THE MANSION of Magnanimity. WHEREIN IS showed THE most high and honourable acts of sundry English Kings, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, from time to time performed in defence of their Princes and Country: set forth as an encouragement to all faithful subjects, by their example resolutely to address themselves against all foreign enemies. Published by RICHARD CROMPTON an Apprentice of the common Law. 1599 Whereunto is also adjoined a collection of diverse Laws and Statutes meet to be known of all men: with a brief Table, showing what munition ought to be kept by all sorts of her majesties subjects, for the defence of her highness Realms and Dominions. LONDON, Printed for William Ponsonby. 1599 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, ROBERT EARL OF ESSEX AND EWE, EARL Marshal of England, Viscount Hereford, Lord Ferrer of Char●ley, Bourchier and Louvain, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Master of her majesties Horse, and ordinance, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and one of her highness most honourable Privy Counsel, RICHARD CRUMPTON desireth eternal felicity. THere is no kingdom (Right honourable) so strongly seated, or with Castles so fortified, or that so aboundeth in wealth, which without valiant men trained up in martial discipline, can be defended from the force of the enemy: for the stronger or richer the country is, the more are the snares and sleights prepared by the enemy to compass and conquer the same: for which cause, and for that also, occasions of war are often offered upon the sudden, it is necessary that some number of men should be trained up continually in martial actions, as in other countries is used, and so much the rather, where long peace hath been had, which often taketh away the fear of war, & causeth men to live too securely and without regard of foreign danger, whereby they are unskilful in wars affairs: and that such trained men may be always ready and able to inform and lead others unexperienced in that service: for it is not the number of men that always obtaineth the victory in battle, but such as are courageous, and well exercised in martial skill, as Erasmus saith well: Erasmus. Non refert quàm numerosum militem ducas in praelium, sed quàm fortem, & quàm exercitatum. Homer in these few verses following, Homer. setteth forth the whole military discipline, which resteth in the valour of the soldiers, and their obedience to their Captains and Leaders. Graeci fidentes animis audacibus ibant, Ductorum quamuis premerent formidine vocem. Where he saith, that they trusting in their courageous minds, went against their enemies, there he commendeth and extolleth their valours in arms: and where he saith, they feared the commandment of their Captains, there he highly praiseth their great discretion and modesty. What bred such fame to the ATHENIANS, who being but ten thousand, overthrew great numbers of the PERSIANS in one battle, in that time when they most flourished in their conquests, and did rule over many nations, but valour and skill in the soldiers, and observation of orders in battle? By order all things are preserved and maintained, and without order all things come to ruin and confusion, as the Scripture saith, Vbi nullus ordo ibi est confusio. And as these things are requisite in the soldiers, so is experience, valour, and skill also in the Captain: for if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch, as the Gospel witnesseth: therefore such Captains are always highly to be honoured, embraced, advanced, and rewarded, according to their places, callings, and deserts, as the defenders in the time of war of the Prince and state of the kingdom and commonwealth, that they may be encouraged in that service: and such as lightly esteem these men, or prefer them which live idly and daintily afore them, are enemies to the Commonwealth (as Osorius writeth) and to be taken as the destroyers thereof, in that they do as much as in them lieth, to lay open their Country to the force of the enemy. And because the matter of this Treatise concerneth the defence of our Prince and Country against the enemy, which service appertaineth most properly to men of honour, who ought to hold nothing more dear to them then the safety of the same, of which they be the chief props, stays, defenders, and maintainers under her Majesty; I have thought it convenient to dedicate this little Treatise to a man of such state, and unto your honour chief, to the end you may therein see the notable acts of Chivalry performed in that service, that thereby you may be encouraged to follow their steps, and increase the fame, honour, and renown, which you have attained in your late valiant service at CALES in SPAIN, and else where. Humbly beseeching your honour to accept this my small labour, as a token of my desire to commend your Honourable name to posterity. At your honours command. RICHARD CROMPTON. AN ORATION TO BE MADE BY THE GENERAL TO THE WHOLE ARMY AFORE THE BATTLE. ALthough Wars are by all good means to be eschewed, for the avoiding of the great effusion of blood that thereby often doth ensue, yet when intolerable wrongs and injuries are offered, either by a foreign Prince, or his subjects, & no recompense is made for the same, The cause of the war must be published, that it may appear to arise upon just occasions, which much doth encourage the soldier to fight. war must be taken in hand: and Bodinus saith; Bella non nisi propulsandae iniuriae, ac pacis causa suscipienda sunt: that is, Wars are to be entered into, to withstand injuries, and to procure peace. The causes which have drawn us at this present into the field against these our enemies, are known to many of you, namely, how these our enemies most violently and in warlike manner, with Ensigns displayed, in the time of peace, without any proclamation of War first made, according to the laws of Arms, have entered into our territories and country, burned some of our Churches, defaced the ancient monuments of our elders, put multitudes of her majesties people to the sword, yea women and children, wasted their dwellings with fire, despoiled them of their goods, and ravished most shamefully their wives, daughters & kinswomen, even afore their faces: to be short, there is no cruelty or tyranny whatsoever which might be devised, but they have afflicted her highness subjects therewith, without all pity or mercy. For which due recompense hath been diverse times by her Malesties' Ambassadors required, and yet none is made. Therefore either we must with sword and fire be revenged of these most extreme dealings, or otherwise they will be encouraged to attempt the like: yea, they will account us men of no courage, but cowards and base hearted; a name which to our nation hath been always most odious, in that it hath been accounted valorous in arms in all countries, as one writeth: Anglia Bistonio gens semper inclita mart. Every man is borne once to die, and how, when, or where, is most uncertain: and to give our lives for our country, hath always among all nations (and among the heathen) been reputed an honourable thing, whereby everlasting fame is attained, and left to posterity as the noble Orator Tully saith: Hijs maiores nostri, qui ob rem publicam obierunt, pro brevi vita diuturnam memoriam reddiderunt: that is, To them which have lost their lives for the common wealth, for a short life they have yielded everlasting memory. There is no difference betwixt the greatest person & the meanest man, when they are both dead, if there be no virtues or deeds of fame done by them, whereby to commend their name to posterity. Therefore every man that desireth to live in name when he is dead, aught to endeavour himself to leave some memory of his virtues or worthy acts, that it may appear that once he lived here, else being laid in his grave, he shall soon be forgotten. Riches and beauty (saith Sallust) do vanish soon away, but virtues and deeds of fame are everlasting: which sith our lives are short & momentany, we must by this means make perpetual. A glorious death is always to be preferred afore a life stained with reproach and infamy. If you will consider what miseries and calamities happen where the enemy prevaileth, look back into the hard dealing of William Duke of Normandy, when he conquered this Land: it ought greatly to encourage you in this service against the enemy. Did not he alter the whole state and government of our Country? Did he not make new Laws, altogether profitable for himself and his Normans, and hurtful to our Nation? Did he not spoil sundry of the English Nobles and others, of their lands and possessions contrary to promise, yea even to those English Lords who aided him in that Conquest? Did not he lay grievous taxes, tallages and impositions, upon our Nation? There was no cruelty, no misery, no servitude or bondage which could be devised, but he afflicted them therewith, as by our Chronicles evidently appeareth: and shall we look for any other if our enemies should prevail? The wise Cato said, Cato. Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum, Happy is he that can beware by others dangers & mishap. Now therefore, if ever you will show your loyalty to your Prince, and love to your Country: your natural affection to your old father and aged mother, to your dear wives and sweet children, which cannot defend themselves: if ever you will show yourselves careful to preserve your posterities that shall succeed: if ever you desire to maintain the Honour and Worship of the houses whereof you are descended: if ever you will show yourselves to come of the seed and generation of your valiant ancestors & courageous forefathers: if ever you will leave Honour or fame to your posterities of your valour in Arms, whereby your offspring may be encouraged to follow your steps, now is the time or never. Pluck up therefore your hearts like men, and set your rest upon it, determining with yourselves rather to die in field in defence of your Prince and country, then that these miseries should happen unto us: if you turn your faces (which God defend) then shall our Prince be endangered, the state of our Commonwealth overthrown, we shall be slain as thick as motes in the sun; our fathers, mothers, wives and children shall be destroyed; our wives, our daughters and kinswomen ravished and deflowered afore our faces, strangers shall possess our lands and livings; and we that now live in honour, worship and credit, and as it were at our own hearts ease, shall then be made subjects, bondmen, slaves, and pesaunts to foreigners and strangers, and then shall all the miseries before remembered, or which can be devised be laid upon us. There is no cause (my good friends and fellows in Arms) why we should stand in fear or doubt of these proud Spaniards, though they far exceed us in number, nor of their haughty looks or great brags: for they are of no greater force or strength now then they were in former times, when under the conduct of that worthy & courageous Prince of Wales, eldest son to K. Edw. the 3. a small Army of Englishmen, passed in despite of them through Navarre into Spain, & there even in the midst and bowels of their own country, overthrew at Nadres the usurping K. Henry the bastard, with divers of his Nobility, and 60000. of the bravest fight men in Spain, & erected in his place Don Pedro their lawful Prince, compelling the Nobility and cities to receive him. Besides, the valorous conquest achieved by john Duke of Lanc. brother to the said Prince in Galicia, against Don john, son of the said Henry the usurping bastard. What famous victory the noble K. Rich. the first obtained against the soldan of Egypt and the K. of Cypress in their own territories, and made the said K. of Cypress do homage for that kingdom to the crown of Engl. Besides other Nations which have often received sundry great overthrows at our hands, though they were mighty in Arms, such was the will of God, who giveth victory where he pleaseth. And for that praise and rewards are due for just deserts, if you will show yourselves valiant Captains and courageous soldiers in this service, of which I have no doubt, and whereof I will (God willing) make true report unto her Ma. you may be assuted, that as she will highly commend you, so you shallbe rewarded accordingly: for she holds such as you to be the chief defenders of her state and Commonwealth against the enemy, and regardeth not such as live daintily & at ease before men of your quality: For they (as Osorius affirmeth) which prefer such before men of your condition, are to be held subverters of their country, in laying it open to the enemy, & in defrauding the same of her necessary defence & safeguard. And for my part I assure you on my Honour, that whatsoever persons you shall take prisoners, & whatsoever thing shall fall into your hands of the spoil (after the battle) you shall enjoy the same with good will, as the law of Arms requireth: to the end ye may the rather be encouraged in this action now in hand: for I hold it no reason that you should abide the brunt of battle, and not retain and enjoy the same which you shall obtain with the venturing of your lives and loss of your blood. And again, the rather to encourage you in this service, see how graciously and carefully her Ma. and the whole state of the Parliament have provided for the keeping and relief of such of you which be common soldiers, which shall happen to be maimed in her wars, which afore her days was never done. And now to the end we may the rather prevail against our enemies, I exhort and advise you (noble Captains & valiant Gentlemen) attempt nothing in your fury without due consideration first had, for such enterprises are not holden to proceed of courage and valour, but rather of rashness, which often bringeth danger to the whole Army. And you courageous soldiers, submit yourselves to the order and direction of your chieftains and leaders, of whose great experience and skill in martial affairs, you shall not need to doubt, by reason of their continual training up therein: and so much the rather you must thus do, because you are not yet such men of understanding in warlike discipline: Herodotus. So did the noble Grecians as Herodotus writeth, whereby small companies gave sundry notable overthrows to great multitudes of the Persians in battle, even when they were in their chiefest conquests, & most triumphed of their glorious victories. Where no order is (the scripture saith) there is confusion and utter ruin. Keep therefore your ranks, break not your arrays, stand fast in your places to which you are appointed; for out of doubt as observation of orders in battle is never without hope of victory, so doth disorder open the way to the enemy to overthrow you. If you keep order you shall be even like a strong Bulwark against the enemy, which they will with all their forces attempt to break, being the only way to gain them victory: of which purpose if they fail, than they will be utterly discomfited and fall into your hands. To conclude, forsomuch as the chance of war is uncertain, and the sequel thereof standeth doubtful, although the causes afore remembered, ought greatly to encourage you in this service, and to hope of victory: yet let us all make ourselves ready for whatsoever it shall please God to lay upon us, and let us make our humble prayers to Almighty God, confessing our sinful lives, and heartily repent us thereof, who giveth grace in the very instance of time: as by the example of the thief which was hanged with our Saviour Christ appeareth; who used these few words unto him. Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Christ said unto him, This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. And let us call upon him for his gracious assistance against our enemies, who no doubt will aid and defend us against them according to his promise: for heaven and earth shall pass, before one iòte of his Covenant or promise, which he hath made to such as serve and fear him shall fail, as the scripture doth plainly testify. Now let us all kneel down and lift up our hearts to the throne of God's Majesty & prey. Almighty God, father of our Lord jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickednesses, which we from time to time most grievously have committed against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us, we do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdooinge, have mercy upon us most merciful Father for thy blessed son our Lord jesus Christ's sake, forgive all our offences past, & grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy holy name, through our only mediator and advocate jesus Christ our Lord. And O thou most mighty God, that art the King of kings, and Lord of lords, and governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, stretch out thy mighty arm and come, help us, and be our defence, for without thee, vain is the help of man. We go not against this multitude trusting in our own strength, but in thy name, and in thy most gracious aid and assistance, let them know that thou art the Lord of hosts, and the only giver of victory, and deliver them into our hands (if it be thy good pleasure) that we may glorify thy holy name through jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee & the holy Ghost that most sweet comforter, that art one in three, and three in one true and everlasting god, be all honour, glory and praise for ever and ever, so be it. Now in the name of God almighty advance our Standards, display your Ensigns, and set upon them courageously, for the honour of your prince and country, for all England prayeth for our good success in this business this day. THE MANSION of Magnanimity. ¶ Of the strength of this Realm, in respect of the situation, pleasantness of air, fruitfulness of soil, abundance of all sorts of Grain, cattle, and other necessaries for the use of man: how it is replenished with thousands of courageous & valiant men, whereby to withstand all foreign invasion. Also how it is defended with many strong holds in places needful, and furnished with a Royal Navy, with mnnition sufficient to encounter the enemy. Chap. 1. ALthough I doubt not, both in respect of your loyalties to her Majesty, and fidelities to her Crown (things due by all Laws from every true Subject to his Prince and Sovereign governor) and also of the great love and affection that every man doth naturally bear to his native Country, but that you will be always ready with heart and hand to join in the defence of these against the enemy; yet have I thought it not vain to set down some special causes and reasons, which shall the rather move us hereunto. Amongst which (as in the first part of this book I will commend to your considerations) the strength of our Country in regard of the situation thereof, The first cause of encouragement in respect of the situation of our Country. & how our country is environed with the main Sea, saving that part only adjoining to Scotland, which is a sufficient defence to this realm, in that the queens most excellent Majesty & the noble King of that country are most surely linked, as well in respect of the néernesse of blood, as also by reason of most honourable covenants and agréementes of league, peace, and amity (which by God's grace shall long continue) concluded and passed betwixt them, so that we may well assure ourselves that none can come to us but by shipping: whereby what advantage we have that stand upon the firm land, ready to receive or defend the enemy, which must lie open to our forces from the sea, every man of any reasonable sense or understanding may easily conceive. It is placed in that part of the world which is temperate, neither vexed with too much heat, nor oppressed with over much cold as many other Countries be. It is also of a most delicate & wholesome air, full of pleasant springs, fountains, and rivers. A Country of fruitful soil, Commodities of our country. yielding Corn of all sorts, abundance of Wool, Allom, Copper, Mines of Lead, Tin, Iron, Stone, Wood, Seacole, Pits to make Salt of, and of all manner of cattle, Horses, Fowls & Fishes: Beasts of Venery, of all kinds plentiful, and all other things necessary for man's sustenance, use and pleasure. A Country apt for traffic by sea, from all places of the world: in respect whereof, we are of ourselves better able to live then any other nation under the Sun. Camd fol. 3 Camden maketh mention of an old Orator speaking in praise of England, as followeth: O fortunata & omnibus beatior terris Britannia, This Constantine received the faith of Christ first in England annal I Stow ● 46. An. 306. quae Constantinum Caesarem prima vidisti; meritò te omnibus Coeli ac soli bonis natura donavit, in qua nec rigor est nimius hyemis, nec ardor aestatis, in qua segetum tanta est foecunditas, ut munerib. utriusque sufficiat, et Cereris et Liberi: in qua nemora sine immanibus bestijs, terra sine serpentib▪. noxijs, contrà pecorum mitium innumerabilis multitudo, lact distenta, & onusta velleribus: certe, quod propter vitam diligitur longissimi dies, et nullae sine aliqua luce noctes, dum illa littorum extrema planities non attollit umbras, noctisque metam coeli & siderum transit aspectus, ut sol ipse qui nobis videtur occidere, ibi appareat praeterire. That is. O thou happy England and more blessed then all lands, that first of all hast seen Constantine the Emperor: whom nature hath endued with all the commodities of the firm ament and land, wherein is neither too much rigour of winter, nor heat o● summer: where is great fruitfulness of Corn for bread and drink; Woods also without hurtful Beasts; the Land without noisome Serpents: where likewise are innumerable multitudes of cattle giving milk, and Sheep loaden with fleeses of wool: and that which Life doth greatly desire, the days are there very long, neither is there any night without some glimmering of light, by reason, that the Plains of the Sea coasts doth not yield much shadow, and the sight of the Stars and firmament doth pass away so quietly, that the Sun which seemeth to us to go down, may there appear as it were but to pass by. Also in that this Realm is replenished with infinite thousands of valiant and courageous Men, The second cause of encouragement valiant men. able to give battle to the greatest prince in Europe (for Castles are of small account where valour in arms wanteth.) Cleomines the Emperor beholding a town by art and nature mightily defended, called such latebras muliebres, Castles. Cleomines. Bod. lib. 5. c. 5 alurking place for Women saying: Neque Civitatis robur positum est in mutis lapidibus, What should move a man to fight. sed in praestanti fortissimorum civium virtute, qui pro aris, pro liberis pro libertate, pro civitate, pro fama, & pro vita dimicabunt. The strength of a City (saith he) resteth not in dumb walls, but in the force of valiant Men which fight for their religion, Children, liberty, Cities, fame and for their lives. And such as are desperate and resolute, are most meetest for the same as he writeth also. Nihil periculosius est, quam desperatis hominibus praelium committere. There is nothing more dangerous then to fight with desperate men. Bod. lib. 5. c. 5 And remember as an example the battle of Poitiers in France where john the french King with a great number of his nobility were taken prisoners, Poitiers. & the rest were put to flight, Stow 15 ●… with about ten thousand Englishmen, the french being almost fifty thousand. This was done by Edward prince of Wales eldest son to King Edward the third, and Erasmus saith also, ij demum utiles sunt Bello milites, Eras. Append. Apoth. 337. quibus decretum est in praelio, aut vincere aut mortem oppetere, They are meetest for War, which determinne to win the field or else to die. Castles. But yet Castles and Fortresses are not to be condemned, but must be used as a mean for the better defence of the enemy. ¶ How much we are bound to the Almighty God, that hath given us so gracious a Prince to reign over us, and what good things we daily receive of her gracious goodness toward us; and also how happy we are that are her highness subjects in respect of other Nations, which are charged with continual Taxes, Tallages, and Impositions, and besides that live in great bondage and servitude, of which things we are freed. Chap. 2. NOw in respect of a most singular and further cause of encouragement herein, Third cause of encouragement let us consider how much we are bound to god, in that it hath pleased him to give us so gracious a Sovereign Lady and Queen to reign over us, one of our own nation: which is observed in the sacred scripture as a great blessing of god, as in the book of Deuteronomy doth appear, and of the right line and descent of the noble kings and Princes of this Realm: for foreign princes are always misliked of the people to reign over them; Osor. fol. 19 as Osorius saith, Quoties accidit ut in aliqua regione, vel haereditario iure, vel matrimonio, vel quavis alia ratione, princeps aliquis ex exteris gentib ad regnandum vocetur, id populis sibi perniciosum fore suspicatur. One under whom we have enjoyed such common peace and quietness these 39 years & more, as the like hath not been heard of, neither is to be found in any record or Chronicle since the Eonquest to this day, for the like time of government: One studious to advance, set forth and maintain the honour and glory of Almighty God: one desirous to reign with mercy, with love, with pity, and tender compassion, and not by tyranny, not by effusion of blood, neither always by inflicting the extremity of her laws upon such as justly have deserved the execution of the same: And is the rather induced to mercy and pity, by experience of her own troubles (most unjustly laid upon her in her sister's days) so as it is rightly said: Nihil est enim quod magis invitat homines ad misericordiam tribuendam quam humanam miseriam experiri; Aeneid. lib. 1. unde rectissime Regina Dido apud Vergilium inquit, Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco. There is nothing that more doth move men to be merciful, then to have experience of the misery of man; whereof Queen Dido (as Virgil maketh mention) said very well: I have learned being not ignorant of evil, how to help them that are in misery. She is also bountiful to such as deserve well of her Majesty and of their country, Ovid de ponto lib. 2. in whom the saying of Ovid the Poet, which he spoke of the clemency and liberality of Cesar is verified: Est piger ad poenas princeps, adpraemia velox, Cuique dolet quoties cogitur esse ferox. The Prince is slow to punish, and ready to reward, and sorrowful when he is forced to punish any. And again he saith of him: Qui cum triste aliquid, statuit, fit tristis & ipse, Cuique fere poenam sumere, poena sua est. When the Prince doth ordain punishment to any he is sad also, & where any is punished he taketh it as it were done to himself. She is a most mild Prince, not fearful to behold or to be spoken unto, Ovid metamor. li. 2. f 30. Nullae in front minae nec formidabile lumen, But with most benign and gracious countenances receiveth and answereth the petitions & supplications of her subjects: she is of that honourable and princely disposition in all things, that even the greatest Princes do honour her. And in that her Ma. 4 cause of incoragement. hath fortified the borders of this realm in places dangerous for invasion, with such castles and strong holds, & with a mighty navy of warlike ships, Fortification of the realm. and furnished her kingdom with such abundance of armour & all other things necessary for the wars and defence of her country & people, as the like hath not been seen in any Prince's days before her time. If we will consider the miserable conditions of such Nations as live under Princes where the pleasure of the Prince standeth for law, Miserable conditions of other people. and where the king saith: Sic volo, sic jubeo, stat pro ratione voluntas: So I will, Juvenal. so I command, my will shall stand for reason: And compare the same with our happy state, we have just cause to think ourselves much bound to God: for our Princes not only make good and wholesome laws, Good laws. but are well pleased also to be ordered by them, & in the day of their Coronation take a solemn Oath upon the holy book of God to endeavour themselves, Oath. that the same laws shall be observed and executed to all indifferently. Osor. fo. 105. And therein is the difference (saith Osorius) betwixt a kind and a Tyrant. Non mediocre discrimen est inter regematque tyrannum, quòd Rex legibus s● devinctum profitetur, Tyrannus vero in interitu legum omnem dignitatem suam collocandam existimet. Among many other, what an Honourable law was made in the 9 year of king Henry the third, 9 Hen. 3. A most honourable Law. as followeth: No free man shallbe taken or imprisoned, or be desseised of his freehold, liberties, or free customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or any ways destroyed, nor we shall not pass upon him nor deal with him but by lawful judgement of his peers, or by the Laws of the land: we shall sell to no man, we shall deny nor defer no man, 42. li. Ass. either of justice, right, or equity. By which statute, a Commission granted out of the Chancery, to take I. N. and seize his goods and chattels, was judged void, for that it was done without judgement or suit of the party, or other due process. How happy be we in respect of the Russes, amongst whom there is a law, Russes. if any man die without issue male (though he have many daughters) yet the Prince seizeth all his goods to his own use, except perhaps of his goods he giveth some part amongst the daughters to bestow them in marriage. And likewise, if a man that is unfit in his own person for the wars, hath such wealth that thereby many warriors might be maintained: or that if any of the Courtiers having knowledge thereof, do present his name to the Emperor, the unhappy man by and by is sent for, and in that instant deprived of all his riches, which with great pains and travail all his life time he hath gotten together, except perchance some small portion thereof be left, to maintain himself, his wife, children, and family withal: and then the Emperor bestoweth these goods amongst his Courtiers according to their deserts, Book of Navigation fol. 788. 417. as appeareth in the book of Navigation. But no such use, law nor custom, is amongst us. For if a man have no sons, than his daughters or some other of his line, possess his lands, and his Executor his goods, as pleaseth the owner to limit. And when our Prince would have aid of her subjects, towards the maintenance of her wars, or for other necessary respects, she taketh not her subjects lands or goods from them, neither can so do by her highness laws, except they be first thereby condemned, and so forfeit them for some offence; but useth to call a Parliament, and by the assent of all her Nobles and Commons, hath Subsidies and other aids of her subjects, towards the defraying of some of these charges: and the subsidy or aid thus granted, if it be of land for the most part amounteth not to the thirtieth part of the yearly rent of the same: and if it be of goods, reacheth not oftentimes to the fiftieth part thereof. Again, whereas in France, Tributes for meat & drink in other countries. Flanders, and other Countries, the people pay certain tribute to their princes for some sort of meat and drink, and for their dwellings: We are not charged with any such impositions: Neither is such torment used here in execution of offenders, Torments in execution. as breaking of their legs, arms, and back, and so laid on a wheel of a cart pitched on a pole, and there to lie till he be dead, which is common in other Realms by the Civil laws, but is executed here by hanging only till he be dead, except it be in case of high treason. Therefore I say we are in these respects most happy, in regard of other Nations. ¶ How much we are bound to God that doth assist her majesty with such grave, wise and most honourable Counsellors: and also divers and sundry persuasions in respect of the premises and other things, why we should all resolutely fight in the defiance of the enemy. And of the miseries of war where the enemy prevaileth. Chap. 3. AS a further cause of this encouragement. Fift cause of incoragement. how much are we bound to God in that it hath pleased him always to assist her Ma. with such honourable counsellors, men of such gravity, Wise Counsellors. truth, faithfulness, and wisdom, of such deep skill, consideration, policy, forecast, and experience, as to speak it plainly & simply, no Prince under the sun is furnished with the like: or at least with a better, by whose great wisdom, travel, and endeavour this common peace and quietness hath been so long preserved and maintained. If any thing hath been intended to the peril of her majesties person or danger of the state, that hath been by them quickly espied, deeply looked into, and with great wisdom & policy in time prevented and avoided, to their great honours & immortal fame▪ so as in the choice of them her majesty hath most graciously & wisely considered of the saying of Osorius. Osor. sol. 292. Necesse est ut Regis consiliarij sint maximo ingenio praediti, bonis artibus exculti, longo rerum usu per ti, in historijs diligentissimè versati, What men must be counsellors to a K. neque praes●ntia tantum sagaciter odorantes, sed long in posterum quid utile futurum Reipub. si, coniectura providentes: neque solum ingenio & disciplina atque prudentia valeant necesse est▪ sed sint opus est singulari fide & integritate, & quòd patriam amore atque pietate debita prosequantur. That is, It is convenient that the King's counsellors be men of great wisdom, very well learned, of long experience, well exercised in histories, not only gravely considering of things present, but also of things necessary for the good of the whole common wealth in time to come: and it is necessary that they be not only prudent, learned, and wise, but likewise of great integrity and faithfulness; and to be such as have a love & special care and affection to their Country. Solomon saith, Happy is that kingdom where they are many that can give good counsel. And jesus the son of Syrach affirmeth, Eccles. 10. where they that are in authority are men of understanding, there the City doth prosper. And again Solomon showeth, Prou. 11. where no counsel is, there the people do perish, but where many are that can give good counsel there is wealth. Words of encouragement Who will not think himself happy that may dwell in such a strong, pleasant, free, and plentiful country as this is? in a Country replenished with such infinite thousands of valiant men, defended with such strong holds, appointed with such warlike ships, and furnished with such abundance of all other things needful for the wars and defence against the enemy: where the Gospel is truly preached, where so merciful and gracious a Prince doth reign, where such Honourable and wholesome Laws are ordained and executed, and where such grave and wise Counsellors do govern? Who will not fight in the quarrel and defence of these? Who will not give his life for the safeguard of his old father, aged mother and dear wife, in defence of his lands and possessions, his goods and chattels, his liberty and freedom, against all such foreigners and strangers as would spoil, waste, and destroy the same? Who will not defend his sweet tender Infants and Children against such as seek to slay them? The very bruit Beasts and Fowls will defend not only themselves by natural instinctions, but that which is bred of their own bodies. Will not the Brache fight in defence of her whelps? The Poet describing her nature saith: Haud secus atque canis Catulis qui dulcibus astat, Allatratque virum ignotum pugnamque caepessit. The Brache standing to her whelps, doth bark at the strange man, Tully. and offereth him fight in defence of them. And Tully writeth of the property of Beasts in defence of their young, thus. Bestiae pro suo partu ita pugnant ut vulnera accipiant, Nullos impetus, nullos casus reformident. The Beasts will fight till they bewounded, and fear no force nor violence in defence of their young. Will not the silly Hen set up her feathers, and fiercely fly at the Kite or other thing that cometh near unto her chickens? Will not the tigers fight in defence of their whelps? Will not the Ass run through the hot fire for safeguard of her fool? And will not every fowl and beast do the like in their kind? Then how much more ought man, being the reasonable creature of God, fight against such as would destroy their infants and children? Did king Priamus when the Greeks entered the city of Troy, V●…. Eneid. li. 2. and Pyrrhus the Grecian captain killed Polites his son before his face, refrain his voice, his anger or his hand? Nay, did not he say to Pyrrhus, Thou wretch, for this spite done to me, the gods (if any justice dwell in Heaven, or if they do right regard) yield thee thy due reward, that afore my face my son hast slain? and therewith he cast his dart at Pyrrhus, but in vain, for it hung in the boss of his buckler, because his strength for age failed him, although he did for nature's sake thereby show his willing mind to have been revenged for so heavy and woeful a sight. Did Aeneas the valiant Trojan knight, at this time leave his old father Anchises, his loving wife Creusa, or Ascanius his young son, among the enemies when Troy was on fire, and shifted only for himself? No, he rather did choose to adventure the danger of the enemy, who then every where swarmed in that City, and carried his father on his shoulders, and led his son in his hand, and appointed his wife to go through certain bi-ways in the City, to a place where he would meet her, and so they all save his wife (who it is thought fell into the enemy's hands) escaped: Whereby you may see that Naturae vis est maxima, The force of nature is the greatest thing in operation that may be: and may well be called vis maxima, and the operation of nature cannot be taken away, Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurrit. Is there any that can endure to see his Wife ravished, his daughter deflowered, or his kinswoman violently forced afore his face? or that can behold his Father, Mother, Wife and Children, Kinsfolks, his allies and dear friends, to be smitten down with the hands of the enemy, and with deadly wounds lie gasping for breath, and make no resistance? Miseries of war. Is there any that hath lived in place of honour or worship, or that is of any honest sort, degree or calling, that can like to be a subject, a bondman, a slave, or peasant to any foreign prince or state, specially to a Spaniard who of all other nations is the most bloody, insolent, vicious and tyrannous? Is there any that can endure that strangers shall enjoy his lands and possessions, which he and his ancestors have long had, or his goods or other things, which he with his great pains and travel hath gathered together to maintain himself, his wife and children? These are some of the miseries which happen where the enemy doth prevail: as for example, When Wil D. of Normandy conquered this land, Holinsh. 303. 297. did not he alter the whole state & government thereof? Acts & Monu. 166. Did not he contrary to his oath refuse King Edward's laws and made new laws at his own will and pleasure, profitable for himself, but most grievous and hurtful to the English nation? Fab. 6. part. c. 222. & 217. Did not he spoil sundry both of the nobility, and others of the wealthier sort, of all their possessions & livings, and gave them to his Normans notwithstanding his fair promise made at his first coming, that he would deal lovingly with them? Did not he lay grievous taxes & How cruelly Wil Conqueror de●● with the Englishmen. impositions upon our nation? Did not he cause all the land in England to be measured & laid upon every hide of land (which as Holinshed saith contained 100 acres) vj. s. which amounted to an inestimable sum, Holinsh. f. 11. Graft. abridge. An. 1085. when it came all together into his exchequer? And did not he shortly after cause all men's goods and chattels to be valued, and raised thereof also a marvelous great mass of money to the great grief and impoverishment of our people, who so sore lamented the miserable case wherein they were thrawled, that they hated the Normans in their hearts with deadly malice: howbeit, the more they spoke and seemed to grudge against such sore touls, tallages and cruel oppressions as were daily devised to their utter undo, the more they were burdened after the manner of the bondage which the children of Israel sometime suffered in Egypt, for on the other side the Normans perceiving the hatred which the Englishmen did bear towards them, were sore offended in their minds, and therefore sought by all manner of ways how to keep them under. In like sort, did not Wil Rufus overthrow divers and sundry towns, Holinsh. 313. parishes, villages and buildings, for the space of three miles together, to make thereof a Forest, which to this day is called the new Forest for wild beasts and dear, whereby no small member of the poor lost their houses, their lands and livings, for the maintenance of savage beasts, New forest Camden 188. of whose hard dealing in this case, Doctor White Bishop of Winchester hath these verses written as Camden affirmeth foe 198. B. of Win. Templa adimit divis, fora civibus, arua colonis Rufus, & instituit Beanlensi in rure forestam, Rex ceruum insequitur, Regem vindicta, Tirellus Non bene praevisum transfixit acumine ferri. Did not he cause a grievous pain to be ordained, insomuch that who so ever did kill any of the same dear he should have his eyes put out: Eyes put out for hunting. whereupon many refusing to sustain such an intolerable yoke of thrauldome as was daily laid upon them by the Normans, choose rather to leave both lands and goods, and after the manner of outlaws got them to the woods with their wives, children, and servants, meaning from thenceforth wholly to live upon the spoil of the Countries adjoining, and to take what so ever came first to hand: whereupon shortly it came to pass, that no man might in safety travel from his own house or town to his neighbours, and every quiet and honest man's house became as it were a hold or fortress, and was furnished for defence with Bows, Arrows, Bills, Pole-axes, sword, Clubs and staves, the doors kept locked and strongly bolted, and namely in the night season, for fear to be surprised as it had been in time of war, and amongst public enemies. Prayers were made also to almighty God by the master of the house to save and defend them, as though they had been in the midst of the seas in some stormy tempest, by means of these hard dealing towards the English nation. The people in the North parts of this Realm did rebel, whom the Normans suppressed, Hands cut off for rebelling. and caused some of their hands to be cut of in token of their rebellious dealings, and others by death to be punished, and took so great a displeasure with the inhabitants of those parts, that he wasted all the land betwixt York and Durham, so that for the space of 90. miles, there was left in manner no habitation for the people: by reason whereof it lay waste and desert by the space of nine or ten years, so that no greater misery in the earth could happen then that, into the which our nation was now fallen. Likewise, did not he take from the Towns and Cities, from the Bishops and Abbeys all their ancient privileges and free Customs, to the end they should not only be cut short and made weaker, but also that they might redeem the same of him for such sums of money as it pleased him to appoint, to obtain their quietness, and made protestation that as he came to the governance of this Realm by plain conquest, so he would and did seize into his hands the most part of every man's possessions, causing them to redeem the same at his hands again, and yet retained a part in the most part of them, so that they that should afterwards enjoy them, should acknowledge themselves to hold them of him, in yielding a yearly rent to him and his successors for ever. In like manner, when the Spaniards by violence possesthe said Crown of Portugal, Book of the estate of Fugitives. did not the king of Spain use the authority of a Conqueror and the tyrannical cruelty of an usurper, altering their Laws, confounding their privileges, overturning the whole estate of their government, strangling some of their Nobility, and other of them beheading, imprisoning and banishing some other of them, with many other horrible and pitiful actions? These are also other miseries which follow where the enemy doth get the upper hand, and shall we look for any other dealing if they should overcome us? ¶ That we shall prevail against our enemies by faithful prayers to God, whereof divers examples are here set down out of the Bible, also divers other good persuasions to withstand the enemy, and how that every man is bound so to do, whereby great fame is attained and left to posterities. Chap. 4. IF we will consider how valiantly our forefathers have always resisted foreign forces prepared against our country, 6. cause of incorragement. and what great renown and same they have gotten for their valour in Arms, which is spread amongst all Christian Nations, of whom it is written: Anglia Bistonio semper gens inclita mart. England a Nation ever famous in battle. Bysto is a country of valiant people in wars in thrace. Camd. fol. 7. Of whom john Wheathamsted, sometime the Abbot of S. Albon, in his Granario writeth: Sufficiat igitur Britannis pro nobilitatis suae orgine, quod sint fortes & potentes in praelijs, quodque undique debellent adversarios, nullumque penitus patiantur jugum servitutis. It is sufficient for the Britaines (of whom we are descended) for the beginning of their Nobility, that they are strong & mighty in battle, and that they do every where beat down their enemies, and cannot suffer by any means the yoke of any bondage. If we will remember that no Nation since the Conquest of this land, which is about 529. years past, could yet overcome us (praised be God therefore) notwithstanding sundry attempts made to that end; if we will call to mind the notable overthrows which king Richard the first gave the Infidels with a few Englishmen, Fox 245. Hol. 1191. and made the king of Cypress to do him homage for his kingdom, and besides him divers other valiant kings and people have we brought into subjection, and made them stoop to the Crown of England, as by our Chronicles is evident; we have now then great cause to be mightily encouraged in this service of defence: Shall we now distrust more of the aid of our merciful Lord God then our forefathers did, whom he so graciously assisted against their enemies? or think he will forsake us now more than our elders, whom he hath always defended in their just and lawful actions? Surely if we endeavour ourselves to serve and fear him, to walk in his ways, to call upon him in our troubles and necessities, no doubt he will aid us according to his promise: Call upon me (saith he by his Prophet David) in the time of trouble, We must call upon God to aid us against our enemies. and I will hear thee and thou shalt praise me. And agaive, Knock and it shallbe opened unto you, ask and you shall have. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will surely give it you. Did not the children of Israel overcome their enemies in battle, so long as Moses held up his hands and prayed unto God for victory, and when he ceased the enemy prevailed? Moses. 2 Chron. 14. Did not the Almighty turn away his displeasure from the children of Israel at the prayer of Moses, when they worshipped the golden Calf, as it is written in the 106. psalm. So he said he would have destroyed them, Psal. 106. had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the gap to turn away his wrathful indignation lest he should destroy them? Did not Asha the godly king of juda when Sarache king of Ethiopia came against him with an host of above ten hundred thousand chariots, 2 Chron. 14 when they joined battle in the vale of Zephera, cry to God for aid against Sarachc: saying, Help us O Lord our God for we do put our trust in thee, and in thy name we go against this huge multitude, thou art our Lord God and no man shall prevail against thee. And the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asha and juda, and they were overthrowue that there was none of them left, but were destroyed before the lord and his host? Did not the good king jehosophat when the great number of jehosophat. the Amorytes and Moabites joined battle with him, before the battle began, 2 Chron. 20 stand up, and said: Hear O juda and inhabitants of jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God, that you may be found faithful, give credit to the prophet and so shall you prosper, and their enemies were overthrown without stroke amongst themselves, and with their own forces consumed themselves. Besides the example of Senacherib king of Assour, who with an host of one hundred four score and five thousand (as the prophet Esay witnesseth) Esay 37. could not prevail when he invaded Hesechia king of juda; for Hesechia did put on sackcloth, and went up to the temple and prayid, and sent Heliachym and other prophets to Esay that he should pray to God for them, and God sent his Angels, who slew the Assyrians host. Whereby it doth appear, that it is not the great multitude of men of war, horses, & chariots, but the lord God that giveth victory in battle, who is called the lord of hosts, who ever fighteth for his own people, and never leaveth them destitute that put their trust in him. These are left to us for examples, that we should not put trust in our own forces and strength, Psal. 127. but repose our confidence in him that hath made all, and therefore hath power of all things, Psal. 108. he must keep and defend the City or else the watchmen that keep it watch in vain, as the prophet saith, and so he must aid and fight for us, or else we cannot prevail. And again he saith, O help us against the enemy, for vain is the help of man, through God we shall do great things, & it is he that shall tread down our enemies: There is no king that can be saved by the multitude of an host, neither is any mighty man delivered by much strength. A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man, neither shall he deliver any man by his great strength. Behold the cie of the Lord is upon them that fear him, and upon them that put their trust in his mercy. And yet we may not leave forces and other ordinary ways devised and ordained for defence, but must use them as the said godly Kings and princes did against their enemies, Psal. 118. always hoping in the gracious aid and assistance of almighty God, and if he be on our side who is against us, as the Proph. saith, The Lord is on my side I will not fear what man doth unto me. Now therefore considering these miseries and calamities, which happen where the enemy doth prevail, and the great preparation which they have made to bring us under their subjections and bondage, if ever we will show our loyalties to our Prince, our country, or natural affection to our parents, our love to our wives, Persuasions to encounter the enemy. children and little infants which cannot defend themselves: our good will to our kinsfolks friends and allies, if ever we will show ourselves careful to preserve our posterity to succeed us: if ever we will have desire to maintain the honour, worship and fame of the houses whereof we are descended: if ever we will show ourselves to come of the seed and generation of our valiant ancestors and courageous forefathers: if ever we will leave honour or fame to our posterities of our valour in arms whereby our offspring may be also encouraged to follow our steps therein (for virtues and acts of fame live when men are dead) as the saying is vivit post funera virtus, now is the time for it or never. Therefore let us pluck up our hearts like men, make ready our horses, scour our armour, sharpen our sword, and make bright our weapons which we are charged to have by the law of this Realm (whereof we may have a view in this book) and furnish ourselves further with things meet for the wars according to our ability, and when we shall be commanded by her maiestties' authority, let us be ready and set our rest upon it, determining rather to die in field in defence of our Prince and Country, then that the enemy should prevail, whereby the miseries, calamities, and bondages afore remembered should fall upon us. If we stand to it like men, then shall we preserve the word of God amongst us, our gracious Queen, and her most honourable Counsel, the state of our common wealth, our own lives, and our fathers, mothers, wives, children, friends, kinsfolks & allies: then shall we posesse our lands, our goods and livings in peace: then shall we preserve and continue our liberties and freedoms, and save ourselves and our posterity from thrawledome and bondage; and we shall pass the rest of our lives to our own good contentment, and likewise according to God's good pleasure. On the other side if we fly (which God defend) then shall the word of God be suppressed, our Prince endangered, her Counsel brought in peril, the state of our flourishing Common wealth overthrown: We shall be slain as thick as motes in the sun, our fathers, mothers, wives, children, kinsfolks and allies, shall be destroyed with the hand of the enemy: our wives, daughters and kinswomen, shall be ravished and deflowered afore our faces, strangers shall possess our lands, livings, and goods: and we that now live in honour, worship, credit, and estimation, and as it were at our own heart's ease, shall then be subjects, bondmen, slaves, vassals, and peasants, to foreigners and strangers, and then shall all the miseries, calamities & bondage which may be devised, be laid upon us. Therefore consider how greatly this matter standeth us upon, and with courageous hearts and valiant minds let us stand to it, and discharge our duties to our Prince and Country, as we are bound by the law of God and by the law of natnre; remembering with ourselves, that no man is born only for himself, No man is born for himself, but for his country also. but for his country also. Every man ought to do what he can for the preservation and good of the Common wealth: so did Demonsthenes, as Osorius writeth, Demosthenes verò omnem laborem in sempiternae gloriae study, & in Reipub. salute consumabat. And each man ought to be always ready and diligent to withstand as well foreign force, as to appease civil dissension, that nothing be an impediment that the Common wealth may not flourish in all happiness. Nothing can be more discommendable and abhorred, than sloth and idleness, and nothing more commendable than courage & endeavour to serve the Common wealth, whereof the little Bee in his kind giveth an example: for he in the summer time toileth, not only for himself, but also to his power to serve the Common wealth, and will not suffer the sluggish drone be to taste of his labour, as Vergil writeth: Qualis Apis estate nova per florida rura Exercet sub sole labour, Virgil. cum gentis adultos Educunt fetus, aut cum liquentia mella Stipant, aut dulci discendunt necterae cellas, Aut onera accipiunt, venientium, aut agmine facto, Ignawm fucos pecus à praesepibus arcent. The very heathen men always take it, that every man is bound to fight in defence of his Country, Horat. lib. 3. saying: Pugna pro patria, oportet mori pro patria: A man must die for his country. Dulce & decorum est pro patria mori, It is a sweet and seemly thing for a man to die for his country. Cic. in Offic. lib. 1. And Tully saith, Chari sunt parents, chari liberi, propinqui, & familiares, sed omnes omnium charitates patria una complexa est, pro qua quis bonus dubitat mortem oppetere, si ei sit profuturus? Our parents, children, kinsfolks and friends, are dear unto us, but the entire love of our country only doth comprehend the love of them all in general, for which, what man will not willingly die, if thereby he may profit the same? Amor patriae ratione valentior omnium. Oui. de Pont. The love (saith Ovid) of our country is of greater force than all reason, for it maketh the father to forget all natural affection to prefer the safety of his country and commonwealth, before the welfare and safety of his dear children. Tusculans questions. When as the Grecian fleet of one thousand sail was through a great tempest by force kept a long time in harbour within the haven of Boetia, and Agamemnon their Captain had knowledge by the Oracle that the navy could not be released but by the death of his daughter Phigenia, was not he forward to fulfil the Oracle in offering her up in sacrifice, and ready to follow the counsel of Pyrrhus persuading him saying, Seneca. Praeferre patriam liberis regem decet, A king ought to prefer his country before his children. Osorius. john king of Portugal hearing that the Pelican by shedding her heart blood, would recover her young ones that had been stung by the biting of venomous serpents, caused the picture of the bird to be carried in his ensign, thereby to show that he was ready to spend his blood for the defence and safety of his subjects. When the Athenians were greatly oppressed by the Lacedæmonians, Paterculus. lib. 1. & answer was made by the Oracle of Apollo, that they should be conquerors whose Captain was first slain in battle, Codrus both king and Captain of the Athenians disfiguring himself, entered disguised into the enemy's camp, being clothed in a shepherds weed, and of purpose there picking a quarrel, was slain, which purchased both victory to the Athenians, and renown to himself for ever. Cicero senten. lib. 1. To such (saith Cicero) our forefathers, which for the common wealth have given their lives, for a short life have yielded everlasting memory. His maiores nostri qui obrempublicam mortem Obierent, per brevi vita diuturnam memoriam rediderunt. Assure yourself there is no service more commendable, then that which is employed, nor death more honourable (touching any worldly thing) then that which is given for the defence or safeguard of the Common wealth. And because histories are called by Tully the witness of time, Tully. Osorius. Histories are witnesses of time. the light of verity, the life of memory, the teachers of life, the showers of antiquity, let us see further what they record touching the valiant acts and adventures attempted & performed by diverse for the defence and good of their Country. The wonderful magnanimity and resolution of Mutius Scevola, a young Gentleman of Rome, who delivered the City from siege, and caused a firm peace betwixt Porsemia and the Romans, for he passed over the river of jiber with great courage and with an invincible mind, and entered the whole host of Porsemia, till he came to the king's pavilion, where finding him with a great company about him, pressed in, and siue the Secretary in stead of the king: but when he perceived that it was not Porsemia, he was sorry in his mind, and in token thereof burned his right hand in the fire, and told Porsemia, that though it were his chance to miss of his purpose, yet there were three hundred Gentlemen more in the city that had vowed to perform that action: whereupon Porsemia seeing so great resolution that the Romans had to defend their country, forthwith raised his siege, and made peace with them. If the valiant Horatius Cocles had not adventured his life, and Horatius Fabius his signory for the benefit of their country of Rome, the name of the Romans had been clear extinct long before the Roman Monarchy. Notable is the history of the widow judeth, which ventured to save her City with unspeakable danger of her life: for she seeing no other ways to assuage the fury of Holofernes, but by the smooth words and dissimulation of a woman, presented herself before him in his chamber, and promised him fair until she had lulled him asleep with drink, and then making her prayers to Almighty God to assist her against the proud Assyrian Holofernes, she took out his sword and stroke of his head, and passed through his host with her maid, having Holofernes head in a bag, and so came to her castle in the night, and the next day fixed his head upon a paul for the view of all his army: whereupon they removed, and so she delivered her City by the great mercy and favour of God towards her. What shall I say of Curtius that noble Roman, and Assurus the kings son of Phrigia, either of which seeing in their country a dangerous breach of cliff in the earth, which they were persuaded would not be closed up again, until the best thing in the city (which they took to be a man) were cast into it, willingly threw themselves into the same, for the safety of the people. But foreign examples are innumerable, and not so well known unto us as our own. ¶ This Chapter showeth sundry examples of diverse Noblemen of this land, who have adventured their lives in defence of their country, and how that every man ought to endeavour himself to follow their steps, and most valiantly and resolutely to fight in defence of his Prince and country, against all foreign enemies. CHAP. 5. IT is not unknown unto you, Adventures of the Nobility. how valiantly the Kings, Princes and Nobles of this our Nation, have in diverse and sundry wars ventured their own persons, and with their own hands encountered their enemies. As for example: Did not Henry the first in a battle in France, Holinsh. 356. smite down to the ground Crispio Earl of Eureux, by means whereof he was taken prisoner at the king's feet. Ibiden. 1181. 1170. Was not king Henry the fifth in person in the battle at Agincourt in France, and there likewise fought in his own person, Battle of Agincourt in France fought by K. Henry the 5. and carried away the stroke of the enemy upon his helmet, and man of the French at that time a glorious victory? And concerning the valiant service in field of a great number of the Nobility and others of this realm, how they have also endangered themselves in the defence of their Prince and country against the enemy, & performed most famous acts of chivalry therein, to their great honours & immortal fames, which oblivion the cankered enemy to fame, shall never be able to blemish: but they shall remain as spectacles to posterities for ever to behold, and to encourage them to ensue their martial acts and enterprises. Among other, what valiant and faithful service hath the noble house of the Lord Talbot done from time to time to their Princes and country, The valiant service of the noble house of the Lord Talbot. Hall 596. Mauns in France. when the Earl of Suffolk (having the charge of Mauns in France) and the magistrates (specially the clergy of the same city) conspired with the French, assuring them that if they would come to surprise the city, they should find them ready to receive them: and so they did, by means whereof, the said Earl with the rest of the said English men were forced to take the castle there, and keep it, and in all hast sent to the Lord Talbot, who then lay at Alaunson, certifying him in what state they stood, having neither victual nor munition, and their castle almost undermined, so that yielding now must follow, for resistance would not help, if they were not aided with speed. Did not the said Lord Talbot hearing this news, with all hast assemble his Captains and soldiers to the number of seven hundred men of war, and in the evening departed from Alaunson, and that night entered into the said castle of Man's at a postern gate secretly? Whereupon about six of the clock in the morning the English men issued out of the Castle crying aloud, S. George, Talbot. The Frenchmen within thinking nothing less than of this sudden approachment, rose out of their beds and fled, leaving all their horses, armour and riches behind them: at which time there was slain and taken four hundred gentlemen of the French. And thus was the City of Man's reduced again unto English Mauns taken by the Lord Talbot. Holins. 1262. Awians. Ibid. 1262. men's possessions by this most noble service and bold enterprises of this Lord Talbot. Did not the Lord Talbot likewise with a company raise the siege of the French at Awrans, then being in the allegiance of the king of England? Did not he & the Lord Scales and others, hearing the Frenchmen to be come within four leagues of Rone (which then was then also Rone. under the subjection of the king of England) by night issue out of that city, and in the morning by day, came to the place where the Frenchmen were, and then set upon them, where many of them were slain and taken prisoners. Also did not the Duke of Burgundy when he besieged the town of Cretoy with ten thousand men, Ibidem 1263 Cretoy hearing of the coming of the Lord Talbot raise his siege, the said Lord Talbot sending him word that he would give him battle: if he would not, that the said Earl would waste and destroy his country in Picardy, and according to his promise so he did. Was not john Lord Talbot for his approved prowess and tried valiancy performed in the wars of France, Ibidem 1276 Camden 462. john first Earl of Shrewsburie. Normandy. Hall 31 h. 6. Aquitaine Bordeaux taken. divers other cities and towns taken. created Earl of Shrewsburie, about the nineteenth year of Henry the sixth, and after sent again with 3000. men into Normandy for the better defence thereof, who neither forgot his duty, nor forslowed his business, but daily laboured, and hourly studied how to molest and endanger his enemies? Did not the king's Counsel then send the said Earl with an army into Aquitaine at the earnest suit of the Magistrates and inhabitants of the city of Bordeaux, who received him and his power into that city by a postern gate, where they siue many of the Captains, and others of the Frenchmen, and so was Bordeaux taken by the said Earl, which he fortified, and after road into the country thereabout, and obtained divers cities and towns without dint of sword. And among others, did not he take the strong town of Castillon in Perigot? Castillon in Perigot. where the French king when he understood thereof, assembled twenty thousand men, and entered into Aquitaine, Aquitaine. Castillon besieged by the french. (where Castillon is) and besieged the said town of Castillon with a strong siege: where upon the Earl of Shrewsbury assembled 800. horsemen and 5000. footmen, and went to the rescue of the said town, in which battle very valiantly he behaved himself, Earl of Shrewsbury slain. Anno 1453. Camden 462. and there was slain with a small shot: and this was the end of this noble Earl, after he had with much honour, more fame, and great renown, served his Prince in wars four and twenty years in France, and was honourably interred amongst them, on whose Tomb in engraven as followeth. Inscription on the tomb of john first Earl of Shrewsbury. Here lieth the right noble knight, john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, Washford, Waterford, and Valence, Lord Talbot of Goodrige, and Vrchengfield, Lord Strange of the black Mere, Lord Verdon of Alton, Lord Crumwell of Wingfield, Lord Lovetoft of Worsop, Lord Furnivall of Sheffield, Lord Faulconbrige, knight of the most noble order of S. George, S. Michael, and the Golden fleece, Great Marshal to king Henry the sixth of his realm of France: who died in the battle of Bordeaux in the year of our Lord 1453. 1453. If I should set down every particular service of such as have descended of this noble house, done from time to time in the wars for their prince and country, it would ask very long time, therefore he that desireth to know more thereof, I refer him to the Chronicles of this realm, where they are set forth at large, to their great honour and glory. And touching the loyalty of this noble house to the Crown, I find it not attainted for any disloyalty to the same sithence the conquest of this realm, for which they are most deeply bound to yield their most humble thanks to the goodness of Almighty God, that so from time to time hath blessed the same: and so much the more, for that a great number of other Peers and Nobles of this land, have been attainted sithence that time for their disloyalty. In honour of which house of the Lord Talbot, I have made these few verses following. TAlbot I am, that ever have been true, Unto my Prince, her crown and dignity: And hope in God, my fathers to ensue, So as my blood shall never stained be. priest I will be my country to defend, As doth belong, to men of my degree: And on her foes my life and land will spend, As each man ought for her security. The acts of war, performed by my name, I shall increase, as God shall give me might: To serve my Prince when she commands the same, As doth belong unto a faithful knight. My gracious Prince, hath honoured me, With name of thorder of the garter knight, Of which great kings have much desired to be, Wherein these words, with golden letters bright, Honey soyt qui mal y pense are seen: As much to say, as ill to him befall, That ill doth wish, unto so good a Queen▪ And so I pray, and during life I shall. And for some among many examples of the loyalty of that noble house, Holinsh. 368. first I find, that William Lord Talbot, in king Stephen his time, took upon him to defend Hereford in Wales, as diverse other nobles of this Realm did other Castles and towns in England, to the use of Maud the Empress and her son against the said king Stephen, who usurped and detained the Crown against, her said son, contrary to his oath made to the said Empress, her said son being the right heir to Henry the first his Realm of England. john Earl of Shrewsbury, was slain at North, taking part with Henry the sixth against the Duke of York & others: than I find how Sir Gilbert Talbot was sent by the young Earl of Shrewsbury, being within age and ward to Richard the third, with two thousand of his tenants and friends to aid Henry Earl of Richmond against the said King Richard, Stow. 121. being not only an horrible murderer of his Nephews, king Edward the fourth his children, but also an usurper of the Crown, whom the said Earl overthrew at Bosworth field, and so obtained the Sceptre Royal of this Realm. I note also the great loyalty of the right noble George, fourth Earl of Shrewsbury, that where diverse evil disposed persons in the rebellion in the North parts of this Realm, about the 28 year of the reign of King Henry the eight, gave forth very slanderous and dishonourable speeches against the said Earl, Holinsh▪ 1567. as though he had favoured more the part of the rebels, then of the king his Master, for a full testimony and declaration of his truth to his Prince, he caused his Chaplain to minister to him an oath, in the presence of a great number of people, assembled by him to repress the said rebels, by which oath he did protest, that as his Ancestors had been ever true to the Crown, so be would not stain his blood in joining with a sort of rebels and traitors against their Prince, but said, he would live and die in defence of the Crown, if it did stand but upon a stake. How faithfully did the Lord George last Earl of Shrewsbury discharge the great trust reposed in him by her Majesty and her whole Council, in the guarding & safe keeping of the Queen of Scots, by the space of seventeen years at the least; a matter of such importance, as the like so long time was never committed to any State or Peer of this Realm sithence the conquest thereof, and how carefully he did prevent the sundry devices and subtle practices wrought by herself and others for her escape, it is sufficiently known. The trust was the greater, for that if she had escaped, no small danger might have ensued to the person of our most gracious Queen, and to the whole Realm, as may appear by her sundry conspiracies against the same. In like manner, when any matter of great importance for the service of the Realm, in those parts was committed to him (as often many were) how carefully and painfully, Camden. 463. and with what expedition he would dispatch the same, the world can testify: what great confidence was reposed in him by the Queen's Majesty when he was made Lieutenant of the counties of Derby and Stafford in those dangerous days, and how he performed the same trust to the preservation of the common peace and quietness of those Shires, is well known to all men: what great trust was committed to himself also, when he had authority in times of rebellion and other outrageous actions in those parts to suppress the same in forcible manner, and to execute the offenders by Marshal justice, without further proceeding in law against than, by the large Commission directed unto him is manifest. Gilbert now the seventh Earl of Shrewsbury. And lastly, was not the right honourable Gilbert now Earl of Shrewsbury in the xxxviij. year of her majesties most gracious Reign, sent into France to receive the oath of the French king, for the confirmation of the most honourable league betwixt her Majesty and the said king? and did not he perform that Embassage to his great honour? And did not the said king in proof of his great good acceptation thereof, His Embassage most honourably performed in France. give him a ring with a diamond therein, as I have heard, valued at xv. hundredth pounds, a thing meet to remain as an heir loom to that house for ever, for a remembrance thereof. And now to return to the valiant service of diverse others to their Prince and country, let me tell you of john late Duke of Northumberland, john Duke of Northumberland. of whose fall by his disloyalty to his Prince (though there be great pity) yet his courage, valiancy, and hardiness in wars, and his great adventure therein, I trust without offence, may here be remembered, as an encouragement to others to follow his steps therein, who being in king Edward the sixth his time sent as General to suppress the rebellion of Ket in Norfolk, Holinsh. 1672. his number being but small, by reason his whole power was not yet come to him, and the rebels were many, was by some of his army advised to regard his own safety, and to leave the City of Norwich, for that it was thought he was not able with his small company to defend the same against the said rebels, to whom with noble courage, showing an invincible heart, he said, that so long as any life was in him, he would not consent to such dishonour, but rather would suffer whatsoever either fire or sword should work against him: and thereupon did draw out his sword, as other of the honourable and worshipful then there present likewise did, and commanded that each one should kiss the others sword, according to an ancient custom used amongst men of war in time of great danger: whereupon they all made a vow, binding it with a solemn oath, that they would not departed from thence until they had either vanquished the rebels, or lost their lives in manful fight, for defence of the king's honour. Ambrose Earl of Warwick. Ibid. 1532. How valiantly did Ambrose Earl of Warwick in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady the Queen's Majesty that now is, defend the town of Newhaven in France, notwithstanding they died in great numbers of the plague, so as they wanted men and other things necessary for defence, & yet would not yield the town by force, but manfully stood ready in the breaches to receive the assault, when the Frenchmen had with their Cannon made great breaches, very easy for the enemy to enter: whereupon the Frenchmen perceiving the resoluteness of the Englishmen, sounded their Trumpet of parley, and so upon honourable agreement then concluded upon, the town was yielded up to the Frenchmen. Besides, how valiantly did Sir james Wilford and other Captains with their soldiers, defend the town of Haddington in Scotland, against the French and Scots, being about eighteen thousand, in king Edward the sixth his days, and would not yield it, although they had scarcity of men and munition, and were also greatly visited with the plague, so as many died thereof daily, but most valiantly and with invincible courages defended the same, Holinsh. 1638. so as it was not surprised by the enemy? How valiantly & resolutely did the Lord Grace of Wilton, Lord john Grace, the Lord Ed. Seymer, Edward Shelley, Preston, and others, to the number of seven and twenty, all Gentlemen, set upon the forward of the battle of the Scots at Musclebrough in Scotland, Expedition. paten. folio. in king Edward the sixth his time, meaning to have broken their array? but the Scots had so strongly fortified themselves, that they could not enter, and so in their retiring they were all slain, saving the Lord Grace of Wilton, and the Lord john Grace, and Lord Ed. Seymer, who not without wounds and marks upon their bodies of their being there, escaped. By these examples it appeareth, that those Noblemen and others respected not their lives, nor any painful service, or extremities in the service of their Prince and country, for which they shall live in fame for ever. Men may not respect any travel or pain to serve their Prince and country. He that hath desire to live in name, when he is dead in body, must endeavour himself, according to his calling, & as God hath endowed him, to leave some memory, whereby it may appear that once he lived, as these verses following show. 1 THough Death the fatal thread of each man cuts in twain, Yet virtues ay shall live, and worthy acts remain: 2 For others to ensue, their painful steps therein, Whereby they may attain, like lasting praise to win. 3 But such as not regard, to leave some deed of fame, When they are dead, shall lie, without regard or name. 4 And soon shall be forgot, as they had never been, And shall not be thought of, no scarce amongst their kin. 5 What difference shall be then, twixt great and meanest man, When of their worthy acts, no book record aught can? 6 What booteth titles great, of honour for to have, Or Croesus' golden store, when men lie in the grave? 7 More worth a thousand fold, 'tis famous for to be, For virtues and noble acts, than all the rest to thee. 8 That moved mighty kings, and great States of this land, And many others more, great things to take in hand. 9 Some kingdoms to subdue by sword, both far and near: Their persons ventured have, and dangers did not fear, 10 And many worthy Peers, their Prince to serve in field, And country to defend, great acts with spear and shield 11 Performed have, which fame with blast of trump hath spread, Whereby they live in name, though they in grave lie dead. 12 And some have Churches built, in honour of our Lord, Where they did give him thanks and praise with one accord. 13 Some Colleges for such, as learning list embrace, Their country and their Prince, to serve in every place. 14 Some Schools to train up youth, in skill and virtues lore, While tender years do last, in age to have in store. 15 Some Hospitals for poor, where they may be relieved, When crooked age of strength, to work hath them bereaved. 16 And these they have endowed, with living and with land, To their immortal fame, for evermore to stand. 17 These for their Founders pray, and benefactors all, And for their offspring eke, on God cease not to call. 18 For their prosperity, and foes eke to withstand: That all things prosper may, which they do take in hand. 19 And when they are gone hence, that in the latter day, They may rise up, with Christ, in joys to dwell always. 20 None only for himself, but for his country too Is borne, and bound for her, the best he can, to do. 21 The Brutish kings that long, did bear the sceptre here, Fair temples to their gods, and Castles strong that were, 22 And cities large, and towns, erected many one, The enemy to defend, they walled them with stone. 23 And many famous men, the founders of our skill, Their learned works have left, to study on that will. 24 Before that Christ was borne, whose glory lives this day, And while the world doth last, shall never fade away. 25 The sum of all is this, who that will live in name, Must leave some deed behind, that worthy is of fame. And to this end Sallust writeth: Sallust. fol. 1. Qui sese student praestare caeteris animantibus, summa ope niti decent, ne vitam silentio transeant veluti pecora, quae natura prona ac ventri obedientia finxit, & quomam vita nostra qua fruimur, brevis est, memoriam nostri quam maximè longam efficere oportet, nam divitiarum & formae gloria fluxa atque fragilis est, virtus autem clara aeternaque habetur. They which study to excel other creatures, ought not to pass their lives in silence, as beasts do, whom nature hath made altogether subject to the belly, but because our lives be short, we ought to endeavour ourselves to the uttermost of our power, that our memory may continue perpetual: for the glory of riches and beauty are unstable and frail: but virtue is a noble thing, and most worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance. ¶ How we ought to beware of sedition amongst ourselves, and how that sundry attempts have been made by foreign enemies, for the invasion of his realm through the occasions thereof, as appeareth by diverse and sundry examples in this Chapter following. CHAP. 6. NOw my dear friends and countrymen, We must beware of sedition amongst ourselves. to the intent to make us the more able in this service of defence, one thing there is, of which we must chief beware, namely of sedition, rebellion, and division amongst ourselves, for out of doubt there is no greater mischief or inconvenience that can happen to a kingdom, then civil discord, as one writeth well. Regnorum pessima pestis seditie. Sedition is the greatest plague that may happen to a kingdom. And the holy Gospel saith. Math. 12. Omne Regnum in se divisum desolabitur. Every kingdom in itself divided shallbe desolate. As want of the fear of God, Hol. 1772. disobedience to rulers, blindness of guides, bribery in Magistrates, rebellion in subjects, civil disagreement, flattering of Princes, unmercifulness in rulers, and unthankfulness in subjects, are causes of the ruin of a common wealth: so the fear of God, a wise Prince, learned rulers, obedience to officers in subjects, lovers of the common wealth, virtue rewarded, & vice chastened, are the chief causers of a flourishing common wealth. It is not without great cause that we pray in our Litany unto God, to be delivered from sedition: for sedition always implieth danger to the person of the Prince & State. it openeth the gate to foreign invasion, as by sundry examples we may see, for when great dissension and wars were in England betwixt Herald and Tostus his brother, Dissension in England opened the gate to foreign invasion. Stow. 1066. after the death of king Edward son of Etheldred, because Herald usurped the crown against his oath & the trust put in him by king Edward, who committed the government of the realm to Herald during only the nonage of Edgar his nephew, to whom he gave the crown, did not then William Duke of Normandy, Duke of Normandy. Hall. 251. seeing a convenient time and occasion offered to conquer this kingdom, with a great army come into England, and landed at Hastings in Sussex, where in battle Herald was slain, Herald slain. and so William possessed this land by conquest. Also, when the great wars were in England betwixt king john & some of his Barons, Baron's wars. and sundry bloody battles were fought betwixt them, to the slaughter of many noble & other valiant men, Holinsh. 199. did not the Barons being sore distressed with the king's forces pray aid of Philip the Fox. 255. French king, Frenchmen entered this realm when the civil wars were here. requiring him to send Lewes his eldest son into England with some convenient number of men, and they would receive him to be their king and do him homage: whereupon the French king thinking rather by this device to conquer the realm, sent Lewes his son with a great army of men into England, whom the Barons received, & to him yielded homage according to their promise: whereupon diverse great conflicts happened betwixt the king and the French, Ibidem. 600. and such of the Barons as joined with them, who greatly indomaged the said king, and got the possession of diverse Castles, Towns, and other places, and so became strong within this realm. Likewise when the civil wars were in England betwixt Edward the second & his Barons, concerning the Spensers, did not the Scots waste & destroy the country of the Bishopric of Durham, Scots invaded England when civil wars were here. and did not the French then enter the borders of Guienne, hoping to have recovered all the lands which the king had in France? What emboldened the French king to surprise the holds and fortifications near Bulleyne, in king Edward the sixth his days, but the rebellion in Norfolk, which greatly troubled the realm, Fox. 1309. and also to attempt the Isles of Gersey and Garnesey, thinking to have surprised the same & also our ships, but was repulsed to his great losses both of men and ships? If we mark the fruits which have proceeded of civil wars, Conquest by civil dissension. Greece. we shall see that they have been always guided after a most cruel and horrible kind of hostility, and that their issue hath been the loss and overthrow of many common wealths. The Romans' came to the great Empire of Greece, more by dissension and civil wars (which they did sow amongst their neighbours) then by force of arms. French Academy. Prou. 1. There are seven things which God hateth, and the eight his soul abhorreth, and that eight is, he which nourisheth discord amongst brethren. French Academic. ca 63. justin. li. 8. After the Romans' had kindled the fire of dissension in one nation, they maintained one side a certain time, until in the end they had overthrown both the one & the other, and so they deceived sundry nations, as the Carthagenians, the Asians, & the Gauls: Qui apertè concordiam simulant, & occulta dissidia serunt, Bodinus. li. 4 fol. 487. nihil est immortali Deo detest abilius, saith Bodinus. And by sowing of the said dissension, in the end the Roman Empire fell from her greatness by the means of civil wars, which they had long time nourished amongst others. Incidit in foveam quam fecit. The Empire of Alexander being the greatest that ever was, Alexander. vanished as a fire of tow, through the division and discord that was among his successors. French Academy. ca 63. judea. And josephus saith that the kings of judea became subject and tributary to the Romans' through the civil wars, betwixt Hercanus and Aristobulus, who were brethren. The affliction of Spain by civil dissension. There was no country more afflicted than Spain by civil wars, when it was divided into many kingdoms. The Moors did overcome it on the one side, the French and the Englishmen devoured it on the other side. And Hungary which had valiantly resisted the Turk almost two hundredth years together, Hungary. was at the length subdued by them, by the divisions that happened amongst themselves. What a great slaughter was there of the Nobility of France, Fountain. at the battle of Fountain, near to Anserre, by the civil wars that were betwixt Lithargus, Lewes and Charles the Bald? What civil wars and bloodshed did ensue of the division betwixt the houses of York and Lancaster here with us in England, The houses of York & Lancaster. which being begun in king Henry the fourth his days, continued till Henry the seventh, who married the eldest daughter and heir of Edward the fourth, by which the said two houses were united together, and so all civil wars then ceased. These sactions continued diverse years, in which time there died in sundry battles and skirmishes, Camden. 474. as Philippus Comineus saith, above four score of the blood royal, with the flower of the Nobility of England, besides a great number of the Lords, Knights, Esquires and Gentlemen, and infinite thousands of the common people. And to pass over many examples of like sort, France. in what pitiful state doth France now stand, which hath been one of the most flourishing realms of Europe, by civil wars and dissension, which hath afflicted that kingdom above thirty years, whereof hath ensued, not only the slaughter of many noble persons, but also infinite thousands of other subjects, and in the end the shameful murder of their own natural liege Lord and King. Murder of their Prince These miseries may be examples to us, to beware of such like sedition and division: and happy are they that can beware by others dangers, as the wise Cato saith: Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Sedition is perilous, Cato. although it show to have never so good a countenance of honest cause: and it were better for the author of such sedition, to suffer any loss or injury, then to be the cause of so great an evil. Bodynus. lib. 4. fol. 168. morbi ac vulnera ipsaeque animae egritudines ac perturbationes tum corporibus tum mentibus noxiae sunt: ita quoque bella civilia rebus publicis ac civitatibus pestifera sunt ac perniciosa. As diseases, wounds, and the griefs and troubles of the mind, both to the body and mind are hurtful, so likewise civil wars to the common wealth are pestiferous and dangerous. For civil wars bring forth and nourish want of reverence towards God, contemneth authority, laws and government, without which, Nec domus ulla, nec civitas, nec gens, nec rerum natura, nec ipse mundus stare potest. No house, no nation, no city, nor the nature of things, nor the world itself can stand. The fruits of sedition. Sedition causeth change of laws, contempt of justice, base estimation of sciences, it procureth horrible revenge, forgetfulness of parentage, consanguinity and friendship, it causeth extortions, violence, robberies, wastings of countries, sacking of towns, burning of buildings, confiscations, vanishments, savage murders, alterations and overthrow of policies, with other infinite and intolerable miseries, pitiful to behold, sorrowful to express, and lamentable to think of. Non, Virgil. mihi silinguae centum sunt, oraque centum, Ferrea vox, omnes scelerum comprendere formas Possem. If I an hundred tongues, and mouths had for to tell, And voice as iron hard, express I could not well, The perils to a state, and kingdom that may fall, By civil war, which makes to stranger's bond & thrall. Sedition armeth the father against the son, brother against brother, kinsman against kinsman, men of the same nation, province and city, one against another. Hereupon the fields which before were fruitful are left untilled, corn groweth where towns did stand: there the ground with blood of men is made rank, which before was barren, that a man may say, as Ovid writeth of Troy, jam seges est ubi Troia fuit resecandáque falce, Luxuriat Phrigio sanguine pinguis humus. What doth not the fire and fury of sedition & civil wares bring with it, as one writeth well: Quid non discordia frangit, Epist. 1. Dissipat, eneruat, fera cum dominatur Erynnis? What doth not discord break, waste, and make weak, when Erynnis (which is feigned by the Poets to be the Lady of dissension and strife) doth rule? Erynni 1. And in the end the bodies thus dismembered, and the parts thereof infected with the same poison of discord, 2. Reg. cap. 24. destroy themselves. David the Prophet judged war worse than either famine or pestilence, & he did rather choose a plague amongst his subjects, then civil wars and tumults. Pythagoras saith, that three things are by all means to be remaved, a disease from the body, ignorance from the soul, and sedition from the city. Plato affirmeth, that no evil is worse in a city, then that which divideth, and of one maketh it town, and that nothing is better than concord, which tieth and uniteth it together: Concordia res paruae crescu●t, discordia antem maximae dilabuntur. By concord small things do increase, but by discord great things come to confusion. Let us hear what the noble Orator Tully saith, Senten. lib. 1. fol. 190. of the miseries which ensue by civil wars: Omnia sunt misera in bellis civilibus, sed miserius nihil quàm ipsa victoria, quae etiamsi ad meliores venit, tamen eos ipsos ferociores impotentiorésque reddit, ut etiamsi natura tales non sunt, necessitate tamen esse cogantur, multa enim victori eorum arbitrio per quos vicit, etiam invito facienda sunt. All things are miserable in civil wars, but nothing is more miserable than the victory itself, which although it happen to the best sort, yet it maketh them cruel, in so much that though they be not so by nature, yet of necessity they are compelled so to be, for many things by the overcomer at the pleasure of such, by whose aid he doth overcome, even against his will are to be done. King Henry the fift. When king Henry the fift not having above fifteen thousand men, gave a great overthrow to the French king at Agincourt in France, where he had assembled to the number of forty thousand of the flower of all his country, & had taken many prisoners of the french, Hol. 1181. both Nobles and others, the french as they are men of great courage and valour, so they assembled themselves again in battle array, meaning to have given a new battle to king Henry, which king Henry perceiving, gave special commandment by proclamation, that every man should kill his prisoners: whereupon many were presently slain, whereof of French king having intelligence, dispersed his army, and so departed: whereby you may see the miseries of war, that though they had yielded and thought themselves sure of their lives, paying their ransom, according to the laws of arms, yet upon such necessary occasion, to kill them was a thing by all reason allowed, for otherwise the king having lost diverse valiant Captains and soldiers in this battle, and being also but a small number in comparison of the French kings army, & in a strong country, where he could not supply his need upon the sudden, it might have been much dangerous to have again joined with the enemy, and kept his prisoners alive, as in our Chronicles largely appeareth. ¶ diverse and sundry practices and devices heretofore devised and made (with many of our own nation) both by the King of Spain and the Pope, to invade our country, and also what preparation hath been made by her Majesty to prevent the same. CHAP. 7. NOw for as much as the continual plots & practices of the Pope, Practices of the Pope against us. the vowed enemy to this Realm, to the intent to sow discord and division within the same, to make an easy way for the enemy to invade our country, have been strange, I have thought good to make mention here of some part of her majesties proclamation published in the 33 year of her most gracious reign: Proclamation 33. Eliz. by which it appeareth, that the Pope hath practised with certain principal seditious heads, being unnatural subjects of her majesties kingdom, but yet very base of birth, together with great labour upon his charge, a multitude of dissolute young men, who have partly for lack of living, partly for crimes committed, become fugitives, rebels, and traitors, and for whom there are in Rome, Spain, and other places certain receptacles made to live in, and there to be instructed in school points of sedition, and from thence to be secretly (by stealth) conveyed into her highness countries and dominions, and with ample authority from the Pope, to move, stir up, and persuade as many of her highness subjects as they dare deal withal, to renounce their allegiance due to her Majesty and her Crown, & upon hope by foreign invasion to be enriched & endowed with the possessions & dignities of her other good subjects. These sorts of traitors, rebels and fugitives, do bind her highness subjects (with whom they practise) by oaths, yea by Sacraments, Renounce allegiance. to forswear their natural allegiance to her Majesty, and yield obedience with all their powers to to a foreign Prince, and to assist foreign forces: and for the more forcible attraction of these unnatural people, This is treason by. 13. El. cap. 1. Bulls. being weak of understanding, to this they bend these seedmen of treason to bring certain Balls from the Pope, some of indulgences, pretending to promise heaven to such as will yield, and some of cursings, threatenings, & damnation and hell, to such as shall not yield to their persuasion. And it is certainly known, It is high treason to practise with any foreigners to invade this Realm. 13. El. cap. 1. that these heads of these dens and receptacles (which are by the traitors called Seminaries and Colleges of jesuits) have heretofore assured the king of Spain, who is lately deceased, that though heretofore he had no good success with his great forces against this Realm, yet if now he would renew his war, there should be found ready secretly within her highness dominions many thousands (as they make their account for their purpose) of able people that will be ready to assist such power as he shall set on land: and by their vaunting they do tempt the said king hereunto, who otherwise would not peradventure hope of any safe landing here, considering what success he had in the year of our Lord 1588., when he made so great preparation to conquer this land: that one named Parsons, and one Allen have showed to the said king of Spain certain schroles or beadrolles of names of men, dwelling in sundry parts of her majesties countries (as they have imagined them) but specially near the sea coasts, with assurance that these their seedmen named Seminaries, Priests, and jesuits, are in sundry parts of this Realm secretly harboured, which shall be ready to continue their reconciled people in their lewd constancy, to serve their purposes, both in their forces, and with their traitorous enterprises, when the Spanish power shall be ready to land. Besides this, upon their impudent assertion to the Pope and king of Spain (though they knew a great part thereof to be false) they had lately afore this proclamation, advertised into diverse parts of this Realm, by their secret messengers (whereof some have been taken, and confessed the same) that the king upon their informations and requests, promised to employ all his forces that he could make by sea, in the year of our Lord God 1592., to attempt once again the invasion of this Realm: but because some of his wisest Counsellors doubted that he should not prevail, he altered his purpose: besides many other lewd practices & treasonable conspiracies by the said fugitives. But her Majesty doubteth not, but Almighty God the defender of all just causes, will (as he always hither to hath) make all their devices void, and by the help of her faithful subjects, to increase her & their forces, and by execution of her laws & by other politic ordinances, to impeach the aforesaid seditious practices and treasons, and doth exhort all the Ecclesiastical State, by their example of good life, and by their diligent teaching, to retain the people steadfastly in the profession of the Gospel, and in their duties to Almighty God and her Majesty: and also she hopeth to have such sufficient forces in readiness by sea, as by God's goodness, and with the help of her good subjects shall be as great or greater than her highness hath had in any time heretofore, to withstand all her enemies, and that her subjects will consider of all things requisite to perform for horsemen, armour, & footmen, to be fully furnished as time shall require for service, to defend their country. And further, her Majesty doth most earnestly require and charge all manner of her subjects, with their hands, purses, & advices, yea all persons of every estate with their prayers to God, to move him to assist this so natural, honourable, and profitable a service, being only for defence of their natural country, against strangers and such wilful destroyers of their native country, and monstrous traitors. And moreover to provide speedy remedy against other fraudulent attempts of these Seminaries, jesuits, and traitors, without the which (it appeareth these forces should not be continually used) the same being wrought only by falsehood, by hypocrisy, and by undermining of her good subjects, under a false colour & face of holiness to make breaches in men & women's consciences, It is felony to receive, aid, or maintain any lesuit, etc. 27. F. l. cap. 1. & so to train them to their treasons, that with such a secrecy, by the harbouring of the said traitorous messengers in obscure places, as without very diligent and continual search to be made, and severe order executed, the same will remain and spread itself as a secret infection of treasons in the bowels of this realm, most dangerous, yea, and most reproachful to be suffered in any well ordered commonwealth. Hereupon, according to her said proclamation, her Majesty directed her Commissions forth, to inquire by all good means, what persons were by their behaviours, or otherwise, worthy to be suspected to be any such persons as have been sent, or that are employed in any such persuading of her highness people, or of any residing within her realm to treason, or to move any to relinquish their allegiance to her Majesty, or to acknowledge any kind of obedience to the Pope, or to the King of Spain: and also of other persous, that have thereunto yielded. And to the intent to discover these venomous vipers, or to chase them out of this realm, for infecting many more, her Majesty did thereby straightly charge and command all manner of persons whatsoever without exception, that was keeper of any house, family or lodging, and governors of any societies, to make diligent search immediately upon the said Proclamation made, of all manner of persons that have been admitted or suffered to have usual resort, diet, lodging or residence in their houses, or in any place by their appointment, within one year ended at Michaelmas then last passed, or that from thenceforth should be admitted or suffered to resort, eat, lodge, reside or attend, to be examined of what condition or country he is, and by what means he hath lived, and where he hath spent his time one year last before, and whether he use to resort to Church to divine service according to the law, and their answers to be put in writing particularly, and to be kept as a register, to be showed when they shallbe required, that upon cause of suspicion the party may be tried farther by the Commissioners, whether the same party be a loyal subject or not. And if any shallbe found unwilling to answer to such inquisition, or by his doubtful answer not like to be an obedient subject, the same shallbe stayed by the household, or him that ought to have the examination of him, and if any having government or commandment over any servant, that shallbe found not to have performed the points of the said inquisition, as is afore limited, the same party shallbe called before the said Commissioners, or before her majesties privy Council (if the quality of the person do so require) and shallbe used and ordered for such defaults, as the said Commissioners, or her majesties Council shall have just cause to deal with such persons. And lastly by the same Proclamation, did admonish, and straightly charge and command all persons, that have had any intelligence of any such that are sent or come from beyond the seas to such purposes, to direct them before her highness Commissioners, mentioned in the said Proclamation, to be assigned for the examinations of such persons, within twenty days next after publication of the said Proclamation, in the shire Town, City or Port, within the precinct of the same Commission, upon pain, that the offenders therein shallbe punished as abetters and maintainers of traitors, as by the same Proclamation amongst other things therein mentioned doth appear. And how let me turn my speech to you, O ye unnatural and degenerated Englishmen, Book of English fugitives. treacherous and unfaithful to her, to whom you own all loyalty, duty and obedience: how can you thirst after the destruction of the country, where you were bred, borne, and nourished? why do you under colour of Religion enter into such heinous treasons, seeking thereby the overthrow of our most gracious Queen and Sovereign, and the subversion of so glorious a State, by seeking to bring into this land strangers to subdue the same; a nation, who where they do overcome, The tyranny of the Spaniards. show themselves most cruel & tyrannous, and do seek to fill the air with horrible blasphemies, & whose abominable incontinencies do reach to the heavens, ask benegeance at the hands of God. Flaunders can well witness it: Portugal hath proved, Hispaniola can witness, & the other provinces of India can testify. And where amongst all nations it hath been accounted a most honourable thing, for men to give their lives for their country, and to die in the defence of their temples, It is honourable for a man to give his life for his country. Altars, & monuments of their elders, you seek to see your country bathed with the blood of your parents, wives and children, kindred, and friends, to see your Cities & temples consumed with fire, and the monuments of your ancestors defaced, our wives, daughters, & virgins deflowered and ravished afore your faces, and to bring this realm, which is famous amongst all Christian nations of the world, to the perpetual slavery, servitude and bondage of a foreign Prince, in whose service in the field though you have sundry times showed yourselves right valiant, yet they account you as traitors to your Prince and country, as they well may: they regard you not, they disdain you: and how hardly you have been dealt withal there, your own experience telleth you, which in the book of the state of English fugitives is set down at large. I will remember some: When the Duke of Parma lay in siege at Andenard, did not Norris, Barney, Cornish, and Gibson (whom they had chosen to be their Captains) with a troop of six hundredth Englishmen, the tallest & best appointed soldiers that a man might lightly see, offer their service to the said Duke, their coming being the only cause that the said town (a matter of great importance, and on the land side as it were the key of the province of Flaunders) was so soon delivered unto him as it was: for whereas the Duke of Anjou and the Prince of Orange lay under the walls of Gaunt with sufficient force and deliberate resolution to secure the said town of Andenard (upon this mutiny of the English) they marched away with their whole army, leaving the enemy battering the said town, which seeing itself frustrated of the expected succours, presently rendered itself unto the Duke of Parma: thence they were drawn to Winoch Bargain, to serve against the French & English, which lay there encamped, where they behaved themselves with such desperate resolution that day, that Monsieur de Balaunson brother to the Marquis of Waranbone was taken prisoner, that besides the loss of many of their lives, they were in this action a wonder to the whole army. But could the pride of the Spaniard endure to hear these your praises, nay did not they envy and greatly disdain it, They disdain you. saying: That you had served rather like giddy headed drunkards than men wise and valiant. For a further proof of valour, shortly after upon the remove of the Duke of Alansons' army towards Gaunt, the rest of them were likewise brought thither, where also they gave exceeding testimony of their valour and courage, namely the very day that Sir john Norris made that famous retreat before Gaunt, who when the Frenchmen fled with a disordered amazement, did with a present courage and excellent direction, maintain the place with such regiments of Englishmen, as were under his charge, and withstanding the Duke of Parma with all his puissance, who furiously charged him, nevertheless withdrew his men, still holding their pikes in the bosoms of their enemies under the walls of Gaunt, not without exceeding damage to the enemy, besides diverse other great services done to the said king in the field. But how were they recompensed for the same? were not a great number of them suffered to perish in manner for hunger, & could neither get meat, nor their pay, to provide for their need: whereupon some of them were constrained by foraging in the country to relieve their hunger, and were not four and twenty of them taken by the Spanish Provost, and carried to Andenard, of the rendering whereof they had been the chiefest mean, & there openly hanged in the market place? And was not another troup of them being thirty in number in a village near Papering in Flaunders, by a company of the Spaniards, after a friendly & soldierlike salutation of each side, Englishmen murdered most shamefully. as they were all making merry together, on a sudden taken at advantage, and unarmed, and most treacherously, cowardly, and inhumanly murdered every one? whereof, though sundry complaints were made to the Duke by their friends that were thus murdered, and by their Captains, yet Spaniards being the doers thereof, there could be no remedy nor justice obtained. But to make them amends, because they would be the cleanlier rid of the residue of this miserable troup, the Camp being then before Winoch Bargain, wherein lay a migty strong garrison of Frenchmen, they made them two Forts of purpose, in which they willingly placed the English in the uttermost part of the whole Camp, & nearest confining to the town, to the end they might have all their throats cut (as indeed they had in very few nights after) at which time the enemy assaulting them with great fury, and they defending themselves most manfully, above the space of one hour, in such sort as the Alarm passed through the whole Camp▪ yet they were not relieved with any succour at all, insomuch as the greatest part of them being slain, the enemy at last entered, and put the residue to the sword. To rehearse the sundry and several calamities that these poor men, aswell Captains as soldiers endured, during the time of their unfortunate service, especially at Gansbecke, Ask and Gaver, would seem for the unspeakable strangeness thereof, scarcely credible, for they never received in all the time of their service one months pay, their Lieutenants and their Ensigns have been seen to go up and down sickly and famished, begging their bread, covered only with poor blankets and tickes of featherbeds, that they had rifled in the villages abroad. And for a further proof of the cruelty of the Spaniards against the English nation, whensoever the fortune of wars hath delivered any of us into their hands, it is strange to think with what greedy and unsatiable thirst, they have desired to shed the English blood. And for examples, at Resendale, where sundry English regiments being by the Marshal Byron abandoned and betrayed, were by them defeated and overthrown as is scarcely credible, what barbarous cruelty they used upon men rendered and demanding mercy upon their knees. But admit all cruelty tolerable during the fury of an execution (though amongst Christians, and men of noble and valorous minds, there is yet a moderation to be used) what bloody inhumanity was ever heard the like to that which they used the next day: for whereas the Italians & Burgonians (moved with a soldier like compassion) had taken many English prisoners, A horrible murder of the English men by Spaniards after they were yielded. & saved them from the former slaughter, upon the next morning march, as they brought them forth, thinking to lead them quietly to their quarter, did not the Spaniards with a hellish fury, crying matta, matta, kill, kill, draw their rapiers, and murdered with many wounds these poor naked men, not suffering a man of them to escape alive? Likewise in that treacherous and sinonical practice of graveling, wherein they thought to have entrapped noble Sir Philip Sidney, how cruelly & tyrannously did they use these poor men of ours, that were sent before to discover it, whom after they had received into their gates with friendly salutations, Murder of men by the Spaniards after they had received them kindly. & being entertained a good space in the town, in the end, when they did see that the success of their enterprise answered not their bloody, treacherous & unmanly expectation, did they not disarm & unclothe them in the market place, & finally, like cruel butchers, & not like honourable soldiers, murdered them every one? They will not trust you (neither is there any reason they should) for upon their arrival in the Spanish camp they were divided into seven companies, They trust you not. the one of which was given to the Earl of Westmoreland, who upon their humble request and suit, was made Colonel and Commander of them all, and yet they would not trust him, but appointed one Contraras a Spaniard to be joined with him, as his assistant, or rather as a Master or Commander both over him and the regiment to oversee. They scorn and hate you: for a great company of them standing together, seeing certain Englishmen pass by, one of them said, that he wondered what the King made with any such vermin in his country. Another of them swore a great oath, that look how many Englishmen there were in the king's service, there were so many spies & traitors. The third said, it was an alms deed to put them all in sacks, and throw them into the river. And the fourth said, it would be a better course to send them to the king's galleys, where in regard of their big joints and broad shoulders they could not but prove good to tug at an oar. A great man in that country swore by a great oath, that he knew not any one of the English in regard of his ability, fit to do the king service worth the straw that lay under his foot. Another great man of that country said, that he did not know what service the English had done, or were able to do, unless it were to spend the king's money in taverns and brothel houses. They sought to disgrace you: for whereas some of the English Captains had made of their own charges new & fair Ensigns, those Ensigns were by a Spanish Commissary called Spinosa (who came with order to dissolve the regiment) taken violently from those that bore them, in presence of the Earl of Westmoreland, who was Colonel of the regiment: & for a greater disgrace both to him & the rest, though both he, Captain Tresham, & the other Captains complained to the Duke for redress, yet they could not obtain any: the Spaniard after wards made his brags, that he turned the English Ensigns into Spanish field beds. They count you but traitors for conspiring the overthrow of your Prince and country, and so they may well do, and so they do all such as contrary to the trust in them reposed did yield the Castles, Cities & fortresses, which they have committed to them to keep to the use of her Majesty: of which sort Pygot is one, who having committed to his charge by that worthy Knight now deceased stir john Norris, the keeping of Aloft, and being Commander of the rest of the companies there, most traitorously rendered the town, himself and the whole regiment (being well near a thousand, as tall and well appointed men as were in any part of all Europe) to the service of the king of Spain for 30000 French crowns: which service, how beneficial and meritorious it was to the Spaniard, such as know the country can testify sufficiently: for by yielding of the said town, they were the occasion that they got Dermounde, the Sasse, the fort of Leyskins, Hooke, S. Anthony's, & S. Margaret, the Door, the best part of the land of waist, & in manner Gaunt itself, as the sequel very apparently showeth: notwithstanding all which service, were they not within two years space with hunger, the gallows and other rigorous dealings quite consumed, and brought to nothing, as is aforesaid. They counted for the like Sir William Stanley and Rowland York, the one rendered unto the king the town of Deventer, the other betraying to him the fort of Sutteven. As ye have heard the end of the said revolted regiment to the king of Spain, so you shall hear the end of your Captains and guides, which is set down here to the end you may perceive, that such and so great calamities as those, could never have happened to them without the apparent hand of God, whose revengeful justice never ceased to pursue the infidelity of those miserable men, until he had taken them from the face of earth: first Norris chief Captain and ringleader of the rest, after he had considered of the foulness of his fact, and withal did see the scorn and contempt wherein he lived under the Spaniard, it wrought such an impression in his heart, that he fell into a kind of lunacy, being in prison in Flushing, and in the end ended there his life with his own hand: Gibson rising out of his bed suddenly (being in manner naked) was by a Spanish horseman presently thrust through the body and so died, whose wife sued to the Duke of Parma for justice, but the English blood was there of such vile price being shed by a Spaniard, that the matter was thought not worthy to be inquired of. Cornish was in one of the said little forts at such time as it was surprised by the Frenchmen, where both himself, his Lieutenant, his Ensign and whole company were miserably slain and mangled. Barners was shot through the right arm by a man unknown, with a small shot, in such sort that he hath utterly lost the use thereof, and after lived in great misery and poverty: such (after these men's services) was their fortune, & such is the end of all treacherous and evil affected Englishmen to their Prince and country. Pygot died suddenly in the marshalsea at London, being sent thither as prisoner from Ostend. Daulcon became a Pirate, and was hanged in the North country: Captain Tayler was slain by the Earl of Westmoreland in the Spanish Camp: Captain Vincent was hanged, Chenie at Bargenopsome, Captain Welch was slain under the walls of Roan, York, and Williams were executed at Tyburn. Thus you have heard what it is to live under, and serve a foreign Prince. They trust you not, for how can a strange Prince in reason persuade himself, that such as are traitors, and in their actions monsters against their country, will be faithful to him, but will always carry a jealous opinion over you: that he will never credit you with any service of importance, but when he will appoint greater persons to overlook you. He which seeketh to conquer another country will use all ways & devices to attain his purpose. Hyena. Eccles. cap. 13. Plin. histor. nature. lib. 8. cap. 30. Crocodiles. The beast Hyena (as is mentioned in Ecclesiastes) counterfeits the voice of a man, and so enticeth him out of his house with fair persuasions, and then destroyeth him. The Crocodiles nature is, when he would devour a man, to weep, as though he were loving an kind, when he would draw him on to kill him. Who will not (that hath his senses) rather endure any hard fortune under his own natural Prince, who will not rather lose his life by the hand of the enemy, in defence of his native country, then hazard it in the service of any foreign Prince against the same? You should rather say, as Aeneas the noble Trojan, when the Greeks had won Troy, afterwards traveling through the raging seas to seek the land of Italy, falling into a dangerous tempest, and seeing no hope of life, held up his hands. and used these words: O ter quatérque beati, Virgil. Aeneid. Queis ante ora patrum Troiae sub maenibus altis Contigit oppetere, o Danaûm fortissime gentis Titide, méne Iliacis occumbere campis Non potuisse, tuáque animam hanc effundere dextra? Saews ubi Aeacidae telo jacet Hector, ubi ingens Sarpedon, ubi tot Simois correpta sub undis Scuta virûm, galeásque & fortia corpora voluit. Remember yourselves yet at the last, and apply your minds to the faithful service of your Prince and country: he runneth far (as the saying is) that never turneth again: seek by faithful assurance of your loyalties hereafter to her Majesty, for her gracious pardon that ye may henceforth live like dutiful subjects ready to defend your Prince & country against the enemy, following therein the steps of your faithful, valiant, and courageous forefathers, whose fame by this your disloyalty you seek to blemish and deface, rather than to live under any foreign Prince, that would surprise the City and bring it in thraldom. And now to return to the proclamation last before mentioned. Were ever such practices as be mentioned in the same, wrought against any Christian Prince, by any man of the Church that challengeth to be Peter's successor, Corinth. 14. as the Pope doth? Saint Paul saith that God is not the God of dissension but of peace: Lord God, what answer shall he make in the later day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be opened, that aught to maintain peace, The Pope stirreth the subjects to rebel against their Prince. thus to sow discord among Christian Princes, and to move their subjects to oppose against them surely his own conscience shall testify against him, which will be as strong as a thousand witnesses, as Persius very well saith. Poena autem vehemens ac multo severior illis, satire. 3. Quas & Ceditius gravis invenit & Rodamanthus, Nocte diéque suum gestare in pectore testem. And again, Conscientia mill testes, & onus Aetna gravius. Can he find by the word of God, No subject can rebel for any cause. Rom. 13. that it is lawful for the subject to rebel against his Prince for any cause whatsoever? Saint Paul saith, Let every soul submit himself to the higher powers: there is no power but of God, all powers that are, be ordained of God▪ and whosoever resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and procureth to himself damnation. When Pilate said to Christ: john. 18. Knowest thou not, that I have power to lose thee, & also to crucify thee? he said; thou shouldest have no power at all over me, were it not given thee from above: our Saviour Christ was called afore the high Priests to answer to his doctrine, did he oppose himself any way against them? no, he knew they had their authority from God, and therefore he showed all obedience to them in respect of their place, and patiently suffered death (though unjustly) according to their wicked law and judgements. When Malcus with other of the high Priests servants, came by their commandment to take Christ, john. 18. Peter drew out his sword, & cut off Malcus' ear: & Christ said unto him, Put up thy sword into thy sheath, Math. 25. for all that strike with the sword shall perish therewith: thinkest thou that I cannot speak to my Father, and he shall give me more than twenty legions of Angels? but how should then the Scripture be performed? The famous clerk Erasmus in his Paraphrase upon this place of Scripture, Paraphrase. speaketh these words unto Peter, as it were in the person of Christ. Put up thy sword into thy sheath: matters of the Gospel are not in such manner to be defended, if thou wilt succeed me as my vicar, thou must fight with no other sword then of God's word, which cutteth away sin, and saveth the man. And the ancient father Tertullian in his Apologia cap. 37 saith, In our profession more meeter it is to be slain then to slay. So did all the Martyrs of God, by whom the Church of Christ increased. Saint Augustine saith: Not resistendo sed perferendo: Not by resisting, but by suffering, If the Prince should set forth a law touching the worshipping of God, or matter of conscience against the word of God, and limit a pain to the breakers thereof, Acts. 4. though the subject be not bound in conscience to observe that law (for in such cases a man must rather obey God then man) yet he may not rebel nor oppose himself violently against his Prince, but he must rather refer his cause to God, and submit himself to the punishments of the law, Peter. 2. as Saint Peter saith: Submit yourself to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the king, as to the chief, or to them that be sent of him: than it followeth, he may not rebel, whatsoever the ordinance be. The jews had a law, that whosoever should say, he was the Son of God, should die: Christ that was the son of God in deed, Look john. 19 verse. 7. and so declared himself to the people to be, yet he did submit himself to the pain of the law, thoughit be ungodly. ¶ The manner how to suppress rebels, with a persuasion to all subjects to the due of obedience of their Prince: the great inconveniences that arise of civil wars. How hateful the name of a traitor is to the posterity; and what plagues have fallen not only upon traitors, but also upon such as have been murmurers against their Princes & Governors. CHAP. 8. WHen the Princes of Germany determined to take arms against the emperor for the defence of their religion, Bodinus 211 they asked Luther if it were lawful so to do: who answered expressly, that it was not, Sleildan. 4. and would not persuade them thereunto, saying, that no cause could be just, for the subject to bear arms against his Prince & country. And because it is convenient that rebellious and disordered people should be dealt withal with convenient speed, Bodinus. lib. 4. fol. 487. let us hear what Bodinus writeth concerning the manner how. Si tamen seditio priùs coorta fuerit quàm prospiceretur, sapientissimos ac summa virtute praestantes viros, qui populi motus orationis lenitate ac prudentia regere possunt, adhibere oportebit: nam qui vi● adhibent, perinde faciunt ut ij qui torrentem praecipiti casu de rupibus altissimis labentem sistere se posse confidunt. How rebels must be suppressed. If seditious persons and rebels be assembled together afore it be foreseen, the wisest men, and such as for their great virtue excel, & can move the people with their gentle and wise persuasions, are most meetest to be used; for such (as at the first) use force, do as they which think to stay a great water falling headlong from the high rocks. If wild beasts cannot be tamed with strokes, but by gentle and skilful using of them, who can think with sharp and rough words to tame such, as of all beasts are most fierce? The Senate of Rome did very often reprehend such as used force to appease the fury of the people, and rather commended Menenius Agrippa, which not with bitterness, but rather with gentleness and cunning used to reduce the people to their obedience and duty, which above all other bred to him immortal praise, and glory to the common wealth. And to that effect the Poet Virgil writeth thus: Ac veluti magno in populo cum sepè coorta est Seditio, Aeneid. lib. 1. saevitque animis ignobile vulgus, jamque faces & saxa volant, furor arma ministrat, Tum pietate gravem ac meritis si fortè virum quem Conspexêre, silent, arrectisque auribus astant, Ille regit dictis animos, & pectora mulcet. When sedition is raised amongst the common people, in their rage firebrands and stones fly (for fury doth minister weapons) then if they see by chance any grave man, to be reverenced for his vertee and good deserts, they are silent, and hearken to him diligently, and he assuageth with his mildness and wise speeches their minds and rages. Pericles. So did Pericles the Athenian, Peter Loredan the Venetian and others, whereby it appeareth, that virtue and wisdom doth sometime mors prevail in these cases, than either laws, arms, or the commandment of rulers. And to restrain such rebellious people, and reduce them to due obedience, the fear and reverence of Religion, hath been in times passed of great force: Lib. 4. fol. 480 for as Bodinus writeth, when civil wars were raised amongst the Florentines, and great slaughter and bloodshed happened amongst them in the City, and no force of man could restrain the same, Francis Soderinus the Bishop, having on his pontifical ornaments, and a company of Priests attending on him, and the Cross borne before him, entered into the midst of the Citizens thus assembled: whereupon they forthwith for the fear they had of religion, did put off their armour: so did judas Bishop of the Hebrues, High Priest. (when Alexander the great came to the city of jerusalem with a great host) being appareled in his holy vestments, met him, which sight, and the brightness whereof being feared, Alexander did reverence the Bishop, & did not spoil the country nor holy City, but with great benefits did enlarge the same. By like means Urban the Pope is said to have turned and removed away the siege of Attila from the city of Aquila, 5. joseph. in anti. as josephus writeth: but when none of these will serve, than the extermitie of arms must be used. And because good persuasions and mild speeches are thought so convenient to be used to appease such uproars, I have thought good to set down this simple exhortation, which followeth. After that Almighty God had destroyed the world for the fin of man, Exhortation to rebels. saving Noah and his family (who were preserved in the Ark by God's providence) and that nations and people did again increase and multiply upon the face of the earth, knowing in his everlasting wisdom, how necessary, good, and wholesome laws should be for the government and direction of his people, he gave the laws of the ten commandments in the mount Sinai, wherein is contained first, our duty to almighty God, and next to our neighbour: then he also ordained Kings, Princes, and Governors, to rule and order their subjects, and to punish the offenders thereof by these laws, and gave them power to make laws, as Solomon saith: Prou. 8. By me kings reign, through me Princes make good laws. And lastly, he gave strait commandment to the subjects touching their obedience to their Sovereign Lords and rulers, Rom. 13. as Saint Paul saith, Let every soul submit himself to the higher Powers: there is no power but of God, all powers that be, are ordained of God: whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist, procure to themselves damnation: for rulers are not fearful to them that do well, but to them that do evil. Wilt thou be without fear of the power? do well then, and so thou shalt be praised of him: for he is the minister of God ordained for thy wealth. But if thou do evil, then fear, for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God to take vengeance of them that do evil. Wherefore we must obey, not only for fear of vengeance, but for conscience sake also, for that cause we pay tribute, for they are Gods ministers serving for that purpose. Now what evil counsel hath moved you thus to enter into arms against your natural Prince and Liege Lady, whom Almighty God hath ordained to supply his place, and to reign over you? Who hath be witched you, thus to abuse the great love and favour of so gracious a Queen, which she hath borne always, and doth daily show to her good subjects, to oppose against her, that is studious to set forth the Gospel, that is, and hath been so careful to maintain such common peace amongst us these forty years and more, Though this be touched afore, yet it is not unmeet to be used here to these men as the like hath not been seen nor heard of, neither is to be found in any record or Chronicle of this realm since the conquest thereof (which is above 528 years) for the like time of government, that is desirous to reign with mercy, with love, with pity and tender compassion, and not by tyranny, nor by effusion of blood, neither always by inflicting the extremity of her laws upon such as most justly have deserved the execution of the same: that is merciful to offenders, bountiful to well deservers of her Majesty and their country: that to her great charge hath fortified this realm with strong Castles, and a Navy of warlike ships and all other things necessary for the wars in great abundance, for the defence of her kingdom and people: that hath not laid upon us any taxes or tallages, but the like thereof hath been before her time, and greater also: that hath made good laws, and taken a solemn oath in the day of her coronation to endeavour herself that the same shall be holden, kept, and executed unto all her subjects indifferently, without respect of persons: and is also well pleased to be ordered by the same herself. If you consider the horrible murders of great persons, the pitiful slaughter of man, woman and child, by fire and sword, the lamentable ravishments of maids, wives and widows, the ransacking and spoiling of Cities and towns, with many other miseries and calamities, which have happened, & continued in other countries, not far hence these many years by occasion of civil wars and dissension, you shall find, that we have cause to think ourselves most bound of all nations, to the goodness of God, in that he hath not suffered us to be afflicted and visited with the like: all which have been prevented, by the great wisdom and providence of her Majesty & her grave Council. These besides other infinite great kindness and benefits, her highness hath daily most graciously bestowed upon us, that more nor greater no Prince can extend to her people, and shall we now be unthankful for the same? shall we yield unkindness for kindness? shall we recompense her daily care & study to do us good, by seeking danger to her person, and peril to her state, which may ensue by your forcible and violent opposing against her? There is nothing worse bestowed, then that is done to the ungrateful and forgetful man, as Erasmus writeth. Nihil peius confertur quàm quod hemini ingrato atque non scienti. A man that receiveth a good turn (if there be any good nature in him) will always be thankful, and so much the more, when he is not able to deserve or requite the least part thereof: king David that received many good things at the hands of God, showed not himself unthankful, but breaking out as it were on a sudden, said unto himself. Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quae retribuit mihi? calicem salutaris accipiam & nomen Domini invocabo. Psal. 116. 107. What shall I yield unto God for all that he hath done unto me? I will take the cup of thanksgiving, & and call upon the name of the Lord. It is all that Almighty God doth look for at our hands, that we should be thankful unto him for all his mercies & loving kindness that he doth daily bestow upon us, as Almighty God saith by his Prophet: He that giveth me praise and thanks, the same is he that honoureth me. And all that her Majesty looketh for at our hands, is to be true, faithful and thankful to her. Is there any thing that doth more open the gate to foreign invasion, then civil wars and dissension? the Gospel saith, Every kingdom in itself divided, shallbe desolate. Did not William Duke of Normandy, when civil wars & division was in the realm, conquer the same? and likewise in Henry the third his days (when the great wars were betwixt him and his Barons) did not Philip the French king, send hither Lewes his son with a great number of men of war, and got sundry Cities, Castles, Towns, and holds, thinking to have made a conquest of this land, and so had done, if the said Barons (who conspired with the said Lewes) had not revolted from the French, and driven them out of this country: besides divers other like examples to be found in our English Chronicles. If there be any thing meet to be redressed, do you think by this means (though your number were far greater) to have your wills, or to be relieved? No, no, assure yourselves, the nobility and thousands of thousands, of the good and dutiful subjects of this realm, will join together (as they ought) to destroy you, and you shallbe slain as thick as motes are in the sun, before you shall obtain your purpose: for it standeth not with the honour and name of a Prince to be forced by the subject to do any thing against his will: and such of you as shall escape the sword, shallbe sure to be executed by course of law, that is, you shallbe drawn upon hurdles to the places of execution, and there hanged until you be half dead, and then cut down alive, your privities shallbe cut off, your bowels taken out of your bellies and being alive, they shallbe burned before your faces: then shall your heads be smitten off, and your bodies divided into four quarters (and as the use is) shallbe set upon stakes in the towers and highest places in good Cities and towns, where it shall please the Prince to appoint. Thus shall your carcases be meat for the fowls of the air, and a spectacle joyful to your enemies, and woeful to your parents, kinsfolks and friends to behold: besides you shall leave to your posterities name of perpetual shame ignominy and reproach, that is the names of rebels and false traitors, yea rather monsters to your Prince and country: you shall also undo your wife and children, in that you shall forfeit to the Prince all your lands, leases, goods and chattels, besides your blood shallbe corrupted, so as none of your offspring shallbe able to have or claim by you any lands, as heirs to your fathers, mothers, or other ancestors. And this forfeiture and corruption of blood shallbe as well where you shallbe slain in field, as condemned by course of law. Where have you ever heard or read, that rebels (whether they have been of nobility or others) did ever prevail, but have been always overthrown and brought to confusion, whatsoever their pretences have been? And amongst many examples I will put you in mind of a tew: Rebellion in Lincolnshyre. Hol. 1567. when as the Lincolnshyre men to the number of 40000. rebelled about the 28. year of Henry the eight for religion, was not Doctor Makerell and others of the ring leaders, of that unruly company executed, in such manner, as is above remembered, Abridgement of Grafton. 140. West country. Rebels in Norfolk, as Ket and others. Hol. 1734. Wiat's rebellion. and many of the rest of them slain in the field, and so subdued? Was not Sir Humphrey Arundale, Winslade, Holins, Bury and diverse others of the chief of the rebellion in the West parts of this realm, raised in Edward the sixth his days, executed also as traitors? Did it not likewise happen so to Ket and many others of the rebels in Norfolk in the same king's days, which sought to have laid Parks and Commons enclosed open? Was not Wyatt, Isley and divers Knights, esquires and Gentlemen of Kent, who rebelled in the first year of Queen Marie, & opposed themselves against the Prince in arms, to stay the alteration of religion and her marriage with the king of Spain, executed for the same rebellion? and were not above fifty of the common sort of these rebels hanged up in London in diverse places there? Holin. 1732. And were not sundry other Esquires and Gentlemen condemned, and should have been executed for that commotion, had not Queen Marie given them pardon? Were not the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, and about fifty knights, esquires, and Gentlemen attainted for the insurrection of the North parts of this realm, Insurrection in the North in the eleventh year of the queens majesties reign? And was not the said Earl of Northumberland beheaded at York? And did not many others of the said Esquires and Gentlemen suffer for that offence in other places? Holin. 1840. And did not the said Earl of Westmoreland, and diverse other of the said attainted persons, fly over the seas to save their lives, which other wise had tasted of that sauce? And were not diverse of the common sort executed by martial law for the same rebellion? The matter is yet fresh in memory, so that it needeth no proof of the end of rebels, and such as bear traitorous hearts against their Prince. We have diverse examples also out of the holy Scriptures, and among other a notable example of Absalon, who conspired the death of his father king David, who rebelling against him (riding under a tree) was by God's providence hanged up on a bough thereof by the long hair of his head. Ignatius. Epist. 2. Of whom Ignatius the ancient father writeth, Absalon parricida existens Dei judicio arbori appensus, cor eius quod malè cogitabat, sagitta tansfixum est. And so you may see the vengeance of God on the heart which conceived the treason, and on the body that executed the same. Achitophel likewise, the mischievous Counsellor to Absalon in that wicked rebellion, for lack of an hangman, hanged himself; a worthy end of all false rebels, who rather than they should lack due execution, will by God's just judgement become hangmen unto themselves Thus it happened to the Captains of this rebellion, 2. Reg. 187. besides forty thousand of the common sort, which were slain in the field for that rebellion. And as the holy Scriptures do show, so doth daily experience prove, that the counsels, conspiracies & attempts of rebels never took effect, but came ever to a most horrible end. Now concerning such as have been murmurers against their rulers, you shall see what hath happened to them: some have been strike with foul leprosy, some burnt with fire suddenly from heaven, sometime they were consumed with the pestilence, sometime were stung to death with strange kinds of fiery serpents, & sometime the earth hath opened and swallowed them up quick, the Captains and bands of such murmurers, with their wives, children & families. Then if such strange and horrible plagues have happened to such subjects as did but only murmur and speak evil against their heads, what shall become of such subjects as conspire, arm themselves, assemble great numbers of men in arms, & encourage and lead them against their Prince & country, spoiling, robbing & slaying as many of their good subjects as do withstand them, and against whom they may prevail. We are forbidden by the holy Scripture, Eccle. 10. so much as to think evil to the Prince, for the birds of the air shall betray thee, & with their wings shall bewray they voice. If we may not think evil, much less may we do any thing that shall or may tend to her danger, as rebellions do always imply peril to her person & state. Sam 24. King Saul was a wicked Prince, & sought the life of David the servant of God diverse ways, & yet David would not hurt him, no, when he might have slain him in his cave, but said, The Lord keep me, that I lay not my hands upon the Lords anointed. 2. Tim. 2. S. Paul saith, I exhort that above all things prayers & supplications, and intercessions, and giving of thanks be made of all men, for kings, and all that are in authority, that we may live a quiet life with all godliness, for that is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. So did the people of God, Apol. cap. 30. which lived under Pagans and tyrants, as Tertullian witnesseth. If the Princes be good, they are a great blessing of God bestowed on the people: if they be ungodly & tyrants, than they are appointed for their punishment: yet must they pray for them whatsoever they be: for when S. Paul taught to pray for rulers, than Caligula, Clodius and Nero (who were no Christians, but Pagans and most cruel tyrants) were governors & rulers of the people. When Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, after he had slain their kings, nobles, wives & children, & the people of God & wasted their country, spoiled their cities, yea and jerusalem itself, & the holy temple, and carried the residue with him captive to Babylon, Baruc. 1. 11. yet Baruc the Prophet of God, exhorted the people being in captivity, saying: Pray you to God for the life of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and of Balthaser his son, that their days may be as the days of heaven upon the earth, that God also may give us strength, & lighten our eyes, that we may live under the defence of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, & under the protection of Balthaser his son, that we may long do them service, and find favour in their sight. If they then prayed for tyrants and ungodly kings, how much more ought we to pray to God for the life, preservation, and prosperons estate of so gracious a Queen & sovereign Governor as we have? What shall I say of you? shall I call you subjects, that assemble yourselves in this forcible manner, and break the common peace of the realm, and in steed of quietness, joy and felicity (which do follow of blessed peace and due obedience) do bring all trouble, sorrow, disquietness of mind and body, and all mischiefs and calamities, and turn all good order upside down, bring all good laws in contempt, and tread them under foot, oppress all virtue and honesty, and all virtuous and honest persons, and set all vice and wickedness, and all vicious and evil men at liberty, to work their ungodly wills and ungracious purposes, which were before bridled with wholesome laws: and do weaken, overthrow, and consume the strength of the realm, aswell by wasting and spending the treasure thereof, as by slaying the good subjects of the same, and make our country ready, as it were, to be a pray and spoil to all outward enemies, and to bring us, our wives, children and posterities to perpetual captivity, slavery, and bondage: that strangers may possess our lands, goods, & livings, to our utter undoing & destruction? Though God do often prosper just & lawful enemies, which be no subjects, against foreign enemies: and though a small number (upon wars begun upon just causes) hath many times prospered against huge numbers of their adversaries, that have offered them wrong and injury, yet never did rebel prosper against their Prince, Note. how noble or great soever their Captain or number of people have been: and whether their pretence of rebelling have been for reformation of religion, or for any other cause whatsoever, yet they have been always overthrown by the just judgement of God: and so Sir Thomas Wyatt, upon his arraignment for the said rebellion of Kent, Hol. 1. ma. affirmed openly, lamenting hearty his brutish and beastly fall (as he rightly termed it) into the horrible offence of the law, requiring all the audience there present, to remember his speeches, and to be taught by his infelicity and most wretched case, as in the Chronicle doth appear. If you be grieved with any thing which is to be reform, exhibit your supplication to her majesties Lieutenant here present, and make your humble submission, confessing your great offences, and craving together on your knees her most gracious pardon, with faithful promise, that (by God's grace) you will not enter into the like horrible offence hereafter. against her highness and her laws, and so ye may the rather obtain the same, which her said Lieutenant hath authority under her great seal of England to grant to such of you, as shall do as is afore remembered: & herein you shall do as was used in king Edward the sixth his time, Holinsh. by some which then opposed themselves against the said king, as you do now against her Majesty, who upon their like submission, had their pardon, and by order from the king also present redress of their griefs. If ought be to be remedied, it belongeth not to the subject to perform it: for if the Prince should make a law never so hard against the subject, & impose a great punishment to the breakers thereof, yet the subject may not presume to attempt to remedy the same, but must submit himself to the punishment of the law: as Saint Perer saith, Peter. submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the king, as to the head, or to the rulers, as to them sent of him for the punishment of evil doers; but for the cherishing of such as do well, for so is the will of God. If you will not take this course, but stand to the uttermost, assure yourselves, that you shall be consumed with the sword, and such as escape that death, shall suffer the execution due by law to traitors, in such terrible manner as is above remembered. To conclude, if neither the fear of God, your duty to your Prince, the preservation of her person, the safety of your country, nor the safeguard of your own lives, if the forfeiture of your lands and goods, if the utter undoing of your wives and children, the corruption of your blood, the terror of your execution, the shame and ignominy of the world to be left to your posterity, the sorrow of your parents, the grief of your friends, and reioyring of your enemies, to see you come to this miserable and lamentable end, will not move you to desist from this your outrageous dealing, and to submit yourselves, as is aforesaid, yet at least remember your soul's health, and the saying of Saint Paul, which I put you in mind of in the beginning, that such as rebel against their Prince, shall procure to themselves damnation, whereof if you will have no regard, then of all people you are the most miserable, and it had been better you had never been borne, then to be condemned to hell fire, where there is no redemption, and where you shall be tormented world without end, with Lucifer the first rebel against God, and father of all rebels, and with his angels, where is weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and perpetual horror amongst the damned spirits for evermore, from which Almighty God for his mercy deliver us. ¶ A repetition of certain Statutes, whereby it is high treason as well for any man to withdraw her majesties subjects from their loyalty, as also to be so withdrawn. CHAP. 9 IT is not unknown unto you, how that the Bishop of Rome by certain jesuits practised, as you have heard, by the said proclamation to deal with her majesties subjects, to renounce their obedience unto her highness, which no man can do, No man can renounce his natural allegiance. because it is due to her Majesty by the law of God, and by the law of nature, of all which are borne under her obeissance, and that which nature hath given no man can take away, as the saying is: Quod natura dedit, nemo est qui tollere possit. And in proof thereof, Dyer. 300. I find that Doctor Story an Englishman borne, fled into Brabant, and there took his oath of allegiance to be subject to Philip king of Spain, and after being brought into England, he was arraigned for practising beyond the sea with the king of Spain his deputy there, in forcible and warlike manner to invade this Realm of England, Doctor Story's arraignment. and in this practising did show how and where the best place was to make this invasion. And if he would so do, there should be diverse ready to aid him, he confessed that he was an Englishman borne at Salisbury, but said he was the said king of Spain his subject, and therefore refused to answer to that indictment, saying also, that he was no subject to the queens Majesty, & that he had been subject to the king of Spain this seven years, and thereupon prayed that his plea might be entered, & because he would give no other answer, he had judgement as a traitor, Story's execution. 13. Elizabeth. that is to be hanged drawn, and quartered, & so he was executed in the thirteenth year of her majesties reign. Therefore this devise of the Pope and his practice to withdraw her majesties subjects from their loyalty, is but as it were a trap laid, to bring such to destruction as shall be so withdrawn, and it is treason by a Statute made in the three and twentieth year of her majesties reign, as well in the practiser to withdraw, as in the person which is withdrawn, as by that statute appeareth, the words whereof be these. Be it declared and enacted by the authority of this present Parliament, 23. El. cap. 1. Treason to withdraw any from their natural obedience. that all persons whatsoever, which have or shall have, or pretend to have power, or shall by any ways or means put in practice to absolve, persuade, or withdraw any of the Queen's majesties subjects, or any within her highness Realms & dominions, from their natural obedience to her Majesty, or to withdraw them for that intent from the religion now by her highness authority established, within her highness dominions, to the Romish religion, or to move them, or any of them, to promise any obedience to any pretended authority of the Sea of Rome, or of any other Prince, State, or Potentate, to be had and used within her dominions, or shall do any overt act, to that intent or purpose, every of them shall be to all intents adjudged traitors, and being thereof lawfully convicted, shall have judgement, suffer, and forfeit, as in case of high treason. And if any person shall after the end of that Session of Parliament, by any means be willingly absolved or withdrawn as afore is said, or willingly be reconciled, or shall promise any obedience to any such pretended authority, Prince, State, or Potentate, as is afore said, that then every such person, their procurers & counsellors thereunto, being thereof lawfully convicted, shall be taken, tried, and judged, and shall suffer and forfeit as in cases of high treason. And be it likewise enacted and declared, that all and every person and persons, that shall willingly be aiders or maintainers of such persons so offending, as is above expressed, or of any of them (knowing the same) or which shall conceal any offence aforesaid, and shall not within twenty days at the furthest, after such person's knowledge of such offence, disclose the same to some justice of peace, or other higher officer, he shall be taken, tried, and judged, and shall suffer and forfeit, as offenders in misprision of treason. And because by the said proclamation published in the said three and thirtieth year, it appeareth that the Pope hath authorized jesuits and Seminaries (named in the said proclamation) by colour of Bulls to absolve the persons mentioned in the Statute last before remembered, I have thought it also convenient to set down in this place, the Statute made in the thirteenth year of the queens majesties reign, concerning the bringing in of Bulls into this Realm, which is, as followeth. Be it enacted, 13. El. cap. 1. Bulls. that if any person or persons after the first day of july next coming, shall use or put in ure in any place within this Realm, or within any the Queen's dominions, any Bull, writing, instrument, written or printed, of absolution or reconciliation, obtained and gotten from the said Bishop of Rome, or any of his successors, or from any other person or persons authorized, or claiming authority by or from the said Bishop of Rome, his predecessors or successors, or Sea of Rome, or if any person or persons after the said first day of july, shall take upon him or them by colour of any such Bull, writing, instrument, or authority to absolve or reconcile any person or persons, or to grant or promise to any person or persons within this Realm, or any other the Queen's majesties dominions, any such absolution or reconciliation by any speech, preaching, teaching, writing, or any other open deed, or if any person or persons within this Realm, or any the Queen's majesties dominions after the said first day of july, shall willingly receive or take any such absolution or reconciliation, or else if any person or persons have obtained or gotten sithence the last day of july, in the first year of the Queen's majesties Reign, or after the said first day of july, shall obtain or get from the said Bishop of Rome, or any his successors or Sea of Rome, any manner of Bul, writing, or instrument written, or printed, containing any thing, matter, or cause whatsoever, or shall publish or by any ways or means put in ure, any such Bull, writing, or instrument, that then all & every such act & acts, offence and offences, shall be deemed & adjudged by the authority of this Act to be high treason, & the offender & offenders therein, their procurers, abetters and counsellors, to the committing the said offence and offences, shall be deemed high treason to the Queen and the Realm, and being thereof lawfully indicted and attainted, shall forfeit as in cases of high treason, and their aiders, counsellors, or abetters, after the committing of the said offences and acts (to the intent to set forth, uphold, or allow, the doing or execution of the said usurped power, jurisdiction, or authority, touching, or concerning the premises or any part thereof) shall incur the pain of the Statute of Praemunire, made in the sixteenth year of king Richard the second. 16. R. 2. cap. Provided always, and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person or persons, to whom any such absolution, reconciliation, Bull, writing, or instrument, shall after the said first day of july, be offered, moved, or persuaded to be used, put in ure, Conceal. or executed, shall conceal the same offer, motion, or persuade, and not disclose and signify the same by writing, or otherwise within six weeks next following, to some of the Queen's majesties Privy Council established in the North parts, or in the Marches of Wales for the time being, shall incur the pain and forfeiture of misprision of treason, Treason. B. 19 6. El. 6. which is to forfeit the profit of his lands, during his life, all his goods and chattels, and to have perpetual imprisonment. And the pain of the said Statute of the Praemunire, is to forfeit all his lands, that he hath in feesimple, Forfeit. B. 101 24. H. 8. to the Crown for ever, and all lands that he holdeth in tail, or for life, during his life, and all his leases for years, and other his goods and chattels for ever, and shall have perpetual imprisonment, Protection. and be out of the Queen's protection. And it hath been taken that any man might kill such a one before the making of the Statute of 5. F. n. b. 232. Coron. B. 193. El. cap. 1. but now he may not. Although it may be doubted, for that we are divided for religion, if any invasion should be attempted in this Realm, Invasion. that some desirous of alteration thereof, would join with them, yet it is to be hoped, that there are thousands and thousands of true and faithful subjects, German fo. 122. Forfeit. B. 102 Trial. F. 54. 5. R. 2. 2. H. 5. cap. 7. which will spend their lands, lives, and goods (as they ought) before the enemy should prevail. And one reason moveth me thus to think, for that the queens Majesty doth not punish them by death, nor loss of goods and lands, as was used in Queen Mary's time for religion, but imposeth upon some of them a certain sum of money, to be paid monthly for not coming to Church: besides great numbers of others which perhaps would like well of the change of religion, as well as the rest, and yet are neither charged with like payment, nor otherwise any way dealt withal. And another chief reason moveth me thus to think, for that they which shall show themselves traitors, false, and untrue to their own Prince and country, A foreign Prince that conquereth, trusteth not him that is conquered. in adhering to strangers (besides that they shall overthrow themselves and their houses, and utterly undo their wives & children, for that they shall forfeit all they have) may in all reason assure themselves, the no foreign Prince will think that such persons will be true to him, for he that will not regard his country where he was bread and borne, his father, mother, wife, children, kinsfolks, nor allies, his lands, livings, and possessions, his liberty and freedom, how can a stranger that cometh to conquer and bring all these into his subjection, servitude, and bondage, be persuaded that he will love, obey, or carry any loyalty or faithfulness towards him, as is aforesaid? How such have been dealt withal by them, with whom they have joined against their Prince and country, how fair soever they have promised, appeareth in part afore, and more ensueth. Of the conspiracies and treacheries of certain Nobles and others against their Prince and country, and what have been the rewards of such traitors, by them, who made use of their treasons: and how dangerous the controversy in religion is to a common wealth. CHAP. 10. WHen William Duke of Normandy attempted to invade this land, Holinsh. 298. William Duke of Normandy. there were certain Noblemen of England, which were aiding & assisting to him in this action, to whom he made many fair and large promises, until he had won the Crown, and then he forgot and nothing regarded them: and they which thought themselves sure to be made for ever by bringing in this stranger into this realm, did see themselves underfoot, and to be despised & mocked on all sides. Ibid. 197. Again, when the variance was in England betwixt king john and some of his Barons, and that the king did put them often to the worst, they did write to the king of France Philip, Ibid. 600. Lewes the French kings son came into England when civil waires were there. praying aid of him, and requiring him to send Lewes his son with men of war into England, to assist them against their king, promising that they would accept him for their king, and do him homage: whereupon the French king sent his son Lewes with a great company into England, to whom the Barons did homage, and the said Lewes took an oath also to maintain and perform the old laws & customs of the realm, and to restore to every man his rightful heritage and lands: requiring the Barons to continue faithful unto him: and he used them so courteously, and gave them so many fair words, and made them such large promises, that they believed him assuredly, but they remembered not that Lewes looked for a kingdom. And what will not many do, if they may thereby be sure, or in hope to get a Crown, as one writeth: Ad quid non adagis regnandi dira cupido? They remembered not, that the Fowler's whistle soundeth sweetly, when he deceiveth the bird most cunningly, according to the saying: Fistula dulce canit volucrem dum decipit auceps. Neither, Cato. lib. 1. that fair words make fools feign: and that under the green grass often lurketh the subtle serpent: nor that in the fairest flower a man may soon find a canker: Poemata Ciceronis. 249. fol. 161. Nullae sunt occultiores insidiae, quàm quae latent in simulatione officij, aut in aliquo necessitudinis nomine. Tully de amicitia saith: Apertè enim adulantem nemo non vidit nisi qui admodum est excors, callidus ille & occultus ne se insinuet studiosè cavendum est. They had also forgotten the counsel which Viscount de Melloir a Frenchman gave to certain of them in his sickness at London, Holinsh. 603 Book of Martyr's fol. 214. which was as followeth: I lament (saith he) for your destruction and desolation at hand, because you are ignorant of the perils hanging over your heads: for this understand, that Lewes, and with him sixteen Earles and Barons of France have secretly sworn and vowed, that if fortune should favour him so much as to conquer this realm of England, The oath of Lewes the French kings son with other his Earls ● Baron's. and to be crowned king, to kill, banish, and consume all those of the English Nobility, which now do serve under him, & persecute their own king as traitors and rebels: and furthermore, to dispossess all their lineage of such inheritance as they now hold in England. And because (saith he) you shall not have doubt hereof, I which lie here at the point of death, do now affirm unto you, and take it on the peril of my soul, that I am one of those sixteen, that have sworn to perform these things, and therefore I advise you to provide for your own safeties and also of your realm, which you now destroy, and that you keep this thing secret, which I have uttered unto you. After this he shortly died, but the courteous offer of Lewes to the Barons (as is above remembered) so lulled them on sleep, as it were, Holinsh. 601. that they regarded not this good advise: for after this, diverse of those which before had taken part with king john, as William Earl Warren, William Earl of Arundel, William Earl of Salisbury, William Marshal the younger, and diverse other, supposing verily, that the said Lewes should now attain the kingdom, revolted to Lewes: but after that Lewes was settled, Note here what followed by trusting of fair words. and had gotten the tower of London, & diverse other holds, Castles & defensible places of this realm into his hands, and thought himself in manner sure of the kingdom: then the Frenchmen began to show their inward disposition and hatred towards the Englishmen, and forgetting all former promises (such is the nature of strangers when they are become Lords of their desire) they did many excessive outrages, in spoiling & robbing the people of that country without pity or mercy, and bare little good will towards the Engish men, as it appeareth sundry ways: and first of all, in that they had them in manner in no regard or estimation, but rather sought by all means to spoil and keep them under, Book of Martyrs. fol. 257. not suffering them to bear any rule, nor putting them in trust with the custody of such places as they had brought them in possession of. Secondly, they called them not to counsel so oft as at the first they used to do, neither did they proceed by their directions in their business, as before they were accustomed: and thirdly, in all their conversation, neither Lewes nor his Frenchmen used them so familiarly as at the first coming they did, but showed more lofty countenance towards them, whereby they greatly increased the indignation of the English Lords against them, who might evil abide to be so overruled To conclude, Holinsh. 602. where great promises were made at their entering into the land, they were slow enough in performing the same: so as the expectation of the English Barons was made quite void, for they perceived daily, that they were despised and scoffed at for their disloyalty showed towards their own natural Prince, hearing now and then nips & taunts openly by the Frenchmen, saying, that as they had showed themselves false and untrusty to their own lawful king, Note. so they would not continue any long time true to a stranger. Hereupon the Barons better considering the words of the said Viscount of Melloit, and withal the great danger that the realm was brought in by their dissension and opposition against their sovereign Lord, and the little account the Frenchmen made of them, Book of Martyrs. 247. gave them just occasion to take a better course, and so they revolted to king Henry their natural Liege Lord (for King john shortly after the coming of Lewes into England departed this life) and they joined with the King in battle against Lewes, where he had a great overthrow: whereupon he and all his company departed into France, and king Henry possessed the Crown after that in quiet. Caesar was wont to say of such as were false to their Prince and country, Caesar. that he loved Traitors to serve his turn, but abhorred them as monstrous to the common wealth. It is written of Alexander the Great, Alexander. who had conquered many countries, that he did long time seek many ways to win a certain country pertaining to Darius' king of Persia, and perceiving that it was invincible, he dealt with a noble man that had the charge thereof, under the king for a great sum of money to yield that country to his possession, and so did Alexander give good countenance in his Court to this noble man a good space, and in the end entering into a deep consideration of the matter, and meaning thereby to make an example to such as he might commit trust unto, to beware of such treasonable practices, he suddenly commanded execution to be done of this noble man, who hearing thereof, and little deserving the same as he thought, desired to come to Alexander's presence (which was granted) besought him to know the cause of this sudden execution: who said thou hast been false to thine own Prince, how can I then trust thee, or hope thou wilt deal truly with me, or be my true subject▪ Tully lib. 2. officiorum. Alexander. if I should credit thee with the like? and so he was executed. Philip king of Macedon did greatly blame his son Alexander in an Epistle which he did write to him saying, what occasion or consideration hath brought thee into this hope, that thou shouldest think that they willbe and continue true and faithful unto thee whom thou hast corrupted with money? I read of one Christopher Paris, Holinsh. 98. Christopher Paris. Irish Chron. that had the charge of a Castle in Ireland, to the use of his Lord Thomas Fitzgerauld, and being dealt withal by the king of England his Lieutenant there, to yield to him to the use of the king the said Castle, for a certain sum of money agreed in the end so to do, and delivered up the hold accordingly, and received his money. After the Lieutenant considering the uniustness of this man to his Lord, which had put him in trust with the safe keeping of his Castle, and to whom he was deeply beholden, meaning to make an example of such treachery, caused this Captain presently to be executed, declaring thereby though for the time he embraced the benefit of his treasons, yet after he could not digest the unfaithful dealing of this traitor to his Master, that had trusted him with a place of such great credence and defence. Christian van de Veque betrayed for a great pension the the Castle of S. Christian van de Veque. john, being one of the most important fortresses of Portugal, to king Philip, who in the end was rewarded with such as a traitor deserveth: for being a while entertained with hope, was at last banished to the wars of Africa for ten years. The like usage in manner received all his fellows, which betrayed the king of Portugal their lawful king, by deliveries of such places as they had in government, or by doing the king of Spain any other service to the prejudice of Don Anthonio king of Portugal. Have we not seen the unnatural practices of Shelley, Charles Paget, and others, with the Spaniards to invade our country, and to have overthrown this happy state and government thereof? look into a little treatise published 1585., where it is set down at large. Esay. 22. Sobna. The Prophet Esay speaketh of one Sobna whom the king Hesekiah had greatly advanced, who outwardly showed that he would live and die with him, but he had a false heart to his Prince, and more favoured the Assyrians, the king's enemies, who sought to invade his country, but he was carried captive into a foreign country far off according to God's ordinance, and there died in confusion. Such as are traitors to their own country, may be well compared to the viper, Rhetorik. Wilso. fo. 64. Pliny. whose nature and property is, as Pliny writeth, that when by course of time he is to come forth of the belly of his dam, he eateth a hole through the same, by means whereof she dieth, and so is he the cause and the destruction of her that did breed, nourish and preserve him. It is a common saying: He is an evil bird that defileth his own nest: and so is he a monster and no man, that conspireth or intendeth any peril or danger to his native country. Who that desireth to know what hath been the end of traitors and false conspirators against their Prince and country in old time, may read M. Renegers book, Reneger. wherein they are disclosed at large. As civil wars, Civil wars. and dissensions are perilous to all states, so are all occasions to be prevented which may breed the same, amongst which there is no one thing that sooner engendereth such discord, Contention for religion breedeth oftentimes civil dissension. than contention for religion, which carrieth away men with such vehement passions, that they will fight for the same, more willingly, then for their wives or children, lands or goods, in respect of it, they regard nothing: through the diversity thereof, French Academy. ca 63 the father is against the son, and the son against the father, they which are nearest of kin lose their natural love, they which are of the same country and lineage, persecute one another as mortal enemies, & sundry nations abhor one another for the same cause. To raise sedition & tumults in a City, Bodinus. li. 4. fo. 486. nothing is more dangerous (saith Bodinus) then to be divided in opinion, whether it be in matters of state, or of laws and customs, or for religion, therefore the causes whereof such mischiefs may ensue, by all policies in the beginning are to be looked unto. He is not counted a good Physician only that cureth the disease, but that preserveth health, and preventeth sickness to come. A small spark raiseth great flames of fire, as the saying is: Concitat ingentes flammas scintilla minuta. In the beginning a fire with little water may be suppressed, Nota. which if it increase to great flames, without much ado will not be quenched, ovid. as the Poet Ovid very well saith: Ignis ab exigua nascens extinguitur unda, Sed postquam crevit, volitantque ad sydera flammae, Vix putei fontes, flwij succurrere possunt. And the same Poet writeth also, De arte amandi. Principijs obstat, serò medicina paratur, Cùm mala per longas convaluêre moras. Withstand the beginning, for the medicine is too late proviuided, when the disease by overlong tarrying is increased. Afore religion is established, Not meet to argue against religion settled by authority. Bodinus li. 4. fo. 481. Paradox. fo. 1 to argue of religion, to try the truth is allowable, but when it is set down by common authority, it is not after to be disputed upon or brought in question, as Bodinus affirmeth: for there is nothing so firm or stable, which by force of argument can not be perverted: and to that effect Tully writeth: Nihil est tam incredibile, quod non dicendo fiat probabile, nihil tam horridum aut incultum, quod non splendescat oratione, & tamquam excolatur. And Plutarch affirmeth: Quod extat Licurgi lex antiquissima, Plutarch. 5. quam Florentini (disputatores omnium acutissimi) in populari statu inferunt, nec scilicet de legibus semel receptis ac probatis disserere liceret, Bodinus li. 4. fo. 48. intelligit leges disputatas in dubium revocari, dubitationem verò iniusticiae opinionem afferre, ex quo legum ac magistratuum contemptum & reip. interitum sequi necesse est. Quod si Philosophi & Mathematici suarum disciplinarum principia in dubitationem revocari non patiuntur, quae dementia est de religione non modo privatim, sed etiam publicè disputare velle? There is an ancient law (saith he) amongst the Ligurians, which the Florentines (most quick in disputation) did command to be holden, that of laws once received and allowed to dispute, it should not be lawful; for to call in question laws afore determined upon, doth bring in doubt the thing afore agreed unto, as though it were not right and just, whereupon contempt of the laws and government, and the overthrow of the common wealth doth consequently ensue. If the Philosophers & Mathematics will not suffer the grounds of their learning to be brought in question, what madness is it then privately or publicly to dispute of religion once set down and allowed? Fo. 5. Doctor Smith in his book de Repub. Angl. saith, Certain it is that it is always a doubtful and hazardous matter to meddle with changing of laws, and government, or to disobey the orders of rule and government, which a man doth find already established. Bodinus showeth, Bodinus li. 4. foe 482. that the people of the East and of Africa, and the kings of Spain most straightly did prohibit the same, when great contention was amongst the Muscovites for religion: the king delivered to the Bishop, and certain men called (Curiones) a book, wherein was set down what he would have taught touching divine matters, to be preached & taught to the people, and commanded that none upon pain of death should add or withdraw from it. The Princes of Germany by mutual agreement, after long civil battles amongst them for religion, ordained that the religion of Rome and Saxony should be suffered, and that none should dispute of religion upon pain of death, Ibid. fol. 482. None to dispute of religion settled upon pain of death. Martin Marprelate. which the Governors of Germany, & especially of Augusta did execute, whereby all Germany was quieted. If then to dispute of religion once allowed by authority, or to encounter the same, it be so dangerous to move sedition & civil discord, was it not high time (think you) to suppress Martin Marprelate, who by several writings did not let to affirm, that we have no Church, no Bishop, no Ministers nor Sacraments, and therefore that all which love jesus Christ, with all speed ought to separate themselves from our Congregation, affirming that our assemblies are profane, wicked, and Antichristian? Can there be a greater dishonour offered to her Majesty, and to the state of the learned Clergy, yea to the whole Parliament, whereby the religion now professed, is established? Was it not time to look upon such as denied public Baptism, if it be not done by a Preacher, and bring in question what is become of them which were not so baptised, as though they should not be saved? Was it not high time to look about, when some of them durst utter, that if reformation were not had with speed, of such things as they disliked, that the subjects ought not to tarry any longer, but to do it themselves, and moreover durst say, that he and his fellows are forced in conscience to speak for this new order, and to use it, and that there is many a thousand which desire that which he doth: and that great troubles will come, if it be not provided for? Was it not time to look to such, as by these means distracted the minds of her majesties subjects, in drawing them into factions, and encouraging the number of malcontents and mislikers of the state, which make no account of religion, but to make cheir commodity, though it be with the spoil of their own country, if opportunity served, in pulling away the good and faithful hearts of many subjects from her Majesty, because she maintaineth the state of the Church government which they mislike, and which is protested by them to be profane and Antichristian? Was it not time to look to those sorts of men the publish such libels, and such seditious books, tending to such dishonour of this state & government▪ as the like never was offered in any age? Was it not time to look to such as have attempted these things with such impudent and desperate boldness, as if they thought there were neither Prince law, ruler, nor magistrate that durst control or seek to repress them? Was it not time to look to such as have uttered such bold speeches against our settled state & law, & the lose boldness of mind towards the superiors is joined with contempt, & contemptuous boldness is the very root and spring of discord, dissension, uproars, civil wars, and all desperate attempts, that may breed trouble or danger to the state; yea, and if they might be hardened with some continuance of time and hope of impunity, & some multitude of assistants gathering to them, what hereof might follow, I leave to the grave judgement of those, to whom it appertaineth. All which matters aforesaid, with many other of like sort, concerning Martin Marprelate, are gravely answered by the the reverend Father in God the Bishop of Winchester. B. of Winchester. The mischiefs which might have ensued by this seditious sect, was so greatly disliked by her Majesty & her Counsel, that her Highness did publish her Proclamation with the advise of her honourable Counsel, in the one and thirtieth year of her reign to the effect, as followeth: Her Majesty considering how within few years certain seditious & evil disposed persons towards her Majesty, Proclamation 31. Eliz. & the government established for causes Ecclesiastical within her highness dominions, had devised, written, printed, or caused seditiously & secretly to be published & dispersed, sundry schismatical & seditious books, defamatory libels, and other fantastical writings amongst her majesties subjects, containing in them very erroneous doctrine, and other matters notoriously untrue, slanderous to the state, and against the godly information of religion and government Ecclesiastical established by law, and so long quietly continued: and also against the persons of the Bishops, and other placed in authority Ecclesiastical under her Highness, by her authority, in railing sort beyond all good humanity: all which books, libels, & writings tend by their scope, to persuade and bring in a monstrous and apparent dangerous innovation within her majesties domions and countries, of all manner Ecclesiastical government now in use, and to the abridgement, or rather to the overthrow of her highness lawful prerogative, allowed by God's laws, and established by the laws of this realm, and consequently to reverse, dissolve, and set at liberty the present government of the Church, and to make a dangerous change of the form of doctrine, and use of divine service of God, and the ministration of the Sacraments now also in use, with a rash and malicious purpose also to dissolve the state of the Prelacy, being one of the three ancient estates of this realm under her Highness: whereof her Majesty mindeth to have such reverend regard, as to their places in the Church and commonwealth appertaineth: all which said seditious practices do directly tend to the manifest wilful breach of a great number of good laws and Statutes of this Realm, inconveniences nothing at all regarded by such innovations. In consideration whereof, her Highness graciously minding to provide for good and speedy remedy to withstand such notable, dangerous and ungodly attempts, and for that purpose to have such enormous malefactors discovered▪ and condignly punished, doth signify by the same proclamation her highness disliking, and indignation of such dangerous and wicked enterprises, and for that purpose doth thereby will and straightly charge and command, that all persons whatsoever, within any her majesties Realms and dominions, who then had, or then after should have any of the said seditious books, pamphlets, libels, or writings, or any of the like nature already published, or then after to be published in his or their custody, containing such matters as above are mentioned against the present order and government of the Church of England, or the lawful ministers thereof, or against the rites and ceremonies used in the Church, and allowed by the laws of this Realm, that they and every of them should presently after with convenient speed bring in, and deliver up the same unto the Ordinary of the Diocese, or of the place, where they inhabit, to the intent they might be utterly defaced by the said Ordinary, or otherwise used by them. And that from thenceforth no person or persons whatsoever, should be so hardy as to write, contrive, print, or cause to be published or distributed, or to keep any of the same, or any other books, libels, or writings of the like nature and quality, contrary to the true meaning, and intent of her majesties said proclamation: and likewise, that none after should give any instruction, direction, favour, or assistance, to the contriving, writing, printing, publishing, or dispersing of the same, or such like books, libels, or writings whatsoever, as they tendered her majesties good favour, and would avoid her highness displeasure, and as they would answer for the contrary at their uttermost perils; and upon such further pains and penalties, as by the law any way might be inflicted upon the offenders in any of these behalfs, as persons maintaining such seditious actions, which her Majesty affirmeth by that proclamation she mindeth to have severely executed. And if any person had knowledge of the anthors, writers, printers, or disperers thereof, that they should within one month after the publication of the said proclamation, discover the same to the Ordinary of the place, where he had such knowledge, or to any of her majesties privy Council, as by the same proclamation plainly appeareth. After that Martin Marprelate and his fellows were restrained of setting forth their seditious books, they and such like used to assemble themselves in conventicles, where they had exercises (as they termed them) of religion contrary to the law, whereupon a Statute was very necessarily made in the five and thirteth year of her majesties reign to the effect following. 35. El. cap. 1. If any above sixteen years of age, shall obstinately refuse to come to some usual place of Common prayer, to hear divine Service, established by the Queen's majesties laws by the space of one month without lawful cause, or shall by printing, writing, or express words, advisedly and purposely practise, or go about to move or persuade any within her majesties dominions, to deny, withstand, and impugn her highness authority in causes ecclesiastical united to the Crown, or to that end or purpose shall advisedly and maliciously move or persuade any whatsoever, to forbear or abstain from coming to Church, to hear divine Service, and receive the communion according to her laws, or to come to, or be present at any unlawful assemblies, conventicles, or meetings under colour, or pretence of any exercise of religion, contrary to the Statutes of this Realm, as afore is said, every person thereof convicted shall be imprisoned without bail or mainprize, until they shall confirm themselves to come to Church, and hear divine Service, according to her highness laws, and make such open submission and declaration of their conformity, as is there set down. If the offender aforesaid being thereof convicted, shall not within three months conform himself in coming to Church, and making submission and confession, being required by the Bishop of the Diocese, or a justice of peace of the Shire, where the person shall be, or be the Minister of the Parish, the offender there so warned or required by a justice of peace, where the offender shall be, shall abjure the Realm by his oath afore the justice of peace, at the quarter Sessions or Assizes, as was used by the Common law in case of felony. If he refuse to abjure, or shall not go, or return without her majesties licence, it is felony, and he shall lose his clergy. If any offender aforesaid, afore they should abjure, come to Church on some Sunday or Holy day, and then, and there, hear divine Service, and make open submission and declaration of his conformity to the laws, he should be discharged of all penalties and punishments appointed by this Statute. And also if any after such submission refuse or forbear to come to Church, or come to such conventicles as aforesaid, he shall lose the benefit of this Act, and be, and stand in such case as though no such submission had been had, ne made. Likewise if any keep in his house, or otherwise relieve any that shall obstinately refuse to come to Church, and shall forbear to come to Church by a month together, every person so doing, after notice to him given by the Ordinary, justice of Assize, justice of peace, Curate of the parish, or Churchwarden, shall forfeit ten pounds for every month that he doth retain or relieve any such person. The Statute extendeth not to men's wives, children, father, mother, wards, sisters, not having houses of Popish recusants or feeme coverts shall not be compelled to abjure. The persons that shall abjure, or refuse to abjure, ut suprà, shall forfeit their goods and chattels, and all his lands during his life. This act was made to continue to the end of the next session of Parliament, and now is continued in the Parliament holden in the fortieth year of her majesties Reign. THE FORM OF submission. I A. B. do humbly confess and acknowledge, The submission. that I have grievously offended God, in contemning her majesties godly and lawful government and authority, by absenting myself from Church, and from hearing divine Service, contrary to the godly Laws and Statutes of this Realm, and in using, and frequenting disordered, and unlawful conventicles and assemblies, under pretence and colour of exercise of Religion, and I am heartily sorry for the same, and do acknowledge and testify in my conscience, that no other person hath, or aught to have any power or authority over her Majesty, and I do promise and protest without any dissimulation, or any colour, or means of any dispensation, that from henceforth I will from time to time obey and perform her majesties Laws and Statutes, in repairing to the Church, and hearing divine Service, and will ever hereafter do mine uttermost endeavour to maintain and defend the same. ¶ Of diverse and sundry victories obtained in former time by the English nation, both by sea and land, against their foreign enemies, to the great encouragement of the posterity, to maintain the honour gotten by their progenitors. CHAP. 11. ANd now as in the last part of this encouragement, The last cause of encouragement. what notable victories hath our nation obtained against the French and Scots, aswell in their own territories and countries, as when they have invaded this Realm, and how most gaciously Almighty God hath always assisted us in our rightful causes against our enemies, when they have greatly often exceeded us in number, although they were and be right valiant Princes & mighty people in arms, to all which have traveled in our Chronicles that is evident, whereby the invincible courages and valour of our nation in martial acts hath appeared, which ought exceedingly to encourage us in this service of defence, for that we are descended of them, and not to doubt or despair any whit (if we be true amongst ourselves) though the force of our enemies be great, and their number exceed us far, for God never faileth them which put their trust in him and walk in his ways, as by diverse examples out of the Scriptures of God afore remembered appeareth most evidently. Did not the English fleet, in the year of our Lord 1350, which was in the four and twentieth year of Edward the third, meet with the Spaniards coming out of Flaunders laden with Merchandise, Holinsh. 946. and slew a great number, and drowned also many of them, and took six and twenty of their ships upon the coast of Sussex? Did not the great army of the king of Spain at the siege of Bark, when it was bruited that the Earl of Leicester her majesties Lieutenant general with the English forces came to relieve the town and yet they retired without so doing? & did not they come to remove the siege which we made against Dusborow, and the great Sconce of Sutfen, where that most renowned Knight S. Philip Sidney was slain, neither could they have ever won those things again from us, had not treason more prevailed than force and valiant courage. Have not we seen a few years sithence, the mighty preparation by sea of the king of Spain and his Allies, appointed with such number of huge ships, soldiers, armour, weapon, shot, powder, and other things incident to the wars sent to conquer our country, as the like was never seen on the seas, in so much that they called the same the invincible navy? they trusted in their forces, but yet God confounded their purpose and devices, for did not we with a few ships and furniture of men and munition (little in respect of theirs) send some of their mightiest vessels to the bottom of the Sea with great numbers of their men in them? Did not we with our shot and artillery slay many of them? Did not we chase diverse of them into Irish coasts, where about xvij. of their greatest ships perished, so that Lucan's verse, Lucan. which in those days he did write to the glory of our nation, against the Romans', may be verified in this service. Territa quaesitis ostendunt terga Britannis. And were not numbers of their soldiers which entered into Ireland with the sword destroyed? Spaniard's slain in Ireland. Did not we also in the Low countries keep diverse other of their ships in their haven, so as they could not come forth into the seas to join with the rest of the Spanish Navy? This was done without hand-fight, and is to be taken as the only work of God, and to him therefore we ought to yield our most humble thanks, and say with the Prophet David: A Domino factum est istud, & est mirabile: This is the Lord his doing, and is marvelous in our sight: and therefore. Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam: Not unto us Lord, not unto us, but to thy name be all glory and thanks. And we may further say, as the Prophet David saith: If the Lord himself had not been on our side (now may Israel say) if the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us, they had swallowed us up quick: when they were so wrathfully displeased at us, yea the waters had drowned us, and the stream had gone over our souls. The deep waters of the proud had gone over our souls: But praised be the Lord, which hath not given us over for a pray unto their teeth, our soul is escaped, even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler: the snare is broken and we are delivered. Our help standeth in the name of the Lord, which hath made both heaven and earth. Neither did they (though they were (as the report went) thirty thousand strong) at that time land a man. And did not the noble Earl of Essex, Sir john Norris, and Sir Francis Drake the next year following with a little Navy, Landing in Spain. containing not above eleven thousand men land in Spain, burned their ships, and put their people to the sword, and their towns to the fire, and so coasted thence along into Portugal, Portugal. and there landing, marched up into the country, even to the gates of Lisbon, with drums sounding, and with Ensigns displayed, from whence they returned unfought withal by any of his forces, either by sea or laud? Did not the Duke of Lancaster with a company of soldiers sail into Spain, The Duke of Lancaster's voyage into Spain. Stow. 1390. 14 R. 2. Gallicia. Indies. to claim the realm of Castille, for that he had married the eldest daughter of Peter king of Spain, that was expelled by Henry his bastard brother? he conquered the Country of Gallicia against Don john son of the said Henry. And some doings we have had at the judies, where our courageous English Captains and soldiers conquered many Cities and towns. How valiantly did they likewise behave themselves at S. Domingo, Carthagena, Cales, and in many other places, where the Englishmen were few in number, and the enemies infinite, and in their own country, whose valiant actions there, have deserved such fame, as length of time shall never take away, for that the like hath never been performed, or read of in any age before our days? In the year of our Lord God 1365, Hol. 971. and in the 39 year of Edward the third, was not Peter king of Castille, chased out of his realm by his bastard brother Henry? by reason whereof, the said Peter was constrained to fly, and came to Bordeaux to sue for aid at the hands of the Prince of Wales, the said king Edward his son, who thereof advertised his father, by advise from whom, The Prince of Wales his voyage into Spain. the said Prince determined to bring home the said king Peter, and to restore him again to his kingdom by force of arms, maugre his enemies. The Prince indeed was very desirous to take this enterprise upon him, both of a certain pitiful affection, moving him to relieve this miserable state of king Peter, and also of an ardent desire, which he had to purchase a glorious fame through martial deeds & noble acts of chivalry. Therefore having this occasion to employ his time in such exercises, and now commanded thereto of his Father, he was exceeding glad in his mind, and with all the speed that might be, made his provision both of a sufficient army of men of war, and also of all other things necessary for the furniture of such an enterprise, but first he took good assurance of king Peter for the payment of the soldiers wages. 1367. The Prince setteth forward to Spain. Thus when the Prince had taken order for his journey in each condition, as was thought behoveful, he with the king of Spain in his company, passed forth with an army of thirty thousand men. Henry king of Spain having knowledge that the Prince of Wales was thus coming against him, to restore his brother king Peter to his former degree, assembled of the French and of his own people to the number of fourscore & seven thousand, or there about, of men of war: whereof seven thousand were horsemen. King Henry sent to the Prince an Herald of arms with a letter, The king of Spain sendeth to the Prince. requiring to know of him, for what cause he moved war against him, sith he had never offered him any such occasion. The Prince dispatched the Herald with an answer to the Letter, containing in effect, that for great considerations he had taken upon him to aid the rightful king of Spain, thased out of his realm by violent wrong: and that if it might be, he would gladly make an agreement betwixt them, but so algates, that king Henry of necessity must then forsake all the title of the kingdom of Spain, which by no rightful means he could enjoy: and therefore if he refused thus to do, he was for his part resolved how to proceed. The Herald departed with this answer, and came therewith to king Henry, and delivered it unto him, as then lodged with his puissant army at Novarret, which he liked not: whereupon both parties prepared themselves to battle, and joined. The battle was eagerly fought, & the victory fell to the Prince. There were stain of men of arms five hundred and three score, The number slain at this battle at Novarret. and of Commons about seven thousand and five hundred of the king's part, and of the English part there was slain of men of account, but very few, viz. four knights, two Gascoynes, one Almain, and the fourth an Englishman, and of other mean Soldiers not past four hundred, Froissard. as Froissard saith, but other affirm that there was slain of the Prince's part about sixteen hundred, which should seem to be more like a truth, if the battle were fought so sore & fiercely, as Froissard himself doth make report. This battle was fought upon a Saturday, Caxton. the third of April, in the year of our Lord 1367. There was taken prisoners of the king's part to the number of two thousand, and amongst them the Earl of Dene, Sir Berthram de Cleaquine, the Marshal Dandrehen or Dandenhien, and many other men of great account. After the battle King Peter went to Burgis, and was received into the City, and shortly the Prince came thither, Froissard. and there held his Easter with king Peter, and tarried there above three weeks: in the mean time they of Austergus, Toledo, Lisbon, Cordeva, Gallice, Civil, & of all other places of the kingdom of Spain came in & did homage to King Peter, promising him to be true to him ever after: for they saw that resistance would not avail, so long as the Prince should be in the Country. I note by this discourse, Note the mighty courage of this noble Prince, that durst enterprise to displace a king of his royal seat in his own kingdom, being there a mere stranger, and to encounter him in so great an action, having not above thirty thousand in his Camp, the king being about fourscore & six thousand strong, whereof above seven thousand were horsemen, and in his own country, where he might be furnished to supply his want. And here I may not omit to speak of the notable and valiant service performed by the said noble Earl of Essex, and the right noble Charles Haward, now Earl of Nottingham, high Admiral of England, and diverse other Lords, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen at Cales in Spain in the thirty eight year of her majesties reign, where they found five Galleons of the king of Spain's, that is to say, the Philip, being Admiral, the S. Matthew, the S. Andrew, the S. Thomas, the S. james, three Levantices, two great ships of Nova Hispania, and diverse galleys, and 20 merchant ships richly laden for the Indies, at which time the English had fight with the said Galleys about an hour, the next day the English men and the Spaniards encountered each the other valiantly, which conflict continued from seven of the clock in the morning till one in the after noon, which was so sharp, that some of the Spanish ships did run up the river further into the country to save themselves. The said ships called S. Matthew and S. Andrew, were taken, and brought into England, the Philip, & another being Uiceadmirall, ran themselves on ground, and the English entered the Philip to have had the spoil of her, which the Spaniards perceiving did set on fire and went out, and the English men escaped the fire with danger: & some other of their ships were fired by us: there the General landed about sire thousand men, and marched towards Cales city, being led by the said noble Earl of Essex, given in the head of that troop, whom certain of the Spaniards met some on foot and some on horseback, out of the city about half a mile, but they did not tarry, but retired to the town. The said Eerle of Essex pursued them resolutely and with such invincible courage unto their walls▪ where they played upon them with their ordinance and small shot awhile, but in the end they entered by plain force, with small loss of their men. The Earl of Essex was one of the first that entered with many voluntary Gentlemen, and they which entered, were not above 1000 men which wan the town, but there was good aid at hand. In the town there were 500, horsemen, and a thousand footmen, besides a great number of other townsmen, and great store of munition, ordinance and victuals. The town was strongly walled, having a castle strongly edified in the midst thereof, and so fortified and victualled, that it was thought impossible to have been won without cannon shot, and the houses were all of stone very strongly and defencibly builded, so as if they had stood to it, it had not been possible with a far greater number to have been so soon surprised. We took the spoil of the City, being very rich in jewels. Plate, Money, Cloth of gold, Silk, Sugars, Wine, Oil, Rice, and other merchandise, which was esteemed with the loss of the said ships and goods in them, to be worth a huge sum of money. The said noble Earls of Essex and Nottingham knowing the looseness of soldiers, very honourably caused the Ladies and gentlewomen (whereof there were diverse in that City) with the rest of the women and children, with 500 men to be safely conveyed out of the City, and a strait proclamation made, that none should offer to any of them any violence upon pain of death, and shortly after they fired the town, and took the seas; and they brought also with them into England diverse of the best sort of the Spaniards taken in the said City as prisoners to abide their ransom what the king will do being herewith moved. I know not, but no doubt her Majesty will provide to defend the worst, as good policy willeth. Solomon saith: Beatus qui semper timet, hoc est, qui cautus & providens est, & ad omnia mala quae possunt in illum incursare, depellenda paratissimus. How most graciously Almighty God hath dealt for her Majesty, to defend her & her kingdoms from foreign forces & invasion, you may see, in that in the beginning of winter about three years last passed, when the king of Spain had gathered together as great a number of Ships as he could furnish from all parts of his dominions, or could recover by embarking all other ships of service, which came for trade into Spain or Portugal, intending to have invaded her majesties realm of England: and yet such was the providence of God, contrary to his expectation & intention (by hastening of his enterprise in a time unlooked for, to surprise some place in England or Ireland, before her Majesty could have had her own force in readiness, she still providing to have lived in peace, which she professeth both to herself & all Christendom: it pleased him (who from heaven with justice beholdeth all men's purposes) suddenly & most strangely to drown & make unserviceable diverse of his best ships of war, being under sail, coming from Lisbon, and very near to the deffined haven of Ferroll, with destruction of no small numbers of soldiers and mariners: among which many of those Irish rebels, which were entertained in Spain to have accompanied either that Navy, or some part thereof into Ireland, were also cast away: by which manifest act of Almighty God, the Army was so weakened, as the same could not put to the seas, according to his former purpose. And here I protest, that I writ not any thing to disgrace any Prince or nation, against whom our nation hath so often prevailed, but that you may by the said examples see, that God giveth the victory where it pleaseth him, although the said other Princes be right courageous and valiant in arms. That notwithstanding the difference of religion, or any other cause whatsoever, we ought all to join together for the defence of our Prince and country against the enemy: with a repetition of certain laws, tending chief to the preservation of her majesties person and the safety and defence of the realm. CHAP. 12. ANd though we be divided for religion (which God of his mercy bring to unity) yet I trust that we will wholly, Though we be divided for religion yet we must join against the enemy. faithfully, and as we are bound, and belongeth to good and loyal subjects, and natural men to their country, join together in this service of defence of our Prince and country against the enemy, following the good example of the jews, who although great dissension and civil discord was among themselves (as josephus writeth in his book de bello judaico) yet when the enemy did invade their country, Lib. 6. cap. 10 they joined together, and valiantly defended themselves. So did the Romans, as Bodinus writeth, his words be these: Bodinus. 563 Cùm enim aliquando in visceribus urbis Romanae patres cum plebe capitalibus odijs inter se contenderent, hostis in Capitolium invasit, repentè cives ad concordiam adducti, hostem repulerunt, rursus parta pace, cùm civiles discordias relapsas intuerentur, venientes, Romanos agros vastare coeperunt, repent è civilis motus conquievit, ut hostes propulsarent: That is, When the chief of the city of Rome, with the common sort of the Citizens there, were at deadly hate, the enemy entered the Capitol: whereupon suddenly the Citizens being reduced to concord, they did drive away the enemy, and by that means peace being obtained, when they again fell into civil discord, the enemy that perceiving, they destroyed the fields at Rome, whereupon the commotion ceased, that they might repulse the enemy. To that effect he writeth of the troubles of Spain, Ibidem. 563. thus: Nec verò motus civiles Hispanorum aliter sedare potuerunt, cum absent Carolo quinto Imperatore, nowm creavissent regem Gallorum, exercitu in Cantabriam & Navarram tunc irruente, quas regiones Galli occupaverant, sed Hispani repentè conciliatis animis hostiles impetus represserunt, & amissa recuperarunt: That is, The civil wars and troubles in Spain could not otherwise be appeased, when Charles the fift Emperor being absent, they made a new King, at which time an army of the Frenchmen entredinto Cantabrie and Navarre, and possessed the same: but the Spaniards suddenly according within themselves, did expel them, and recovered again those losses. By these examples, the natural affection which these men had (and every man ought to have) to the preservation and safety of their country, doth evidently appear. And whatsoever the cause be, that moveth civil wars, yet that ought not to work such malice in them as the safety and good of their country should thereby be endangered or neglected: whereby the saying of the Poet Ovid may appear to be true: Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine cunctos Ducit, & immemores non sinit esse sui. And because there are many good laws ordained, diverse laws meet to be set down and known in these dangerous days. as well in the time of our most gracious Sovereign Lady that now is, as also of her noble Progenitors, by the authority of their high Courts of Parliament, touching the security of her highness person, and the safety and defence of the realm, which be necessary at all times, but especially now in these dangerous days to be known, I have thought good here to make mention of them, to the end men should not be ignorant thereof, although in truth the ignorance of the law doth not excuse, German. fol. 52. but of the deed, as the saying is, Ignorantia legis non excusat, sed ignorantia facti. And first touching her majesties person, 25. E. 3. cap. 2 Compass or imagine the death of the Queen. it is ordained by a Statute made in the five and twentieth year of Edward the third (which some hold to be but a confirmation of the common law) that if any compass or imagine the death of her Majesty (whom Almighty God of his great mercy vouchsafe to preserve, and to grant her life, with most prosperous health, in high felicity long to continued, and to reign over us, to the overthrow of her enemies & confusion of all traitors) this is high treason. Treason. B. 24. 1. Mariae. These words, ompasse or imagine the death of the King or Queen, are large words, for he that doth devise how the Prince shall come to her death, by words or otherwise, & doth some act to explain the same, as in assaying of harness, sending of letters or message, or such like, this is treason. And he that doth intend to deprive the Prince, in that is intended the Prince's death and therefore it is treason. Withhold Castle. 14. El. cap. Dyer. 145. Treason. B. 24. Levy war. 25. Edward. 3. cap. 2. Adhere to her enemies. Conspire to commit treason. 2. Li. ass. 49. Messenger. 21. Eliz. 3. 23. 45. E. 3. 25. Aid. Brytton. 114. lib. 1. Stamf. 1. Misprision. Treason. B. 2. Arms. No access. in treason. Com. Plo. 262. Slain in field. And the withholding of a Castle, Fortress or such like against the Prince, is a levying of war against her Majesty, and is treason. If a stranger (borne in the time of peace betwixt his Prince and the queens Majesty) come into this realm, and take rebelliously any of her Castles, and the same detain against her, this is treason, and is in law as a levying of war against her. If any levy war against her Majesty within this realm, or be adherent unto her enemies in this realm, giving them aid and comfort in this realm or else where, and thereof he probably attainted of overt deed, this is also treason. If one move another to commit any treason, and the other assent that it should be done, and it is committed indeed by the one of them: this is treason in them both. It is treason by the common law to kill him that is sent on her majesties message, or that goeth to aid her in her wars. It is treason if any work any thing against her host, or be assenting, counseling, or consenting to the same. If any do know another to have committed treason, though he be not consenting to the same, yet if he do not reveal it to some that hath the law in government, it is misprision of treason. If any join the arms of England with his arms, this is treason, 38. Henry the eight. I think this is meant, when it is without difference. Note that in cases of treason, there are no accessaries, but all be traitors & principals. If a man levy war against the Prince and be slain in the field, this is treason, without any attainder by the ancient law of the Realm, for he was the cause that the course of law could not pass upon him, & he shall lose his lands & goods in this case, & his blood is corrupted, Dower F. 106. & the, wife looseth her dower by the common law. If a treason be committed by the Queen's subject out of the realm, against the realm, it shall be tried in England in the Kings bench, 8. E. 3. Dier. 132. Treason out of the Realm. Dyer. 298. Bulls. Obedience. Adherent to the enemies. Trial. F. 54. 5. R. 2. Prophecies. Rebellion. or where the Prince shall please, 33. H. 8. cap. 23. 35. H. 8. cap. 2. see the case of Story afore Chap. 10. touching this. As touching the bringing into this realm of Bulls, & practising to withdraw her highness subjects from their natural obedience (which is treason) see afore Chap. 10. If a man be adherent to the kings enemies in France, his land shall be forfeit, & his adherence shall be tried where the land is, as it shall be of such as adherre to the king's enemies in Scotland. He that shall publish any prophecy upon any man's arms, or things used in arms, to the intent to make any rebellion, insurrection, disturbance, or loss of life, shall forfeit ten pounds, and be imprisoned one year, and the second time (being convicted of the first offence) shall forfeit all his goods, and be imprisoned during his life, if any by erecting or setting up of any figure by calculation, Figure. Witchcrafts. Nativity. witchcraft, sorcery, or enchantment, or by casting of nativity, or by publishing of any prophecy to such intent, shall seek to know or understand, and shall publish the same abroad, how long her Majesty shall live, Prophecies how long her Majesty shall live. 13. El. cap. 1. Compass her majesties death. or who shall be King or Queen after her, it is felony. It is ordained also by a Statute made in the thirteenth year of her majesties Reign, that if any shall without the Realm or within, compass, intent, or imagine the death or destruction, or any bodily harm, tending to the death, destruction, maiming, or wounding of the Queen's majesties person, or to depose or deprive her from the Crown, or any her dominions, Levy war. Invade this Realm. Dyer. 298. Utter by words. Treason. or to levy wars against her within this Realm or without, or to move or stir any foreigners or strangers with force to invade this Realm, or any other dominions being under her obeisance, and the same shall maliciously, advisedly, and expressly, utter or declare, by any printing, ciphering or saying, this is treason, aswell in the principal offender, as in their counsellors, procurers, aiders, and comforters, knowing the same offence to be done, and committed in any place within this Realm, or without. And because Castles, fortresses, and holds, are necessary things for the defence of the realm; it is ordained by a Statute made in the fourteenth year of the Queen's majesties reign, 14. El. cap. that if any either within this realm or else where, Conspire to take any of her majesties Castles, etc. do conspire or devise, to take or detain, or to waste or destroy, any of her Castles, Bulwarks, or fortresses, or any part of them, having any munition or ordinance therein, or appointed to be guarded for defence of this realm, and the same conspiracies or devices, shall advisedly by any express words, Withhold any Castle of her Majesties. Ships. act or writing, utter, or declare for any the malicious or rebellious intents aforesaid, this is felony in every such offender, counsellor, comforter, and abbetter, knowing thereof, and shall lose their clergy & sanctuary. And by that Statute it is further ordained, that if any person shall with force maliciously & rebelliously withhold from her Majesty any of her Castles or holds, or any of her ships, ordinance, artillery, or other of her munitions or fortifications of war, and do not give up the same to her Highness, or to such person as her Majesty shall appoint to receive the same to her use, Proclamation. within six days next after such offender shall be in her name commanded so to do by open proclamation under the great seal of England, burn. to be made within any place or market town, within the County, wherein any such offence shall be committed, or shall wilfully, Ships. Haven. Bar. maliciously, or rebelliously, burn or destroy, or cause to be burned or destroyed, any of her majesties ships, or shall bar, or cause to be barred, any haven within any of her dominions, imbecile. Armour. Victuals. this is treason in every such offender and in their counsellors, and abetters: this act is made to endure during the Queen's majesties life, that now is And it is felony in any that hath the charge of armour utctuals, powder, shot, munition, or other habiliments of war, or victuals provided for victualling of any soldiers, gunner's, or mariners, or pioneers of the Queen's Majesty, that shall (to hinder her majesties service) willingly embezzle or convey away the same, being to the value of xx. shillings at one or diverse times, if he be within one year next after impeachedsor the same. 31. Eliz. Chap. And for that her Majesty must have soldiers to serve her in war, 31. Eliz. soldiers it is convenient to set down their duties. Also it is felony by a Statute made 18. Henry the sixth, in every man that is mustered, and receiveth the king's wages, 18. Henry the sixth. which departeth from his Captain without licence of his Captain, except it be for notorious sickness, or impediment by the visitation of God: and if any soldier, man at arms, or archer, mustered of record, and going with his Captain beyond the sea, shall return into England within the term, for which his Captain hath retained him, or leave his Captain there in the king's service, and adventure of the war, except he hath reasonable cause showed to his Captain, and by him to the chief in the country having royal power, and thereupon shall have licence of his Captain, Licence. under his seal, and the cause of his licence, and who that so is mustered of record, and cometh away without letters testimonial of his Captain, as is said, within his term on this side the sea, that the king's ministers there, shall have authority to arrest them, and them there keep, until it be inquired: and if it may be found before the justice of peace, and proved that they have so mustered of record, & departed from their Captain without licence as aforesaid, Felony. Soldiers by sea. 13. Eliz. that then they shall be punished as felons, as by that Statute plainly appeareth: and the said Statute is made to extend to soldiers and gunner's, which serve on the sea, as appeareth by thirteenth Eliz. If any person that shallbe commanded to come to the muster, Musters 4 & 5. P. and M: 3. do willingly absent himself, having no excuse of sickness or other lawful impediment, or at their appearance at such musters, do not bring with them the best furniture of array and Armour, Armour. as he or they shall then have for his or their own person in a readiness, Imprisonment. shall for every such default or offence have imprisonment by the space of ten days, without bail or mainprize, by the commandment of such as shall have authority to take the same musters, unless the offenders do agree with the said Commissioners, or two of them to pay to the use of the Queen's Majesty for every such offence forty shillings for a fine. 40. shillings. And by the same act it is further enacted, that if any being authorized to levy, Mustermaistter muster, or make any men to serve in war, or otherwise for the defence of this Realm, Take money. do by any means take or cause to be taken any thing of any person that shallbe appointed, named, or mustered to serve in any such service, Release soldier. to release or discharge him of such service, he shall for such offence forfeit five times so much as he shall so receive, exact or take. There was a notable & necessary example made of one L. a Captain & one E. a Scrivener, which L. by writing indented received of the Sheriff of W. by order from her majesties Counsel, certain soldiers to be by the said L. conducted to serve her Majesty in the isle of Wight, the said L. by confederacy with the said E. discharged diverse of the said soldiers for money, and devised betwixt them another writing, by colour whereof the said L. caused certain Constables to bring afore the said L. certain other to supply the room of the other before discharged, which was done accordingly: for which bad practice provided evidently, the said L. and E. were fined severally at 500 marks, and adjudged also to stand on the pillory at Westminster, and likewise at the Assizes in the said County of W. By this practice the Queen's Majesty was disappointed of the soldiers which by her authority were priest, and so bound to serve, whose departure fronher service without lawful licence, had been felony by the law, where the other were not bound to serve, 4 & 5. P & Ma. ca 3. neither had their departure without any licence been felony, because they were priest without her highness authority. If any Captain, Discharge soldier. Wages. Conduct money. petty Captain or other, having chaxge of men for service in war, shall for gain, take, discharge, or licence any of his soldiers, or man appointed to serve in the wars under his rule or order, to departed from the said service, or shall not pay unto his soldiers their full and whole wages, conduct and coat money within ten days next after he shall have received the same, Ten times the value. he shall forfeit for every such offence ten times the value of the thing so taken or received, and shall also pay to every soldier from whom he shall so withhold any of the said wages, conduct or coat money, Triple sum. Holinsh. 998. triple so withhoulden. Holinsh. 998. speaketh of a knight executed as a traitor for not paying soldiers their wages, 51. E. 3. which he received of the king to pay them withal, Anno 51. Edward 3. And touching the true service of Captains and soldiers, Captains. Soldiers. 2. & 3. Ed. 6. ca 2. it is farther ordained by a statute made in the second and third year of Edward the sixth, that if any soldier serving the king in his wars, do give or put away any horse, gelding, or mare, or any harness wherewith he shallbe set forth, Soldier put away horse or armour. that then every such soldier so offending, upon due proof or testimony, to be brought afore the Lieutenant, high Admiral, the king's deputy, Uiceadmirall or Captain, and in their absence before any of their deputies, shallbe imprisoned by the same Lieutenant or any other before named, without bail or mainprize, until he hath satisfied to the party owner of the horse, gelding, mare, or harness, so by him sold, purloined, exchanged, or so wilfully lost, altered or otherwise made away: and if such soldiers so offending, fortune to escape from the Lieutenant, and other the aforesaid persons without punishment and restitution aforesaid, that then the same soldier upon complaint made by the party grieved or his executors or administrators, upon due proof thereof to be made by any justice, or justices of Peace in the parts where such soldiers so offending shallbe found, shall by such jastice be committed to ward without bail or mainprize, there to remain until he have satisfied the parties grieved, his executors or administrators, of or for such horses, geldings, mares, & harness, so by any such soldier wilfully lost, changed, altered, or otherwise wilfully purloined, except the same shallbe lost in the king's service, against the will of the said soldier, or were taken by the said Lieutenant, or any of the other afore named, from the said soldier for any reasonable respect, and appointed to some other to serve in his steed, and the same testified sufficiently from any the said persons to the said justice, than the said soldier not bringing the said horse or harness to the owner, shall be discharged thereof against the owner. And by the said Statute it is also ordained, that if any soldier serving in the king's wars, Soldier depart. depart without licence of the Lieutenant, or any of the other above named, with buttey or otherwise being in the enemy's country, or else where in the king's service, or out of any garrison where he or they shall be appointed to serve, it is felony, Felony. and shall lose the benefit of his clergy and sanctuary. This Statute was repealed: but it is revived by 4 and 5 Philip and Mary. Cap. 3. And further it is ordained by the Statute of 2 & 3 of Edward the sixth cap. 2 & 3 E. 6. cap. 1. Commissioners for setting forth of soldiers. 2, that if any to whom the king shall direct his commandment by commission or letters, for the levying or setting forth of any man to serve the king in his war, shall at any time for any gain discharge any by him appointed to serve the king in his wars, and do assign any other person in his steed for any gain as is aforesaid, Forfeit twenty pounds. the persons so effending shall forfeit to the king for every man so discharged twenty pounds. And if any Captain do for any cause, Licence soldier to departed. Lieutenant. licence any soldier in his retinue to departed from the field or fortress where they shall be appointed to serve, without the special assent and licence of the Lieutenant in writing, shall forfeit for every such soldier so by him licenced to departed, Forfeit twenty pounds. twenty pounds. If any having the order of any number of soldiers serving upon the sea or land, do at any time take of the king any wages for any more soldiers than served in such manner & form as the wages was paid for, Take wages for more than serve. Days. or for any more days than such soldiers serve, and do not note the days of every soldiers entry into wages, and day of his death and departure, and deliver the same to such treasurers, as shall pay the said wages every month, in writing, so as the truth of the number of soldiers may appear to the king's treasurer and master of the king's musters, Forfeit five pounds. for the time being in that behalf, he shall forfeit to the king for every such default five pounds, and be imprisoned by the space of one month, and lose his room and office. No Captain shall grant to any of his soldiers appointed to serve under him, Captain in any town or fortress kept with garrisons of soldiers, any licence or passports to departed from his service, Soldier. Licence. Lieutenant. Imprisonment. Proclamation. but only the Lieutenant, or any other as is aforesaid, upon pain of imprisonment, as well of the Captain as soldier so offending, at the discretion of the said Lieutenant. Every Lieutenant upon the pain of ten pounds, shall cause to be proclaimed the whole effect and contents of this Act that is to say, every Lieutenant of any army in every field to proclaim this Act every month, and that every of the king's deputies of any fortress, Every month. & Captain of any fortress, to proclaim this Act within his charge, once every quarter in a year: Every quarter. One months wages. and every person giving to the Lieutenant true information of any the offences above remembered, shall have for his labour one months wages of him that shall be found faulty, to be paid by the hand of the treasurer, upon the warrant of the Lieutevant, or any of the others aforesaid. It is lawful to the said Lieutenants, and other the said persons, to retain in his or their own hands, to their own use of the wages of his or their soldiers, the sums following, that is to say, six shillings eight pence for the livery coat of every common soldier, Retain wages. Coat. and thirteen shillings four pence for the coat of every gentleman soldier for one whole year. No manner of Lieutenant or any other the said persons, shall be charged or prejudiced by virtue of this Act for lack of his number retained, as is aforesaid, for or concerning any soldier or soldiers, Soldiers die. as shall happen to die during his service▪ or to be sick by the visitation of God, or that shall departed against the will of the Lieutenant, Depart against the will of the Captain. or other before named unless it shall be in default of any of them This Act shall not be prejudicial or hurtful to any having under them retinue of soldiers for the not payment of the king's wages to their household servants, Household servants. & other whom they shall daily find & give meat & drink during the said service of war, nor to charge any person for the Gift of tenants. taking or receiving of any gift or reward of any of his or their tenants or friends, towards the relief, aid or help of the same persons, being commanded by the king's Majesty for to serve in wars, Aid reserved by lease. or otherwise to find men on horseback or on foot, aswell within this Realm as without, Covenant to find horse. etc. nor for the gift, reward, aid or help, reserved or covenanted to be paid or given to any person appointed to serve in the wars, or to find horse or men to serve, by reason of any grant, covenant, reservation, custom, or tenure, not to charge any Lieutenant or other above named, Wages retained. Victual, Armour. priest money. for detaining or receiving of any part of the said soldiers wages, towards or for the payment of victuals, harness, weapons, or for any priest money provided and delivered to any such soldier. And by the said statute made 4 and 5 of Philip and Marie, ca 4 & 5 P. & M. cap. 3 3. It is ordained, that every article, clause, provise, & matter contained in the said Act of 2 and 3 of Edward the sixth, shall stand, remain, and be in their full force, strength and effect, and yet nevertheless, where in the said Act of 2 and 3 of Edward the sixth, it is provided that no person or persons shall be charged for the taking or receiving of any gift or reward of any of his or their tenannts or friends towards the relief, aid or help of the said persons, being commanded to serve in wars, or otherwise to find men on horses or on foot within this realm or without, nor for the gift, reward, aid or help reserved or covenanted to be paid or given to any person appointed to serve in wars, or to find horse or man to serve by reason of any grant, covenant, reservation, custom, or tenure, any thing in the said act to the contrary notwithstanding, as by that Act and Proviso more plainly appeareth. Yet by the said Act of 4 and 5 of Philip and Marie, it is enacted that no person or persons shall or may by colour of the Proviso mentioned in the said Act of 2 and 3 of Edward the sixth, Employed in service. exact or demand, or levy any sum or sums of money, horse, armour, or any other thing, other than shall be employed forthwith in the present service of those wars for which it is levied, the which sum or sums of money, horse, armour or other thing, Money rendered back. or as much thereof as shall not be left, spent or consumed in the said service, shall be rendered and restored to such person or persons, as paid or delivered the same upon the penalties and forfeitures contained in the said Act. And by a branch in the statute of 4 and 5 of Philip and Marie, cap. 2. it is ordained, Sale of harness, horse, or weapon. that if any soldier shall make sale of his horse, harness, and weapons, or any of them, contrary to the form of the statute made in the second and third year of Edward the sixth, that then not only the said soldier shall incur the penalties of the statute, but also that the said sale made by such soldiers, Sale void against the setter forth. by any person knowing him to be a soldier, shall be void against him that sold, or set forth the said horse, harness, and weapon, or any of them, to or for the furniture of such soldier to serve with the same. Also touching Sea-marks, Sea-marks. for that they are necessary for the safety of her majesties Navy, and others to be conveyed into the Ports and havens, it is ordained by a statute made in the eight year of the queens majesties reign that now is, 8. Eliz. that the Masters, wardens, and assistants of the Trinity house at Detford Scrond, shall at all times at their costs, make, erect, and set up such Beacons, marks, and signs of the sea, in such places of the sea shores and lands near the sea coasts or fore-lands of the sea only for sea-marks, Beacons. Marks. as to them shall seem most meet, needful and convenient, whereby the danger may be avoided and escaped, and ships come into their ports without peril. And that all the said Beacons, marks & signs at the sea coasts shall be continued, Renewed. renewed and maintained from time to time. And it is further ordained by that statute, Steeples, Trees. that no stéeples, trees, or other things now standing as Beacons or marks for the sea, whereof to the owner or occupier of the place where the same doth grow or stand, before the first day of March next coming, Notice notice shall be given by the queens Majesty under her signet, shall be at any time after taken down, felled, or otherwise cut down, upon pain of an hundred pound: Forf. 100 li. and if the offender be not worth so much, then to be deemed outlawed ipso facto to all intents and purposes. And lastly, Outlawed. Statute of Armour. for that there is a notable law set down touching how every man must furnish himself with harness and armour for the wars, I have thought good to set down this Table, whereby you may shortly see the effect of the statute concerning the same, made in the fourth and fift years of Philip and Mary. And thus with my most humble prayers to the Lord of Hosts for the preservation of the queens majesties person, and this noble Realm, and to give us grace to be true and faithful subjects to her Highness and her Crown, and to discover all traitorous and false hearted Subjects to the same in time, I end this simple Treatise, the 20 day of januarie 1599 & in the one & fortieth year of the most peaceable reign of our most gracious Qnéene, whom Almighty God for his great mercy grant long to live and reign over us. Amen. Armour. Every person temporal shall keep, etc. which hath estate of inheritance, or freehold in lands, etc. Horses or geldings demilā●es with armour for them, whereof the one half shall be horses at the least, with furnitue. Light Horses with th●r furniture of harness & weapon. o●stets furnished. Almain rivets, plate coats, Brigandines, or Cor slets furnished. Pilies. Long bows. Sheaves of arrows. Steel caps or Skulls. Black Bills or halberds. Harquebuses. Morions or Salads. 1000 lib. 6 10 40 40 40 30 30 30 20 20 20 1000 marks 6 30 30 30 20 20 20 10 10 10 400 lib. 2. 4 20 20 20 15 15 15 6 6 200. lib. 1. 2 10 10 10 8 8 8 3 3 100 lib. 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 100 marks 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 40 lib 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 20 lib. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 lib. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 lib. 1 1 1 2 1 1 Goods. 1000 marks 1, or 18 corselets furnished. 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 3 3 400 lib. 1 or 9 corselets 1 2 2 2 2 1 200 lib. 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 100 lib. 1 1 1 2 2 2 40 lib. 2 1 1 1 1 20 lib. 1 2 2 2 1 10 lib. 1 1 1 1 Penalties forfeited for not having in three months to the Queen an informer. etc. 10 lib. the horse, 3 lib. the furniture 3 lib. the demi-lance. 10 lib. the gelding, 3 lib. the furnit. 40. shillings. 20 shillings. 10 shillings. 10 shillings. 10 shillings. 10 shillings. 101 shillings. 10 shillings. THE AUTHOR TO his Book. Farewell, to learned skill thyself submit, Of this to write, I think thou art not fit, For TULLY'S eloquence a thing more meet, How to persuade with words both mild & sweet: Yet mayst thou serve, I hope, without disgrace, Till better come, & then thou must give place.