther assurance of himself makes a progress into Lancashire, there to recreate with his Father in law the Earl, and the Countess his mother, where among all other his secret purposes, he thoroughly satisfied the Earl, both for the justice and necessity of Sir William Stanleyes' death.  
(39) These certainly, were perilous times to live in, and undoubtedly full of infinite jealousies, and hypocrisies, nor unlike to those lately passed, 
* Sir Tho. Moor in Rich. 3.  wherein there was nothing so plain, and openly proved, but that yet for the common custom of close and covert dealing, men had it ever inwardly suspect, as many well-counterfeited jewels make the true suspected: these general distrusts being among the strange gradations, by which the incomprehensible providence doth use to chastise insolent Nations and to make regular Princes, mere and absolute. But the Duchess and her Perkin knowing all things as they passed in England, 
Perkin upon the Kentish Seas.  resolve notwithstanding to proceed; and therefore taking advantage of the King's absence in the North, he with a force of broken and discontented persons, sets sail for England, and approacheth the coasts of Kent about Sandwich and deal, there to begin his enterprise for obtaining the Crown of England, under the borrowed name and title of Richard Duke of York, if he found the Commons forward. 
Polyd. Verg. Stows Annal.  But they, though doubtful at first what to do, yet at the last considering that his Soldiers were for the most part of desperate fortunes, and felonious quality, (though hardy otherwise, and approved men of war,) remembering withal the mischiefs of part-taking, would not adhere, but training them within danger upon promise of succour, assail, and drive them to their ships, take five of the Captains, Mountford, Corbet, Whitebolt, Quintin, and Genin, and 
* Bernard. Andr. saith about 400.  one hundredth, sixty and four others, which were all of them afterward executed. Perkin himself who would not trust his person on shore, being worthily troubled at the inauspicious fortune of his followers, presently hoist sails, and returned to his Lady Patroness and Creatrix, into Flanders.  
(40) These news being brought to the King, where he was then in the North, he is 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  said to have given God thanks, and declared his joy in these words. I am not ignorant (most merciful jesus) how great victories thou hast given me, upon the Saturday 
The King's prayer and speech to God.  at the prayers of thy most gracious Mother, all which I ascribe not to my deserts, but to the bounty of thy celestial grace. Thou seest, o most benign jesus, how many snares, how many deceits, how many weapons, that terrible juno hath prepared, notwithstanding that after my marriage she feigning herself joyful., hath faithfully promised to bear toward us all favour and good will, but she, more changeable than the wind perverting all things aswell divine as human, fears not God, but in her fury seeks the utter ruin of her own blood. Thou, o God, who knowest all, deliver us also (if we seem worthy) from these evils, but if our sins have deserved to suffer, do thou, o Lord, thy good pleasure. Nevertheless we owe to thy Grace immortal thanks, which though with our tongue we cannot utter worthily enough, yet must they be rendered. We are always of good courage, and so minded for certain, that no prosperity, no adversity, no chance, no distance of places, or times, shall once make us of thee unmindful. The most modest King having ended his speech, doth forthwith (saith our Author) seriously deliberate with his Council what was to be done hereafter. It may probably seem, that he had withdrawn into the North, to invite Perkin (by occasion of his absence) the rather to take Land, that so he might draw all his dangers into one place, and decide them in a Battle, if his Subjects should revolt to Perkin in any numbers, or if they did not, then might he fall into his hands, by landing unwarily upon trust of the people's favour, and so by a more compendious, and easy way settle his Estate; of which he failed but little, by the said counterpolicy of the Kentishmen. In regard whereof, in the first Act of Council, praise and thanks were decreed to them, with which Sir Richard Gylford Knight was presently 
Io. Stow Annal.  sent away, and order taken for the erection and watching of Beacons upon the Coasts.  
(41) The Duchess on the other side, seeing the South of England prove so dry, and barren to her drifts, conveighes again her Idol into Ireland, 
Perkin sails into Ireland.  where she well knew there could not want partakers; and Perkin himself daring to entertain the hope of a Crown, (for by so long personation of a King's son, and heir, ambition had throughly kindled his youthful blood) was now no little cause of bringing things to an issue by his own forwardness. 
* Bern. And. MS.  Maximilian King of Romans, whither as one willing to keep the English busied (
* Stows Annal. His great foreign friends.  Henry having forbidden his Subjects all traffic with the Flemings, and all other of his son the Archdukes Subjects,) or as crediting the fiction, and therefore led thereunto in honour and conscience; 
* Io. Lesl. Epis. Ross.  Charles also King of France, but specially the Duchess of Burgundy, (by whom this bubble was first blown up, and put abroad) did concur to the molestation of King Henry; Maximilian, and the French King, more secretly, but the Duchess with all her Oars and Sails plied it in open view. Born up by these supporters he the rather easily drew the Irish to assent to his pretext; but his counsel weighing with themselves that the irish-men's friendship, how firm so ever, was insufficient in respect of their nakedness and poverty to work their wishes, he according to such advises as were taken before his departure from his Creatrix, crosseth into Scotland, for fear of punishment, saith 
* Bern. Andr.  Andrea's; if perhaps 
Perkin sails into Scotland.  by the King's true Subjects within Ireland he should chance to be apprehended; but the event shows, that it was not only for his more security, but principally to strengthen his enterprise with the Scotish aid, whereof in those days he had small reason to be doubtful; and his case was such, that no third course was left unto him, but either to fight and conquer, or live branded with immortal infamy both of Cowardice and imposture. Henry hearing these things was not slack to provide for his just defence, greatly careful upon what coast this wandering cloud would at length dissolve itself, in what effects soever; and therefore observed all his ways with as much curiosity as was possible.  
(42) james the fourth, a young Prince of great hope was at that time King of Scots, to whom this bold counterfeit (being specially recommended, for the true Richard Duke of York, by the 
* Bern. Andr.  King of France, and undoubtedly much more by the Duchess of Burgundy,) repairs; and had most courteous entertainment, and audience, the effect whereof Andreas thus coucheth: That the King was finally deceived 
Perkins success in Scotland.  by error, as most of other, though most prudent Princes, had been before. But the rare impudence of the Lad, & that connexion which his dare had with so many great Princes, deserve not to be so slenderly overpassed. He therefore being in honourable manner accompanied, and brought to the presence 
1. L●…a. Epis. Ross.  of King james, had words to this effect. That Edward the fourth late King of England, leaving two sons 
The effect of Perkins speech to james the fourth King of Scotland.  Edward and Richard Duke of York, both very young, Edward the eldest succeeded their Father in the Crown by the name of King Edward the fifth: that their uncle Richard Duke of Gloucester to obtain the Kingdom, purposed to murder both, but the instrument employed by him to execute the execrable Tragedy, having cruelly slain King Edward the eldest of the two, was moved to save Richard his brother, whom nevertheless the world supposed to have been alike barbarously made away; though falsely supposed; for that himself there present, was that very Richard Duke of York, brother of that unfortunate Prince, King Edward the fifth, now the most rightful, and lineal surviving heir Male to that victorious and most noble Edward of that name the fourth, late King of England. * That he in his tender age thus escaping 
MS. Perkini proclam. penes D. R. C. Baronet.  by God's mercy out of the County of London, was secretly conveyed over the Sea, 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 26.  whither when he was brought, the party who had the conveyance of him in charge, suddenly forsook him, and thereby forced him to wander into 
* MS. Perkini Proclamati.  diverse Countries, where he remained certain years as unknown, 
* Polydore lib. 26.  till at length he came to the true understanding of himself. 
* MS. Per. Procl.  In which seasonit happened one Henry, son to Edmund Tydder Earl of Richmund, to come from France, and enter into the Realm, and by subtle and fowl means, to obtain the Crown of the same, which to him the said Richard rightfully appertained. That Henry as his extreme and mortal enemy, so soon as he had knowledge of his being alive, imagined, and wrought all the subtle ways, and means he could, to devise his final destruction. That the said mortal enemy hath not only falsely surmised him to be a feigned person, giving him nicknames, so abusing the world, but that also, to defer, and put him from entry into England, he hath offered large sums of money to corrupt the Princes, with whom he had been retained, and made importune labour to certain servants about his (the said Kichards) person, to murder or poison him, and others, to forsake and leave his righteous quarrel, and to depart from his service, as Sir Robert Clifford, and others. That every man of reason may well understand, that the said Henry needed not to have moved the foresaid Costs, and importune labour, if he had been such a feigned person. That the truth of his cause so manifest 
* Epis. Ross.  moved the most Christian King Charles, and the Lady, Duchess Dowager of Burgundy, his most dear Aunt not only to acknowledge the said truth, but lovingly also to assist him. That now because the Kings of Scotland (Predecessors of the said King james) had oftentimes supported them, who were reft and spoiled of the said Kingdom of England, (as in freshest memory King Henry the sixth,) and for that he (the said King james) had given clear signs, that he was in no noble quality, unlike to his royal Ancestors, he so distressed a Prince was therefore moved to come, and put himself into his hands, desiring his assistance to recover the Realm of England, promising faithfully, to bear himself towards the said Scottish King, no otherwise then as if he had been his own natural brother, and would (upon recovery of his inheritance) gratefully do to him all the pleasure which lay in his utmost power.  
(43) Perkins speech ended, and his amiable person being fitted with so many countenancing circumstances of state, and seem, (by the recommendations of great Princes, aid from the Irish, assured hope of aid in England, and his own wel-appointed company,) made so strong an impression in the young King's conceit, that, albeit there wanted not some, who with 
* Polyd. Verg. l. 26.  many arguments advised the King to repute all but for a mere dream and illusion, his person was honourably received, as it became the person of Richard Duke of York, and his quarrel entertained; which the more to grace in the worlds eye, 
Perkin credited and aided matrics into the blood royal of Scotland.  he gave his consent, that the said Duke of York should take to wife the Lady Katherine Gorden, daughter to the Earl of Hantley, being near cozen to the King himself, a young maid of excellent beauty and virtue. By which marriage as the gentle King abundantly declared that he took him for the very Duke of York, so Perkin, 
* Pern. 〈◊〉.  (distrustful of the Scots, 
* 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  and desirous to gain the love and favour of the Nobles of the Realm) cunningly served his own ends for the present, passing current for a Prince of high blood, and royal hope. Upon this ground a war was presently undertaken against Henry, and entered 
The Scots inua●… Northumberland in Perkins quarrel and retain.  into; the King of Scots in person, and Perkin, followed with great numbers, specially of Borderers, fell upon sundry parts of Northumberland, which they most grievously afflicted, burnt and spoiled, publishing nevertheless by Proclamation made in the name of Richard Duke of York much favour and immunity to all such as would adhere to his rust quarrel, and a 
* Procl. Per. MS  thousand pounds in money, and one hundredth marks by year, of land of inheritance to the meanest person, that could either take or distress his great enemy, who (he said) was flying the land. But King Henry by his diligence, and wisdom had so settled the minds of his people in those parts, that there is no mention made of any one person which offered his service. This unexpected aversion so blanked and dampt the Scottish enterprise on Perkins behalf, that the King offended therewith, retired with his army (laden with booty) into his Realm, and from thenceforth esteemed of his new cozen the less. But King Henry not minding to forgive so unjust and causeless outrages, calls a Parliament, opens 
King Henry prepares for revenge.  his griefs, and prays aid for an invasive war against Scotland, which was generally assented unto, there being scarce any more grateful propolitions to the English in those swording times, then war with French or Scots: an humour, upon which this King did practise to enrich himself. For the public moneys by these occasions came into his Exchequer, with a small part whereof he flourished out a show of hostile provisions, and the Remainder thereupon (if peace ensued, which he always knew how to bring about with honour) was clearly his own without account. The sum assented to be gathered was 
* Add. to Fab.  sixscore thousand pounds, and for collection thereof were granted two dimes, and an half, and two fifteens. But the levy of this money so granted in this Parliament, kindled a dangerous blaze in England; in so much, that the Lord Dawbney being sent General of the Forces against the Scots, and upon his way thither, was recalled by occasion of intestine troubles.  
(44) Which troubles had their Original from the levy of such payments among the Cornish, as 
The Cornish rebellion.  were assessed for the Scottish wars. When therefore the Collectors came among them, the People (being a stout, big, and hardy race of men,) tumultuously assembled; whom one Thomas 
* Polyd. Verg. 〈◊〉. Stows Annal. Holinshed.  Flammock a lawyer, and Michael joseph, a blacke-smith or horse-farrier of Boduim, like firebrands of rebellion inflamed, and were followed as Captains, not without secret and silent relation (as it may be suspected) to Perkins pretences, and that hope of redress (if he were King,) which, by his Proclamations he had colourably given to the people, at the time of the Scottish Invasion; where, among many other things, (tending to humour such as were malevolent, by making the person and government of King Henry odious,) this we find.  
(45) Our great enemy (saith the Proclamation) to fortify his false quarrel, hath caused divers Nobles of 
Perkins Proclamation.  this our Realm, whom he held suspect, and stood in dread of, to be cruelly murdered: as our cozen Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain, Sir Simond Montford, Sir Robert Ratliffe, William Dawbeney, Humphrey Stafford, and many other, besides such as have dear bought their lives, some of which Nobles are now in the Sanctuary. Also he hath long kept, and yet keepeth in 
The Earl of Warwick's imprisonment objected.  prison our right entirely well-beloved cozen, Edward, Saint and heir to our Uncle Duke of Clarence, and other, withholding from them their rightful inheritance, to the intent they should never be of might & power, to aid and assist us at our need after the duty of their leageances. He hath also married by compulsion certain of our Sisters, and also the Sister of our foresaid cozen the Earl of Warwick, and divers other Ladies of the blood royal, unto certain his kinsmen and friends of simple and low degree; and putting apart all well-disposed Nobles, he hath none in favour, and trust about his person, but Bishop Fox, Smith, Bray, Lovel, Oliver King, Sir Charles Somerset, Davie Owen, Rysley, Sir john Trobutuile, Tyler, Chamley, james Hobert, john Cut, Garth, Henry Wyot, and such other Caitiffs, and villains of birth: which by subtle inventions, and pilling of the people, have been the principal finders, occasioners, and counsellors of the misrule, and mischief now reigning in England, etc. We remembering these premises, with the great, and execrable offences daily committed and done by our foresaid great enemy, and his Adherents, in breaking the liberties, and franchises of our mother, the holy Church; to the high displeasure of Almighty God: besides the manifold treasons, abominable murders, manslaughters, robberies, extortions, the daily pilling of the 
Popular insinuations by Perkin.  people by dimes, tasks, tallages, benevolences, and other unlawful impositions, and grievous exactions, with many other heinous effects, to the likely destruction and desolation of the whole Realm, etc. shall by God's grace, and the help, and assistance of the great Lords of our blood, with the Counsel of other sad persons, etc. see that the commodities of our Realm be employed to the most advantage of the same, the intercourse of Merchandise betwixt Realm and Realm, to be ministered and handled, as shall more be to the Common weal, and prosperity of our subjects: and all such dimes, tasks, tallages, benenolences, unlawful impositions, and grievous exactions as be above rehearsed, to be foredone, and laid apart, and never from henceforth to be called upon, but in such causes as our Noble Progenitors, Kings of England have of old time been accustomed to have the aid, succour, and help of their subjects, and true liegemen.  
(46) The tide of people being thus up: Flammock and the black Smyth (having firm promise of the Lord Audley's personal help) lead them forth toward Kent, where they doubted not greatly to increase their numbers; and had in likelihood so done, but that the singular diligence and wisdom of the King, frustrated their hopes by sundry Princely Arts. Yet they flow on; and to show what they durst do, they slew in their way at Tauntford the Provost of Perin, one of the Commissioners for the Subsidy; and marching forward without offering other violence, james Tuichet Lord Audley joins himself at the City of Wells unto them, according to secret agreement, and becomes their General. From Wells they proceed to Salisbury, thence to Winchester, and so toward Kent, where the Country was settled and provided. But the King farther doubting that the Scots would take fresh occasion, by these seditious uproars, to invade the borders of his Realm, dispatched Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey (
* Polyd. Verg. Principe●… 〈◊〉 virtute preditum.  a Peer of excellent virtue) to defend those parts, with the help of the Bishopric of Durham, and the Marches, till these homecommotions were appeased; that then the Lord Dawbeney might with a just and full Army prosecute the war against the Scots. But james their King, perceiving the end of the English intestine wars, would be the beginning of his troubles, thought it best by way of anticipation to weaken his enemy before hand as much as he could, and thereupon fiercely invaded Northumberland again, and 
* Episc. Rosse. Polyd. Verg.  besieged Norham castle belonging to Richard Fox, whom the King for his noble services and deserts, 
The Scots invade and retire.  had now advanced from Exeter, and Bath and Wells, unto the Bishopric of Durham. But the Scotish King, hopeless to win the Castle, though having done much hurt both to it and to the country, withdrew his people before the Earl of Surrey could approach with his Army, wherein was the Earl of Westmoreland, the Lords Dacres, Strange, Nevil, Latimer, Lumley, Scrope, Clifford, Conyers, Darcy, the Baron of Hilton, and many Knights, as Percy, Bulmer, Gascoigne, Penington, Bigot, Bowes, Elarker, Parr, Wharton, Strangwith, Constable, Ratcliffe, Savile, Gower, Musgrave, Mallerie, Loder, Eueringham, Stapleton, Wortley, Pickering, Heron, Grace, Ridley, Griffith, Fenwicke, Ward, Strycland, Bellingham, Curwen, Warcop, Tempest, Metcalfe, and others; who missing the enemy, marched after into Scotland, and took such revenge as the shortness of their so deign provisions would enable.  
(47) The Rebels on the other side, (whom king Henry thought not good to encounter in their first heats; but suffered them to tyre their fury, and surbate themselves with a long march, the countries as they passed being forelaid from joining with them) coming near to Kent, found few, or no partakers there; but the Country strongly defended against them by the Earl thereof, the Lords Aburgenny and Cobham, with other principal men and their followers; which made divers of the Rebels secretly shrink and abandon the enterprise. But the Lord Audley, Flammocke, Michael joseph, and the rest, kept on their way, and encamped upon Blackeheath, between Greenwich and Eltham, from the top whereof they might behold the City of London, & the whole bravery of that Horizon. Here they resolve to abide the King, or to assail London. The King on the other side, by the diligence of the Lord Maior, and other the Magistrates, secured the City, which was full of fear and business; himself environed with his Nobles, & the choice of the South, hearing where the Rebel was encamped, resolved by dint of sword to deliver his people from tiring expectations, and for that purpose marcheth out of London, and encamps in S. George's field, where he 
* I. Stow Annal. A. D. 1497. jun. An. Reg. 12.  lay that night. The next day when he understood that the Enemy had drawn forth his People, and 
The King moved against the Rebels.  set them in Battell-ray, he sends out Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, Edmond de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Rice ap Thomas, and others, with certain Cornets of horse, and Companies of Archers, to beset the hill, and the descents thereof, while Giles Lord Dawbeney with the strength of his Army, chargeth the Enemy in Front, whom with some slaughter they drove from the Bridge at Deepford strand; and then mounting the hill, he and the Earls charge the main 
Blackeheath field.  squadrons on all sides, and without much labour break and defeat them. The number of the Rebels slain is uncertainly reported, the odds being between 
* Polyd. Verg. Hall.  two thousand and 
* Io. Stow. Annal.  three hundredth. The King's army returned fewer by three hundredth. Fifteen hundred rebels were taken Prisoners, & the takers had their Prisoners goods granted them. james Lord Audley, Flammocke, and the Smith were taken and executed. To all the rest mercy was seasonably extended. The Lord Audley led from Newgate to Tower-hill in a coat of his own Armouries painted on a paper, reversed and torn, there paid his head, for being a Head to that heady Rout: Flammocke and the Smith were quartered. Memorably 
* Polyd. Verg.  strange was the comfort, with which this Blacksmith is said to have cheered up himself at his being drawn to execution, saying, That yet he hoped thereby, that his name and memory should be everlasting. Who 
The Blackesmithes comfort at his death.  could believe, that the desire of a long-lasting name howsoever should take the affections of so mean a person? Such therefore was the end of this insurrection; but the times being queasy, the King wisely forbore to take any severe revenge upon more then only upon the chief Leaders, for he was truly informed that this calamity had not broken the wills of the Cornishmen, who remained ready for any desperate sudden occasion, and therefore he abstained from needless exasperations, insomuch as that the quarters of Flammocke, and the Smith being once appointed to have been set up in Cornwall for terror, were only fixed about London, the King thinking good to temper his justice even in such a circumstance.  
(48) His next care was so to order the war against Scotland, that the Peace whose foundations he had laid a far off, might be made to his more honour: & because the injuries sustained by the youthful error of King james, were too public to be altogether forgotten; he sent the Earl of Surrey, the Lord Nevil, and others, to invade the Scotish borders 
Holinsse. Stows Annal.  with an Army, who pursued the revenge with great vehemency. Meanwhile there arriveth in Scotland Peter Hyalus an Ambassador from Ferdinando and Elizabeth, King and Queen of Spain, as from friends equally well affected to both parties, to mediate a peace between the two Kings of England and Scotland, which perhaps in their own persons would not easily have been brought about, the point of honour might thereunto have given such impeachment. But this was the way to a peace which King Henry foresaw, there being not only a strict bond of love between him and Ferdinando, but an overture, if not a 
* Addit. to Fab. A Spanish Ambassador procures a truce between England and Scotland.  secret conclusion, to match his eldest son Prince Arthur with the young Lady Katherine daughter of Spain, who for her excellent virtues was well worthy to be the happy wife of any Prince then breathing. Hyalus so handled the point of his employment, that an honourable truce followed. This Ambassador was a practic man of much experience, and knew the better how to deal on the behalf of King Henry against Perkin Warbeck, (
* Cambd. in Devonshire, Imaginarius & Scenicus princeps. The Queen of Spain troubled by a counterfeit.  an imaginary and Stage-play Prince) for that his Sovereign Queen had also been exceedingly molested by a Counterfeit. For Henry the fourth, King of Castille, and brother to Elizabeth, being unable to beget children, joan (daughter of Edward king of Portugal) his wife found means notwithstanding to bear one, by occasion whereof, after King Henry's death, for that it was borne in marriage, a dangerous war was undertaken by 
* Franc. Tarapha. in Hen. 4. Luc. Merinaus Sicul.  Alfonso King of Portugal, on behalf of Isabel the supposed inheretrix; but Truth, partly by force, and partly by mediation, was in the end victorious; and Elizabeth, or Isabella sister of Henry succeeded to her brother, and brought the inheritance of the Kingdoms of Castille and Leon, with her to Ferdinando King of Arragon. The chief point of this truce with Scotland was, That Perkin Warbeck should leave that Kingdom, seeing king james, standing upon his honour, would not deliver him up to King Henry. Perkin having now no remedy, did accordingly, taking with him his wife, the Lady Katherine Gordon; and with such 
Perkin Warbeck practised out of Scotland.  few as remained to him, passed into Ireland, where he had not continued long; but the Cornish-men offer to rise at his arrival, and to adventure their 
The Cornish call in Perkin Warbeck  fortunes, and lives in his quarrel: Which motion Perkin gladly entertained, as perceiving yet some little hope left to maintain himself, by the troubles, and hazards of others: but the policy and fortune of King Henry were grown so venerable with the Princes his Neighbours, that Ambassadors came from France, and from the Archduke of Burgundy; the one to ratify amity, the other to request the restitution thereof; both which K. Henrle (who reposed his whole trust next under God, upon 
King Henry settleth peace with neighbour Princes.  the amity of his neighbours) granted, and the English Merchants (who had been somewhat long forbidden by their Sovereign to trade in the archdukes dominions) 
* Id●…. M●…l.  returning to Antwerp were received into the same with Procession: so that Perkin could scarce cast his eye upon any place, not only where to raise aids, but not where to rest his head, unless perhaps in the Court of the Duchess of Burgundy; neither in all his fortunes did any thing seem miserable or unworthy, but the great infelicity of his wife, whose beauty, birth, and honourable qualities ought not to have been so betrayed by her friend's temerity. Perkin hereupon landing at Whitsand Bay in Cornwall in September, 
Perkin stirs the Cornishmen.  found means afterward at Bodmin to raise some thousands of people, whom with most lavish promises, invective proclamations, and strong impudence, he held together under the Title of Richard the fourth King of England, whose fate was none of the happiest, while the majesty of her name might so be played with by impostors. Perkin thus accompanied, marcheth toward the City of Exeter, purposing if he could win it by force, to enrich his Soldiers with the spoils thereof, and to invite all other loose or lost people to his service by the hope of like booties, and by taking into his possession such places of strength as lay in his way to secure his retreat, if (according to the ordinary fortune of war) any thing should happen to him unluckily.  
(50) But the King (hearing that the varlet was landed, and again made head against him in Arms upon trust of the Cornishmen assistance) is said to have smiled, using these words; 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  Lo, we are again provoked by this Prince of Rakehelles, but lest my people should through ignorance be drawn into destruction, let us seek to take this Perkin by the easiest ways we can. Reason he had to smile, for now he seemed to see the bottom of his peril, and as it were to hold his enemy empounded within the English Ocean, it being a perpetual and noble with of his, that he might look his dangers in the face, and deal with them hand to hand, as the nearest cut over to a full conclusion. He therefore provides accordingly, assembling his forces, and his wits (no less to be dreaded then his forces) sending forth his espials into all parts to observe the track, and hopes of this empty cloud, which is now seen before Excester, a principal strength and ornament of the Western parts of the Kingdom. Parlea, and the allurements of words under the guilt title of King Edward's son, proving unavaileable with those resolute and faithful Citizens; Perkin forth with betakes 
The City of Excester assaulted by Perkin.  himself to violence, sets fire on the gates, mounts his scaling ladders against the walls, and with his utmost fury labours to force a sudden entrance, for that as he suspected, succours could not long be wanting. The Citizens on the other side, and such of the Country, as came●…, prepare and make a very valiant defence against the Rebel, and in stead of quenching the fires kindled by the enemy at the gates, to open a passage (for they had not Canon or any other Ordinance) the Citizens threw on great store of faggots and fuel, and so with 
The Exce●…rians policy, in defenting fire by site.  flame did shut up the way, when the gates themselves were now consumed; and in the mean while they cast up trenches, and man their walls, from whence, with the slaughter of about two hundred Rebels at this assault they valiantly drove them. Such messengers as by cords slipped down the walls, to signify their peril, sped toward the King; but the loyal diligence of 
* Polyd. Verg.  Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the Lord William his son, with many principal Gentlemen of those parts, as Trencherd, Carew, Fulford, Halewell, Croker, Edgecomb, Semar, followed with great store of Soldiers, saved him the labour of a personal rescue by timely approach.  
(51) Perkin hearing thereof; riseth from before Excester, and marcheth to Taunton (a goodly town not far off) there to take the musters of his Army, 
Perkin at Taunton.  and to provide for encounter, where he found very many blanks in the list of his numbers, for that they had secretly shrunk away, as misdoubting the sequel, the Earl of Devonshire being so near at hand with the power of the Country, and the King upon his way against them, with the majesty and terror of a royal name and Army, none of the Nobility (which was chiefly hoped) coming to their aid. Perkin nevertheless makes show of standing, with such as were left unto him. The Earl of Devonshire marching towards Taunton, in the way there came unto him Edward Duke of Buckingham, a 
* Polyd. Virg.  young Lord full of great honour and courage, followed by a goodly troop of Knights, and others excellently well appointed, both for their own persons, and their peoples. These we find named as principal; Bridges, Bainham, Barkley, Tame, Wise, Poyntz, Vernon, Mortimer, Tremail, Sutton, Paulet, Bricknell, Sapcott, 
The King and his people match toward him.  Lutterell, Wadham, Speck, Beauchamp, Cheney, Tokett, Long, Latimer, Turberuile, Stourton, Newbrough, Martin, Lind, Rogers, Hungerford, Semar, Darrell, Barow, Norres, Langford, Corbet, Blunt, Lacon, Cornwall; and many other prime and valiant men of Arms. The King last of all (to permit as little to fortune as was possible) sent Robert Lord Brooke, Giles Lord Dawbeney, and that renowned and trusty Welshman Sir Rice ap Thomas, with the marrow and strength of his Army before, himself following in person with such as hec thought good. Neither was his care causeless, for the Cornishmen were come to that height of desperate obstinacy and malice, 
* Polyd. Verg.  as not one of them but resolved to conquer, or to leave his carcase in the place. But God loved him and them better than to suffer it to come so far; for Perkin, whether fearing 
Perkin flies from his host.  treason in his own Army, or otherwise touched with the conscience of his quality, and damnable estate of the quarrel, wherein it was horrible to die, having in his troop but threescore horse, secretly fled from the seduced Commons. Which when the King heard, he presently sets out five hundredth horse to pursue and apprehend him, before he should get to the sea, and so escape. Perkin and his remains thus straightened, took Sanctuary at Beaulieu, a religious house within New Forest, (not far from Hampton) where the King's Cornets of horse found them already registered; but according to instructions they beset the place, and maintain a strong watch about it day and night. The other Rebels the while without stroke stricken, humbled themselves to their Sovereign's mercy, and found it in undeserved measure. Other strong troops of horse are at the same instant dispatched to S. Michael's Mount in Cornwall, where the beautiful Lady 
Perkins wile take and honourably used by the king.  Katherine Gorden had been left by her lewd husband. Her without resistance they brought safely to the King, whose beauty the whole Court praised, and pitied; but the King most graciously comfotting 〈◊〉 sent her away well attended to the Queen his wife, and for her births sake allowed her 
* Epis. Ross.  maintenance, which in honourable manner supported her during the King's life & many years after. Her fairness was such, and her presence so amiable, that she deserved to be commonly called The White Rose; whose fortunes (being so far unworthy either of her birth, her singular modesty, or wively faith, notwithstanding the so abject condition of her husband) as they moved just commiseration toward her, so they doubled the lustre of her praises.  
(52) In the mean while the King makes a reioicefull entrance into Excester, to testify his princely love 
The King at excester.  to the Citizens, whom he highly commended and graced, both for their courage and loyalty; commanding some of the Cornish Rebels to be executed there, which did the better set-off the others contrary condition. There also he gave directions, to offer life, and oblivion of all crimes to Perkin, if he would voluntarily quit the Sanctuary, and submit himself. Perkin. being now without hope, without abode, without estate, most gladly came forth, 
Polyd Verg. sine sp●…, 〈◊〉 seed, sine fortune.  and did put himself into the King's hands. Reason's leading that wise Prince to extend this favour, were drawn out of the depth of true judgement, cleared 
Perkin yield himself to the King.  from vulgar perturbations: first; it was not altogether impossible, but that Perkin might escape him, (though by offering selfe-violence) and so the world should lose the light of satisfaction in so profound and perhaps a matchless imposture; then again his youth might merit some compassion; but the infinite desire which Henry had, from the mouth of the party himself, to learn all the secrets of the plot; and who they were that lay undiscovered, and yet had finger in the mystical practice, moved him to affect the possession of his person allue; which now he had. Thus was this so dreaded a blaze of rebellion suddenly and finally quenched; but not without the tears of many in Devon and Somersetshire, whose estates the King's officers scruzed and drained, in revenge of their partaking, and supporting the Cornish Rebels, either in the field, or flight. Henry having Perkin in his power, gave way to all such scorns and scoffs, which his Courtiers or others were pleased to pass upon him, the more to make his person contemptible, who well watched followed the King to London, whither as he progressed, multitudes flocked about to behold the Caitiff, 
* Polyd. Verg.  who being a stranger, nor any way (whatsoever he 
The king return to London with Perkin.  boasted to the contrary) descended of Nobles, had dared to trouble so great a Kingdom, and by his crafty conveyances had induced so many Princes and Nations (not without mischief and ruin unto divers) to believe of him, that which he never was. And that he might in no part be unknown, he is leisurely conveyed on horseback from the furthest part of 
* joh.. Stow Annal. 28. Novemb.  London, through Cheapside and Cornhill to the Tower, & back from thence through Canwick-street to Westminster, as the subject of wonderment, and of all reproach and infamies. The King having in this sort taken revenge of his so strange an enemy, and by curious and often examination coming to the full knowledge of that his soul desired, did set such to attend, as never went an inch from Perkins fight, (though he seemed to go at liberty) left through the slippery Arts of his tempting speech and behaviour, he might vanish into foreign parts, and raise fresh storms in England, & bring new comfort to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgundy, the sinful countenance of all this cursed Stratagem, whose heart was now almost riven in sunder with the news of her Perkins most hideous shame and misery; the whole blushing tenor whereof might easily come to her hands at once; for Henry caused so much of the principal matter, as Perkin had confessed, to be 
* Bern. And. MS.  committed to the Printing Press; (an Art then first appearing among us,) and published. None can justly wonder, that we have dwelled so long in this wonderful Story, but rather perhaps wish that more particularities (though with more prolixity) had been used. And though some other Actions as 
* English voyage by Ricb. Hackl.  Sebastian Cabots' discovery, and overtures of marriages with Spain and Scotland, came between this apprehension, & the execution of Perkin, yet have we thought it best, (the sooner & at once to rid our hands of a 
* Bern. And. MS.  knave, as K. Henry justly called him) to couch all that which concerns him, here together, not fearing to incur among the learned, the taxation of committing therein contradiction, and confusion of times.  
(53) Perkin being thus guarded, doth notwithstanding attempt to escape. And, if it were lawful to insert particular conjectures, drawn out of the considerations of circumstances, we should perhaps not spare to say, that his attempt for escape, was not without the King's privity; using such instruments to persuade, or furnish his flight, as might withal betray him, that so by degrees (occasion taken to cut him off) the Realm might be rid from such perpetual matter of trouble. For the depraved wit and will of man might find or feign reasons to abuse the world still, if Perkin were at liberty; as that the confessions were extorted by fear, or forged by Henry to serve his turn, and the like. Therefore Perkins intention and escape (for he was escaped) being discovered to the King, all the ways were beset, and he so close pursued, that in the end betaking himself to a religious house of Carthusian Monks, he declared who he was, and besought their Prior in the humblest manner he could, for God's sake to beg his life, which at the Prior's suit was granted; but the King's wrath being kindled, or the passage of his suppressed wrath opened thereby, he banished all former respects, commanding him to be settered, and set (for an whole day) in a pair of Stocks, mounted on a Scaffold before the Gate of Westminster Hall; and the next day to be alike exposed in 
* Engl. Heroick. Epist.  Golden Cheap, to the basest of all contempt and scorn, so fettered, stocked; & Scaffolded as before, to the great wonderment (saith 
* Io. Stow's Annal.  Stow) of many, as either insinuating that all were not persuaded of the imposture, or that it seemed strange that one lately of so great Prowess, should undergo so despicable a punishment. But for a seal and total sum of all ignominy and shame (such as no face did ever bear greater) he read his own confession, 
Perkin set openly in the Stocks, etc.  written with his own hand 
* holinsh.  as followeth.  
(54) It is first to be known, that I was borne in the Town of Turney in Flanders, and my father's 
Perkin maketh an anatom●…e of his descent or lineage.  name is john Osbecke, which said john Osbecke was controller of the said Town of Turney, and my mother's name is Katherine de Faro. And one of my Grandsires upon my father's side was named Diricke Osbecke which died. After whose death my grandmother was married unto Peter Flamen, that was receiver of the forenamed Town of Turney, & Dean of the Boatmen, that row upon the water, or river called Le Scheld. And my Grandsire upon my mother's side was Peter de Faro, which had in his keeping the keys of the gate of Saint john's within the same Town of Turney. Also I had an uncle called M. john Stalin, dwelling in the Parish of S. Pias, within the same Town, which had married my father's sister, whose name was jone or jane, with whom I dwelled a certain season.  
(55) And after I was led by my mother to Antwerp for to learn Flemish, in a house of a cousin of 
Perkins education o●… bringing up.  mine, an officer of the said town, called john Stienbecke, with whom I was the space of half a year; and after that I returned again to Turney, by reason of wars that were in Flanders: and within a year following, I was sent with a Merchant of the said Town of Turney named Berlo, to the Mart of Antwerp, where I fell sick, which sickness continued upon me five months. And the said Berlo set me to board in a Skinner's house, that dwelled beside the house of the English Nation. And by him I was from thence carried to Barow Mart, and I lodged at the sign of the old man, where I abode for the space of two months.  
(56) After this, the said Berlo set me with a Merchant of Middleborow to service, for to learn the language, whose name was john Strew, with whom I dwelled from Christmas to Easter, and then I went into Portugal in company of Sir Edward Bramptons' wife, in a ship was called the Queen's ship. And when I was come thither, then was I put in service to a Knight that dwelled in Lushborne, which was called Peter Vacz de Cogna, with whom I dwelled an whole year, which said Knight had but one eye. And because I desired to see other countries, I took licence of him, and then I put myself 
Perkin a notable land-loper.  in service with a Britain, called Pregent Men●…, which brought me with him into Ireland. Now when we were there arrived in the town of Cork, they of the Town (because I was arrayed with some clothes of silk of my said Masters) came unto me, and threatened upon me, that I should be the Duke of Clarence's son, that was before time at Dublin.  
(57) But forsomuch as I denied it, there was 
The Irish would have Perkin take upon him to be the Duke of Clarence's son.  brought unto me the holy Evangelists, and the Cross, by the Mayor of the town, which was called john Lewelin, and there in the presence of him and others, I took mine oath (as the truth was) that I was not the foresaid Duke's son, nor none of his blood. And after this came unto me an Englishman, whose name was Stephen Poitron; and one john 
They bear Perkin down with oaths, that he is King Richard's bastard.  Water, and laid to me in swearing great oaths, that they knew well that I was King▪ Richards bastard son; to whom I answered with like oaths, that I was not. Then they advised me not to be afeard, but that I should take it upon me boldly; and if I would so do, they would aid and affist me with all their power against the King of England; and not only they, but they were well assured, that the Earl of Desmond and Kildare should do the same.  
(58) For they forced not what part they took, so that they might be revenged on the King of England: and so against my will made me to learn English, and taught me what I should do and say: And after this they called me Duke of York, second 
They call him Duke of York.  son to King Edward the fourth, because King Richard's bastard son was in the hands of the King of England. And upon this the said Water, Stephen Poitron, john Tiler, Hubert Burgh, with many others, as the foresaid Earls, entered into this false quarrel, and within short time others. The French King sent an Ambassador into Ireland, whose name was L●…t Lucas, and M. Stephen Friham, to advertise me to come into France: and thence I went into France, and from thence into Flanders, and from Flanders into Ireland, and from Ireland into Scotland, and so into England.  
(59) From having thus been made a public spectacle, till all eyes were wearied with the view, and imaginations tired with thinking; he is conveyed 
A. D. 1498. An. Reg. 14. Perkin in the Tower, and th●… Tragical effects.  to the Tower of London: where it had been happy, if he had only wrought his own destruction; but the bloody fate (so to speak of his disastrous birth) would not suffer him to perish single. In the same Tower was prisoner Edward the young Earl of Warwick, having so been from the first year of Henry to this present, for no fault of his, but for that, as a near Titler to the Crown, he carried in his living person inseparable matter of danger & sedition. Of his simplicity, by reason of his education in prison from his in fancy, there is a report, that as one who lived out of the view of the world, he knew not an 
* Polyd. Verg.  hen from a goose, or one fowl or Creature from an other. To hasten the ruin of so innocent a danger, behold there breaks forth a counterfeit Earl of Warwick, as if all that which the world saw horrible in Perkins dare, had been but a document to instruct others in the like, and that nothing were to be taxed therein, but want only of success, which whosoever could propound to himself 
A counterfeit Earl of Warwick executed.  all things else, were full of encouragement and reason. This counterfeit was a 
* Addit. to Fab.  Cordwainers son of London, aged about twenty years, and called 
* Holinshed.  Ralph Wilford, who for falsely assuming the name & title of the said Earl, being thereunto taught and suborned (a practice which well declared that the malicious Duchess of Burgundy did still live) was hanged at S. Thomas Water by Southwark upon Shrove-tuesday.  
(60) This new devise to uncrown King Henry, so wakened his own fears, and the eyes of the Castilians, (who had secretly agreed to marry their Princess Katherine to our Prince Arthur) that there seemed 
The true Earl of Warwick designed to die.  no sure ground of succession, if that the Earl of Warwick were not made away. A fearful case, where the false reason of State shall feign to itself an impossibility of well doing, without shedding innocent blood, and shall therefore resolve to found upon so crying a sin, the hope of perpetuity in succession; sith nothing is truer, th●… that sin was ●…uer an unsure basis to settle las●…ing works upon. But o the narrow capacities of the most seeing men; the confidence whereof did undoubtedly lead this King (herein not justifiable, howsoever excusable in respect of human frailty, which might propound to itself many fears, and respects both public and private) to connive at the plotted death, or rather formal murder of this harmless Gentleman, whose wrong may yet move the hardest to compassion, as it afterward stirred God in justice to revenge, prospering no part of that great work which was thereupon thus corruptly sought to be perpetuated. That noble Lady Katherine herself was hereof so sensible, that when the divorce was afterward prosecuted against her by King Henry the eight, her second husband, she is reported to have said, That it was the hand of God, for that to clear the way to her marriage that innocent Earl of Warwick was put to unworthy death. Neither let licentious Practices vouch the singular Act of Solomon in taking away the life of his elder brother Adonias to colour this homicide: for he that will argue from particular facts in Scripture, shall not only leave no Adonias living, but perhaps no Solomon. To work this young Warwick's ruin, the mischievous and dismal wretch Perkin becomes an occasion, if not an instrument, for he by his supple insinuations and flowing promises had corrupted his keepers, the servants of Sir john Digbie Knight Lieutenant of the Tower; who (as 
* Stows Annal.  was affirmed) meant to have murdered their master, and then to have set Perkin, and the Earl at large, to which practice of escape the poor Earl is said to have consented. Perkin for this conspiracy had his 
Perkin condemned & executed.  trial at Westminster, and he together with one john à Waters, who had been sometime Mayor of Cork in Ireland, were condemned, and being drawn to Tyburn, had the sentence of death executed upon them. Perkin at the Gallows did read his former confession, 
A. D. 1499. An. Reg. 15.  taking on his death that the same was true, and underwent his punishment with patience. Walter Blewet, and Thomas Astwood (being two of the conspirators, for the other two, Strangewates and Long Roger, being the Lieutenant's men also, were not executed, nor for so much as we have read, arraigned) not long after received the reward of their offence at the same place.  
(61) justice thus took hold at last of Perkin Warbeck, on whom, the Proverb which saith, that Pride is the Usher of shame, was worthily verified. Neither could the world accuse King Henry for his death, unless it were, for that he had not hanged him sooner, but suffered him to live till he had drawn after him a greater ruin in Warwick's person, then in all the former tragedies. For this Earl being a chief Prince of the blood, and next heir Male of 
The Earl of Warwick's ruined by Perkins conspiracy.  his house to the Crown of England, (a crime of which his birth only made him guilty and not any fact of his) being thus charged to have given assent to Perkins plot of escape, he was publicly arraigned before the Earl of Oxford (then High Steward of England) by the name of Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, and indicted for minding to have escaped (as they said) out of the Tower, and consequently 
Io. Sotw Annal.  according to the dreadful licence of inferences among our English pleaders in cases of death) to deprive King Henry of his royal Crown and dignity, and to usurp the Title and sovereign office, prosecuting their bloody Poetry with the like sanguinary syllogisms, though utterly without measure, or fashion. The Earl doubly betrayed, first by the setters of the snare, and then by their silly or deceitful 
The Earl confesseth the inditement.  persuasions who were put about him, confesseth the inditement, and submitteth himself to the King's mercy; that is; offered up his head to be a slippery foundation of King Henry's farther purposes; for sentence of death was thereupon pronounced as against a Traitor. This one practice seems sufficient, if not to cast upon Henry the Title of a shrewd and perilous man, yet to raise a doubt, whether (
* Sir F. B. MS.  as one writes) he was more sincere and entire than Ferdinando King of Spain, upon whom (saith that Author) he did handsomely bestow the envy of the death of Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick. The life therefore of this Prince (according to rigour of 
Edward Earl of Warwick last Male Plausage●… beheaded.  law) being thus in his power, the King gently pardoned all the pains, but the loss of his head, which was cut off upon a scaffold at Tower-hill, and then (another gracious favour) his body was not buried in the Chapel of the Tower, or in any other common place, but at 
* joh. Stow. Annal.  Bisham by his Ancestors. jealous (saith 
* Sir Fr. B. MS.  one) the King was over the greatness of his Nobility, as remembering how himself was set up; and much more did this humour increase in him after he had conflicted with such Idols and Counterfeits as Lambert Simenel and Perkin Warbeck. The strangeness of which dangers made him think nothing safe. This Earl was the last heir male of the blood, and surname of Plantagenet; whose race as it was a long time glorious for giving Kings to England, (even from King Henry the second) so in the end (chiefly for the house of York) it became hateful (as it seems) to God and man, for the most horrible and inextinguible deadly fewdes, murder, perjuries, and other horrors committed within itself, which (as then not fully expiated) lay heavily upon the head of this Earl, and finally threw open all those fences, which the possession of Majesty and numerosity of issue had for sundry ages cast about it, letting in thereby the surname of Tydder being but two descents English, and which now after three descents and five Princes is also vanished. Now, among those few great works of peace which ensued their firebrands of war, we must remember the marriage of Prince Arthur, with the Princess of Spain Lady Katherine. The interim from Warwick's death till then, brought forth a very great plague, whereof in London there are said to have died about thirty thousand. The King and Queen remove to Callais in May and returned in june. The main 
* Polyd. Verg.  business was to review and ratify the state of amity, and negotiations, between the English and the Duke of Burgundy's subjects. Shine also was burnt, and being new builded, called Richmund, for which and the like, it will be fittest to have recourse to vulgar Annals.  
(62) The Coast of State now seeming clearefrom 
A. D. 1501. An. Reg. 17.  all thickening weather, Ferdinando and Isabel King & Queen of Spain, according to the points of agreement between them and King Henry, concerning their fourth daughter the Lady Katherine (borne at Alcala 
The Lady Katherine of Spain landed in England.  de Finari or Complutum) sent her royally appointed in a goodly Flete to England, there to fulfil in person, what hitherto had been only treated of, who 
Polyd. Verg. in Henirc. 7.  after many difficulties took land at 
* Add. to Feb.  Plymouth in October. Ferdinando her father was the son of john King of Arragon and Sicilia, and although he was unlearned, as being brought up among arms and soldiers, yet by using the familiarity of wisemen he also became very wise, and proved that great Prince which first in these latter times recalled the old glory of Spain, and reared it to such an envious magnitude, as that the jealousy thereof hath bred no small quarrels in Christendom. For by his marriage with Isabel, (sole sister and heir to Henry the fourth King of Castille and Leon,) he reigned in right of his wife, and jointly with her, oner those two Kingdoms and their appurtenances, who together (saith 
* Res edmirabiles & opera 〈◊〉.  Marineus of Sicilia) did admirable things and works most holy. They 
* Franc. Tarapha. de Reg. Hisp.  recovered the huge City and Kingdom of Granada, and part of Andaluzia from the Moors, after they had been in violent possession thereof seven hundredth and fourscore years, and having 
The brief of 〈◊〉 and ●…bellas greatest actions.  purged those places from the filth of Mahomet's superstitions, built Churches to the honour of jesus Christ, by occasion whereof Ferdinando was surnamed the Catholic King. The walls of the City of Granada at the time of the surrender, which (after about ten years wars) was by V●…bdelis King thereof made to Ferdinando and Isabel, had 
* Luc. Marin. Sic. Lib. 10.  twelve miles in compass, and in the same twelve Gates, and a thousand towers enclosing seven Hills covered with building, innumerable people, and inestimable riches, & the Spanish forces at this conquest were about 12000. Horse, & one hundred thousand foot. The said King and Queen, besides many other their mighty actions, did also first discover America, by Christopher Columbus, & thereby brought a whole new world to the notice of Christendom. Isabel 
Isabel Queen of Spain descended from our Edward the 3. King of England  herself, descended of the blood royal of England, being daughter of john the second King of Castille & Leon, son of Henry the third King of Castille and Leon, and of Katherine his wife (daughter of 
* Auton. Hebri●…. Decad I. lib. 1.  john Duke of Lancaster, third son of our Edward the third of triumphal and never-dying memory) was a Lady, whose 
* Polyd. Verg. 〈◊〉 Hen. 7.  like the Christian world had seldom any of that wisdom, gravity, chastity, and of: so laborious a devotion, that 
* Luc. Marin. Sic.  she did not only day by day perform the Canonical and hourly task of prayers used by Priests, but many other, and brought up her children accordingly.  
(63) The Lady Katherine being about eighteen years old, and borne of so great, so noble, so victorious 
Prince Arthur married.  and virtuous parents, is with just majesty and solemnity openly 
* Addit. to Fab. saith on a Sunday the feast of S. Erkenwald.  married in Paul's Church to Arthur Prince of Wales, aged about fifteen years, and eldest son to Henry the seventh, King of England, and of Elizabeth his wife. The Archbishop of Canterbury assisted with nineteen Bishops and Abbots, mitred, joined their hands, and performed all the other Church rites upon that great day. The vulgar Annals can tell you the splendour and glory thereof, in apparel, jewels, Pageants, banquets, guests, and other princely compliments, the only weighty business of many weaker brains. A grave Lady (as some have written) was laid in bed between the Bride and Bridegroom, to hinder actual consummation, in regard of the Princes green estate of body; but others allege many arguments to prove that matrimonial performance was between them, howsoever herself, (when that afterward came in question) 
* 10. Stow's Annal.  appealed to the conscience of K. Henry the eight (her second husband) if he found her not a maid. But Prince Arthur enjoyed his marriage a very short while, for in April following he died at Ludlow, being under sixteen years of age: being 
Prince Arthur dieth.  a Prince, in whose youth the lights of all noble virtues did clearly begin to shine. His aptness to learn was almost incredible, for (by the report of his 
* Bern. Andr. MS.  Master) he had either learned without book, or otherwise studiously turned and revolved with his own hands & eyes these authors following. In Grammar, Garin, Perot, Sulpicius, Gellius and Valla: In Poetry, Homer, Virgil, Luc●…n, Ovid, Silius, Plautus, 
Prince Arthur's books and learning.  and Terence: In Oratory: Tully's Offices, Epistles, Paradoxes and Quintilian. In History, Thucydides, Livy, Caesar's Commentaries, Suetonius, Tacitus, Plinius, Valerius Maximus, Sallust, Eusebius. Wherein we have been particular, to signify what Authors were then thought fit to be elementary and rudimental unto Princes; and by their example, to all of Noble or gentle birth, whose superficial boldness in books in these frothy days, is become most scandalous and injurious to the honour, and use of learning.  
(64) But before the untimely expiration of this great hope of England, King Henry weary of wars and tumults, and desirous to lay the beginnings of 
A. D. 1501. An. Reg. 17.  a long peace by most inward friendship with all his great neighbours, had concluded a match between Margaret his eldest daughter, and james the fourth King of Scotland, the 
* The contract between james King of Scots and Lady Margaret published.  assurance whereof was published in the February next before Prince Arthur's death at Paul's Cross; in rejoicement whereof, Te Deum was sung▪ and other signs of public joy declared. The 
* joh. Stow Annal. in jac. 4.  Bishop of Rosse saith, that the Earl of Bothwell did openly handfast, or espouse the said fair Lady, in the name of King james at Paul's Cross, being Saint Paul's day. This contract was brought about in manner following. After that the storm of war had (by mediation as before said) been thoroughly laid between the two sister Nations, it chanced certain of the Scots by their suspicious behaviour, and rough Phrases to provoke the Garrison of Norham Castle to issue, who in the bickering slew and hurt some of them, and drove the rest away. King 
* Polyd. virg. Episc. Ross.  james expostulates this violence very sharply by letters with King Henry, who returned most satisfactory answers. Richard Fox Bishop of Durham (whose the men and Castle were) wrote also many deprecatory letters, humbly praying the Scotish King to accept amends, whereunto he in the end inclined, and having some matters of far greater moment to impart, desired the Bishop's presence in Scotland (knowing his deep wisdom and great grace with his Sovereign) which King Henry gladly assented unto. The meeting was at Melrose, an Abbey of Cistertian Monks, where the King abode, who having roundly uttered to the Bishop his 
Bishop Fox his presence desired by the Scotish King.  offence conceived for the breach of good terms at Norham castle, and yet being finally pleased to receive satisfaction, he then secretly discovered his whole mind, the sum whereof was, That the king of England would be pleased to give to him in marriage the Lady Margaret his eldest daughter, as a pledge of indissoluble amity. The Bishop promised his best diligence, and accordingly after his return, laboured therein with King Henry, who most gladly harkened thereunto. Whereupon the Scotish King sent the Archbishop of Glasco, the Earl of Bothwell, and others to demand the Lady in marriage. Their entertainment was hearty and princely. But when the proposition came to scanning at the Council table, it had not current passage at first: for there were who objected as an inconvenience; That by this marriage the Crown of England might come to the Scotish line, by the issue of Lady Margaret. Whereunto it is said, King Henry made this answer 
* Episc. Ross. ex Polyd. verg.  What if it should? 
King Henry's answer to an objection against the match with Scotland.  for if any such thing should happen, (which Omen God forbid) I see it will come to pass, that our Kingdom shall lose nothing thereby, because there will not be an accession of England to Scotland, but contrarily of Scotland unto England, as to that which is far away the most noble head of the whole Island, seeing that which is less useth to accrue to the ornament and honour of that which is much the greater, as Normandy heretofore carve to be under the dominion and power of the English our forefathers. When this was said, the whole board of council received it as an Oracle, & it went clear about, That Margaret should be married to the King of Scotland. With this answer and other instructions the Scottish Ambassadors were sent home, who afterward returned into England with full authority & satisfaction to all Henry's propositions, whereupon ensued the before said publishment of assurances at Paul's Crosse. It was a principal Article in this agreement: That no Englishman should enter Scotland, nor Scot into England without commendatory letters from their Sovereign. Which Article was reputed a special mean to preserve the peace inviolable.  
(65) But ere the young Lady herself was conveyed into Scotland, her brother Prince Arthur died, 
A. D. 1502 An. Reg. 18. King Henry a Widower, and Henry his son created Prince of Wales.  and in * February next ensuing, their mother also Queen Elizabeth, as she lay in Childbed within the Tower of London. The King to repair his mind with fresh consolations, in advancing his only remaining son, Henry Duke of York, created him suddenly Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester & Flint, within few days after his mother's decease. Thus was Arthur's loss supplied, howsoever. Henry made Prince, espoused soon after (
* See in the life of Henry the 8  though with much reluctation) the Lady Katherine his elder brother's widow, 
* 〈◊〉. Stow Ananl.  upon the five and twentieth of june, at the Bishop of Salisburies' house in Fleetstreet. And in this wise, by providing so worthy a wife for him, (though to say truth, her great Dowet was the chief motive) the king thought, that the estate of England was sufficiently settled; wherefore converting his cares to the accomplishment of affinity with Scotland, he most sumptuously furnished his dearest eldest daughter 
K. Henry brings his daughte●… the Lady Margares on the way to Scotland.  for her journey, & himself in person traveled from Richmund as far with her as C●…leweston beside Northampton, where his mother the Countess lay: 
* Epis. Ross.  after certain days spent in solace, the King gave her his blessing, with fatherly counsel and exhortation, and committed the guard and conduct of her person principally to the Earls of Surrey and Northumberland, and to such Ladies and Gentlewomen as were appointed to that service; a great company of Lords 
The Earl of Northumberl●… delivers her to King james within Scotland.  Knights, esquires, & men of Mark attending them as far as Berwicke. At S. Lambert's Church in Lamer Moor within Scotland, the King attended by the principal of his Nobles, received her from the hands of the Earl of Northumberland, and the next year after, married her at Edinburgh, in the presence of all his Nobility. The King gave great entertainment to the English, and showed them justing and other pastimes after the Scotish fashion. The Scotishmen (saith 
* I●… jac. 4.  the Bishop of Rosse) were not behind, but far above the Englishmen, both in apparel, rich jewels, and massy chains, many Ladies having their habiliments set with Goldsmith work, garnished with Pearl and Stone of price, with gallant and well trapped horses. diverse Ladies also and young Gentlewomen of England, attending Queen Margaret, remained there, and were well married to certain Noblemen of Scotland, whose progeny lives honourably there even at these days. The effect of this marriage is gravely described by the same Bishop in these words. There was perfect peace and sincere amity between the two 
The immediate happy effect of this marriage.  Realms of England and Scotland a long time after. And verily, during the life of King Henry the seventh, no cause of breach was ministered by either of the Princes, but they continued in great love and friendship, and mutual society, contracting of marriages, continual interchange of Merchandise betwixt the Subjects of both the Realms, as they had been ALL under the obedience of ONE PRINCE; where through, justice, Policy and Riches did flourish and abound throughout the whole Isle of Albion. And of this marriage is james the sixth descended, being that ONE PRINCE under whose obedience ALL are now governed, as under the sole and lawful lineal Monarch of great Britain: for this james the fourth had Issue james the fifth, he had Issue Queen Mary, she had issue our present Sovereign, the great grandchild of the said Queen Margaret eldest daughter of K. Henry the seventh.  
(66) Which effects of peace and riches, as they could not but be comfortable to so wise a King as Henry, they being the fruit as it were of his own just labours; so let us now observe the last worldly cares of his reign, and upon what objects he fixed his mind, freed from the awe of open challenges of the Crown, and from throws at his main, which with what art, valour and felicity, he at first achieved, and with how great hazards, troubles, and bloody businesses, he brought it to such pass, that neighbour Kings reputed it safe to entermarry with his family, we have already heard: Two principal points took up the last Scenes of his life; for the rest of his time he wholly employed, either in the service of Almighty God (wherein he was so diligent, that every day he was present, after the devotions of those times, at two or three Masses, oftentimes hearing godly Sermons,) or in building, wherewith he kept his senses busied. The one of the two chief points, was to watch over the ways of his wives kindred (the remaining branches of the turbulent and unfortunate house of York) whose growth and greatness he supposed might at some time or other overtoppe his own; the other was, under opinion of justice, to increase his treasure out of the common purses, whereby he seemed onerous to many, & somewhat obscured the brightness of his former glory, at leastwise diminished his opinion with the generality. Concerning his courses holden with his wives kindred, (the lateral issues and staddles of the Plantagenets) it fell out thus; which (by * occasion of the accidental landing of Philip King of Spain at this time, whereby the 
* A. D. 1506 A. R. 21.  Earl of Suffolk's taking was procured) we thought it best to handle here together. Edmund de la Pole 
* Addit. to Fab. calls him Duke.  Earl of Suffolk (son to john Duke of Suffolk, and of Elizabeth sister to King Edward the fourth) in the sixteenth year of King Henry's reign, wilfully slew a common person in his fury. Henry not sorry to have occasion of increasing his popularity, by 
A Prince of the blood royal arraigned for murder of a private person.  presenting so great a person to exemplary justice, and in the same act to blemish the honour of a man, whose quality was to him suspected, caused him for the same to be arraigned. The fact he was persuaded to confess, and thereupon had pardon. The Earl nevertheless, as a Prince of the blood, holding 
The Earl of Suffolk causeth troubles.  himself disgraced, by having been seen a Prisoner at the King's Bench Bar, fled the land discontented, and went to his Aunt the Duchess Dowager of Burgundy; but within a while after, being fairly reconciled, he returned. After which, notwithstanding, 
Polyd. Verg. Edw. Hal. holinsh.  whether it were by reason of debt (the certain attendant of vaine-spirited, and base-braveminded 
* Io. Stow. Annal.  Courtiers) wherinto he had deeply thrown himself for his furniture, at the celebration of his cozen Prince Arthur's marriage, or for that the restless spirit of envy in the Duchess had prevailed, he taking his brother with him, fled again the next year after. The King who had pardoned his life, seemed now to repent his clemency, 
* Polyd. Verg.  though it is plain, he spared him of purpose, till he might discover more of a conspiracy which he knew was in hammering; but his flight troubled him not a little, knowing the violent humour of that Lord, and remembering to what a dangerous & bloody issue his brother the Earl of Lincoln had once already brought things at the battle of Stoke in the beginning of his reign.  
(67) For remedy, he betakes himself to his wont arts, and therefore to learn the secrets of the enemy, Sir Robert Curson Knight (Captain of the Castle of Hams by Caleis) feigns himself a friend to the Earl, and flies from his charge unto him. An office unworthy of Knighthood; neither can any good spirit in the world stoop itself to such double faced employment, which besides the treacherous dissimulations thereof, cannot but be accompanied with wilful impieties. For who is admitted into trust upon a contrary side, without invocations of Gods holy name, protestations, adjurations, oaths, the utmost assurances which man can give to man, to beget a convenient affiance in his sincerity? but by this stratagem the king ransacks the bosoms and cabinets of his adversaries, discovering their designs and hopes. Whereupon, William Courtney Earl of Devonshire (being most nobly descended, and having to his wife the Lady Katherine, one of the daughters of K. Edward the fourth, and sister to Queen Elizabeth wife of King Henry) 
Apprehensions of persons for the Earl of Suffolk's cause.  William de la Pole brother to the said Edmund Earl of Suffolk, Sir james Tirrel, Sir john Windham Knights, with other, were attached, and committed to custody, and afterward also 
* Polyd. Verg.  George Nevil Lord Abergenie, and Sir Thomas Green Knight, were likewise apprehended, but were soon delivered. The Earl of Devonshire, though innocent (for it is the misery of such great men, that their own innocency cannot always procure their own safety; but their birthright many times, and often other men's designations without their least privity, is enough to hazard them, yea it is in the power of any conspirator by 
The misery of great subject and a lesson for them.  bare nomination, to do as much, so that it concerns them to have an eye not to their own only, but to the behaviour also of their whole Alliances and dependencies) this Earl (I say) though innocent, remained Prisoner during this King's life, and some years of his sons reign, who set him at liberty. The other, William the Earl of Suffolk's brother, had not 
Executions for the Earl of Suffolk's cause.  so strict an hand holden over him. But Sir james Tyrrell, Lieutenant of Guines castle, and Sir john Wyndham, Welbourn, servant to Sir james Tyrrel, Curson a Pursuivant, Matthew jones yeoman, and a Shipman were condemned of treason for aiding the Earl of Suffolk. The 
* Stows Annal.  two Knights were beheaded at Tower hill. The Shipman quartered at Tyburn: 
* Add. to Fab.  Curson and jones suffered death at Guines.  
(68) This so round and quick dealing with the Earls complices and favourers, startled his shallow and raw inventions, and made their whole bulk to serve and splinter; but the King rested not so; for upon the Sunday before the feast of SS. Simon and Jude, in the same year, of the said executions, there was published at Paul's Cross, by the King's procurement from Pope Alexander the sixth, a Bull of 
* Addit. to Fab. The Earl or Duke of Suffolk, and Sir Robert Curson & others accursed.  Excommunication and curse against the said Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Curson, and five other persons by special name, and generally all other which aided the Earl against the King to the disturbance of the Kingdom. Thus did the most prudent Henry pursue his enemies, not only with secret countermines and open weapons of Law, before they could assemble to make any show, but also with spiritual lightning; which doubtless, had they been upon just cause, and by lawful authority fulminated, ought infinitely to be dreaded of good Christians, because (as Saint Paul saith) they deliver over to Satan. Sir Robert Curson was named, of purpose, to make the Earl secure of him; which may well be called a perilous, if not a profane devise, though his Holiness were made the instrument thereof. Neither did the King leave here, for by his letters and messengers he so prevailed with Pope 
Antiquit. Britan. in Mortons' life names Innocentius, and not Alexander.  Alexander, as he decreed by his Bull, That no person should afterward have privilege of Sanctuary, who had once taken the same, and come forth again: and that, 
* Polyd. Uerg. Antiquis. Brit. in vita Morton.  if any Sanctuarie-man should afterward commit any murder, robbery, sacrilege, treasons, etc. he should by lay force be drawn thence to suffer due punishment. This was of great use to the King, and preserved many subjects from precipitation, for the abuse of Sanctuaries had been an efficient of many troubles. But the same Pope (having sent john Giglis his Receiver, to gather money in England) showed himself much more favourable to such as perpetrated those said heinous offences, as also, Usury, simony, rapines, adulteries, or whatsoever offences (excepting certain offences against the Pope and Clergy, etc.) when he sent a * Bull of pardons (for money) to all 
Antiquit. Britan. Ibidem.  such offenders in England; dispensing also thereby, with such, as kept away, or by any fraud bade gotten the goods of other men, which they should now retain still without scruple of conscience, so as they paid a rateable portion thereof, unto his Holiness Receivers. Sir Robert Curson (though before accursed by the Pope) returns, when he saw fit time, into England, and withal into wont favour with his Sovereign. The Earl, seeing himself thus stripped of all hope to do much harm, wandered about Germany and France to find repose, but in the end quite tired, he put himself into the grace and protection of Philip then 
Philip the first, King of Spain and his Queen driven by tempests into England.  in Flanders who by the death of Isabel was King of Spain, in right of joan his wife, eldest daughter of Ferdinando and Isabel; where he remained in banishment, till King Philip was driven by tempest in the month of january into England, as he meant to have passed through the sleeve, or English Ocean, into Spain, there to take possession of that Kingdom and other the appertinances. 
A. D. 1506. An. Reg. 21.   
(69) The chief Ship of the Navy Royal, wherein the King was, and two other (all the rest being scattered by the fury of the weather into several places and other Ports of England) thrust into ●…arbour at 
* joh. Stow. Annal. Polydore saith Way●…outh.  Falmouth. Himself weary and sick with the violent toss of the Sea (whereunto he had never as it seems, been vse●… would needs come on shore, and refresh his spirits, though the principal men about him dissuaded that course, as foreseeing it would procure a longer stay, than the nature of their occasions would perhaps well bear. And so indeed it fell out, for being now in another Princes (though his friends) dominions, where he had no power over himself, nor others, & the rumour of arrival stirring the men in authority thereabout, Sir Thomas Trenchard Knight with the sudden forces of the Country, not knowing what the matter might be, came thither, and understanding the royal quality of the person, invited him with all humble humanity to his house, and forthwith dispatched posts to Court; not long after Sir john Car●… Knight (with a great troop of armed men) repaired also, pursuing the like humble entreaties; which the King, fearing constraint, because they were but subjects and durst not let him pass without their Lord and Masters leave necessarily yielded unto. Upon notice of this mighty Princes casual arrival, King Henry presently commanded the Earl of Arundel to entertain him till himself could come, who very magnificently did so, with 
* Io. Sotw Annal.  three hundred Horses by Torchlight; and in the mean while King Henry himself prepares. Philip perceiving, that whatsoever speed his affairs required, yet now there was no remedy but to stay, thought not good to expect his approach, but to prevent it, and came upon the 
The Kings of England and Spain at Windsor.  spur to Windsor, that he might be gone again the sooner, after whom Queen joan his wife came leasureably. The rest of this entertainment, because it hath matter of weight, and is well set down by Polidor Vergil, it shall suffice us to follow his footsteps At Windsor, the two Kings, after long and several 
Polyd. Verg.  discourses, began to confer about renewing their league. Henry required that Edmund Earl of Suffolk might be delivered up into his power, which Philip denied to be a thing that he could do, as holding it most unreasonable to be the author of his death, whom he had taken into Protection: but when at the last he found, that no excuse nor reason, could satisfy, for that, Henry voluntarily offered to save the Earl's life, he promised to do therein what he desired, and presently took order for his sending over. According whereunto, King Henry (to draw out the time, till he had the wished prey) conveyed King Philip to London, to show him the head City of his kingdom, out of which after a little stay he reconducted him. The Earl in the mean time, who conceived horror at the first news of King Philip's landing in England, as fatal to him, and resolved that no hope was longer to be reposed in the faith of foreign Princes, came over not unwillingly, presuming that after pardon of life, he might also in time regain his liberty; or if that hope failed, yet should he at lestwise obtain to die, and be buried in his Country. But King Philip and his Queen, having feasted with her sister the Princess of Walls, departed England. The Earl was brought through Flanders to Calleis upon the sixeteenth of March, and landed at Dover upon the four and twentieth of the same, conveyed thither by Sir Henry Wyatt, and Sir john Wiltshire, with threescore men in armour 
The Earl of Suffolk delivered up and sent to the Tower.  of the Garrison of Calleis; and at Dover Sir john Lovel and others receiving him, guarded him safe to the Tower of London. King Philipp, not long after his landing in Spain deceased, being not thirty years old. That tempest which drove him into England was holden by the people as prodigious; for it blew down the golden Eagle from the famous Spire of Paul's Steeple (being of Copper richly overguilt, of forty pounds' weight, in length four foot, and in breadth three,) which also in the fall thereof, brake 
The ominous fall of the weather cock of Paul's.  and battered the sign of the Black Eagle, in Paul's Churchyard, in the place where now the Schoole-house stands. This accident even then made some conjecture, that the Emperor Maximilian (whose Imperial Ensign the Eagle is) should suffer some loss accordingly (saith Polydore) as indeed he did by the death of King Philippe his son. Which (if any superstitiously delight in Calculations of that blind nature) we may well parallel with that 
* Suet. in Ang. cap. 97.  lightning which struck the letter C. out of Caesar in the inscription of Caesar Augustus his statue; whereupon it was gathered, that Augustus should live but one hundredth days after, and then be called a God, (Aesar the remaining syllables so signifying in the old Hetruscan tongue,) which accordingly happened.  
(70) Thus was the Earl of Suffolk brought back, and the King anchored his quiet at the safe 
King Henry's gathering of treasure.  custody of his person within the Tower. The other worldly point wherein he chiefly bestowed his age's care, was to gather money, though by courses seeming very grievous and full of bitterness; the too griping greediness, and too-profuse lavishness of money in Princes, being both alike offensive to a well settled estate. Some excuse his doings herein (amongst whom Polydore is chief) as not proceeding from any depravation or uncorrected affection of his nature; but from an opinion and forecast of general profit: because a Prince's humour of gathering, tendeth, though with distaste of particular men, to the good public, whereas his profuseness, though with some particular men's profit, endeth in the empoverishment of the whole. And Henry himself protested (saith Polydore) he did it not for love of money, but with a purpose to bridle the fierce minds of a nation bred up among factions: though they (saith the same author) who felt the smart, and were wounded by his Instruments, 
* N●…n tam severitatis, quam anaritia tela esse clamabant.  cried out they were not so much the darts of severity, which did hit them, as of anarice. Yet Polydors' Apology may be current: for it is not to be doubted, but that such use the King might propound himself; and yet withal, we can hardly find any commendable root thereof, the ways being so importune and harsh, by which he raised money. Let us hear in this point the observative 
* Sir F. B. MS  Knight. Of nature (saith he) Henry coveted to accumulate treasure, which the people (into whom there is infused, for the preservation of Monarchies, a natural 
King Henry gives way to the needless molestation of his people.  desire to discharge their Princes, though it be with the unjust charge of their Counsellors and Ministers) did impute unto Cardinal Morton, and Sir Rcinald Bray, who (as it afterward appeared) as Counsellors of ancient authority with him, did so sound his humour, as nevertheless they tempered it. Where it is truly said, it afterward appeared: for till they were gone to account to God, and his fear for the main quite banished, the king did not let loose the reins to his immoderate desire of having, which yet was not more sinful, than the means under him practised, were odious. For 
* Sir Fr. B. MS  Empson and Dudley that followed, being persons that had no reputation with him, otherwise then the servile following of his own humours, gave him way, and shaped him means to those extremities, whereby himself was touched with remorse at his death, and which his successor disavowed. And this we take to be a true judgement. To be particular in the recital of things worthy to die in forgetfulness, is not only to recite, but in a sort to teach them also, as some, who by broad invectives, have as it were read a lecture of those vices, against which they have pretended to inveigh. But public and shameful Arts may more safely be delivered. The instruments whom the King set on work (or who p●…aps set the King on work) were * two Lawyers, Richard Empson (afterward knighted) and Edmund Dudley Esquire; their 
Addit. to Hard. The foul practices used to impoverish the subject.  employment was to call the richer subject into queon for breach of old penal laws, long before discontinued and forgotten, whereby they broke in upon the people, as it were at unaware, like a kind of authorized robbers, masked under the pretext of service for the King, and the names of Delators or Promoters, a 
* Cor. Tacit.  familiar sickness in the times of ancient Tyrannies. But the courses to execute their employment, were void of all conscience and colour. For one of them was to 
* Polyd. Verg.  outlaw persons secretly, and then to seize their estates, driving them to chargeful compositions with the King, and heavy bribes to the Authors of their trouble. More detestable was another practice of theirs. For there 
* 10. Stow Annals.  were false jurors and ring leaders of false jurors, who would never give any verdict against the will of their patrons, the said Empson and Dudley; so that if any durst stand out upon trial, the destiny of their causes was squared forth by the leaden rule of those fellows consciences; which to be a truth, the expiatory punishment which K. Henry the eight took of them in the first year of his reign, doth clearly convince. By these means many honest and worthy subjects were rigorously fined, imprisoned, or otherwise afflicted, which filled the land with sorrow and repine. Among very many others thus abused Sir William Capell Alderman of London was eminent, as from whom, in the tenth year of the king's reign, 
A. D. 1508. A. R. 23.  had been scruzed, under the colour of motheaten and unreviued Laws, above sixteen hundredth pounds sterling, and was now again played at afresh, and another hand drawn upon him for two thousand pounds, which because he would not pay, he was by Dudley commanded prisoner to the Tower; but by the death of the King which ensued, all such prisoners were released. If any perhaps will slight the hard usage extended to Citizens, and to the like, they are unwise therein, neither think as Patriots ought. For though it may so fall out that the personal vexation of some few, merits no great pity; yet the example is pestilent; and it is a part of the cunning, to choose out at first such for patterns, as upon whose persons least compas●…on may fall, which examples may afterward be extended to whomsoever. These revels and rages against the wealthier sort continued, till it pleased God to sting the King's heart with just compunction, toward the horror of his death; who had the favour from heaven, as to lie sick of a consuming disease, which 
The King falleth sick.  wasted him by such insensible degrees, as gave him the use of his whole self (as it were) till the last gasp, whereby he had means to recollect himself, after those many soule-wounding assaults which attend regal greatness, and to submit his thoughts to such ghostly admonishments (touching another life) whereunto in days of health, the hearts or ears of great Princes are seldom attentive.  
(71) About the year of his death, having understood that Lewis King of France, despairing of issue 
Pol. Verg.  male, had annulled the Contracts made between Charles King of Spain (son of the late King Philip, and afterward elected Emperor by the name of Charles the fifth) and the Lady Claudia his eldest daughter, whom he newly betrothed to Francis of Valois Dolphin of France, and Duke of Angolesme; King Henry (whose care for preservation of 
King Henry seeks to assure his daughter Mary to Charles King of Castille.  the common quiet, and good of his Country, by foreign alliances, was ever holy in him and awake) thought it a fair occasion for him to match his younger daughter the Lady Marie. The French King to have the advise of james the fourth King of Scots, in the bestowing the said Madam Claudia 
The French King sends for advise to the King of Scots.  his eldest daughter, had before sent Bernard Steward Lord Dobignie, and the Precedent of Tholouz, Ambassadors for that purpose; who finally in effect received this answer: 
* Epis. Ross.  That the said King james thought it best that his eldest daughter should be married within his own Realm of France, for if she were married upon any foreign Prince, it might give colour to claim title to the said Realm afterward. And if he did marry her at home, rather to him the said Francis, whom he had appointed to succeed then any other. Which resolution was very acceptable to K. Lewis, because it jumped with his own purpose, and it was followed accordingly. King Henry therefore hearing that King Charles might be obtained, so pursued the po●… 
* Polyd. Verg.  by the prudent managing of Richard Fox (now Bishop of Winchester) his Ambassador, that King Charles his Ambassadors coming out of Flanders, where h●… was educated, and meeting 
The Lade Mary promised to King Charles.  him at Caleis, the aff●… was opened, disputed, concluded, and the Lady Mary then about ten years of age (as King Charles himself) was by solemn contract assured to him for wife.  
(72) Now therefore his son Henry Prince of Wales, being heir of the Crown, and married; his 
A. D. 1508. A. Reg. 24.  eldest daughter, the Lady Magaret, Queen of Scotland; the Lady Mary his youngest, provided for so highly (though in the end it came to nothing) all likelihood of peril by competitors, or busy Factionists, buried in the Tower, by the imprisonment of Edmund Earl of Suffolk; his people tractable and calm; his coffers full, and the state of things 
K. Henry the 7. dies.  ripe for a successor: death (the executioner of the Almighty's sentence,) was ready to discharge him of the prison of his flesh. Before he departed, 
* john Stowe  well disposed persons tendering the health of his soul, did both in sermons, and otherwise, inform him of the exclamations against informers; Wherefore he of his blessed disposition, granted to all men general pardons, certain 
General pardons granted by the King.  only excepted. In his life time he founded the goodly Hospital of the Saudy, built six religious Houses for Franciscan Friars, three of them for observants, and the other three for Conuentuals. Of his building also was Richmund Palace, and that most beautiful piece, the Chapel at Westminster, the one the place of his death, and the other of his burial: which forms of more curious and exquisite building, he and Bishop Fox, first (as is reported) learned in France, and thence brought with them into England. He died about the age of fifty two years, upon the two and twentieth of 
* Sir Fr. B. MS. Io. Stow. Annal. The year of his age, and reign.  April having reigned twenty three years and eight months. A right noble, wise, victorious and renowned King, and one whose piety would have been far more eminent, than all his other virtues, if from the beginning the malignant quality of the times, would have permitted him to live in quiet. He specially honoured the remembrance of that Saintlike Man, Henry the sixth, the founder of his Family, and Prophetical fore-teller of that fortune which now he died seized of, whom also 
A Saint lost for want of pay.  he laboured to have 
* Cambden. in Surrey. See more Supra in Edward 4. §. 79. & 80.  Canonised for a Saint, but that Pope julio held that honour at two high a rate. It is reckoned by some writers 
* Addit. to Fab. King Henry saluted Defensor of Christ's Church by three Popes.  of that age among his principal glories, that three Popes, Alexander the sixth, Pius the third, and julius the second, did in their several times, with authority and consent of the Cardinals, elect and choose him for chief defensor of Christ's Church, before all other Christian Princes. In his last will and Testament, after the disposition of his soul and body, he devised and willed Restitution should be made of all such monies, as had unjustly been levied by his Officers. A most pious and truly Christian care, whereby also appeareth, that he hoped the wrongs done under him were not so enormous nor innumerable, but that they might fall within the possibility of redress. The description of his whole man, is had in the beginning of his life, and the course thereof described in his Actions. There remain of his wisdom many effects, and those as his fame likely to continue for ever.  

His Wife.  
(71) Elizabeth the first Child Legitimate, and eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth, was at the age of nineteen upon the eighteenth of januarie and year of Christ jesus, 1485. married unto King Henry the seventh, whereby was united the long contending Families of Lancaster and York, and the Roses red and White joined into one, to the great joy of the English Subjects. She was crowned at Westminster upon the five-and twentieth of November, the third of her husband's Reign, and of Grace 1487. She was his wife eighteen years and twenty four days, and died in childbed in the Tower of London, the eleventh of February, even the day of her own Nativity, the eighteenth of her husband's Reign, and year of our Salvation, 1503. and is buried at Westminster in the most magnificent Chapel and rich Monument of Copper and gilt where she with her husband lie entombed.   

His Issue.  
(72) Arthur the eldest son of King Henry the seventh and of Queen Elizabeth his wife was borne at Winchester the twentieth day of September, the year of Grace, one thousand four hundred eighty six, and the second of his Father's reign. In whose fifth year he was created Prince of Wales; Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester, and at the age of fifteen years, one month and twenty five days, upon the fourteenth of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and one, espoused the Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando King of Spain, she being then about eighteen years of age, in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, London; and presently sent into Wales the better to govern that principality by his own Presence, enjoyed his marriage bed only four months and nineteen days, departing this life at Ludlow the second of April, the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and two, of his Father's reign seventeen, and of his own age fifteen years, six months and thirteen days. His body with all due funeral solemnities, was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint mary's in Worcester, where, in the South side of the Choir he remaineth entombed in Touch, or jest, without any remembrance of him by picture.  
(73) Henry the second son of King Henry the seventh and of Queen Elizabeth was borne at Greenwich in the County of Kent, the two and twentieth of june, in the year of Grace, one thousand four hundred ninety and one, being the seventh of his Father's reign. In his Infancy he was created Duke of York and Martial of England, and so trained up in his youth to literature as he was rightly accounted the best learned Prince in Europe, and by the death of his brother succeeded his Father in all his Dominions; whose Reign and Acts are presently to be related.  
(74) Edmund the third son of King Henry and of Queen Elizabeth, was borne in the year of Christ, one thousand four hundred ninety five, and in his young years was created Duke of Somerset, which Title he no long time enjoyed, being taken away by death at Bishops Hatfield before he attained fully to five years of age, the year of Grace, one thousand four hundred ninety and five, and fifteenth of his Father's Reign, and his body lieth interred at Saint Peter in Westminster.  
(75) Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry and of Lady Elizabeth his Queen, was born the nine and twentieth day of November the year of Christ 1489. and fifth of her father's reign; she at the age of fourteen was married unto james the fourth King of Scotland, the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and three, unto whom she bore james the fifth, Arthur and Alexander and a Daughter: which last three, died all of them young; and after the death of King james (being slain at Flodden Field in fight against the Engglish,) she was remarried unto Archibald Douglas Earl of Anguisse, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and fourteen, unto whom she bore Margaret, afterward espoused unto Matthew Earl of Lennox, Father by her of the Lord Henry, who died at the age of nine months, and lieth interred in the upper end of the Chancel in the Parish Church of Stepney near London, upon whose Grave is engraven in brass, as followeth: 
here lieth Henry Steward Lord Darle of the age of three quarters of a year, late Son and Heir of Matthew Steward Earl of Lennoux and Lady Margaret his wife, which Henry deceased the XXV III. day of November in the year of our Lord God. 1545. Whose Soul jesus pardon.  Her second son was Henry Lord Dernley a Noble Prince; and reputed for person one of the goodliest Gentlemen of Europe, who married Marie Queen of Scotland, the royal Parents of the most royal Monarch james the first King of great Britain, and of the Britain World. And her third son was Charles Earl of Lennox father unto Lady Arbella.  
(76) Elizabeth the second daughter of King Henry and Lady Elizabeth his Queen was borne the second day of july, one thousand four hundred ninety two, and died the fourteenth of September and year of Christ, one thousand four hundred ninety five, and is interred at Westminster.  
(77) Marry the third blossom of the Imperial Rose-tree of England, was first wife to Lewis King of France, who lived not long after, and died without issue by her. Her second husband was that martial and pompous Gentleman, Charles' Brandon Duke of Suffolk.  
(78) Katherine fourth daughter of this seventh Henry and of Elizabeth his Queen, was borne upon Candlemas day, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and three, and in the eighteenth year of her father's reign, who was called to her part in a far better Kingdom within a short while after.    

HENRY THE EIGHT OF THAT 
Monarch 58  
Henry VIII.  NAME, KING OF ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc. THE FIFTY EIGHT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN, ACTS, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXI.  
THe rich and wise King (Henry the seventh) go (as is said) the way of all 
A. D. 1509.  flesh, his son bearing the same name, a most magnanimous & heroical Prince, succeeded in his Throne over all his dominions, as the only true heir unto the Crown, by both the houses of Lancaster and York. His birth was at Greenwich in the year of Grace, 1491. the twentieth 
King Henry his birth place. Polydor.  two of june: and his youth so trained up in literature, that he was accounted the most learned Prince of all Christendom, endued with parts most befitting a King, both in lineaments of body, and liberality of mind, besides his ripe knowledge in politic 
The most learned King of Christendom●…  affairs, and was made the more agreeable to the affections of men, by the consideration of his flourishing age, as having not attained unto nineteen at his father's death. In his infancy he was created Duke of York; at twelve years (his brother deceased) Prince of Wales, and at eighteen became sole Monarch of the land, when at Westminster upon Sunday the twenty fifth of june, even the festival of 
King Henry and Queen Kathe●… crowned Edw. Hall.  Saint john Baptist, and year of Christ jesus, 1509. he with his beauteous Queen Katherine received their Crowns at the hands of William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, no Prince giving better hopes unto justice, or seeking the wealth of his subjects more than himself.  
(2) His Counsellors he chose of the gravest divines, and the wisest Nobility, with whom he not 
King Henry used to sit often in Council himself in person.  only often sat, to the great increase of his politic experience; but would also yield his authority to their grave and far inseeing wisdoms: Of whom the plaints of Petitioners were so movingly regarded, that Proclamations went forth, with promise of restitution, to them that had been wronged by Dudley or Empson, two persons that had abused the authority of K. Henry his Father, by enriching their 
Dudley, Empson.  own coffers, with the urter undoing of many better subjects. These men, King Henry the seventh had 
joh. Stow.  made his Instruments for the finding out of offenders in his penal Statutes, themselves being learned in the laws, and apt enough to execute their Commissions to the full: for, by their daily informations and recovering of fines, they digged and brought a silver Mine into the King's Exchequer, some veins 
holinsh. pag. 791.  whereof by the way, ran also into their own coffers, to the great vexation of all, and utter undoing of many; whereat the Noblemen grudged, the Gentility repined, the Commons lamented, and all of them felt the teeth of these ravening Wolves: 
Edw. Hall.  But the father King departed, and his sonneset on his throne; the complaints of the oppressed so oppressed the King and his Council, that Dudley and Empson were sent prisoners to the Tower, and both of them by Parliament attainted of Treason.  
(3) Edmund Dudley by descent was a Gentleman, and by profession a Lawyer, having both wit and words at will, had he not abused both to his own destruction. Richard Empson his inferior by birth, was the son of a poor Sieve-maker, but yet had 
In Yocester Northamptonshire  he stepped before him to the degree of a Knight: These night-sprung Mushrooms that sucked the earths fatness, from far better plants than themselves, saw not the many hands ready to pluck up them by the roots, when the season should serve to clear the land of such weeds: for albeit they had their discharge under the Kings own hand to do what they did, and their service known Crown service, a matter impugnable, yet no sooner were they left to stand upon their own basis, but that they felt the weight of their done wrongs too importunable for them any longer to bear; for so importune were all degrees against them, that Dudley forthwith in Guildhall London was arraigned and condemned to die: and King Henry in progress, 
Edmund Dudley condemned.  (through the cry of the people) could take no pleasure, till he had sent for Empson into Northamptonshire, 
Io. Sotw Annal.  where among them he was arraigned, and received sentence of death, which was so desired and followed, as to satisfy his Subjects, the King sent a special writ for their executions, which with great joy of all was performed upon Tower hill, by taking from them their heads; when they left their riches to be spent by others, and their names to remain upon Record for the Caterpillars of those times: whose like if any such live, shall leave their hateful remembrance to the like stains of reproachful infamy, how pleasing soever the promotion so gotten in their own eyes shall seem, or the employments in their self conceits accounted profitable to the State.  
(4) This justice of King Henry wan him great praise of his people, and his charity extended towards London, when that City was sore distressed 
K. He●…ies justice and charity commended.  with famine, by sending six hundred quarters of corn, great love; so that never any King entered his reign with better hopes than himself. That his person was tall, is not to be doubted, though not like unto Souls, as some have alleged, whose 
Holinsh.  report is, that at the siege of Boulogne, he was higher by the head then any in his Camp, and every joint 
Henry a goodly man of shape and stature.  proportionable to so royal a stature: but that he was strong, his many justs and Tilts, and fights at Turnay (most dangerously performed) was manifested upon them that underwent his heavy hand: for at Tilt he bore down a man at Arms both horse and all, and threw Sir William Kingston a Knight of 
K. Henry's great strength.  great strength to the ground at Barryers'; with battell-axe he combated against one Giot a German very strong and tall, and lent him better blows than he could again repay.  
(5) His glory thus mounted the Trophy of fame, and young Henry the only morning star in this Western Orb, Pope julius the second, fearing the further encroach of the French, who then had entered into some part of Italy, thought this Prince the strongest pillar whereunto to trust, and the fittest Card to trump the French King, well knowing the Title that the English Kings had unto France, and the readiness of his Subjects to forward that way: whereupon writing his letters unto King Henry, complained against Lewis the French king, and twelfth of that name, who neither (as he alleged) esteeming of God, good fame, nor conscience, detained the revenues 
The Pope's letters unto King Henry.  of the Clergy, supported the Cardinal William to aspire the Papacy, aided in the siege of Bonen, Alfonso of Ferrara, and the Bentevoly, both traitors to the Papal Sea, where he intended to lay the foundation of his Empire, to usurp all Italy, besought him for the pity of our Saviour, and by the virtue of his famous ancestors, (for I use the words of the Pope's brief) that never forsook the Church of God in distress, and by the filial obedience, the strongest bond, to enter into the holy league, they having elected him against Lewis, Caput faederis Italici.  
(6) And indeed to speak as it was, Lewis much emulated King Henry's greatness, fearing that fortune would give him occasions to make his claim by sword unto the Kingdom of France; which the sooner he did by this holy father's instigations, and by his Herald Clarentius roughly demanded, the 
K. Henry demanded France.  duchies of Normandy, Guienne, Anion and main, and with them also the Crown that king Lewis 
john Lesly Bishop of Rosse.  ware. The Scotish king likewise, in case of Andrew Barton slain in his Piracies (as the English alleged) by the Admiral of England, accounted the 
A. D. 1510.  truce broken, and sought the revenge upon the Borders adjoining. Against these two nations young Henry at once prepared, and happily obtained fair victories against both: but the success of the one, (though not following precisely the time) we mean to relate before we enter discourse of the other.  
(7) The enterprise great which K. Henry meant to undergo, he thought it good wisdom to join amity with Maximilian the Emperor, Ferdinando 
K. Henry maketh league with many Princes. Guiccardin.  King of Spain, and many other Princes, holding also correspondency with Pope julius the second, that busy Pontifical Prelate of Rome: then propounding his purposes in Parliament, sent over certain Nobles before him into France, and afterward followed them himself, pitching down his 
King Henry entereth France.  Tents before the Town of Terwin, where he raised his royal Standard of the Red-dragon, and begirt 
An. Reg. 1. Edw. Hal.  the City with a straight siege.  
(8) To this place Maximilian the Emperor repaired, and to the great honour of Henry entered into his pay, wearing the Cross of Saint George, with a 
Sleidans' Com. The Emperor serveth K. Henry.  rose (the King's badge) as his faithful Soldier, and received wages by day for every of his, according to their degree: The French seeing the Town in 
Anglorum praelia.  distress, sought the relief with victuals, and men, but were so encountered by the king and his company, as that many of their chiefest Captains were 
Paulus iovius.  taken, and six of their Standards won, the rest for safeguard of life so posted away, that this conflict was called the battle of Spurs.  
(9) Then was the battery brought so near their walls, 
Battle of Spurs.  that many breaches were therein made, and the Town by composition yielded unto the King; 
A. D. 1513 August. 24  whereupon the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent to see all things safe, who stuck upon the highest Turret the Banner of Saint George, and took the oath of allegiance of all the French Citizens, to acknowledge 
Terwin won and the Cit●…zens sworn unto Henry.  King Henry their supreme Lord: This done, the King as a Conqueror entereth Terwine, sent thence their Ordinance, dismounted the Turrets, cast down the walls, filled up the ditches, and fired the Town, excepting only the Cathedral Church and Bishop's Palace.  
(10) Then was the siege removed unto Turnay: about which City King Henry commanded divers 
Edw. Hall. Turnay besieged by K. Henry.  Trenches to be cast, and placed his Ordinance to such advantage, that none might enter in, or come out of the same. Into this Town a great number of the French from the Country's adjoining had lately fled, relying much upon the strength and safety of the place, which indeed had ever been accounted so invincible, that this sentence was engraved over one of the gates. jannes' tun me a perden 
The strength of Turnay.  ton pucellage, thou hast never lost thy maidenhead: Notwithstanding, it was yielded up unto Henry with ten thousand pounds sterling for the Citizen's redemption, who to the number of fourscore thousand, than took their oaths to become his true Subjects, and four of their principal bore up the Canopy under which the King in triumph-wise entered, having born before him his sword, axe, spear, 
A. D. 1513. Octob. 2. King Henry in triumph entered Turnay.  and other habiliments of war, every Citizen holding a staffe-Torch for his light. The safe keeping of this City, the King committed to Sir Edward Poinings Knight of the Order of the Garter, whom he there made his Lieutenant, and ordained Thomas Wolsey his Almoner the Bishop of Turnay. The year now spent, and season unfit for the field, a surcease from war was determined until the next spring; whereupon all were shipped for England with full payment, and praise, but Terwin and Turnay stuck heavily upon the French men's hearts.  
(11) King Lewis thus endamaged in his own Dominions, thought it best policy to pay like for like, to which end at the first attempts against Terwine 
joh. Lesly.  he solicited james the fourth of that name, King of Scotland (though brother by marriage unto King Henry of England) to disturb the peace of his Subjects, that so he might be drawn out of France; which james for his part put presently in practice: for writing his letters to Henry in the French 
K. james of Scotland incited by the French King. Edw. Hal. Holinsh. See the contents of this letter in joh. Leslie Bishop of Rosse, dated at Edenbrough the twenty sixth of july in A. D. 1513.  Kings behalf, charged him with breach of Truce, both in the case of his Scots slain at the sea, as also against his Confederates the Duke of Gelder, and King of France, against which last he desired him to desist, otherwise he should be forced to revenge the Frenches wrongs upon his English: and to give letters of Mart to recover the losses of his Subjects.  
(12) King Henry a Prince of a Majestical spirit, most highly offended at these his brother's requests, and threats, was so far overgone with fury and rage, that Lion's King at Arms the bringer, was 
Lions terrified at K. Henry's answers.  thereby somewhat daunted at his present answer, which he desired might be sent in writing, refusing to carry in words his reply to his Sovereign. This 
See the contents of this letter in Holinshed, dated from the Camp at the siege of Terwin the 12. of August. A. D. 1513.  Heralds wise and weighty request, was forthwith granted, and letters framed to King james demands, answering those imputations with rough and round words, which notwithstanding he never read or saw, being slain in the battle of Flodden, before that Lions could come to deliver the same.  
(13) For james King of Scots preparing for war, had in the mean while entered the borders, and with his Ordinance battered and won the Castle of 
james King of Scotland enters England.  Norham; making still forward upon the English. Against whom Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey made the King's Lieutenant of the North, at his going into France, assembled an Army of twenty six thousand strong, unto whom came his son the Lord Admiral of England, with a great supply of good 
Thomas Earl of Surrey King, Henry's Lieutenant maketh towards the Scots.  soldiers well appointed for war. The Earl from Newcastle came unto the water of Till, and pitched his battle besides a little Town called Brankeston, under Flodden hill, a mountain lying in the North of Northumberland, betwixt the rivers of Till and Tweed, where upon a rising bank, the Scottish host had taken the advantage of the ground: unto King james, Thomas Earl of Surrey sent Rogue Cross a Pursuivant at Arms, with proffer of battle to be done upon Friday the ninth of September, if so it pleased his Highness, who withal 
Lord Howard proffereth battle unto K. james.  carried this message from the L. Admiral, that he was come in person to justify his Act against Andrew Barton, and would abide the last drop of his blood in the Vanguard of the field.  
(14) King james most readily accepted the offer, and by his Herald Hay sent the Earl word, that if 
King james accepteth of battle  he were as then in Edenbrough, yet would he most gladly come to fulfil his desire; and withal sent his letters for the just occasions given him to invade England as he did The day approached, and the 
john Lesly.  Scots keeping the higher ground, the Earl marched upward along the river, and by two Bridges passed over with his host, making still forward, as though he meant either to have taken into Scotland, or else to cirumvent K. james his return, which he perceiving, hasted down the hill, putting from him his horse, raised his royal Standard, and as a most valiant chieftain encouraged his Soldiers to the fight.  
(15) The Scotish Ordinance discharged from above, overshot the English with very small damage, 
The fight begun.  and the ground of no difficult ascent, gave them the easier access, so that Sir Edmund Howard, who lead a wing to the Vanguard (whereof his brother the Admiral was Captain) got almost to the 
Paulin 〈◊〉.  height; against whom the Earls of Lennox and Argile, with their Battles of Spears on foot so violently encountered, that they beat down, and broke the wing of the English, wherein many were slain, 
The Scots at the first encounter be at the English back.  and the horsemen disbanded, and put to flight; but presently recalled, joined themselves again to the great battle, which by this time had attained to the top of the hill. King james that saw this first brunt performed, made full account that the day was his own, supposing verily the English had fled, and therefore most valiantly he advanced forward, not staying for the rearguard to second his battle, and encountering the Earl's Battalion, a bloody 
The battles join.  fight was performed, with the loss and life of many a man: but strength near spent, and the Scotish somewhat disjoined, through force of a great shore of arrows falling among them; Sir Edward Stanley having three bands reserved for the like purpose, with a fresh onset invaded the open sides of the enemy, whose force was so violent, that the Scots no longer were able to stand, but took down the hill unto flight, which the Earls of Lennox 
The Scots put to flight.  and Argile perceiving, did their best to stay them, and fight most valiantly, themselves were slain in the same place.  
(16) King james then perceiving the wings of his Battle distressed and gone, and that the enemy began to enclose him about; with a stout resolution encouraged his men, willing them to regard the person 
The valiant courage of K. james.  of their King, their own honour, their valiant Ancestors, and now their present employments; that their blood might be bought dear to the English, and the Scotish valours recorded for ever in the volumes of fame for this their one days work; & thereupon rushing among the thickest began a most eager & bloody battle, and piercing through with a strong hand went so far, that he had almost overthrown the Earl's Standard: thus busied in doubtful chance, the Lord Howard and Sir Edward Stanley having discomfited the enemy in either wing, returned in the face of the main battle, and the Lord Dacres with his Horsemen came upon their backs, so that the Stotish were forced to fight in a round compass, but being over-laid, the King's Standard was strucken down, and himself most valiantly fight slain in the midst of his enemies: with whom died 
〈◊〉 king of Scots slain with 12. Earls, and 17. Lords.  three Bishops, whereof one was Alexander Archbishop of Saint Andrew's the King's base son, two Abbots, twelve Earls, and seventeen Lords,  
Kent unto Black-heath near unto Greenwich, was there met and received by the Duke of Norfolk, 
The Honourable receiving of Cardinal Campiut.  many Knights, but many more Prelates, where in a Tent of Cloth of Gold, he shifted himself into his Cardinal Robes, which was edged about with most rich Ermine, and thence road to London, in more pomp and estate than Christ did to jerusalem when Hosanna was sung. 
Matth. 21 9   
(32) Eight Mules he had laden with necessaries belonging, but those made no show in proud Wolseis eyes, therefore twelve more he sent him to furnish his Pageants through the streets of London, these either wanton, or ashamed to be wondered at, played the skittish jades indeed: For in Cheapside, as this Triumph forth passed, these beasts by breaking their Collars and escaping their Leaders, cast their Carriages and Coffers upon the cold ground; whose lids flying open 
The Cardinal's rich treasures showed in Cheap side.  laid most of their riches to the sight of the people. For, from some of them fell old Breeches, Boots and broken shoes, from others torn stockings tottered rags, old Iron and horse shoes, and for fainting by the way therein was bestowed, and now cast abroad, broken meat, marrowbones, roasted eggs, and crusts of bread, ywiffe worth the keeping: this Shipwreck made upon the Shelves of Cheapside, no need it was to bid the muleteers to bestir them, who like good thrifty mariners saved from spoil as much as they could, and trussing up their trinkets, laded again these wantoness, with the wealth of the Cardinal, who (good man) was jogging on afore with his Crosses, Pillars, Gilt-axe and Mace, unto Paul's Church, where he was met with many mitred Bishops, and attended upon to Bath place, where we will leave him, and return to the place where we left.  
(33) The unity agreed upon betwixt England and France, a meeting was motioned for the two Kings, and to that end great preparation made aswell of the one as of the other. But in the heat of this business, King Henry had word that Charles, his Queen's Nephew, and new made Emperor, would 
Charles the Emperor cometh into England.  visit him in England, which accordingly he did, accompanied with the Queen of Arragon, and a most Royal Train, and was as Royally entertained by King Henry: the cause of his coming was to hinder the peace concluded with France, for although, 
john Stow.  this Emperor were young, and but newly established; yet was he wise and well foresaw the hurt that this amity with France, would bring him, and therefore came in person of purpose to dissuade the King's mind and to stay his entrance with the French if he could, but finding Henry so forward in those proceeds, he baited his hooks with golden gifts to the Cardinal, and wan him wholly to his devotion.  
(34) King Henry passing the Seas unto Calais, met with King Frances at a place appointed, and for that 
Rich. Turpin.  purpose newly built betwixt the Towns of Guisnes, and Arde: where to describe the justs, Banquets, 
King Henry goeth into France.  and Masks were to fill up (with Hall, Grafton and Holinshed) whole sides of excessive great Cost. At Calais also the same time the Emperor, with his Aunt 
Rich. Grafton.  the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy landed, whither King Henry and his Queen repaired, to the no little grudge of the French King, though he kept it to 
Edw. Hall.  himself, and consented unto the ancient league tripartite betwixt these three monarchs, which done the Kings returned into their own Realms.  
(35) Displeasures shortly arising betwixt the Emperor and the French King, King Henry assayed to 
A. D. 1521. An. Reg. 13.  bring them to peace, but that failing, fell himself from the French, imputing the fault unto Frances for suborning the Scots against him, and King Frances again 
Variance betwixt England and France.  laid all the blame in the Cardinal, accusing him of dissimulation, aborted practices and what not: but wheresoever lay the defect, the Duke of Albany 
john Stow.  was sent into Scotland; the French followed a Spanish ship fraught with the goods of English-Merchants 
R. Grafton.  unto Margate, and took her even in the King's streams, in both which King Frances excusing himself with ignorance, alleged no breach of truce broken by him.  
(35) Then was it thought best by the Cardinal's 
Taken out of the Cardinals own letters dated january 16. Anno. 1524.  advice to repay like with like, and therefore counseled his King, to rear Charles Duke of Bourbon against France and to persuade him to invade the very heart thereof, encouraging him with sufficient pay, and making him his Champion general of the Field; whilst the Emperor likewise held him play 
Duke Bourbon made King Henry's Captain General. Instructions of King Henry dated in Anno 1524. Rich. Place Secretary.  against Milan. And to that end was sent in way of loan to the Emperor a great sum of money, and foreign Princes solicited to take arms against France, for effecting which, King Henry sent his Ambassadors to the States of Venice and Swissers with these instructions as followeth.  
(36) That whereas in a treaty of peace it was concluded betwixt the Emperor, King Henry, and Frances the French King, that if any Controversies should arise betwixt any two, the Prince not invading should give aid and assistance against the invader: but now the Emperor being invaded by 
The English Embassages into foreign States.  the French Kings Captains in the Realm of Navarre, and in his own Country by Robert de la March, and others by his procurement, and our king (said they) being often called upon by the Emperor, hath often entreated the French King to surcease, but hath nothing obtained beside fair words and detraction of promises. Complaining likewise that in the intercourse of these businesses, the French 
The wrongs done by the French unto the English.  King contrary to his Oath had sent the D●… of Albany into Scotland (in contempt of King Henry) and to the great danger of the young King's death or deposition, he being the next in blood to succeed, and to the dishonour of the Queen mother, had caused a separation betwixt her and her lawful husband the Earl of Angus. That the French King had detained the payment compounded for the delivery 
john Lest.  of Turnay; and kept back the dowry of his sister Queen Dowager of France, that he had entertained the rebellious Subjects of King Henry, and 
The Queen's Dowry vapaid.  spoiled his Merchants both by Land and Sea. Neither was unremembered the danger that the Venetians stood in, if the Realms of Naples, and Sicily, the signiories of jeans, and Milan were lost from the Empire. These therefore seemed fair projects unto King Henry for him to war against France, and to that end, a general Muster by Commission was taken 
A. D. 1522. A general muster.  of all able men from sixteen years and upward, of every Hamlet, Village, Burrough, City, Hundred, and Shire, throughout England, which seemed to many 
Io. Stow.  another doomsday Book: and yet was there neither peace nor war against France.  
(37) In this great and hasty preparation, Charles the Emperor, as he passed toward Spain, landed at 
Charles the Emperor cometh again into England.  Dover, where King Henry met him, and in great estate brought him to London; which was so prepared with Ornaments and Pageants, as if it had been the King's Coronation, and in the Blackfriar's the Emperor was lodged in a most Princely Palace new built by the King; then was he feasted at Windsor, where he sat in his state, in his Mantle and Garter, and by receiving the Sacrament these two Potent monarchs took their Corporal Oaths to observe the Covenants concluded betwixt them: whereof one was, that the Emperor Charles agreed to stay 
Holinsh. in Anno 18. Henry. 8.  for, and take to wife the young Princess Lady Marie, King Henry's then only daughter; and in such golden bands of love, Charles and Henry, seemed to 
The Emperor affianceth Lady Mary.  be linked, as in London this sentence was set up in the guildhall over the door of the Counsel Chamber, where it still remaineth. 
Carolus, Henricus, vivant, defensor uterque  
Henricus fidei, Carolus Ecclesiae. ●…   
(38) Why the Titles defender of Church and Faith, were attributed unto these two Princes is no marvel; for Charles chosen Emperor, was scarcely confirmed, but to purchase the Pope's favour, he directed forth a solemn Writ of outlawry against Martin Luther, who then had given a great blow to the Papal Crown. And King Henry likewise 
john Sleidan. Com.  was renowned in Rome, for writing a book against the said Luther: underpropping the tottering or downcast countenance of the Pope's pardons; which Luther shrewdly had shaken; the Pope therefore 
K. Henry wrote against Martin Luther.  to show himself a kind father unto those his sons, gave them these Titles; which in truth were none other, than the same which they swore unto, when the Crowns of their Empires were first set upon their heads. But with what acceptance his Holiness received King Henry's book, his own Oration solemnly made at the delivery thereof unto M. john Clarke the presenter and King's Ambassador, in his Consistory, and in presence of his Cardinals sufficiently doth show, the translation whereof we have inserted as we find it in the Original itself.  
We do receive this book with all alacrity: it is 
The Pope's Oration at the delivery of K. Henry's book. Ex Original.  indeed such as there could not be any thing sent us, and our venerable brethren, more acceptable than it is. For the King himself, a most mighty, most prudent, and most truly Christian Prince, we know not whether we may more praise or admire, being the first that by war with happy success hath subdued the enemies of the Church of Christ, that seek to rend Christ's coat, and at last overcoming the enemies, hath restored peace to the Church of God, and to this holy See. But now against so soul a Monster, both to understand, to be able, and willing to write this book, he hath showed himself no more admirable to the whole world for his elegant style, then for his wit. We humbly give thanks to our Creator for giving such a Prince to defend his Church, and this holy See, desiring the same God to grant to this his King a happy life, and all his desires, and after this life in his heavenly Kingdom, to keep for him an everlasting Crown. And we so far as we are able to entreat of God, will never be wanting to the said most wise King in the faculties granted to us of God.  
(40) To manifest which his readiness, himself among his Cardinals decreed an augmentation unto King Henry's royal Style to be annexed unto his others; confirming the same by his Bull which that it perish not by the devouring teeth of Time, we have here published from the original Parchment, and leaden seal itself, as followeth.  
(41) Leo Episcopus servus servorum Dei, etc. Leo Bishop servant of the servants of God; to our most dearly beloved Son in Christ, Henry King of England defender of the Faith, health and Apostolical Benediction. We by divine permission, the chief overseer for the government of the universal Church, though unsufficient for so great a work, do power forth the cogitations of our heart, that the Catholic faith without which no man can attain to salvation, may receive continual increase, and that those good laws and constitutions decreed by the wisdom and learning of such as are in authority, especially the faithful in Christ, for restraining the attempts of all that labour to oppress the same, or by wicked lies & fictions seek to pervert and obscure it, may prosper with perpetual increase, do bestow our pains and utmost endeavour in our office and Ministry. And like as the Roman Bishops our Predecessors, were wont to show especial favour to Catholic Princes (according as the quality of matters and timesrequired) especially to them that in troublesome times, when the madness and perfidious dealing of Schismatics and heretics most of all abound, did abide constant and unmovable, not only in soundness of faith and pure denotion to the holy Roman Church, but also as the most legitimate sons and valiant Champions of the same, opposed themselves both with mind and body against the furious madness of Schismatics and heretics: so likewise also do we desire to extol your Majesty with worthy and immortal praises, for your high and immortal deserts and labours towards us, and this holy See, wherein by God's permission we sit, to grant unto it those things for which it ought to watch, and drive away the Wolves from the Lords flock, and to cut off with the material sword rotten members, which infect the mystical body of Christ, and to confirm the hearts of the faithful in soundness of belief. Now where of late our beloved son john Clarke your majesties Orator with us, being in our Consistory before our venerable brethren of the holy Roman Church, the Cardinals and many other Prelates of the same, exhibited a book unto us to be examined and allowed of us, which book your majesties self (who doth all things with diligence and nothing amiss) inflamed with charity and zeal to the Catholic faith, and with ardent devotion toward us and this holy See, hath composed, as a most worthy and sovereign Antidote against the errors of divers heretics, often condemned by this holy See, and of late stirred up and brought in by Martin Luther: And your said Orator hath also largely declared unto us, that your Majesty is ready, and purposeth, like as you have confuted the notorious errors of the said Martin, by true reason and invincible authorities of sacred Scripture, and Ancient fathers, so you will punish to the uttermost of your power, all those of your whole Kingdom, that shall presume to follow, or defend them: and we have diligently and exactly perused and viewed the admirable doctrine of your said book, watered with the dew of heavenly Grace, and do heartily thank Almighty God, from whom every good and perfect gift doth come, who hath vouchsafed to inspire your Noble mind, inclined to every good thing, and to endue you with so great Grace from heaven, as to write those things; whereby you are able to defend his holy faith, against such a new Innovator of damned errors; and also incite by your example all other Christian Kings and Princes, to be willing to favour and further with all their best aids the Orthodoxal faith, and evangelical truth, whensoever it be brought into danger or doubt. And we think it also meet, that they who have undertaken such godly labours for the defence of the faith of Christ, should have all praise and honour of us; and we are desirous, that not only the things themselves which your Majesty hath written, being both of most sound doctrine, and no less eloquence, should be extolled and magnified with condign commendations, and allowed and confirmed by our authority; but also that your Majesty should be graced with such an honour, and such a Title, as that both for our time and ever hereafter all men might perceive how grateful and acceptable this gift of your majesties hath been unto us, especially offered unto us now at this time. We, who be the true successors of Peter, whom Christ at his ascension into heaven left his Vicar on earth, and to whom he committed the care of his flock: We I say, who sit in this holy seat, from which all dignities and titles do flow, upon mature deliberation had with our said brethren about these things, have by the general agreement, and consent of them decreed, to bestow upon your Majesty this title, namely, THE DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. And accordingly by these Presents do instile you with such a title, commanding all faithful Christians, that they name your Majesty with this Title, and when they write to you, that after the Word KING, they adjoin DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. And truly we diligently considering and weighing your singular merits, were not able to bethink us of a name more worthy and convenient for your Majesty, than the excellency and dignity of this Title, which so often as you shall hear and read so often you may call to mind this your singular virtue and great desert, nor may you by this Title puff up yourself in pride, but according to your wont prudence become more humble, and be more valiant and constant in the faith of Christ, and in denotion to this holy See, by which you have been exalted, rejoicing in the Lord the giver of all good things, leaving this as a perpetual and immortal monument of your glory to your children, showing them the way unto the like, that if they shall desire to be graced  
(55) Whilst these things were in working at Rome, arose great troubles in Ireland, the Kerns casting 
Troubles in Ireland.  off all obedience, and killing the King's subjects where they found them: against whom. Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, Lord Lieutenant of that kingdom, made forth his power, and followed them himself with such danger of life, that the visor of his Helmet was shot off, as he pursued the enemy through the desert woods: but these Rebels cut off by his high valour, and wars proclaimed at one time against Scotland and France, the Lord Lieutenant was recalled into England; and Piers Butler Earl of Osorie made Deputy of Ireland in his stead; betwixt whom, and Girald Fitz-Girald, Earl of Kildare, whose sister he had married, arose no 
Holinsh pag. 84.  little strife and debate, which grew to that height as King Henry sent Commissioners to try and examine 
Dissension betwixt the Lord Deputies of Ireland.  the differences, which was so cleared on Kildares' behalf, that Osorie was discharged of his Office, and the Lord Fitz-girald sworn deputy in his place; whereat Cardinal Wolsey (whose hand chiefly steered all states affairs, a deadly enemy to the Earl of Kildare) was highly offended, and to undermine the foundations of this his new Government, gave ear unto Osorie, who accused the new deputy of many misdemeanours, among which these were the 
Kildare accused to the Cardinal.  principal; that he winked at Desmonds' escape whom he should have attached by order from the King: that he grew over familiar with the native Irish; and that he put to death the King's best subjects: for these the Lord deputy was commanded into England, in whose absence Osory his enemy was again chosen Lord Deputy by the King's Counsel, but himself none of the wisest for politic Government, was altogether therein ruled by his wife, and she made it no courtesy to abuse her husband's honour against her natural brother's folly: who now in England must answer his demeanour before the Lords of the Counsel, and to their Table was he brought, where the Cardinal Lord Chancellor made his faults nothing less, and thus addressed himself against the Earl of Kildare.  
(56) I wot well (my Lord) that I am not the meetest at this board to charge you with these 
The Cardinal's speech at the Counsel Table against Kildare.  treasons, because it hath pleased some of your Pewfellows to report, that I am a professed enemy to all Nobility, and namely to the Giraldines: but seeing every shrewd boy can say as much when he is controlled, and these points so weighty, that they should not be dissembled of us; and so apparent, that they cannot be denied of you: I must have leave (notwithstanding your stale slander) to be the mouth of these honourable Lords at this present, and to trump your treasons in your way, howsoever you take me. First you remember, how the lewd Earl of Desmund your kinsman (who passeth not whom he serveth might he change his Master) sent his Confederates with letters of credence unto Francis the French King: and having but cold comfort there, went 〈◊〉 Charles the Emperor proffering the help of Monster, and Conaught, towards the Conquest of Ireland, if either of them would help to win it from our King. How many letters, what precepts, what messages, what threats, have been sent you to apprehend him and yet not done? Why so? Forsooth I could not catch him? Nay, nay Earl, forsooth you would not watch him: If he be justly suspected, why are you partial in so great a charge? If not, why are you fearful to have him tried? Yea, for it will be sworn and deposed to your face, that for fear of meeting him, you have winked wilfully, shunned his sight, altered your course, warned your friends, stopped both ears and eyes, against his detectors, and whensoever you took upon you to hunt him out, then was he sure afore hand to be out of your walk. Surely, this juggling and false play, little became either an honest man called to such honour, or a Noble man put in so great trust: had you lost but a Cow or a Horse of your own, two hundred of your retainers would have come at your Whistle to rescue the prey from the uttermost edge of Ulster: all the Irish in Ireland must have given you the way. But in pursuing so needful a matter as this was; merciful God, how nice, how dangerous, how wayward have you been? One while he is from home, and another while he keepeth home, sometimes fled, sometimes in the Borders, where you dare not venture. Iwis, my Lord, there be shrewd bugs in the borders, for the Earl of Kildare to fear; the Earl, nay the King of Kildare: for when you are disposed, you reign more like than rule in the land: where you are pleased the Irish foe standeth for a just Subject: hearts and hands, lives and lands are all at your courtesy: who fawneth not thereon, cannot rest within your smell, and your smell so rank, that you track them out at pleasure. Whilst the Cardinal was speaking, the Earl chafed and changed colour & at last broke out, and interrupted him thus.  
(57) My Lord Chancellor I beseech you 
Kildare interrupteth the Cardinal's tale.  pardon me, I am short witted, and you I perceive intend a long tale: if you proceed in this order, half my purgation will be lost for lack of carriage: I have no School tricks, nor art of memory: except you hear me while I remember your words, your second process will hammer out the former. The Lords associate, who for the most part tenderly loved 
The Lords tender Kildare.  Kildare, and knew the Cardinal his manner of taunts so ready being enured there with many years together▪ humbly besought his grace to charge him directly with particulars, and to dwell in some one matter until it were examined thoroughly.  
(58) That granted: It is good reason (quoth the Earl) that your Grace bear the mouth of this 
He answereth the Cardinal's objection.  board: but my Lord, those mouths that put these things into your mouth, are very wide mouths: such indeed as have gaped long for my wrack: and now at length for want of better stuff, are feign to fill their mouths with smoke: what my cozen Desmond hath compassed, as I know not, so I beshrew his naked heart for holding out so long. If he can be taken by mine agents that presently wait for him, then have mine adversaries bewrayed their malice: and this heap of heinous words shall resemble a scarecrow, or a man of straw that seemeth at a blush to carry some proportion, but when it is felt and peized, discovereth a vanity serving only to fear Crows: and I verily trust your honours shall see the proof by the thing itself, within these few days. But go to: suppose he never be had? What is Kildare to blame for it mo●…e then my good brother of Osorie, who, notwithstanding his high promises, having also the King's power, is yet content to bring him in at leisure? Cannot the Earl of Desmond shift but I must be of Counsel? Cannot he hide him except I wink? If he be close am I his mate? If he be friended am I a traitor? This is a doughty kind of accusation which they urge against me, wherein they are stabelled and mired at my first denial. You would not see him (say they): who made them so familiar with mine eyesight? Or when was the Earl within my view? Or who stood by when I let him slip? Or where are the tokens of my wilful hoodwink? But you sent him word to beware of you: who was the messenger? Where are the letters? Convince my negatiu●…, see how loose this idle gear hangeth together. Desmond is not taken: well, you are in fault: why? Because you are: who proveth it? No body: What Conjectures? So it seemeth: To whom? to your enemies. Who told it them? They will swear it. What other ground? None: Will they 〈◊〉 it my Lord? why then of like they know it, either they have mine hand to show, or can being forth the messenger, or were present at a Conference, or privy to Desmond, or some body bewrayed it to them, or they themselves were my Carriers or vicegerents therein: which of these parts will they choose, for I know them too well: To reckon myself convict by their bare words, or headless sayings, or frantic oaths, were but mere mockery. My letters were soon read, were any such writing extant; my servants, and friends are ready to be sifted: of my cozen of Desmond they may lie loudly, since no man here can well contrary them. Touching myself I never noted in them much wit, or so fast faith, that I would have gauged on their silence the life of a good hound, much less mine own: I doubt not, may it please your honours to appose them, how they came to the knowledge of those matters which they are so ready to depose: but you shall find their tongues chained to another man's trencher, and as it were Knights of the Post, suborned to say, swear and stare the uttermost they can, as those that pass not what they say, not with what face they say it, so they say no truth: but on the other side, it grieveth me, that your good Grace, whom I take to be wise and sharp, and who of your blessed disposition wisheth me well, should be so far gone in crediting these corrupt Informers that abuse the ignorance of your state and Country to my peril. Little know you (my Lord) how necessary it is, not only for the Governor, but also for every Nobleman in Ireland, to hamper the uncivil neighbours at discretion, wherein if they waited for process of law, & had not those lives and lands you speak of within their reach, they might hap to lose their own lives & lands without law. You hear of a case, as it were in a dream, & feel not the smart that vexeth us. In England there is not a mean Subject that dare extend his hand to fillip a Peer 
In what ease stand the Noblemen of Ireland with Rebels.  of arealm: In Ireland except the Lord have cunning to his strength, and strength to save his Crown, and sufficient authority to take thieves and variets when they stir, he shall find them swarm so fast that it will be too late to call for justice. If you will have our service take effect, you must not tie us always to these judicial proceedings wherewith your Realm (thanked be God) is enured. Touching my kingdom, I know not what your Lordship should mean thereby; If your Grace imagine that a Kingdom consisteth in serving God, in obeying the Prince, in governing with love the common wealth, in supporting subjects, in suppressing rebels, in executing justice, in bridling blind affections, I would be willing to be invested with so virtuous and royal a name: but if therefore you term me a King, in that you are persuaded that I repine at the government of my sovereign, or wink at malefactors, or oppress civil livers: I utterlydisclaim that odious term, marveling greatly that one of your Graces profound wisdom would seem to appropriate so sacred a name to so wicked a thing: but howsoever it be (my Lord) I would you and I had changed Kingdoms, but for one month, I would trust to gather up more crumbs in that space, than twice the revenues of my poor Earldom: but you are well and warm, and so hold you, and upbraid not me with such an odious term. I slumber in a hard Cabin, when you sleep in a soft bed of Down: I serve under the King's Cope of heaven, when you are served under a Canopy: I drink water out of my skull when you drink wine out of golden cups: my Courser is trained to the field, when your Jennet is taught to amble: when you are graced & belorded, & crouched and kneeled unto, then find I small grace with our Irish borderers, except I cut them off by the knees.  
At these girds the Lord Chancellor much fretted, and finding Kildare to be no babe, deferred the hearing of his cause, till more proofs were produced from Ireland; then in a great fume he arose from the Council board, and committed the Earl unto prison, against the minds of most at the Table, who knew well, that this his accusation was more of hatred borne by the Cardinal, than any occasion 
Kildare committed to prison.  given by the accused late Deputy. Whereupon Thomas Duke of Norfolk stepped to the King, and craved that Kildare might be his prisoner, offering to be bound in goods and body for his forth coming, whom he obtained, though with no great liking of the L. Chancellor, who daily entertained new plaints against him, till at last he pressed him sore with letters sent to Oneale and Oconor, to encourage 
Kildare accused for suborning of Traitors  their rebellions against Osorie the Lord Deputy; which letters were brought them by his own daughter and their sisters, the Lady Elice Fitzgirald wife to the Baron of Slain.  
(59) This presumption being vehement, the King suspicious, the Cardinal eager, and his friends faint, Kildare was sent to the Tower, where he committed himself to God, and expected daily his 
Kildar committed to the Tower.  death, but with such courageous resolution, as he being in play with the Lieutenant at slide-groat, when the mandate was brought for his execution on the next morning, and seeing the Lieutenant struck into a sudden sadness; by Saint Bride, Lieutenant (quoth the Earl) there is some mad game in that scrowll; but fall how it will, this throw is for a huddle: and when the worst was told him, 
Kildares' noble courage. Holinshed. Hist. of Ireland.  now I pray thee (quoth he) do no more but learn assuredly from the Kings own mouth, whether his Highness be witting thereto or no; the Lieutenant loving his prisoner well, repaired to the King, and showed him the Cardinals warrant, who then controlled the sauciness of the Priest (for those were his terms) and gave the Lieutenant his Signet for a countermand, whereat the Cardinal stormed, but Kildare delivered from his eminent death, and not long after from his imprisonment also, was sent into Ireland, where at his entrance into Dublin, he was 
Kildar received into Dublin with procession.  met with a solemn procession, and so brought into the City; so well-beloved was this Earl abroad, and at home.  
(60) But the French Kings fortunes were nothing so good, who was straightly imprisoned at Madrill in 
The French king imprisoned at Madril. G●…ard.  Spain, and great suit made for his deliverance, which notwithstanding would not be heard. The Queen mother than Regent of France, wise of herself, and forwarded by others, saw no better means to free her son the King, then to enter amity with England, which to accomplish, she solicited King 
Queen mother soliciteth King Henry.  Henry; working upon the occasions then ministered, which was some unkindness grown betwixt the English King, and the Emperor, the one of them more strange by the greatness of his fortunes, and the other in jealousy of lessening renown. The sparks of which Cinders were steered to flame, by 
Dislikes 〈◊〉 the Emperor and K. Henry.  Wolsey that ever was in the ear of the King: alleging his potency, so much esteemed of all Christian Princes (a sound very tuneable in Henry's wide ear) would be less regarded by the emperors late victory; who now began to carry himself with another respect, and never after that victory gotten subscribed his letters to King Henry, according to his accustomed manner, your Sun and cozen; but to the draft of his Secretaries, in fixed his hand with the word Charles and no more.  
(61) These dislikes and other intercourses of State, drew Henry shortly to a peace with France. 
Peace betwixt England and France.  In the exemplification of which league the Venetians, and other Princes were left to their choice, whereof himself notwithstanding would be styled the Protector. And to his leaguer Ambassadors sent these instructions to move the States to consider 
Signed with 〈◊〉 own 〈◊〉, in Ann. 1526.  the Emperors aspired greatness, who now commanded the Kingdoms of Naples, and Sicily; the Duchy of Milan, the Signiory of joan, the County of Ast, and other possessions in Italy, the whole Country of Germany, being the greatest 
The great Dominions of the Emperor.  part of Christendom, already either totally in his  
Enacted in the Church of Saint Peter in Anion. May 7, Anno 1530.  

The Determination of the University of Burges.  
We the Dean and faculty of Divinity, in the University of Burges, after the example of Saint Paul the Doctor of the Gentiles, begin with prayer to the quieting of the conscience, to whom this our writing shall come; the Question moved is whether the brother taking the wife of his dead brother, the marriage consummated, and perfect, be a thing lawful or no. We by much labour and turning of Books, every one of us a part by himself, free from corruption, the better to obey the truth, find it forbidden by the levitical law which is Gods, and that such marriage is an abominable discovering of his brother's shame, which cannot be allowed by the authority of any man: which our determination we have caused to be signed with the seal of our faculty, the tenth day of june, and year of our Lord. 1530.   

The opinions of the Divines in the University of Bonony.  
All we Doctors of Divinity in this University, unto whom this Question was propounded, whether it was forbidden only by the Ordinance of the Church, or else by the Law of God, that a man might not marry the left wife of his brother departed without children, and having examined the matter every one of us alone, lastly came altogether, and as it were line by line, and rule by rule, brought forth the reasons for the contrary part, with those of the most Reverend Father Cardinal Caietaine, yea and of the dispensation for raising up seed to his brother, spoken of in Deuteronomie; thus we determine, give judgement, and say, and confidently do hold and witness that such marriage is horrible, accursed, and to be cried out upon, and utterly abominable, not only for a Christian man, but for an Infidel unfaithful or heathen: and that it is prohibited under grievous pains and punishments by the Law of God, of Nature, and of man, and that the Pope, though he may do much, unto whom Christ gave the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, hath no power to a dispensation to any man to contract such marriage: In witness whereof we confirm this our judgement, both under the Seal of our University, as also with the Seal of our College of Doctors of Divinity, and have substribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of june, the year of our Lord. 1530.   

The determination of the University of Padua.  
Seeing that certain great Orators and Ambassadors did humbly require of us, that we would vouchasafe to search out with all diligence this question following, whether to marry the wife of our brother departed without children is forbidden only by the Law of the Church, or by the Law of God also: and if forbid by both the Laws, whether the Pope may dispense with any man for such Matrimony or no? which Question we have discussed and as far as we can, have made it clear, both private every man by himself and after all together openly, we say, judge, decree, witness, and for truth affirm, that such marriage is no marriage: yea and that it is abhorred and cursed of every Christian man, and to be abominate as a grievous sin, and that it is clearly forbidden under cruel penalty by the Laws of nature, of God, and of man, and that the Pope unto whom the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed by Christ the Son of God hath no power to dispense by the right of Law for any cause, suggestion, or excuse, that any such Matr●…ny should be contracted. In witness whereof we 〈◊〉 made this writing, and have authorized it, with the accustomed Seal of our University, dated at Padua in the Church of the hermits of Saint Augustine the first of july, and year of our Lord. 1530.   

The determination of the University of Tholouze.  
It was treated in our University of Tholouze: whether it were lawful for a brother to marry her which had been wife to his brother now departed, and without children: as also whether the Pope which hath the cure of Christ's flock allowing it by his dispensation, it be lawful: to resolve which, the best Doctors of Divinity, and the Laws, did swear that they would obey the sacred Counsels, and would follow the holy Decrees of the Fathers, and falling to conclusion stuck fast upon this point, that it is lawful for no man, neither by the Law of God, nor by the Law of nature, to take her to wife that his brother hath left: neither can the Pope dispense with this law of God: as touching the commandment in Deuteronomy that the brother should marry his wife to raise up seed unto him, that his name should not perish among the Tribes of Israel, we answer that that Law was but a shadow and figure of things to come, which vanished away as soon as the substance of the Gospel appeared. Thus have we given our sentence, which we have signed with our Authentical Seal of this University. Yeoven at Tholouze, the Calends or first day of October, the year of our Lord, 1530.   
These and many more were read by the Lord Chancellor unto the lower house of Parliament that they might report in their countries, the King's just cause of divorce. To forward which (as was thought) Cardinal Wolsey the said Lord Chancellor was sent Ambassador into France, laden with 
Guicchard. Rich. Turpin. G. C●….  Crowns, as Guicchardine saith, and with surpassing Pomp as London beheld, who with 900. Horse passed the Bridge toward Dover, and so into France.  
But rumours in England still spreading of the good Queen's divorce, about a year after, K. Henry to satisfy 
A. D. 1528.  all, sent for his Nobles, his counsellors, judges, 
The King's Oration to his Nobility.  and many wise Commoners unto whom he made a most pithy Oration, showing them with what care he had ruled almost twenty years with honour and victory, which as he said, would shortly be clouded, if he should die and leave them a litigious 
Edward Hall.  Heir, examples he showed of the woeful experience of Lancaster and York, in whose dissensions the Realm was like to have been utterly destroyed: and although (saith he) we have a daughter to the great comfort of her mother and me, yet it is told us by great clerk, our marriage is not lawful, but that she stands in case of illegitimation; 
The King's complaint.  and we both, are said to live in abominable Adultery; think you (my Lords) that these words do not touch my very soul, the peril whereof we venture, as you do also your inheritance, for which cause I have asked counsel of the greatest clerk in Christendom, and have likewise heard the opinion of mine own. But as touching the Queen, if it be judged by the Law of God that she is my lawful wife, there shall be nothing more acceptable unto me, whose noble 
The commendation of Queen Katherine.  conditions, I assure you, (besides her great Parentage) is most gentle, loving and obedient, whereof I have had a true experience almost these twenty years: and were I to choose a wife (if the marriage might stand with God's Law) my Choice should be of her, before any other woman in the world, and if it shall otherwise be proved, I shall not only be most sorrowful for parting with so loving a companion, but much more have occasion to lament my chance, and life in so foul a sin; these than are the sores that torments my mind, for the saving of my soul, and for which cause I have here assembled you, that you may declare to our loving Subjects this our true meaning, and to stay if it may be the rumours of unstaid reports: and this being said, he let them to depart, each man bewraying in countenance the affection of his mind, some pitying the King to see him so perplexed, some favouring the Queen sorrowed her case, and some sighed deeply at this strange speech and sudden alteration.  
(68) But the Cardinal of York fearful to wade too far alone in these troubled waters, desired the 
George Coven. Learned men assembled to decide the King's marriage.  assistance of the learned in the Realm, and thereto got the King's licence, which with his Legatine authority, commanded many learned men both Divines & Lawyers, from Oxford and Cambridge, with the presence of many Bishops beside. These assembled at London, were showed the Instruments and Seals of many foreign universities, all of them disabling the marriage, and holding the dispensation (allowing it) unlawful: but because that string 
The testimonies of many Universities sent unto Rome. john Stow. pag 9●…1.  could not be touched without sound of reproach to the Pope, as also to clear the King from calumnious reports; it was thought fittest to send the said instruments to Rome, whereunto these so appointed set their own seals, with an humble request to his Holiness, that an indifferent judge might be sent them, to determine this great and strange cause of the King; which was so followed by his Ambassadors in the Pope's Court, that Lawrence Campeius a Cardinal of great credit and wisdom, from their 
Cardinal Campeiu cometh into England.  Consistory was sent into England, unto whom, wise Wolsey Cardinal of York was joined in commission, with power to erect a Court, to hear the cause pleaded, & to give sentence definitive, as they found the equity of law.  
(69) To that end therefore a place was ordained at the Blackfriars in London, and the King with the Queen removed themselves unto his palace of 
The King and Queen summoned to appear personally in the Court at Black Friars.  Bridewell near adjoining, whence ere long they were summoned by Process personally to appear in Court, which accordingly they did, having several seats ordained under clothes of estate, mounted somewhat higher than the two Cardinals, the Precedents, under whose feet sat the Scribes and other Officers; the Court being framed Consistory-wise, was furnished with Bishops, Doctors, Lawyers, and learned Counsellors, in most solemn wise: the Doctors for the King, were Simpson and Bell, and his Proctors Peter and Tregonell: for the Queen were Fisher, Standish, and Ridley, a very little man but a great Divine, the Court thus set, and Commission read, the Crier called the King, by the name of King Henry to come into the Court, who forthwith answered and said, Here. Then was the Queen called by the name of Queen Katherine to come into the Court, who made no answer at all, but presently rose up, and going about the Court to the King, fell down on her knees, before his feet, and in the hearing of the people spoke thus in effect.  
Sir, I desire you to take some pity upon me, 
Queen Katherine's speech to the King.  and do me justice and Right: I am a poor woman, a stranger borne out of your Dominions, having here no indifferent Council, and less assurance of friendship. Alas, wherein have I offended, or what cause of displeasure have I given, that you intent thus to put me away? I take God to my judge, I have been to you a true and humble wife, ever conformable to your will and pleasure, never gainsaying any thing wherein you took delight, without all grudge or discontented countenance; I have loved all them that loved you, howsoever their affections have been to me ward, I have borne you children, and been your wife now this twenty years, of my virginity and marriage bed, I make God and your own conscience the judge, and if it otherwise be proved, I am content to be put from you with shame. The King your Father in his time for wisdom was known to be a second Solomon, and Ferdinando of Spain my Father, accounted the wisest among their Kings; could they in this match be so far overseen, or are there now wiser and more learned men, then at that time were? surely, it seemeth wonderful to me that my marriage after twenty years should be thus called in question with new invention against me who never intended but honesty. Alas Sir, I see I am wronged, having no Counsel to speak for me, but such as are your Subjects, and cannot be indifferent upon my part. Therefore I most humbly beseech you, even in Charity to stay this course, until I may have advise and counsel from Spain; if not, your Grace's pleasure be done. And 
Queen Katherine departed the Court.  therewithal rising, and making lowly obeisance to the King, departed thence, leaning upon the Arm of her receiver, each man expecting she had returned to her seat, when as she took directly out of the place; which being perceived, the Crier again called her by the name of Queen Katherine to come into the Court; Madam quoth her guide, you are again called; on, on, said she, it maketh no matter, this is no indifferent Court for me; therefore go forward.  
(70) The King perceiving that she was departed, presently spoke thus unto the assembly. I will 
The King's report of his Queen.  (quoth he) in her absence declare before you all, that she hath been to me a most true, obedient and comfortable wife, endued with all virtuous qualities and conditions, according to her birth; and in lowliness equal any of base estate. With that Cardinal Wolsey made unto the King an humble request, that his Majesty would be pleased to declare before that honourable audience, whether he had been the causer of this his intended divorce, wherewith he was charged in the opinions of the people.  
My Lord Cardinal quoth the King, I can well excuse you in this, and rather affirm that you 
The King excuseth the Cardinal.  have been against me, in attempting it thus far: but the chiefest motive for this matter, was the scruple of conscience, conceived upon certain words spoken by the Bishop of Bayon, the French Ambassador, sent from the King to conclude a marriage betwixt Prince Henry his second son, Duke of Orleans, and our only daughter Lady Mary, which Bishop made doubt, and desired respite to be satisfied for the legitimation of our said daughter, in respect of our marriage with this woman, being my own brother's wife, which presently engendered such scruples and doubts in me, that my conscience hath been continually vexed, lest by continuing in that sin after knowledge, I 
King Henry's conscience and care.  draw God's indignation against me, which I fear we have already done in that he hath sent us no Issue male, and them that were begot in this nuptial bed, no sooner came into the world, but were taken again thence, and hopeless now of more issue by her, it behoveth me to consider the state of this Realm, and the danger that may follow for lack of a lawful Prince to succeed. This burden too weighty for my weak conscience (not in any dislike of the Queen's age, or person, with whom I desire only to continue, if our marriage may stand with the law of God) I have in this place assembled you our grave Prelates, and learned Divines, to determine of, and will God willing submit myself to your judgements. My doubts in this case I moved in confession to you my Lord of Lincoln, and ghostly father, whereof yourself being somewhat troubled, said you would ask counsel of you all my Lords. Then of you my Lord of Canterbury being Metropolitan, I got licence to put the matter in question, to which gra●… you all put your seals, as here in this Court the same is to be seen. True it is, said the Lord of Canterbury, and I doubt not but that all my brethren here present will acknowledge the same. Not so my Lord said the Bishop of Rochester, you never had my hand to that Instrument, nor never shall. Indeed said Canterbury you did it not yourself, but admitted m●…e to subscribe your name, and allowed 
The Bishop of Rochester contradicteth the Archbishop of Canterbury.  me your Seal; under your correction said Rochester that is not so; Well, well, (quoth the King) you are but one man, against whom at this time we will not dispute, and so rose up, and the Court adjourned  
ned to England; but he took his way towards the Emperor (to whom the cause somewhat appertained) being then at Vienna in his expedition against the Turk, unto whose learned men he offered disputation, and in private conference so satisfied Cornelius 
Cornelius Agrippa yieldeth to the proposition.  Agrippa, the most respected for learning in the emperors Court, as he held the Proposition most true. Whereupon others learned were discouraged to dispute, and suffered Cranmer to depart without any further proceedings.  
(80) The matter thus manifested in most parts of Christendom, this Gordians knot was last unloosed by King Henry himself, who now besides this his marriage, began to call in question, what authority the Pope had in his dominions; which being afterwards debated in Parliament, an Act passed against 
The Pope's usurpation forbid by Parliament.  his usurped Hierarchy, and all persons forbidden to appeal, or to make any payments unto Rome. The King's marriage with Lady Katherine, was 
●…x Parl. 24 H. 〈◊〉. K. Henry's marriage dissolved by Parliament.  by the same Parliament dissolved, and his separation from her, made by the Archbishop of Canterbury to stand good, and effectual by Law, and that Queen Katherine from thenceforth should be called 
Fox Mart. 1197.  Princess Dowager, which doings she took so to hart, as she procured the Pope's curse against King 
Katherine Dowager.  Henry, and his Realm, which curse was set up at Dunkirk in Flaunders, for that the bringer thereof durst come no nearer. And the Pope in revenge of himself, being set in his Consistory accompanied 
Holinsh. pag 93●….  with his Cardinals, proceeded to the Censure of these great Prince's marriage, which he then adjudged 
Pope Clement 7. adjudgeth the marriage lawful.  to stand most firm and Canonical, and enjoined King Henry to hold matrimonial society with the said Katherine his lawful wife and Queen, and in that estate to account and maintain her as it became a King and loving husband to do, and if he refused to accomplish these premises, then to be compelled thereunto, and never after to be heard in any Court as touching the invalidity of the said marriage, and 
The thunderings of Pope Clement 7.  to pay the expenses of the said traverse, as he the holy father should limit and think meet. This was done a year after that the King had married Queen Anne, and bare date from Rome, the 23. of March and year of Christ 1534. For in the mean while King Henry had set his affection upon the Lady Anne 
Sleidan. come. li. 9  Bullen, a Phoenix indeed in his Princely eye,, and another Hester for England's salvation, both in herself and royal Bud succeeding, as the heavens and world do witness to this day. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen Viscount Rochfort, Earl of Wiltshire, 
The descent of Anne Bullen.  and of Lady Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk. This Earl Thomas her father was the son of Sir William Bullen, whose wife was Lady Margaret, the second daughter and Coheir of Thomas Butler Earl of Ormond, and the said Sir William was the son of Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Mayor of London, who lieth buried in 
Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Mayor of London. Anne 1457.  Saint Laurence Church in the jewrie, pictured in his winding sheet upon a Plate of Brass, and about his Grave-stone upon a border of brass in many places these words are written, Now thus, Now thus, Now thus, whose Charity was extended upon the poor householders of that City, in distributing among them a thousand pounds. His Lady was Anne, eldest daughter and Coheir unto Thomas Lord H●… and Hasting, and his descent out of the house of the Bullens, an ancient Family in the County of Norfolk; accursed therefore be the pen, that 
Sanders in Schis. Angl.  slanderously bringeth this rose from a defiled Bed, whose Serpents mouth to uphold his God the Pope, hath spewed out his poison of untruths, and made his tongue a sharp sword against the Lords anointed; let him therefore receive his portion with the Serpent of deceit, and his reward with Satan the father of Lies.  
(81) This Lady's religion was different from all Papal indulgences, embracing the Gospel that then 
Anne Bullen religion.  began in our vulgar language to be read, for which cause saith Sleidan she was accounted a Lutheran, cause 
Sleid. come. lib. 9  enough to be envied at, by the Bishops of that time.  
(82) Her, the King invested marchioness of Pembroke with Mantle and Coronet, both in regard 
Anne Bullen Created marchioness of Pembroke.  of her Nobility and many virtues (for so run the words of her Patent) which done, he took the seas, for France, accompanied with such a train of his Nobles, as the like had not been seen, and among 
A. D. 1532. Octob. 11.  many Ladies Anne Bullen was one, where he complained to the French King of the great wrongs offered him by the dull Pope as he called him; who 
K. Henry complaineth of the dull Pope.  would have Kings in person to attend his leisure at Rome, and contrary to their Kingly dignities, to expose themselves and affairs at his will there, to bondage and great danger; and therefore he earnestly requested that the Pope might be summoned to a Council, to answer the many abuses that he had offered unto most of the Princes in Christendom, and unto himself not the least; who for his part had 
King Henry allowed the Pope 60000. Angels monthly.  allowed him threescore thousand Angels monthly to maintain an Army for his deliverance out of the Castle of Angel; where the Emperials under the Prince of Orange kept him. Which his business being ended in France, and the King again returned 
john Stow pa. 946 Anne Dom. 1533. Nou●…mb. 14. Upon S. Erkenwalds' day, saith Hollinshd and Groston. King Henry married Anne Bullen.  into England, he presently (though privily) married the said Lady marchioness in his Closet at Whitehall, in the presence of many; the Lady Anne Savage bearing her Train, * and Doctor Lee doing the rites of their conjunction, who was afterwards consecrated Bishop of Chester, Coventree and Lichfield, and Precedent of Wales.  
(83) The Romanists much fearing that Babel would down, if Queen Anne might be heard against wicked 
* The Pope.  Haman, sought to underproppethe foundations thereof, with certain devices of their own; and that the same might pass without note of suspicion, they laid their forgery even upon Heaven itself; whose pretended Oracle Elizabeth Barton (commonly called, the holy maid of 
Elizabeth Barton the false Oracle or the Romanists.  Kent) was made to be; and the pillars of this godless Fabric were Edward Bocking, a Monk by profession, and doctor of Divinity, Richard Masters, Parson of Aldington, the Town wherein she dwelled, 
The assisters of this false Prophe●…esse.  Richard Deering a Monk, Hugh Rich a Friar, john Adestone, and Thomas Abel, Priests, put to their helping hands, and Henry Gould Bachelor of Divinity, with john Fisher the Reverend father of Rochester, employed their pains to daub these downefalling 
Read Statue. in Anne 25. of King H. 〈◊〉.  walls, with their untempered Mortar. The Scribes that set their pens for her Miracles, were Edward Thwaites Gentleman, and Thomas Lawrence Register, besides Hankherst a Monk who writ a letter that was forged to be sent her from Heaven; and Richard Risby and Thomas Gould, were the men which dispersed her Miracles abroad to the world. This holy maid Elizabeth made a Votarisse in Canterbury, was taught by Bocking her Ghostly Father, and suspected Paramour, to counterfeit many feigned trances, 
The counterfeting of Elizabeth Barton.  and in the same to utter many virtuous words for the rebuke of sin, under which, more freely she was heard against Luther's Doctrine, and the Scriptures translation, than desired of many: neither so only, but that she gave forth from God, and his Saints, by sundry suggestive Revelations, 
Edward Hall. joh. Stow. Holinsh.  that if the King proceeded in his divorce, and second marriage, he should not reign in his Realm one month after, nor rest in God's favour the space of an hour. But the truth discovered by God's true Ministers, this Oracle gave place as all other such 
Cranmer. Cromwell. Latimer.  did, when Christ by his death stopped their lying mouths: for herself and 
* Elizab. Barton. Edward Bocking. Richard Deering. Richard Risby. Richard Master. Henry Gould. Two Monks.  seven of her Disciples were executed for Treason at Tyburn, and the other six put to their fines and imprisonment. With the like counterfeit revelations and feigned predictions this Generation of Hypocrites had brought Edward Lord Stafford, Duke of Buckingham unto his unhappy end, when as by the working of john de la Court, his own Confessor, together with Nicolas Hopkins a Monk of the Carthusian Order, in the Priory 
john Stow.  of Henton in Somersetshire, who by his visions from heaven forsooth, heartened him for the Crown; but 
Edward Duke of Buckingham beheaded.  before his own Coronet could aspire to that top, he worthily lost both head and all upon Tower-hill for his treason, Ann. Dom. 1521. Unto such sins the world was then subject, and into such conceits their reputed holiness had brought them, 
Holinshed.  not only among the simple and unlettered, but even with them that seemed to be learned indeed: for by certain predictions foreshowing a great deluge, Prior Bolton of Saint Bartholomew's in London 
The vain fear of Prior Bolton.  was so fearful, that he built him a house upon the height of Harrow hill, storing it with provisions necessary, to keep himself from drowning, in A. D. 1524.  
(84) But the Pope's Holiness fearing the event of the game, if every man might set and cast at his 
The Pope inciteth james King of Scotland against England.  Crown, thought it high time to lay hand on his own State, and to keep what was left, lestal would be gone; to which end he solicited many Christian Princes to stand on his part, and among them sent his Brief unto james the fifth king of Scotland, desiring his assistance against King Henry of England, whom in 
john Lesly.  his Consistory he had pronounced to be an Heretic, a Schismatic, a manifest Adulterer, a public murderer, a committer of Sacrilege, a Rebel, and 
High treason  convict of Laesae Maiestatis, for that he had risen against him who was his Lord. And therefore he had justly deprived him of his said Kingdom, and would dispose the same to him and other Princes: so as 
The Pope gives England to him that could get it.  they would assist to recover the same, a very good provision, and very well foreseen; for notwithstanding these boisterous blasts from Rome, the King kept his Crown, and was rather feared of the Pope's best Abetters, than did fear any potent power that the world could afford, whose thoughts were now busied for the Coronation of his Queen.  
(85) For Queen Anne conceived, and perceived with Child, her royal Coronation was forthwith 
Queen Anne crowned.  prepared, which with all royal observances upon the first of june, being Whitsunday was performed; and the seventh of September following, she bore into the world that excellent Princess, which afterwards 
Lady Elizabeth's birth. A. D. 1533.  proved the mirror of the world, even Lady ELIZABETH, our late and most famous Queen.  
(86) True it is, that the zealous conversation of this godly Queen gave great encouragements unto many, more publicly with boldness to profess the Gospel; so that the Ministers formerly fled in case 
Fox Martyr. 1366.  of Religion, returned again into England, where the new Testament (translated by Tyndall) was read, but with such dislikes to the Bishops, that they got it to be burnt. Notwithstanding, to tickle the King's ear, they preached against the Pope's supremacy, and took the oath for the King themselves; abolished his authority by Act of Parliament, and 
Statut. Parl. H. 28. cap. 10.  suppressed many Monasteries; leaving their revenues to the Kings will; fair introductions indeed for what they intended, as the sequel of the six Articles by them procured, doth manifestly show: and those purposely made against the maintainers of the Gospel, whereof Queen Anne was the chief, 
Queen Anne a great lover of the Gospel.  who first was most favourable to those learned Divines, that laid man's salvation upon the Rock Christ, next in procuring a toleration from the king for them, whose doctrine did daily undermine the Papal foundation: & lastly, she by no means would consent to marry the King, until a lawful divorce was had for his separation from Lady Katherine; his brother Arthur's wife, which thing this Pope greatly withstood: these were causes sufficient to move his Holiness to bend his brow, and by his Instruments in Court to cut off the principal mover, who foreslowing no time took the Ball before his rebound.  
(87) For the Queen delivered of a dead Child, 
A. D. 1536. jan. 29.  and the King's affection wandering elsewhere, gave them occasion to work on that Subject, which God in his wisdom would have down, lest his deliverance from the bondage of darkness should be attributed 
Queen Anne delivered of a dea●… Child.  to any fleshly arm, or that she who then sat in the throne of the world's full felicity, should fix her senses on so fickle a Centre, who having had experience what it was to be a Prince, must henceforth practise the patience of a poor prisoner, which in the third year of her marriage, and second of May, to act the woeful Scene of her Tragedy, she came upon the Stage, being sent to the Tower of London, and charged with high Treason against the King: at whose first entrance she fell on her knees before Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor, 
Queen 〈◊〉 sent to the Tower.  the Duke of Norfolk; and Thomas Cromwell Secretary her bringers, desiring God so to help her as sne was guiltless of those things whereof she was accused, beseeching those Lords to be Petitioners unto his Majesty in her behalf, who lamenting her case, left her Prisoner with Sir William Kingston Constable of the place.  
(88) I will in no wise excuse her guilt, having had judgement and death by law, though others, and that upon just occasions before me have done, but will speak from them what they have said; and namely one, that wrote thereof unto a worthy and reverent person; in whose defence his words are these: I●…seemeth very plain, that the crimes supposed 
M●…ch. Sandt. The 〈◊〉 of Queen Anne.  against this Christian Queène Anne, were matters contrived by the devise of the Pope, and his Instruments her enemies. None of them all that were accused in the same Treason, confessing the Act even unto death, but have left direct Testimonies in writing to the contrary; one mean Groom excepted, namely Mark Smeton, made confession upon some promise of life belike, but had his head cut off before he was aware, or had time to recall what he had said. The like did Cromwell the Secretary 
Cromwel's letter to the King under his own hand  signify to the King, after the prisoners had been thoroughly examined in the Tower by the Council, who wrote thus in his letter on the same day; many things have been objected, but nothing confessed, only some circumstances have been acknowledged by Mark. And so doth Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury in his letter of comfort unto 
Archbishop Cranmers' let 〈◊〉 to the King.  the King, who sore lamented that such a star was fallen, if her gilt could be proved, and willed his Highness to stand in defence of the Gospel as she had done, without any report of confessing or acknowledging any such Acts as were objected, which as Sleidon writeth, were Adultery, and incest, but unjustly (saith he) as it is supposed and proved since: With 
Sleidans' Com. l. 10  her were executed certain Gentlemen of the King's Privy Chamber, namely, Norris, Weston, Brewton, and one Marks, which contrary to his conscience (as it is reported) for hope of preferment subscribed to a bill, whereby he 
L. Rochfort. No●…is. West. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & Marks beheaded.  condemned both himself and all the rest.  
(89) For upon the seventh of May, her brother George Bullen Lord Rochfort, for his supposed offence with these four before named, were all of them beheaded upon the Tower hill, but none of them confessing the Action; I have heard it reported that Rochfort the Queen's brother coming to her bed side to solicit a suit, leaned thereupon to whisper her in the ear; which the Spials gave forth that he did so, to kiss the Queen, howsoever, they are dead, and the Queen must die, who two days before 
May 15.  had been arraigned in the Tower, the Duke of Norfolk being her judge; to her indictment she answered so effectually, that she seemed to clear 
Queen Anne condemned and beheaded.  all matters laid to her charge; yet was she found guilty, and upon the nineteenth day of May; was brought to a Scaffold erected on the Green within the said Tower, where, in presence of many noble men, the Lord Mayor of London, the sheriffs, and some principal commoners, she is said to have spoken these words in their presence.  
(90) Good Christian people, I am come hither 
Robert Greene.  to die; for according to the Law, and by the Law 
Queen Anne's speech at her death.  I am judged to death, and therefore I will speak nothing against it; I come hither to accuse no  
ye shall be judged hereafter to be shedars of some of Crystyn blood, and destroyers of your even christian. From Robart Ask chief Captain of the Comynalty assembled in pilgrimage, For the Barony and commonalty of the same.  
By me Robert Ask in the name of all the Comynalty and Barony.  
Of such terror and haughty spirit was this Captain 
Ex MS.  Ask, that when Lancaster an Herald at Arms, was sent to declare the King's message in Pomfret Castle (which the Rebels had got by surrender from the Lord Darcy) he so blustered out his answers, that the daunted man excusing himself to be but a messenger, fell before him on his knees; till the Archbishop of York took him up, saying, it was not beseeming the Coat he wore, to prostrate to any, but only to his Sovereign. Read likewise if 
The audacious dealings of the Rebels.  you please this strange Mandate from some mean man among them; the false suggestion that they possessed the ignorant with, and the Oath whereunto these holy Pilgrims were sworn, as I find them recorded by themselves in these very words.  
To the Commyns of Hawkeside parish Bailiffs, or Constables, with all the Hamlets of the same.  
Well-beloved we greet you well, and whereas our brother Poverty, and our brother Rogers, goith forward, is openly for the aid & assistance of your faith, and holy Church, and for the reformation of such Abbeys and Monasteries, now dissolved and subpressed without any Just cause. Wherefore gudde brethers, For as much as our said brederyn hath send to us for aid and help, we do not only effectually desire you, but also under the pain of deadly sin we command you and every of you, to be at the stoke Green beside Hawkeside-kirke, the Saturday next being the xxviij. day of October by xi. of the Clokke, in your best array: as you will make answer before the heigh judge at the dreadful day of Dome, and in the pain of pulling down your Houses, and leasing of your gudds, and your bodies to be at the captains will: For at the place aforesaid, then and there, ye and we, shall take further direction concerning our faith, so far decayed, And for gudde and laudable Customs of the Country, And such naughty inventions and strange Articles now accepted and admitted, so that our said brother be subdued, they are like to go furthwards to utter undoing of the common wealth.  
(97) And the more to draw forward the rude multitude which were forward enough of themselves, 
Slanderous untruths against the King.  they set forth in writing these slanderous untruths against the King.  

1 The first is that no infant shall receive the blessed Sacrament of Baptism, bott unless an trybett to be paid to the King.  
2 The second is that no man under xx1. Lands shall eyte no breed made of Wheat, ner Capon, chicken, gois, ner pig, bott unless to pay a trybett to the King.  
3 The third is that for every ploghe land the King will have en trybett, with other diverse extreme urgent causes, and heartily fareye well.   
The Oath of the holy Pilgrims.  
Ye shall not enter into this our Pilgrimage of Grace for the common wealth, but only for the love that you do 
The oath of the Pilgrims.  bear unto almighty Godde, his faith, and to holy Church militant, the maintenance thereof, to the preservation of the King's person, his issue, to the purifying of Nobility, and to expulse all vilayne blood, and evil counsellors against the common wealth, from his Grace and the privy Counsel of the same, and that ye shall not enter into our said Pilgramege, for no particular profit to yourself, nor to do no displeasure to no pri●…ey person, but by Council for the common wealth, ner slay, ner murder for no envy, but in your hertts put away all fear and dread, and take afore you the Cross of Criste, and in your hearts his faith, the restitution of the Church, the subpression of these Herytyks, and their opinions, by all the holle contents of this Book.  
And for the observation of this Oath, hear another command of the Commissioners, as we find it recorded.  
To the Bailiffs and Communes of the Town of Skarboro.  
Welbelovyd, we Francies By god knight, and john Halom yeoman, in the name of all the Communes, command anacharde you, that ye assemble yourselves together mediately upon recepete hereof, and so take this oath wychies we here send unto you, and then after in all haste possible to assist and hayde these ower brethren, wome we send to you to keep, and make sure the Castle, Town, and Port of Skarboro, that no man enter into the same Castle, that belongys' unto Rafe evers the younger knight, nor any other whiches did not take full part with the Communes, at ower first and last assembling in whoys name, aethority, or attorney soever they cume, unless they have licence of all the communes, in like manner, ye shall truly keep all sichies ordinance, and ship to the use of the Communes, with wyches we charred you at our late being here, and this not to fail, upon pain of your lives, ye shall refer credence unto this messyngeres, thus in haste: Fare ye well, from Settrynton this Mondaye Sancte Mawris day.  
Francis Bigott Knight in the name, and by Commandment of all the Communes.  
Against these rout of Rebels, George Earl of Shrewsbury, not staying for the King's commission 
The Earl of Shrewsbury maketh against the Rebels.  mustered his men, misdeemed of many, that he meant to be a Pilgrim himself, unto which suspectors he made a loyal Oration, disclaiming all intention against their attempts, how colourable so ever they laid their pretence; which done he caused his Chaplain to minister him an Oath of his loyalty, before them in the Field. It was likewise reported that the Earl of Derby was set forward towards them, whom the Pilgrims well hoped would have sided 
Ex MS. R. Coe.  with them, as by their mandate sent to the Brethren appears, where is forbid that none of them should aid him, unless he took the Oath: which he never meant to assay or swear to.  
(98) But true it is the King sent Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Lord General against them, accompanied 
Thomas Duke of Norfolk Lord Lieutenant of the North.  with the marquess of Excester, the Earls of Huntingdon and Rutland; who joining their powers made towards Doncaster, where the Rebels than lay in their Randivou; in whose sight immediately they set up their Tents, and determined battle upon the next day; but on the night betwixt, such floods of water fell, that the river Dun overflowed his bank, and admitted no passage over the Bridge, which thing was taken as a token from God; and thereupon the Lord General offered them Conference, alleging that the King was tender of his subjects lives, 
Pardon and peace offered to the Rebels.  and very unwilling to shed Christian blood: that their cause should be favourably heard, and just complaints redressed, if with submission and duty of Subjects, they would yield themselves & affairs to the King's mercy; that this their rebellious proceedings, was not only the forerunning messenger of destruction to themselves and partakers, but gave also a great advantage unto the Scots, the dangerous enemy unto the Land, and them all: with these and the like persuasions the matter was so forwarded, that a conference was appointed at Doncaster, and four pledges were sent from the Lord General unto the Commons, for the safe returns of their assigned Commissioners, which were these by name.  

Lord Nevil.  
Lord Darcy.  
Lord Stressre.  
Lord Lumley.  
Lord Latimer.  
Sir Thomas Percy.  
Sir George Darcy.  
Robert Ask Captain.  
Sir Ralph Clayer, Seni.  
Sir Ralph Clayer jun.  
Sir Ralph evers.  
Sir William Constable.  
Sir Ralph Constable.  
Sir Rich: Tempest.  
Sir Ralph Romemer.  
Sir William Eustan.  
Sir George Lawton.  
Sir Thomas Hylton.  
M. Robert Constable.  
M. Richard Banner.  
M. Wiseroppe.   
Whose Articles and demands were these, as followeth. 
Ex Original MS.   

The instruction for Sir Thomas Hilton and other Companions.  
1 First to declare to the Duke of Norfolk, and other the Lordys, that th'intent of our meeting of our party, 
The demands of the Commons  surely is meant and thought of assured troth, without any manner of disobeyed, or male engine.  
2 The second is to receive the kings s●…ecundyth, under the Broad Seal of Englonde, and to deliver our s●…ecundyth, and promise, under hour hands, for the Lordys there.  
3 The third to entreat of hour general pardon, for all causes, and all persons, which be within the Realm, which in heart, word, or deed assented, edyter procured, the furtherance in this our quarrel, may be pardoned life, lands, goods; and that in the said pardon, nor other the King's records, we be not witon reputed; ne taken, as Rebylleous or tretors, nor rehearsed in the same.  
4 The fourth that Thomas Cromwell, nor any of his band or serte, be not at hour meeting at Doncastre, but abcente themself from the Council.  
5 The fifth, to receive the King's answer by the declarations of the Lords, and to certify the vere ete●…t thereof to us there.   
Also to know what authority the Lords have to etrete, in promise with us there, as well of hour promise of other things.  
Also to know what pledge the will deliver for our Capitans.  
Also if this pertyculars be concluded, then for to condyscend of other particulars.  

1 The first touching our faith, to have the heresies of Luther, 
The whole drift was to down with the Gospel.  Wyclyf, Hussee, Melancton, Ecolampadius, Busyrs, the Confession German, the Applege of Melanqton, the work of Tyndale; of Bernys, Fryth, of Marshal, Rastell, the Books of Scent German, and such other of any manner Heresy, without the Realm, not to be kept, but utterly to be dystryed.  
2 The second to have the supreme of the church t●…ching cure of sowlle to be reserved to the See of Rome, as before hyt whas accustomed for to be; and to have the consecration of Byshoppys fr●…e him without any first fr●…ts, or pensions to him to be paid out of this Realm, or else a pension reasonable for the outward defence of our faith.   
Also we beseek humble our most drade Sovereign Lord that the Lady Mary may be legetymate, and the estatutes contrary to the same to be a●…lyd for the doom of the title that might incur to the Crown by Scotland, and that to be by Parliament.  
Also to have the Abbeys that be suppressed to be restored to their Lands, Howsys, and Goods.  
Also to have the Tents and first fr●…ts clearly discharged, unless the Clergy will of themselves gr●… a Rent or Charge to the augmentation of the Crown.  
Also to have the Freres obser●…s restored to their houses again.  
Also to have the Heretics Bishoppies, and temporal men of their feet, to have condign ponysment by fire, or such 
An uncharitable and unchristian motion.  other; or else to try their quarrel with us and our partaker sin battle.  
Also to have the Lord Cr●…mwell, the Lord chancellor, and Sir Ryc. Rich Knight to have condign ponysment, as subverters of the gudlawes of the Rea●…me; and onetemers of the stese sect of this false heretics first inventor and brengers of them.  
Also that the Landys in Westmoreland, Comberland, Kendale, Dentsyd, Furnes, and the Abbeys lands in York, Worsaidyshire, Kerbyshire, Neverdale, main be Tenant Right, and the lord to have at every change two years rend, in the name of a agarsumme, and no more, according to a grant now made by the Lords to the commons under their Seals, and this to be done by Act of Parliament.  
Also the hand-gunnys and Crosse-boys, with the penalty of the same to be repelled, unless hyt be in the King's forests and Parks to killers of Dear.  
Also that Doctor Lee, and Doctor Leyton, may have condign punishment for their extortions in time of visitation, in bribes, of some religious houses, x. l. xx. l. and for other sums, beside horsies, vowsens, leases, under covent seallies, by them taken, and other abominable Acts by them committed and done.  
Also to see reformation for the election of Knights of shire, and the B●…rgys; and for the use among the Lords in the Perlament after the ancient custom.  
Also the Statute for enclosing Intackes to be put in execution, that all Intacks, Inclosys sith Anno quarto Henrici ●…eptimi be pulled down exceeding Forests, and Parkys to be dystrud of their qunition, and tax now granted by Parliament.  
Also to have the parliament in a convenient place as Nottingham or York, and the same to be so moved shortly.  
Also that it may be enacted by authority of Parliament, that all recognisans, stat●…tys, penalties, newly forfeited during the time of the Commission may be pardoned & discharged, aswell against the King as stranger.  
Also the Privilege of the Right of the Church to be confirmed by Act of Parliament, and Prysts not to suffer unless they be degraded; a man to be saved by his Book; Sanctuary to save a man in all causes in extreme need, and the Church to save a man for forty days; and further according to the ●…wes as they were used in the beginning of the Kyngys' days.  
Also the liberties of the Church to have their old Customs, as the County Palatine of Durham, Beverley, Reppon, S. Peter of York, and such other by Act of Parliament.  
Also to have the Statute that no man shall declare his will on his land to be repelled.  
Also the Statute of treason for W●…ys, made sith Anno xxi. of our Sovereign that now is to be in like wise repelled.  
Also that the common Law may have place aswell as was used in the beginning of your gracious reign, and that all Injunctions be clearly denied, and not granted, unless the matter be heard in the Cha●…cery, and there determined.  
Also that no man upon sub poena, or Privy Seal from Trent Northward, appear but at Yo●…rke, or by Attorney unless it be directed upon pene of allegyance, or for like matter concerning the King.  
Also a rem●…dy against Exchequer for f●…ing of false Offices, and extortions in taking of Fees, for that which is not held of the King, and against the Pr●…ters thereof.  
These were the Instructions given to their Co●…ssioners to be c●…ferred upon, all which as it should seem, were drawn into four Articles or heads, as by the minute of the Kings answer thereunto doth appear: which Original in many places with his own hand is interlined with so wise and learned additions, as do confirm his Kingly care, both for the Church and common weal: the true copy whereof to his great f●…e is as followeth: his corrections and additions is varied from the rest by a several Character.  
[Petitions]  
An Answer to the [demands] of the Rebels in Yorkshire, by the King's Highness.  
for the premises, or any of them, by his heirs, or by any his Officiaries, Ministers, or Subjects, by any manner of means or in any manner of wise. Provided always, that you and every of you in token of a perfect declaration and knowledge, that ye do heartily lame●…nd be sorry for your said offencies, shall make your humbly submission unto his Highness, in the presence of his right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousins and Concellairs: the Duke of Norforlke, and the Earl of Shrewsburie his Lieutenant's General, or any of them, or to their Deputy or Deputies of them, or any of them, or such other person, or persons as the King's Highness shall appoint for the same: Furthermore the Kings most royal majesty, streitely chargeth and commandeth, that you and every of you, shall from henceforth, like true and faithful Subjects use yourselves, in God's peace, and his, according to the duties of allegiance, and that you shall in no wise hereafter, attempt to make or procure, any such rebellion, intent, unlawful Assemblies, Riots, Routs, and Conspirations, nor at the Commandment, nor by the Authority of any person, of what estate or degree, or for what cause soever it be, shall arise in any forcible manner, and array, unless it be at the special commandment of the King's Highness, or his Lieutenant sufficiently authorised for the same. In witness whereof the Kings most royal majesty, hath caused this his Proclamation to be made Patent, and sealed with his great sail at Richemounte the IX. day of December in the XXVIII. year of his Reign. 1536.  
Pexsall.  
Notwithstanding this General pardon and merciful dealings of the King a new Insurrection was raised in the North, wherein many of the former were now again Actors, as by name Robert Ask whom 
Holinsh. pag. 944.  the King had not only pardoned, but also highly rewarded, the Lord Dacres, Sir Robert Constable, Sir Francis ●…ygod, Pulmer, Percy, Hamilt●…n, Tempest and Lumley, all of them put to death, as they well deserved. 
Ask executed.   
(99) In which Commotions those men whose profession was only the Book and their ●…eades, mistaking Christ's meaning, who bade his Disciples to sell their coat, and to buy a sword, came armed among 
Luk. ●…2. 36. Spiritual men Commotioners.  the Rebels into the Field, and with them were taken as Traitors against the Crown: for which offence many of them suffered death: namely, john Paslew Abbot of Whaley in Lincolnshire, john Castegate and William Haydocke Monks of the same house, 
Monks hanged for rebellion.  Robert Hobbs Abbot of Woborne in Bedfordshire, Adam Sudbury Abbot of Gernaux with Astbeed a Monk of that house; the Abbot of Sawley in Lancashire and the Prior of the same place, William Wold Prior of Birlington, the Parson of Pudington, five Priests of Lincolnshire, and with them their chieftain, Captain Cobbler, and john Allen Priest.  
(100) These stirs thus quieted and the Statesmen at leisure to prevent the like, a Commission 
Idols and Monasteries suppressed by Parliament.  came forth to purge the Churches of Idols; and to suppress the Monasteries to the King's use, granted unto him by Parliament: the one of them, the only working cause, through the gain that was got by ignorant devotion, and gadding on pilgrimage, and the other, the Nest and very receptacle of all traitorous attempters, against the peace of the Land and Supremacy of the Crown. The abuse of the first was solemnly showed at Paul's Cross in London, 
A. D. 1538.  upon Sunday the twenty four of February, by Doctor john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, where the Rood 
The Rood of Grace broken at Paul's Crosse.  of Boxley in Kent, commonly called the Rood of Grace, made with divers vices to bow down and to lift up itself, to shake, and to stir both Heads, 
Lamb. Peram. in Boxeley.  hands, and feet, to roll the eyes, move the lips and to bend the brows; was then broken and pulled in pieces. So likewise the Images of our Lady of Walsingham and Ipswich, set and besprinkled with jewels, 
Our Lady of Walsingham and other Images burnt.  and Gems, with divers others both of England and Wales; were brought to London and burnt at Chelsey before the Lord Crumwell. Then the Axes of the hewers began to cast down the walls of all Monasteries, whose number (as Cambden doth account 
Cambd. Brit. 645. Monasteries in England, 90. Colleges. 110. Religious Hospitals. 2374. Chaunteries and free Chapels.  them) were six hundred forty five, besides fourscore and ten Colleges, them of Oxford and Cambridge not accounted: of Hospitals one hundred and ten, and of Chaunteries and free Chapels two thousand, three hundred, seventy four, all of them almost were then borne down with the sudden deluge of those tempestuous times, whilst the world stood amazed, King Henry proceeded, and the Clergy men groaned under their own destructions; among these the Shrine of Thomas Becket was defaced, which did abound with more than Princely riches: whose meanest part was pure gold, garnished with many precious stones, as Erasmus that saw 
Eras. Dialogue.  it, hath written, whereof the chiefest was a rich Gem of France, offered by King Lewis, who asked 
W. Lamb. Peram.  and obtained (you may be sure, he buying it so dear) that no passenger betwixt Dover and Whitesand should perish by shipwreck; his bones by Stephen Langton had been laid in a golden Shrine, 
The state and opinion of Tho. Beckets' Shrine.  his name canonised, and the day of his death made annually holy, such concourse of Pilgrim, such pressing to touch him, and such creeping and kneeling to his Tomb, that the prints of their devotion in the Marble stones, remains to this day; every Pillar resounding the miracles of this reputed Martyr, and the Church itself dedicated to Christ, forced to give place to the name of Saint Thomas. The Timber work of this Shrine was covered with 
john Stow.  plates of gold, damasked and embossed with wires of gold, garnished with broochs, images, angels, precious 
The great riches of Beckets' Shrine.  stones, and great Orient Pearls: all these defaced filled two Chests and were for price of an unestimable value. But in steed of these Dagons, the Bible in English was commanded to be read in all Churches, and Register Books of weddings, Christen and Burials in every of them to be kept.  
(101) The yearly revenues of these, as they were valued by the Commissioners, at their subversions 
The great revenues of the Monasteries.  amounted to an unestimable sum, as appeareth by the Original Book itself presented to the King, whereof more shall be spoken in the end of this chapter, and yet most of them rated at Robin-hoods penny-worthes, what their rents were, a libel 
Supplication of Beggars.  scattered abroad, and read to the king, by demonstration did prove, wherein was accounted, that unto the five Orders of Friars, (every householder paying them five pence the Quarter) the sum of forty three thousand, three hundred, thirty three pound, 
The great revenues of the Friars.  six shillings and eight pence sterling, was paid them by year, besides the revenues of their own lands, which was not a little, so that not without cause many entered into a Monastical life, rather to live at full, and without cares of this world, then to feed the flock of Christ, or to win them, and not theirs, after the example of the Apostle. For the Testament 
2. Cor. 12. 14.  of Christ, was unto most of these, as a book sealed with seven seals, and their mouths unmuzled they did devour, but not tread out the Corn, 
D●…ut. 25. 4.  so that the Sun by their doctrine seemed to be darkened, as with smoke, and themselves to be the 
Apoca. 9  Locusts that overspread the superficies of the Earth, whose faces were like men, pretending humanity, their hair like women in show of modesty, their Crowns of counterfeited gold, signifying their usurped authority, their teeth like Lions showing their Tyranny, their force like horses prepared for battle, their habergions of Iron betokening their strength, the sound of their wings, the thundering out their mandates like to the rumbling of Chariots in war, their Tails (〈◊〉 Prophets) having stings like unto Scorpions, a●…●…heir King the bad Abaddon, even the Angel of the Bottomless pit. All those allusions most aptly sitting these Cloistered Friars, who now grown to the height of their sins, their skirts were discovered, that their shame might 
jere. 13 26.  appear; being the only men then laid open to the world.  
(102) Against whose doctrine, (besides many others in other foreign parts) two in the days of K. Henry the fourth, the first English King that put any 
Many suffered death for the Gospel before that Martin Luther wrote.  to death for the doctrine of Rome; (omitting Sir john Oldcastle and others, that died for the Gospel's defence, in the days of King Henry the fifth) four in the reign of innocent Henry the sixth. One in the days of King Edward the fourth; and ten in the time of King Henry the seventh, sealed the doctrine against the papal religion with their blood; all of them being martyred before that Martin Luther wrote. And in the reign of this King twenty six suffered the fire, before the flames thereof could be quenched, which a while was done by the means of good Queen Anne, till afterwards they mounted 
Queen Anne Bullen a favourer of the Gospel, stayed the rage against the Professors.  higher, when the six Articles were made: but because this Ecclesiastic text is handled elsewhere, and seemeth unsociable to our begun Subject, we will refer the Reader for these matters unto the industrious pains of that worthy and ever venerable man M. Fox, taken in his Acts & Monuments of Ecclesiastical history.  
(103) The Monasteries thus dissolved, and the Revenues thereof converted to temporal uses, 
King 〈◊〉 doings displeased many Chri●… Princes.  King Henry ran in great obloquy of many foreign Potentates, but most especially of the Pope; who with Cardinal Poole instigated divers Princes in Christendom to invade England thus fallen from his faith: Yea, & home-born subjects disliking the course for Papistical subversion, by secret working sought to deprive King Henry, and to raise up Reynold Pool unto the Regal dignity, as by their inditements appeareth. The persons convicted, were Lord Henry Courtney marquess of Excester, & Earl of Devonshire, the son of Lady Katherine, the seventh daughter of King Edward the fourth. Henry Poole Lord Montacute, with Sir Geffrey his brother, and Sir Edward Nevil brother to the Lord of Abergavenny. These Pools were the sons of Lady Margaret Countess of Salisbury, the only daughter of George Duke of Clarence: and of these 〈◊〉 Poole once Deane of Excester, and now Cardinal●… at 〈◊〉 was accounted the only man.  
(104) And this foresaid Lord marquess had formerly been in such favour with King Henry, that at his going into France he ordained him his Heir apparent, though at his return upon grave deliberation, he saw it better policy to pluck him down 
Camb. Brit.  then was used in setting him up, lest in acting his part upon that infective stage, he put the land to as much trouble as the arreared Duke Richard of York had done, after he was ordained heir apparent, which Title produced the Tragedy of his raiser King Henry the sixth, and now having him and his Abetters upon the advantage, the better to secure 
Lord marquess and others beheaded. A. D. 1539. jan. 9  his own Estate, he caused the heads of this Lord marquess with the Lord Montacute, and Sir Edward Nevil to be cut off upon Tower-hill.  
(105) The King than a Widower, since the death of Queen jane, who departed this life two years before, meant to 〈◊〉 wh●… he had done, maugre all 〈◊〉 better ●…o effect, by the Counsel▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 sought and obtained the 〈◊〉 the Princes of 〈◊〉, and heard the motion for marriage with the Lady Anne sister to William Duke of 〈◊〉, whose other 
joh. 〈◊〉.  sister Frederick Duke of 〈◊〉 had espoused, a great favourer of the Gospel, and 〈◊〉 of Martin Luther the zealous Preacher 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thereof. But whether for the death of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or that he would have his wives sister bestowed nearer at home (which thing he pretended) a great hind●…er he was of that match. But the Lady sent into England, and married unto King 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 nothing 
King Henry married Anne of 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 6. An. 1540  pleasing in his eye; which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 than Bishop of Winchester perc●…ing▪ thought it a fit subject for him to work vpo●…, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord Cromwell the maker of the m●…ch▪ he therefore instigated jealousies daily into the King's 〈◊〉, 
〈◊〉▪ Mart. 1296.  first exasperating the hatred of the Princes of 〈◊〉 nigh to himwards, and especially of Duke Frederick his compulsive brother in Law, the Emperor, French Kings, Scots and the Pope, all seeking at once to raise their powers against England. The civil tumults lately passed, and new commotions greatly to be feared, he letted not to remember, and all to nip the spring of the new spreading Gospel, whereby 
The six Articles devised.  this wise Politician in the end got six such Articles against it, as the Consistory of Hell could devise no worse. Whose cruelties were such that not long after, and in the days of this King, some of those Acts were again repealed, and some of them qualified, 
32. H. 8. chap. 10▪ 35. H. 8. cap. 5.  as too sharp and searching into the blood of the King's best Subjects.  
(106) The fruit of these bloodthirsty instigators, the Lord Cromwell, and Lady Anne of Cleve soon 
Lord Cromwell imprisoned.  tasted of, he by imprisonment and death, and she by disgrace and divorce; having been his wife from lanuary to june, in all which time the King refrained the mutual knowledge of her body, for the dislike he had of her person, even at the first sight, as himself called to witness the Lord Cromwell then Prisoner 
In a letter writ●… ten by himself●…. Ex MS. An●… 32. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. cap. ●…5.  in the Tower, for whose report he wrote a Letter with his own hand; and she good Lady no other cause alleged, was divorced by Parliament, when also it was enacted that she should no 
Queen 〈◊〉 divorced by Parliament.  longer be styled Queen. The Lord Cromwell was charged by the Lord Rich, and Sir George Throgmort●… with speaking of certain general words, not excepting therein the kings person, which nevertheresse were thought so sleight and insufficient to take away his life, that his enemies feared to put it to the trial of his Peers, lest he should be acquitted by them, as the Lord Dacres of the North not many years before had been; wherefore 
Cromwell affect his death 〈◊〉ted by 〈◊〉 meant. Ex MS.  there was a Bill drawn to attaint him of here●… and Treason, in general words, rather than in particular proofs, which when he was dead, passed in both houses of Parliament with the kings assent:  
(107) Howbeit S●…ders that seldom speake●… well of the Gospel's professors, will have him to die 
D. 〈◊〉.  for the breach of a Law made by himself, which was, that one appeached of treason, should not come in the King's presence, till he had tried himself not guilty; but besides that we find no such Act by him made: his indictment doth not charge him with treason, but with setting at liberty certain persons committed for misprision of treason and here●…▪ for favouring and maintaining the transation of 
No such things as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poseth 〈◊〉 Cromwell.  heretical books into English; for bearing out Barnes and other heretical Preachers▪ that himself was an heretic, and had spoken words▪ great word●… for the upholding of his said religion, which were, that the King should not change it if he would▪ for these things he was 〈◊〉 by Parliament of high Treason, and that grounded either upon a St●…ute made in the fi●…e and twenty of Edward th●… 
N●… 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 well to cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  third, or else by the explanation of that Act which referreth the exposition of Treasons to the 〈◊〉, and so no way did 〈◊〉 devise or make any law of treason, which himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 that partial Romanist hath said.  
(108) But most sure it is▪ that the King●…●…on, altogether guided by the 〈◊〉 object▪ 〈◊〉 ●…other point in the Compass to fire his 〈◊〉 eye, besides that only, which by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 touched by the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, and th●… 〈◊〉 to be the Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ward 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  the brother of Thomas Duk●… of 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 whom Cromwell standing in the defence of 〈◊〉 Anne, and using words of dis●…ke 〈◊〉 the Lady 〈◊〉, distasteful unto the King▪ was thereupon apprehended (his enemy so 〈◊〉) and upon the 
A. D. 1540  twenty eight of july suffered 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 of the Axe upon 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beheaded the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, neither 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nor 〈◊〉 quietly dying for his offence 
〈◊〉.  committed 〈◊〉▪  
(109) The sword thus unsheathed upon the necks of the Nobility; struck off the head of Margaret 
A. D. 1541. May 17.  Countess of Salisbury, daughter and he●…re unto George Duke of Clarence, and mother unto Reynold Poole Cardinal, being neither arraigned nor tried, but condemned by Parliament as Cromwell had been. 
Margaret Count tesse of Salisbury beheaded.  And the Lord Leonard Grace in this present year lost his head for treason, the twenty eight of june. And the next day following Thomas Fines Lord Dacres of the South, died at Tyburn for killing a private man in a fray. Neither was it put up, until that 
Lord Dacres hanged.  the heads of Queen Katherine Howard, and the Lady jane Rochfort were stricken off, the one for Adultery, the other for concealment, as was alleged, the parties offending were Fra●…it Dereham, and Thomas Culpepper, Dereham before she was Queen, and Culpepper after, who both were executed at Tyburn, the tenth of December, and the 
Stat. in 33. of H. 〈◊〉. cap. 21.  twelfth of February following, Mistress Katherine Howard (for so in the Act of her Attainture 〈◊〉 is called) who had been styled and received Queen for the space of six months, and fou●… days, with 
Since the eight of August 〈◊〉.  the Lady jane then widow, and late wife unto 〈◊〉 Bullen, Lord Rochfort, were both of them brought unto a Scaffold raised upon the hill within the 
Queen Katherine and the Lady jane Rochfort beheaded.  Tower, where they in lamentable passions suffered death.  
(110) Howsoever those times afforded such Queens to the King's bed, or himself unfortunate in making his choice: yet many of no mean judgement have rather accused King▪ Henry for his changing and variable affections, then think them guilty in the breach of Matrimony. Of Anne we have seen what hath been said, and of this Queen let us hear what she protested after her condemnation to 〈◊〉 White Bishop of 〈◊〉 her last Confessor, and by him delivered to a noble young Lord of her name, and near alliance: Her words were these: As to the Act my 〈◊〉 Lord for which I stand condemned, God and his holy Angels I take to witness upon my soul's 〈◊〉, that I die 〈◊〉, never having so abused my Sovereign's 〈◊〉: what other sins and follies of youth I have 〈◊〉, I will not excuse; but 〈◊〉 assured that for these, God hath brought this punishment upon me, and will 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them, for which I pray you, pray with me, unto his son and my S●…iour Christ.  
(111) As these then in case of Treasons either acted or intended, ended their lives; so others in case of conscience (though diversly affected) c●…e to 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cted.  their deaths, and that by fo●…ce of the Statutes enacted under this King; whereof one was the abolishing of the Pope, and the oath of Supremacy, the 
S●…t. H. 8. 28. c. 10.  re●…sers of either made offenders in stare of high Treason, and the other in 〈◊〉 of religion, when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Articl●… enacted by Parliament, was made Heresy and death, to such as held or taught the con●…, which Ar●…cles were thus concluded in both 
〈◊〉. H. 8. 3●…. c. 4.  the houses of Parliament with consent of the King.  

1▪ That after the words of consecration spoken by the Priest, the real and natural body and blood 
The fix bloody Articles enacted.  of Christ, as he was conceived and crucified, was in the Sacrament, and no other substance consisting, in the form of 〈◊〉 and wi●…e, besides the substance of Christ God and man.  
2 That the communion in both kind was not necessary unto 〈◊〉, the flesh only in form of bread, sufficient for the Laity.  
3 That Prie●… 〈◊〉 they have recei●…ed ●…ders might not marry by the law of God.  
4 That the vows of chastity either in 〈◊〉 or woman, aught by God●… law to be 〈◊〉, and by which they are exempted from other 〈◊〉 of Christian people.  
5 That priu●… Masses was necess●…ry for the people, and agreeable to the law of Go●….  
6 That auricular confession was ●…pedient 〈◊〉 be retained, and continued 〈◊〉 the Church of God.   
These Statutes I say aswell the one as the other, brought many to their ends, which otherwise were very good Subjects, and worthy instruments in the common weal: for offending in the first, there died Bishop Pisher, and Sir Thomas More, besides many Abbots, Priors, and Friars, and among 
john Fisher. Sir Thomas Moor beheaded.  them, in Smithfield the Welsh road set Friar Forrest on fire, according to the prophecy very rife in their mouths, that this holy road should set a whole forest on fire. For the other suffered in flames, many godly Christians, whereof Robert Barnes a reverend Doctor, and worthy minister of Christ, the first reducer (as M. Fox reporteth) of the University of Cambridge from rudeness and barbarity, unto good 
Fox. Mart. pap. 1363.  literature and learning, was with the first: And Anne Askew a Gentlewoman of an incomparable dexterity one of the last, who, above the weakness of her sex most valiantly stood against the violence of the time.  
(112) Her birth was worshipful, and education accordingly, bestowed in marriage, unto john 
Anne Askew her story. Io. Bale Cent. 8. ●…ol. 669.  Ky●…e a Gentleman in 〈◊〉, and commended by Bale for her rare wit, and elegant beauty; which her pars the pencil of N. D. with his uneven hand (ever overhard to shadow the truth,) hath slanderously blurred and measured those graces in her, by his own loose affections, and those want on 〈◊〉, which in the height of sin have changed 
Rom. 1. 16.  the natural use of women against nature.  
This young heifer (saith he) abiding no yoke, a coy dame, and of very evil fame, left the company of Master 
Three conversions by N. D. pag. 495.  Ky●…e, to 〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Gospelling and G●…ssipping where 〈◊〉 might, and ought not, but especially in London, and 〈◊〉 the Court, now she being fair and but twenty 〈◊〉 years old at her death▪ doth 〈◊〉 show what 
Anne accused by no rule of Christianity.  may be suspected of her life, and the mystical speeches and demands of the King's Co●…sell touching her departure from her 〈◊〉, were grounded upon somewhat, especially in that she called herself 〈◊〉 Askew alias Ky●…e. Thus 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 man hath accused this holy Anne by the outward appearance of her youth and beauty: as holy Anne by Eli was accused of 
〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 compared.  drunkenness when her heart was most servant, in supplications to her God, and his partial pe●… made the 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of her holy conversation to find out some chaff, whereof none is free, nor is ●…ee to be condemned upon the imagery of his suspicious head (who undoubtedly would have ●…old all if any thing could have been found) whereas she in the vigour of beauty and weakness of her Sex, 〈◊〉 the gainesaiers of the truth with her dearest blood: testifying from the Prisons her faith and constancy, and from the 
The Counter▪ Newgate and the Tower.  Rack preached Christ, whereon most unhumanely and against kind, she was twice tormented; and lastly sealed her 〈◊〉 in Smithfield through the 〈◊〉 of fire: being borne to the place of her death 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ned in Smithfield.  in a Chair, her bones so 〈◊〉 by the R●…cke that she could 〈◊〉.  
(113) The 〈◊〉 N. D. whose affection to Chri●… Gospe●… 〈◊〉 to the English Crown 
〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 suppose. Three 〈◊〉 on's. pag. 493.  hath sufficiently 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ to make her no 〈◊〉, and that her 〈◊〉 did demerit the Rack, saith that the King himself commanded that torture to be 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with her erroneous doctrine, his Court, his 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 daughters, 
〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉.  and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 the truth tells us that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to rack her the second 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Lord Chancellor (who did it himself) to be complained of to the King, who immediately took Boat and told the whole Tragedy; whereof King 〈◊〉 seemed to be sore offended, for using a woman with such 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had the Pope's 〈◊〉 under the 〈◊〉 of the Church and wing of this 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 not to follow the appeal of 〈◊〉, even 〈◊〉 that slept in 〈◊〉 own 〈◊〉, which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Parr, espoused 
Queen 〈◊〉 rines life laid 〈◊〉.  unto him 〈◊〉 three years before, and 〈◊〉 (as this State's intelligencer doth confess) he meant to have 
Ibid. co●…. p 494.  burned had he longer lived. For the truth is (saith he) that the King's sickness and death shortly ensuing was the chief cause of her escape; and the error of the Lord Chancellor Wriothesley, who let fall out of his boso●…e, the 
〈◊〉 three con●…ersions.  King's hand and commission for carrying her to the Tower gave occasion (the paper found and brought her) to go and humble herself to the King; the principal occasion against 
The Lord Chancellor lost his commission.  her, was Heretical Books, found in her closet, both brought & sent her by Anne Askew, whereof thewitnesses were the Lady Herbert, Lady jane, Lady Tyawit, and others. Indeed it is true that by God's providence such papers were let fall out of the Lord Chancellor's bosom containing certain Articles against her, with a warrant to commit her to the Tower, whereunto the King's hand was subscribed: which being found was presently brought unto the Queen, whereof the unexpected 
The Queen seeth the sentence of her death.  content so deeply touched her tender heart, that forth with she fell into great fears, laments, and a most heavy melancholy, and was in such danger of death, that the King came to visit her, having not gone forth of his Chamber of many days before; whereat she so rejoiced, as she began to 〈◊〉: and to acknowledge her like love and duty, the next night following, repaired to the King's Bedchamber, accompanied only with the 
Queen Katherine visiteth the King▪ who falleth in conference with her about 〈◊〉.  Lady Herbert her sister, and the Lady 〈◊〉 the King's niece, carrying the Candle before her, of whose presence the King seemed to be most desirous▪ and presently falling in talk of Religion, began to debate some question thereof with the Queen, demanding to have her resolutions therein, but she knowing that his nature was not to be crossed, and the soreness of his leg to increase his chol●…er, made him answer that she was a woman, accompanied with many imperfectio●…s, but his Majesty wise and 〈◊〉, of wh●…m 
Act. and Mon. Queen Katherine's wise answer.  she must learn as of her Lordand Head, for so God hath appointed you (said she) the Supreme Head of us all, of whom next unto him I will ever learned. Not so, by Saint Mary, said the King, you are become a Doctor Kate to instruct us, and not to be instructed by us as often heretofore we have seem. Indeed (said 〈◊〉) if your Majesty have so conceived, I have been mistaken in my meaning, who have ever held it preposterous for a woman to instruct 〈◊〉▪ Lord. And whereas I have heretofore held talk with your highness touching Religion, it was to le●…ne of your Majesty some excellent 〈◊〉 which myself stood in doubt of: and sometimes to the end that you might with less grief passover this painful time of your infirmity, wherein if by my overmuch boldness I have failed in the latter, yet have I not 〈◊〉 in the former, to my no small benefit and comfort. And is it even so sweet heart? (quoth the King) why then, are me friends, and so kissing her, gave her leave to depart. But the 
The Lord Chancellor's purpose to apprehand the Queen.  day drawn on for her apprehension, and the King disposed to take the ●…yre, sent for the Queen to walk in the 〈◊〉, himself accompanied only with two Gentlemen, and she with the three foresaid Ladies. Whenas suddenly the Lord Chancellor with forty of the Guard, came into the Garden, with purpose to h●…e apperhended and carried the Queen to the Tower; whose malep●…rt approach the King greatly misliked, and ●…ernely beholding him, slept aside, 〈◊〉 him with the names of 〈◊〉, fool, and 〈◊〉, bidding 〈◊〉 out of presence. The Queen seeing the King chased, but knew not the cause, indeauo●…ed by all means to 〈◊〉 his Majesty, and i●…treted for the Lord Chancellor, whose faultas she thoughtand alleged, was rather through misimprision then will, and therefore, said she, I will become an humble 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him unto your Highness. Ah 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (quoth the King) 〈◊〉 little 〈◊〉 Kate 〈◊〉 evil he 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 at thy hands: of my word (sweet heart) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. But in following this tr●…ct of blood, ●…owed from the fountain of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A●…ticles, we have stepped over some other occurrences that happened somewhat before this time, unto which with thy patience, goodReader, we will return again.  
(114) King Henry by order of Parliament having 
Henry assumeth the name of King of Ireland. A. 154▪ confirmed by Parl. 35. Hen▪ 〈◊〉. john 〈◊〉  assumed the Style and Title of King of Ireland, with the submission of most of the Irish Nobi●…ty, james his Nephew, King of Scotland, took it not well, forthat, as Li●…ley saith, a great part of Ireland, especially in the North, had been in possession of the Scotishmen for many hundred of years before. These discontents conceived, King Henry well perceived; and because he would have no ill will so near him, that had so many enviers abroad, he sent unto King james that it would please him to repair 
The Kings of England and Scotland appoint to meet at York▪  unto the City of York, where he would meet him, to confer for the wealth of both the Realms, which at first was granted, but upon better advise, vnaccomplished, his Counsellors moving the dangers; and his Clergy the fears, lest their Religion should be changed to the offence of his confederates the Pope, the Emperor, and the French King.  
(115) The unkindness growing from this small spark, was presently kindled into great flames, for 
A. D. 1542.  Commissioners being sent from both Kings, to view the limits of either Kingdom, they fell at odds about a small piece of ground, and from that took occasion of emulations and wars: to prosecute which King Henry prepared an Army, and sent them into Scotland under the Conduct of the Duke of Norfolk, accompanied with the Earls of Shrewsbury, 
An expedition into Scotland.  Derby, C●…mberland, Surrey, Hertford, Augus and 〈◊〉 land. These passing the English Marches, did much hurt in the Kingdom of Scotland. To withstand whom King Ia●…es gathered a power, of five and thirty strong, and at Fa●…aw more meant to have bidden the Duke battle, which as that writer relaxed, was not then minded to do, but made again into England, and passing the water Twe●…d, sustained great loss by the courageous pursuit of the Lord Huntly. King james upon a lusty courage meaning to repair the Scot●… losses with the English spoils, was very forward to follow the Duke into their Borders, but the Scotish Nobility wisely weighing the danger of war, by no means would either assent, or assist 
The Scotish noblemen refuse to invade England▪  him out of his own kingdom, affirming it honour sufficient, to have forced the English back with no little loss.  
(116) King I●…es discontented at his Nobles danials, made towards the Burders himself; where, moving the Lord Maxewell, Lord Warden of the West 
The Lord 〈◊〉 of the We●…-Borders y●…eld to the King's persuasions.  Borders, with many other men of special favour and account, to invade England, whereunto they gave their consents. These passing the River Eske, did some small damage upon the Western Borderers, whereof Thomas 〈◊〉 Dacres, and 
* Willi●… 〈◊〉 saith Stow.  〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hollinshed calls them, sent word to Thomas Wharton, Lord Warde●… for the King upon the West Marches: But the Scot●… coming forward▪ they were forced to prepare for ●…ight before the Lord 〈◊〉 could come, and out of their 〈◊〉 company lest a stand upon the side of a hill.  
(117) The Scots advanced forward with no little 
The mistaking of th●… 〈◊〉.  hope, were pres●…ly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the ●…ght of these men, and verily thought 〈◊〉 the Lord 〈◊〉 had assembled 〈◊〉 Charge▪ or 〈◊〉 the Duke of 〈◊〉 with a great Army were come to their 〈◊〉, whereupon they began to consu●… what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be done, and demanding who was deputed 〈◊〉 by the King, Oliver 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the King's 〈◊〉 General.  nor honourable 〈◊〉, being lifted up upon the Shoulders of two Soldiers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Commission, wherein himself was appointed their General, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ the Lords 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that so many 
The Scotish No●… in 〈◊〉 of their general 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  more worthy, honourable, and approved Cap●… of the 〈◊〉▪ should be 〈◊〉 by this his 〈◊〉▪ but ●…o 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉. In whose 〈◊〉, and for the 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  ●…o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 willingly lost the 〈◊〉.  
(118) This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upon the twenty fourth of November, at a place beyond Carliel, called Solem-mosse, where were taken Prisoners the Earls of 
Solem-mosse.  Cassils and Glencarne, the Lords Maxwell, Fleming, Summerwell, Oliphant, and Grey, Sir Oliver Sinclere, and 
Gra●…n saith four and twenty.  others, to the number of one and twenty men of account, who were conveyed to London, and committed to the Tower. For grief of which loss, and suspicion of his Nobility, King james fell into a melancholy Passion, which the birth of his new born Princess rather increased, then gave him any comfort, so as he deceased the fourteenth day of December following, foreshowing (saith Leslie) great troubles to 
The death of K. 〈◊〉 of Scotland.  follow in Scotland.  
(119) News brought near at one instant, of the death of King james, & birth of the Princess his daughter, King Henry intended to do that by the match of a marriage, which long had been assayed 
A marriage intended betwixt Prince Edward, and the young Queen of Scotland.  by the sword of Mars: all things so consorting as it did, he having one only son, then above five years of age, and Scotland no heir beside this new borne daughter; their years suiting a consent for marriage, the whole Island offering both the jointer and dowry, and that which most moved, their chief Nobility in his own hands, to be moulded for this design, as if heaven itself had bid the banes.  
(120) Those Prisoners therefore which had remained in the Tower only two days, upon the twenty 
The Scotish prisoners honourably entertained.  one of December, he sent for to Westminster, the Earls and Lords all suited in Gowns of black damask, furred with Coney, whereafter some words of friendly reproof, they were bestowed among the English Nobility, who used them according to their estates: and the third day in Christmas were invited to the Court at Greenwich, where they went before the King to 〈◊〉 Chapel, were royally feasted, and the motion then made for the establishing of peace, by the Conjunction of the two Princes, whereunto the Scotish were as willing as the English, & proffered 
The Scotish Prisoners released without Ran. some.  all forward assistance to have it accomplished. So that these Nobles were delivered without other ransom, and richly rewarded at their departure from Court.  
(121) These returned into Scotland, declared what they had done, and so effectually followed the 
Io●… 〈◊〉.  business, that in a Parliament assembled of the three Estates, the marriage was confirmed, and a peace proclaimed to continue betwixt the two Realms 
The marriage of Prince Edward and Queen Mary, concluded by Parliament.  the space of ten years, which agreements were sent into England by honourable Ambassadors, and there interchangeably sealed betwixt these Potent Estates. But Cardinal Bet●… Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, fearing lest Scotland would change the Church Orders, 〈◊〉 England had done (the Bible already read in their own language, and the Pope's usurped 
Cardinill 〈◊〉 against the 〈◊〉 ring with England.  power called in Question, as than it began to be▪ by the fervent preaching of Friet Guiliam, to the great liking of most of the Lord▪) made some exceptions against the Earl Arraine the new chosen Governor, and second person in the Land, being nearest in blood to the young Queen. And the French King not liking this union with England, sought by 
The French King set●… faction▪ in Scotland.  all means to 〈◊〉 the same match: to effect which, he sent the Ea●…le of Lennox to persuade with the Governor, with great proffers and promises of assistance, but finding him faithful unto King Henry▪ presently made faction for the French, wherein he drew the Queen mother, the Earls Huntly, Argile, M●…trosse, Menteith, and many more Peers, the Cardinal amongst them ever the chief.  
(122) Earl Lennox thus grown into credit with the Queen mother, 〈◊〉 made strong by her adherents that favoured the French, presently claimed to be Governor of Scotland, being the second person of degree in the Realm, and withal to have 
The Queen, and Queen mother conveyto ed 〈◊〉.  the custody of the young Queen, who with he●… mother were forth with taken from 〈◊〉 under the charge of the Governor Arrai●…e, and brought unto Striueling strongly guarded, with the continual presence of the Lords, 〈◊〉, Ersk●…, Fle●…ing, and Ruthwen, lest Queen Mary should be conveyed into England unto King Henry. These violent courses, caused great Emulations among the Scotish Nobility, each of them siding as their affections were settled, but lastly agree to set the Crown on their young Queen's head: prepared for the solemnity, whereunto all the Lords came, excepting those that stood for England, and from them the Governor 
Queen Marie of Scotland crowned.  with much ado was drawn to be present at the Coronation: but that accomplished, and the state affairs consulted upon, it was agreed that the French Kings suit should be favoured, and that the Earl Arran should be Governor still, whereat Earl Lennox conceived such displeasure, as he became wholly 
The Earl of Lennox falleth from the Queen mother.  for King Henry, & joined himself with the Earls of Augus, Gle●…carne, and Cassils, the Lords, Maxwel, Summeruell Grace, and others that stood with the English for the match with Prince Edward.  
(123) King Henry then hearing what was done, and intended▪ sent presently into Scotland to demand 
King Henry demandeth the young Scotish Queen.  the Custody of the young Queen, and that certain Scotish Noblemen might be appointed to guard her in England, until she came to years of consent, according to Covenants formerly concluded; which no ways would be granted, and thereupon he prepared an Army thetherward, under the Conduct of Lord Edward Sei●…er Earl of Hertford Lieutenant General by Land, accompanied with the Earl of 
An Army 〈◊〉 into Scotland.  〈◊〉, and a Fleet of two hundred sail by Sea, whereof Sir john Dudley, Viscount Lisle was Admiral.  
(124) To the aid of the Scots the Peopes holiness was very forward, who sent them the Patriarch 
Io●…n Leslie.  of Venice as his Legate, & Orator, to persuade their Resolutions, with whom the French King sent Monfieur 
john Leslie. The Pope and French King send aid into Scotland.  la brooch, and Monfieur Menager, to lead them to fight▪ and fifty thousand Crowns of the Sun, to su●…taine the Charge; with munition worth ten thousand Crowns more. It seemeth by Lesly that part of this silver fell into the Earl Lenn●… his hand, and that therewith he made head against the Governor, but not able to match him, sent unto King Henry for aid, with proffer of his service against the French side, which so well was accepted of Henry, as he made him his Nephew, by giving the Lady Margaret his sister's 
Math. Earl of Lennox marrieth Lady Margaret.  daughter to be his wife.  
(125) Th●… English thus seconded with this unlooked for Alliance, Cardinal Beton thought good 
Earl Lennox proclaimed an enemy to the state.  to bind all to the Governor, who with the Authority of the Queen Dowager proclaimed Lennox an Enemy to the State. But in the mean while the Admiral of England was entered the Frith, and at new Haven landed his men, where joining his, to the land Service, they altogether marched thence towards L●…th, himself leading the Vanguard, Shrewsbury the Rearward▪ and the Lord Lieutenant the main Battle. 
The English en●… Scotland.  These coming to Lieth, spoiled the Town, and thence to Edenbrough, burned the City, and wasted the Country for seven miles about, this done they set fire upon Haddington, and 〈◊〉, and then the whole Army returned unto Berwick.  
(126) Whilst things thus passed in Scotland, and the main purpose resting in suspense, King Henry 
A. D. 1544.  well knew where the greatest rub did lie in his way, which was the French King, the chiefest▪ A better of the Scots, whom he ever upheld, to hold him tack at home, lest otherwise he should 〈◊〉 with France for his own right. And therefore having joined with the Emperor against the French, sent his Herald, Garter, King at Arms, to demand certain covenants, which if he refused, 〈◊〉 proclaim defiance 
Defiance sent into France.  unto open wars, but he not suffered to do his message to the King, retur●…ed, and 〈◊〉 prepared an expedition into France, wherein he employed the Dukes of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉, the Earle●… of A●…, Oxf●…rd and Sur●…ey, the Lords, R●…ssell, Grey, 〈◊〉 rers, 〈◊〉, and Sain●…-Iohn, besides many other 
Io●…. Stow.  serviceable Knights, and Sir 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appointed high Admiral for the Se●…. Of these some 〈◊〉 with the Emperials, and showed their value in the siege of Mattrell.  
(127) The Duke of Suffolk in the mean while struck down his Standards on the East side of Bolloigne, and with many sharp skirmishes, entered the 
Bolloigne besieged.  base Town, which siege King Henry himself in person seconded, who having passed the Seas from England, upon the six & twentieth of july, encamped before Bolloigne on the eastside, whence his Canons so rend the Walls and Bulwark, as their mounted tops lay upon the Ground, and his great mortar pieces were discharged with so skilful a Compass, that their bullets falling down right, beat all buildings down upon the Enemy's heads. Whereby (saith Sleidane) in short time he got that, which neither 
Io●…. Sleid●…. 〈◊〉.  his Father, nor the Kings in former times could never win. For thereupon the Town was surrendered and cleared of the French soldiers, women and children.  
(128) The King like a Conqueror with his sword borne before him entered the Gate, where the 
Bolloigne won.  Duke of Suffolk presented him with the keys of the Town, the Trumpets still sounding, and nothing wanting that might applaud his fame. The Town thus won, the English meant still to keep; for the strengthening whereof, the King commanded the fair Church of Saint mary's to be taken down, and in the same place, a mount to be raised for the planting of Ordinance, to annoy any siege. But being thus busied in Bolloignes affairs, the Emperor without his knowledge or consent, came to a peace with the French King, whereat King Henry was sore displeased, and the sooner left France, leaving 
R. Gra●…con.  Sir john Dudley Lord Lisle, his deputy in Bolloigne, and landed at Dover the first day of October, to his great honour and joy of his Subjects.  
(129) The French King chafed with this late and great loss, sought to try fortune in further attempts, 
john Serres.  and that not only for the recovery of Bolloigne (which with twenty thousand well appointed he assayed) but also in assailing the English dominions, as the I'll of Wight and those parts of Sussex 
The French invade the I'll of Wight and the coasts of Sussex.  that lay upon the Seas, though with loss of many Captains and thousands of Soldiers, that never returned to tell him what entertainment they had; as likewise in sending aid unto Scotland, where Monsieur Mungumry of the Order of France, with 5000 strong, entered to maintain the breach betwixt them 
A Roade made into Scotland.  and K. Henry, which was so followed on both parts, as the English making a Road towards Gedworth, got praise for their valour, but reproach for their spoils, and the Scots renown for killing the Lord Eure, Lord Warden of the East-Marches, with many other Captains in defence of their Country. 
Lord 〈◊〉 slain.   
(130) Hereupon an Army of twelve thousand strong was sent into Scotland, whereof the Earl of Hertford was General: with these he foraged the Borders before him, and burned many Towns in the Middle-Marches, with Kelsey & Coldingham Abbey, the French not hasty to stay the incursion, lay still, and let them (unfought with) depart for England.  
(131) But the wars removed again into France, the Reingr●…e with a great power came to victual 
A. D. 1546.  a Fort built near unto Bolloigne; to impeach which, the Earl of Surrey, than Lie●…tenant of the Town made forth, but was discomfited in the enterprise, and Sir Edward Poy●…ings Captain of a Band 
A great loss of English in France.  slain, with fifteen other Captains, besides many Officers and Common Soldiers. These Prince's wars in these violent proceedings, became very fearful lest they would grow to the Common hurt of Christendom, and therefore many other potentates, whereof the Emperor was first, solicited these Kings unto a peace, which the sooner was heard and 
〈◊〉 Serres.  embraced, for that they were both of them old, and King Henry diseased in body, Commissioners therefore appointed certain articles were agreed upon: the first thereof was, that the French King should pay unto King Henry, eight hundred thousand 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. lib. 7.  Crowns in eight years space, and then to r●…nter upon Boll●…igne, but in the mean time it to remain under the English; to accomplish which peace Mounsieur 
Peace concluded betwixt England and France.  Danebalt high Admiral●… of France, was sent into England; and Sir Thomas Cheynie Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, to be the King's Agent at the Font, for the Baptism of the Dolphin's new borne daughter.  
(132) Notwithstanding these Compliments, the sight of Bolloigne was a great sore in the French men's eyes▪ insomuch that Monsieur Chatillon Captain 
Holinshed.  of Mountplaisier, began to make a new Bastilion 
Chasti●… raiseth a fort near ●…nto Bolloigne.  near unto the Town, even in the very mouth of the River, which the Lord Grey of Wilton perceiving certified the King, what inconvenience would happen if that were made strong, and the same discussed at the Counsel-table, it passed with one voice that the Peace with France was not to be infringed, notwithstanding this French attempt: to which end a prohibition drawn, whereunto King Henry also set his hand, that no let should be made against Chatillon in his Fort. Howbeit the King commanded Sir Thomas Palmer (employed in this business) to bid the 
King Henry's command against his own writing.  Lord Grey to impeach the new work, and to flat so much as was raised thereof unto the Earth. This commission read with the report of Command to the Contrary, the Counsel of State, thought it most meet to follow their instructions in writing, lest the words might either be mis-delivered or mistaken. But the Lord Grey causing the messengers words to be writ, and subscribed with all their hands that were present at the report, suddenly and unlooked for, came to the Fort, and in four hours space cast down, what had been in raising three 
The Lord Grey fla●…teth Chatill●… ●…ort.  months before, which when the King heard off, he asked his Counsellors what they thought of this, that Chatill●…-garden was cast down▪ amongst whom one of them answered, the d●…er thereof was worthy to lose his head, I had rather (said the King) lose a dozen of such heads as thine is, than his that had done the deed, and immediately sent the Lord Grey his pardon with many great thanks. 
A. D. 1547.   
(133) But now the d●…te of his time almost run▪ and he preparing towards the way of all flesh, the 
King 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  great and fair Church of the Grey Friars London, lately suppressed by himself, he caused again to be opened, and to be made a Parish Church, giving the revenues thereof unto the City of London towards the relief of their poor, whereunto he gave five hundred Marks yearly of Lands for ever to maintain Gods divine service and the said Churches 
john 〈◊〉 in Survey London.  reparations, within whose walls we find this often written, This is Christ's Church founded by King Henry the eight.  
(134) And his sickness in●…asing to the great danger of life he prepared himself to make his Will, wherein howsoever titles had been unhabled in Parliaments, 
〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉▪ of December and▪ 〈◊〉. of his reign.  he ordained his three children to succeed each after others; for want of other Issue; One thousand marks he commanded to be given to the poor, and to twelve poor Knights at Winsere each of them twelve pence a day for ever, every year a long Gown of white cloth, the G●…ter embroidered upon the breast, wherein was placed the Cross of Saint George, and a Mantle of red cloth to be worn thereupon, ord●…ning for his Executors in the minority of Prince Edward, these here under named.  

1 Thomas Cr●…er, Archbishop of Ganterbury.  
2 Thomas 〈◊〉▪ Lord Chancellor▪  
3 William 〈◊〉 Knight of the Order.  
4 Lord Saint-Iohn Great Master of the Household  
5 john Russell Lord 〈◊〉 Seal.  
6 Edward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hertford Lord great Chamber●…ine.  
7 john 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord high Admiral  
8 Cuthbert 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. of 〈◊〉.  
9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Knight Mr. of the Horse▪  
10 〈◊〉 Page●… Knight of the Order.  
11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chief justice of the Common-ple●….  
12 Thomas Bromley Lord Chief justice.  
13 Anthony Deny Knight.  
14 Edward North Knight.  
15 Edward Wotton Knight.  
16 Doctor Wotton Deane of Canterbury.   

And for their aid and assistance in Counsel he appointed these following.  
1 Henry Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel.  
2 William Parr Earl of Essex.  
3 Thomas Cheney Knight, Treasurer of the Household.  
4 john Gage Knight, controller of the Household.  
5 Anthony Winkefield Knight, Vice-Chamberlaine.  
6 William Peter Knight, principal Secretary.  
7 Richard Rich Knight.  
8 john Baker Knight.  
9 Ralph Sadler Knight.  
10 Thomas Seimer Knight.  
11 Richard Southwell Knight.  
12 Edmund Pecham Knight.   
And in great penitency for his sins, died upon Thursday the twenty eight day of january, in the 
King Henry's death.  year of Christ jesus 1546. when he had reigned thirty seven year, nine months, and five days, & had lived fifty five years, five months, & five days, whose body with great solemnity was buried at Windsor under a most costly and stately Tomb begun in Copper and guilt, but never finished, in the enclosures of whose Grates is curiously cast this inscription. HENRICUS OCTAVUS REX ANGLIAE, FRANCIAE, DOMINUS HIBERNIAE, FIDEI DEFENSOR with what cost and state this his Monument was intended, is manifested by a Manuscript taken from the true model thereof, which I received from that industrious Herald, Master Nicholas Charles Lancaster, and for the great magnificence is worthy here to be inserted.  

The manner of the Tomb to be made for the King's Grace at Windsor.  
First, the pavement whereupon the Tomb shall stand, shall be of Oriental stone: That is to say, of Alabaster, Porfido, Serpentines, and other stones of divers colours, as in the pattern showeth.  
Item, upon the same Pavement shall be two great steps under all the work of like Oriental stones.  
Item, the Basement of the Pillars shall be of white Marble with Angel●… holding between them Crowns or Garlands guilt, and white Marble as more plainly showeth in the Pattern.  
Item, above the said Basement and Angels, shall be all the old Testament, that is to say, xiv. Images in the xiv. Casements of the same two Pillars of the Prophets, and all the Pillars which shall be xvi. shall be of stones Serpentine, Porfido and Alabaster, and other fine Oriental stones, of such colours as is showed in the Pattern; and the foot of every pillar, and also the head shall be of Brass. And every Prophet shall have an Angel sit at his foot, with Scripture of the name of his Prophet, and above over the head of the same shall be the story of his Prophet: in every of which Story shall be at least viii. or xi. figures.  
Item, above all the same Pillars shall be another Basement of white Marble, with a partition being made of such fine Oriental stones as the Pillars be, wherein shall be written such Scripture as please you.  
Item, above the same Basement shall be the Story of the new Testament, that is to wit, with the Images of the Apostles, the Evangelists and the four Doctors of the Church, and every Image shall have sitting at his foot a little child with a Scripture of the name of his Image, and a little Basket full of red and white Roses, which they shall show to take in their hands, and cast them down off the Tomb and over the Pavement, and the Roses that they shall cast over the Tomb shall be enameled and guilt, and the roses that they cast over the Pavements shall be of fine Oriental stones of white and red.  
Item, behind all the same Images of the new Testament round shall be made in brass and guilt all the life of jesus Christ from the nativity to his ascension, and it shall be so clearly and perfectly made, that the Mystery of Christ's life to his ascension shall plainly appear.  
Item, above the said new Testament and Images thereof, and above the said life of Christ, shall be a Choir of xx. Angels standing upon a Basement of white Marble, with great Candlesticks in their hands having lights in them showing to honour and reverence the same Tomb.  
Item, all these foresaid figures, stories and ornaments shall be made to garnish and ornate the two Pillars of the Church between which the Tomb shall be set.  
Item, between the said two great Pillars of the Church thus garnished, shall be a Basement of white Marble of the height of the Basement of the Pillars, and therein the Epitaph of the King and Queen, with letters of gold, of such Scriptures as ye devise.  
Item, upon the same Basement shall be made two Tombs of blacke-touch, that is to say, on either side one, and upon the said Tombs of black Touch shall be made the Image of the King and Queen on both sides, not as death, but as persons sleeping, because to show that famous Princes leaving behind them great fame, their names never do die, and shall lie in royal Apparels after the antic manner.  
Item, over the right hand, over both the sides of the same Tomb shall be an Angel which shall hold the King's Arms, with a great Candlestick, having as it were light on it as a Lamp, and in like manner shall be an other Angel holding the Queen's Arms on the left hand with a like Candlestick.  
Item, on the right hand and left hand on both the sides over the said Images of the King and Queen, shall be two Angels showing to the people the bodies of the King and Queen holding above their Heads veils of gold, and the Crowns of the King and Queen on their hands.  
Item, between the said two Tombs of black Touch and the said Angel over the King & Queen shall stand an high Basement like a Sepulchre, and on the sides whereof shallbe made the story of Saint George, and over height of the Basement shall be made an Image of the King on Horseback, lively in Armour like a King after the antic manner showing in countenance and looking on the said two Images lying on the said Tombs.  
Item on the right hand and left hand of the said two Tombs shall be four Pillars of the foresaid Oriental stones, that is to say, on either side two Pillars, and upon every Pillar shall be a like Basement of white Marble with partitions for Scriptures as shall be above the other Pillars. And on the same four Basements of the said Pillars shall be made four Images, two of Saint john Baptist, and two of Saint George, with four little children by them casting roses, as is aforesaid.  
Item, over the said Image of the King on Horseback shall be made an Arch triumphal, of white Marble wrought within, and about it, and upon the same Arch, in manner of a Casement of white Marble garnished with like Oriental Stones of divers colours, as the pattern showeth, and on the two sides of the said Casement shall be made and set of brass guilt, the story of the life of Saint john Baptist, and one height of the said Casement shall be made five steps, every one more than other downward, of like Oriental stones, as the said Pillars shall show.  
Item, on the four corners of the said Casement shall be made the Images of the four Cardinal virtues having such Candlesticks in their hands as is above said.  
Item, on the top of the highest step of the said five steps on the one side shall be an▪ Image of the Father, having in his left hand the Soul of the King and blessing with his right hand, with two Angels holding abroad the Mantle of the Father on either side.  
Item, in like wise shall be made on the other side the said Image of the Father, having the soul of the Queen in his left hand, blessing with his right hand with like Angels.  
The height of the same work from the Father unto the Pavement shall be xxviij. foot.  
Item the breadth and largeness of the said work shall be xv. foot, and the Pillars of the Church in greatness, v. foot: and so the largeness of the said work, from the uttermost part of the two great Pillars shallbe xx. foot.  
Item, every of the Images of the xiv. Prophets, shall contain every Image V. foot in length, and the Angels shall contain two foot and a half in length.  
Item, every of the xx. Pillars shall contain in length X. foot.  
Item, every of the Images of the Apostles, Evangelists and Doctors shall contain in length V. foot and the Angels as is abovesaid.  
Item in likewise every of the xx. Angels of the choir shall contain in length two foot and a half, and in likewise the Images of the Children two foot and a half.  
Item, the four Images of St. john Baptist and St. George and all the figures of the father and Angels on the V. steps shall be V. foot.  
Item, the four Images of the King and the Queen shall be of the Stature of a man and woman, and the four Angels by them of the stature of a man every one.  
Iten, the Image of the King on Horseback with his Horse shall be of the whole stature of a goodly man and large Horse.  
Item, there shall be a Cxxxiiij. figures, Xliiij. Stories, and all of Brass guilt, as in the pattern appeareth.  
(135) This magnificent Monarch was of presence Majestical, and of parsonage more than ordinarily t●…l, fair of Complexion and Corpulent of body, very wise and very well learned, of a sudden and ready speech, in youth very prodigal, and in his age very liberal, pleasant and affable, but not to be dallied with, bold in attempting, and ever thirsty of potent glory: an expert Soldier, and favouring such as were active or serviceable, according to the then usual saying, King Henry loves a man: and indeed somewhat too well the delights with women, as by his many wives here ensuing, may well appear.   

His Wives.  
(136) Katherine the first wife to King Henry was the daughter of Ferdinando the sixth King of Spain, and widow dowager of Prince Arth●…r his elder brother, as hath been said: she was married unto this King the third of june: and first of his Reign, the year of salvation 1509. being solemnly crowned with him upon the twenty fourth day of the same, and was his wife above twenty years, and then divorced from him by the sentence of the Archbishop of Canterbury: lived three years after by the name of Katherine Dowager. She deceased at Ki●…balton 
A. D. 1533  in the County of Huntingdon the eight of january, and year of Christ 1535. and lieth interred on the northside of the choir in the Cathedral Church of Peterborow under a hearse of Black Say, having a white Cross in the midst.  
(137) Anne, the second wife of King Henry, was the second daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond. She was solemnly at Windsor created marchioness of Pembroke, the first of September and twenty four of his Reign, having 
A. D. 1532.  one thousand pound given her by year, to maintain her estate. She was married unto king Henry in his Closet at White-Hall, upon the twenty fifth day of january, and year of Christ jesus, 1533. being the four and twentieth of his Reign, and was Crowned with all due observances, at Westminster upon Whitsunday the first of june, where the Crown of Saint Edward was set upon her head, the sceptre of Gould delivered into her right hand, and the ivory rod with the Dove into her left. She was his wife three years, three months and twenty five days, when being cut off by the sword the nineteenth of May, her body was buried in the Choir of the Chapel in the Tower, leaving her accused fame to be 
A. D. 1536.  censured as affections best pleased the uncharitable minded, and her bed to be possessed of a virtuous Lady.  
(138) jane, the third wife of King Henry, was the daughter of john Seimer Knight, and sister to Lord Edward Seimer, Earl of Hertford, and Duke of Somerset. She was married unto him the twentieth of May, even the next day after the beheading of Queen Anne, and the twenty eight of his Reign. She was his wife one year, five months and twenty four days, and died in Childbed the fourteenth of October, to the great grief of the King, who not only removed from the place, but kept himself private, and wore the Garment of mourning even in the Festival time of Christmas, her body was solemnly conveyed to Windsor the eight of November following, where she was interred in the midst of the Choir of the Church within the Castle.  
(139) Anne the fourth wife of King Henry and sister to William Duke of Cleve was married unto him the sixth of january in the thirty one year of his Reign, the year of Grace, 1540 she was his wife six months, after which time certain Lords of 
A. D. 1540  the upper House of Parliament came into the neither, and alleged cause for which that marriage was unlawful, whereunpon she was divorced, and by Statute enacted, that she should no more be taken for Queen, but should be called the Lady Anne of Cle●…e. See remained in England long after the King's death, though small mention is made of her by any of our Writers, only we find that she accompanied the Lady Elizabeth through London at the solemnising of Queen Mary's Coronation.  
(140) Katherine the fifth wife of King Henry the eight, was the daughter of 〈◊〉, and Niece unto Thomas Howard his brother, Duke of Norfolk: She was married unto him the eight of August and year of ●…race 1540 being the thirty two of his Reign, at Hampton Court, and continued his Queen the space of one year, six months and four days, and for her unchaste life was attainted by Parliament, and for the same beheaded within the Tower of London the twelfth of February and her body buried in the Chancel of the Chapel by Queen Anne Bullen.  
(141) Katherine the sixth and last wife of King Henry was the daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendal and sister to Lord William Parr marquess of Northampton, she was first married to john Nevil, Lord Latimer, and after his decease, upon the twelfth of july married unto the King at Hampton Court, the year of Salvation, 1543. and thirty five of his Reign: She was his wife three years, six months and five days, and surviving him, was again married unto Thomas Seimer Lord Admiral of England, unto whom she bore a daughter, but died in the same Childbed, the year of Grace, 1548.   

His Issue.  
(142) Henry the first son of King Henry by Queen Katherine his first wife, was borne at Rich●…d in Surrey upon the first of january, and the first of his father's Reign, whose Godfathers at Font were the Lord Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Surrey: his Godmother, Lady Katherine Countess of Devonshire, daughter to King Edward the fourth. This Prince lived not fully two months but died in the same place wherein he was borne, upon the two and twentieth of February, and his body with all due obsequies buried in Westminster.  
(143) A son not named was borne unto King Henry by Lady Katherine his first Queen in the month of November, and the sixth year of his Reign, who lived not long, and therefore no further mention of him can be made: the deaths of these Prince's King Henry took as a punishment from God, for so he alleged it in the public Court held in Blackfriar's London, they being begot on his own brother's wife.  
(144) Marry the third child and first daughter of King Henry by Queen Katherine his first wife, was born at Greenwich in Kent, the eighteenth of Februar●… in the year of Christ's humanity, 1518▪ and the eighth of his Reign. She was by the direction of her mother brought up in her Childhood by the Countess of Salisbury her near kinswoman, for that as some thought, the Queen wished a marriage betwixt some of her sons and the Princess, to strengthen her Title by that Alliance into York, if the King should die without issue Male. In her young years she was sued to be married with the Emperor, the King of Scots, and the Duke of Orleans in France, 
〈◊〉. p. 183.  but all these failing, and she succeeding her brother K Edward in the Crown, at the age of thirty six years, matched with Philip King of Spain, to the great dislike of many, and small content to herself, he being employed for the most part beyond the Seas, for grief whereof and the loss of Calais, she lastly fell into a burning fever, that cost her her life.  
(145) Elizabeth the second daughter of King Henry, and first child by Queen Anne his second wife, was borne at Greenwich, upon Sunday the seventh of September, the year of Christ jesus, 1534 and twenty five of her Father's Reign, who with due solemnities was baptised the Wednesday following, Archbishop Cranmer, the old Duchess of Norfolk, and the old marchioness of Dorset being the witnesses at the Font, and the marchioness of Excester at the confirmation: She succeeded her sister Queen Marie in the Monarchy of England, and was for wisdom, virtue, piety, and justice, not only the Mirror of her Sex, but a pattern for Government to all the princes in Christendom: whose name I may not mention without all dutiful remembrance, and whose memory unto me is most dear, amongst the many thousands that received extraordinary favours at her gracious and most liberal hand.  
(146) Another man child Queen Anne bore unto King Henry, though without life upon the nine 
john Stow.  and twentieth of january, and twenty seven of his Reign, to the no little grief of the mother, some dislike of the King, as the sequel of her accusation and death did shortly confirm.  
(147) Edward the last child of King Henry, and first of Queen jane his third wife, was borne at Hampton Court, the twelfth of October, the year of Grace, 1537. and twenty nine of the King's Reign, being cut out of his mother's womb as is constantly affirmed, like as julius Caesar is said to have been: his Godfathers at the Font, was Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Norfolk, his sister Lady Mary being Godmother, saith Grafton: Six days after his birth he was created Prince of Wales, and at the death of his Father, succeeded him in all his Dominions, of whom more followeth hereafter.   

His Natural Issue.  
(148) Henry Fitz-R●…ie the natural son of 
A. D. 1519.  King Henry the eight was begotten of the Lady 〈◊〉 called Elizabeth Blunt, and borne in the Manor of Black●…moore in Essex about the tenth 
john Stow. 〈◊〉.  year of his Reign; at the age of six years he was created Earl of Nottingham and in the five and twentieth of his Father's Reign upon the eighteenth of june in the King's Palace of Bridewell was made Duke of Richmond and Somerset, Lord Warden of the East, West, and Middle-Marches against Scotland, and Lieutenant General of all the parts of England Northward, he was a Prince very forward in Marshal Activities, of Good literature and knowledge in the tongues, unto whom the learned Antiquary Leland dedicated a Book; He married Marie daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Earl Martial and Lord high Treasurer of England, with whom he lived not long, but died at Saint james 
Thomas Mille●…. Holinshed saith 〈◊〉 Thetford in Norfolk. p. 1237.  by Westminster the two and twentieth of july in the year of Christ jesus, 1536. and was buried at Framingham in Suffolk.  
THe tempestuous 〈◊〉 in the Reign of this King Henry the eight, and the violent deluge raised against the Church-state of his times; bore down so many religious strong foundations, and were the destruction of so many beautiful Monasteries, as the only relation of their numbers and names, would have much interrupted the narration of his history. Wherefore to retein●… their memorial (though their walls are laid wast●…) aswell for the reverence we owe unto venerable Antiquity, as for the example of their Founder's holyzeale, we have inserted a Catalogue of their names, orders, and true valuations, as in the original Book thereof taken by Commission, and given unto the King, we find them set down, though at their dissolutions their values were favourably and far under rated. Some Founders, and times of foundations we want, the rest, Tablewise, to avoid prolixity we have set down in this present following CHAPTER.    

A catalogue OF THE RELIGIOUS HOUSES WITHIN THE REALM OF ENGLAND AND Wales, with many their Orders, Founders, and Values, most of them being suppressed by King Henry the eight. Together with such other sacred places, as either then whereby him left standing, or since have been erected.  

BERKSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Reeding.— Saint jacob— By Queen Alfrith. By King Henry the first. First Nuns, after Black Monks, Cluniacenses. 2116 03 09 oo q Abingdon.— Saint Mary.— M Cissa, King of the Westsaxons.— Black Monks.— 2042 02 08 ob q Bromhall in Windsor Forrest. S. Marry Magd.— N Edward the Black Prince.— Black Nuns.—      Bistleham now Bisham. Christ jesus & our Lady M William Montacute the first Earl of Salisbury, A. 13. E. 3. Canons.— 0327 04 06 oo o Donington.— — F Richard de Abberbury Knight.— Ordinis Sancta Crucis. 0020 16 06 oo o Donington.— — H Richard de Abberbury Chevalier.— —      ham.— S. Marry Magd. N — Black Nuns.—      Hurley.— Saint Mary.— M — Black Monks, Westmonast. 0134 10 08 ob o Murresley.— — P — — 0014 03 01 oo o Poghley.— — M The Predecessors or Ancestors of the Abbess of Almesburie. — 0071 10 07 oo o●… Shottesbroke.— — C — — 0033 18 08 oo o Wallingford.— Saint Trinity.— P Edmund son of Richard, King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall. Black Monks of Saint Alban.      Wallingford castle — C Edward the Black Prince.— —      Wallingford.— Saint john.— H — — 0006 00 00 oo o  

BEDFORDSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founders and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob q Bedford.— — F. Lady Margaret de Patteshall.— Friars Minors, alij Grey friars. 0005 00 00 oo o Bedford.— Saint john.— H — — 0021 00 08 oo o Bedford.— Saint Leonard— H — — 0016 06 08 o q Bigleswade.— Sancta Trin. in Ecc S●…. Andrea C — — 0007 00 00 o o Bosco.— — M. — — 0143 18 03 o o Bushemede alias Bissemed — P Hugo de Bello Campo, and Roger his brother. Canon's Augustine's— 0081 13 05 ob o Caldewel.— S. john Baptist.— P The Lord Latimer. Alij john de Byddysley.— Black Canons.— 0148 15 10 o o Chicksand.— Saint Mary.— P Paine de Beauchamp.— White Canons. Nuns 0230 03 04 ob o Eton.— Corporis Christi— C — — 0007 16 00 o o Dunstable.— Saint Peter.— P King Henry the first.— Black Canons.— 0402 14 07 ob o Dunstable.— — F — Friars Preachers.— 0004 18 04 o o Fraternitas ibidem. — — — 0009 08 07 o o Elnestowe alias Helenstow, now Elstow. — N Iudith●… wife to Waltheof E. of Huntingdon.— Black Nuns.— 0325 02 01 ob q Harwold alias Harewood. Saint Peter— P Samson surnamed Fortis.— Black Nuns— 0047 03 02 o o Markeyate.— Saint Giles— N Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester and Hertford. Anno 6. E. 1. Nuns.—      Newenham.— — P Roise the wife of Pain de Beauchampe.— Canons Augustine's.— 0343 15 05 o o Northyle.— — C — — 0061 05 08 ob o Sanctingfield juxta Whitsand. — H King Henry the second.— —      Wardon.— Saint Marie— M King Henry the first, and Walter Espe●….— White Monks.— 0442 11 11 o o Woburne.— Saint Mary— M Hugo de Bolbick. Alij Robert de U●…re, Earl of Oxford by licence of King Richard. 2. White Monks.— 0430 13 11 ob o  

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.  Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Ailesburie.— — F Edith daughter of Frewald.— Friars Minors: alibi Grey friars.— 0003 02 05 o o Ankerwicke.— — N — Nuns.— 0045 14 04 o o Asheridge.— Saint Augustine.— C Edmund Earl of Cornwall son to Richard King of the Romans.— Bonorum virorum eremites.— 0447 18 00 ob o Bordesley.— Saint Marie.— Maude the Empress.— Cistertians.—      Bradewell.— Saint Mary.— P Manef●…lmus.— Black Monks.—      Burnham.— — M —  0091 05 11 ob o Byttelsden.— Saint Mary— M Arnald de Bosco, A. D. 1127— Cistertian white Monks. 0142 01 03 o  Eton.— — C King Henry 6.— Praefectus: Socy 8. & Cantores Scolares. 60.      Laveden.— Saint Marie.— M john de Bedon.— White Canons.— 0091 08 03 ob  Luffeld.— Saint Mary.— P Robert Earl of Leicester.— White Canons.—      Medmenham. alias Mendham — M The Ancestors of the Earls of Suffolk.— — 0023 17 02 o  Merlowe parva.— — M — Black Nuns.— 0037 06 11 o  Myssenden.— Saint Mary.— M D'Oiles ●…ue Doily.— Black Canons.— 0285 15 09 o  Newport painel— Saint Leonard— H john Peynton of Newport.— — 0006 06 08 o  Noteley.— Saint Marie.— M Walter Giffard Earl of Buckingham. A. 1112 Black Canons.— 0495 18 05 ob  Paretrendune.— — P — Black Canons.—      Raveneston.— — M Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0066 13 04 o  Sandewell.— — M The Ancestors of Thomas Stanley of Safford.— — 0038 08 04 o  Snelshall.— — P — — 0024 00 00 o  Stokepogeis.— — H Edward Baron Hastings of Loughborrow.— Poor people.—      Tekeford.— Saint Marie.— P Fulco Paganell, Alij, Domini Regis progenitor. Black Monks.— 0126 17 00 o  Wicombe, or high Wickham. — H — — 0007 15 03 ob   S. Margaret.— P — — 0022 06 07 o   

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q. Cambridge.— — F K. Edward the first, and Sir Guy Mortimer. Thomas de Hertford a great Benefactor. White Friars.— —    — Cambridge— — F King Edward 1.— Friars Minors, alibi, Grey Friars.— —    — Cambridge.— — F — Friars Augustine's.— —    — Cambridge.— — F — Black Friars.— —    — Cambridge.— Saint Radegund— N — Black Nuns.— —    — Cambridge.— — P — Canons.— —    — The Colleges in Cambridge.         Peterhouse.— — Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely. An. Dom. 1●…84— — —    — Clarehall.— — Rich. Badew and El●…. Clara Countess of Ulster. Anno Dom. 1340. — —    — Pembroke-hall.— — Maria de Sto. Paulo Countess of Pembroch. A. 1347.— — —    — Corpus Christi or Bennet College — Societas fratrum Corporis Christi. A. D. 1346.— — —    — Trinity-hall.— — William Bateman Bishop of Norwich. 1353.— — —    — Gon●…ill and Caius College. — Edmund Gon●…le and john Caius. A. 1348.— — —    — Kings-Colledge & Chapel. — King Henry the sixth, A. D. 1441.— — —    — Queen's College.— — Queen Margaret wife of H. 6. A. D. 1448. — —    — Katherine-hall.— — Robert Woodlarke. A. D. 1459. — —    — jesus-colledge.— — john Alcocke Bishop of Ely. A. D. 1497. — —    — Christs-Colledge St. johns-colledge — Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond mother to K. Henry the seventh. A. 1506. — —    — Magdalen-Colledge.— — Thomas Awdley Chancellor of England. A. D. 1542. Christopher Wray Lord Chief justice of England. — —    — Trinity College.— — King Henry the eight. Anno Dom. 1546. Tho. Nevil Deane of Canterbury, the Mr. thereof hath most magnificently enlarged — —    — Emanuel-Colledge. — Sir Walter Mildmay Knight, a Councillor to Queen Elizabeth. — —    — Sydney-Sussex College.— — Lady Frances Countess of Sussex gave five thousand pound to build it. — —    — Ely.— St. Peter and S. Ethelred Eccles. Cath. M — Andry wife to King Egfrid, placed Priests in it. Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester stored it with Monks: King Henry 1. made it a Bishops See: King Henry 8. in steed of the Monks placed a Dean, Prebends, and a Grammar School, with maintenance and teaching for 24. Scholars. Black Monks.— 1301 08 02 o  Ely.— S. john & S. Mary Magd. H Thomas Bishop of Ely.— — 0025 05 03 ob q Anglesey.— — P Richard de Clare.— — 0149 18 06 ob  Barnewell.— S. Andrew. S. Egidius. P Sir Pain Penerell, Standard-Bearer to Robert Duke of Normandy, in the Holy Wars against Infidels, in the time of Henry the first. Black Canons.— 0351 15 04 oo o Chatters.— Saint Mary annexed by H. 1. to Ely. N Alfwena a devout woman, and her brother Ednothus Abbot of Ramsey. Black Nuns.— 0112 03 06 oo q Denny.— Saint Clare.— N Maria de Sancto Paulo, wife of Adomar Earl of Pembroke. Anno Domini, 1341. Nuns.— 0218 00 01 ob o Saint Edmunds— — P King Canute.— White Canons.— 0016 16 00 oo o Fordham.— — P Henry Deu, or Dew.— De ordine Simplingham 0046 03 08 oo o Ikelington.— — P — — 0080 01 10 ob o Marmound.— — P — Canons.—      Soffam Bulbecke— — N — Black Nuns.— 0046 10 08 oo o Shengaye.— A Comendon & Praeceptoria to S. john of jerusalem. Sibyl daughter of Roger Mountgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, and wife of l. de pains. A. D. 1130. Knight's Templars.— 0175 04 06 oo o Swavesey.— — Alan lafoy Zouch brother to the Viscount Rohan in the lesser Britain. Black Canons.—      Thorney— Saint Mary and Saint Botulph. M Sexwulph a devout man for Eremites, Aethelwold B. of Winchester for Monks, and King Edgar. — 0508 02 05 oo o  

CARLIOL  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob q Apelby in Westmoreland. — F Lord Vescy, Lord Percy, and Lord Clifford, A. D. 1281. White Friars.—      Armethwait in Cumberland. — N King William the Conqueror, Anno Regni, 2. Nuns.— 0018 18 08 oo o Carliolin Cumberland. Saint Mary.— P Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0482 08 01 oo o Holme Coltreyn in Cumberland Saint Mary— M David King of Scots, and Henry Earl of Huntingdon his son. — 0535 03 07 ob. q. Lanercost in Cumberland. Saint Mary Magd. P Robert de Uanlx, Lord of Gillesland.— — 0079 19 00 oo o Sharp in Westmoreland — M Thomas the son of Gospatricke, son of Orms. — 0166 10 06 ob o  

CHESHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s. d. ob. q. Chester.— Saint john; Eccl Cath. King Henry the eight.— Secular Canons.—      Chester,— — F Thomas Stadham Gentleman. A. D. 1279.— White Friars.—      Chester.— — F King john.— Grey Friars.—      Chester.— — F — Black Friars.—      Chester.— Saint Wereburg. M Hugh the first of the Norman blood that was Earl of Chester. Black Monks.— 1073 17 07 ob o Chester.— The virgin Mary M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Canons.— 0099 16 02 oo o Chester.— Beatae Mariae.— N — Nuns.—      Chester.— Saint john C Baptist, alii H Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0013 07 10 oo o Birkehead.— S. james.— M Fundator Comitis Derbia Antecessor.— Black Canons.— 0102 16 10 oo o Bunbury, alias Boniface-bury — C Hugh Cal●…ley and the Egertons'.— Priests.—      Combermere.— — M William de Maibedeng. A. D. 1134.— White Monks.— 0258 06 06 oo o Maclesfeild.— — C Thomas Sanage first Bishop of London, and afterwards Archbishop of York. —      Norton.— Saint Mary— N William Fitz-Nigell a Norman.— — 0258 11 08 oo o Stanlaw.— — john Lacie Constable of Chester. A. D. 1173.— Monks.—      Valle Regalis.— — M King Edward the first.— — 0540 06 02 oo o  

CORNWALL.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualew.     l. s. d. ob. q Saint Anthony.— — M — Black Monks of the Angels.      Bodmin.— Saint Peter.— M First by K. Adelstan, after William Warnast Bishop of Excester, & confirmed by king john. Black Canons after Grey Friars. 0289 11 11 oo o Bonury.— Saint Petrorsi— M King Athelstan.— Black Canons.—      Crantocke.— — C — — 0089 15 08 oo o Saint German.— — M — — 0243 08 00 oo o Glassoney.— Saint Thomas.— C Walter Br●…nescome B. of Oxford. A. D. 1288.— — 0205 10 06 oo o Helston.— S. john Baptist.— P — — 0014 07 02 ob o Launceston.— Saint Stephen.— M Reginald Earl of Cornwall, A. D. 1150.— Black Canons, Aug.— 0392 11 2 oo q Saint Mary de val. — M — Black Monks of the Angels.      Saint Michael de Monte. — M William Earl of Cornwall and Morton.— Black Monks of the Angels.      Saint Michael de magno monte — M — Black Monks.—      Sulli Isle.— Saint Nicholas— M — Black Monks.—      Saint Syriace.— — M — Black Monks.—      Talearn.— Saint Andrew. M — Black Monks of the Angels.      Trury.— — F — Black Friars. s—      Tywardreth.— Saint Andrew.— ●…P — — 0151 16 01 oo o  

DERBYSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. 〈◊〉▪ ob. q. Derby.— Omnium Sanctorum. Eccl. Collegiat. — — 0038 14 00 o o juxta Derby.— Beata Mariae de Pratis. M — — 0018 06 02 o o Derby.— Saint james— Cella Fundator Domini Reg●… Progenitor.— Black Canons.—      Derby.— Saint Marie.— P  Black Monks.—      Derby.— Beatae Mariae— N Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Nuns.—      Derby.— — H The Countess of Shrewsbury.— Eight poor-men, four women.      Bello-Capite.— Saint Thomas.— M Robert the son of Ranulph L. of Alfreton, a Canon there. — 0157 10 02 oo o Bredsall or Brisol Park — M Fundator Antecessor johannis Diricke, alias Duthik Armigeri. — 0010 17 09 oo o Brend in the Peake — M Sir Robert Duin Knight.— —      Chesterfeild.— Saint Cross Saint Mary C — — 0019 00 00 oo o Dala.— Beatae Mariae or S. Mary. M William Fitz-Ralph Antecessor Geruasy Kingston. — 0144 12 00 o  Derelege or Darleigh. Beatae Mariae.— M — Black Canons.— 0258 14 05 oo o Faverwell.— Saint Marie.— N — Black Nuns.—      Gresly.— Saint George.— M William de Lions called Fitz-Nigel of Gresley — 0039 13 08 o  Pollewerke.— Saint Edith.— N — Black Nuns. ●…—      Repingdon, alias Repton. Saint Marie.— M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor. Alij Aimer de Valence & Randulph E of Chester Black Canons.— 0167 18 02 o  Yevelay or juelay and Barrow. — P — — 0107 03 08 oo  Yevelay or juelay, and Barrow. Praceptoria.— — — 0093 03 04 ob o  

DEVON-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualew.     l. s. d. ob. q Excester.— S. Peter, Episcop.— King Athelstan.— Secular Canons.—      Excester.— Saint james. M — Black Monks.—      Excester.— Saint Nicholas. P — Black Monks Benedict. 0154 12 00 oo o Excester.— Saint john— P — Grey Friars.— 0102 12 09 o  Excester.— S. Nicholas.— H — — 0147 21 00 o  Barnstaple.— Saint Mary Magd. P johel, son of Ailred.— Black Monks Benedictines Cluniacens. 0129 15 03 oo q Berdleston.— — P — Black Canons.—      Buckland.— Saint Mary. S. Benedict. M Amice Countess of Devonshire. Isabelde Fortibus, & Lady of the Isle a benefactor. Cistertians.— 0241 16 09 ob q Buckfaster.— Saint Marie.— P — White Monks. Cistertians.      Canonleigh.— Beata Mariae.— M — Nuns. 02 2 15 03 o  Clive.— S. Marry Magd.— M Almar Earl of Cornwall.— Black Canons.—      Cornworthy.— — N — Nuns. 0063 03 10   Cowyke.— Saint Andrew.— P Thomas Earl of Devonshire.— —      Crediton.— S. Crueis.— C — — 0140 14 5   Cuich.— Saint Andrew.— M — Black Monks.—      Dunkiswel.— — M — Cistertians.— 0298 11 10 oo  Ford.— Saint Mary.— M Adelize daughter to Baldwine of Okehampton, A. D. 1140. White Monks.— 0381 10 6 ob  Frethelstoke.— Saint Gregory.— P — — 0127 03 04 oo q Hartland.— S. Nectan the Martyr M Githa Earl goodwin's wife. Richard Pictavensis Archdiac: and Geffrey de Dynan Senior, & Oliver his brother benefactors. Black Canons.— 0306 13 02 oo q Saint Michael de Monte. — P — Black Monks Malms.      Molery.— Saint Gregory.— M — Black Monks.—      Newham, alias Newenham. — M Reginald Mohun, Earl of Dunster, Anno Domini, 1246 — 0231 14 04 oo o Othery.— Saint Marie— C john Grandison B. of Excester, tempore Ed. 3.— Black Monks.— 0303 02 09 o o Pilton.— Saint Mary the Virgin. P King Adelston.— Black Monks Benedictines. 0056 12 08 oo o Plymouth.— — F — Grey Frie●….—      Plimpton.— Saint Peter Saint Paul. P Baldwyn de Reduers, Earl of Devonshire, & Dominus de Insula, in Henry 3. time. Black Canons Augustine's. 0912 12 08 ob q Polsloo.— Saint Katherine. N — Black Nuns.— 0170 02 03 oo q Zion.— — M — —      Tavystocke.— Saint Mary Saint Burion M Ordolph the son of Ordgare, Earl of Devonshire, Anno Dom. 961. Black Monks Augustine's. 0902 05 07 ob q Torre.— Saint Saviour.— M William de Briewer.— White Canons Augustine's. 0396 00 11 oo o Tottenes.— Saint Mary Aliens. P Roger Newman.— Black Monks Benedictines. 0124 10 02 ob o Twynham or Christ-Church Twynham. — M Isabel de Fortibus sometime Countess of Albemarle and Devonshire, and Lady of the Isle founded it for William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle, and Richard de Reduers Earl of Devonshire. A. D. 1161 This is placed also in Hampshire.       

Dorsetshire.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q. Dorset.— — M The Ancestors of Sir john Chediok Knight.— Franciscane Friars.—      Shirb●…rne.— Saint Peter.— M 

A Bishops See under Adelmus the first Bishop thereof, A. D. 704.  
Sunning, another See translated to it by Hermannus Bishop, tempore Ethelredi Regis. After that by the said Hermannus translated to Salisbury, left for a retiring place to them, tempore Gulielm●… Conquestoris, the Church where the Bishop's seat was, became a Monastery. Robert Nevil Bishop of Salisbury, a chief founder.   Black Monks Benedictines. 0682 14 07 ob o Abbotesbury.— Saint Peter.— M Orking King of Denmark.— Black Monks.— 0485 03 05 ob q Bindon.— Saint Mary.— M — White Monks. Cistertians. 0229 02 01 ob o Brydport, alias Birtport. — P — — 0006 00 00 oo o Brydport, alias Birtport. Saint john Bap.— H — — 0008 06 01 oo o Camestrum.— S Mary Magd. N — White Nuns.—      Cerne.— Saint Peter S. Adelwold. M M. Camden saith, Augustin the English Apo stle. Others, Agelwaldus a rich m●…. Some say, Almarus E of Dorset, or rather of Cornwall Black Monks.— 0623 13 02 ob q Cranborne.— — M Aelward a noble Gentleman. A. D. 930.— —      S. john Baptist.— — H — — 0051 10 04 oo q Kalendarum.— — D — — 0●…10 18 08 o  Beata Marie Magdalen. — D — — 0021 11 03 oo o Saint Mark alias LeGaunts. — H — — 0112 09 09 oo o Melcombe.— — — Black Friars.—      Middleton alias Milton. Saint Mary. S. Saviour. M Athelstanus Rex.— Black Monks.— 0720 04 01 o  Shafton.— — — — 1329 01 03 o o Shaftesbury.— Saint Edward Martyr. N Elfgine wife to Edmund King Aelfrids' nephews son. Black Nuns Benedictines.      Tarent.— — A Cel. Richard Poer Bishop of Sarisbury.— Virgins Votarics.— 0239 11 10 o  Warham.— S. Peter. S Adelwold — Black Monks—      Winburn Minster— — N Cuthburga sister to Ina King of the West Saxons, and husband to the King of Northumberland. A. D. 713. Nuns.—       

DURHAM DIOCESE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualew.     l. s. b. ob. q Durham.— S. Cuthbert.— P Bishop Aldwin the first builder. William de Car●…leph B. gathered ag●…ne the dispersed Monks. Ralph his Successor finished what he had begun. N. Fernham Bishop Thomas Melscombe Prior enlarged it. A. D 742. William Skirlaw Bishop builded that part called Galilee. Black Monks.— 1615 14 10 ob o Dutham in Oxonia. — C Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0115 04 04 o o Chester in the St●…eet. — C Anthony Bec Bishop and Patriarch of jerusalem. A Deane and 7. Prebends.      Egleston.— — M Conan Earl of Britain, and Richmond, & after by Ralph de Molton. —      Finchcale.— — Cella R. brother unto that rich Bishop, Hugh Pudsey. — 0146 19 02 oo  Gateshead.— Saint Edmund. H — — 0109 00 04 oo o Gretham.— — H Robert Bishop of Durham.— — 0097 06 03 ob o Hartlepoole.— — M Hien, a religious woman.— —      jarrow.— — Cella Abbot Ceolfrid, in the 16. year of K. Ecfrid Antecessor Episcop. Dunelm. — 0040 07 08 o o Keprey.— Saint Egidius.— H — — 0167 02 11 oo o Lanchester.— — C Anthony Bec Bishop of Durham.— Dean & Prebends.—      Letham.— — Cella. — — 0053 15 10 oo o Monks Weremouth. Saint Peter.— M Benedictus Biscop.— —      Monks Weremouth. Saint Paul.— M Benedictus Biscop.— —      Nesseham.— — N Fundator Domini Dakers Antecessor.— Nuns.— 0026 09 09 o o Sherborne.— — H Hugh Pudsey. B. and E. of Northumberland.— — 0135 07 0 o o Stanedrop.— — C Fundator Domini Nevil Antecessor.— — 0126 05 10 o o Stampford or Sampford. — Cella — — 0036 17 0 o o Warmouth.— — Cella — — 0026 0 0 o   

ESSEX.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob q Colchester,— S. john Baptist— M Eudo Dapifer Henriciprimi.— Black Monks.— 0008 01 08 o o Colchester.— Saint Botulph.— P — — 0113 12 08 o o Colchester.— Sanctae Crucis.— F — Fratres Sanctae Crucis— 0007 07 08 o o Colchester.— S. Marry Magd. H Eudo Dapifer.— Leprosi.—      Barking.— Saint Mary & S. Eadburg. M — Black Nuns.— 1084 06 02 ob q Barking.— — H The Ances●…ors of Sibyl de Felton Abbess of Barking. —      Bierdon.— — P — — 0031 05 01 ob o Bileigh.— — M First by Robert Moruile, after by Heruey de Monte-Merenciano. — 0196 06 05 o o Blakamore.— Saint Laurence— M jordan de Samford.— — 0085 04 07 o o Brendwood.— S. Thomas the martyr chapel. Isabel Countess of Bedford.— —      Chelmsord.— — Domus — friars Preachers.— 0009 06 05 o o Chich.— Saint Peter Saint Peter Saint Osith M Richard B. of London, Anno Dom. 1120.— Black Canons.— 0758 05 08 o o Coggeshall.— Saint Marie.— M K. Stephen, Nephew to William the Conqueror White Monks.— 0298 08 0 o o Dunmowe.— Saint Marie— P juga a Noble Lady, A. D. 1111.— Black Canons.— 0173 02 04 o o Earles-colne.— Saint Marie.— P Albericus de Vere.— Black Monks of Abingdon. 0175 14 08 ob o Ginge-attestone.— — P — Black Canons.—      Halstide siue Hasted. — C Robert Bourchier.— — 0023 16 05 ob  Hatfeild Regis.— — P Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford, tempore Henrici tertij. Black Monks.— 0157 03 02 ob o Heneninghan castle. — P john Haukewood Knight, john Oliver Esquire, and Thomas Newenton, Esquire. — 0029 12 10 o o Horkislegh.— — M The Ancestors of Sir Roger Wentworth, in the right of his Wife. — 0027 07 11 o o Ilford.— — H — — 0016 13 04 o o Lyghes.— — P — — 0141 14 08 o o Maldon. — F Richard Gravesend, Bishop of London, and Richard Iselham Priest, Anno Dom. 1292. Carmelites or White Friars. 0026 00 08 o o Mercy This is also placed in Hertfordshire, because it is doubtful in which of these 2 it is. Saint Helen. P Alien. Roger Fitz-Ranulph.— —      Newport.— — H — — 0023 10 08 o o Saint Osithe.— — M Richard B. of London, A. D. 1520.— Regular Canons.— 0758 05 08 o o Pipewell or Pritwell. Saint Mary.— P — Black Monks.— 0194 14 03 ob o Plecy.— — C — — 0139 03 10 o o Stanesgate.— — P The Predecessors of the Prior of Lewis.— Black Monks.— 0043 08 06 o o Stratford Langthorne. Saint Mary.— M Gulielmus Mountfitchet primus Fundator, & postea Richardus secundus Rex Angliae, regni 20. — 0573 15 06 ob q Thoby,— — P Michael de Capra Knight: the ancestors of john Mounteny, Fitzherbert and jermin. — 0075 06 10 ob o Tiptree.— — M The Ancestors of Anthony Darcy.— — 0022 16 04 o o Tiltie.— Saint Marie.— M Maurice the son of Gilbert.— White Monks Cistertians. 0177 09 04 o o Tremhale, alias Trenchale. — P — — 0070 19 03 ob o Walden parva.— Saint jacob.— M Galfridus de Magna-villa.— Black Monks.— 0406 15 11 o o Waltham.— Sanctae Crucis.— M King Harold the last; after by King Henry the second. Black Canons.— 1079 12 01 o o  

GLOUCESTER-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s. d. ob. q. Gloucester.— Saint Peter.— M King Osrick of Northumberland first made it a Nunnery: afterward Aldred Archb. of York, and B. of Worcester, A. D. 68●…. Black Monks Benedictines. 1550 04 05 ob o juxta Gloucester— Saint Oswald.— P Egelfleda Daughter of King Elfred, first Foundress, Anno Domini, 910. Black Canons, alij friars Preachers. 0090 10 02 ob o Gloucester.— Saint Barth. H — — 0044 07 02 ob o Gloucester.— Saint Barth. H — — 0025 11 02 oo o Gloucester.— — F Queen Aeleanor wife to King Edward the first. Sir john Giffard, and Sir Thomas Barkley Knights. Carmelites or white Friars.      Gloucester.— — King Athelstan.— Canons Augustine's—      Barkley.— — N — Nuns.—      Bro●…feild.— — P — Canons.— 0078 19 04 oo o Cirencester.— S. john & S. Laurence. H The Abbot of Cirencester.— —      Cirencester.— Saint Marie. M First the Saxons, afterward King Henry the first. Black Canons.— 1051 07 01 ob o Dierherst sive Dereherst. — First by King Etheldred, after by Edward Confessor, after made a Cell to S. Dennys in France, by Edward king of England. Black Monks.—      Flaxeley in the forest of Dean. — M Roger Earl of Hereford in King Henry the seconds time. Cistertians.— 0112 03 01 o o hails.— — M Richard Earl of Cornwall, and King of Romans, A. D. 1246. — 0357 07 07 ob o Kingeswood.— Saint Marie M Barkleis of Duresley.— White Monks.— 0254 05 10 o o Lanthonie near Glouc. Saint Marie. P Milo Earl of Hereford.— Black Canons Augustine's 0748 19 11 ob o Lanthonie parva in the Marches of Wales. — P — — 0112 00 05 o o Minching-hampton — N — Nuns.—      Niwetton.— — — Black Monks—      Quinington.— — H — — 0137 07 01 ob o Stanley.— Saint Leonard. M Mande●…il Earl of Essex. King Henry the second. — 0126 0 08 o o Stow.— — H Almare Earl of Cornwall.— — 0025 14 08 o o Teuxbury.— Saint Mary. M Odo & Dodo, men of great power in Mercia founded it at Cranborne, afterward removed by Robert Fitzhamon to Te●…xbury, A. D. 717. made first a Priory, after an Abbey, A. D. 1102. Black Monks Benedictines. 1598. 01 03 o o Westbury.— — C For Richard Duke of York, and Edmund Earl of Rutland: K. Edward gave them the Hospital of S. Laurence by Bristol. Deane and Canons.— ●…232 14 0 o o Winche●…combe.— Saint Mary. M Kenulph the Merci●… King.— Black Monks.— 0756 11 09 oo o  

HAMP-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Winchester.— S. Swithin, M S. Peter. Lucius the first Christian King, after by Ke●…alch King of the West Saxons, Aelfred and Edgar circa annu●…, 670. Black Monks.— 1507 17 02 oo q Winchester.— Saint Mary N S. Edburg. Aelfwida the wife of King Aelfred, after by King Edward the first. Black Nuns.— 017●… 07 02 o o Winchester.— — F Peter of Winchester Parson of Saint Hellons in Winchester, A. D. 1278. Carmelites or White Friars.      Winchester.— — F — Austin Friars.—      Winchester.— — F K. Henry the third.— Greyfriars.—      Winchester.— — F Peter of Rochi●….— Black Friars.—      juxta Winchester. Beatae Mariae.— C William Wickham Bishop of Winchester. — 0639 08 07 oo  juxta Winchester. — H Henry Beauford Cardinal of Winchester founded it, and gave it lands to the value of 158. l. 13. s. 4. d. And S. john de Fodering bridge an Ho●…pital was given to it 

Two Chaplains.  
35 Poor Men.  
3. Women.        juxta Southampton, Le teley, alias Le●…o loco. S. Edward and M S. Marry. Henry the third, and Peter de Rupibus.— Augustine Eriers.— 0160 02 09 ob o juxta Southampton. Sancti Dionis. P K. Richard the first, called Cord●…-Lion, Anno Dom. 1179. Black Canons.— 0091 09 00 o  Southampton.— Beatae Mariae Magd. H Confirmed by Pope Alexander, Anno Dom. 1179. — 0016 16 02 ob o Apple-durwell, in the Isle of Wight. — P Nicholas Spenser, and Margery his wife.— —      〈◊〉.— Praeceptoria.— — — 0118 16 7 oo  Bello-loco— — M. King john.— — 0428 06 08 oo o Bromere.— S. Trinity. P S. Mary. S. Michael. Baldwin Earl of Rivers, and Devonshire.— Black Canons.— 0200 05 01 ob o Chritwynh●…ms si ●…e Christ-church of Twynham. — P Isabel de Fortibus, sometime Countess of Albemarle and Devonshire, and Lady of the Isle founded it for William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle, and Richard de Red●…ers Earl of Devonshire, A. D. 1161. This is placed also in Devonshire. 0544 06 00 oo o Caresbroc in the Isle of Wight. S. Marry Magd.— P — Black Monks.—      Deretford in the Isle of Wight. Sanctae Elizabetha. P King Edward the third.— —      Ham●…le.— Saint Andrew.— P — Grey Monks.—      Hide.— Saint Peter. M Saint Paul. S. Grimball. First King Alfride, after performed by K. Edward Senior, and lastly the Monks themselves removed from the old, tempore Henrici primi. Black Monks.— 0865 01 06 ob q Mottisfount.— Sanctae Trinitatis. P Ranulph Flammard Bishop of Durham, Richard de Riparijs Earl of Devonshire, and William de Bruere, tempore Gulielms Rufi. Black Canons or Augustine's of Berton. 0167 15 08 ob o Portsmouth.— A Church and Hospital. Peter de Rupibus.— — 0033 19 05 ob o Quarrer in the Isle of Wight. S. Marry Magd.— M Baldwine Earl of Devonshire, and Richard his son. About the time of King Stephen. White Monks.— 0184 01 10 o o Redford or Redbridge. — M — —      Romsey.— — N King Edgar, and Earl Alwyn.— Nuns.— 0528 08 10 ob o Southwyke.— Saint Mary.— P William Pontlarge, siue Pontlearch, and William Danies Normans. Also William de Ponteys a Benefactor. Regular Canons.— 0314 17 10 ob o Tychefeild.— Saint Marie— M Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester.— — 0280 19 10 ob o Whorwell.— Sanctae Crucis N Saint Peter Queen Aelfrith.— Black Nuns.— 0403 12 10 o o Wyntney.— — P — — 0059 01 00 oo o — Sanctae Elizabethae C — — 0112 17 04 ob o — Sanctae Crucis.— H Henry Blois brother to King Stephen.— — 0084 04 02 o o  

HEREFORD-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s d ob q Hereford.— S. Marry Epan tus. S. Ethelbert Milfrid a petty King of the Country. Reinelm Bishop, tempore Henrici primi. Secular Canons.—      Hereford.— S. Guthlac.— F Henry Penbrigge.— Grey Friars.— 0121 03 03 ob o Hereford.— S. Peter. S Paul.— P john Pe●…brigge.— Black Monks.—      Acornebury.— S. Katherine.— N — White Nuns.— 0075 07 05 ob o Barrone.— — — Black Monks—      Clyfford.— Saint Marie.— P — Black Monks.— 0065 11 11 oo o Dore.— Saint Mary.— M Robert Lord of Ewias●…— White Monks.— 0118 00 02 o o Flansford.— — M Richard Talbot.— Regular Canons.— 0015 08 09 oo o Kilpeke.— — P — —      Ledbury.— S Katherine.— H john Bishop of Hereford.— — 0022 05 00 oo o Leomenstre.— Saint jacob.— P M●…rewald a King of the Mercians, and K. Henry the first. Black Monks of R●…ding.      Lymbroke.— — N — White Nuns.— ●…023 17 08 o  Wiggemore.— Sancto jacobo.— P — Black Canons.—      Wormesty.— — P — — 0083 10 02   Hertford, a Celestina to S. Alban. — P — Black Monks.— 0086 14 8   Saint Alban.— Saint Alban Martyr. M Offa King of the Mercians, Anno D●…. 795. Black Monks.— 2510 06 01 ob q  

HERTFORD-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s. d. ob. q. Beluero, a Celestina to S. Alban. Saint Mary. S. joh. Baptist. P — Black Monks.— 0135 05 10 oo o Bosco, near Flamsteed. S. Egidius.— N — Nuns.— 0046 16 01 ob o Button.— Saint Marie.— P — Monks.—      Binham, in Com. Norff. A Celestina to S. Albant. — P — — 0160 01 00 oo o Chesthunte.— — N Henr. Rex Angliae, Domin us Hibernia, Dux Norm. Aquitan. & Comes Anged. confirmed Shestrehunt Moniales totam terram Dom. ten. cumpertin. suis quae Canonicis de Cathale, quos amoveri fecimus. At Westm. 11. Aug. 24. Regni nostri. Nuns.— 0027 06 8   Chille.— — N — Black Nuns.—      Chiltree.— — N — Black Nuns.—      Hatfeild Peverel, in Com. Essex, A Cell to Saint Alban. Saint Mary.— P Daughter of Ingelrick, and wife to Peverel, in K. William the Conqueror's time. Black Monks of Saint Alban. 0083 19 07 o o Hychin.— — F K. Edward the second; john Blomnil, and Adam Rouse, and john Cobham. Carmelites or White Friars. 0004 09 04   Langley Regis.— — F Robert, son of Roger Helle Baron.— Preaching Friars.— 0150 14 08 o o Langley, vid●… Leicestershire. — N Fundator Antecessor uxoris Francisci Bigo●… Militis, & einsdem uxoris Sororum. Nuns.—      Mersey.— S. Helen. P Alien Roger Fitz-Ran●…lph.— —      Mirdiall.— Saint Mary.— P — Black Canons.—      Monketon, in Dioc. S. David's, A Celestina to S. Albans — P — — 0113 02 06 ob q New-bigging infra villam de Huchyn. — P — — 0015 01 11 oo o Royston, alias Cr●…x Rohaysiae. S. john Baptist. S. Th●…m. Martyr. P Eustach de Marc Knight, Lord of N●…cels, and Radulphus de Rancester, and others renewed it. Canons.— 0106 03 01 oo o Royston.— S. john. S. I●…mes Apostles. H — — 0005 06 10 oo o Roweney.— A Free Chapel or Hospital. — — 0013 10 09 o o Sopewell.— Saint Mary. N The Abbots of Saint Alban.— Black Nuns.— 0068 08 00 oo o Thele.— — C William Bishop of London.— A Master. 4 Chaplains.      Tynmouth, in come. Northb. a Celestina to S. Alban. — P Fundator Antecessor Dueis Norfolcia.— — 0511 04 01 ob o Ware.— — P The Progenitors of King Richard's mother.— —      Wymondley.— — P Richard Argenten.— Canons.— 0037 10 06 ob o  

HUNTINGDON-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. q. Huntingdon.— Saint Mary. P Eustachius Lo●…tot.— Black Canons Augustine's. 0232 0 00 ob  Huntingdon.— S. john Baptist— H Founded by David Earl of Huntingdon, Lord of Connington, tempore H. 2. — 0006 07 08 oo o Hinchingbroke.— — N William Conqueror, in place of Eltesly by him suppressed. Nuns.— 0019 09 02 oo o S. Neot, A Cell to Becco in Normandy. — P E. Aelfric first: Roisia de Claraster. A. D. 1113.— Black Monks.— 0256 01 03 ob o Ramsey.— Saint Mary S. Benedict. M Earle Aylwin. Anno Dom. 969.— Black Monks Benedictines. 1983 15 03 oo q Saltry.— Saint Mary.— M Simon 2. Earl of Huntingdon: Kings of Scots, and Lords of Connington, in the reign of King Stephen. White Monks Cistertians. 0199 11 08 oo o Stoneley.— — P Mande●…le Earl of Essex.— Black Canons Augustine's. 0046 00 0b oo o S. You, A Cell to Ramsey. — P Earl Ad●…us in the reign of Ed●…d Ir●…side. Black Monks Benedictines.       

KENT.  Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Canterbury. Christ-Church Saint Trinity—. P 〈◊〉 ●…ll believing Romans, after Et●…lred King of Kent. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— 2489 04 09 oo o juxta Canterbury. Saint Augustine. M King Ethelbert, and after King Edward the second. Black Monks.— 1412 04 07 ob q juxta Canterbury. S. Gregory, or S. George. P Lowffran Archbishop there.— Black Canons.— 0166 04 05 ob o juxta Canterbury. Saint Sepul●…hers. N — Black Nuns.— 0038 19 07 ob o Canterbury.— — F King Henry the third.— Greyfriars.—      Canterbury.— — H — Poor Priests.— 0010 13 08 ob o juxta Canterbury. Saint Laurence.— H — — 0031 07 10 o o Canterbury extra Mur●…s. Saint jacob.— H — — 0032 11 01 ob q Ailefford.— — F Richard Lord Grey of Cod●…r, in the time of King Henry the third, Anno Dom. 1240. Carmelites or white Friars.      Ashford.— — C Sir R. Fog Knight.— Priests.—      Beigham.— Saint Marie.— P The Ancestors of Thomas Sak●…ile, Alij Sir Robert Thornham. White C●…nons.— 0152 19 04 ob  Bels●…ton or Bilsington. Saint Mary.— P john Maunsell Praepositus Be●…lacensis for King Henry the third, and Eleanor his wife. Black Canons.— 0081 01 06 o o Bradgare.— — C Robert de Bradgare, T. Ioseli●… Clerie. and john at Uise. —      Bradesoke.— S. Radegundis.— M Hugh the first Abbct.— White Canons.— 0142 08 09 o o Boxley.— Saint Marie M William de Ipres a Fleming, Earl of Kent, tempore Regis Stephani. White Monks.— 0218 19 10 o o Cobham.— — C john Baron Cobham.— — 0128 01 09 ob o Combewell.— S. Marry Magd. M — Black Canons.— 0080 17 5 o q Dar●…ford.— — N King Edward the third, Ann●… Reg●…i Anglia 30. Francia ver●… 17. Nuns.— 0400 08 00 oo o Daunton.— — N — Black Nuns.—      Dover.— Saint Marie, Saint Martin P King Henry the first.— Black Monks.— 0232 01 05 ob o Dover, 〈◊〉 Dei. — H Henricus tertius Rex Anglia.— Knights Templars.— 0159 18 06 ob q Eastbridge.— — H King Henry the first gave for William his Father, quicquid Robertus Bru●… dederat Ec●…lesia de Esteburch, & fratribus ibidem Regularibus. — 0023 18 09 ob q El●…et.— — N Dom●…▪— Nuns.—      Feversham.— S. saviours.— M King Stephen and Maud his wife.— Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0286 12 06 ob o Folkestone.— S. Eanswide.— N Eanswide daughter to Eadbald King of Kent: After Roger Segrane and julian his wife, and john Clinton Baron. Black Nuns.— 0063 00 07 o o Greenwich.— — F King Henry the seventh.— Observant Friars.—      Greenwich.— — C William Lambard.— Queen Elizabeth's poor people.      Greenwich.— F Alien K. Edward the third, Anno Regni 55. john Norbury. Friar Minors.—      Harballdowne.— — H john Stratford, or Stafford, Archbishop of Canterbury. — 0109 07 02 oo o Heyham.— — N — Black Nuns.—      Horton.— Saint john Evangelist. P — Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0111 16 07 ob o Langdon.— S. Th●…. Martyr. M — White Canons.— 0056 06 09 o o Leedes.— Saint Nicholas. P Robert Cre●…equeur.— Black Canons Augustine's. 0362 07 07 o o Lesnes upon Thames. S. Augustin or S. Th. Martyr. P Richard de Luci●…, Chief justice of England. Anno D●…. 1179. Black Canons.— 0186 09 00 o o Lewesham— P Alien john Norburie.— Black Monks.—      Maidstone.— Omnium Sanctorun. C Boniface of Sa●…y.— — 0159 07 10 oo o Malling.— Saint Marie.— N Gundulph Bishop of Rochester.— Black Nuns.— 0245 10 02 ob o Mottynden.— — M — — 0060 13 00 ob o Newenden.— — F Built at the charges of Sir Thomas Albuger Knight, A. D. 1241. Carmelites or White Friars.      Northgate.— Saint john's— H — — 0091 16 08 ob o West Peccam.— — Praeceptoria johannes Culpepper, justice. de communi Banco, Anno 10. H. 4 — 0063 06 08 o o Reculuer.— — M Bassa an English Saxon.— —      Rochester.— Saint Andrew.— M Bishop Gundulph a Norman, A. D. 1080.— Black Canons.— 0486 11 05 o o Rochester.— S Bartholomew,— H King Henry the third confirmed it, and Edward the third discharged them of all Taxes, Tallages, etc. Leprosi.—      Rumney.— P Ali●… — —      Sandwich.— — F Henry Cowfeild an Almane, Anno D●…. 1272. Carmelites or White Friars.      Sandwich.— Saint Thomas. H Thomas Raling Clerk, William Swan Clerk, john Goddard and Richard Long. —      Strode or Strowde. — H Robert Glanuile.— — 0052 19 10 ob o Swingfeild.— — Pracept●…ria. — — 0087 03 03 ob o Sh●…pey.— S. Sexb●…rg. N Sexburga wife of Erc●…bert King of Kent or East-Angles, Anno D●…. 710. Nuns.— 0129 07 10 ob o Shepey.— Saint Marie.— William de-la-Poole marquess of Suffolk, by the name of William de-la— Pool Earl of Suffolk.       Tunbridge.— S. Marry Magd.— P Richard Clare Earl of Gloucester.— Black Canons.— 0169 10 03 o o Wingham.— — C Founded by Archbishop Pecham.— Canons.—      Wye.— — C john Kempe Archbishop of Canterbury. Priests.— 0093 02 0 ob o  — Saint Mary S. Swythin. Sir john Segrave.— —       

LANCA SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Lancaster.— Saint Marie.— P john Earl of Morton, and confirmed by him afterward when he was King of England. Monks.—      Lancaster.— — A Cell Roger of P●…ictiers.— Monks Aliens.—      Burstough.— — P — Canons.— 0129 01 00 o o Calder.— — Fundator Antecessor Domini de Copeland.— —      Cartmele.— — P William Martial the elder, Earl of Pembroke for King Henry the second, Anno D●…. 1188. — 0113 19 07 oo o Cokersand.— — M Ranulph de Meschines.— Monks Cluniacks.— 0228 05 04 ob o Conyshed.— — P Fundator Antecessor G●…lielmi Pennington.— — 0124 02 01 o o Furnes.— — M Stephen Earl of Bullen, afterward King of England. Monks Cistert●…ans.—      Holland.— — P Robert Holland and Maud his wife. Alij Antecessores Comitis Derbia. — 0061 03 04 o o Horneby.— — Cella Fundator Antecessor Domini Mounteagle.— —      jeruaux.— — M — —      Manchester.— — C The Grelleyes Ancestors to Thomas West Lord La Ware, tempore H. 5. —      Penwortham.— — M — — 0114 16 09 oo o whaley.— — M The Ancestors of the Lacies Earls of Lincoln, Anno D●…. 1296. White Monks.— 0551 04 06 oo o  

LEICESTER-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. 〈◊〉. d. ●…b. q. Leicester.— Saint Mary.— M Robert de Bossu, Earl of Leicester.— Black Canons or Friars Preachers. 1062 00 04 ob q juxta Leicester Castle. Saint Mary.— C Henry Duke of Lancaster.— — 0023 12 11 o o Bredon, A Cell to S Oswald. — M Fundator Domini Regis Proge●…tor. Alij Al●… Earl of Cornwall. Black Canons.— 0025 08 01 o o Bradley.— — P — — 0020 15 07 oo o Burton.— — mowbray's and by a common contribution over all England. Leprosi.— 0265 10 02 o q Canwell.— — M. The Ancestors of the Lord Lizle.— — 0025 10 03 oo o Croxton.— — M The Lord Barkleyes' Ancestors.— Pramonstratenses.— 0458 19 11 ob q Castledonington.— S. john Baptist.— H — — 0003 13 04 o o Cumbe.— Saint Mary. M — White Mo●…kes.—      Cale.— — P — Black Canons.—      Dalby-Rothley Heyther. Praceptoria.— — — 0231 07 10 oo o Garradon.— — M Fundator Antecessor 〈◊〉 Comitissa Oxford.— — 0186 15 02 ob o Gracedew, nee re Donington. — N Roisia wife of Bertram de Verdon.— Nuns.— ●…01 08 02 ob o Gerewerdon.— Saint Mary. M — White Monks.—      Hinkley.— — P Alien — —      Kirkby Bellers.— — P Roger Bel●…rs, and A●…yse his wife.— — 0178 07 10 oo q Launda.— — M Richard Basset Di●…c. Lincoln.— Black Canons.— 0510 16 05 ob q Langley.— — Fundator Antecessor Uxoris Frane. Bigot Mil. & 〈◊〉 Vxoris S●…rum. Nuns.— 0034 06 02 oo o Litterworth.— Saint johnns. H — — 0●…26 09 5 o o Novi-operis.— — C — — 0595 7 04 o o Olneston, or Oselneston. — M Robert Grimbald.— — 0173 18 09 oo q Stave.— N — Black Nuns.—      Vlneserost.— — P Roger Quiney Earl of Wint●…n.— — 0101 03 10 ob o Werewerdon.— — M — Black Canons.—      — Saint Ursula.— H — — 0008 00 00 oo o  

LINCOLN SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob q Lincoln Epantus.— Saint Marie.— M — Secular Canons.—      Lincoln.— — F M. Odo de Kilkenny, a Scotish mam, A. D. 1269. Carmelites or White Friars.      Lincoln.— Saint August.— F — friars Eremites.—      Lincoln.— — F john Pickering of Stampwike.— Friars Minors.—      juxta Lincoln.— S. Katherine.— P Robert de Caneto Bishop of Lincoln.— Gilbertines.— 0270 01 03 oo o Aluingham.— Saint Mary.— P Anthony de Bec Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of jerusalem. White Canons and Nuns Gilbertines. 0141 15 00 oo o Balwatus Aquilae. — — — 0124 02 00 oo o Bello-vero, sive Beawoir. Saint Marie.— Ralph de Todeney.— Black Monks of S. Alban. 0129 17 06 o o Berling●…s.— — M Radulphus de Haya.— — 0307 16 06 oo o Bolyngton.— Saint Marie M — White Canons and Nuns Gilbertines. 0187 07 09 oo o Boston.— — M S. Botolph in the Saxons time.— —      Boston.— — F Sir Orby, A. D. 1300.— Carmelites or white Friars.      Boston luxta Mare. Saint Mary.— P T. Morley Knight, john Bacon Esquire, john Hagon, Thomas Hoke de Shynham, and john Hyrd of Boston. —      Boston,— Beatae Mariae. C — — 0024 00 00 oo o Boston.— Corporis Christi. C — — 0032 00 00 oo o Boston.— Saint Peter.— C — — 0010 13 04 o  Bradney.— Saint Oswald. M Confirmed by William de Gannt, son and heir of Gilbert de Gannt, Anno Dom. 1115. — 429 07 00 oo o Brunne.— Black Canons.— — —      Bryggerd.— — P — — 0101 11 00 ob o Cateley, or Catlin. Saint Marie.— M john Spawl Esquire.— White Canons & Nuns Gilbertines. 0038 13 08 o o Croyland or Crowland. — M Aethelbald King of the Mercians, Anno Dom. 716. It was new built at the benenolence of the whole land, given upon pardon for their sins. Black Monks.— 1217 05 11 oo o Elsham.— — P William dine.— Black Canons.— 0083 17 10 oo o Eppworth in the Isle of Axholme. A Conuentual House. Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham & Martial of England. Carthusians.— 0290 14 07 ob q Fosse.— — N — Nuns.— 0008 05 04 oo o Frisetun.— — Mauritius de Creon Baron.— Black Monks.—      Glamfordbridge in Parochia de Wrawby. — H William Tirwhit.— —      Goykewell.— — N — Nuns.— 0019 18 06 oo o Greenfeild.— Saint Mary.— N Dudon de Gro●…esby.— Black Nuns.— 0079 15 01 o o Grimmysby.— Saint Leonard— N Robert Grosted Bishop of Lincoln, and Thomas Hesterton Knight. Black Nuns.— 0012 03 07 o  Grimmesby.— S. Augustine. & S. Toloss. Fundator Domini Regis Progenit●…r.— Black Canons.—      Hagneby.— — M Herbert of Orbe●… or Orreby.— — 0098 08 04 oo o Haverholm.— Saint Mary. M Alexander Bishop of Lincoln.— White Canons, & Nuns Gilbertines. 0088 05 05 oo o Hevings.— — N — — 0058 13 04 oo o Hunston or Humberston. Our Lady & S. Peter. M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0042 11 03 oo o Irford.— — M — — 014 13 04 ob o Kirksted.— Saint Marie.— M Hugh Britay.— White Monks.— 0338 13 11 ob q Kyme.— — M Philip de Valisby.— — 0138 04 09 oo o Letherstoke.— — john Gifford Clerk.— —      Leyborne.— Our Lady M Robert Fitz Gilbert.— — 0057 13 05 o q Louthparke.— Saint M●…ry.— M — White Monks.— 0169 05 06 ob o Markeby.— — P — — 0163 17 06 ob o Newebo.— — M — — 0115 11 08 o o Newhouse.— S. martial.— Peter de Ga●…lia.— White Canons, the first house of the Order Prmonstratenses in England.      Newnersby, or Nun-orm●…by. — P — White Canons & Nuns Gilbertines 0098 00 00 oo o Newsom.— — M — — 0114 01 04 ob o Newsted near Stansford. — M — Gilbertines.— 0042 01 03 oo  Newsted near Axhol●…e. — P — — 0055 11 08 oo o Noton, or N●…cton-Parke. S. Marry Magd. M Robert D'Arci●….— Black Canons.— 0052 19 02 ob o Nun-Cotton.— Saint Mary. P — White Canons and Nuns. 0046 17 07 oo o Oxeneyes.— — — Black Canons.—      Raveston.— Saint Augustin.— C — —      Revesby, or Revyswy. — M William Romare.— Nuns.— 0349 04 10 oo o Sempringham.— Saint Gilbert. M Saint Gilbert beginner of the said Order.— White Canons & Nuns Gilbertines. 0359 12 07 oo o Sixle.— Saint Marie.— — Whit Canons & Nuns.      Spalding.— Saint Mary, and S. Nicholas. M Iuo Talbois comes Andegavensis, and William de Romara, and Lucy Countess of Chester and Lincoln. Audegavenses Monachi. 0878 18 03 oo o juxta Stansford— Saint Michael. M — Black Monks.— 0072 18 10 ob o Stanford.— Saint Mary & Saint Nicholas — Black Monks.— 0065 19 09 o o Stanford.— — F King Edward the third.— Carmelites or White Friars.      Stanford.— — H William Browne Citizen there.— —      Stanford.— — H The L. Burghley L. Treasurer of Engand.— —      Staynsfeld.— — P Confirmed by K. john for his Father Henry the second. Black Nuns.— 0112 05 00 oo o Stixwold or Stixwell. Saint Marie.— M Lucy first Countess of Perch.— White Canons and Nuns. 0163 01 02 o ob Swinshed in Holland. Saint Marie.— M Sir Robert Grisley.— White Monks.— 0175 19 10 oo o Syxhill.— — P — Gilbertines.— 0170 08 09 o o Tatteshall.— — C Sir Ralph Cromwell Knight.— — 0348 05 11 ob q Temple-Bruer.— Praeceptori●….— — — 0184 06 08 oo o Thorneholme.— — P — — 0155 19 06 ob o Thornton.— — M — — 0730 17 02 ob o Torington.— Saint Marie.— William de Arundel.— Black Canons.—      Torkesey.— — P — Black Canons.— 0027 02 08 o o Tupholme.— Saint Mary. M Alain Nevil.— White Canons.— 0119 02 08 oo o Valla Dei.— Saint Mary.— M Gilbert Gaunt Earl of Lincoln.— White Monks Cistertians. 0177 15 07 ob q Wello.— — M — — 0152 07 04 oo o Willoughton.— Praeceptori●….— — — 0174 11 01 ob o — Saint Peter. & Saint Paul M — — 0197 17 05 oo q — Omnium Sanctorum H — — 0018 16 00 ob q  

MIDDLESEX. London within the Walls.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q. Eccles. Cath.— Saint Paul.— Ethelbert King of Kent, Anno Dom. 610.— Secular Canons.—      juxta Ludgate.— F — K. Edward the first, and Aeli●…ora his wife. Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, & the Citizens of London, A. D. 1276 Black Friars.— 0104 15 04 oo o juxta Newgate. F — Queen Margaret second wife to K. Edward the first, and john of Britain, Earl of Richmond, with divers other Citizens of London, A. D. 1225. & 1306. friars Minor. or Grey Friars. 0032 19 10 oo o juxta Aldersgate. C Saint Martius.— Ingelricus and Edward his brother, Anno Dom. 1056. Secular Clerks.—      Guildhall.— — Peter Stambarr, Adam Frances, Henry de and William Brampton chaplains, A. D. 1299. A Chapel and 4. Chaplains. 0012 18 09 oo o In Cheapside.— H S. Thom. of Acon.— Thomas Fitz-the bald de Heily, & Agnes his wife, sister to Thomas Becket; in the reign of Henry the second. — 0277 03 04 oo o In Candleweek street. C Corpus Christi.— john Poultney Mayor of London, Anno 20. Edward. 3. — 0079 17 11 oo o S. Laurence Pountney.         Whittingdon.— C — Richard Whitingdon a Citizen of London, An. 3. H. 6. — 0020 01 10 oo q In Gay spur lane. Elsing spital. H — William Elsing Citizen of London. An. Dom. 1329. Anno 3. Ed. 3. Canon's Regular, A lij 100 blind men. 0239 13 11 ob o In Lothburie.— — Anno Dom. 1257.— Fratres de Sacra.—      In Broadstreet.— F S. Augustin.— Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, A. Dom. 1253. Austin Friars.— 0057 00 04 oo o In 3. Needle street, A Celestina to S. Anthony of Uienna. H S. Anthony.— King Henry the third.— —      In Bishopsgate street. N Saint Helen's.— William Basin Deane of Paul's, in the second year of Edward the second. Black Nuns,— 0376 06 00 oo o In Leaden-hall.— H S. Trinitatis.— William Rouse, john Risby, and Thomas Ashby Priests. A. D. 1466. 60. Priests.—      juxta Aldgate Christ's Church P The holy Trinity.— Queen Matilda wife to K. Henry the first Anno Dom. 1108. Black Canons or Canons Regular.      In Hartstreet.— — Ralph Hosiar, & William Sabernes. A. D. 1298. Fratres Sancta Crucis. 0052 23 ●…2 oo o Barking Chappel.— Our Lady.— john Earl of Worcester, made it a fraternity. King Richard the third made it a College of Priests, and re-edified it. —       

London without the Walls, in the Suburbs.  Westminster.— M Saint Peter.— Sebert King of the Eastsaxons, Dunstan B. of London. K Edward Confessor. Back Monks.— 3977 06 04 ob q Westminster. C Saint Stephen.— King Stephen: after by King Edward the third. Secular Canons.— 1085 10 05 oo o Westminster in Tote-hill street.. H — The Lady Anne Dacre.— — 0100 00 00 oo o Westminster.— H Saint james.— The Citizens of London.— —      Westminster near Charing Cross, A Cell to our Lady of Rouncinall in Navarre. H Saint Marie.— Anno 15. Edward 4.— —      Westminster, S. Giles in the fields. H — Queen Matilde, wife to King H. 1. A. D. 1117 —      Westminster, The Savoy. H Saint john Bap.— King Henry the seventh. A. D. 1509.— — 0529 15 07 ob o In Fleetstreet New Temple. Our Lady.— Founded by themselves in the reign of Henry the second. Knight's Templars.—      In Fleestreet.— — Richard Grey of Codnor. A. D. 1241.— White Friars.— 0063 11 04 o o In Smithfield.— M S. Bartholomew.— 

Henricus Rex Anglia pri●…, 〈◊〉 Ecclesiam.  
After by Rahere first Prior of the same, Anno Dom. 1102.   Black Canons or Canons Regular. 0757 08 04 ob q In Smithfield. H S. Bartholomew.— Rahere a Prior, A. D. 1102.— — 0305 06 07 oo o The Charterhouse in Saint john's street. — Sir Walter Many of Cambrey Knight, A. D. 1340. or 1371. Carthusians.— 0736 02 07 oo o In Saint john's street. P Saint john of jerusalem. Iorden Brise's Baron, and Muriel his wife. A. D. 1100. — 2385 19 08 oo o Clerken-well. N Saint Mary.— Iorden Briset Baron, the son of Ralph, Anno Domini 1100. and Muriel his wife. Black Nuns.— 0282 16 05 oo o Exta Creplesgate, Corpus Christi. H 

Our Lady,  
Saint Giles.   Matildis Regina, Henrici secundi Auia. After by john Bela●…r, 35. Edw. 3. —      In White Cross street. H Saint Giles.— King Henry the fifth.— Of the French Order.      Halywell.— N S. john Baptist.— A Bishop of London.— Black Nuns.— 0347 01 03 oo o Extra Bishops gate, New-Hospitall. P Beata Maria,— Walter Brunne and Roisia his wife, A. D. 1235. Canon's Regular.— 0557 14 10 ob  Extra Algate. N Saint Clare,— Blanch Queen of Navarre, and her husband Edmund E. of Lancaster, Leicester, & Derby, brother to K. E. 1. 1292. 21. E. 1. nuns Minors.— 0342 05 10 ob o In East Smithfield near the Tower. New Abbey. M S. Marry Graces. King Edward the third, Anno regni cius 25. A. D. 1359. White Monks Cistertians. 0602 11 10 ob o Near the Tower. H S Katherine.— Matilda wife to King Stephen, and after by Aelioner, wife to King Edward the first. 

A Custos.  
3. chaplains.  
3. Sisters.  
18. poor women.  
6. poor Clerks.   0315 14 02 o o  

Middlesex.  juxta Brainford. F Ecclesia sanctorum Angelorun. john Somerset Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the King's Chaplain. —      Kylborne. N Saint Mary.— — Nuns.— 0086 07 6 o o Hownslow. Domus — — Captives.— 0080 15 00 ob o Langley.— — The Earl of Derby.— —      Okeburn.— P. Alien — — —      Stanes.— P — Ralph Stafford.— —      Stratford Bow.— M Sancti leonard's.— King Henry the second.— Nuns or white Monks. 0121 16 00 oo o Zion.— M — King Henry the fifth, Ann. 2. of his reign. Nuns & Priests Augustine's. 1944 11 08 o q Uxbridge.— M Saint Mary.— Hugh Rowse.— —       

NORFOLK.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob q Norwich produced from the Abbey of Feschamp in Normandy. Ecc. Cat. Saint Trinity.— Elbert de Losing. Bishop Herbert of Thetford, Anno Dom. 1096. in the reign of King William Rufus. Black Monks, Benedictines. 1061 14 03 ob o Norwich.— F — Philip Cowgate Citizen & Mayor of Norwich, A. D. 1268. Carmelites or White Friars.      Norwich.— F — john Hestynford.— Grey Friars.—      Norwich,— F — — Black Friars.—      Norwich.— F — Remigie, or the King.— Austin Friars.—      Norwich.— H Saint Egidius.— — — 0090 12 00 oo o Linne.— F — Lord Bardolf, Lord Scales, and Sir john Wignhall, Anno Dom. 1269. Carmelites or white Friars. 0001 15 08 oo o Linne.— F — Thomas Geduey.— Black Friars.—      Linne.— F — T. de Feltsham.— White Friars.—      Linne.— H Saint john.— — — 0007 06 11 o o Attilburgh.— C Sancta Crucis.— Robert Mortimer.— — 0021 16 00 ob o Beeston.— P — — — 0050 06 04 ob q Blakburgh.— N — — Nuns.— 0076 03 09 ob o Blakeney.— F — Lord Rosse, Sir Robert Bacon, and S. john Bret Knights, A. D. 1321. Carmelites or White Friars.      Bokenham, alias Bukkenham P Saint jacob.— — Black Canons.— 0131 11 00 oo o Bromhall in Windsor Forrest. P — Edward the Black Prince.— —      Bromholme.— P S. sepulchres.— G. Glamnile.— Black Monks Cluniacenses 0144 19 00 ob q Bromholme.— Saint Andrew.— William Glamnile.— Benedictines.—      Brunham.— — Sir Ralph Hempnall, and Sir William Calthrop, Anno Dom. 1241. Carmelites or white Friars. 0002 05 04 oo o Budham.— Saint Mary.— — Black Canons.—      Carow.— N Saint Mary.— King Stephen.— Black Nuns.— 0084 12 01 ob q Carbroke.— C S. john jerusalem.— — — 0065 02 09 ob o Castell-acre.— M Saint Marie.— — Black-will Monks Clunic.— 0324 17 05 ob q Crobbehouse.— N — — Nuns.— 0031 16 07 oo o Flytham, A Celestina to Walsingham. N — — Nuns.— 0062 10 06 ob o Hempton or Hompton. P Our Lady and Saint Stephen. Richard Ward Cannon here.— — 0039 00 09 oo o Heringby. C — — — 0023 06 05 oo o Hilderlands. H — — — 0000 14 00 o o Horsseham.— P Saint Fidis.— Robert Fitz-Walter.— Black Monks Benedictines. 0193 02 03 ob o Hulme.— M Saint Benedict.— King Kanute the Dane. After K. Edward Confessor. Black Monks.— 0677 09 08 oo q Hyckeling.— P — — — 0137 00 01 ob q Kockesforth, or Cokesford. M — Sir William Cheyney Knight.— Black Canons.— 0153 07 01 oo o Langley.— M — Fundator Antecessor uxoris Francisci Bigot Militis, & eiusdem uxoris Sororum. Vide Hertf. & Leicest. Nuns.— 0128 19 09 ob o Marmound. N — — White Nuns Gilbert.— 0013 06 01 ob o Markham Barbara. M — — — 0042 04 07 ob q Pentney and Wormegay. M S. Mary Magd.— Reginald de Warenna.— Black Canons.— 0215 18 08 oo o Rushworth. C — Sir Robert Wingfeild Knight.— — 0085 15 oo ob  Shuldeham.— P Sancta Crucis & S. Marie. — White Nuns Gilbertines. 0171 06 08 oo o Thetford.— F Sancta Trinitatis.— Bishop Arfast of El●…ham, in the reign of King Edward Confessor, made it a Bishops See. After Henry Duke of Lancaster, made a Society of Preachers. friars Preachers.—      Thetford.— F — john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.— Augustine Friars.—      Thetford.— F S. Sepultur.— The Earl of Warren.— Black Friars.—      Thetford.— P S. Marry, & S. john— Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk.— Black Canons.— 0049 18 01 oo o Thetford.— N Saint Gregory.— — Black Nuns.— 0050 09 08 o o Thetford.— M Saint Andrew.— Hugh Bigod Steward to King Henry.— Black Monks Clunicenses. 0418 06 03 ob o Thetford.— C Beata Mariae.— — — 0109 00 07 oo o Thetford.— S. Marry Magd, & S. john Bap. john Warren Earl of Surrey.— —      Tomeston.— C — Thomas de Shardelow, and john his brother A. 23. E. 3. 6. chaplains.— 0052 15 07 ob  Wabburne.— P — — — 0028 07 02 oo o Walfingham— M Saint Marie— Edmond Earl of March, and Elizabeth de Burgo. Black Canons friars Minors. 0446 14 04 ob q Wendling.— F — William de Wendling Priest.— Austin Friars.— 0055 18 04 ob q Westacre. P S. Mary & alSaints — Black Canons.— 03●… 19 11 ob q Westdereham. M — — White Canons.— 0252 12 11 ob o Weybridge or Wexbridge. P Saint Margaret.— Robert Oliver, Thomas Monday, john Palmar and john Barford. — 0007 13 04 oo o Wirham.— P Winewald.— — Black Canons the martial      Wymondham.— Saint Marie— William D'Albiney, Butler to King Henry the first. Black Monks of S. Alban. 0072 05 04 oo o Yarmouth.— F — King Edward the first, Anno Domini, 1278 Carmelites or white Friars.      Yarmouth.— F — Galfridus Pilgrim, and Thomas Fastolfe— Black Eriers.—      Yarmouth.— F — Sir William Gerbrigge.— Grey Friars.—      juxta Yarmouth in Castretleg. C S. john Baptist.— First Robert de Castre, after by john Fastolfe Esquire, father to Sir john Fastolfe. —      Yngham. P Saint Marie— — Black Monks of Saint Alban. 0074 02 07 ob o — F — — friars Preachers.— 0000 18 00 o o — F — — Austin Friars.— 0001 04 06 oo o  

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.  Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q Northampton.— M Saint jacob.— — Black Canons.— 0213 17 02 ob o Northampton. P Saint Andrew.— Simon de Sancto Licio, first E. of Northampton.— Black Monks.— 0334 13 07 oo o juxta Northamp ton. N S. Marry de pratis, or the laprey Simon de Sancto Licio second Earl of Northampton. Nuns.— 0119 09 07 oo q Northampton.— F — — friars Minors or Grey Fricrs. 0006 17 04 o o Northampton.— F — — friars Preachers.— 0005 07 10 oo o Northampton.— F — Simon Mountfort, and Sir T. Chitwood Knights. A. D. 1271. Carmelites or white Friars. 0010 10 00 oo o Northampton.— N Saint Mary.— — Black Nuns.—      Northampton,— F — john de Glannile.— Augustine Friars.—      Asheby.— P — — — 0127 19 00 oo o Catesby.— N S. Tho. & S. Mary.— — Nuns of Sempringham. 0145 00 06 oo o Chacum.— P S. Peter. S Paul.— William Knowles. Sir Hugh Awresey.— Black Canons.— 0093 06 03 ob o Cotherstoke.— C — john Gifford Clerk, A. 22. E. 3.— —      Davintree.— P Saint Austin. Angl. Apost. Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Monks Clunicenses. 0236 07 06 oo o Fynneshed the Church of Saint mary's of the castle of Hyviell. M S. Mary the Virgin Richard Engaigne.— — 0062 16 00 oo o Foderinghay. C — Edmund de Langley Duke of York. King H. 4 and Queen joan his wife, an. 13. lastly, H. 5. and Edward Duke of York. — 0419 11 10 ob o Gare.— N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns.—      Higham-Ferrars. C — Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury.— — 0156 02 07 ob o Brackley. C — The L. Zouchs.— —      Irt elingburgh. C — john Pool.— A Dean & 6. Clerks.— 0064 12 10 ob o juxa Kingesthorp H Saint David.— — — 0024 06 00 oo o Peterborough. M Saint Peter.— Wolpherue. fill. Regis Restani Etheldredus. Ethelwoldi. Black Monks.— 1972 07 00 〈◊〉 q Pipewell.— P Saint Mary.— William Botevillei, & Robert Botevillei, & Ranulph Earl of Chester. A. H. 2. White Monks Cistertians. 0347 08 00 ob o Rothewell.— N S. john Baptist.— — Nuns.— 0010 10 04 oo o Sainct-davy. P Saint Trinity, & Saint Mary. — Black Canons.—      Sewesby or Sewardesley. N S. Mary Magd,— — Black Nuns.— 0018 11 02 oo o Stanford.— N — — Nuns.—      Sulby.— M Saint Mary.— — Black Monks.— 0305 08 05 ob o Towceter.— C — — — 0019 06 08 oo o Withorpe.— M — — Black Monks.—      H Saint Leonard.— — — 0010 00 00 oo o H Saint john's.— — — 0025 06 02 ob q C Omnium sanctorum — — 0001 19 04 oo o P S. Michael.— — Black Monks.—       

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Nottingham. F — Sir Reginald Grey of Wilton, and I. Shirley, Anno Dom. 1276. White Friars.—      Nottingham. F — King Henry the third.— Grey Friars.—      Nottingham. H — john Plomtree.— —      Bawtree. H — — — 0006 06 08 oo o Bella valla. P — john Cantelupe, and Nicholas de Cantelupe Confirmed by Edward the third, Anno 19 Angliae, & 6. Franciae. Carthusians Cistertians. 0227 08 00 oo o Bingham. C Beatae Mariae.— — — 0040 11 00 oo o Blythe. P Saint Mary.— Roger Busly, and Foulk de Lisieurs.— Black Monks.— 0126 08 02 ob o Blythe. H — — — 0008 14 00 o o Brodham. P — — — 0016 05 02 oo o Clyston. C — — — 0020 02 06 oo o Felley. M Our Lady.— Fundator Antecessor johannis Chough Militis. john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury. Black Monks.— 0061 04 08 oo o Lenton P Sanctae Trinitatis.— William Penerell the base son of King William the Conqueror. Black Monks, Cluniacenses. 0417 19 03 oo o In Marisco, apud Capell. Sancti Thomae Ebor. Cella. — — — 0063 06 08 o o Mattersey.— — Fundator Antecessor Edwardi Thirland.— — 0061 17 07 oo o Newsteed, or Nono-Loco in Shirwood. Our Lady.— King Henry the second.— — 0219 18 08 ob o Rufford. M — Dominus Beaumount Antecessor Domini Norreys. White Monks.— 0254 06 08 oo o Shelford. P — Ralph Hanselin: & H. Norris Antecessor.— — 0151 14 01 oo o Southwell. C — Paulinus the first Archbishop of York.— — 0039 05 06 ob o Thurgarton. P Saint Peter.— Sir Ralph D'eincourt, and confirmed per Regem. Black Canons.— 0359 15 10 oo  Wallingwells. N — The Lord Fitz-Hugh, ancestor to the L. Dacres. Nuns.— 00087 11 06 o o Welbeck. M Saint james.— Fundator Antecessor Episcopi Eliensis. Tho. de Cukeney, or Cokeney. Black Canons.— 0298 04 08 oo o Workesope. M Saint Mary of Radford. William Lovetot, and the Ancestors of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Black Canons.— 0302 06 10 oo o  

NORTHUMBERLAND.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q Alba-Launda, or Blancheland. M — Fundator Antecess. Comitis Westmorlandia. john de Torington a Benefactor. K. john confirmed it. Anno 16. Cistertians.— 0044 09 01 ob o Alnewicke or Holne. F — john Lord Uesey (Antecessor Cmitis Northumbria) brought this Order first into England. A. D. 1240. Carmelites or White Friars. 0194 07 00 oo o Berwick. F — Sir john Grey, Anno Dom. 1270.— Carmelites or White Friars.      Brekenbourne. P — William Batram the elder, father to Roger Bartram, tempore Regis johannis. — 0077 00 00 oo o Frameland, Ferne-Eland, or Flaneland. Celestina la. — — — 0012 17 08 oo o Hexham.— P — Fundator Antecessor Archiep. Eboracensis.— — 0138 01 09 oo o Holiscombe. N — — Nuns.— 0015 10 08 o o Insula-sacra.— Cella — — — 0060 05 00 oo o Lambley.— N — The Lucy's.— Nuns.—      Newcastle. F — — Grey Friars.—      Newcastle. N — — Nuns.— 0037 04 02 oo o Newcastle. F — King Edward the first.— Carmelites or White Friars.      Newcastle. H S. Mary. Magd.— — — 0009 11 04 oo o New-Monastery, alias New Minster. M — Fundator Antecessor Domini Dakers.— — 0140 10 04 oo o Ouingham Cella de Hexam. — — — 0013 04 08 oo o Tynmouth. a Cell to Saint Alban in Hertfordshire. N — Fundator Antecessor Ducis Norfolcia.— Nuns.— 0511 04 02 ob o  

OXFORD-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q Oxford, Ecclesia Cathedralis. — King Henry the eight.— —      Oxford. P S. Frideswid.— Frideswida filia Algari, Restaurator Ethelredus Rex, & Dom. Regis Progenitores. Nuns, afterwards Black Canons. 0224 04 08 9  Oxford.— F — Richard Cary.— Fratres Sanctae Crucis.—      Oxford.— F — Henricus Rex.— Friars Minors, or Grey Friars.      Oxford.— F — K. Edward the second, Anno 11. Edwardi 2. Carmelites or White Friars.      Oxford. F — — Black Friars.—      Oxford. F — King Henry the third.— Augustine Friars.—      Oxford. M S. Mary Osney.— Rob. the son of Niele, brother of Rob. D Oily a Norman, A. D. 1129. Black Canons.— 0755 18 06 ob  Oxford. M Locus Regalis, alias Rewley. Edmund Earl of Cornwall.— Monks Cistertians.— 0174 03 00 oo o The Colleges in Oxford.         University College. — First King Aelfred, after William Archdeacon of Durham.       Balliol College.— — john Balliol Father of john Balliol King of Scots, tempore H. 3.       Merton College.— — Walter Merton B. of Rochester. Anno D. 1274.       Exeter College.— — Walter Stapledon Bishop of Excester, tempore Edw. 2.       Harts Hall.— — Walter Stapledon Bishop of Excester, tempore Edw. 2.       Kings, now Oriall. College. — King Edward the second.—       S. Maries Hall.— — King Edward the second.—       Queens College.— — Queen Philip wife K. Edward the third.—       S. Edmund's Hall— — Edmund Archb. of Canterbury, ut creditur.       Canterbury now Christ's Church College. — Simon Islip Archbishop of Canterbury. After Cardinal Wolsey, and K. Henry the eight.       S. Marry, alias New College. — William Wiccam Bishop of Winchester.       Gloucester College — Benedictine Monks.—       Durham, now Trinity College. — Thomas de Hatfeild, Bishop of Durham. After in our time, Sir Thomas Pope knight       Lincoln College.— — Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln.—       S. Alban Hall.— — —       Broadgate Hall— — —       Allsoules College. — Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury tempore H. 5.       New Inn.— — —       Bernard now S. john Baptist College. — Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, tempore H. 5. After in our time, Sir Thomas White L. Mayor of London.       Sancti johannis Hospitale, now Marry Magdalen College. — Fundator Henricus Rex, Afterward William Wainflet B. of Winchester.       Magdalen Hal.— — William Patten, alias Wainflet.—       Brazen Nose Col ledge. — William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, tempore H. 7. Doctor Nowell Dean of Pa●…les, Benefactor.       Corpus Christi College. — Richard Fox B. of Winchester, Hugh Olda●… B. of Excester, Benefactor.       jesus College.— — Hugh Price Doctor of the Laws.—       Wadham College. — Wadham, an Esquire, and his wife.—       Banbury. H Saint john.— — — 0015 01 10 ob o Banbury. C Beat Mariae.— — — 0048 06 00 oo o Brackele. P Saint Mary.— — Black Canons.—      Bruern. M Saint Mary.— Nicholas Basset.— White Monks.— 0124 10 10 oo o Burcester, vulgo Bisset●…r. Saint Eadburgh.— Gilbert Basset, and Egelina Courtney his wife, tempore Henrici Secundi. — 0167 02 10 oo o Burford. P — — — 0013 06 06 oo o Chiping Norton in Ecclesia. — — — 0007 14 00 oo o Clattercote. M Sancti Leonardi.— — — 0034 19 11 oo o Coges. P — — Black Monks.—      Dorchester. M Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Birinus the Apostle of the Westsaxons, and after by Nicholas Huntercombe, heir of William Huntercombe. Black Canons.— 0219 12 00 oo o Ewelme, or New Elm. H — William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk.— — 0020 0 0 o o Eynsham, M Saint Marie.— Athelmar a Nobleman. King Aethelred confirmed it. A. D. 1005. Black Monks Benedictines. 0421 16 01 oo o Godstowby Oxf. N Saint Mary.— Dame Ida a rich Widow. Repaired by K. john. Black Nuns.— 0319 18 08 oo o Goring. N Saint Marie— — Black Nuns.— 0060 05 05 oo o Lidmore, alias Littlemore. N — Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Nuns.— 0033 06 08 oo o Norton.— P — 

Domini Regis Progenitor. Reginald Earl of Boulogne gave 108½. Acres to it.  
Richard Sergeaux.   Black Canons.—      Saucombe. P Saint Marie.— — Black Canons.—      Stodeley. N Saint Mary.— Peter Corbyzen▪ and William de Cantelop.— — 0102 06 07 oo o Tame. M Saint Mary.— Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, the great builder of Castles. White Monks.— 0256 13 07 ob o Wroxton. P Saint Mary.— Master Michael Bylet, for Heruey Bylet his Father, and confirmed by K. john. Canons.— 0078 14 03 o o  

RICHMONDSHIRE.  Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q Richmond. M Saint Agath.— Roaldus Constable of Richmond, and Gracian his wife. Fundator Antecessor. Dom. Scroop. A. D. 1152. — 0188 16 02 oo o Richmond. H Saint Nicholas.— — — 0010 00 00 oo o Coverham, alias Somerham M — First founded at Swaynsie by Halwisia daughter of Ralph Glam●…ill, wife to Ralph Lord of Midleham, but removed after to Coverham. A. D. 1182. canons Praemonstratenses. 0207 14 08 oo o Cander. M — — — 0064 03 09 oo o Ellerton. N Saint Mary.— William Fitz-Pier.— Nuns.— 0015 14 08 oo o furnace. M Saint Mary.— First, Stephen Earl of Bolleyn. Anno Dom. 1127. After William de Mowbray gave lands to it, which lands he had of Richard Moruill, and Amie his wife. King Henry the 1. confirmed it. White Monks.— 0966 07 10 oo o Fountains. M Saint Mary.— Thurstin Archbishop of York. A. D. 1132. White Monks.— 1173 00 07 ob o Gilling. N — — Nuns.—      jeruall. M Saint Mary.— Stephen Earl of Britain and Richmond.— White Monks Cistertians. 0455 10 05 oo o juxta Kendal. H — — — 0006 04 03 oo o Near Knaresbrough. F Saint Robert.— Richard King of Romans, Earl of Cornwall, A. D. 1218. Friars.— 0035 10 11 oo o Maryke. N — Asks.— Nuns.— 0064 16 09 oo o Middleham, or Barnard's Castle. — Richard Duke of York.— —      Nun-Munketon. N — Fundator Antecessor G●…ll. Gascoign Militis. Nuns.— 0085 14 08 oo o Rybleston. Commendary. — — — 0207 09 07 oo o Rypon Eccles. Collegiat. — — — 0035 03 08 oo o Rypon. H S. Mary Magd.— — — 0024 00 07 o o Rypon. H S. john Baptist.— — — 0016 14 04 oo o Seton. N — Fundator Antecessor Henrici Kirkeby.— Nuns.— 0013 17 04 oo o Welles. H S. Michael.— Ralph Lord N●…ill. A. D. 1367.— — 0020 17 11 oo o  

RUTLAND-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualew.     l. s. d. ob. q Occam, under the custody of a Prior of Saint Anne Carthusians by Coventree. Saint john H Evangelist. H William Dalby of Ext●….— 2 Chaplains, 12 poor, each 30. s. yearly.      Brooke.— S. Marry the Virg. P —  0043 13 04 oo o  

SHROPSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s. d. ob. q. Shrewsbury. M 

Saint Peter,  
Saint Paul.  
Saint Melb.   Roger Earl of Mountgomery. Anno Dom. 1081. Black Monks.— 0615 04 03 ob o Shrewsbury, Eccles▪ Collegiat. Saint Chadds.— — — 0014 14 04 oo o Shrewsbury, Ecc. Colleg. Saint Mary.— — — 0013 01 08 oo oo Shrewsbury. F — — Carmelites or white Friars.      Shrewsbury. F — — Black Friars.—      Shrewsbury. F — Geffrey Lord of Powis.— Grey Friars.—      Abberbury, given to Alsoules in Oxford by the King. P Alien. — Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— —      Battlefield. C — King Henry the fourth.— — 0054 01 01 oo o Bildewas. M Saint Marie.— Roger Bishop of Chester.— Black Monks Cistertians. 0129 06 10 oo o Brewood. M — — — 0031 01 04 oo o 
●…ridgenorth. 


H  
F     — john Earl of Shrewsbury, cozen and Heir to Ralph Strange Original Founder. Grey Friars,— 0004 00 00 oo o B●…umfeild.— — — Black Monks.—      Chirbury. P — — — 087 07 04 oo o Halisowen. M — King john. Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester. — 0337 15 06 ob o Haughmond. M Saint Mary, & S. john evang. William Fitz-Alane.— White Canons.— 0294 12 90 oo o Ludlow. F — Sir Laurence Ludlow Knight, An. Dom. 1349. Carmelites or White Friars.      Ludlow. F — Edmundus de Pontibus, sive Briggman▪ Benefactor. Augustine Friars.—      Ludlow. H Saint john.— — — 0017 03 03 o o Lyleshull. M — Bea●…meis Family.— Black Canons.— 0327 10 00 oo o Stone. P Saint Michael.— — Black Monks.—      tongue. C Saint Bartholomew. Isabel wife of Fulke de Penbridge Chenalier. — 0022 08 01 oo o Wenlocke. P Saint Milburg.— Earl Roger of Montgomerie. A. D. 1081. Black Monks.— 0434 00 01 oo o Womebridge. P — — — 0072 15 08 oo o Wygmore. M — Hugo de Mortu●…-Mari, A. D. 1172.— White Canons. 0302 12 03 ob o  

STAFFORD. SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q. Lichefeild Eccles. Cath. — Oswy King of Northumberland made it a Bishops See. Pope Adrian made it an Archbishops See. Grey Friars, and lately Canons.      Lichefeild. P S. john Baptist.— Roger B. of Coventry and Lichefeild.— —      Lichefeild. H Saint john.— — — 0008 15 00 oo o Stafford, P Saint Thomas Martyr. Ralph Earl of Stafford, and Richard Bishop of Chester. Black Canons & Augustine's. 0141 13 02 oo o Stafford. C Saint Marie.— — Grey Friars.— 0035 13 10 oo o Brewood. N — — Black Nuns,— 0011 01 06 oo o Briverne. P Saint Marie.— — Black Monks.—      Briverne. N Saint Leonard.— — White Nuns.—      Burton upon Trent. P S. Mary, Saint Modwen. Ulfricke Sprot Earl of Mercia.— Black Monks.— 0356 16 03 ob o Catune. P — — Black Nuns.—      Chetwood. P — john Chetwood Chidlet. T. Conell, William Gardiner Parson of Somerton. john Parson of Godyngton. —      Croxden. P — Baron's Uerdon.— — 0103 06 07 oo o Delacresse. M — Ranulph the third of that name E. of Chester. White Monks.— 0243 03 06 oo o Dudley. A Celestina to the Priory of Wenlocke. P — john the son and heir of john lare Baron de Dudley. Black Monks.—      Faireweld. N Saint Mary.— — Black Nuns.—      Ferburge. H — — — 0050 00 00 oo o Hulton. M — The Ancestors of the Lord Audley.— — 0076 14 10 ob o Lappele. P Saint Remigij.— — Black Monks.—      Merivall..— — — — 0199 14 10 oo o Penchriche.— C — — —      Renton.— P — The Noels' Ancestors of Sir Simon Harecourt. — 0090 02 10 ob o Roceter.— M — — — 0111 13 07 oo o Stone.— P Saint Wolphade.— Ralph Earl of Stafford.— Black Canons.— 0119 14 11 oo o Tameworth.— N — Edith King Edgar's daughter.— Veiled virgins or Nuns.      Tameworth, Eccles. Colleg. — Marmions' of Normandy.— —      juxta Tameworth. H Saint james.— — — 0003 06 08 oo o Trentham.— P — Ralph Earl of Chester.— Canons.— 0106 03 10 oo o Tricingham. M — Saint Werburg.— —      Tutbury.— P Saint Mary.— Henry de F●…rrars a Nobleman of Normandy, in the reign of William Conqueror. Black Monks.— 0244 16 08 o o Woller-hamptonC — Clement Luson Chaplain, and William Waterfall. —       

Somersetshire.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q. Bristol. M Saint Augustine.— King Henry the second, and Lord Robert the son of Harding, the King of Denmark's son. In our time King Henry the 8. made it a Cathedral Church. Black Canons Uictorines. 0767 15 03 oo o Bristol. P Saint jacob or Saint james. Robert Earl of Gloucester, the base son of K. Henry the first. Black Monks Benedictines.      Bristol. F — King Edward the first. A. D. 1267.— White Friars.—      Bristol. Eccl. Colleg. now a Hospital. — The former by Sir Henry Gaunt knight. The other by Thomas Car a wealthy Citizen. Orphans.—      bath. M Saint Peter, and Saint Paul. King Edgar, Edwin, Ethelred and Wolstan. Afterward john Bishop of Welles made it a Cathedral Church, tempor●… H. 1. Black Monks.— 0695 06 01 ob o bath.— — Reginaldus Bishop of Bath.— — 0022 16 09 ob o Welles. M S. john Bap. or Saint Andrew. King I●…a built the Church and College, King Kinewolph gave it great possessions, A●…. 766. King Edward senior made it a Bishops See. Robert and jocelinus Bishops, and Ralph of Shrewsbury. Secular Canons.— 0041 03 06 ob q Welles. H — Nicholas Bubwith Bishop.— 24. Poor.—      Glastenbery. M Saint Marie.— joseph of Arimathea. De●…i Bishop of S. David's. Twelve Northern men. King Ina. Dunstane changed these Monks into Benedictines: this Order continued 600. years. Black Monks.— 3508 13 04 ob q Athelme. M 

Saint Peter,  
S. Athelwin.   King Alfred.— Black Monks.— 0209 03 00 oo q Barlynch. P — Fety-places.— — 0098 14 08 ob o Bearwe. N S. Mary. S. Edwin.— — Black Nuns.—      Bridgewater. P — — Grey Friars,— 0120 19 01 ob o Bridgewater. H Saint john.— William Briewer junior.— —      Buckland. P — Amice Countess of 〈◊〉.— — 0223 07 04 ob o Bruton. M Saint Mary.— The Mo●…s there entombed.— Benedictines.— 0480 17 02 oo o Cadbury, or North-Cadbury. C Saint Michael.— Elizabeth Botreaux, and her son William Botreaux. A Rector. 7 Chaplains. 4 Clerks.      Clive. M — — White Monks.— 0155 09 05 oo q Conington. N Saint Marie.— William de Romara, cozen to the Earl of Lincoln. Black Nuns.— 0039 15 08 oo o Dunkeswel. P — William Briewer junior.— —      Dunster. P — john de Mohun de D●…ster.— — 0037 04 08 oo o Fareley. P S. Mary. Magd.— Humphrey Bohun.— Black Monks—      Henton.— — Ela Countess of Salisbury.— Carthusians.— 0262 12 00 oo o Keynsham. M Saint Mary.— William Earl of Gloucester.— Black Canons.— 0450 03 06 oo o Montague. M Saint Peter & Saint Paul. Earl Moriton brother by the mother's side to K. W. Conqueror, confirmed by H. 1 Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0524 11 08 ob o Moundroy. C — — — 0011 18 08 oo o Muchelney. M Saint Peter.— King Athelstane.— Black Monks.— 0498 16 03 oo q Mynchinbarrow. P — — — 0029 06 08 ob o Stoke under Hamden. C Saint Andrew.— Gornays'.— Black Monks.—      Tau●…ton. N Saint Peter and Saint Paul. William Giffard and Henry de Bl●…is Bishop of Winchest●…r. Black Nuns.— 0438 09 10 oo o Temple-Combe Commendary. — — — 0107 16 11 ob o Westbury. C — William Canings Mayor of Bristol.— —      Worspring. P — — — 0110 18 04 ob q Wytham.— 

Saint Mary.  
S. john Bapt.  
All-Saints.   King Henry the third.— Carthusians.— 0227 01 08 oo o — H Saint Katherine.— — — 0021 15 08 oo o Yeveley, or jewel. — john Woborne Petty Canon of Paul's, and Richard Hewet. —       

SUF folk.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. 〈◊〉. ob. q. Ipswich. P Saint Trinity.— Norman and john de Oxenford.— Black Canons.— 0088 06 09 o o Ipswich. M Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Cardinal Wolsey, but before him Th●…as de Laey and Alice his wife. Black Canons.— 0088 06 10 oo o Ipswich. F — Henry de Manesby, Henry Redred, and Henry de 〈◊〉. Frie●…s Preachers.—      Ipswich. F — The Lord Bardeley, Sir Geffrey Hadley, and Sir Rob. Nort●…n knights. A. D. 1279. Carmelites or White Friars.      Ipswich. F — Robert Tilbot.— Gr●…y Friars.—      Ipswich. F — john Hares gave ground to build their house (larger. Black Friars.—      Blyburgh. P — King Henry the first. Richard Beluois, or Beanuols Bishop of London. Black Canons.— 0048 08 09 oo  Brisete.— P Saint Leonard.— — Black Canons.—      Bungey N — Roger Glanuil and Gundreda his Wife, Alij, the Ancestors of Tho. Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk. Nuns.— 0062 02 0●… oo o Burshyerd or Brusyed. M — — — 0056 02 01 o  Butley. P Saint Marie— Ralphde Gla●…ile.— Black Canons.— 0318 17 02 ob q Campsey. M Beatae Maria Virgins. — — 0182 09 05 oo o Clara or Stoke. P Saint john. Bapt.— Henry Earl of Essex, and Isabel his wife. Black Monks or Austin Friars.      Cnobersburg, or Burgh-Castell. — Fursey a Scotish man. Also Sigebertus King of the East Angles. —      Denston. C — — — 0022 08 09 oo q Dodnash. M Saint Mary.— The Ancestors of the Duke of Norfolk— — 0042 18 08 ob o Dunwich, Sedes Episcopalis. — Foelix the Burgundian, that reduced the East-Angles again unto the christian faith, Anno Domini, 630. —      S. Edmundsbury. M — King Canute.— Black Monks.— 2336 16 00 oo o Saint Edward's place, si●… Edwardsstow. M — Peter Bishop of Winchester.— —      Eye. M Saint Peter.— Robert Malet Lord of Eye.— Black Monks.— 0184 09 07 ob q Flyxton. M — — — 0023 04 01 ob q Heringflete. M Saint Olanes.— Roger the son of Osbert.— Canons Regular.— 0049 11 07 oo o Hoxon. M — — —      Leiston. N Saint Mary.— 1 Ralph Glanuile. 2 Sir Robert Ufford. White Canons Pramonstratenses 0181 17 01 ob o Letheringham. P — — — 0026 18 05 oo o Liteburch. P Saint Mary.— — Black Canons.—      Mettingham. C Beatae Maria Uirginis. Sir john de Norwich, Lord of Mettingham. — 0202 07 05 ob o Rafford. M Our Lady.— Robert Bishop or Earl of Lincoln.— —      Ratisford. H Saint john.— — — 0053 10 00 oo o Redlingfeild. M Saint Mary.— Manasses de Gyves.— Black Nuns.— 0081 02 05 ob o Rumbuthe. P Saint Michael.— — Black Monks.—      Snapes. P Saint Marie.— William Martill, Alij, Domini Regis Progenitor. Black Monks Roffienses. 0099 01 00 11 ob Stock. C — — — 0324 04 01 ob o Suthbery. P Saint Barthol●….— Simon Sudbiry Archbishop of Canterbury and john Chartsey. Black Monks West●…, or friars Preachers. 0122 18 03 o o Sybbeton M Saint Mary.— William Cheiney, or de Caneto.— 

Black Monks  
Cistertians.   0250 15 07 ob o Walton. P S. Foelicis.— — Black Monks Rochester.      Wangsford. P Saint Marie.— Ansered of France.— 

Black Monks  
Cluniacenses.   0030 09 05 oo o Wingefeild. C — — — 0069 14 05 oo o Woodbridge. M Saint Mary.— — — 0050 03 05 ob o Wykes.— — Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0092 12 03 ob o — M Saint Bennet.— — —      Ykesworth or Ixworth. P — Gilbert Blund.— — 0280 09 05 oo o  

SURREY.  Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q Barmondsey. M S. saviours.— 

Alwyn Child Citizen of London, Ann. D. 1081.  
Monks introduced., A. D. 1087.   Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0548 02 05 ob q Chartsey. M Saint Peter.— Frithwald a Petty Regent of Surry, Anno Dom. 666. — 0744 13 06 ob q Guildford. F S. Crucis.— — Preaching Friars.—      Guildford. F — — Back Friars.—      Horsham. P S. Fidis.— Marry Saint Paul founded it. Alij Robert Fitzwalter and his sons. —      Lingfeild. C — Reginald Cobham Knight, William Cro●…an, john Arderne, and john Bayhall. — 0075 00 00 oo o Marton. P Saint Mary.— King Henry the first, An. D. 1117.— Black Canons.— 1039 05 03 oo o Newarke, vel de Novo Loco. P Saint Mary and S. Thom. Martyr. — — 0258 11 11 ob o Reygate. P Sanctae Crucis.— William Warren first Earl of Surrey, and after john Mowbray. Augustine's.— 0078 16 08 oo o Shene. P — King Henry the fifth.— Carthusian Monks.— 0962 11 06 oo o Southwark, M Sanctae Mariae Uirginis, de Ouerey. First by Swethen a noble Dame, after by a maiden called Mary, and after converted to a College of Priests, by William Pontlearch. Canon's first introduced. 1016. Black Canons.— 0656 10 00 ob o Southwark. H Saint Thomas.— Richard Prior of Bermondsey, Anno Dom. 1213. — 0266 17 11 oo o Tanrigge. M — — — 0078 16 10 ob q Waverley. N S. Mary.— William Gifford Bishop of Winchester.— White Monks.— 0174 08 03 ob o  

SUSSEX.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s. d. ob. q. Chichester Epantus. Saint Trinity.— Radulphus Episcopus, primo suo ipsius sumptu, deinde munificentia Henrici pri●…, postea Seffridus secundus eius nominis Episcopus tempore Regis Richardi primi. Secular Canons.—      Chicheste. M Saint Peter.— — Grey Friars.—      Chichester. F — — Black Friars.—      juxta Chichester. H Saint jacob. S. Marry Mag. — Leprosi.— 0004 03 09 oo o Infra Chichester. H Saint Mary.— — Pauperes.— 0011 11 06 ob o Arundel. H Saint Trinity.— Thomas Earl of Arundel, & Beatrix his wife— Elemosinarij.— 0042 03 08 oo o Arundel. P Saint Nicholas.— Richard Earl of Arundel.— Black Monks.— 0168 00 07 ob o Acceseale.— Saint Peter.— — Black Monks.—      Battle. M Saint Martin.— King William the Conqueror. A. D. 1066.— Black Monks.— 0987 00 11 ob q Bidlington. H S. Mary Magd.— — — 0001 00 00 oo o Bosenham, or Boseham. M — Di●…l a Scotish Monk.— —      Boxgrave.— Saint Mary.— john Saint john. Alij, Robert de la hay. Black Monks Benedictines. 0145 10 02 ob o Durfford. M S. john Baptist.— — White Canons Pramonstratenses. 0108 13 09 oo o Eastborne. P — — — 0047 03 00 oo o Hastings. P Saint Trinity.— Founded by john Pelham Knight, when their lands were devoured by inundation of the Sea. Black Canons.— 0057 19 00 o o Lewis. P Saint Pancras.— William de Warren, first Earl of Surrey. Black Monks, Cluniacenses. 1091 09 06 oo q Lullmenster. N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns.—      Michelham. P S. Mary Magd.— — Black Canons Aug.— 0191 19 03 oo o Occeham. P S. Laurence.— — White Canons.—      Remsted. N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns,—      Roberts Briggs. M Saint Mary.— Aluredus de Sancto Martino, tempore Hen ricisecundi. White Monks Cistertians. 0232 09 08 oo o Rupperar. N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns.— 0039 13 07 oo o Sel●…ey. M & sedes Episcopal. — King Cedwall.— —      Shulbred. P — — — 0079 15 06 oo o Southmalling. C — — — 0045 12 05 ob q Stenings.— S. Marry Magd.— — Secular Canons.—      Shoreham. F — King Edward the second and the Lord Mowbray. Carmelites or white Friars.      Torting. P S. Mary Magd.— — Black Canons.— 0101 04 01 oo o Winchelsea. F — King Edw. 2.— Friars Preachers.—      — M Our Lady.— William de Buckingham, confirmed by K. Edward 3. —       

WARWICKSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q Warwick. P Saint sepulchres.— Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick.— — 0049 13 06 oo o Warwick. P — Peter de Mountford.— Black Canons.—      Warwick. F — — friars Preachers.— 0004 18 06 oo o Warwick. Eccles. Colleg. — — — 0247 13 00 ob  Warwick. H Saint Michael.— — — 0010 01 10 oo o Warwick. H Sancta Baptista.— — — 0019 03 07 oo o Warwick.— Saint George.— Robert de Deneby, William Russell, and Hugh Cook for the state of the King and Anne the Queen. Michael de la Poole, and all their Brethren, and Sisters, and for Enne Prince of Wales. A Fraternity.—      Warwick. Hongingate, Chantry. — Thomas Beanchampe Earl of Warwick.— —      Warwick. H Saint john.— Thomas Beanchampe.— —      Coventree. P Saint Anne.— Friar john of Northerbury a Carthusian Prior. Carthusians.— 0251 05 09 o o Coventree. P Saint Mary.— King Canute and Leofricke Earl of Mercians, A. D. 1043. Black Monks.—      Coventree. F — Sir john Poultney Knight, Anno Domini 1332. Carmelites or White Friars. 0007 13 04 oo o Coventree. H S. john Baptist.— — — 0083 03 03 oo o Alcetter, or Alnecester. P S. john Baptist.— — Black Monks.— 0101 14 00 oo o Asteley. C — Thomas Lord Astley.— Deane and Secular Canons. 0039 10 06 oo o Atherston. F — — Augustine Friars,— 0001 10 02 oo o Auecater A C●…to Mal●…rno Priory in Worcestershire. P — — — 0034 08 00 oo o Babelacke. C — — — 0045 6 008 oo o Berdeslege. M Beata Maria.— — White Monks.—      Cadbury.— — The Ancestors of Sir Ralph Botelar knight, Baron, and Lord of Sudley, Treasurer of England. —      Combe. M Saint Mary.— Camuils and Mowbray's.— White Monks.— 0343 00 05 oo o Erneby, or Erdebury. P — — — 0122 08 06 oo o Godscliffe. C — Richard Earl of Warwick.— —      Henwood. N Saint Margaret— Cethelbarne de la Land.— Nuns.— 0021 02 00 ob o Kenelworth. M — Geffrey Clinton Chamberlain unto King Henry the first. Black Canons.— 0643 14 09 ob o Kingeswood. N — — Black Nuns,—      Knolle. C — Elizabeth wife to john Lord Clinton.— — 0018 05 06 oo o Maxstocke. P — — — 0129 11 08 ob o Merivall. M Saint Mary.— Robert Ferrars. A. 1. H. 2.— White Monks.— 0303 10 00 oo o Nuneaton. N — Amice wife to Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester. Nuns.— 0290 15 00 ob o Pollesworth. N Saint Edith.— Modwena an Irish Virgin. Repaired by R. Mar●… a Nobleman. Black Nuns.— 0023 08 06 oo o Pynley. N — — Nuns.— 0027 14 07 oo o Stoneley. M — K. Henry the second.— White Monks.— 0578 02 05 oo o Stratford super Anon. Eccles. Colleg. — john of Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury.— — 0123 11 09 oo o Studeley. P — — Black Canons.— 0181 03 06 oo o Thelford.— — The Lucy's Knights.— Poor folk and Pilgrims. 0023 10 00 oo o Wroxhall. N God, and Saint Leonard. Hugh de Hatton.— Black Nuns.— 0078 10 01 ob o  

WESTMORLAND.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q Sharp. M — Thomas the son of Gospatricke, son of Ormes. — 0166 10 06 ob o  

WILT-SHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q. Salisbury. Epantus. Saint Peter.— Osmond Bishop of Salisbury, temp. W. Rufi, Anno Dom. 1091. Secular Canons.—      Salisbury. C Saint Edith.— — —      Salisbury. F — King Edward the first, and Robert Kilward by Archbishop of Canterbury. Black Friars.—      Salisbury. F — — Grey Friars,—      juxta Salisbury. H Saint Michael.— Richard B. of Salisbury, A. D. 1382.— — 0025 02 02 oo o Ambresbury. M — Alfritha King Edgar's wife.— White Monks.— 0558 10 02 oo o Ambresbury. N — King Etheldred.— Holy Virgins.—      Austy. H — — — 0081 08 05 ob o Bradnesioke. P Saint Marie.— Walter the eldest son of Walter de Eureux, Earl of Rosmar in Normandy. Black Monks.— 0270 10 08 oo o Bromhore, or Bromere. P Saint Mary & S. Michael. Banldwin Earl of Rivers and Devonshire.— Black Canons.—      Brioptune. P S. Mary Magd.— — Black Canons.—      Calne. H — — — 0002 02 08 oo o Crekelade. H — — — 0004 10 07 ob o Edoros'. P — King Henry the second, and after Henry the third. Black Canons.— 0133 00 07 ob o Edindon. P All-Saints.— William de Edindon Bishop of Winchester.— Bonis hominibus.— 0521 12 05 ob o Eston. P Saint Trinity.— — — 0055 14 04 oo o Farleigh Monachorun P S. Mary Magd.— The Earl of Hereford, or Hertford.— Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0217 00 04 ob o Fishhart. F — Marry Countess of Norfolk.— Friars Preachers.—      Heitesbury, Eccles-Collegiat. — Robert Lord Hungerford and Margaret.— —      Henton. N — Dame Ela Countess of Salisbury.— Nuns.—      Kynton. P Saint Mary, & S. Michael. — Nuns.— 0038 03 10 oo o Lacocke. M Saint Mary.— Dame Ela Countess of Salisbury, An. D 1232 — 0203 12 03 ob o Malmesbury. M Saint Adelme.— 

Madulph an Irish Scot  
Adelme his Scholar.  
King Athelstan.   Black Monks.— 0803 17 07 oo o Middleton. P — King Athelstan.— —      Marleburgh. P Saint Margaret.— Edmund Earl of Cornwall.— Canons.— 0038 19 02 oo o Marleburgh. F — john Goodwin & William Rems●…ich, A. D. 1316 Carmelites or White Friars.      juxta Marleburgh. H S. john Baptist.— — — 0006 18 04 oo o Maiden-Bradley. P — Manasses Bisset. Confirmed by King john.— — 0197 18 08 oo o Maiden Bradeley — One of the Inheritrices of Manasses Bisset.— Leprosi.—      Stanley. M Saint Mary.— — White Monks.— 0222 19 04 oo o Wilton. N 

Saint Mary and  
Saint Edith.   

Weolsthan Earl of Ellandanum or Wilton.  
Edith wife of S. Edward.   Black Nuns.— 0652 11 05 oo q juxta Wilton. H Sant Egidius.— — — 0005 13 04 oo o Westchurch. P — — —       

WORCESTERSHIRE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q Worcester M now Eccl. Cath. 

Saint Marry,  
Saint Wolstan,  
Saint Katherine   Sexwulph Bishop of the Mercians, Anno Domini 680. Oswald Bishop of Worcester. Wolstan Bishop there also Anno Domini, 1090. These continued, 500 years. K. Henry the eight, in stead of these placed in it a Dean & Prebends, & ordained to it a Grammar School. Black Monks.— 1386 12 10 ob q Worcester. F — — Grey Friars.—      Worcester. F — William Beanchampe.— Black Friars.—      Worcester. H Saint Wolstan.— — — 0063 18 10 oo o Alcetur. Cellula. — — — 0075 07 00 oo q Bordelege. P Saint Mary.— K. Henry the second, and Maud the Empress. White Monks.—      Bredon. M — Offa king of the Mercians.— —      Brodesey. M Saint Mary.— — White Monks.— 0392 08 06 oo o Cokehill. N — — White Nuns.— 0034 15 11 oo o Elnecester. P — — Black Canons.—      Euesham. M S. Mary, & S. Aedburg. Egwin Bishop of Worcester, first Abbot there with king Kenred the son of Wolpher king of the Mercians and K●… Offa, A. D. 700. Black Monks— 1268 09 09 oo o  
Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q Stokekyrke. Cella — — — 0008 00 00 oo  Sutton. Ecclesia Collegiata. — — — 0013 18 08 oo o Swinhey. N — The Ancestors of Sir john Melton knight.— Nuns.— 0134 06 ●…9 ob o Thy●…kehead or Thikenhead. N — The Ancestors of john Ask.— Nuns.— 0023 12 02 oo o Tickhill. F — john Clarrel Deane of Paul's.— Fricrs Augustine's.—      Warter. P Saint jacob.— Galfridus Trusbut knight, and William Rosse de Hamela. About king Henry the firsts time. Black Canon's 〈◊〉 Augustine's. 0221 03 10 oo o Watton. M — Eustach the son of Fitz-Iohn with one eye, in the reign of King Stephen. White Canons and Nuns. 0453 07 08 oo o Whitby. M Saint Peter & Saint Hilda. Saint Hilda: Enriched by Edelfleda, King Oswins' daughter, and himself: destroyed by the Danes, it was reedefied by William Perey, about the coming in of the Normans. Black Monks.— 0505 09 01 oo o Woderhall, Cella Sanct●… Trinitatis. — — — 0128 05 03 ob o Woodkirke, A Cell to S. Oswald. — Earl Warren.— — 0047 00 04 oo o Wycham. M — The kings Ancestors▪— White Canons and Nunne●…. 0025 17 06 oo o Wylberfosse. M — The Ancestors of the Archbishop of York.— Nuns.— 0028 08 08 o o Yedingham. N — The Ancestors of the Lord Lati●…er.— Nuns.— 0026 06 08 oo o — N Saint Clements.— — Nuns.— 0055 11 11 oo o — H Saint Nicholas.— — — 0029 01 04 oo o — M Sancta Sepultura.— — — 0011 18 04 oo o Montis Sancti johannis. Commendari●…. — — — 0102 13 10 oo o Chapel sepulchres. — — — 0138 19 02 ob o  

S. ASAPH DIOCESE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualew.     l. s. d. ob. q Basingwerke in Flintshire. M — — — 0157 15 02 oo o Conway, or Aberconway in Carnaruonshire. M Saint Marie— Kenelm son of Geruaise, once Prince of North-Wales. — 0179 10 10 oo o Hawston Commendarie. — — — 0160 14 10 oo o Lanllugen, or Wanligan, in Montgomereshire. N — — Nuns.— 0022 13 08 oo o Strata-Marcel la or Stratmarghill, in Montgomereshire. M — Owen the son of Gryffin, and confirmed by his son 〈◊〉▪ Ann●… Dom. 1202. — 0073 07 06 oo o Valla de Cruse in Denbighshire. M — — — 0214 03 05 oo o  

BANGOR DIOCESE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l s. d. ob. q. Bangor. F — — Black Friars.—      Bardesey in Carnaruonshire. M Saint Mary.— — — 0058 06 02 o ob Beaumarys in Anglesey. F — — Grey Friars.—      Beth●…ylhert. M — — — 0069 03 08 oo o Castr. Cubij, Ecclesia Collegiat. — — — 0024 00 00 oo o Holyhead in Anglesey. C — — —      Kynner in Merion●…thshire. M Saint Mary.— Lewellyne the son of Geruais.— — 0058 15 04 oo o Penmon. P — — — 0040 17 09 ob o Siriolis. M — — — 0047 15 03 oo o  

S. DAVID'S DIOCESE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Ualue.     l. s. d. ob. q Abe●…guylly. C — — — 0042 00 00 oo o Alba-launda, in Carmardenshire. M — — — 0153 17 02 oo o Brechon. P S. Evangelist.— — — 0134 11 04 oo o Cardigan in Cardigansh. P — — — 0013 04 09 oo o Carmarden, in Carmardensh. F — — Grey Friars,— 0174 00 08 oo o Combehyre. M — — — 0024 19 04 oo o juxta S. David's in Pembrokesh. C Saint Mary.— john Duke of Lancaster.— — 0106 03 06 oo o Denbigh in Denbighsh. F — john 〈◊〉, Ann●… 〈◊〉, 1339.— Car●…elltes or White Friars.      Saint Dogma●…lls in Pe●…brokshire▪ M — Marti●… de Turonibus Lord of Ke●…ys: after by Willia●… Ualence, 〈◊〉 H. 3. — 0068 01 06 oo o Hau●…fordwest in P●…brokeshire. P — — — 0135 06 01 oo o Kydwelly in Carmardensh. Cella. — — — 0029 10 00 oo o Llanleyre in Carmardesh. M — — — 0057 05 04 oo o Newport. F — — Austin Friars.—      Pulla. P — — — 0052 02 05 oo o Slebach in Bembrockshire. Praeceptoria. — — — 0184 10 11 ob o Strata●…lorida o●… Stratflower in Cardiganshire. M — Griffith Rhese and Meredith.— — 0122 06 08 oo o Swansey Gardianatus — — — 0020 00 00 oo o Talleia. M Saint Mary. and S. john Bapt. Restus.— — 0153 01 04 oo o Tyronense.— — Robert Martin, tempore Hen.— —       

LANDAFFE DIOCESE.  Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q Landaffe. Eccles. Cath. Saint Telean.— German and Lupus ●…rench Bishops.— —      Abergevenny in Monmouth shire. P — — — 0059 04 00 oo o Brecknock a Cell to Battle Abbey. F S. john evang.— Barnard de Newmarch: Miles and Roger Earls of Hereford, in the reign of H. 〈◊〉. Black Friars.—      Cardiff. F — — Grey Friars.—      Cardiff. F — — Black Friars.—      Chepstow, in Monmouthsh. M — — — 0032 04 00 oo o Gods-grace or Gratia Dei in Monmouth shire. M Beata Maria Virgins. — — 0019 04 04 oo o Goldcliffe, in Monmouthsh. P — Chandos,— —      S. Kynmercy, with a Chapel. P — — — 0008 04 08 oo o Lanterna in Monmouthsh. M — — — 0071 03 02 oo o Malpas, by Newport near the River of Uske. Celestina la. — — — 0014 09 11 oo o Monmouth in Monmouthsh. P S. Katherine & Saint Florence. — Black Monks.— 0056 01 11 oo o Morgan in Glamorgansh. M — William Earl of Gloucester.— — 0188 14 00 oo o Neth in Glamorgansh. M Beata Maria Virgins. Richard Gran●…ils.— — 0150 04 09 oo o Tinterna in Monmouthsh. M — Walt●…rus fili●…s Richards, Comitis de Ogi, frater G●…berti Comitis Pembrochia. — 0256 11 06 ob o uske in Monmouthsh. P — — — 0069 09 08 ob o   

The total Number and Value of these and all the Promotions Spiritual certified at the Taxation in King Henry the eight his time of the first Fruits and tenths, are by the Record, as followeth.  
Promotions. Number particular Number total. Value total. Archbishoprickes and bishoprics.— 21.    Deaneries.— 11.    Archdeaconries.— 60.    Dignities and Prebends in Cathedral— Churches.— 394.  l. s. Benefices.— 8803. 12474. l. 320180. 10. Religious Houses.— 605.    Hospitals.— 110.    Colleges.— 96.    chantries and free Chapels.— 2374.     
Taken from the possession of the Clergy by Henry the eight, and converted to temporal uses out of the former sum, 161100. l. 9 s. 7. d. q. Since in this precedent Table, we have laid to the Readers view a great part of this Kings ill, the waste of so much of God's revenue (howsoever abused) let him not hold it in curiosity, out of season, since it may in charity fall well in sequence by setting down the Churches either erected, or restored by him, or by him (which is the now state of our Clergy) continued, to redeem his memory blemished by the former error, from the vulgar aspersion of sacrilegious impiety.  
This King after the dissolution of the Religious houses, erected these six bishoprics, to wit, Westminster, Chester, Peterborough, Oxford, Bristol, and Gloucester, whereof the five last are in esse, and at the same time he erected also these Cathedral Churches here after mentioned, wherein he founded a Dean, and the number of Prebends following. viz.  

Canterbury.— 12  
Winchester.— 12  
Worcester.— 10  
Chester.— 6  
Peterborough.— 6  
Oxford.— 6  
Ely.— 8  
Gloucester.— 6  
Bristol,— 6  
Carliol.— 4  
Durham.— 12  
Rochester.— 6  
Norwich.— 6   
The yearly value of which Cathedral Churches so newly by him erected, with the Collegiates of Windsor, Westminster, and Woluerhampton, over and beside the Petti-Cannons, and other inferior Ministers amounteth by estimation to 5942. l. 8. s. 2. d.  
The Promotions Ecclesiastical, which for the most part, except a little pared, he preserved entire, are in a general estimate by the Shires, wherein they stand in the ensuing Table expressed.  

The present Number and Value of the Spiritual Promotions in England and Wales.  Counties. Promotions. Value.   l. s. d. ob. q. Berkshire.— 139.— 2●…53 06 00 ob o Bedfordshire.— 116.— 1506 05 05 oo o Buckinghamshire.— 172.— 2236 02 06 oo q Cambridgeshire.— 151.— 1902 18 07 ob o The Town of Calais, and the Marches thereof.— 26.— 0590 06 10 oo o Cheshire.— 68— 1776 12 00 ob o Cornwall.— 161.— 2706 16 02 oo o Cumberland and Westmoreland.— 63.— 1022 06 06 ob q Derby.— 106.— 1017 11 10 ob o Devonshire.— 394.— 7466 01 04 oo o Dorsetshire.— 248.— 3077 05 08 ob q The Bishopric of Durham in the County of Northumberland. 118.— 2332 07 05 ob o Essex.— 378.— 5347 06 11 oo q Yorkshire.— 440.— 4974 00 00 ob o Glostershire.— 288.— 3296 06 04 ob q Huntingtonshire.— 79.— 1097 02 06 oo q Hartfordshire.— 120.— 1837 16 00 ob o Herefordshire.— 160— 1364 19 02 ob q Kent.— 335.— 3974 13 00 ob q Lancashire.— 30.— 0789 10 01 oo o Leicestershire.— 199.— 2564 14 08 oo o Lincolnshire.— 638.— 6129 01 04 ob o The City of London.— 96.— 3365 00 10 ob o Middlesex.— 58.— 1074 19 06 ob o Norfolk.— 668.— 6505 15 10 ob o Northamptonshire.— 271.— 3884 08 11 ob q Nottinghamshire.— 168.— 1640 07 09 ob o Oxfordshire.— 164.— 1917 17 07 ob o Rutlandshire.— 52— 0548 00 10 oo o The Archdeaconry of Richmond.— 105.— 1841 11 08 ob q Shropshire.— 190.— 1530 05 10 ob o Staffordshire.— 134.— 0884 03 11 oo o Southamptonshire.— 158— 3749 06 07 ob o Sommersetshire.— 385.— 4910 13 07 oo q Suffolk.— 428.— 4811 08 00 oo o Surrey.— 113.— 1701 08 09 oo q Sussex.— 322.— 3069 16 04 oo o Warwickshire.— 158.— 1732 18 10 ob q Worcestershire.— 153.— 2035 14 00 ob o Wiltshire.— 305.— 3505 02 09 ob q  Number total of the Benefices in England, 8501. Value total of the Benefices in England, 16772. l. 5. s. 2.  
The several Diocese of Wales. Promotions. Value. The Bishopric of Saint Assaph.— 312— 1536 18 07 ob  The Bishopric of Bangor.— 104.— 1225 05 08 oo o The Bishopric of Landaffe.— 166.— 1204 11 10 ob o The Bishopric of Saint David's.— 323.— 2531 12 09 oo o  Number total of the Benefices in Wales. 905. Value total of the Benefices in Wales. 6498. l. 8. s. 11.  Number total of all the Benefices both in England and Wales. 9407. Value total of all the Benefices both in England and Wales. 113 270. l. 14 s. 1. d.  

The value of these inferior Promotions in England which have cure of Souls, I have suited into several Proportions as they are rated in Record, and distinguished the Vicaradges from Parsonages in the Table following.  livings under ten pound.— 4543 Personages.— Vicarages.— livings of ten pound, and under twenty Marks. 1445. Personages.— 905. Vicarages.— 540 livings of twenty Marks, and under twenty pound. 1624. Personages.— 1134. Vicarages.— 0490 livings of twenty pound, and under twenty six pound. 0524. Personages.— 0414. Vicarages.— 0179. livings of twenty six●…●…nd, and under thirty pound. 0206. Personages.— 0163. Vicarages.— 0043 livings of thirty pound, and under forty pound. 0248. Personages.— 0188 Vicarages.— 0060 livings of forty pound and upwards. 0144 Personages.— 0115. Vicarages.— 0029  
To prevent any mistaking in the Reader, I have thought it not unfit to conclude this Table with the discovery of my meaning by certain letters before used. viz.  

M. Monastery.  
P. Priory.  
F. Friary.  
N. Nunnery  
C. College  
H. Hospital.    

EDWARD THE sixth OF THAT 
Monarch 59  
Edward VI.  NAME, KING OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc. THE FIFTY NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS LIFE, ACTS, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XXII.  
EDWARD the sixth of that Name, and only son living unto King Henry 
A. D. 1547.  the eight, was borne at his Manor of Hampton-Court in Middlesex, the twelfth of October, and year of salvation, 1537. and six days after being 
R. Graston.  the eighteenth of the same month, he was created Prince of Wales, Duke of 
Edward created Prince of Wales presently after his birth.  Cornwall, and Earl of Chester: his birth was joyful unto the King and Commons; but the death of his mother, the virtuous Queen jane, brought immediate sorrow unto both, whose womb was cut (as some have affirmed) to the saving of his, but loss of her own life, upon whose death these elegant verses were writ; 
Phoenix jana jacet nato Phoenicia, dolendum  
Sacula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas. 
Alluding to the Crest of her father a Phoenix in flames within a Crown.   
Here lies the Phoenix Lady jane,  
whose death a Phoenix bare,  
O grief two Phenixs' at one time,  
together never were.   
(2) Nine years and odd months he was virtuously trained up in the life of his father, and at his death appointed the first of his heirs, and for want 
By his will dated the 30. of December. A. D. 1546.  of Issue (if it so chanced) Mary, and she failing, Elizabeth to succeed in his throne: for as Henry with Solomon was blameworthy for women, so left he but one son and two daughters, as the other in Scripture is said to have done: Solomon had Rehoboam 
Solomon and Henry compared in their sins and in their Issue.  a fool and unfortunate, his daughters, but obscure, and both of them Subjects; but Henry  
much ado, lastly to little purpose these Articles were agreed upon, and sent to the King, the Copy whereof was thus.  
(22) For as much as man, except he be borne of Water 
Articles of the Rebels. Sacrament of Baptism.  and the holy Ghost, cannot enter into the kingdom of God, and for as much as the gates of Heaven be not open without this blessed Sacrament of Baptism, therefore we will that our Curates shall minister this Sacrament at all times of need aswell in the week days, as on the holy days.  
Item, we will have our children confirmed of the Bishops whensoever we shall within the Diocese resort unto 
Confirmation.  them.  
Item for as much as we constantly believe that after the Priest hath spoken the words of Consecration being at 
Consectation of the Lords body.  Mass, there celebrating and consecrating the same, there is very really the Body and Blood of our Saviour jesus Christ God and Man, and that no substance of Bread 
Holinshed.  and Wine remaineth after, but the very same Body that was borne of the Virgin Mary, and was given upon the Cross for our Redemption: therefore we will have Mass celebrated as it hath been in times past, without any man communicating with the Priests, for as much as many rudely presuming unworthily to receive the same put no difference between the Lord's body and other kind of meat; some saying that it is bread before and after: some saying that it is profitable to no man except he receive it, with many other abused terms.  
Item we will have in our Church's reservation.  
Item we will have holy bread, and holy water in the 
Reservation of the Lords Body consecrated. Holy Bread and Holy water.  remembrance of Christ's precious Body and Blood.  
Item we will that our Priests shall sing and say with an audible voice, God's service in the Quire of the Parish Churches, and not God's service to be set forth like a Christmas play.  
Item for as much as Priests be men dedicated to God, for ministering and celebrating the blessed Sacrament, and preaching of God's word, we will that they shall live chaste 
Priest's ' not to be married.  without marriage, as Saint Paul did, being the elect and chosen vessel of God: saying unto all honest Priests, be ye followers of me.  
Item we will that the six Articles which our Sovereign 
The six Articles.  Lord King Henry the eight set forth in his later days, shall be used, and so taken as they were at that time.  
Item we pray God save King Edward, for we be his both body and goods.  
(23) To these their Demands the King sent this answer, therein pitying their ignorance, and blaming their folly, and therewithal his General pardon, 
The King's answer and general pardon.  to as many as would desist whiles it was time. First he reproved them, for their presumptions, thus contumeliously to rise against their dread Sovereign, to the disturbance of his loyal subjects peace; whose simplicity they had notoriously abused, in using his name to draw them into action of Rebellion: and no less likewise in the grounds of their demands. As in their first Article for Baptism, 
The first article answered.  where it was well known the same was admitted as necessity required, or rather commanded by the Book of Common prayer, published by authority of Parliament, and as themselves knew in present practice. But touching the Sacrament in their 
The second article answered.  second Article, how impudently they did bely the true receivers thereof, was manifest, who make so much difference in that holy administration, that they account no profit in Common bread, besides the nourishment of their natural Bodies: but this blessed bread to be the food of their souls unto eternal life. And as you are seduced in these (saith the 
The third article answered.  admonition) so in confirmation also they carry your simplicities captive, for the truth teacheth no otherwise then themselves believe, namely, that a Child baptised, and dying before confirmation is nevertheless in state of Grace, else are themselves causers of their children's damnation: so the service of God brought from an unknown tongue, cannot surely 
Their other objections answered.  offend any reasonable man, which is only to make him understand that, which before he knew not, and to give his consent to those prayers, whereof he hath most need, and giveth the nearest touch to his own feeling conscience, for God requireth the heart only which with an understanding service, we must sacrifice unto him. But most of all (saith this good King) we marvel at your demand, for the six Articles restored, to have them in power as formerly hath 
Answer to the six articles.  been. Do you know what you ask, or in obtaining do you know what you get? They were laws indeed lately made, but quickly repent; too cruel for you, and too merciless for us; who would have our Reign written with milk, and not with blood, and because they were bloody, we took them away, with the same authority, by which they were 
King Edward's laws written in mi●…ke and not in blood.  made; lest retaining them, our sword should be too often drawn, and rigour extended upon our true and well-deserving subjects. We for our parts seek no longer to live, then to be a father unto our people, and as God hath made us your rightful King, so hath he commanded you unto obedience: by whose great Majesty we swear, you shall feel the power of the same God in our sword; which how mighty it 
Spoken like a King.  is, no subject knoweth: how puissant it is no private man can judge, and how mortal no English heart can think: therefore embrace our mercy while it is offered, lest the blood spilled by your means cry vengeance from the Earth, and be heard in the ears of the Lord in Heaven.  
(24) All this notwithstanding, the Rebels persisted in their traitorous attempts: against whose seditions Sir john Russell Lord Privy Seal, was appointed General of the King's Army; unto whose assistance 
Forces sent against the rebels.  was joined the Lord Grey of Wilton, under whom served a band of Italians intended against Scotland, these lay at Bristol attending the coming of the Lord General: who now was marched Westward to Honiton, where daily looking for more 
john Hooker in description of Excester.  supply, those which he had, began to shrink away, whereby the Rebels were emboldened to make towards him, and came as far as Fenington-bridge within three Miles of Honiton, and in a fair Meadow 
The rebels make toward the Lord general.  there spread their Colours. The Lord Russell though weak in comparison of them, holding it more honour to assail then to be assaulted, made forward even unto the Bridge: at whose sight the Enemies prepared themselves to fight, and with a strong guard maintained the Bridge, besides which there was passage over the River, that held his course betwixt the two Armies.  
(25) Great were the attempts the Lord Lieutenant gave, and manful was the resistance that the 
The valiant attempt of the Lord Russell.  Rebel made, yet lastly the way was won, and followed unto the battle of the disloyals: where presently began a most cruel fight, and a while was maintained to the loss of their blood, but the false hearts failing, and the true subjects courage increasing, the Cornish immediately gave back and fled, whereat the King's soldiers out of Order fell to the spoil, minding nothing less than that which presently 
The rebels put to flight.  ensued, for the Cornishmen perceiving their disordered carriage, suddenly returned, and began a new fight, when the Lord Russell likewise ordered a new his Army: these furiously joining, a sharp and cruel encounter ensued, with the loss of much 
The rebels return and maintain the fight.  blood, and the lives of three hundred Rebels, who lastly took to their heels and left the field: the chase a while followed, and the soldiers scattered, a fearful cry suddenly arose, that all the Commons were up, which caused the Lord General to 
And again put to flight.  return unto Honiton: whether shortly came the Lord Grey of Wilton, having in pay Spiniola an Italian Captain with three hundred shot.  
(26) The Lord russel's forces augmented, his greatest care was to relieve the City Excester, whither upon the third of August he hasted from Honiton being a thousand strong; and passing over the Downs toward Woodbury, lodged his Camp that night near to the Windmill, whereof the Rebels having intelligence, raised themselves from Saint Mary Clift, and made amain unto the Downs, thinking to surprise the Lord General before he was ready; but he as vigilant as they were forward, encountered them again in battle, and again 
The Rebels again overthrown.  gave them the overthrow with the loss of the most of their lives, the rest escaping by flight, got unto the Town of Saint Mary Clift.  
(27) The news whereof bruited, and the Papal side bruised by these three overthrows, the Commons 
M. Fox. in Act. and ●…on.  in whole troops resorted to their aid, and to make all sure on their side (by the presence and help of their consecrated God) they brought into 
The Crucifix brought in a cart into the field.  the field the Crucifix under a Canopy, which in stead of an Altar was set in a cart ', accompanied with Crosses, and Candlesticks, Banners, Holybread, and holy-water, both to drive away Devils, and to dull their enemy's swords; which notwithstanding they did not, neither could they deliver themselves in the day of destruction; for the Town being fired, and the Armies met upon Clift heath, a most cruel and bloody battle was fought, 
The Rebels again overthrown.  wherein was slain the whole rout of the Rebels, & all these trinkets cast in the dirt.  
(28) The chief Captains were taken and sent unto London, who were Humphrey Arundel, Winsland, Holmes and Bury, who there paid the law with the 
The Captains of the Rebels executed.  loss of their lives. Many others were executed without judgement, only by Marshal Law, as was Boier Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwall, unto whom 
The Mayor of Bodmin hanged.  Sir Anthony Kingston, Provost Martial sent word he would visit him at dinner, but before he was set down, commanded the Mayor to cause a pair of Gallows to be set up; & the Table taken away, he willed the said Mayor to acompany him to the place, & there presently commanded Boier his Host to the halter, and saw him hanged before he departed.  
(29) At the same time, and near the same place dwelled a Miller, who had been a busiedoer in the Rebellion, but he knowing the danger, willed his man to take the name of the master, if any inquired after him; whereupon the said Sir Anthony came to the mill, and calling for the master, the man in his name presented himself, who straight commanded him unto the Gallows, the servant then seeing the 
A Miller's man hanged for his master.  danger of death, confessed he was not the master, but the man: well, said the Knight, thou canst never do thy master better service then to hang for him, and thereupon trussed him up in the next tree.  
(30) As these things were in acting in the West, so other Commotions arose in other parts of the Land, though broached under another pretence, 
Commotions for Enclosures.  namely the laying open of enclosures, which the king by Proclamation had commanded to be done, but many offenders bearing themselves out with greatness, slackened the execution, and the poorer presuming upon the King's pleasure, began to execute his commission themselves, and those in many places at once, as in Kent, Essex, Somerset, Buckingham, Northampton and Lincolue shires they did.  
(31) But most dangerous was that in Norfolk, whose Inhabitants following the examples of the 
A. D. 1549. Commotions in Norfolk.  rest, held out much longer, and in more violent manner. Their first attempt was at Atilborough against one Green that had taken away part of their commons, 
Grene.  next at Wimonham, where by the instigation of john Flowerdew they cast down the fences of Enclosures, belonging to Robert Ket a Tanner in the same Town; who to be even with Flowerdew 
john Flowerdew and Robert Ket the caulers of the commotions.  brought them to Hetherset, and set them on work to pull down both hedge and ditch of his pasture grounds enclosed: to which work he gave such desperate encouragements, that these unrulies presently 
Ket made Captains of the Commotion.  chose him for their ringleader, who with them passed to Bowthrope, laying all level where they came.  
(32) Their number increasing, and doings outrageous, Sir Edmund Windam Knight, at that time high Sheriff of the Shire, made proclamation among them in the King's name to depart, which if they did not forthwith, he pronounced them Traitors, but had not his Horse been the swifter, he had been either 
Sir Edmund Windam in danger.  taken or slain, thereupon their terror began to be fearful, & themselves to be furnished with weapons, Armour, and Artillery, daily brought them in abundance by the By-dwellers, besides store of victuals to maintain their Campe.  
(33) But now considering what dangers were open, if dispersedly scattered they should attend their bad work, they held it best policy to draw to one place: and to fortify themselves together with further strength; whereupon with full resolution, Monshold was thought fittest near unto Mount Surrey, 
Monshold the place of the randeuo●….  a place built by these Earls of that County, and upon S. leonard's hill which hangeth over Norwich, they unkennelled themselves; besides these of Monshold, a lesser rabble of them lay at Rising-chase near Linne, which were roused thence by the Gentlemen of those parts: who first from Watton, then from Thetford, and next from Brandon, were forced to their litter at Monshold.  
(34) Their parts were rigorous, or rather inhuman even to their well-willers, for it is a known truth, that Sir Roger Woodhouse in kind courtesy 
The inhumanities' of the Commotioners.  bringing them two Carts laden with Beer, and another with victuals, was recompensed with the loss of all his Horses, his own apparel, and his body tugged, and torn, cast into a ditch, whom lastly with others was imprisoned by them in the house of Mount Surrey, and yet would they seem very Religious, having one Coniers for their Chaplain, who devoutly said service unto them both morning and evening.  
(35) To these, the lewdly disposed of Suffolk assembled, as also the scum and dregs out of Norwich, 
Supplies of the commotioners.  adding still fuel to their own smoky flames by firing of Beacons, ringing of Bells, and what not, to set all in an uproar: some true and faithful subjects they violently led away, and made them of their counsel, namely Thomas Cod, Maior of Norwich, Robert Watson Preacher, and Thomas Alderiche Gentleman, Sergeant & Catlyn, Sergeant Gaudy, whom 
Many good subjects forced to attend upon the Rebels.  they kept fettered, and compelled them to be attendant upon Kette; who now took upon him to be the King's Deputy, and to give out warrants in his majesties name, by virtue of which many of Worship and credit were fetched from their dwellings, brought before him, and violently cast into prison: their Rabble increased to the number of sixteen thousand men.  
(36) And that the show of justice and piety was only the mark whereat these lawless leveled, they ordained a tribunal seat in an old tree, whose Canopy was the Cope of Heaven: In this sat the 
The tree of Reformation.  Tanneras' Chancellor or chief judge, accompanied with his Counsellors, assisted by two chosen men out of every hundred among them, hither assembled the complaints of the Camp, and hence had they commission to fetch out of Ships both Ordinance, powder and short, and out of gentlemen's houses all abileaments of war: and here such Rascals as had exceeded their commission had judgement of imprisonment, so that this tree was termed, the Oak of Reformation, whence likewise sometimes Sermons were delivered to the people, and once by the reverent Doctor Parker, which had almost cost him his life.  
(37) To these the Kings general Pardon was publicly pronounced by an Herald at Arms, but 
The Kings pardon contemned.  so far off from embracing, as the Rebels from the height of the hill, shot at the City, which doing little harm, they removed their Ordinance to the lower ground, and thence began to batter the 
Norwich 〈◊〉 by the Rebels.  walls, and without great resistance entered the town, where they became Masters of all the munitions, and imprisoned the Mayor, and many other Citizens.  
(38) These times thus troublesome, the King  
and Citizens of London, requiring their aid in these their opposite quarrels, and surely in their assembly the talk of the Lords by the Recorder was so well told, as had not a grave 
* George Stradlon.  Citizen stepped up betimes, the common Council had granted aid against their King, whose wisdom and loyalty, in regard myself a Citizen, would have it recorded to his everlasting memory, and an example and motive for our obedient love and duty toward our Sovereigns, I will insert as I find them uttered and spoken.  
(58) In this case (said he) good it is to think 
George Stradlon his Oration.  on things past, to avoid the danger of things to come; for I remember a story written by Fabian in his Chronicles of the wars betwixt the King and his Barons, who even then as our Lords do now, demanded aid of the Mayor and Commons of London, against their Soveraingne King Henry the third, and that in a cause rightful, and good for the Commonweal, which was the execution of certain wholesome laws, somewhat derogating from his princely prerogative, which he would not permit. The aid was granted, and quarrel came unto battle, wherein the Lords prevailed, and took the King and his son prisoners. But they again restored to liberty, among other conditions this was one, that the King should not only grant his free pardon to the Lords, but also unto the Citizens of London; which was done, yea and the same confirmed by Parliament. But what followed? was it forgotten? no surely, nor never forgiven during the King's life: for the liberties of the City were taken away, strangers appointed to be our heads and Governors, the Citizens given away both body and goods, and from one persecution to another, were most miserably afflicted: such it is to enter the wrath of a Prince, which (as Solomon saith) is death: Wherefore, forasmuch as this aid is required of the King's Majesty, whose voice (being our high Shepherd) we ought to obey, rather than to hearken to the Lords, whom nevertheless I wish not to be utterly cast off▪ my counsel is, that they with us, and we with them, become humble Petitioners unto his Highness, that it would please him to hear such complaints against the Lord Protector, as may be justly alleged and proved, and I doubt not but this matter will be so pacified, that neither shall the King, nor yet the Lords have cause to seek for further aid, neither we to offend any of them both.  
(59) These words well weighed, and the Council dissolved, five hundred Londoners were prepared in a readiness: for Sir Philip Hobby being sent from the Lords to the King, so delivered their minds, that the Lord Protector was commanded out of presence, and the next day being the twelfth of October, the Lords of the Council resorted to Windsor, where 
john Stow  they so wrought with the King, as his uncle was delivered into their hands, whom the same night they imprisoned in Beauchamps Tower in the same castle, and the next day strongly attended, brought him to London, whence the streets were guarded only by householders, the Aldermen taking the charge of the business, and so to the great grief and wondering of the people he was conveyed to the Tower, and 
The L. Protector committed to the Tower.  there left.  
(60) Whither shortly after the Lords themselves repaired, and charged the Protector with these 20. 
M. 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Articles as followeth.  
1 That at his entry into that weighty office, he was expressly prohibited to do any thing in State 
Articles dr●…wne against the Lord Protector.  without the assent of the last King's Executors.  
2 That he had chose upon his own authority both subverted laws, and stayed justice, 〈◊〉 well by letters, as commandment.  
3 That he had delivered divers persons arrested, and committed to prison for felony, manslaughter, murder and treason, contrary to the laws and statutes of the Realm.  
4 That he had made Captains and Lieutenants over weighty affairs under his own Seal and Writing.  
5 That he had alone communicated with foreign Ambassadors about most weighty State affairs.  
6 That he had checked divers of the King's Privy Council, speaking for the good of the State, yea and threatened to displace them if they consented not to his mind.  
7 That he had against law erected a Court of Requests in his own house, whither were enforced divers of the King's Subjects to answer for their freeholds.  
8 That he had for money disposed Offices in the kings gift, money, leases, and Wards, and given presentations of Benefices, and bishoprics, yea and meddled with sale of the kings lands, which by office he could not, without consent of the mayor voice of the Council.  
9 That he had commanded multiplication by alchumistry to the abuse of the King's coin.  
10 That against the King and Counsels will, he had set forth a Proclamation against enclosures, which had caused dangerous insurrections in the land, wherein divers of the King's liege Subjects have been spoiled, and many a worthy man therein slain.  
11 That to the same end he had given commission with Articles annexed concerning enclosures of Commons, high ways, and decayed Cottages, giving the Commissioners authority to hear and determine the same causes, contrary to the laws and statutes of the Realm.  
12 That he had suffered Rebels and traitors to assemble, and lie in Camp and Armour, against the King, his Nobles, & Gentlemen, without any speedy suppressing of them.  
13 That by his gifts in money, with promises of Fees, rewards and services, he had encouraged many of the said rebels.  
14 That in favour of them contrary to law he had caused a Proclamation to be made, that none of the said Rebels, or Traitors should be sued, or vexed for any of their offences committed in the said Rebellion.  
15 That he had liked well of these rebellions, and had said that the covetousness of the Gentry gave the occasion, affirming that it was better for the Commons to die, then to perish for lack of living.  
16 That he had reported the Lords of the Parliament were loath to reform themselves for the reformation of Enclosures, and therefore the people had good cause to reform the things themselves.  
17 That upon the report of the defaults and lacks of Boulogne nothing was there amended.  
18 That the Forts of Newhaven and Blackness standing in want of men and victual, whereof he was informed, were suffered notwithstanding still to want, to the great encouragement of the French, and dishonour of the English.  
19 That he had untruly published, that the Lords at London minded to destroy the King, which he instantly desired he would never forget, and to that end instigated many young Lords, whereby sedition and discord was made among the Nobles.  
20 Lastly, that whereas the Lords assembled at London, only to consult upon a charitable communication to be had with the Protector for his misgovernment of the King and Realm, he chose sent letters of credence to many places and persons, that the said Lords were no less than high Traitors to the King, and great disturbers of the whole realm.  
All these accusations notwithstanding (the young King so labouring it) he was released from the Tower 
The Protector released from the Tower.  the sixth of February following unto his free liberty, though not unto his former authority, and so remained untouched for the space of two years and two days.  
(61) Whilst these his and other troubles were commencing in England, the Lord Grey of Wilton left Lieutenant of the North, remained in Scotland, where many feats of war were undergone, and many Forts fortified, and some taken, such were Lowden, Hadington, and Yester, at whose assault certain opprobrious speeches in most contemptuous manner were uttered by a Scotish man against King Edward of England, whereat the Lord Grey was so offended, as upon composition for the delivery of the Castle, 
Ulpian Fulwell.  all were let go with life, only that person excepted, and his name known to be Newton, was appointed 
A combat fought between two Scottishmen before the Lord Grey.  to die for the same; but he denying the words, imposed them upon one Hamilton, a man valorous enough, and wrongfully touched, who denied the accusation, and challenged Newton the combat, which he accepted, and in performance slew Hamilton, though more at disadvantage then for lack either of courage or strength: The victor was rewarded with a great chain of gold, and the gown that the Lord Grey ware at the present, though many maligned and accused him still to be the utterer of those base words.  
(62) The English keeping foot still in Scotland, burnt Dawketh and Muskelburgh, and fortified Hadington 
The English forced out of Scotland.  both with munition and men, spoiling the Country, saith Bishop Lesly, all about Edinburgh, Lowthian and Mers: repairing of Forts, and placing of Garrisons, as if they meant there to remain and abide: but their young Queen being conveyed into France, and the Scots aided with the assistance of the French, so quit themselves, that they voided their land of the English, and recovered of them all they had lost. In which times of variable success, the King but a child, the Nobles at variances, and the combustuous Commons obedient to neither, the French sought to recover the holds that the English had in their Country, and first by stealth meant to surprise the fortress of Bulloig●…berg, unto which enterprise seven thousand were chosen, under the conduct of Monsieur Chatillon.  
(63) These secretly marching in the night with ladders and furniture meet for the enterprise, approached within a quarter of a mile unto Bullingberg 
The French intent to surprise Bulloignoberge.  fort, amongst whom was an English Soldier discharged out of their pay, for that he had taken a French woman to wife. This Carter for so was his name got entertainment under Chatillon, and now understanding whereabout they went, hastily made from his Company, and gave the Alarm to his Countrymen 
The good seruico of Carter an English soldier.  within the Fort; where Sir Nicholas Arnalt Captain of the piece, caused him to be drawn up betwixt two pikes to the height of the wall, unto whom he declared the attempt in hand, & among them stood so valiantly in defence of the fort, that he gave many a wound, and ●…ed some himself: by him and this means the Piece was quit from surprisal, and the slaughter of the French so great 
A great slaughter of the French.  that fifteen Wagons went laden away with dead Corpse.  
(64) This loss sustained, and the English masters in those parts of their Main, the French sought to try fortune for their Isles in the Seas, namely ●…nesey and jersey, possessed and subject to King Edward's Crown, their preparations were great, and their 
The French assault the Isles of Garnesey and Iers●…e.  Martialists many; which notwithstanding with such loss were beaten back from their 〈◊〉, as a thousand men at Arms were ●…ine in the attempt, & the success so unfortunate, as the French for fear of further discouragement forbade ●…e report, and made an inhibition, not to mention the expedition of that journey.  
(65) Nevertheless the French King ceased not his desired purposes, till he had got by ●…nder 〈◊〉, Black●…sse, Bulloignberg, and the town 
〈◊〉 upon composition delivered to the French.  of Boulogne itself, though bought at a dear rate, and delivered with great grief to the English; unto such a lamentable state, and dishonourable composition was the good King Edward brought, by the bandings of his great Counsellors, and insurrections of his unruly Commons; after which calamities 
john Caix●….  a great and mortal disease followed, namely the sweeting sickness, that raged extremely through the land, wherein died the two sons of Charles Brandon, both of them Dukes of Suffolk, besides an 
A. D. 1550.  infinite number of men in their best strengths, which 
The sweeting sickness.  followed only Englishmen in foreign Country, no other people infected therewith, whereby they were both feared and shunned in all places where they came.  
(66) And to fill up the dolours of these doleful times, the good Duke of Somerset was again apprehended, even when the least suspicion was of any undirect workings: for upon his first releasement, to 
A sained reconcilement.  link a firm love betwixt him and the potent Earl of Warwick, his most malignant; a marriage was contracted betwixt the Lord Lisle his eldest son & heir, and the Lady the Earl's eldest daughter, which was solemnised with great joy at Sheen, in presence of the young King; this amity was outwardly carried with all fair shows for a time, though 
john St●….  inward hatred lay secretly hid, as by the sequel incontinently appeared: for after a solemn creation of many Estates, wherein the Earl of Warwick had his style raised to be Duke of Northumberland, unto whose rays at that time most of the Courtiers cast their eyes: the sparks of emulation began presently to break forth; where the simplicity of the one gave advantage to the other, to compass that which long had been sought.  
(67) The Duke of Somerset not well advised, 
The Duke of Somerset priusly armed.  and yielding too much unto Sycophant flatteries, was put in fear of some sudden attempt intended against him, and therefore counseled to wear under his garment a coat of defence, which he accordingly did, and being so armed came unto the Council Table, supposing no man had known of any such thing; but his bosom being opened and the Armour perceived, he was forthwith apprehended, as intending the death of some Counsellor, and by Northumberland so vehemently taxed (who 
Rich. Grafton.  in Counsel was ever the principal man) that he was forthwith attached, and sent to the Tower, upon 
The Duke of Somerset sent to the Tower.  the sixteenth of October with the Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Michael Stanl●…p, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir Ralph Vane, and Sir Mile●… Partridge, and the next day 
Stow. A. D. 1551.  the Duchess his wife was likewise committed; all of them for suspicion of treason and felony; and he standing so indicted upon the 
* S●…w saith the first.  second of December following; was arraigned at Westminster, attended with the Axe of the Tower, Bills, Halberds, and Pole-axes a great number.  
(68) His indictment was for treason and felony, 
The Duke of Sommersets' indictment.  and the same urged unto extremity, with many amplifications, and bitter invectives, especially that he had sought and pretended the deaths of the Duke of Northumberland, the Lord marquess, and Pembroke: where after many mild answers to these 
* Of 〈◊〉 William Herbert.  matters objected, he put himself to be tried by his Peers, who acquitted him of treason, but found the indictment of felloni●…: when presently the A●… 
The Duke condemned of 〈◊〉.  was commanded away, whereat the shout of the people showed the great affection that was bo●…e to the Duke: little mistrusting that the sentence of death was p●…ounced against him, or that the ki●… uncle should die as a felon; neither did Sta●… intend any such thing as some are of opinion, but rather was purposely made for the suppression of ●…bellions, and unlawful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 herein such as should seek or procure the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 C●…sellor should be guilty as in case of felloni●…. But such was the pleasure of the all ordering power 〈◊〉 he which knew no theft should die for that sin; so that neither himself, nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 demanded the benefit of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 would have saved his life if it had been required.  
(69) His sentence thus pronounced, he was again sent back to the Tower, wherein he kept a very sad Christmas, yea and that in the Court, inclined to little mirth, the King lamenting the condemnation 
Rich. Graf. john Stow. Holinsh.  of his uncle, had not some witty disports broke off his passions, which how, and by whom they proceeded, let others report, and us continue the Tragedy of this Duke; who upon the two & twenty of February following being Friday was brought to the Scaffold upon Tower-hil, by eight in the morning, where turning himself towards the East, he spoke to the people, as followeth.  
(70) dearly beloved friends, I am brought hither to suffer death, albeit I never offended against the King, neither in word nor deed, and have always been as faithful 
The Duke of Sommersets' speech at his death.  and true unto this Realm, as any man hath been: but for somuch as I am by law condemned to die, I do acknowledge myself as well as others to be subject thereunto: wherefore to testify mine obedience which I owe to the laws, I am come hither to suffer death, where unto I willingly offer myself with most hearty thanks unto God, that hath given me this time of repentance, who might through sudden death have taken away my life, that I neither should have acknowledged him nor myself.  
(71) These words uttered, besides others exhortatory, that the people would continue constant in the Gospel, suddenly was heard a great noise, whereby 
A great fear without any cause.  the assembly was struck into great fear, some thinking that a storm or tempest descended from above, some supposed that the barrels of Gunpowder in the armory had taken fire, & were all blown up into the Air, others thought that they heard a noise of horses prepared to battle, some again affirmed confidently that it did thunder, and others thought verily it was an earthquake, and that the ground moved: unto such confusion and terror were they presently brought, which (saith Stow) was none other, but that certain men from the Hamlets 
joh. Stow in annal.  warned with weapon to guard the Tower-hill, came thither somewhat after the hour appointed, whose foremost seeing the Prisoner on the Scaffold, began to run forward themselves, and call to their fellows to come away: which word away sounding as an Echo in the people's ears, they thought that rescue had come to the Duke to take him away: and seeing the Billmen to make forward so fast, began themselves to shrink back from the hill, every man seeking to save one, and by this accident and confused cries, this fear among them fell and began: This stir scarce ended, another ensued by the running of the people towards the Scaffold, who seeing Sir Anthony Browne riding thitherward, supposed a pardon had come from the King, so that a sudden shout arose, apardon, apardon, God fane the King; by 
The Duke entirely beloved of the Commons.  which it only appeared in what love he was had, and how much his life was desired of the Commons.  
(72) The Duke whose mind being altogether prepared for death, was little moved either to hope 
The Duke's second speech upon the Scaffold.  or fear, and thereupon addressed his second speech to the people, and with no dejected countenance spoke again and said: Beloved friends there is no such matter intended as you vainly hope and believe: It seemeth thus good to the Almighty, unto whose ordinance it is meet that we all be obedient, wherefore I pray you be quiet and without tumult, for I am quiet, and let us so join in prayer unto the Lord for the preservation of our Noble King, unto whose Majesty I wish c●…uall health, with all felicity and abundance of prosperous success. Moreover, I wish to his Counsellors the grace and favour of God, whereby they may rule all things uprightly with justice, unto whom I exhort you all in the Lord, to show yourselves obedient, the which is also very necessary for you under pain of condemnation, and also most profitable for the preservation of the King's Majesty. And thereupon ask every man forgiveness, freely forgave every man against him, and desiring the people to be quiet, lest the flesh should be troubled, though his spirit was willing, he meekly laid down his head to the Axe, and received at one stroke his rest by death.  
(73) Howsoever this Duke's cause was balanced by law, and him taken away that stood betwixt some 
Duke of Somerset soon missed, and sore lamented.  and their Sun; yet was his death heavily digested by the people, that spoke very bitterly against the Duke of Northumberland; but most especially the young King sore mourned, and soon miss the life of his Protector thus unexpectedly taken away, who now deprived of both his uncles, howsoever the times were passed with pastimes, plays and shows, to drive away dumps, yet ever the remembrances of them sat so near unto his heart, that lastly he fell sick of a Cough, which grievously increasing ended with a consumption of the lungs. 
King Edward falleth sick.   
(74) His sickness continuing with great doubt of his life, upon purpose saith Grafton to alter the 
Rich. Grafton.  succession of the Crown, three marriages were in one day solemnised, whereof the first was betwixt the Lord Guildford Dudley, fourth son to the Duke of Northumberland, and the Lady jane, eldest daughter of Henry Duke of Suffolk: the second was betwixt 
Three marriages intended to revert the succession.  the Lord Herbert, son and heir to William Earl of Pembroke, and the Lady Katherine the younger daughter of the said Duke of Suffolk, and the third was between Hanry L. Hastings, son and heir of Frances Earl of Hantington, and Katherine the youngest daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, which tending (saith he) to the di●…erison of the rightful heirs, they proved nothing prosperous, for two of them were presently made frustrate, the one by death, and the other by divorce.  
(75) The policy established, and languishing sickness of the King gave way unto such, as sought the eversion of the State, & alienation of the Crown. In whose eye no head was scene fitter for that fair Diadem, than was Guilford's Bride, jane the elder daughter of Suffolk, whose mother Lady Francis then living, 
Lady jane made successor by sick King Edward.  was the daughter of Mary the French Queen, the younger sister to King Henry the eight, unto whom King Edward overwrought in his weakness, ordained his Crown by Will, at the suggestions of such Politics, as mount to disherit the two lawful Princes, Mary and Elizabeth, and to impugn the Statute, in case provided for the succession of K. Henry the eight his children: unto which Will (O 
Vide Stat. in an. 35. de R. ●…. ●…. M. Fox. in all. & M●….  grief to hear) subscribed all the King's Council, most of the Nobility, the reverend Bishops, and all the judges of the land, one only excepted, oven Sir james halls knight, a justice of the common Pleas, upright in judgement, & a favourer of the Gospel, 
Sir james halls refused to subscribe to K. Edwords Will.  he, I say, never would write or consent to the disheriting of the Lady Mary.  
(76) The King thus accomplishing what his Statists had wrought, lay languishing in his faintness: the end wherefore could not be expected but only by death, and now being worn almost to nothing (his last 〈◊〉 drawing to the limits of Nature) he lift up his eyes with a prepared heart, and prayed as followeth.  
Lord God deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life, and take me among thy Chosen: howbeit not 
K. Edward's prayer.  my will but thy will be done; Lord I c●●●i●… my spirit to thee: O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee: yet for thy chosen sake, if it be thy will send, me life and health that I may truly serve thee: O my Lord bless thy people and save thine inheritance: O Lord God save thy chosen people of England: O my Lord God defend this Realm from Papistry, and maintain thy true religion, that I and my people may praise thy holy 〈◊〉 for thy son jesus Christ's sake.  
So turning 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and seeing some by him said, I thought you had not been so nigh: you, said Doctor Owen, we heard you speak to yourself, than said the King, I was praying to God: O I am faint, Lord have m●…rcy 〈◊〉 me, and revive my spirit: 〈◊〉 so saying, gave up the Ghost; to the g 〈…〉 of ●●gl●●d, in whom they had conceived most hopes.  
(77) His virtues were rare and many, exceeding most Princess, and vices so few, that none can be taxed with less; very learned (according to his years) 
The virtues of King Edward.  he was in the Latin and Greek tongues, the French, Spanish, and Italian, yea (and saith Hieronymus Cardanus) 
The report of Hieronymus Cardanus, ex Fox.  he was adorned with the skill of Logic, natural Philosophy, and Music, and for Astronomy (saith he) myself had experience, whom he learnedly opposed of the cause and course of Comets: for Humanity, he is the very Image of Morality, and in princely grave Majesty best beseeming a King: briefly, he may well 
His learning.  seem to be a miracle in Nature: nor do I speak thus Rhetorically to amplify things, or to make them more than truth is, for the truth is more than I do utter: and in this he was most admirable, that he could tell and recite all the Ports, Havens, and Creeks, not within his own Realm only, but also in Scotland, and 
His Memory.  likewise in France, what coming in there was, how the tide served in every of them, what burden of Ship, and what wind best served the coming in into them.  
(78) Of all his Nobles, Gentry, justices, and Magistrates, he took special name of their Hospitality, 
His Care.  and religious conversations, and that which is best accepted of a Prince, he was very liberal, loving, merciful, meek and gentle▪ towards his people, and so far from blood, as he ever favoured and spared as much as might be the life of man, yea even of Rebels, as we have seen; neither was he willing to put Heretics to 
His Mercy.  death, as in a certain dissertation had once with M. Cheek it appeared: insomuch that when joan Butoher should be burned for her heresy, all the Council could not move him to set his hand to the warrant of her execution, until D. Cranmer his Godfather, Archbishop of Canterbury laboured to induce him, unto whom ●…ee said, what my Lord? will you have me to send 〈◊〉 quick to hell, and taking the pen used this speech: I will lay all the charge hereof upon Cranmer before God. Then how his hand had been gotten for his uncles death is to be admired.  
(79) But his constancy unto Christ's Gospel, with the abandoning of all superstition, was very admirable, one example among many we will not 
K. Edward's zeal to Christ's Gospel.  let to declare. Lady Marry his sister through the suit of Charles the Emperor, made great means to have Mass said in her house, and that to be done without all prejudice of law: the greatness of her Person being the immediate successor, and the might of the Emperor in amity with England, moved the Council to give their consent to the suit; to forward which Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury accompanied with Ridley Bishop of London were employed from them to the King, who hearing their message, gave the replication so grounded upon Scripture, as they gave over to urge more that way: but like Politicians alleged the danger in breach of amity with the Emperor, to which the King answered, he would rather adventure the hazard of his own life then to grant that which was not agreeable to the truth. The Bishops yet urged him with the bonds of nature, and submissively said, they would have no nay: the King seeing himself so importunated, burst into weeping, and sobbingly desired them to be content, whereat the tears so abundantly burst from their eyes, as they departed his presence not able to speak. And for a further testimony of this young King's zeal, read if you please a letter sent unto his sister the Princess Lady Mary, out of the original.  
(80) Right dear, and right entirely beloved sister we greet you well, and let you know that it grieneth us much to 〈◊〉 no amendment in you of that, which we for 
K. Edward's letter to Lady Mary.  good cause, your soul's health, our conscience, and common tranquillity of our Realm have so long d●…sired; assuring you▪ that our sufferance hath more demonstration of nat●…r all love then contentation of our conscience, and foresight of our safety. Wherefore, although you give 〈◊〉 ●…sion as much almost as in you is, to diminish our natural load; yet be we loathe to feel it decay, and mean not to be so careless of you as we be provoked. And therefore meaning your weal, and therewith joining a care not to be found guilty in our own conscience to God, having cause to require forgiveness that we have so long for respect of love towards you omitted our bound duty, we do send at this present our right trusty, & right well-beloved Counsellor the L. Rich, our Chancellor of England, our trusty and right well beloved Counsellor Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight, controller of our Household, and Sir Will. Peter Knight, one of our two principal Secretaries in message to you touching the order of your house, willing you to give them firm credit in those things they shall say to you from us, & do there in our name. Yeoven under our Signet at the Castle of Windsor, the of in the fifth year of our Reign, 1556.  
(81) The fruits of which Religion this godly King showed by his works of compassion towards the poor, & that especially upon the foundation of Christ's Hospital, the late suppressed place of the Grey Friars in London, and that upon occasion as followeth. It chanced the reverend Bishop Doctor Ridley to preach before his Majesty at Westminster, wherein 
D. Ridleies sermon before King Edward.  he Christianlike exhorted the rich to be merciful unto the poor, and to that end amplified the words of the Text against the merciless rich, and the negligence of such as were in great place. The Sermon ended, and the King set to dinner, he sent to the Bishop, commanding him not to depart the Court, before he knew his further pleasure, and thereupon causing two Chairs to be set in the Gallery, all others avoided, he compelled the Bishop to sit down by his side, and in no wise would admit him to be uncovered.  
(82) Where entering conference, he first gave him hearty thanks for his Sermon, repeating unto him the chief points thereof, and coming to his exhortation 
The conference betwixt the King and Bishop Ridlay.  for the poor, he then told him that he thought himself first touched in the speech; for said he, my Lord you speak to them in authority, whereof v●… God I am the chief, and must first ma●…e answer to him if I be negligent, and therefore I think you principally meant me: God's commandment I know most expressly inioineth us to have compassion of ●…s poor members, for whom we must make account; and truly my Lord I am most willing to travel that way, not doubting but that your long approved learning and wisdom, whose zeal is such as wisheth them help; but that also you had conference with others what is best herein to be done, which I am also desorous to know, and therefore I pray say freely your mind.  
(83) The mover unto these pious considerations little looking for such questions of the Prince, sat a while silent, ouerioyed at his words, and lastly unprepared of any present instructions, told the King that the Citizens of London were best able to direct the plot, whose great Charity, and well ordered government, besides their daily charges, being over-burdened with poor, had sufficient experience, and if it would please his Majesty to direct his letters unto ●…em himself, he would be very ready to further this godly resolution so far as his means might any wise extend: whereupon the King presently commanded his letters to be writ, and would not suffer the Bishop to depart before himself had 
K. Edward's great care for the poor  thereto set his hand and signet, desiring him to deliver the same to the Lord Maior, and with him to confer about this business, which he wished might be accomplished with all expedition.  
(84) The Bishop as ready as the King was desirous, posted apace to the Lord Mayor of London, where delivering the letter, offered his assistance to 
King Edward's 〈◊〉 delivered to the L. Maior.  forward the work, and they together with some Aldermen, and twenty four Commoners agreed upon three degrees of the poor, and them divided again into nine.  
(85) The Book thus drawn, and presented to the King, he thereupon desired to be accounted the chief Founder of their relief, and forth with 〈◊〉 unto the City S. Bartholomew's Hospital by Smithfield, 
The King's great liberality for the poor in London.  and the Greyfriars Church near adjoining,